Patriotic yard art

We just celebrated the Fourth of July, and there is still a lot of patriotic yard art around town. These are a couple of the houses that I pass on my way to work each morning.

"True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth . . .  
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

A little sunshine

I often pass this bed of agapanthus flowers without giving them a second look, but the other day, they really stood out with the afternoon sun highlighting them from behind.

"Sunshine is the best medicine."

Heat wave!

We are used to warm summers in Downey, but the weather this weekend has been almost unbearable! Friday showed to be 106 in Downey. That is much higher than normal. In fact, according to Intellicast, it was the hottest July 6th in 26 years! Prior to last Friday, the all-time high of 98 degrees was recorded in 1992.

Other record highs reported on Friday:  Van Nuys Airport (117 degrees), Burbank Airport (114), UCLA (111) and Santa Ana (114). I guess I'm glad I live in Downey. 106 doesn't sound so high when you compare it to 117.

To stay safe, drink plenty of water—avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol—stay in the shade and just relax!

Private park

Many of the units at the new Centerpointe development on Paramount Blvd. are done now. The outdoor areas and this private park are landscaped and ready for entertaining (residents only, of course).

Except for the back areas, where construction and landscaping are still in progress. It takes a lot of containers to turn an empty lot into a green area.

What could happen?

My wife and I often walk along this wall of trees. It is a good blocker of the Lakewood traffic noise and more pleasant on the eyes than the industrial buildings that line Lakewood Blvd. Last night, though, a portion of the trees were set on fire. The Lakewood Health Center that is just the other side of these trees had to be evacuated while the Downey Fire Department put out the flames, made the scene safe for the residents to return, and investigated the cause. A lot of illegal fireworks were going off last night. Read about the Fire Department's actions here.



This is what it looks like today. It doesn't stop much of the traffic noise anymore.

Celebrating Independence Day

This year's July 4th block party had four different bouncers for the kids to celebrate Independence Day. There was this one for the 4-and-under children that is a water slide with a pool at the bottom. Two other slides for the 12-and-younger crowd and a giant water slide for anyone that wanted to try it.



Lots of food and beverages were served during the afternoon. After dark, the celebration turned to fireworks. Families gathered together to let the children experience holding a various-colored lighted stick.



The big kids (adult men) light bigger, brighter, and more exciting fountains. One family went to a fireworks stand and bought the rest of their inventory (well over $1,000). That's the residue of the excitement on the street below the fireworks platform. The crowd was entertained and the celebration was complete.

Beautiful but deadly?

I love angel trumpets and have been amazed as to how easy they are to grow and propagate. These flowers are so beautiful and exotic, I have maintained them in my yard ever since I was given a cutting from a friend. However, I was in for a little bit of a rude awakening when I looked them up to write about them for this post. Who knew they were toxic? Evidently every part of this plant contains dangerous levels of poison that can be fatal if ingested.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica:
All parts of angel’s trumpets are considered poisonous and contain the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. Ingestion of the plants can cause disturbing hallucinations, paralysis, tachycardia, and memory loss and can be fatal. Various species were used both ritualistically and as an herbal medicine by indigenous peoples and their shamans, particularly in the northern Andes.

Support your favorite cause

It's July, so it's officially fireworks fundraiser season. The fireworks stands are all open now, waiting for the onslaught. This stand in front of the Ralph's market is sponsored by the Downey Rose Float Association.