Avast, there be pirates! (Theme week: Looking down)

The Pirate Invasion is taking place this weekend at the Belmont Veteran's Memorial Pier, about 20 miles south of Downey.

From his high post, this pirate was in position to keep watch for other ships and to look down on the crew (and the rest of us).

The pirate invasion includes sword fights, treasure hunts, an imitation Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate encampment, and lots and lots of great food.

Clean up the traffic mess (Theme week: Looking down)

This view of the I-5 (Santa Ana freeway), looking down from a pedestrian overpass, shows the roadwork that is in progress.

This freeway is the most unpredictable of the freeways that surround Downey. You never know if there will be traffic or not, regardless of the time of day.

This section of the freeway is getting an HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane in addition to an extra general purpose lane. Maybe this improvement will eliminate some of our traffic guesswork.

“If they'd lower the taxes and get rid of the smog and clean up the traffic mess, I really believe I'd settle here until the next earthquake.”
~ Groucho Marx

My vote counts

How am I supposed to write about a political dinner I attended when I have absolutely no interest in politics?

This was my trepidation before Joan and I walked into the Rio Hondo Event Center today and met Patricia Kotze-Ramos, candidate for the new 58th Assembly District. But she was friendly and down to earth as she mingled with the various hierarchies of Downey in her red-white-and-blue outfit. So I thought I'd give her my ear for the night. She seemed to fuse into hugs as if everyone was her best friend. Her smile was not the politician smile I was expecting. It was genuine and comfortable and happy.

Someone sat down at our table and started to talk to Joan and me.

Where are we from? How are we connected to this?

We live in Downey and came to see what it was all about. How was he connected?

He owns a small business. He lives here in Downey. He serves on several boards with “Patty.” In other words, he’s very connected.

We talk for an hour and a half about how Walmart is taking over the world and shutting down small businesses, an African Safari he went on, and the reasons why Patty should be our Assemblywoman. He told us the reasons to pay attention to who we are voting for because without our interest, the wrong people can get into power and make poor and greedy decisions.

Patricia Kotze-Ramos got up at the end of the dinner, made a speech about being excited and the need to press on and ended with thanking others throughout the room.

By the end of our dinner, I want to volunteer and join Soroptimist International of Downey (where Patty is also a member). And I want to pay more attention to what is going on nationally, statewide, and right here in my hometown.

Burger please Bob! (Theme week: Looking down)

"Looking down" on us from the entrance of Bob's Big Boy, he tempts us with the promise of burgers and fries.

Blossoms (Theme week: Looking down)

Looking down on the spent blossoms...I find it really interesting that these are the leftovers. What you see is what is left after the blossoms have fallen off. Clematis flowers are so interesting.

The long empty expanse (Theme week: Looking down)

Looking down this long and empty expanse of concrete floor, it's hard to imagine the art gallery that will be opening here in a few weeks.

The gallery will be operated by the Downey Art Vibe. (The Art Vibe coordinated an outdoor art exhibit at Taste of Downey last summer.) The gallery will focus on art from those who live and work in Downey.

Instant cash

A large crowd milled around waiting for their turn at the Instant Cash for Phones EcoATM machine at Stonewood Center. You can trade in your old phones (and other electronics) for cash—the amount of which is determined by the machine.

Even if it's not much cash, this sounds like a better idea than having old phones pile up at home. I'll have to try this out. How about you?

Reflection

Our final destination on the east coast was Washington DC. The city is big and bustling, but I found that from most places we visited, we could still view the Washington Monument, which allowed me to get my bearings.

Standing 555 feet high, the Washington Monument is the world's tallest stone structure. Completed in 1884, it commemorates our first president, George Washington. It is pretty impressive. Here, it is still "with us" as we paddle around the Potomac.