How much is that doggie?

These days, the animals at the "pet store" at Stonewood Shopping Center aren't the furry variety. Instead, they are rubber and colorful and tend to float away if not properly "leashed." 

In spite of the food dish in this shot, I don't think these pets require much food—which makes that whole discussion of "If we get you a puppy, do you promise to help feed it and take care of it?" a moot point.

Spring in bloom

I love spring. It is a time of renewal and beginnings. Flowers seem to be popping up everywhere. They bring such beauty; they make me smile and feel at peace.



"I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers."~Claude Monet

Good Friday

At Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the cross symbolizes Easter.

Why is today called Good Friday? I think Johnny Hart, in his B.C. comic strip from April 9, 2004, had the best answer.

The Getty Center

Just 30 miles northwest of Downey is the J. Paul Getty Center, which houses one of the Getty museums. We visited there today and as always we had an enjoyable day. The Getty Center is known for its architecture, its art collection and its care of the environment. Its website has the following statement:

"The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance."

A bust of J. Paul Getty

 Some orchids on display in the Center's entrance

Another surprising drawing card is its value. Each car costs $15 to park and museum admission is free. They also have free iPods and headphones with collection information recorded on them for you to use during your visit.

Have you ever been to the Getty Center?

A banged up fence

There's a used auto dealership on the corner of Lakewood Blvd. and Alameda St. called Reliance Auto that I pass often on my way to work. I noticed today a slight change in their surroundings and in their inventory. When I asked David, the owner, he told me someone took the corner too fast and went through their fence and hit several autos in their inventory. He was not a happy camper. Even in Downey, there are reckless drivers.

I thought it made for an interesting picture though.

Healthy Downey, Walking Wednesdays

Last week was the "Walk with the Mayor" at Downey High.

Some friends and I have been doing this for a while and have really enjoyed the times. It's a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise while chatting with locals from all around Downey.

Meet the group tomorrow night for fun and some good, clean exercise. Meet at the Downey High track at 6. Hope to see you there!

The fears of a clown

He looks rather lonesome. I think he must be looking off into the distance, at the Easter bunny at the other end of the Stonewood Mall, where all the kids are gathered.

Is he afraid that he made the wrong career choice?

The bunny, the bunny, whoa I love the bunny

An 8-foot-tall Easter bunny seemed kind of creepy to me. But apparently this oversized bunny is less intimidating to kids than Santa Claus is at Christmas time. In the entire time I watched kids getting their picture taken with the bunny at Stonewood Mall, not a single kid cried or hung back, which frequently happens at Christmas with the jolly old Santas. Go figure!

P. S. The title of this post is from "The Bunny Song," from VeggieTales: Rack, Shack, and Benny.