Ode to books

What's he reading? I haven't actually stopped by to look and see if
anything is "written" on the cover of his bronze book. What could be
more appropriate as a landmark for the Monrovia library than Mark
Twain seemingly inviting you to sit down with him for a good story? I
always do a double-take when I walk past. He just seems so real from
the corner of my eye...!

Superfluous jockey

He seems to be saying, "How long do I have to wait here before you
decide where to put me?" Looks as if the owners painted his platform
to match the house. It's the first pink vest I've spotted! And he seems to have some leather bits wrapped around his ankles. I just love his sassy pose!

In other news, Monrovia seems to have a superfluosity of hair salons as well. They don't make for as quirky of picture-taking, however.

lawn jockey in roses

Monrovian lawn jockeys are probably the only ones dressed up in this
scorching weather we've been having! When it gets to be too much I
take refuge in the Krikorian theater and watch movies, er, a movie.
Unfortunately, the heat brings out not only ennui, but tempers and
late night uglies. Just last week there was a mugging nearby, and
certain undesirables take advantage of open windows at night-
time. It is relatively safe here, but no place is perfect...

Ah, the noble lawn jockey

I just love how Monrovians have embraced the lawn jockey tradition.
This one, holding his ring firmly, seems to say, "Let me take your
steed and watch over it whilst you enjoy your stay at this noble
palace." The history of said lawn jockey is disputed, but one belief
is that they were used to help African Americans escape slavery by
guiding them to safe homes along the Underground Railroad. Apparently
green ribbons were tied to their arms to indicate safety and red ones
meant to keep moving. The lawn jockey is also said to originate from
the statue of the black groomsman in the Old South. Order your own
jockey here!

In need of puppy love?

This adorable 7-week old shepherd mix puppy is available for adoption
through VCA Santa Anita animal hospital. So are a few of his brothers
and sisters! He is getting dewormed and all cleaned up for you!
Please call Gary White DVM at the hospital if interested. Tel:
626-359-3281.

Boston Ivy

One way to cover bad stucco is to plant Boston Ivy. Creeping fig is
nice also but it's a much slower grower. This house has Boston Ivy on
this side and it's quite lovely and gives it an "old world" stately
feeling. Besides, the more plants and trees you have, the cleaner air
you are breathing, as plants "exhale" oxygen. I'd love to be gazing
out one of the upper windows while taking a deep breath. The Boston
Ivy also turns lovely amber and red shades in the fall. A treat for
the eyes!

"Ye Haven"

Gosh, how sweet and clean does this place look? I wonder if the
owners are Swiss? I love the little bump in the roof, and the stripes
under the eaves. The tiny windows on either side of the door are
unusual also. All in all a pleasant place to gaze upon....

Hard at work!

You want it when!!?!

Where's Waldo?

Can you find the lawn jockey? I cracked up when I saw this. Looks
like a leprechaun trimming the plants! More lawn jockeys to come!
Can you guess which restaurant in town features them?

City Hall

Well, it's not the greatest shot of city hall, but you can see the
fantastic letters. The old train depot has similar letters on its
facade, which I will photograph for a later posting. I think some
sort of building remodel is in order, but I would definitely keep the
letters and the flagstones on the left.

Trolley!

I know that some people aren't sure why there has to be a trolley
here, but I love it. It's fun to ride and, best of all, it's free.
Inside the lacquered wood and air-conditioning make it feel downright
luxurious. Some day I'm going to ride it all the way from the top of
Foothill down to the Gold Line, when it finally makes it into
Monrovia....

Arcadia dog park

For all of you Monrovians eagerly awaiting Monrovia's official decision on whether to offer residents a place to romp with their pooches, there is always nearby Arcadia. I discovered their dog park yesterday and it's very close by, at Second and Colorado. The entrance is on Colorado. They have long hours and are open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m, with the exception of Thursday mornings, when they are closed for clean-up (but you are required to clean up after your own pooch, of course). They have designated days for small and large dogs, with large dogs allowed on odd-numbered days, and small dogs on even-numbered days. There is even grass! The dog park is adjacent to a children's play area, so parents can exercise their kids at the same time!

Bessie the Dairy Princess

I pass this perty plastic bovine often on my travels, and I love that
she was decorated with balloons for the holiday! Bessie's a desirable
cow as her owners must take her in every night so some lovestruck
local doesn't run off with her in the dead of night. She makes me happy.

trail goodness

I'm not sure what this particular flower is, but it sure looks
gorgeous in our local hills! Spotted this on the side of the hiking
trail recently.

good stucco

I think this church is a lovely example of perfect stucco. It's clean
and the texture is smooth enough not to trap dirt!

bad stucco

I have a thing about stucco. It can turn an otherwise cute structure
into an eyesore. Some might argue that the resulting streaking is the
consequence of a poor roof edge, but I have noticed over and again
that a particular type of rough stucco seems to cause dirt to stick
to it. I think this kind of stucco should be outlawed! I wish that
Monrovia officials would question developers more closely about the
type of stucco treatment that will be applied to buildings. More
examples of good and bad stucco to follow!

Leaving Catalina

My final evening on this lovely isle has me wanting to return
already. Perhaps Monrovia officials will implement some spray nozzles
for outdoor cafes in the heat of summer.

Liquid Gold

Our lovely state fish, the orange Garibaldi, in all its glory in the waters around Catalina. I do miss Monrovia, but on days like this, when I get to see the wonders of the undersea world, I don't mind so much! I highly recommend taking the undersea submarine ride!