Under the Oak

Under the Oak, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Here is a lovely scene to contemplate while you are musing over new year's resolutions. After a tumultuous '06, I can only hope that '07 brings peace and tranquility and hope to mine and yours.

Monrovia

Monrovia, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Yet another shot of the old train station building.

New Parking Lot

New Parking Lot, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Clearly progress is being made....! Can't wait!

Vintage Pumps

Vintage Pumps, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

This old gas station near Shamrock Park has been photographed often, and yet I have never done it...so here you are! What style these pumps have...

Monrovia Sky

Monrovia Sky, originally uploaded by Sober Chick.

We've had some beautiful weather lately. I love the winters here in Monrovia.

New Sidewalks

Monrovia, originally uploaded by gunga din.

You can see the new sidewalks in this shot. The work is still ongoing, but at least Old Town is walkable again.

Sawpit Dam

sawpit dam, originally uploaded by sushilbajra.

Here's a nice shot of the Sawpit Dam, on the way to the Monrovia Canyon Park trail.

Monrovia Historical Museum

Monrovia Historical Museum, originally uploaded by KeithJ.

I'm ashamed to say I have yet to visit the Monrovia Historical Museum and I've lived here nearly 3 years....!

Aztec Hotel

Aztec Hotel, originally uploaded by ~db~.

The Aztec Hotel looks much improved at night. I love this pic.

Law Offices

Law Offices, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

One of the more charming aspects of Monrovia is the sidewalk home-building type businesses. My chiropractor, Maria Moniz, is in the next building down from this one on Foothill Avenue. I always love walking up to see her because it feels just like I am going to visit somone's house.

Dogwood's Marketplace

Dogwood's Marketplace, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

The Aztec Muddle

Aztec Hotel, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

So can anyone tell me what is up with the Aztec Hotel paint job? Everytime I drive by I have to shake my head. I'm going to have to call them one day soon to find out what the heck happened. I haven't seen anyone with a paint brush in hand for weeks. Are they waiting for the next paint sale? Has the person in charge been fired? Will there be another garish color added to the mix? Please...help me out here people, or help out the Aztec Hotel. Should we all march down there on our day off and help them make it right. Hey I'd even settle for an ordinary shade of white like Swiss Coffee. Just make it better, please??

Indeed, a fireplace

I just had to write about this photo, by Tammy Rapp. The day this house was on fire I was walking my dog up the street. Someone stopped me to ask where all the fire trucks were going. I decided to alter my walking route to include this little house, which I photographed a few years ago because of its quaintness. As I approached, I saw some firefighters hacking through the roof, but so calm, without a hint of hurry or commotion.

"They are practicing," said a woman standing next to me taking pictures.

I nodded. We both watched, fascinated, and the firemen smiled at us, appreciative of the attention.

The whole house is now gone, and I wish I had put in a bid for some fieldstone from the fireplace. It sure was cute. I do hope it found a new home.

Monrovia Loves a Parade

One thing I have noticed in the last few years I have lived in Monrovia is the residents' willingness to come out for a parade. The city's small town flavor really comes out during these times. It just goes to show that no matter what the occasion, people love to parade around and get noticed, and other people will line up to watch them.

It's really a variation on the centuries old tradition of the Italian passegiata, or afternoon stroll during which locals will get dressed up in their newest finery and walk around town looking in shop windows and stealing glances at one another. I observe this every Friday night here for the Farmer's Market and later on Friday and Saturday nights in the Pavilion's parking lot. The younger kids like to flit about in uggs and pajama pants and get a look at each other.

I'm sorry I missed out on this year's holiday parade but wanted to include a photo (this one by Shal Farley). Happy Holidays everyone!