Rain

Southern California really needs some rain, we got a little last night. I love the rain, I love the sunshine too, and snow but I don't want too much of any of them. I really should live somewhere that we get all four seasons.

The rain reminds me of a line from the movie Taxi Driver, "Thank God for the rain to wash the trash off the sidewalk....... Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets." A friend and I used to quote that line any time someone did something not quite right. 

My Truck

I wonder when the next time I own a truck will be. 

I had this one for 12 years and a truck of some type since 1991. At least now people won't ask me to help them move.

Studios

Some days I'm amazed at the fact that I get to work at a place that's known around the world.

Car Wash

I remember going to the car wash with my dad when I was little. I was fascinated with the little wheel that pushed the car through as the guy sat inside wiping down the dash and cleaning the windows.

1910 - 2010

In the 1980's I was a Boy Scout, it was a much better experience for me than Cub Scouts. My son's experience with Cub Scouts was much better than mine and now he's moved on to Boy Scouts, which means I have moved on as well. I enjoy being a part of his positive experience and I enjoy sharing the scouting experience with him. It also highlights the positive of my youth and my step dad's involvement with my growth.

Frets

I've been slow getting out to the shop to finish this one. All that's left is electronics and set up. Today I made time to start leveling frets.

I really like working on guitars and basses but it's hard to make it a priority.

Pool Waterfall

Watching the water fall

Hearing the water fall

Both are soothing

A picture is still and silent.

Springtime In January

A wacky winter this year, we've had 75+ degree weather the last couple of weeks which means springtime in Southern California. The trees are in bloom, and they stink.

The City

Where I work technically is it's own city. We have our own zip code and fire station. 

It's a land of movie and TV magic. At some point I think they should repaint this sign.

Wildlife

One of the many great things about where I live in Southern California is that on any day I can see wildlife walking through the yard or nearby. Occasionally there's the bear or rattlesnake, but most every day there are deer. They like to eat roses, there's usually more than one and they seem to like to watch people as much as people like to watch them.

Espresso

My dad died a few years back (Feb 29, 2008, Leap Year Day) he left some things for my sister, brothers and I. One of the things I got was his Rancilio espresso machine. I remember visiting him over the last few years before he died and he would make up some of the best drinks every morning. He enjoyed being in the kitchen and had to have the right tool for every job.

The machine sits on my counter now, I keep it ready for use. I should use it more often. I like the little Segafredo espresso cups because they have the name "Fred" in them. That was my dad's name.

S-10 4x4

We bought a Chevrolet S-10 4-door 4x4 truck in October 2001. The first thing my brother said was "it will be a while before you wear the lettering off that button" while pointing at the 4x4 button. He was right, I sold the truck today and the lettering is still there.

Observatory

In 1984 my grandfather built an observatory. My brother and I were the laborers mixing concrete and doing framing. I haven't been put to the desert in 10 or more years to look around at the old home town. I  was out there today, I didn't go up close to get a good look but was amazed that it still stands.

In the '80's and '90's he would host star parties.

The Desert

I used to live out here in the desert. Some parts of it have changed, there's stoplights and a lot more people but the vastness and beauty remains.

Staring out the window

Some days work just isn't motivating, or there's so much to do that I get paralyzed and just can't get much done. Today between conference calls and having a killer headache I sat and stared out the window at the balcony. I still don't know what the sign on the pole says.

Fire

One of the great things about Southern California is the amazingly clear skies in January, but some days that gets all screwed up. I saw a shadow I didn't recognize this morning and had to turn around to have a look, the sky was beautiful and blue but for a trail of smoke coming from the hills by Glendora.

An hour and a half later the San Gabriel Valley was hidden behind a shadow. Bright sunlight at the horizon to the east and blue sky above the cloud.

Sand Table

For over 10 years my boy has gone to physical therapy for his cerebral palsy. We started out at Center For Developing Kids for a few of years and had some incredible therapists then, due to insurance, went to another place for a while and they were great as well. Over time we ended up back at CDK and the therapist there that recognized us were amazed at the boys progress. As I was sitting I the office this morning I saw this sand table, it's been there since we first came. I remember my 2 year old boy and I sitting at the dinosaur stools and playing with the magnets in the sand.

One day he won't go to PT anymore, I will miss our Wednesday mornings together.

Salsa and friends

My friend Rosanne gave me a bottle of salsa when she came back from Central America one time. It's pretty awesome, but it's weird to think that a friend thought a bottle of salsa would be the perfect gift. She was right. Every meal that bottle touched was golden and reminded me of a thoughtful friend. Now, many years later she found some and gave me two bottles. Every meal warms my heart.

Krustyland

Some days you want to be at the "Happiest Place on Earth", but sometimes you end up at Krustyland.

Black Cow

There's a place we sometimes go for breakfast in Montrose. I remember going there before my first trip to London for work. Usually the coffee is pretty good and they have corn flake crusted French toast.

Anniversary Bike Ride

Went for a bike ride in Newport Beach. It seems bike riding is becoming an anniversary tradition now. We cruised the path between the houses and the ocean from Newport Pier, past Balboa Pier untill the peninsula ended.

Here's my '53 Schwinn relaxing at the end of the peninsula.

Gran Torino - The Jet Car

I had a real car in high school. 351 cu. in. of V8 power that we called "the jet car". Some how I connected the stereo up so the dash board lights flashed with the music. The back doors wouldn't open from the inside, in the days before child safety locks.

I saw one for sale this morning. Man, that would be fun to have again.

Video Phone

So, if you call me at work and are on a video phone, this is who will greet you.

He stands there on my desk waiting for someone to call.

First book of 2014

So, I read my first book of 2014. Divine Nobodies, about seeing God in the people around us, often the people we least expect. I'm not sure id go as far as the author to say giving up organized church is the best thing, but it would be amazing if the people that make up the organized church saw people this way.

Sears

Some time in the 1980's Sears thought they would update their look, which included putting facades up around their brick store building in Pasadena. They covered over where the original sign was. Apparently it's time for an update again and they tore down the facade. Seeing the old logo brought back memories of when I was little and driving past this store on the way to Grandma's house. That's a nice thing about moving back to where I lived as a little kid.

Resting

There's something amazingly soothing about watching a dog rest.

Walking with dogs

I never thought I'd have 3 dogs. They all have their own personalities, they like having one another around and at times they like their own space. They really are just like the rest of the family.

T-rex Arms

Lacy: My arms are shorter than my ears!!

A new building

The building in front is going to be the new home to KNBC and the West Coast of NBC News. The one in back is the home of Universal Pictures, the first building I worked in at Universal 17 years ago.

A walk with cows

Uncle Leo wants to be a Christmas Cow.

Welcome to 2014

I'm going to try to photo a day 2014.

Tradition restored by bringing in the New Year with friends and family. Eating, drinking and playing games.

12:05am Jan 1, 2014, final hand at Spoons.