Terranea

While I have mentioned Terranea Resort several times in my various blogs -thought it was worth mentioning Nelson's again. Taco Tuesday is truly a reason to celebrate at the on start of the week. Sit and relax with great views of the Pacific ocean and catch the sunset as you enjoy a casual dinner. The Taco Bar is really very good - especially the freshly made salsa and guacamole. The first time I went with neigbhors they had pork which was out of this world - the last couple times - it was steak and chicken. They say they alternate to change things up but someone on staff told me it takes 16 hours to prepare the pork - so with labor charges - I would gather the pork tacos are way less frequent. Taco Tuesday - $15 all you can enjoy and $4 Margaritas or $4 Hefenweizen during Happy Hour.

While I am no longer a big meat eater, I do enjoy it occassionally - which lead me to enjoy a recent Happy Hour and select an appetizer that Pork Sliders - wow - amazingly good - the shredded pork I love with coleslaw in a mini Hawaiian bun. The rich meat, in a sweet bun with coleslaw that was crisp, and fresh was the perfect combo. You could enjoy this and nothing else for dinner - while it's not exactly spa cuisine, it is not overfilling. just right.

Highly recommend both - but now I think Happy Hour with the $4 beer and my new favorite - the $7 sliders.

Grey Whale Spotted

My evening walk lead me in a different direction. Rain had washed out the dirt path of Ocean Front and so undeterred, I turned back and headed towards the lighthouse. As I neared the Point Vicente Interpetive Center, I saw a group of onlookers standing outside the building looking out towards the ocean. There is a little outdoor amphitheater and trekked up the steps and noticed the onlookers were of varying age, size, ethnicity, dress and I thought it was wonderful how admiring nature is universal. "See any whales today" I asked? The middle-aged Japanese couple next to me said "Yes...look over there" and almost on cue, a plume of water was spotted and you could hear everyone ooh and ah. What joy it brought. It had been 8 minutes since the grey whale had popped up before. A young Indian father lifted his beautiful little girl on the stone wall so she could see better. She looked through her binoculars made of two empty roles of toilet paper tied together with string. She was so cute as she earnestly pointed to the waters exclaiming, "Pappa, I see something!" A volunteer who helps track grey whale activity stated that there were 8 grey whale sitings today and one finn whale. What a great way to enjoy the sunset on beautiful Palos Verdes peninsula

Here's info on the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center:
This beautiful park, located adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, offers recreational and educational opportunities to the public..The Interpretive Center opened in 1984 with a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The almost 10, 000 square foot newly expanded Interpretive Center, re-opened on July 15, 2006, features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Peninsula, with a special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale. This premier whale watch site provides spectacular opportunities to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, from December through April.

The Great Gatsby Chef's Dinner

I blogged last year about the PV Art Associates knowing how to throw a party. Well, the Spanish themed dinner was a real show-stopper. The event was held on a private estate in Palos Verdes with incredible views and vistas. The Andalucian horse show had the crowd of 200 oohing and ahhing and Christine's Restaurant did a fabulous job with catering. Who throws these kind of events? " I wondered, "I'd like to join them!"

Well, a year later and I am part of the planning committe for the themed Great Gatsby dinner which will take place July 18th. Our group is fabulous with great ideas, enthusiasm and a knack for planning stellar parties.

Today I headed to the library to research July 18th, 1925. For those of you who might need to brush up on The Great Gatsby - the book takes place in the roaring 20's and was actually published in 1925. Since the date of our soiree is July 18th - well, you get the idea.

Palos Verdes to Downtown LA View

The picture-perfect views from Palos Verdes these past 8 days of 80 degree, clear weather were glorious. The sunsets were spectacular - with the visible buildings of downtown LA.

Sunset in Palos Verdes

This is one of the photos I took when the fires were burning. The sunsets for a few days were surreal - and there were a handful of photographers who gathered at Oceanfront. Some had point and shoot cameras while others had expensive commercial gear. The view sparked (no pun intended) conversation among like minded locals.

P.V. Art Center Associates Know How to Throw a Party!

Saturday evening, the P.V. Art Center Associated put on there 3rd and last chef event for the year. It was - incredible. I had so much fun and every one was so nice and gracious and interesting - it made for a great evening. There were Flamenco dancers and a Andalucian horse show and beautiful estate grounds complete with stellar pararomic views of Los Angeles, a boxwood garden, exotic birds, a well-appointed barn, pool and beautifully decorated tables. Restaurant Christine's catered the event. Yum. Fried olives and empanades with sangria (or wine if you preferred) to enjoy before dinner. My favorite part of the meal was the last entree - beautiful jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels in a tomato-based sauce. Dessert, I couldn't help ask if there were more churros with that decadent chocolate sauce.

Winding Paths of Palos Verdes

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with a staff member of the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy and we went on a hike around Abalone Cove. How many times have you walked an area and realized you know really not much about it?

I started to learn about birds and vegetation as well as vandalism and hazards. There are so many types of vegetation some of which are native to the area and many that are not. For example, all the pretty yellow flowers in the spring and early summer are not indigenous to the area and have now turned to dry brown brush. There's a bird called the cowbird that basically is a nest parasite and kicks the eggs out of the nest from other birds, lays their own and leave their eggs to be raised by birds. Or the lemonade plant that supposedly tastes like lemonade if you lick the berry - however, I was cautioned not to actually eat the berry itself.

There are plans to label the trails with markers which would be great since the maps we had did not seem to fit the terrain and wow...there are a lot of trails and up and down and over rocks and after 3 hours - I was only too happy to see a lifeguard who was happy to give us a ride back to our cars. His name was Jim (I think) and he could not have been nicer and was so interesting as he shared a lot of PV history.

To learn more http://www.pvplc.org

Good website on Palos Verdes

For those of you who are interested in learning more about what Palos Verdes has to offer, check out http://wikitravel.org/en/Palos_Verdes.

I was pretty impressed with the level of detail and suggestions. When I have time, I will add a few suggestions o my own.

Peacocks in Palos Verdes

I feel like I am in some strange, exotic place as I hear the distinct call of the peacock. For those of you that don't know, Palos Verdes peninsula in L.A. County is home to these technicolor dreamcoats. You could be driving your car past the library in Malaga Cove and their is one strutting it's stuff on the side (or the middle) of the road. One was outside my living room window much to my surprise (and delight!) as I discovered after checking out why my two cats had their heads butted into the window screen and their tales were flicking back and forth with intensity. Peacock spottings don't occur as often as I would like in my neighborhood and that is why I welcome that exotic call so early in the morning.

The sun has just risen. Pink horizontal bands across the sky. It is so quiet, I can hear a plane off in the distance making it's U-turn from the Pacific to an Eastern heading. Ahh. The serenity of Palos Verdes. I love P.V. because it feels so "un-L.A." To me, withit's European with its Spanish and Italianite homes, city fountains, wonderful hilly, curvy roads with stellar views of the cliffs and ocean and expanses of limitless - sky - it feels like Europe. Every day can be a Calgon-take-me-away-day.

I digress about my beloved bird. A google search with keywords of peacock and Palos Verdes results in bevy of interesting websites. Among my favorites are:

The FOTP’s (The Friends of the Peacock) purpose is to protect, promote, and ensure the preservation of the wild peafowl in PVE for future generations of property owners to enjoy as part of the natural character of our semi-rural coastal city.
http://avocado.forest.net/marysalpaca/fotp/index.lasso

Taken from the L.A. Business Journal, the link below focuses on the 90274 zip code and description of property values, affluence and briefly describes the flocks of wild peacocks were imported decades ago and have flourished.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m5072/is_21_26/ai_n6056224

Here's a different point of view on the virtues of peacocks. This one is from a real estate agent who brings to light the "pooping peacock disclosure". Funny and fascinating all the same time. As my 4 year old nephew would ask, "Tall tale or true?" True.

http://kellyandlaurablog.wordpress.com/2008/01/04/how-the-errant-golf-ball-disclosure-came-into-existence/

Well, the day has begun, morning commutes have started along with the morning walkers and the peacock calls have subsided and my coffee cup is empty. My cue for moving on with the day.

The Labyrinth - A Walking Meditation in Palos Verdes

Today I had the pleasure of introducing a meditation practice to a new friend. The "walking labyrinth" is a spiritual took used for meditation, prayer, and personal reflection. My favorite labyrinth is located on the grounds of the The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes. Imagine Spanish style church grounds replete with wrought iron fences, manicured gardens, fountains, a walking bridge, and the most amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and California Coast line. There is plenty of inspiration to draw upon, plenty of benches to sit quietly and reflect. On a day filled with sunshine, a light breeze and the sound of crashing waves, this active form of mediation can be a refreshing practice for body and soul.

A Catholic writer describes their spiritual significance in this way: "The labyrinth is a universal symbol for the world, with its complications and difficulties, which we experience on our journey through life." The labyrinth is an ancient practice in which there is only one path leading to the center. (Not to be confused with a maze which has many paths meant to confuse and confound.)

How does one walk the labyrinth? It's as easy as putting one in front of the other and following the path. Walking paces vary. There's no worry of doing it incorrectly. Sometimes the practice clears the head, provides a way to unwind or to reflect on intentions or seek a solution to a problem. When you enter the labyrinth, you begin to meander back and forth creating literally creating shifts in views and figuratively in perspectives. In reaching the center, it is typical to stop to pray or linger to think quietly. When leaving the center, and returning to the beginning, you usually feel lighter.

Amazingly, the labyrinth is an old practice which spans many cultures and regions and some references date back thousands of years ago. Labryinth images have been found on rocks and tiles, on pottery and baskets, and in Medieval churches. The medicine wheel in Hopi culture used the labyrinth as a symbol for “mother earth”.

I was introducted to the labyrinth almost 10 years ago and find it to be a very calming, mind-clearing and rewarding practice. I was very pleased to introduce this form of mediation to a new friend.

On a humorous note - we had walked down to a lower balcony and continued our meditation practice past dusk and into early evening. We realized all too late church gates had been locked. Thank goodness we successfully scaled the church fence and laughed at our circumstance.

Move to the Groove: My Two Left Feet

"Move to the Groove" is the name of an exercise class at my favorite gym, the Spectrum Health Club (To check out classes log on to http://www.spectrumclubs.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp). Longingly, I have watched through glass doors, as women of all ages, sizes and dance abilities have worked up a sweat with a smile on their face. I 've watch since November. I finally summoned up the courage yesterday and brought along the "ok, I might make a total fool of myself infront of everyone but I will have fun doing it" attitude with me. Can you say "Two left feet?" As the dance steps progressed into a routine, I could not remember the first moves we just learned! Ack. So towards the end I just concentrated on the steps - forget the shoulders, the head, the arms, the hips - I must have looked like a spaz and towards of the end I was too tired and sweaty to care. I must admit, it was fun. So next week, you'll hear from me again on this subject!

Lessons From a Shattered Pot

About 2 weeks ago, there was quite a storm in P.V. To describe it in three words: 1) cold 2) rainy 3) windy. The Christmas lights were still on my back patio strung up and around plants and potters and the twinkling colors danced wildly as the night progressed. Observing this, I turned to my mother and said, "I hope my plants don't topple over" and magically just as I said that, I witness one dive over the edge and heard the crashing pot even with all my windows closed. Knowing this very likely could happen again, I donned on my raincoat and got my plants to safety. The next morning, I looked out my window to survey the damage. Well, my favorite pot - a handpainted Italian design - was smashed into a million little pieces but the contents - a jade plant from a former boyfriend- seemed to survive. It's a hearty little thing! Stout, robust and beautiful! I am happy to report the plant is doing well and the pot? I gathered up all the shards and saved them to make a mosaic. It's funny what or who we get attached to - life is fleeting - things and people come and go in our lives. It's how we pick up the pieces and move on with grace that matters. Who knew that a shattered pot and a hearty plant could bare such wisdom?

Babycakes Opens

I was curious to know what type of bakery was hiding behind the brown paper taped across the storefront window. Cheerful pink and white striped singage announced the coming of "Babycakes". http://www.babycakesshop.com/ Weeks turned into months and curiosity continued to build. One day, as I was driving "up the hill" (as the locals refer to the stretch of road heading into Palos Verdes), I was suprised to see Babycakes open. I had a hankering for something sweet, so I stopped. Finally!

The inside is so cutely decorated and harkens back to 40's or 50's type of decor that just puts a smile on your face. It's cheerful and upbeat. Plus, who can resist daily made, fresh cupcakes? I went in to order one cupcake and ended up walking out with half a dozen! Ooolala.Oreo cookie, Meyer Lemon, Nutella, Herb, and Italian Orange (my personal favorite) Babycakes is our own version of Sprinkles (for those of you who don't know, Sprinkles is a famous cupcake store in Beverly Hills.)

I enjoyed meeting the owner behind Babycakes, (sorry but her name escapes me). She was so gracious and friendly and took the time to describe each of her creations and their ingredients.

Photo Opportunity on a Sunday Drive

This is one of my favorite views in my neighborhood and it appears after a series of twist and turns. On a clear day you can see the city of Los Angeles. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I've always enjoyed taking snaphots. Recently, after a few friends encouraged me to pursue my hobby more vigorously, I had my first "sale". One of my friends now calls me a professional photographer. Stay tuned. You never know what life has in store for you!

Malaga Cove Plaza in Palos Verdes is spectacular and features a reproduction of a fountain called "Fontana del Nettuno" or Neptune's Fountain which was installed in the main square in Bologna, Italy during the 16th Century. Neptune, the god of the sea, is surrounded by cherubs and mermaids. The one in Malaga Cove was dedicated February 16, 1930 and repaired and restored in the late nineties. Since my parents lived in Bologna and two siblings were born there, this holds a very special place in my heart. The plaza itself harkens back to classical, beautiful architecture of days gone by and is very Mediterranean. Stop by the local grocery store/deli and you will be surprised at the offering in the deli - home made hummus, dolmas and tabouli that is quite delicious! Recommendation: Buy some of these goodies and sit on the steps of Neptune's Fountain like the Europeans do!

Booty from the Farmer's Market

Being in the holiday season with all the glorious food and sweets, I'm seeking refuge in vegetables! With a treasure trove of freshness courtesy of the the Palos Verdes Farmer's Market, I walked away today with bags of red and yellow peppers, yellow squash, zuchhini, cauliflower and broccoli, heirloom tomatos (the last of the season!), garlic, green beans and orange persimmons. Abundanza! The great thing about displaying all the goods on one platter in the kitchen is - you feel healthy making the items on the platter disappear one by one during the week! I've been making batches of soup by steaming vegetables and pureeing with chicken stock and throwing in a few herbs. It's quick, easy and healthy.