SIERRA MADRE ~ Old North Church This beautiful little town lies at the base of the foothills very near our home in San Gabriel. We are just minutes away from this town and I go frequently to shop, eat, and just enjoy the lovely city with its many outdoor dining areas, beautiful churches, verdant parks, and overall charming ambiance. It's a small town not to be missed when visiting California. I understand that the old B&W picture "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" was filmed in the town square and I further understand that they show this film in the nearby park every year. I have yet to attend, but plan to one day. It's been years since I watched the film and I don't know if they capture the Old North Church in the movie, but they would be missing a bet if they didn't. I know I recognized the town square because of its unique layout which is very friendly and cozy in appearance. The town also has a village playhouse that I am told has had some wonderful productions. I have yet to go to one but that's also on "my must do" list. Think I have to go grab a picture of it soon! Marsha photographed 12/01/2007

INTERESTING OLD HOUSE: Taken in South Pasadena on June 6, 2009. If one gets off the main streets anywhere in the Pasadena/South Pasadena area, you could stumble upon houses of all different styles, sizes, and shapes with landscapings that defy imagination. Each house has an aura about it, and this one had the Mystery Aura that caused me to pull at my niece to capture it on film that day--not that I can't go there any day to do so...but that day was the right day. It touched me in a way that had me insisting on just the exact angle I wanted and which she captured so well when she shot the picture. Though I had never been inside this imposing behemoth of a house and knew nothing of its history or significance, immediatley a novel was taking shape in my mind--a possible location for a movie, a story of unrequited love and maybe even extreme sadness were forming in my mind...possibly some foul play as well. The house produced unexplained chills but at the same time an overwhelming curiosity--a desire to peer within no matter the consequences. Was it in habited by ghosts of the past? I'll probably never know, but I know if I see it again, the same desire to write a book will well up in me and I'll want to interview everyone who ever had any hold over that house--or maybe the other way around?! But I awaken from my reverie and must in all fairness to the lucky owners of this mansion say that it probably has a history of storybook proportions--of goodness and happily ever afterings. Photographed by niece Cindi

REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA VICTORIAN HOUSE This beautiful old city in California's Inland Empire may not be known for having the most Victorian Lady houses in the USA, but I am sure it is high on the list. Almost every residential street is graced with these dwellings and each one so individual from the other, except one case where I know the owner built two matching houses adjacent to one another. We heard that directly from a family member when we visited the city and walked the streeets. Some homes are open to the public, some with admission; but this particular gentleman opened his home to me and my brother just out of kindness and seeing in us an obvious hunger for knowledge of the surroundings. It was fascinating to tour the inside and receive the historical scoop. The people of Redlands are truly hospitable and the town seems to have retained the atmosphere of the 50s/60s or even further back in time. You just don't believe it has remained so intact when it is surrounded by many cities that have not faired so well in that area. It's like magic when finding this bit of heaven called Redlands. You can approach it by many routes and an especially beautiful entrance to it from the backside of coming down off the San Bernardino mountains by the back route. If the summers didn't get much hotter in the Inland Empire, I would be very tempted to buy my last home in Redlands. I am torn right now between Redlands and San Luis Obispo. We have so many fascinating towns in California that it is difficult to choose. You can see I have grown to very much love this State since moving here in 1961 as a Senior in High School. I didn't particularly care for it then because I felt uprooted at such a critical time of my teen life--but over the years, this place has gotten under my skin. In Redlands there is an estate belonging to the heirs of Kimberly-Clark and it's called Kimberly Crest. I have toured it and taken pictures and hope to add some of those here soon. There's a President Lincoln museum there (yet to tour it) and an outdoor ampitheater (yet to see a production there)...but just some of the special things about the city and within walking distance of the main downtown. I love the layout of the streets too--user friendly you might say for getting around. You won't find a lot of night life and I think this may be one reason it has stayed so nice. It's not so hip as it is happy and beautiful. There's a large Krikorian theater complex in the downtown. The last time I was in Redlands, I commented to my brother that you never hear anyone even honk their horns in traffic...no rudeness. It's been several years, however, and I did read that the city was beginning to have a problem with street racers. I certainly hope that's not so, but when I was there, it was an ideal town in my estimation...and scenery from almost any view that would take your breath away--all the mountains and often snow-capped. This city was so picturesque and "family like" that the old TV series CANNON was filmed throughout the city streets. You remember Cannon--that rascally, portly detective with a sideways smile that was engaging--not a full smile..just that kindly, knowing smile of warmth--this from a detective! Wow. Marsha photographed

NEW ORLEANS SQUARE Picture taken June 7, 2009 at Disneyland by New Orleans Square and where the Mark Twain river boat travels. What a perfect day it was for me and my niece from Boise, Idaho, to go to Disneyland. It was not too hot/not too cool..."just right" as Little Red Riding Hood would say. The sun came out around 2 p.m but never got too hot for standing in lines. We just had a marvelous time and were like kids again for the full day. My right hip may have hurt more for a few weeks afterwards, but it wouldn't stop me from wanting to return again for another day of fun. Maybe I'll get to go in mid-December again, when they have the Park just decorated to the hilt for Christmas. They remove the plants and plant red poinsettias all around on ground and from hanging baskets. White Christmas trees appear on both sides of Sleeping Beauty's castle and these trees reflect in the mirrored water below...giving an illusion of 4 trees. The Town Square has an extremely stately tall tree that is more traditionally decorated and is central part of a day during December when a special program is held--the Candlelight Processional. During this celebratory event, choirs from all over Southern California arrive at the park and the choir members proceed down main street carrying candles in their cupped hands and singing the most beautiful carols...all the while with the lights to Main Street turned off so that the tree and the carolers seem aglow in the dark as they head for the Train Station Platform to form a human Christmas Tree. It will truly inspire you and give you goose bumps--even if you are not a religious person. It is awesome. And if this were not enough seasonal magic to leave you tingly, the Directors of the Park have another gift in store for you which is a notable person with an astoundingly rich voice to deliver readings from the New Testament about the real reason for Christmas (before the merchandizers). The readings are interspersed with appropriate Carols. I'll remember these events forever. You'd have to be a cranky Scrooge not to be thrilled. photographed by niece Cindi June 2009

SOUTH PASADENA JACARANDA TREES: Taken in nearby South Pasadena on June 6, 2009, by my niece Cindi who visited me here for 4 days. These gorgeous Jacaranda trees line many of the South Pasadena residential streets and when blossoms beging to drop in the breeze, they literally "snow blossoms" and you can hear the soft swooshing sound. It is quite amazing to see and hear. These were my Mom's favorite trees. Their vibrantly exotic color is one that only the Master's palette could produce. photographed by niece Cindi June 2009

PASADENA ARCHITECTURE: Taken in in downtown Pasadena, California, on June 6, 2009, on Colorado Boulevard. photographed by niece Cindi

CUPS & SAUCERS: Taken at Disneyland by niece Cindi on our day there Sunday, June 7, 2009. Photographed by niece Cindi