Color!

There are many reasons why Southern California will likely be our home for years to come. Aside from family close by, the weather is probably at the top of our list.

Take today for example. Today, Em and I took a late morning 10-mile bike ride, returned to the house and played in the backyard with the dogs, and then took a stroll along the paseos before dinner. And we did so in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals... in January. Or at least I did; Emma doesn't do shorts.

And with today's great weather comes some pretty amazing colors. The vibrant blues, the bright yellow the leaves are still changing into, and the bleached white clouds that somehow turn pink as the sun sets into the Pacific.

Yup, we're pretty blessed.

A Few of Emma's Favorite Things

There's a neighborhood a couple miles from our house called Bridgeport. It's situated around a man-made lake -- complete with its own unnecessary lighthouse, ducks, paseos, and waterfront views.

This neighborhood has now become Emma's dream neighborhood after we took a bike ride around the lake... and then again when we took the dogs on a walk, lakeside.

I suppose it's my own fault really for showing it to her in the first place, but everybody can have a dream. But I think this dream is going to cost another two jobs. Maybe three.

It's going to be busy around here...

Vagabonding

Over the last week or so, we've been fortunate to have some time off together. With that, we took a Monday day trip to Pasadena.

With the Rose Parade just a few days away (when we went), City workers were setting up bleachers along Colorado Boulevard in Old Town.

After a great lunch at 1810, it was a day spent shopping.

On our way home, we stopped by the Rose Bowl, where the parade's floats were being decorated, marching bands were rehearsing and security was in full force.

Since 'SC played in the Emerald Bowl the day after Christmas (so pathetically disappointing), we went down to The Grove on New Year's Day.

One of my favorite parts of The Grove is the view of the downtown skyline from the top of the parking structure. I have this deep love for the LA skyline -- and the view from The Grove is unparalleled.

Part of The Grove's complex is Farmer's Market -- which just celebrated its 75-year anniversary. After picking up some fresh fruit, we sat for some nice sandwiches and classic Southern California people watching.

While there's a wide variety of retailers at The Grove, only a select few meet our fiscal standards -- we're not the family to pay $200 for a t-shirt -- but we'll certainly browse the bookcases at Barnes & Noble.

It's great to be able to spend some quality time with each other -- especially during the holidays. And even more so when "the holidays" continue to offer 60 degree weather.