Dr. Ollivander's

At Hogwarts, the boys and girls go to Ollivander's to get their wands. At my new job, the students go to the bookstore for their stethoscopes. I like to see Ravenclaw all dressed up in their black and blue scrubs.

Dip

A little break from the fire and smoke -- Ellen hangs out in a friend's pool.

Smoke on the water

... and fire in the sky. Although this looks like a regular cloud, it's a smoke plume (aka "pyrocumulus cloud") from the massive Station Fire that is consuming the mountains north of our home.

120 Degrees of Separation

Seven months ago, I posted this. My, how things change.

Open wide

The Donut Man in Glendora has dozens of types of fresh donuts, but they are legendary for the peach and strawberry donuts. Here, a half pound of fresh peaches, straight from the farm, are crammed into the maws of these glazed donuts. Decadent, but oh so good.

Even metrosexuals need man-caves

This hair salon (for men only) in Pasadena has all the frou-frou products and services, but they also have a waiting room with free beer, wine, and soda. As well as more suitable literature for the guys.

Principles

This fountain, at the center of my new university's campus, describes the founding values well. It's simple, but one of the reasons I like the place.

More la-la land

We went to Hollywood on Sunday for the farmer's market. Yes, right in the middle of Hollywood, just off the walk of fame, is what might be the biggest, best farmer's market in the country.

Hovering overhead, the headquarters of the Church of Scientology.

Friday night festival

Every Friday evening in neighboring Monrovia, they close off the cute downtown's streets for a farmer's market, craft fair, and children's carnival. There are jumpers, a petting zoo, and pony rides. Part of the California lifestyle is learning to expect that this sort of thing goes on all year round.

Homage

A friend of Rachel's (and groomsman at our wedding) got married this weekend -- at the same hotel where we held our wedding. It was pleasant nostalgia, and a pretty good party.

La-la Land

The LA Times is full of ads for Emmy voters and a special in-depth daily Emmy section. Not in Kansas (or Minnesota) any more!

Not flatland

The view from the parking lot of Ellen's day care. I love these mountains.