Bombs Bursting In Air
We've been housesitting in Laurel Canyon, which is one reason for the huge gap in entries; the other, of course, is that I'm way behind (but you figured that out already, didn't you?). We've been able to live the life of the privileged during this time, although we also have to contend with Hollywood Hills traffic, as well as bad connection signals for our Sidekicks.
Yesterday, of course, was the glorious Fourth, and the end of a three-day weekend to boot. We had discussed heading north to visit family, but due to the housesitting gig, passed on it. The last couple of years we've headed to Redondo Beach to celebrate with my grandparents; we went to Redondo yet again yesterday, but this time with a twist: can you say BEACH PARTY? *grin*
About 20-25 of us decided to meet at Redondo, about halfway between the pier and Torrance, to celebrate together. Most of the group were people we didn't really know, while a handful we'd seen at other parties in the area or knew somewhat, and a few were good friends of ours. No matter; we had a lot of fun, made new friends, ate tons of good food, played beach volleyball, and generally chilled. As usual with such a large group, there was too much food, but I think that's fine; better too much than not enough.
The only downer, if that can be said, was the weather. It was warm and sunny in L.A. proper, but it was foggy down at the beach. This wasn't the case last year or the year before, but there are times when this happens, and it does have to be anticipated. It was rather cool to begin with, and then the fog moved in in the late afternoon. By early evening, the entire ocean was covered with clouds and fog. The shoreline wasn't particularly foggy at all, but our view of the evening festivities was definitely going to be obscured. Normally, there's thousands of people, and the beach is jammed all the way along the coast. But last night, there were just handfuls of groups here and there, and it was largely deserted.
Still, our motley band braved on and had fun, but by dusk, those who were smart enough to bring sweats and blankets had hauled them out and were huddled about our coolers and beach blankets, chatting in the evening mists. Finally, at 9 p.m., when it was dark (and very very foggy!), the fireworks started.
Unfortunately, only the lower third of each missile could be viewed, which was disappointing. But at the same time, it was kind of neat; the clouds glowed red and white, leading a few of us to remark it was kind of like seeing one of those World War II movies, where the sky glows and brightens with each bomb bursting in air, as planes dart in and out, dueling amid the clouds. It definitely wasn't the best fireworks display I've seen, but it was an interesting one.
Most of us lingered a bit afterwards, allowing the other beachgoers a chance to pack up and move on. But it didn't matter how long we lagged; the homebound traffic was horrific as always. I thought perhaps the fogbank would reduce the number of merrymakers, and thus lighten the traffic, but this wasn't the case. Eventually though, we got back to Laurel Canyon, tired but happy.
We don't really have internet access here, so I'm doing a lot of my online stuff during occasional forays home to check the mail and the plants. The big news this week, of course, is the retirement of Sandra Day O'Connor, which was more or less expected eventually (she'd been making noises about retiring even before the Appointment of 2000). My take? There goes the Supreme Court...
Yesterday, of course, was the glorious Fourth, and the end of a three-day weekend to boot. We had discussed heading north to visit family, but due to the housesitting gig, passed on it. The last couple of years we've headed to Redondo Beach to celebrate with my grandparents; we went to Redondo yet again yesterday, but this time with a twist: can you say BEACH PARTY? *grin*
About 20-25 of us decided to meet at Redondo, about halfway between the pier and Torrance, to celebrate together. Most of the group were people we didn't really know, while a handful we'd seen at other parties in the area or knew somewhat, and a few were good friends of ours. No matter; we had a lot of fun, made new friends, ate tons of good food, played beach volleyball, and generally chilled. As usual with such a large group, there was too much food, but I think that's fine; better too much than not enough.
The only downer, if that can be said, was the weather. It was warm and sunny in L.A. proper, but it was foggy down at the beach. This wasn't the case last year or the year before, but there are times when this happens, and it does have to be anticipated. It was rather cool to begin with, and then the fog moved in in the late afternoon. By early evening, the entire ocean was covered with clouds and fog. The shoreline wasn't particularly foggy at all, but our view of the evening festivities was definitely going to be obscured. Normally, there's thousands of people, and the beach is jammed all the way along the coast. But last night, there were just handfuls of groups here and there, and it was largely deserted.
Still, our motley band braved on and had fun, but by dusk, those who were smart enough to bring sweats and blankets had hauled them out and were huddled about our coolers and beach blankets, chatting in the evening mists. Finally, at 9 p.m., when it was dark (and very very foggy!), the fireworks started.
Unfortunately, only the lower third of each missile could be viewed, which was disappointing. But at the same time, it was kind of neat; the clouds glowed red and white, leading a few of us to remark it was kind of like seeing one of those World War II movies, where the sky glows and brightens with each bomb bursting in air, as planes dart in and out, dueling amid the clouds. It definitely wasn't the best fireworks display I've seen, but it was an interesting one.
Most of us lingered a bit afterwards, allowing the other beachgoers a chance to pack up and move on. But it didn't matter how long we lagged; the homebound traffic was horrific as always. I thought perhaps the fogbank would reduce the number of merrymakers, and thus lighten the traffic, but this wasn't the case. Eventually though, we got back to Laurel Canyon, tired but happy.
We don't really have internet access here, so I'm doing a lot of my online stuff during occasional forays home to check the mail and the plants. The big news this week, of course, is the retirement of Sandra Day O'Connor, which was more or less expected eventually (she'd been making noises about retiring even before the Appointment of 2000). My take? There goes the Supreme Court...
posted by Mr. Sandman | 9:59 AM
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