Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Eric the Red (with red headband) was the winner.

"Man is the most intelligent of animals....and the most silly." ....Diogenes

Why put all five toes in your mouth? Because you can.

Or maybe one at a time is good too....

Give me five!

This hurts just watching them.

Dragon Boat Festival

Cherry and Blueberry

This was back in March, 2009

We went to the Festival. Lots of these boats with teams of about 20 and then the drummer and lead. Walked all around the lake from Mill Avenue to Scottsdale Road then along the north side of the lake, crossing the lake back at Mill.

Pink Flamingos

Well, there was one little pink Flamenco dancer, see - on the left there. We went to the library to see the Flamenco dancers. It was ok. Just ok. Didn't know it was to showcase how the little kids were doing in the school. But it was still interesting. Learned a few "must knows" about the art/history of Flamenco. Like these facts:

1. Originated around 300 years ago in Spain.

2. If you see castinets - it's not Flamenco. Then it is considered Spanish Folk Dancing.

3. The dancer doesn't dance to the music, the musicians play to the dancers. (????)

4. Roots are from Gypsies and North Africa

5. I don't like it......H/R didn't either.

Only one missing - Willi Wonka

Ethel, Candy Factory Supervisor and Lucy

Rachel, Hannah and Jordon at the Cerrita Candy Factory in Glendale.

We went on the "tour" of the chocolate candy factory today. It was more fun for me because the episode of the "I Love Lucy " show titled: "Job Switching", which originally aired in 1952 is an all time favorite of Lucy fans and those of us who have manufacturing backgrounds.

Our own tour of the gift shop was fun too.....

They have Polar Bears in Arizona?????

Well, maybe just this little one.

Supposedly the second largest Polar Bear to have ever been shot as the sign proudly boasted. We almost walked right by it too without noticing it....I know, I know (doh!). This one was found in the back of an antiques shop in downtown Glendale.

The Beach

One year ago we were on our vacation in France and since then we have enjoyed many terrific memories of that really fantastic trip.

In about three weeks we will go to Oceanside, California for the whole month of July. Here are photos from our 2nd floor terrace at the condo we are renting:
















I am really looking forward to having that private terrace over the beach. At high tide the water comes right up to those rocks. What you can't see is that there is a private sandy area just in front of the rocks where the deck, outdoor shower and bbq area is located.

If you click on either picture you can see the enlarged view. In the first picture you can see the Oceanside Pier on the far right of the picture.