We just returned from a 10 day trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The main reason was to attend bonus son John's engagement party to his long-time girlfriend, Jessie. It was held in one of those wonderful old Mission style homes in South Pasadena. Beautiful wooden moldings, gracious sized (read really large) rooms and wonderful details. A good time was had by all. We visited my brothers, bonus daughter Kate and John's mom and siblings. Even managed a quick stop at Zinnia's to visit my friend Tamara.
We were astonished at the price of gas in LA. This photo was taken the first day. The price went even higher before we left. My brother asked me not to mention the smog or the dryness of the hills, so I won't point out the smoggy mountains in the background of the photo above.
One morning we had a few hours so we stopped by the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. It is a wonderful mid-size art museum with a great sculpture garden. The photo below is a Henry Moore sculpture.
While in Vegas, we had dinner with my daughter Amy and her family and her charming father-in-law who was visiting from the Netherlands. Everything was pretty busy and scheduled. John had his annual Primm golf tourney with his old buddies for a few days. Again, one morning we had some free time and went over to the Bellagio to see The Modernists. a show about Georgia O'Keefe and her art cronies. There was a wonderful documentary film shown on a continuous loop about Georgia O'Keefe and her work and many of her pieces were displayed.
The Bellagio has an ever-changing garden in the conservatory. It is always imaginative and perfect. Plus the Bellagio has the beautiful Dale Chihuly glass ceiling.
The week was full of family, art and friends. Perfect! Oh, and did I mention sister-in-law Leslie's mouth-watering Mocha Cheesecake?
Once again I am pouting...I am so close to Pasadena and just down the road from Zinnia and I didn't get to see you! Dagnabit. Sounds like you had a great time. Oh, and the gas is now $4.98. Ouch.
Posted by: Judi | Wednesday, 11 June 2008 at 12:50 AM
Sounds like a fun and busy trip. Smog, art and family all in one go.
Posted by: TACE | Wednesday, 11 June 2008 at 01:27 AM
Sounds like a fun trip - except for the gas prices! I just did a calculation, we are paying $6.12 here per gallon! Shocking!
Posted by: Rachel Greig | Wednesday, 11 June 2008 at 05:56 AM
What a beautiful ceiling too! I was lucky enough to go to a Chihuly exhibit several years ago.
I could hardly believe the gas prices out west. AND I'm having such a hard time with the Senate not passing the bill to tax the high profits of the gas companies! What is up with our senators... do they not feel the pinch?
Sorry...
dot
Posted by: Dot McQuade | Wednesday, 11 June 2008 at 09:48 AM
I loved Pillars of the Earth, and I completely enjoyed the recent one- I can't recall the title!! I devoured Pillars!!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | Thursday, 12 June 2008 at 05:03 PM