Christmas in Thousand Oaks

Betty and I are flanking two of the lovely dancers before their performance of "An Irish Christmas"

in Thousand Oaks.

And, who would have ever thought that an outdoor ice skating rink was just a block away. Not a speck of snow, but plenty of ice for lots of fun.

Continuing our confusion, we had treats at P. J. Changs, in the shadow of copies of the terra cotta sculptures from Xian, China.

Kate's Royal Ring

Yes, 'tis true---this is a genuine eighteen carat sapphire and diamond ring on my hand. No, I am not engaged to Prince William of the United Kingdom. But it is very like the ring he just gave to Kate Middleton.

We had a special "upstairs" opportunity at the Kazanjian Brothers, jewelers. What fun it was to be in the lovely rooms playing with all the trays of sparkling jewels.

This privilege was arranged by Rich for his mother, Margaret, and me. Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills, was being decorated for Christmas. We posed in front the famous fountain with the infamous Southern California faux snow, er...icebergs!

Having lunch at Barney's would have been enough fun!

Thanksgivng 2010

We feel so lucky to have been included in such a beautiful celebration of Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

"Hello Dolly"

The Pepperdine University students from the Music and Theater Departments were remarkable in their version of "Hello Dolly." Based on Thornton Wilder's play, THE MATCHMAKER, it is no wonder this talented student production was so professional. Many of the teachers have vast experience in the field and generous support is provided by both The Mary Pickford Foundation and Dorothy D. Stotsenberg of Malibu. Mrs. Stotsenberg's late husband, Edward, was Pickford's certified public accountant for over 40 years and served on the Mary Pickford Foundation Board.

As always, she was there.

More Books

I am reading everything I can find by Isabel Allende, Anita Shreve and Jeanette Walls. What amazing story tellers they are (even when they tell their own). Allende's, "Daughter of Fortune," is an absorbing tale taking the main character through perils from Chile to California's gold fields. "The Sum of Our Days," is a no-holds-barred memoir. Speaking of telling it all---Jeanette Walls', powerful book, called "The Glass Castle," is the true story of the author's victory over unspeakable circumstances. After this, and her grandmother's story, entitled "Half Broke Horses," I am so looking forward to reading more from Walls. "Sea Glass," by Shreve, was revealing from a real and historical perspective. I couldn't put it down. All three of these authors present the unique plight of women with insight.

The impresario, Jerry Weintraub, teaches the lessons of creating something from nothing, in his autobiography, "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead." A dear friend has recommended, Dan Brown's, "The Lost Symbol." That's next.

Sculpture Then and Now

These sculptures can all be found at the newly-changed Palm Springs Art Museum.

Knowing artists created these works more than 2,000 years apart is boggling.

Zapotec Mortuary Urn, 600-900 A.D., fired clay w/ traces of red paint

Karen LaMonte, "Pianist Dress Impression," 2005, cast glass


Veracruz, Mexico, "Standing Xipe Figure in Flayed Skin," 300-900 A.D., Ceramic

William Morris, "Medicine Jar (corn with crow and cricket)," 2005, blown glass

They're Back

These darling hummingbirds visit occasionally to partake of Dick's treat.