Malibu's Farmer's Market is Back

Oh, what a beautiful day! It started with photographing and selecting fresh fruits and vegetables at the newly-re-established farmer's market. By late afternoon we were with friends at a magical chamber music performance. The musical soirees are part of a series by world-class musicians. The venue was the home of some of the musicians and their children, designed by an architect from the noted Wright family, just for this purpose. In case the talents of the musicians were in question, the awards dotted around the home, including an Academy Award, belied that.

The Help

"The Help" should have been entitled "Help"! It is a heartbreaking story placed in the author's home town, Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. The author moved away after writing this expose...no wonder.

"South Pacific" in Los Angeles

We were in our third row center seats at the Ahmanson Theater when it opened in Los Angeles. Not a single theatrical moment was overlooked in this Rogers and Hammerstein's revival. The talent and joy was not wasted on us. It will play until July 17, 2010.

After the show we fought the crowds of sports fans there to see the Celtics play the Lakers. But we were determined to have drinks and appetizers at the newly-finished WP24 (standing for Wolfgang Puck 24th floor) in the Ritz Carlton Hotel. It is in the "L.A. Live" area, and, was it ever.

I won!

I'm stoked! After swimming two races in the California State Senior Games, I won two medals. A gold medal in the 25 yard backstroke was won in the novice division. The bronze medal in the 50 meter backstroke advanced division qualifies me to swim for California at the National Senior Olympics in Houston, Texas, in June of 2011. I'm going!

Dick took this photo before I won the second medal. Don't you think I should seek sponsorship from Mabelline waterproof mascara?

California State Senior Games

Tomorrow is the big day. I am swimming the backstroke in the 50m and the 25yd races. Since last September I have been swimming one half mile every day, practicing to win another gold medal. Wish me luck.

Documentary About Columbus' Short North

WOSU television has produced and is airing "Columbus Neighborhoods, Short North." It is the story of the movement to transform a run-down, forgotten neighborhood into Colulmbus' center for arts and culture. Great memories of the involvement of the Spangler Cummings Galleries are included.

The September Issue

After finally getting a copy of the much acclaimed documentary, "The September Issue," I watched it three times. It was fascinating to see how one person, Vogues's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, can have such an influence on the world of fashion. The September issue shows behind the scenes when creating Vogue's largest ever 2007 Fall fashion issue. It is as much about Grace Coddington, Vogues's creative director, as it is about Wintour. Often seeming like the theater of the absurd, the glamour of it all is totally absorbing.

The Grill on the Alley

Though it is in the suburbs of Westlake Village, when you are at The Grill on the Alley, you feel as though you are at the original restaurant in Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles Antiques Show

Four George III giltwood, open armchairs, circa 1708, stood elegantly before us.

An "East Roman Basalt Torso of Venus," from the late 2nd or 3rd Century A. D., stands in front of a powerful Edward Dugmore painting from 1956 entitled "Archaic."

Dear friends from Paris and Venice (CA) shared the experience of seeing the art and antiques making it all the more beautiful. As an added treat, we saw a presentation by the distinguished designer, Juan Montoya, on his book, entitled "Integrating Art in Modern Design."

Ruby's Shake Shack

The Malibu pier is open again, after being closed for many years. Ruby's is the perfect complement to the beach. Maybe, when, Bette Midler's, BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY is playing on the jukebox your waiter will ask you to do the swing...like he did with me.

Art & Architecture

Each year the Art & Architecture Tour features homes that are extraordinary and exquisite. I was privileged to be the docent in this dramatic atrium of a truly magical home. Proceeds from this fund-raiser ultimately benefit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Flame Trees of Thika

What an adventure the young narrator takes us on in this autobiographical novel when her British family arrives to plant coffee at the base of Mount Kenya in Africa. The experiences with nature, the animals, and the diverse cultures are both heart stopping and heart swelling.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Openly displaying contemporary art, American Indian art and Pre-Columbian art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a gem of a place. It is one of those rare times, when visiting a museum, that you can see it all.