Laguna Beach - Around Town

Has Starbucks Finally Won?

2010-09-26T21:27:00.001-07:00

Tell me this is just a bad dream!

Jean Paul Returns

2010-09-25T15:41:00.001-07:00

We are soooooo happy that Jean Paul has returned!!

So is Fletcher!

Waiting for JP

2010-09-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

The sign says it all!

Stop by and sign the sign before the Frenchman Tears it down!

Spied at the Coffee Pub

2010-09-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

This is the head spy known as Barbie. It took almost 2 weeks to track her down. We finally found her with her Cohorts....

Jimbo is known for his expertise in providing unusual equipment needed for the jobs!

Jack is used for his rather smooth technique on the Tennis courts to get information from the fair ladies!

Howard heads up the division for transporting the coffee to other locations.

All in all a rather grizzly bunch. Word has it that at least 2 of these traitors are heading out of the country to avoid the wrath of JP.

What Zinc and Starbucks have in Common

2010-09-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Things in Common: Ken & Jay (Traitors)

Things in Common: Ken & Judy (Traitors!)

Things in Common: Jay & Janet (Traitors!)

Things in Common: Janet & Judy (Traitors)

Bagels and other non french items filled with chemicals!
Paying for Parking
Having to wait for your order (JP usually starts your order when he sees you in the parking lot)
Too nice. These people are missing an attitude.
Puts up with animals and Kids

More than you want to know!

2010-09-13T12:24:00.001-07:00

Ken and Judy decided to try the Koffee Klatch and agreed this was a hippy haven from the past. The health department obviously does not stop here to check on the animal status. Some of the customers looked as if they had taken up residence.

I think Judy is feeling nervous being here.

Cie la Vie is definitely a tourist trap. Not much choice in the coffees and expensive. This is a definite pass!

Scandia has lots of goodies including doughnuts. The coffee is okay. I sure miss JP. Paying for all of this parking is killing me!

Lots of goodies.... but lots of money to buy them.

On to the next!

Heidleberg - Okay for Bagels - Not so for Coffee

2010-09-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

You won't find Bagels at JP's.... and you won't find great coffee here. The cup is really big like a sink filled with Dishwater. Sorry!

Judy & Ken had an extra shot added to their coffee and tried one of the scones. We have decided that there must be a single scone factory that makes these rocks for all of these coffee houses.

Orange Inn - Not the Best Coffee in Town

2010-09-10T00:26:00.001-07:00

As you can see, people drink Monster drinks and other types of non coffee beverages with their breakfast burritos. We decided to try the coffee. Maybe next time I will have a Monster drink.

The Health Dept might not be happy with this visitor, especially when it was lifted up to the counter area to expel gas. JP would have excommunicated this animal lover.

Judy tried a muffin and we have been looking for her filling ever since.

We spotted Russ from JP's in disguise. He was having the DT's from caffeine withdrawal. When is JP returning? Sounds almost like a religious question.

Andres - Where you go when Excommunicated from JP

2010-09-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ron at Andres swears he know how to duplicate JP's coffee. Close, but no Cigar as Groucho would say. Must be missing the attitude. He is definitely proud of his Excellence Awards. JP has many good signs also....

Ken was pleased with the place but the smell of 'dead fish' turned him off. Some sort of fungicide to keep the French out.

I still had the stomach cramps as you can tell by how stiff I appear.

Janet was amazed at the size of the cookies...

All in all.... a good place to go if you are okay with feeding the parking meter.

P.S. We did ask about previously expelled clients of JP's.

Laguna Coffee - Pleasant Surprise - Picayo - not so...

2010-09-07T21:06:00.001-07:00

I must say, Laguna Coffee was the best place so far. Cozy setting and interesting. Coffee was not bad... but no idea about the food since we did not see anything that said "Eat Me"

I spoke with K&J. They were there the day before and they also liked it. They had also been to Picayo and gave that place the Thumbs down.

JP.... we miss you!

Tomorrow is Andre's

Coffee Clatch and White House

2010-09-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Labor Day try at the Coffee Klatch. I felt like a hippy in a hideout. Doubtful I would find many Tea Party people at this location. Janet had a Machiato... which I think is Italian for very small amount. I still am having stomach issues so I did not take part. She also had a scone, which we used later in the day to keep the door open.

From one of our spies:

Today (Sunday the 5th - the 2nd day of no JP coffee) Judi & I went to the White House for Brunch (not with the Obama's). After 3 cups of black coffee and a shared Bloody Mary we agreed that this was a vast improvement over the Coffee Pub experience of yesterday but still lacking in the Wake-up power of the JP coffee effect.

Life without Jean Paul -Nix on the Coffee Pub

2010-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here is our first email from a regular JP customer trying to find a descent coffee in town.

Yesterday (Saturday the 4th - the first day of withdrawal from JP's good coffee) Judi & I tried the coffee at the Coffee Pub located next to the Post-Office in LB. We got medium lattes but Judi asked for Soy instead of milk. I asked for low fat milk. We also got an oatmeal cookie. I gave the girl a Ten and got a smile but no change - she told me to sit down and she would bring us our coffee. I asked her how she would know where we were sitting & she replied that we were the only couple that had the same style mustache, big nose and glasses in the Pub (We suspect we were the 1st JP fans that visited that Pub on Saturday). After a long time (we actually finished our cookie) we got our coffee, with Judi supposedly getting the Soy version - However, both lattes tasted like soapy hot Dishwater and after a short while we concluded that I had the unrecognizable Soy and Judi had my order.
After switching cups we also concluded we must have had either gotten the B-Crew making coffee for that day or they just didn't want JP's customers in their place. Either way we are crossing the Coffee Pub off of the list of potential supporters for JP coffee addicts. Let us know if you had any better luck and maybe we should start a list to advise other JP fans of what to watch out for.

Note: from Photoman.... we had breakfast at Nicks which seened okay... except I ended up with Stomach Cramps all day.... Bummer!

1961 Facel Vega Moves in with 1967 Jeepster

2010-02-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Bela in Laguna Beach showing me his latest purchase of a 1961 Facel Vega manufactured in Paris. The video does not do the color justice. This is a deep blue not seen in this country... very European. A thing of beauty.

Lillies in the Garden

2009-03-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Love Doves Return

2009-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year when our fine feathered friends start to appear. The unusually warm weather is probably giving them a boost.

West Point Congratulations

2009-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Okay! I just have to let the whole world know that I am the proud Grandfather of Brady Mosk who has been accepted into the West Point Military Academy.

Congratulations to all of his family, and especially to his Father and Mother Linden Mosk and Cindy Bridges Mosk

You have a lot to be proud of!

Brady has been recruited to swim for West Point.

January is for the Birds

2009-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hamas and SDEROT

2008-12-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Indy Pics from Far Away

2008-12-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

Each week the Indy (Laguna Beach Independent) publishes travelers around the world holding up the Indy paper. The most current edition had 2 couples from Laguna Beach at Easter Island. I guess that is like 2 degrees of separation.

Here is the Publisher of the paper showing his travel holiday from Jean Paul Goodies Bakery (also known as the Coffee Nazi). Stu is a regular, as you can tell from his knit Beanie.... which also shows it does get cold even in Laguna Beach!

East Coast Flying High

2008-12-23T18:37:00.001-08:00

You can tell this is not Laguna Beach.
Matter of fact, it is on the East Coast where getting High has a totally different meaning!

Definitely have to have some big ones to fly around in what looks like a converted golf cart.

The view from the "Red Baron"

Dolphins and Menoras

2008-12-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Lights at Main Beach on a really cold night!

Now this is definitely artsy!

Getting Rocks Off!

2008-12-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

I was taking my usual daily walk on the beach when my eye caught a change in the rock formation. I thought some rocks had been added. My mistake!

Fire on Mystic

2008-12-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

It was all over in about 90 minutes. Good thing it had just rained or we could have had a bad situation.

The property sits just above City hall

I am told this house was originally lost in the 1993 fires

Compliments from the one of the workers at Laguna Beach PD

It never Rains in California

2008-12-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

Must be too cold to rain!

End of Car Pursuit - North Laguna

2008-12-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

This nervous teenager thought the Police Car heading in the opposite direction on the Coast Hwy, was going to chase him (for no apparent reason) and so he took a quick turn up a side street and indeed got the officers attention. That started the pursuit. Once stopped, the standard procedures began for getting the driver out of the car in a way that was safe for everyone.

Date at San Clemente Pier

2008-12-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

While the days were still somewhat long, we would go to San Clemente Pier for a Friday Night Sunset Dinner at the Fisherman's. Great value! Good food! Most excellent view.

The area surrounding the pier is right out of old California complete with railroad (you have to walk across the tracks to get to the beach and pier), surfers, and funky eateries.

Definitely worth checking out!

Pistol Packing Grandma

2008-12-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

I thought it was time for Janet to know what I was doing when I left for the shooting range. It was time she learned how to pack heat.

I gave her a quick lesson in the kitchen on how to use the sight. It is a little tricky.

She did great! Actually.... better than great. After getting hit in the head by spent cartridges.... she put on the protective hood and actually looked intimidating.

No One Around

2008-09-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Actually, there was one lone surfer nearby.... and then there was me..... quite wet from not paying attention to a small rogue wave!

Horse Racing and Belly Dancers

2008-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the races at Del Mar on Sunday, which is an annual event for us. On the way back, we drove up the coast and stopped at our favorite Armenian Restaurant in Carlsbad.

They usually have a musician playing Armenian and European music as they did this day. However, we got the bonus of a 'Belly Dancer'

Sailing Home

2008-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day for a walk around Dana Point Harbor. Maybe because of the limited parking, it just never seems crowded.

We walked to the Harbor entrance and watched the sailboats returning.

Loving a Bandit and Hiding in a Pouch

2008-08-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Sawdust Festival had a "Wild Animal" day and there was some fun stuff going on.

Joey the Red Kangaroo is just 6 months old and wants to hang with Mommy!

This bandit looks cute.... but it got uptight from the crowd reaction and scratched the nice lady showing it off.

KeyBoard Car for Nerds

2008-08-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

On the way to dinner, my wife spotted the "Keyboard Car"!

Most different for sure. The car is almost totally covered with computer keys (from keyboards) resulting in various patterns and messages.

Pageant of Masters Celebrates 75th Anniversary

2008-08-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Pageant of the Masters is celebrating it's 75th Anniversary.

A parade including many of the cast (Last Supper, Can Can....) paraded downtown from the Laguna Art Museum snaking through downtown and ending up at the Festival Grounds.

The cast of the "Last Supper' takes their positions.

Crossing Coast Highway heading to Festival grounds.

The Town of Armeno

2008-08-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Armeno, has a town named after him in Northern Italy.

I guess the population is 50!

Must be just inhabited by Artists...

Mustang Rally in Dana Point

2008-07-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

On the way home from coffee, I noticed a bunch of cars stopped at the side of the road in Dana Point on the Coast Highway. I pulled over and took some video and pics. Here is the video.

My Garden

2008-07-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Okay! I know this is boring stuff to most..... but I spend 3-6 hours each weekend working in the garden. Here are a few of my babies:

Singing Umbrella Lady

2008-07-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Cindy (the Umbrella Lady) appears here in one of her many outfits singing an "Oldie but Goodie". Cindy can be seen most days around town in a different outfit and umbrella.

The Hand!

2008-06-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

For several years this thing has been growing on the back of my hand. Several friends suggested I use the standard method of smashing it with a book.

I was told the Bible was best. Since, I am Jewish, I thought I should use the Old Testament.

Then my Police friend suggested I whack it with her baton.

I finally decided to let the Doctor do it.

Spring brings the Baby Birds!

2008-06-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love Spring. The Birds love each other and sure enough..... babies!

This one is the 'Big Mouth' of the 4. Three of the others are nearby trying to figure out what all the racket is. The nest is in a chandelier outside of my office.

This is a Mommy Humming Bird sitting on her 3 eggs in a nest she made in our Avocado tree.

Early Morning with JP

2008-06-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

On the way to the airport real early (5:30 AM) to head to Virginia for a graduation.... needed to stop at the Coffee Nazi to get some Caffeine before he raises his prices. Sounds like he lost his voice.

Pool Shark

2008-06-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Okay! looks like Janet is getting ready to play Minnesota Fats!

Gibralter Ape to Drive

2008-05-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

This guy (I think) is pondering driving this car. However, he is confused that this is British territory and yet the steering wheel is on the 'American' side. How strange.

Probably is an automatic to boot.

Suits him! Portugese Styles

2008-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I was wandering around the port town of Portimao when I came across one of the locals.

I guess the Portuguese taste in suits differs from mine.

Oh well... different strokes for different folks.

Found the people!

2008-05-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

They were around the corner....

April in Paris

2008-05-24T21:32:00.001-07:00

Well.... actually this is May 1st... but close enough.

I guess the Parisians don't think as much about Paris in April as we do.

I couldn't find anyone around!

Cedar Creek - Ivy House Closes

2008-03-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the final role call for the daily drinking group at Cedar Creek.... lovingly remembered as the 'Ivy House'

People came from all over.... including 'Howard' who made great burgers and is now living in luxurious style somewhere in Arizona.

Some of the regulars have long moved to the bar in the sky. The remaining group is looking for a new watering hole somewhere in town.

At the present.... nothing has been selected.

B U M M E R !

DUI Checkpoint - Nystagmus

2008-03-19T21:51:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder why the Police hold their pen or finger in front of your face going back and forth? It's called nystagmus and it a test to see how your eyes track.

So even though you tell the officer "I only had one drink".... he (or she) can tell if that was a really big drink by the way your eyes track.

You cannot control your eyes.... unless you close them and don't look.

Making the Height

2008-02-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

For years I have tried to grow tall enough to make the height mark which designated a 'record' among photographers.

Now I know how it feels to be a record breaker.

Just like the New York Giants!

Terrible in Newport

2008-01-22T16:27:00.001-08:00

I was drifting through the Newport Harbor when I noticed this Terrible boat. Turns out this boat is so afraid of getting wet... it refuses to go into the water.

That is Terrible!

Coffee Nazi allows Bikers

2008-01-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

Biker Pluto Woolsey smiles as he becomes the first biker served coffee at the infamous 'Coffee Nazi' hangout. This has been a long sought after hangout by many of the bad biker Grandpa's!

Surfing Wrong Direction - Salt Creek

2008-01-10T21:54:00.001-08:00

I'm no expert. But it sure looks like this guy is surfing in the wrong direction.

Sucker for the French

2008-01-07T13:07:00.001-08:00

There is something about the French I really like.

Frenchie "Fletcher" had a sleepover with us to celebrate the New Years. He brought his companion to keep him company at night.

Fletcher is partial to Bears.

Turks and Caicos

2007-12-13T19:37:00.001-08:00

I got this call from the travel agent informing me that our Windstar Cruise in the Caribbean had been canceled as a result of hydraulic problems.

My wife looked on the Internet and suggested we go instead to Turks and Caicos. I said I was not in the mood to eat out.... and besides, I never heard of that restaurant.

'Hey Doe Doe' she said. That's not a restaurant. It's an island.

'Okay' I said. Let's go check it out.

Checks out okay.

Chess Anyone?

2007-10-26T22:10:00.001-07:00

I tried teaching my wife chess..... but she complained it hurt her back too much.

Back to the drawing board!

A long way for coffee!

2007-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was trying to get to the 'Coffee Nazi" in North Laguna Beach. I think he got lost!

Chateau du Sureau - Yosemite

2007-10-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

I never visited Yosemite and thought it was time to check it out. As usual, my boss insisted on selecting the place to lodge at.

Now I know why she is the boss! She booked us into the Chateaus du Sureau where we were treated like royalty.

Oh yes.... Yosemite was great.... but I could hardly wait to get back to the Chateau and experience the 6 course dinner with matching wines.

How much???? Priceless!

Flying Lobster Escape Stopped

2007-10-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

JP caught this lobster trying to escape by flying out of the kitchen. The lobster was no match for JP's lightening fast reflexes.

Yum Yum!

Luxury Living in a Water Tower

2007-10-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

California has lots to offer that you just can't find anyplace else.

I was driving up to my Guru's place in Naples the other day and was wondering what it would be like to rent this place for a week.

It definitely has a great view.... but climbing those steps on the way back from the market must be a pain!

I wonder if they charge extra for water??

Caught in the act!

2007-09-30T17:53:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought this Frenchie hung around me because he thought I was "the man"!

Surfer Trail - Salt Creek

2007-09-26T23:03:00.001-07:00

Surfer Trail............

Escape to Pigna

2007-09-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

My buddy AG is waiting for me to arrive and join him for a smoke and a drink.

This will take a while to get there, since he lives in Pigna Italy, a remote 13th century village. However, it is not that remote as to not contain the necessities of life!

Beach Traffic

2007-09-20T22:01:00.001-07:00

Every day around 5:30 I walk on the beach. I find it relaxing. Especially after the rush hour traffic has stopped.

Butterfly Legs

2007-09-18T16:28:00.001-07:00

It always amazes me how beautiful butterflies are.... and how not so beautiful the caterpillars they came from look.... not to mention what they do to my vegetable garden.

But .... they do have really skinny legs.

Laguna Beach RollOver

2007-09-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

I was laying in bed when the phone rang. It was Stu, the editor of the Laguna Beach Independent. "Stu", I said, "what are you doing up so late?".

"It's only ten" he said... and then filled me in about the accident that he just heard on his scanner (a legal one that picks up the Fire dept calls).

I got dressed and got my gear and headed up the Coast Hwy. The road was closed at Crown Valley. I drove up to the officer and showed him my press pass... so he let me thru. Stu told me that the police have to let you through if you are with the press. Usually, I have no problem, since most of the police officers know me. I am a police volunteer with Laguna Beach PD. But this officer was with station 18, the Sheriffs dept, and he did not know me.

Anyway, I got up to the scene just as they were loading the injured driver into the ambulance.

From what I was told, the car was heading down the center of the road, passing everyone at an estimated 100 plus miles per hour and lost control. He hit a fire hydrant and sheared it off and then hit a retaining wall, missed a palm tree; knocked down a Fedex drop box, and flipped about 6 times across the north bound lanes, landing upside down. The driver had no seat belt on and no air back.

Amazing he lived (I have to guess he was drunk... since it seems drunks almost never get hurt... just the innocent people near them). Also amazing there was no on coming traffic or this would have been a major disaster!

Nice Pumpkins!

2007-09-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again!

Time to look for those really great pumpkins to grab....

Skim Board Fun

2007-09-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay! So I took this the end of July. I guess I have just gotten lazy.

I Love watching these skim boarders. Way too much fun!

This was at west Beach..... moved because of the usual waste spill at Aliso!!

Boogati and Bicycle Thief

2007-05-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

On the way back from the Getty I came upon this chase.... It seems as though the Boogati was chasing a car that had taken his bike. Scary.... it looked like the bike was going to fall out of the trunk...

Virgin Attack

2007-05-03T19:48:00.001-07:00

I love art!! It gives people a great way to express themselves. This is at the Getty and it is obviously a firghtened virgin under attack by giant sperms. SCARY!!!

Al Pacino look alike at the Getty

2007-05-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the Getty Museum over the weekend. Great place! Lots of great art.

I stumbled across this painting that looks just like Al Pacino.

They should have one of those push to listen buttons so you could hear him speak. I wonder if he had a New York accent way back then??

Newport to Ensenada - No Jokes

2007-04-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just enough wind to get going.... but not much more. Some of these sailing ships will take up to 3 days to get south enough to get drunk.

Newport to Ensenada

2007-04-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time again for the annual Newport to Ensenada race. This always takes place just before Cinco de Mayo which means it is a practice run for getting drunk.... as you can tell from the pic below of one of the more serious competitors.

Like a Bird! The Secret...

2007-04-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

I just read 'The Secret' and decided I would think about being a bird..... a seagull ... and hang around the beach.

The problem... as I soon realized.... was that while I was a bird, I kept thinking about what it would be like to be a human.

I crashed into the sand seconds later...

Looking South

2007-04-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting back to doing some daily walks. One of my favorite strolls is to 'The Bluff' which is just south of the Ritz Carlton at Salt Creek. Decent surf brought out some of the locals.

This is what makes me smile big-time. Man!!! Am I lucky to be able to enjoy this.

Montage - Homicide in a small town!

2007-04-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

I use to look at this great beach and think.... this is like the 'Stairway to Heaven'. Little did I know that at the top of this staircase.... (pretty darn close to it)... there would be an event that resulted in two deaths. That is the news I have gotten 3rd handed.

I was down at the "Coffee Nazi" this morning around 11:00 when my buddy Jack Toothless (actually he has all of his teeth).... rode up looking like the famous Tour de France rider Larry Armpit. He asked me if I knew what had happened at the Montage. It seems that any time something goes on in Laguna, people think I know everything that happens that involves the Police Dept.

"No... I had no idea"... I asked what happened. All Jack knew was that the Police came zooming in around the time he was biking thru the area and that the Montage security had directed him in a different direction to avoid the lower hotel grounds around the bungalows along the walking path. Jack took the advise and proceeded in the detoured direction when he heard about 15 to 20 gun shots. That is all he knew.

That was more than I knew. About 5 hours later, when I was gardening .... no one calls me any more on Police photography since I have not been feeling well.... I got a few calls from various people filling me in on what appears to be a shoot out between police and some guests.

I went out for dinner at La Serena Grille which is across from the Montage and there were several T.V. news vans.

I guess I will have to wait for the 10:00 news (KTLA) to get the scoop on what happened.

Running on Water

2007-04-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was walking thru Heisler park the morning after the huge waves had made surfing history, when this surfer caught my eye. At first it looked like he was walking on water. Then I realized he was using stilts.

Life of a Squirrel

2007-04-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Squirrels can be really annoying at times. Especially when you are trying to get some sun...laying about the beach.

This little one seems to be really enjoying the day with some great surroundings.

Local Artists at Work

2007-04-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

One thing about Laguna that is really neat (to use an old term), is that it is quite normal to see local and nonlocal artists doing what they enjoy most.

And what I enjoy most is catching them in the moment without them being aware I am doing so. It's like being an observer in the Matrix.

Crack House - No Dumping please

2007-04-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Okay.... so the wise pain in the asses that live in Laguna, decided that it is better to save 3 old crack houses as historic something or others, rather than destroy these beauties. At an approximate cost of 300,000 dollars... these 3 future transient motels (not) have been dropped on Laguna Canyon road at Big Bend.

The city made sure to make it absolutely clear, there is to be no dumping in this spot.

Sorry..... Too Late!

Blowin in the Wind

2007-03-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

I finally gave up on picking up my potted Melaleuca tree after the wind knocked it over a few times. You can tell from this pic (south of the famous cat ladies place) that the wind was really blowin......

On the Beach

2007-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

This was actually taken in February when I could still take a stroll on the beach. I am once again thinking about updating my blog now that I have some time to think about things. This Thursday I go into Hoag Hospital to see if they can somehow get 2 stents inserted in 2 failed by-pass grafts. Last time this happened I barely squeaked by.

Between angioplaties and angiograms over the years, I have built up damaged tissue in my groin area, and it is now painful to go through the procedure, for something that originally I could not feel.

I actually dread the coldness of the operating room more than anything else. And then there is the procedure which I am totally awake for through the whole thing. Sorry to sound like a whiner. It still beats going through a bypass. That really sucked.

I am really hoping this will work. I am getting fat sitting around by the computer. I miss my long walks on the beach and working out. time to quit for the night.... I am feeling my heart again... it feels like a lump of liver.

That's All Folks!!

2006-12-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Well!!! Try as I might.... there is no way to delete this Blog.... So all I can do is say

Adios!

Maybe Not!

2006-11-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

On one of my strolls at the Dana Point Harbor, I spotted the Harbor Patrols Vessel Assist Boat.

I am not sure what or who they might be assisting..... but I don't get that warmed over feeling that they would do much good if I was in trouble on anything larger than a skeedoo!

Stuffing Ourselves

2006-11-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

We decided to pig out on our own (well turkey out that is) at the Fisherman's Restaurant on the pier at San Clemente. We had never tried this before. Several people had told us that for a very reasonable price (28.00 dollars each)... you not only got a complete turkey dinner.... but you got your very own turkey and got to take it home with you.

We started off with a bucket of clams, followed by a salad, followed by clam chowder soup, followed by the Turkey accompanied with mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and stuffing.

The whole thing was followed with pumpkin pie. Oh me oh my. Yes! We Americans are certainly good at pigging out (turkeying out).

Father Tmie

2006-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

It seems Father Time was impatient and decided to end the current year a bit early.

However, due to the fast actions of the Laguna Beach Police Dept.... he was sent packing and told not to return until December 31st.

The officer sent him up to Newport Beach.

Looks Familar

2006-11-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

I cant wait to see the movie Deja Vu.

I was in the Council Chambers today for a swearing in of 2 Reserve officers.

I thought I spotted someone I new... Raphael Flores... Probably because of the Boxer. Doggie seemed to recognize me.

But on second look... it was not Raphael. Actually, this guy looked like a terrorist to me.... so I left quickly.

Minutemen on the March

2006-11-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

I guess these are the MinuteWomen in place of the Minute men. This took place on Laguna Canyon Road Saturday and it almost got ugly.

See....... not everything in Laguna Beach is artsy and cutsey like the TV show.

Feeling Safe

2006-11-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

I like to walk around Dana Point Harbor in the late afternoon to strech my legs and breath in the good old sea breezes.

Lots of niice sailing ships go in and out of the harbor.

I spotted this one and wondered.....

'What the hell do they use that boat for?'

Bad Fish?

2006-10-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

We went out for a fish dinner and I don't think it sat real well on my tummy.

I went to a meeting to take some photos... and when I looked across the room... well I could have sworn the fish I had eaten was looking back at me!!

Cartoon?

2006-10-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I was watching this show on TV the other night called Heroes. It's about these unusual people who actually, unknown to them, are living out their lives as actual cartoon characters.

I liked the story..... thought it was pretty creative.

I stopped by the local newstand and picked up a comic book.

Holy Moly!! I wonder if Janet is one of these cartoon characters!!

Lovers

2006-10-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

I was going thru some pics when I came across this one. It makes me feel like a dirty old man sneaking a peak at some young lovers.

Yep! I guess that is what I am.

This works much better in Paris... then in Laguna! Especially, since I cannot find a tunnel to hide in.

Marcy Is on the Move Again

2006-10-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I got a call from one of my informers that Marcy Minkowski was in the area again. Marcy is the official mystery woman in the Beach community. She has only ever been seen on her Boat, the "Miss Marcy".

Nobody knows what she does and nobody has ever seen her off the boat or even on the boat when it was not in motion.

Very Strange!

Where are the cars?

2006-10-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

It seems that when you are on an island like Catalina, resources and space are limited. Every resident is allowed to have a golf cart (and some are really way out).... and not lots of cars.

I was told the current waiting list for a car is 15 years.

Get the roller skates1

Completed.... Next Step

2006-10-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

For the last several months I have been taking classes in CSI photography and Code Enforcement which includes lots of reading on things like search and seizure, use of force; actual experience with arrests, body searches (not what you think), pain tactics and finally the use of guns which included 16 hours (2 days) of heavy duty practice with a final exam on the range.

I just came back with a sore thumb and trigger finger and an almost perfect score. I shot one way off target when a hot ammo ejected from the shooter to my left and went down my back.

The next few months willl be more CSI classes, and lots of other exams so I can properly handle a crime scene without screwing it up.

Time will tell. It is pretty interesting!

Last Day of Car Show

2006-10-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

It seems that some of the not so very very rich, that live above the Crystal Cove shopping Center are annoyed by the large crowds of car enthusiasts that appear every Saturday morning starting at around 7:00 Am...... and so today was the last day of this weekly, extremely popular event.

I know this will be a bummer for the shopkeepers, who have been doing a stellar business on those mornings.

Maybe they can rename the shopping center to 'Just another shopping center like they have in Anaheim' .... Sorry.... no offense meant to Anaheim.

Let Bisons be Bisons

2006-10-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

I spotted these Bison from the road..... well I thought they were Bison.

Turns out some one put wigs on these Bulls.

Now that people are putting wigs on babies, they think they can put them on anything!

Day at Catalina

2006-10-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Somehow, when you are on a hill overlooking a neato harbor... they all look soemwhat alike.

This could almost be some place on the Riviera.......

Shut up! No naked boobs here...... just the local boobs.

Head Refresh

2006-10-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

I took the day after my birthday off so I could recharge my batteries.

Here I am reloading the section of my brain to tell all of those people they are full of Bull...

Well.... maybe full of Bison.

Janet's New Wheels

2006-10-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

I thought the last big wheel vehicle I bought for Janet would satify her.... but so much for my thinking.

This is Janet's latest shopping vehicle. Even though it only gets 2 gallons per mile...
Janet says.. " I can park this anywhere I damn please! "

Jolly Roger Closed

2006-10-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

I am starting to get that 'sinking' feeling. Quoting a fellow COP, Bruno Waldbaum, " The owner told everyone at 1:00 on friday.... "this is your last day". One lady had been there 25 years.... Jolly Roger, Jamba Juice, Newsstand, BigDogs, Baskin Robbins..... all gone in the last 2 months"

So much for the weekly newspaper meeting.

Even the prisoners in the local jail are effected. I guess they will now get their dinners from "Jack in the Box'.... without the secret sauce.

Main Beach

2006-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Okay! so I got lazy and decided to just take a pic of Main Beach.

I still love the way it looks.

Actually..... I took this one for someone that was going to put it on poker chips.

Weird!