Hollywood Bowl

I went to the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday, where the L.A. Philharmonic played Beethoven's 9th. Yes, there is culture in L.A. for those naysayers who think it does not exist in the Los Angeles urban genetic make-up. I love the Hollywood Bowl. It's wonderful to sit outside in the cool summer air listening to the the sounds of Ode to Joy dissipate into the canyon of the Hollywood Hills. To me, the Hollywood Bowl, along with the Getty, has got be one of the gems of Los Angeles.

Of course, besides listening to music, part of the fun of going to an outdoor concert is picnicking beforehand. My friends from my old job and I dined on a lovely summer meal of cheeses, prosciutto, fruit, bread and wine -- one of my favorite meals. And since it was my birthday, we shared a couple pieces of delicious, and sinful, cake from a local bakery at intermission. It was a fun evening.

In the picture to the left, some guy approached us to borrow our wine opener.

Also, thanks everyone for the presents, flowers and cards.

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Uncle Bill was in Los Angeles last weekend and I had a nice dinner with him and his friends at a little Italian restaurant on the beach in Huntington Beach. The food was decent and the wine selection was extensive. It was good to see him. I also have added the place to my restaurant repertoire.

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As I was writing this post, a bird was chirping outside my window and the sound caught Casey's interest. I so happened to snap a picture of it. So cute.