I spy with my little eye...

...something that begins with a "J."

Remembering things past -- we used to while away time in the car playing this game.

Ours often morphed into the tree version of I Spy, where we guessed the correct names of trees lining the boulevard as we puttered by in our 1979 Ford Fairmont.

Jacaranda! In full bloom today...

Hey, sweet pea...

...what are you doing in a prickly, briery place like this?

Magnolia...

are in full regalia.

Beau and I stumbled upon these magnolia grandiflora during our walk this morning.

When I was a kid, we had a huge magnolia tree on our front boulevard. Once the blooms came, we knew it was time to get ready for summer...

Even this bee is preparing...

Uh, no.

This always makes me sad. Today on a walk, we came across this unfortunately tagged, rehabilitated, rebranded and carved eucalyptus.

For the mothers...

and for those who inspire, bring forth attention.

Survival of the fittest.

An insistent Spanish Broom (spartium junceum) emerges from a concrete gutter.

Darwin would be proud.

2010 Doo Dah Highlights...

The Doo Dah parade was a smashing success! We enjoyed the new parade route, a controversial ambling along the Eastern edges of Pasadena, which I felt allowed for a more intimate connection to the crowd and experience. I was part of a Corvette Cavalcade of past Queens-- afraid I don't have any pictures of me hanging out of the side of a black Corvette, but will post if any turn up. I was pelted by the obligatory tortilla and unending barrage of marshmallows- always welcomed.

A few of our favorite entries-- Count Smokula on his accordian and Dennis with his multi-colored happiness...

This year's Queen Erica Valentine, who shreds a mean guitar...

Me and outgoing Queen Skittles...

Here I am with Tom, the mastermind and organizer of the Parade...

A wacky time was had by all--long live Doo Dah!