Big Brother posts and other assorted events have led to me scarcely posting like I typically do, with pictures and witty observations and that trademark wit – I know it’s been a tough dry spell to have to endure, but let’s do our best and soldier through the MANY albums of stuff that need display. There’s a lot to cover, so I’ll just get started on this article while watching this terrible Emmy’s ceremony.
I guess we’ll do this in chronological order? I suppose I have to start with the time right after when Jon & Alyssa visited us, which was the end of July. Annnnndddd, GO!
After Jon & Alyssa left, the first major event upcoming for Larry & me was to have a timely Housewarming! It took us almost a year and a half to have our Rooftop Revelry party in Santa Monica, so having a party within the first 6 months of living in a place seems positively pro-active! We knew we HAD to have a piece of bar furniture. HAD to. Went to the Grove’s Crate & Barrel and picked us up a cabinet I’d had my eye on for years!
August 4, 2013 – The New Bar
04-Aug-2013 14:07, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 64
04-Aug-2013 14:07, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200
04-Aug-2013 14:08, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 250
So we had a bar, now what? It was time to party! We stocked up on supplies at BevMo! and the grocery store, with Larry once again wowing the crowd with his fantastic snack foods. Potstickers, Guacamole, Cocktail weenies wrapped in dough, a Vegetable platter….all delicious. I made what were possibly the best chocolate chip cookies I’d ever made. We strung up lights at the entrance to the house, the patio, and the back patio (the smoking area). The new place ended up being a great space for hosting people, as you could easily stay in at the kitchen or relax at the patio. It was a LOT of fun and yes, I think a good level of drunkiness was attained. The hangover the next day confirmed that. I think it’s safe to say that everyone had a good time and honestly, I want to have another party soon. It’s just a lot of fun.
August 10, 2013 – Our Silver Lake Housewarming Party
Party Prep on the deck
10-Aug-2013 15:17, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100
The dJay himself
10-Aug-2013 15:17, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100
Surveying all that is his
10-Aug-2013 15:17, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100
The outdoor music setup
10-Aug-2013 15:17, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100
Our safety measures for the steps of doom
10-Aug-2013 16:06, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 500
Sveta, always first and always an angel
10-Aug-2013 16:28, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 6.896mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Our first three, Sveta, Mila, and Sarah
10-Aug-2013 17:18, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800
Smooches
10-Aug-2013 17:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 640
Mila and Hobie
10-Aug-2013 17:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 800
Hobie and Sveta
10-Aug-2013 17:31, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.904mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800
Reverse
10-Aug-2013 17:32, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.381mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800
Mila and me outside
10-Aug-2013 17:33, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 8.216mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 125
Totes adorbs
10-Aug-2013 17:33, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 8.216mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 125
The Housewarming in full swing
10-Aug-2013 18:14, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 640
Nicki and the MHS girls
10-Aug-2013 18:39, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800
Westwood keeping it real yo
10-Aug-2013 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
Grace, Mark, Wendy & Jay
10-Aug-2013 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1000
Chilly Brian
10-Aug-2013 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
Nicki & Tawny share a seat
10-Aug-2013 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1000
I can fit in, I swear
10-Aug-2013 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600
10-Aug-2013 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600
Argenis too!
10-Aug-2013 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.448mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600
10-Aug-2013 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.448mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Angie and John joined us too
10-Aug-2013 20:11, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
John and Angie
10-Aug-2013 20:12, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Selfie with Paras, Mila and me
10-Aug-2013 20:14, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
It is sometimes better to have your photo taken
10-Aug-2013 20:14, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.788mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Drew, Tawny and Paras
10-Aug-2013 20:15, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600
Me with Nicki and Brian
10-Aug-2013 20:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800
One in a series of me and Nicki
10-Aug-2013 20:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 8.759mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800
Am I drunk? Possibly.
10-Aug-2013 20:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 10.035mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1000
She could be propping me up
10-Aug-2013 20:16, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 10.640999mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600
Me and Paras and a bottle that was full
10-Aug-2013 20:17, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 4.23mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
The Chinese Lantern smoking deck
10-Aug-2013 20:21, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 1600
Wendy in a comfortable environment
10-Aug-2013 20:27, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 1600
Blurry outdoors
10-Aug-2013 20:32, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 1600
Probably the nicest of me and Larry
10-Aug-2013 20:45, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
Drunk smooches
10-Aug-2013 20:46, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
I'm drunk, fosh
10-Aug-2013 20:46, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Enough
10-Aug-2013 20:46, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Demonic
10-Aug-2013 20:46, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1250
I wish this had turned out
10-Aug-2013 21:18, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 1 sec, ISO 1600
Yay, but I hate flash
10-Aug-2013 21:18, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800
Drew, Paras and Tawny
10-Aug-2013 21:45, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 800
Paras and Tawny
10-Aug-2013 21:45, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 1600
Me and George
10-Aug-2013 21:47, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.75mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 1600
Where's the camera
10-Aug-2013 21:47, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.75mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 1600
Maybe I was just blurry in real life
10-Aug-2013 21:47, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.0, 5.75mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 1600
Cut me off
10-Aug-2013 21:48, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.5, 5.021mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 1600
Wendy and Jay - adorbs
10-Aug-2013 22:00, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 3.4, 4.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800
Sleepy Wendy
10-Aug-2013 23:50, Canon Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 4.5, 11.286mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 1600
Alright, the following weekend was one that had been lingering in my mind for a while as it was the time we had scheduled to have Harv’s memorial service/celebration. We had it at the Duarte Elks Lodge, a place that Harv was heavily involved in from the beginning, from its construction through to being a lodge officer. They were very cooperative and a great host to us in what was going to be a tough event to make it through. Larry & I were responsible for the media of the event, including the program, which turned out wonderfully, as well as a poster-sized photo of Harv, and what would end up being one of the harder things to do, creating a video. Larry took on the heavy lifting for that, scanning in a ton of pictures and becoming extremely proficient in Adobe Premiere’s slideshow movie features. He also brilliantly sync’d everything up to two songs we chose, Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody on a Theme by Paginini” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” With that work done, the actual ceremony itself ended up working out pretty nicely. We got to the Lodge early, got it all set up including the A/V stuff, in time to welcome what ended up being a fantastic showing of Harv’s family and friends. Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant catered a great lunch for the event and it really just went smoothly. After it was over, for me, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. There was a semblance of closure. There is more to come in the near future, but for now, I think a lot of peace was achieved.
August 17, 2013 – Harv’s Memorial Ceremony
On to slightly more happy stuff, okay?
Since moving to the Silver Lake area, it’s been a lot of fun to explore and enjoy the new selection of restaurants and bars that are available to us. One that came highly recommended by Nicki is Cliff’s Edge, a restaurant you wouldn’t even know was there if you weren’t looking for it. A great setting and good food – and apparently if I liked oysters, I’d really like it.
August 22, 2013 – At Cliff’s Edge on Sunset
Inside the wonderfully scenic Cliff's Edge restaurant. Â You'd never guess it was right off Sunset Blvd in East L.A.
22-Aug-2013 18:49, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.059 sec, ISO 400
Great vibe inside as can be seen in Larry's grin.
22-Aug-2013 18:49, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
I seem to need a drink
22-Aug-2013 18:49, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
A bit later in the evening, with more diners and the mood lighting in full effect
22-Aug-2013 20:21, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 2500
Capturing more of the interior
22-Aug-2013 20:21, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 3200
Drinks!
22-Aug-2013 20:22, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 2500
Big ass tree
22-Aug-2013 20:22, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 3200
A fun event that we also went to was one organized and held by Ken’s girlfriend, Rebecca, called The Depressed Cake Pop-Up Bakery, a fund raiser selling “depressed”-style tasty bakery treats to raise money for organizations dedicated to raise awareness about depression. It was on the West Side, a mythical place that seems like a very distant long-ago memory. Schlepping there from where we live now, on a Friday night, is an exercise in….patience. We made it though, and first grabbed some food at a restaurant called The A-Frame, housed in a former IHOP. After that we made it over to the Pop-Up event, where we also met up with Mila and Angie and other assorted friends and family! Importantly, someone had made some depressed cronuts, and I can definitely understand why there’s such a craze over them (although don’t think I can ever really go with waiting in line for them for 2 hours. Nope.). And oh yeah, I put on some hipster glasses and I think I made a splash. Too bad that I don’t really need glasses all that much.
August 23, 2013 – A-Frame and The Depressed Cake Pop-Up Bakery
Larry at the A-Frame restaurant in Culver City. Â Good find, Larry!
23-Aug-2013 18:29, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200
The inside of A-Frame, a former IHOP restaurant structure.
23-Aug-2013 18:29, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 50
Me in all my glory.... eyeroll
23-Aug-2013 18:29, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 250
At the Depressed Cake Shop Pop-Up, here with Mila
23-Aug-2013 19:58, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 640
Different angle, with more of the lovely dusk
23-Aug-2013 19:58, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 640
Mila with cutie daughter Ilona
23-Aug-2013 19:59, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 400
Sign!
23-Aug-2013 20:00, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 125
The gallery where the Pop-Up occurred
23-Aug-2013 20:00, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200
John and Angie
23-Aug-2013 20:11, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 500
Masters of Selfie
23-Aug-2013 20:12, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 250
Wearing Angie's glasses - time for my hipster phase?
23-Aug-2013 20:15, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800
Mila's Pic of the delicious depressed goods
Larry and I enjoying our L.A. version of the cronut
That shit was good. Â I'm a fan of the cronut if that's what they taste like.
I think I’ll wrap up this PART 1 post by posting a nice set of photos I took when Larry & I took a walk from our house to the awesome nearby movie house, The Vista. It’s a fantastic theater that is beautifully renovated and has huge rows and is extremely comfortable and quite technically proficient. It’s not IMAX so we’ll still have to trek elsewhere for that, and it only runs one movie at a time, so you just may not like the movie it’s currently playing, but damn, it’s a great place to visit. We were seeing “The World’s End” that afternoon and it was just a gorgeous day.
August 24, 2013 – Walking to The World’s End
24-Aug-2013 15:26, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 50
24-Aug-2013 15:30, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 32
24-Aug-2013 15:39, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, ISO 50
24-Aug-2013 19:25, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 400
24-Aug-2013 19:41, Apple iPhone 5, 2.4, 4.13mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 320
I’ll continue with the next part very soon, I promise!
