Greetings from Sierra Madre

Girls break from diner duty at Heasley Field during a little league game.

Little League Tryout Night

Grave Diggers

Sierra Madre, CA -- Old cemeteries have a certain draw to them. Sometimes it's fun to explore the 100+-year-old stones for familiar names. I also find it interesting to read what loved ones write for the epitaph.

Today, we wondered on a couple of grave diggers. I introduced myself first and asked them questions about their work. No modern equipment allowed here; the grounds are too old and fragile. They made it clear that seven feet is the standard, not six feet. I asked if I could get a few shots, which they agreed. I shot this photo right after I told them that I may title this photo, "Modern Grave Robbers." They got a kick out of it.

Cat Watch

Sierra Madre, Ca -- A cat looks out over a narrow, residential road as cars and people rush by.

Looking Up

Sierra Madre -- I noticed a kid spinning in a courtyard. Other kids encouraged him as he spun faster and faster until he became dizzy and fell to the ground. That's when I asked him to "smile for the lens."

The Mail Lineup

Tired of the endless daily junk mail to sort out, I decided to give the mail carrier a "special place" to put the grocery advertisements, fast food menus and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons. I purchased a basket and placed it next to my front door with a sign reading, "Please Place Junk Mail Here."

It works. I now come home each day to a stack of bills in one place and junk mail in another. Although, I still like to rummage through the basket for stray magazines that get caught in the physical spam filter.

Child Labor for a Good Cause

Sierra Madre, CA -- Last weekend, our church had an all-church work day. We had a good turnout, including a few willing kids who put some of us old folks to shame.

Haven For The Uncommon

Not far from Downtown Los Angeles is the small town of Sierra Madre. Founded in the 1880s and incorporated in 1907, Sierra Madre is a pioneer town built on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Many buildings still stand from that era, making this township a nice place to drive through, walk or stop for a cup of coffee.

But not many know about The Canyon. As you drive up towards the mountain, the road narrows, the trees become more dense and the homes unique. Hairpin turns wind up the steep, single-lane ways with eye-catching vistas and dwellings looking more like cabins or tree houses than your typical LA home.

Five minutes down the hill lies "Metropolis," but up here, one can find serenity, fresh air and even a grin of discovery on a newcomer's face. Many residents still display their Obama banners, stickers and homemade signs. In fact, there is a lot of "home made" around these parts. This is an art community--individualist in Birkenstocks, peace signs and Subarus, expressing their creativity in a most beautiful wooded community.

Me? On nice days like today, I don my cargo shorts, Birks and ride the Vespa into the enchanted sanctuary of Sierra Madre Canyon and try to blend in....

Beautiful Sierra Madre

Nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, the eclectic town of Sierra Madre is one of LA's more charming hamlets. The homes are relatively modest in size and are typically built in the late 1800s through the early 20th century. Among the styles built are cottages, craftsman and cabin-like lodges. Although some of the homes are quite palatial with massive lots, like the home pictured below, Sierra Madre is mostly known for it simple, small town charm.