Yamashiro Inn

The Yamashiro Inn on a hilltop in Hollywood is closing in on it's 100th birthday in 2014. Construction began in 1911 by two wealthy brothers. The brothers were avid collectors of Japanese art and wanted a home to showcase the collection. They brought dozens of Japanese craftsmen to Hollywood to build the ten room residence. The Pagoda was purchased in Japan, disassembled and then reassembled on the hilltop. It is said to be the oldest building in California, 600 years. The views are commanding; the San Bernardino Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, Century City and all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/history/

FRIDA'S HOUSE of COLOR

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE

An hour ago it was cripsy and fall like when I was getting dressed for my 'Sunday Go get the Paper Walk'.  So I put on jeans, a flannel shirt and my vintage Pendleton 49er Jacket (c. 1940s or 50s).

An hour from now it will be a very warm summer day spent with coffee and the paper in the garden.

I used to be a maniac vintage/thrift shopper.  It was like 'Big Game Hunting'.  I found the price tag for this shirt/jack in it's pocket; 12.00.  I just recieved a Pendleton Catalogue; going price 178.00 !!

See, 'Big Game Hunting' !

There used to be a dozen great Thrift/Vintage stores in Venice and Santa Monica.  Most are gone now.  They've fallen victim to the 'gentrification' movement.

CAL TRANS DIST 7 HQ

This beautiful new building was completed in 2009. Architects; Morphopedia. A colorful open air entry court. Art galleries, restaurants, child care facilities and solar panels designed in to the fabric of the building . Downtown Los Angeles at 2nd and Main.

Stock photos; Google Images

Kornish House Richard J. Neutra Architect

I came across these wonderful rendering by Neutra for the Kornish House.

The LA Conservancy is mounting a campaign to save the house which has suffered much damage and clumsy 'improvements'. First they will likely do an assessment of the property.

Hollyhock House

HOLLYHOCK HOUSE

nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Frank Lloyd Wright's beautiful Hollyhock House in the Hollywood Hills is gettin a little face lift this summer. I'm so happy we are keeping this beauty up to snuff.

Click on photos for L.A Times article.

These are stock photos from Google.

----maybe it's the rainy weather, but I've been getting creative in the kitchen lately.

I used to hate Brussell Sprouts. Our mothers used to just throw them into boiling water and the smell was horrific ! I like these.

Sweet and Sour Brussell Sprouts

3/4 lb brussell sprouts

1 TBL olive oil

1 tsp 'Splenda' or sugar

1/4 cup golden raisins

1 tsp butter

2 TBL flavored vinegar

2TBL chopped walnuts

dash salt and pepper

Rinse Sprouts, pat dry, cut off bottoms, cut in half lengthwise and cut out core.

Tear apart into leaves and small pieces.

Heat oil in Wok until water drops sizzle, throw in sprouts and sprinkle with 'Splenda' and toss till color 'brightens.

Add butter and toss.

Throw in raisins.

Add vinegar.

Let vinegar steam off a bit.

Sprinkle with walnuts.

This will hold for several hours. Just heat throught and toss before serving.

Serves 4

Variations:

Substitute Dried Cranberries for Raisins

Pine nuts for walnuts

DON'T FORGET TO MOVE TO THE BOTTOM AND FEED THE FISH BEFORE YOU LEAVE !!!

The Ennis House by Frank Lloyd Wright

This is the perfect time of year for me to go an architectural tour of Los Angeles.

We have so many great houses to see; Wright, Neutra ---