----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 ---

Californiating in November Sunsets

Wonderful skies lately. Counting my blessings.

View from the bluff overlooking the Marina with Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains in the background. Ahhhhhh Cali.

THE SANTA FE OPERA

This roofed, but open sided opera house relys on the breathtaking natural scenery for it's back drops, rather than built-out sets. The western view is across the vast mesa to the sunset over the Continental Divide. The photo is of a minimalist set for Madame Butterfly showing the sunset view as the backdrop.

The LAX Theme Building is open again after a massive restoration. This place has always been so Kitchy/Camp that it's cool.

Is that a giant Bubble Lamp/Sculpture I see in the 'Encounter Bar' ?

COCKTAILS

AT

SUNSET !!!!

Sprite

by

Frank Lloyd-Wright c. 1912

I found it.

Some people like flamingos.

Some people like gremlins (I almost went there)

I found the perfect Queen of my Garden.

She was designed in 1912 by Frank Lloyd-Wright.

Sculpted by Ianelli.

For the Midway Gardens Entertainment venue in Chicago.

A few of the original now live at the Arizona Biltmore.

This replica is just beautiful. So very well done and she is so happy with the Kangaroo Paws.

She is the Midway Garden Sprite. Now known as the Arizona Biltmore Sprite.