This picture of our two shotgun stocks show the heel of the gun face up. One is a 20 gauge natural wood stock, and the other is a 12 gauge synthetic stock. Both stocks are sculpted with the curves and checkering that are traditional for sporting arms like these. Personally, I like the artistic aspects of our guns as well as the sport shooting.

The South Coast Botanic Garden recently installed a pond and waterfall in the Japanese Garden area. It adds yet another tranquil water feature to an already pastoral garden.

Click the image to enlarge.

Last summer, I transplanted this amaryllis to the side of the house. This week, these two buds appeared on a flower stalk that likely will be open in a few days. The blush tells me that this must be the red/white variegated variety that produced very pretty flowers last time growing in a pot.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Photo credit to Verna.

I am a long-time admirer of Art Deco. Mom and Dad used to collect, buy and sell antiques, many of which were art deco pieces. I learned to appreciate art deco for it’s graceful curves and stark zig-zags - it is just elegant.

I recently read a book about Long Beach Art Deco, which is a historical look at the city as it was rebuilt after the devastating 1933 earthquake. It was a fascinating account with lots of black and white pictures taken of the disaster and the emerging structures.

If you read our blog, you know that we like to visit the beaches and the harbor in San Pedro. While on a recent trip to the harbor, we toured around looking at the art deco buildings. Some of it is just beautiful, but some of it, sadly, needs more tender loving care.

One fabulous example of an art deco structure that does get TLC is the Warner Grand Theater on 6th Avenue. This building is a time tunnel to the 1930s and 1940s. I think could stand here and absorb all the wonderful details for hours. Click on the picture to enlarge.