I am in charge here

I was so nervous about judging my first speech and debate tournament, which I chose to do instead of paying a large sum of money.  It helped to carpool with someone who had judged before and who was able to give me tips. Getting a refresher course from the speech and debate coach on judging was a help, too. We were reminded that the students will respect us and that we have the final say.

So different from A.'s high school, which has no indoor stairs.

The first speeches I judged were good, which made it so hard. I did not want to give any kid last place. They were all so sweet and hardworking! I tried to answer the question, "Which speech would I want to hear again?" I also tried to remember A.'s advice and not write, "Good job," and then give them last place, but instead try to write constructive comments.

"This sign is in English when you are not looking."
I am not sure what that means, but I did like being in different classrooms.

When I wasn't judging I was hanging out in the judges' room. Snacks, coffee, and meals were provided, but since I am picky I brought my own. Talking to parents from other schools who have been doing this longer was encouraging. 

We stayed for the awards ceremony, which was run very efficiently. The third- and second-place people get a single clap done by everyone in unison and the first place person gets a brief standing ovation. I hope it teaches everyone to be supportive and a good sport.

One down, a few more to go.

Almost a tradition

We don't feel obligated to go every year, but we often go to Oak Glen after Thanksgiving. An early start helped us avoid the crowds and the heat.

First stop was to make sure my favorite chestnut tree was still there.

Apple cider doughnuts are part of the tradition, too.

We always stop here to help make apple butter over an open flame,
to check out the manual apple press, and to talk with people running the orchard.

This is also the place with hatchet throwing and a small archery range.

The debate at the end is always how many apples to buy. I always wish I had bought more so this time I bought a half-bushel of seconds apples, perfect for making applesauce. Two days and many batches of applesauce later I can honestly say that I did not buy too few. The fridge and freezer are full of both lumpy (what I like) and smooth (what D. likes).

We didn't quite observe Buy Nothing Day and it was only partially Opt Outside Day, but it was great!

Mini vacation

Schools are closed for the whole week but in order to be in town for a cello recital (not optional), avoid holiday traffic, and have time to cook we decided to take a two-person 26-hour vacation.

After stopping at the mall (who knew it would be crowded on a Sunday at 4:30 in the afternoon??) we made it to Palm Springs in time for a Thai dinner and to walk around.

We found a cute motel not far from the center of town.

The highlight of the day was riding the aerial tramway. Even the drive there was great.

The floor rotates so as we went up we had views heading up and looking down.

Once we were on top we had a fantastic little hike with views and rocks to climb.
Unfortunately we did not see any animals and the place to rent snowshoes was not open.

Not great for trees, but fun to look at. Photo by A.

Nice view on the way down. It is clear to see where the water runs.

After leaving Palm Springs we stopped at Hadley's to buy dates and the outlet mall to buy almost nothing (a sweater and pair of socks).

Good to go away and good to get home!

Things

My sister gave me one of these!

I bought myself these stamps.

I thought I had lost my water bottle and was so happy to find it in a bag I hadn't used in a while.

Another Day Off

Friday was a day off in observance of Veterans Day, but this time instead of entertaining A. I chose activities with other people. As I was sharing the list of plans with a friend she asked if I were planning to swim. What else would I be doing at 6 a.m.?

The next event was a hike, although we were surprised to see the police and ranger at the start and find the gate closed. The helicopters on the hillside and in the air should have been clues that there was a problem. We were sorry to hear about a medical evacuation. We took a different route and took it easy!

I changed and headed off to meet a friend at the annual Pilgrim Place Festival, which is one part an event to highlight crafts made by residents, another part yard sale, and a final part entertainment. I bought a shoe horn, greeting cards with art created by a resident, a book, and persimmons. Socializing was free.

I went on my own to the Friday Noon Concert Series. No one else seemed curious to hear tuba concertos. I think once was enough, but I don't regret going.

The rest of the day was spent cooking and cleaning before people came over for dinner.

Another day off and it was a good one!

On the bright side

I got a blog post out of it.

So sad. No spare because there is a battery instead.
The goo and compressor would not work since it was not a puncture, just poor driving.

The towing people wanted to know if the issue was vandalism, an act of God, or mechanical. 

It was kind of interesting to see the process of the tire removal.

And to see the rim.

I was grateful to get home, safe and sound.

Staycation

The local school district scheduled a voluntary in-service day for the teachers on the day after Halloween, which meant a day off for the students. A. invited a friend and the three of us headed downtown.

Our first stop was to see the see the fountain that contains bits and pieces, mostly large glass and ceramic shards, found during the excavation of the area known as Chinatown when the station was being built. Someone fixing the fountain explained this to us and then took us over to the just-right spot to watch the

light sticks that subliminally create images and words.
I enjoyed reading more about the artist and the art here.

Once we made our way through the station we wandered on Olvera Street, including our annual visit to Avila Adobe, to the oldest house in L.A. It hasn't changed since last time.

We were not in town in the evening for the Dia de los Muertos festival, but several shrines were set up, including one that included a display in memory of pets.

As we walked to Little Tokyo we passed public art in front of almost
every building. I had never notice this mosaic and learned more from this blog.

As we admired a little garden we asked the parking lot attendant if it was okay to look around. He said if we were curious we could go ring the doorbell and go inside to see the sanctuary. Sure, why not?, was the consensus. We were treated to a intimate tour and explanation of Buddhism of this temple. I wasn't comfortable taking a picture, but the one above is from their website.

We finally made it to the shopping area where the teens had fun exploring the plushies, the funko pops, the mechanical pencils, the everything.

I liked the art and the haiku wall.

We ate lunch at one of Jonathan Gold's top 101 restaurants in L.A. (and possibly the only one I have ever heard of), Grand Central Market. For the first time ever there was not a shockingly long line at Eggslut so the boys gave it a try. They were proud that they did not buy the $3 Cokes but went to a small vendor and bought $1 Pepsis instead.

Angel's Flight recently re-opened and we rode it up the hill, but I totally regretted it. Each time it stopped I thought it would go crashing down and we would be the reason it was closed again.

Once at the top I decided we should go to the Wells Fargo Museum since they had never been there and I hadn't been in over ten years. Going when there is no field trip meant we had the whole place to ourselves. 

Our next stop was the MOCA Grand gift shop, The Broad gift shop,
and the Disney Concert Hall gift shop. Maybe next time we'll go to a museum!

We waited in this spot for the bus take us back to Union Station.

It was a great day and I would not have changed anything we chose to do. Just as with each visit I wondered to myself why I don't do it more often.