Knitting

So I started a new hobby in August, Knitting.  It is actually great for someone who usually reads and watches TV at the same time.  After a month of learning from the internet and friends I have met, I tried my first sweater.  It turned out pretty good for a first timer.  Although you will never beat Retail prices as good yarn, wool or cashmere, is extremely expensive not to mention the labor.  So this will remain a hobby.

The Hungry Cat @ Hollywood, CA - Vine & Selma

Stopped in here for a quick bite last night.  I have heard good things, but I was not impressed. 

The place looks nice enough although sandwiched in between two buildings a not easy to find from the street.  Considered a seafood place, we had two specials -- lobster roll w/ garlic fries and seafood fritters.  The lobster roll was served on a hot dog bun which I thought could be good, but the bun did nothing for the roll and actually detracted from it.  The lobster salad did have plenty of lobster but not very flavorful.  Fries were salty.  The fritters were cod fish and so salty, like a salt lick! 

Given the place is supposed to excel in seafood, I was very disappointed.  I won't be going back.

Lobster Roll with Garlic Fries

Seafood Fritters

Wurstkuche @ Downtown LA

Went here for lunch over the weekend.  The best place for a bratwurst and a beer.  So far the Chipolte Aioli is my favorite dipping sauce.  Their new location in Venice opened a month ago, much closer than the downtown location by Union Station. 

I would recommend a visit.

Cheese Making Course @ Sur La Tabla at the Grove

I took this class last night and it was good.  I think a bit pricey ($69) for just 3 hours and the cheeses were simple, but delicious.  It was a nice casual environment and hands on.  They also served us dinner.  All in all, I may take another class if one piques my interest.

Ford's Filling Station @ Culver City

Went to this place yesterday for a small lunch.  I had meant to go to City Tavern, but they weren't serving when I was there (3pm-ish).  Ford's had a good Brisket Taquito and the atmosphere was nice.  Casual bar / diner vibe.  I will definitely go back for a full lunch or dinner.

Meet Tim!

Tim came to us last Friday via a Mississippi breeder.   He's quite cute and has razor sharp teeth.  It's been a while since I potty trained a puppy so he's wearing me out! 

day one

he takes lots of naps

in funny positions

Tim's submission to Puppy Playgirl

Yellowstone National Park @ Wyoming

We got back from a long weekend in Yellowstone a few weeks ago.  It was fantastic!  Stayed at the Old Faithful Inn which was really cool.  Old Faithful and several other geysers are right outside the hotel.  You could also sit on the deck of the hotel and have a cocktail while waiting for Old Faithful. 

More impressive than Old Faithful was the Beehive geyser.  It was like a full on fire hose straight up for 5 minutes vs. Old Faithful's spurts for a minute or so.  I didn't see Beehive, a friend did but I will post video when I get it. 

Went on 3 hikes; the long one was by far the best.  We did Bunsen Peak and then Osprey Falls.  The peak was a great viewpoint near Mammoth Lodge and then the Falls were hidden until the last eighth of a mile, but well worth it.  The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was also quite impressive.

one of many sulfur like pools around the geysers

Old Faithful in action

We were there at end of September and it is absolutely the best time.  It wasn't crowded and the weather was really good.

We also stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge which apparently normally has a ton of moose but we didn't see any.  We only saw one moose on a quick hike.  We did see many bison and deer /elk in Yellowstone.

Food was just OK, only dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge was note worthy.  Jackson Hole is a cute town but likely you can see it all in a day so don't make it a weekend unless you are doing something else.

cool tour bus at Old Faithful Inn

Bison on way to long hike, he was walking on the highway for a while

me and my friend at Cathedral peak on way to Bunsen peak

Osprey Falls

Moose at Moose Ponds hike near Jackson Lake