Holiday: Catch-ups, Pick-ups, Follow-ups

Yes, I've been out and about lately, as busy as you no doubt, getting ready for all the holidays and seen some good, bad, ugly. I wanted to post them sooner, but couldn't get on-line, no thanks to stupid wireless access company, so here's what's current.

Flowers
Don't know how it is in other parts of the world, other homes, but for me: Paper white Narcissus --smell grand, look charming --say "winter" to me. As fond as I am, it's surprising: never remember to buy in November; by the time I get them -they bloom: it's dark, cold outside, gloomy without holiday decorations, inside --perfect time for Paper white perfume --always cheers me. If you and your home could use some January cheer:
-Pick up now: bulbs, small sack of gravel
-Pot up: in any container -roast pan -soup bowl -kettle -can -leftover food packaging --enough for every room
-Place 1 -3 -5 bulbs to a bowl, secure with gravel
-Add water half-way up the gravel --don't let the bulbs get wet; place in warm location, with bright light, wait
-as green stems shoot up: add twigs or chop sticks and gently tie a 'fence' with twine to keep stems from flopping
enjoy --in about 20 days, minimum, till bloom. Few places offer this year, but: Sunset got plenty direct from Holland, about $11 a dozen
Sunset Nursery, Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake, same block as Circuit City & McJunk food, get there by 4:30 daily, Sunday by 2 pm (Be warned: I once told a friend about them and since she was working, sent her brother to pick up for her; he liked them so much gave to his girlfriend, instead --the last dozen Sunset had....)

Cereal
-Corn flakes: why pay $4 -5 -6 for the 'name' brand or even $3 at TJ's --when you can get a fully-packed box, WIC standards, for $.99 at Ralph's on 3rd x Vermont; of course it's 'no-name' brand, but since "Ralph's" doesn't make corn flakes, comes from same source as "name" brand

-Multi-grain: another good bargain, though it has some added sweetness, it's not sweet (hate "frosted" stuff), has clean ingredients, tastes good --at $.99 Store (did you know: they raised all prices to $1. --what will they do, lol when inflation returns?) at Alvarado x Wilshire or Sunset, at Sunset Junction

Candy
-Candy canes: to decorate tree --in cinnamon flavor for eating, if you dislike peppermint; and some charming ones: look like crayons --all at $.99 Store, per box --still plenty available this week, unlike all previous years; pick up some for adding to tree, for next year, child's birthday party, grown-ups summer party or gift-topper

-English Toffee: unique no-doubt temporary offering, clean ingredients, two flavors, quite special, at Alvarado Street $.99 Store. (For some people, sometimes: I skip Hanukkah -Christmas gifts and give gifts and a hand-written note with a sweet attached, on New Year's, to start the year.)

Sandwich
-Whole wheat bun, stuffed with veggies, cheese: good value, good bargain --the 12" is only $4.79 --actually healthy food if you skip chips, soda, cookies, at SubWay, nearby: 1200-block of Wilshire x Witmer and Hillhurst north of Prospect

Camera
I know, it's hardly believable, but: Camera --loaded for 15 pictures --only $1 at $.99 Store, only at Sunset - Western, and 1500-block Pico Blvd store, (Alvarado doesn't have any) - look on check-out stands

---loosing signal, have to stop --check back for additions

Wine
Wine is a subject I've 'drawn a line' about --it's too complicated/I can't be bothered to learn all there is to know. I used to drink White Star champagne which, to me, tastes superior to all of the "famous" over-hyped champagnes --till it got expensive. I want wine that tastes good, isn't sweet, doesn't cost alot, period. If you're the same, now the best sparkling wine I know of for celebration, Mimosas, light meal and such: Prosecco -Brut - Zonin, Italian sparkling white wine. It's delicious --not bitter, not sweet; $6 a bottle, at Trader Joe's --affordable enough to always keep a bottle tucked away. (A few years: Trader Joe's ran out --in mid-December, but this year Silver Lake and La Brea store still seem to have extra supply, if you want to stock up for the year)

Pie
Even though I got to TJ's by 4 PM one day for Thanksgiving shopping, all the pumpkin pie was *poof* by the time I tried to get some; annoyed, knew I didn't have time to come back another day, I went with the 'flow' and bought a different pie, which was so much better than pumpkin, I was surprised: Multi-berry, with whole wheat crust. --I've never even tasted pie with whole wheat crust, didn't know it existed, but it was so good I called the store, after the holiday, to say so. I've since found TJ's offers: blackberry, with whole wheat crust, also good, though multi-berry is better; around $6 --and worth it, clean ingredients --no corn syrup, no partially hydrogenated junk.

Cake
Every year Panettone is always displayed for the holidays, but not being Italian, had no idea what it is or why it's expensive. Two years ago I was at a party where one of the 'party favors' was a boxed Panettone for each guest, and I liked it alot. If it's unfamiliar to you also: it is very tall, light, yeast cake, lightly studded with raisins & candied fruit --and de-lish. This year: I found the classic red-boxed treat was offered at, of all places, Food4Less --at amazing $4.98 --far less than Trader Joe's --at the store on Wilshire x Union Street - above Home Depot

Chocolate
Having been a purveyor to hotels and high-end restaurants for many years, a chocolate lover, amateur scientist and California native, I could write pages about quality, benefits -eating -baking -my pastry chef clients --about the only LA chocolateer I know of who offers hand-made marzipan--all year--at Farmer's Market, on 3rd x Fairfax --and much more, but I won't.... During the holidays, it has to be our own: See's --but what few know: you Don't have to get malled --or pay $7+ to get it shipped to you.
I joined Many in disappointment when See's closed its Los Feliz store, early 1990s (--start a letter-writing campaign to get a See's store open in Silver Lake!)
There is an alternative: every year See's is available at Los Angeles Visitors & Convention Bureau, downtown, on Figueroa x 3rd. You can't get custom-packed, of course, but if you hate malls as much as me, don't want Glendale mall crush trek, See's already boxed at the Bureau is a good thing. --Go early as possible, they often don't have any left by Christmas week. For ages it was a bargain, at under $8 a pound...this year, raised again: $15 a pound, but still superior to not-as-good & over-priced Godiva, at $38 pound. Hedge against inflation: buy a gift card --for yourself --for next year!

Market
Didn't want to/had no choice: had to go to the DMV, recently. I sure was dreading it, so much I decided to go to the market afterwards, to pick up various odds/ends. Surprise: I was in/out of DMV office in :23 total --the people working at Hope Street branch couldn't have been any nicer, more helpful; what a pleasure. Same sure couldn't be said of: Ralph's market, downtown. Sheesh, what's with that place?
-Bakery: every single dessert offered --loaded with corn syrup -and/or high fructose corn syrup -and partially hydrogenated oil (--if you don't know: hydrogenated oil lines the walls of heart arteries; causes obesity; shouldn't be allowed in food; banned in Europe, Canada) --cheap garbage --in Ralph's
-Groceries: much more expensive for same things offered at every other market
-Employees: at cheese counter -hot food -salad bar -deli: act like they've never seen food before --clueless about what's offered -ingredients, any thing --Where do they get such employees...
-Management: no better --they spout policy at every question --actually more officious than DMV! Want just one bottle of beer? Too bad: it's six-pack and policy or none. I'll take none, thanks. Ralph's, on 3rd x Vermont: less expensive --and way less clean. I'm crossing Ralph's off my List, they don't have any thing I need so much I'm willing to tolerate such negatives...especially when there are GOOD others.

Ice
As I mentioned in this month's Calendar: it IS possible to ice skate in Los Angeles --downtown, in Pershing Square across from the Biltmore Hotel (--no, I'm not going to call it this year's new name; it's The Biltmore, period). I was there this week around 4:30 pm and it wasn't crowded at all --and pretty, surrounded by lights (there's a seating section, with over-head cover, to watch). At 5 pm: Parking is $6.65; during day: it's $15+ to park underground; better deal, if you must take your car: park just outside of downtown, on a DASH bus route -take DASH to Pershing Square: $.25 --skating rink: free, skate rental: $2 - until January 19th.

Do you know any unique deals, good secrets for the holidays? Send to Silver Lake daVine, at davinely@wildmail.com

'08 Silver Lake daVine: December

ecember
Beautiful time of year...doesn't take bank loan/plastic to walk around the neighborhood, see the decorations --make hot cocoa, share with a friend ...you don't have to huddle at home listening to bobble-heads blather bad news... do something different this year: find amusing/tasty treats in local shops --to stuff a stocking --one for you, those you care about and one for senior adult in the neighborhood... you could stay in and focus on fear --or forget it and go enjoy many things I found --many free... including things for a parent --working with a budget... get inspired seeing great art, if you have EBT card/Food Stamps several local museums waive entrance cost...

--you have to eat, but why help giant nation-wide corp/chains add more carbon --get richer, on their calorie-loaded junk --forget the red and the gas, go Green with purple cabbage wedges --organic ripe fruit and veggies from local farmer's markets will keep up your energy, health --find new recipes --local cafes --in SIDEBAR
...make Christmas merry...Chanukkah happy...in tasty Silver Lake ...daVine....

0Mo Tu Wed Th Fr Sa Su
io10 2 00 3 004 005 006007
008090010011012 013014
0150160170 18 19 020021
0220230240 25 26 027028
029030031

Confirm: date, time before making plans

Check back for additions - Pictures - Sidebar don't appear: use "refresh" button
***************************************************
Ice December 1 - 31+
12-ish - 9-ish pm ~ Pershing Square Ice Rink --skating, season sights - sounds, youth hockey; open: hours vary by day - Admission $6 -$1 off coupon - Skates $2
- Concerts - free: weekdays noon-2 pm - Fridays 8-10 pm - Saturdays 1-3 pm - Sundays 2-4 pm
- Hockey Clinics - free: to age 14, only by registration thanks to LA Kings
Metro rail & bus, parking: underground, downtown Details - LA County Parks & Rec contact & directions

001
Lights December 1 - 30
5:00 - 9:30 pm ~ Holiday Light Festival: in Griffith Park --free, Zoo Drive
- Pedestrians only: Dec 1 - 7 --shuttle to entrance, walk two-mile rt route
- Equestrians: Dec. 9 - 30 - only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5 - 7 pm
- Vehicles: Dec. 8 - 30 from 5 - 9:30 pm
- Family Mini Fair: Dec. 5, 6 & 7 with treats - 5 - 9 pm
002
Tellie
8 PM ~ "Santa Clause" animation, KABC - channel 7, with Fred Astaire, Keenan Wynn, Mickey Rooney
003
PM ~ Tree Lighting and concert - Tony Bennet & others - at Rockefeller Center, knbc #4
004
Private Party
6:30 - 9:30 PM ~ LA Conservancy Costume Party: dress in 1920's costume for opening party of 100 year-old Cole's restaurant-saloon after $million restoration, to benefit LA Conservancy; includes: Classic cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, one-of-a-kind performance by City Ballet, $50 tickets
~Party Part II: 9:30 -12:30 AM ~ Food, drinks, dj - $25

Music December 4 - 7
8:00 PM ~ Mozart and Strauss: Disney Concert Hall $42-$147 - Rush Tickets possible two hours prior - with ID proof of: 65+ / high school student age - $10 - 323.850.2000
005
Market
PM ~ Farmer's Market - Echo Park - SEE Sidebar
006 ~
Market
AM ~ Farmer's Market, Silver Lake SEE Sidebar

Sidewalk-Sea
9:30 - 12:30 PM ~ Trash chucked on the sidewalk --doesn't stay on the sidewalk --it gets into the sea: "Clean Up Your Space" --sidewalks, gutters --all of Sunset Blvd. between Maltman and Manzanita/Santa Monica Blvd., Check in at Lovecraft Biofuels at Sunset Junction, Contact: Andrea Boccaletti at (323) 436-5292

Sport...
PM ~ Some call it 'sport'...after eight...long...crushing years...I call it something else, others call it: annual UCLA & USC meet...I don't want to look up kick-off time, don't want to know, can't watch, I only want to know--'after the long winter of our discontent'--it's Over --PLEASE.... (I asked nicely...)

Opening
12:00 - 4:00 PM ~ Restored 1908 restaurant-saloon Cole's - claims to be French dip originator (--??? ok, except for Philippe's), Open House festivities: sample au jus sandwiches, sides and slices of fresh housemade pies for 100 cents, to celebrate official resurgence of Los Angeles landmark, Sixth x Main Streets, downtown 90014

Campfire
5:00 - 6:30 PM ~ Family time around a campfire: songs, games, nature program, marshmallows = Free - Vista Hermosa Natural Park - 100 N. Toluca Street, LA 90026 (213) 250-1100 From Parkman south - to Grand, right
007~
Anniversary
~ 67 years ago: Japanese negotiated "peace" in Washington DC, while their bombs destroyed US Naval Fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in sneak attack, as seamen slept, which became first day of war that eventually consumed entire world, for the second time, WW II; California rounded up every Japanese person living in the state, immigrant and citizen, and relocated in remote guarded camps for the duration.

Stroll
noon to 5 pm ~ Larchmont Village Open House: stroll both sides of Larchmont --see the shops, see what's new, get a slice, have a cookie, grab a cup, get the Sunday paper, buy bread, between Melrose & 3rd - park: street -public lot --nicest, most charming community Open House I know of --Hey, Eric Garcetti: why doesn't Silver Lake have holiday Open House --with FREE parking?

Movie & Meal
Doors open 1:15 PM ~ LA Conservancy Matinee: "White Christmas" 1954 Christmas classic of Irving Berlin songs, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, B. Crosby, at last grand movie palace built downtown: Los Angeles Theatre, 1931 French Baroque extravaganza - $10 adult, child $5 tickets
~ Show movie ticket: Clifton’s Brookdale Cafeteria, 648 S. Broadway - Receive: 10% off

Tellie
PM ~ "Hallmark Hall of Fame" for the season, KCBS #2
008
Tellie
8 PM ~ "Charlie Brown's Christmas" KABC #7
0011
Post Office
US - to military overseas - discount
- Letters: must be mailed by today December 11
- Packages: Express Mail Military Service - by Dec. 17*
Details Tips APO zips
*to be absolutely totally ready for Dec. 18, deadline --which will be zoo-like in all post offices

Art Walk
PM ~ Self-guided tour, 2nd Thursday: downtown art venues, galleries, museums, accessible by public transport, a shuttle loops through Gallery Row on Art Walk nights, info and map: www.downtownartwalk.com

Animation
8 PM ~ Animations From A Surreal World: animation gems from around the world, soundtracks performed live, Segurson & Cannizzaro in attendance, $5 - Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado 213-484-8846
0012
Market
PM ~ Farmer's Market - Echo Park - SEE Sidebar

Full Moon

Performance
7:30 PM ~ Los Angeles Ballet: Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" original choreography by Artistic Directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, performance helps fund the company all year - Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA - $15 - $95 - accessable, validated parking nearby $1 - Box office: (818)243-7700 Los Angeles Ballet Box Office: special price 65+/teen/child with ID proof, 310.998.7782 or Order online
0013
Market
AM ~ Farmer's Market, SEE Sidebar - Silver Lake

Party
8 PM - 2 AM ~ LA Arts Community bash: celebrates worst crash since 1929, live bands, $20 -open bar access $10 - 5900 Wilshire, LA across from LACMA details
0000000000000000000014
Bicycle
10:30am Sundays ~ Get Sum Dim Sum Ride: leaves from bike shop, ends at a different dim sum each week, loaner bikes, Flying Pigeon, 5711 N. Figueroa 90042 - info 213-909-8986 or flyingpigeon-la.com/calendar

Music
6 PM sharp ~ Classical Concert: free - Haydn, Beethoven, Ravel - Bing Theater at LA C Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire, no tickets or reservation needed - seating after 6 pm by staff decision - 323-857-6234 - details

Music
7 PM sharp ~ Performance: "Christmas with Bessie Smith" vaudeville ambience for stories and musical history of the great 1920s jazz & blues volcalist, $5 - 542 S. Alameda St. 90013 Edgar Varela Fine Arts Contact: xmaswithbessie@gmail.com

Reading
2 PM ~ Poetry: part of Red Hen Press/Poetry, Ruskin Art Club, Hancock Park, 800 S. Plymouth Blvd. x 8th St. one south of Wilshire, 90005 $10 (310) 669-2369

Fry & Pie
8 PM ~ Pie-B-Q Trio: Machine Project all-you-can-fry privileges fundraising party, $5 then next door to Echo Park Film Center for screenings of new videos from Machine Project Field Guide to LACMA and all you can pie privileges, $5, admission free - Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado x Sunset 90026 - 213-484-8846
0000000000000000000015
Tellie
8 PM ~ "I Want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown" KABC ch #7 (yes, I adore Charlie Brown and bah humbug on you if you don't --watch it anyway, see if it doesn't cheer up)

*************************************************
0000000000000000000017
Tellie
8 PM ~ Ballet: "The Nutcracker Suite" PBS - KCET ch #28
0000000000000000000019
Music Noon ~ Idlewild Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble - Free - California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave. - 3rd (213) 687-2159

Market
PM ~ Farmer's Market - Echo Park - SEE Sidebar

Shorts
7:30 PM ~ HollyShorts Film Showcase: best and brightest short films produced 30-minutes or less, from around the globe, raffle, networking, Q&A with filmmakers, $10 - Free drinks - Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado x Sunset 90026 213-484-8846
0000000000000000000020
Market
AM ~ Farmer's Market, Silver Lake SEE Sidebar

Local Movies
5 PM ~ Last EPFC Event of 2008 holiday trio of: "It’s A Wonderful Life" with James Stewart
-Rare neighborhood history: 1967 Echo Park Christmas Parade
-For those who have been naughty and nice: Moldy Slide Show - with Eggnog, Cookies and Reindeer Treats in Attendance - Echo Park Film Center, 1200 N. Alvarado 213-484-8846 - free

Tellie
6:30 PM ~ "A Child on Shindler's List" - life story of a local LAUSD teacher, KNBC ch #4; repeats Sunday

0000000000000000000021
Music
11:30 AM, 2:30 PM ~ Holiday Sing-Along: Christmas songs with organ, choir, band and a special guest, Disney Concert Hall $24 to 71 - 323.850.2000

Music
6 PM sharp ~ Classical Concert: Free -Piano, cello, violin, viola - Schumann, Piano Quartet in E-flat Major - Mahler, Quartettsatz, Bing Theater at LA C Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire, no tickets or reservation needed - seating after 6 pm only by staff decision - 323-857-6234 - details

~ Winter Solstice ~ shortest day of the year
****************************************************
000000000000000022
Holiday
Sundown ~ Chanukkah- First night - lighting ceremony

Music
8:00 PM ~ The Count Basie Orchestra - A Swingin' Christmas: jazzy Christmas celebration, holiday favorites to best of Basie’s hits, $28 - 82 - Disney Concert Hall 323-850-2000

0000000000000000000024
Concert
2:30 Doors open - 3:00 -9:00 PM ~ Annual Los Angeles Music Center: six hour LIVE holiday extravaganza, at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: free, Parking: free, broadcast on KCET: free --re-broadcast Christmas Concert
0000000025
Holiday
Christmas
-Closed: federal, state, county offices, retail, markets, most restaurants
-Open: hotels, most Jewish-related, Bellevue -Dog -Griffith park

5 AM ~ TV: Holiday Log - lit logs in a fireplace, KNBC ch #4

6 AM ~ TV: "Holiday Lights" re-run of nightly showing, all month, of neighborhood houses decorated, KNBC ch #4

6 - 10 AM ~ TV: Endless showing of "Yule Log" fireplace, though they imply they invented it, ripped off from New York station that did, but then it's the pandering near-worthless KCAL 9, and the equally dumb cheezy KTLA ch #5
0000000000000000000026
Market
PM ~ Farmer's Market - Echo Park - SEE Sidebar
0000000000000000000027
Market
AM ~ Farmer's Market, Silver Lake SEE Sidebar
0000000000000000000028
Music
6 PM sharp ~ Classical Concert: Free - Schubert, Duo in A Major, D. 574 - Silvestrov, Der Bote & Prokofiev, Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Bing Theater at LA C Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire, no tickets or reservation needed - seating after 6 pm by staff decision - 323-857-6234 - details
***************************************************

0000000000000000000029
Holiday
Sundown ~ Chanukkah - light candles 8th night
0000000000000000000030
Telly
8 PM: "Happy New Year, Charlie Brown" --sweet, don't remember this one, kabc Ch #7

8:30 PM: "Rudolph's Shiny New Year" --ditto, new? kabc Ch #7
0000000000000000000031
Holiday
New Year's Eve - Go to bed early enough to see: Rose Parade --Stephanie Edwards is Back! Yippee

-Silver Lake Neighborhood Council: committee meetings See Archives- SIDEBAR
-Moon Phase credit
-Some graphics - Christmas credit