The sun went down as we were driving back from visiting an old friend of my mother's. And when I say old, I'm not exaggerating. E is 99. She lives alone in her home, though her daughter lives not far away. She walks well. She looked good - certainly not anything like 99. She talks like she always has. Hearing's a problem, but her daughter was there and used voice transcription on her phone to help out. She gave up driving a few months ago when there was a problem with the steering wheel that she decided not to get fixed. I've known her at least 65 years. It was a delightful get-to-gether. She's one of the last of my mother's generation still kicking.
Even driving in LA traffic, nature puts on amazing shows.
While it's been sunny and the air has been clear (you can see the snow capped mountains to the east and Catalina Island to the west), it's been a bit nippy for LA (I'm using Santa Monica weather on my phone) - in the 50s (F) today. I did various odds and ends around the house as we get ready to return home and by 3pm I'd put off my bike ride to the beach. Chilly. But a call to a friend in Anchorage embarrassed me and I put on a windbreaker over my sweatshirt and got on the bike a little after 4pm and rode down to Venice Beach. The sun was directly in my eyes when there weren't trees blocking it. I had a right taillight blinking in hopes that blinded cars could see me in the bike line. Most people biking, skateboarding, scootering, and walking had on sweatshirts and warm coats. But there were a few bare chested runners as well.
And this is turning around with my back to the sun and the bike and my shadows stretched way out.
And finally, as I went up Rose Avenue from the Venice Boardwalk, I turned around to get one last picture. This time I was able to get the building to block the main part of the sun.
And I was home a little after 5.
Interesting photos especially for a duffer that has little experience with cameras. One question, if you will....why does that tall building blocking the sun appear to be leaning to the left? Is it an optical illusion?
ReplyDeleteYou're right. The building fell over just after I took the picture. I can guess at why it looks that way - street's not straight, camera lens distorted it, but I didn't notice it leaning when I took the pic. But I did it quick. I moved over so I was out of the sun otherwise everything would have been washed out. I was in the middle of the street and didn't want to linger there. We're back in Anchorage briefly before going south again for a grandchild's birthday.
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