The Snowlady Chronicles

A Girl Needs Her Beauty Sleep

Sunday February 13, 2011

Malibu, California

Gorgeous Beach Day

 

Yes, a girl does need her beauty sleep but I'm sure not getting it.  At least Ms Yuki is and she is adamant about getting her beauty sleep every night.

Here's a video of her last night around 7pm where I was trying to coax her to go for a quick "pee-pee" walk before official bedtime.  No interest whatever to move

 

 

And here are photos of her sleeping

And Yuki-chan this AM not wanting to get up.

 

I want Yuki-chan's life!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

 

Sushi Time!

 Sunday January 30, 2010

Rainy and Refreshing

Malibu, California

 

Yesterday, I went to my BFF Linda's house to make maki sushi (rolled sushi) with Toni (another BFF), Linda's daughters and Linda's mother who was our coach.  Yuki-chan also came with me to observe and have fun.  Had a great time although Yuki-chan was a bit intimidatd by the new surroundings so was clingy.

Linda, Toni and I are "hafus"  as we are called in Japan - ie, half Japanese.  We've known each other since 8th grade and went to the same school in Japan.  Toni, I've known since wow, 2nd grade or so.  So we got together to catch up and also to learn how to make Linda's mom's fabulous maki sushi.  Linda also had some sushi grade tuna she got from a friend who loves fishing so we had a special treat where we made tekka maki (tuna rolls) and nigiri tuna sushi along with Linda's mom's special maki sushi.

So much fun!  The maki sushi was filled with a cooked salmon salad (just dressed with mayonnaise), avocado, cucumber.  Found out that Costco has high grade wild caught salmon in a can that is perfect for this recipe.  So basically, it's a California roll where salmon is used instead of crab.  Yum, everything was delicious!  We agreed that since we turn the big 5-0 this year, we need to take a trip somewhere to celebrate.  So that's what we'll be planning for the next few months.  Can't wait! 

 The "Hafus"

Linda's Mom, our sushi making coach expertly slicing the yummy tuna from the coast of Mexico

The rolls I made:  salmon salad with cucumbers and avocado

The Tekka Maki I made:  Fresh tuna rolls

Nigiri sushi that Linda's Mom made

Our masterpiece

And last but not least two beautiful girls:  Ms. Yuki with Elica

Sunrise, Sunset and Fog

 Sunday January 23, 2010

Malibu, California

Perfect Beach Weather in January

 

Winter in Malibu is usually quiet with beautiful skies.  We've had a pretty dry January for a change which brought warm weather and magnificent sunrises and sunsets.  And unusual for winter, fog.  Malibu is known for the beaches and mountains, but oh, the skies, colorful and spectacular.  Here are some photos of the skies from Malibu.  Enjoy!

Sunrise

Sunset

View of Catalina Island @sunset

Fog rolling into Malibu from the Ocean

 

A Typical Saturday Morning in Venice

Sunday January 16, 2011

Malibu, CA

Sunny Summer Weather

 

So the photos below depict a typical Saturday morning in Venice in January..... NOT!  We're experiencing summer weather in January.  Crazy.  Especially since we had a cool, cool summer except for that one week where the temperatures topped 100F!   Anyhow, after my 8am pilates class, I decided to go for a run along the boardwalk in Venice.  Yes, I'm running again.  But given my bad knee that is overdue for an operation, I am running SLOWLY.   So am following the The Beginning Runner's Handbank 13 week program. 

The boardwalk was bustling with people in shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits.  It was like a typical weekend summer morning in Venice.  I haven't spent time on the boardwalk in years so after the run, had some breakfast and then walked around for about 30 minutes.  Forgot how funky and fun Venice can be.  Here are some pics from the walk.  Now, keep in mind, this is not a typical January weekend morning. 

 What?  LA made in India?

And in Mexico?

Can't be Venice without some police action

LA Roadrunner's club was out in full force practicing for the LA Marathon

There are always some interesting things to see/buy

Including this guy, who wreaked of alcohol and was calling himself the Mexican Angel.

So these surfer dudes were speaking French

In between some seedy buildings were some very cool and modern homes.  Not sure I'd like living on the boardwalk though.

And of course, the beach.  It was not crowded as it was only 10 am or so, but I suspect, it was a busy day for lifeguards as the temps by the beach went into the 80s on Saturday.

Well, I enjoyed the day but I have to say, I like the cool winter weather of SoCal.  The skies are clear and colorful and love bundling up and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.  This "heatwave" is to last a week so by next weekend we should be back to normal winter temps of the mid 60s.

Adios 2010! Welcoming the Year of the Bunny

Saturday 1-1-11

Malibu, California

Gorgeous Weather!

 

Good riddance 2010!  I heard on the radio today that there were more tragedies last year than triumphs.  Sad.  Same with me, so I am so happy, that 2010 is over.  But since my New Years resolution is to look forward and strive to be more caring about other people, no "woe is me" about 2010.  And since it's the year of the Rabbit, time to get hopping on the goals for 2011.  And here they are:

• Read one boxful of books.  I brought 4 boxful of books to take to Japan since I thought I would have lots of time to read.  WRONG! All 4 boxes came back to Malibu with me unopened.  So I plan on reading at least one boxful of books by end of the year.  Wish me luck!
• Take vitamins everyday
• Unpack the road bike and start riding again.  I brought my road bike to Japan, where it sat in a box for three years and came back to Malibu in the same box.  

 

I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!  I leave you with some photos of Malibu:

Jan3, 2010:  My first Malibu sunrise in 3years

We had more than usual cloudy, stormy days

But the sunsets and sunrises made up for all the bad weather we had.

The rains cleared the skies so we had fabulous views of Catalina Island

I started 2010,with 4 in my family (Skipper, Professor, Yuki and I).  I'm starting 2011 with only two in the family (Me and Yuki).  Here is Yuki's first photo of the year taken on 1-1-11.

RIP Professor

Professor watching TV with Yuki

And Skipper.  Not a day goes by where I don't think of you.  RIP

The day Skipper died, the Dog Star was shining brightly.  It was the only star I could see the morning after his passing.

 

LA Ramen

Sunday December 12, 2010

Malibu, California

Glorious Beach Weather with Views of Catalina Island

 

I've had a stressful few weeks since I've been back from my biz trip to Japan and for some reason developed a major craving for ramen.  Ramen (pronounced raamen) is Japanese style Chinese noodles.  It's noodles in a pork based broth.  The secret to Ramen is the broth and the noodles.  It seems Ramen fever has arrived in Los Angeles and I have found many more Ramen places now, than 3 years ago before I left LA for my assignment in Tokyo.   Ramen is very popular in Japan and a ramen shop can be found in almost all every block in Tokyo.  It is also a staple "hangover" food or comfort food.  I don't know why but when in Japan, I've had no desire to eat it but since I've been back from the trip, had to have it not once, twice but THREE times. 

My first stop was my usual cheap Ramen spot on Sawtelle avenue called Kinchan's.   It's located in the small shopping mall just off Olympic.   That place has been my "regular" Ramen place in LA for several years.  So went there first during Thanksgiving week and had the gyoza (dumplings) with Cha Sui (barbequed pork) ramen.  It hit the spot and was good.  I also noticed that they had many different kinds of spicy sauce to add to the ramen so the meal can be adapted to satisfy different Asian palates.  A Vietnamese couple was sitting next to me and enjoyed the ramen with Vietnamese hot sauce.  Pretty cool.  After all, LA is a melting pot of Asian cultures.  The gyoza was pretty disappointing though as it was short on meat and filled with nira (chinese chives).  I love nira but it was too overwelming.  However, the portions were huge and for 11$ with change, it was a good deal.

Kinchan's Ramen

Kinchan's Gyoza

I thought my craving was over but no.  So the following Friday, I went to the "gourmet" Ramen place called Chabuya.  Chabuya is a famous ramen restaurant in Tokyo.  I used to go to the one in Ometesando where the ambience was very chi-chi.  The ramen was protected and stored in fancy wooden boxes before it was cooked before your eyes. Chabuya is also located on Sawtelle. (Sawtelle, by the way, between Olympic and Santa Monica is dotted with cool Japanese stores and restaurants)  I had the Cha Siu ramen again and with their gyoza.  Now their ramen was quite good and so was the gyoza.  It is a delicate ramen but I have to say the Chabuya ramen in Ometesando is better but this comes close.  But again, reasonably priced (15$) for the filling meal.

Chabuya

Chabuya Gyoza which is filled with meat and comes with a shredded spicy pork sauce

Chabuya Cha Siu Ramen:  The pork is a special pork barbecued with their special sauce -  YUM

And then just last Friday after an exhausting week, at the last minute, I decided to go to Mitsuwa Marketplace in Torrance to buy some Japanese food.  I had a meeting in El Segundo which finished early so decided to take advantage of being in the South Bay and go there for some shopping.  Well, mistake I made was walking through the restaurant row and found Santouku Ramen which is another famous Ramen shop from Japan.  I had their special Shio(salt) Ramen with special Cha Siu.  The pork is high quality pork and is served separately from the noodles.  Now, this ramen was FABULOUS!  It was really really good and cheap (9$!) for a big meal.  Gave me the energy to go shopping and drive home in LA traffic.  I will definitely go back there again, but it is an hour or so drive from Malibu, so won't be soon!

Santouku Special Pork Shio Ramen

Well, hopefully my craving for ramen is over as it is fattening, I hear.  Having ramen 3 times in 2 weeks is a record for me.  Never have done that in Japan! 

Now, there are more ramen shops opening in LA and supposedly another famous one on Sawtelle.  So Sawtelle will have at least 3 Ramen shops over 2-3 blocks!  I guess that is proof that Ramen is taking off in LA!

 

Skipper

Friday December 3, 2010

Malibu, California

Sunny with Blue and Pink Skies

 

My beloved dog and companion for over 16 years Skipper passed away on Monday, November 29.  It's too soon for me to write about his life as my emotions are still raw so instead I'm reposting a blog Skipper wrote on his travels back to the US from Japan.   Enjoy!  He was a very good companion not only for me but for Yuki-chan.

"My Trip back to Japan with Yuki-chan" by Skipper of the Seas

 

The Trials and Tribulations of Thanksgiving Week

Sunday November 28, 2010

Malibu, California

Sun, Blue Skies and Crisp Weather

 

I really am thankful for what I have.  I really am.  But this Thanksgiving week which was supposed to be special because it was my first one in the US in 3 years, turned out to be very stressful.  

I am very busy at work so had not planned on taking any time off especially since I was in Japan the week before.  All was fine when I arrived back to the US last Saturday, spent most of Sunday doing laundry, unpacking etc and then BAM!  Got hit with the worst stomach flu ever!  Or maybe I'm getting old so I just can't tolerate these viruses anymore.  Anyhow, it happened at the WORST time as I thought I was just recovering from the very bad cold I caught in Oaxaca. 

So most of Sunday night, all of Monday and some of Tuesday morning was spent in bed or in the bathroom.  I really thought I was poisoned as it was so violent!  I was somewhat functional on Tuesday so was able to at least let folks from work know why I went missing on Monday.  Then just when I thought I recovered, ended up in the emergency room.  First, Tuesday afternoon because I had a choking sensation and then late Wednesday because I started to seeing light flashes in my left eye.  Turns out both were due to complications from the flu.  My throat was so swollen that they had to give me steroids so that I could breathe normally.   The light flashes were from a viscous layer in my eyeball dislodging because of the pressure from throwing up.  The eye problem was a bit scary cuz they thought my retina detached.  Anyhow, all is fine now with me and my appetite has come back like a vengeance. 

Since my plans to cook a small Thanksgiving dinner for me and the dogs went into the wastebasket, I ordered a turkey and all the trimming from PC Greens instead.  Everything arrived on Wednesday. Wednesday was also the day I noticed Skipper not acting like himself.  However, his nose was working fine so he actually got energetic and more like himself when the turkey arrived.  Because the dogs were so excited and I was a bad mother in that did not take them to the park for walks, I decided to have an early Thanksgiving dinner.  Everything was heated up on Wednesday and the dogs and I had quite a good meal.

I'm glad I did that as Skipper started going downhill on Thursday.  And of course, Dr. Graulich (Skipper's vet) office was closed.  I debated whether to take him to the emergency room, but since he was not in pain, just very very lethargic, I waited to see how he does.  Well, he did not get better on Friday, just worse, so took him in first thing in the AM.  Because his condition was very bad, Dr. Graulich who was on holiday, came in to see him.  Basically, after hours in the hospital, we found that he has fluid in his abdomen, a tumor on his kidney, swollen liver and inflamed heart.  I was told that his time might have come.  However, since he still has the will to get up, eat and does try and walk the park,  Dr. Graulich is going to analyze the blood tests and see if we can give him medication to make him more comfortable.  So the next week or so is going to be tough.

I'm happy to report though on Saturday, he made a bit of a recovery.  So I'm hoping, there is some medication that can be given to him so he can enjoy the last days before going over the rainbow more comfortably.

And enough of depressing stuff.   I did manage to get caught up on movies and did manage to get out.  The movies I saw were:

• Chloe:  A film by one of my favorite directors Atom Egoyan.  I love the way he shoots movies.  It is so clean and crisp.  I liked the movie and the acting is phenomenal.  As Egoyan is Canadian all his movies take place in Canada.  This movie in Toronto.
• 2012:  Love John Cusack, but stupid movie.  However, good movie to watch when you are so sick that your brain doesn't work properly
• Babies:   Fun, cute movie and doesn't require much thinking so good to see when sick
• Horsemen with Dennis Quaid:  Gross thriller and disappointing. Saw while sick which was not a good idea
• The Girl who Played with Fire:   Fabulous movie.   I hear they are making an American version of The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo.  I'm sorry but its going to be tough to compete as the Swedish version is so dark, edgy and the acting super.  The Swedish actress who plays Lisbeth is so good.  I have not read the second book but read the first book.  I have to say the movie is better than the book
• I am Love:  A crazy Italian movie but worth seeing because it takes place in Italy, Tilda Swindon is amazing and Marisa Berenson looks fab in the movie.

I also felt guilty for not spending much time with Yuki-chan so took her to some long walks.  Christmas season has officially arrived in Malibu so took Yuki-chan for walks around Malibu and enjoy the decorations.  Also, I finally started an exercise program and went to my first pilates class in Venice.  It was good to get those muscles working again.

Well, I think I'm going to have my first glass of wine now since Japan as I have a very very busy work week ahead of me and also take care of Skipper.  In the meantime, here are some pics I took this weekend.

View of Point Dume, Malibu:  I live in Pt. Dume.  The skies were very clear this weekend because we had wind and rain.   Very chilly though for Southern California.  Lows were in the 40s!

Whale Watching from the park I take the dogs for a walk every morning.  Pierce Brosnan donated the funds for this whale watching station in honor of his first Cassie who passed away from ovarian cancer.

View of Pepperdine University against a blue, blue sky

Took Yuki-chan for a walk along the Malibu Colony which is usually filled with birds.  No birds today as a storm is coming through again I hear.

But then we found 100s of birds taking a nap on roofs of homes

Skipper the day after the emergency visit:  The day before he could not walk at all,  he was very slow but loves this park and walked 1/4 of the way on his own

Yuki-chan trying to encourage him

A very bad photo of me with Skipper and Yuki.  It was taken this AM around 630am (Nov.28, 2010).  It was 43F outside so had to bundle up with my emergency old jackets, hats, etc that I keep in the trunk of my car.  I look like a homeless old lady!

Yuki and I checked out the holiday decorations at Malibu Country Mart after I got my holiday time AM drink - Winter Dream Tea Soy Latte, from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

The Christmas tree with more bird sightings!

But unlike Japan,  most shops were decorated with the Peace sign for this holiday season.  After all, America is still fighting 2 wars.

Channukah candles have started appearing also for the holidays

And the famous manger with baby Jesus.  Billy, my nephew, liked to come here to say "hi" to baby Jesus when he was a little boy.

Malibu Farmer's Market

Friday October 15, 2010

Malibu, California

Drizzly

 

I'm writing this blog on yet another strange weather day in Malibu where we had a bit of rain today and dense fog all day long.  It is supposed to be Santa Ana Wind season, where 40mph hot winds blow from the desert and dry Southern California to a bone.  But I'm not complaining as damp weather means no mountain fire hazard.  I am also "high" on Vicadin as I had some oral surgery done yesterday so hopefully this blog makes sense.

Now that summer is over, I am spending Sunday's afternoon at the Malibu Farmer's Market.  Why not in the summer?  The BEACH TRAFFIC.  A normal 5 minute drive to the market will take 30 minutes or more during the summer time. 

The Farmer's Market is supported by the Cornucopia Foundation of Malibu.  Their mission is teach sustainability in the natural world.  So it's for a good cause and all the produce and goods sold at the market support and practice the principles established by the foundation.  Their produce is magnificent albeit the market is small and does not have the variety of the famous Santa Monica Farmer's Market.  But as I am detoxing so need to load up on organic fresh vegetables, the market has more than enough to satisfy my needs. 

The market is held every Sunday by the Civic Center at 10am and usually hosts some special activities/presentations at least once a month.  It is definitely worth a visit!

Below are some pix from the market.  I brought my DSLR which got a lot of nasty stares as many celebrities shop at the market so couldn't take good photos. 

Few weeks ago, the Farmer's Market hosted a special event on Natural Healing.  This horse is used for Equine Healing.  Basically, by developing a relationship with a horse, one achieves personal growth.

 The guy in the dreadlocks has some of the freshest veggies in the market.  Produce changes depending on season.

 I thought about buying apples and making an apple pie but as I am detoxing, that was out of the question.  Too bad I don't like raw apples as I hear the apples they carry are fabulous.

There are great food stands from Papusas from El Salvador, Malibu Pie Company, Chinese and some barbeque!

I love the Greek Stand.  They have the BEST olives, pita bread and all kinds of hummus , cheese and dips.  Highly recommend it.  And you can taste any one of them before buying!

I loaded on the last of the summer peaches.  They were so sweet.  I got the white peaches.  6 big ones for 3 dollars.  Its like 10 bucks each in Tokyo!

Almost got the strawberries but them remembered it's an allergenic food so can't eat it while detoxing.

Love, Love, these tomatoes!  So sweet.

Fall produce is starting to make an appearance

But since summer is almost over, I focused on summer vegetables

And I always buy the lovely dahlias from this stand.  They are just GORGEOUS!

My purchase from two weeks ago where I made a big batch of ratatouille that was so good because the vegetables were very fresh.

Sara Wan Trailhead

Sunday October 10, 2010

Malibu, California

Another Perfect Day

 

Last Saturday, on a foggy cool morning, I decided to check out the Sara Wan Trailhead.  Before I moved to Japan, this trail head did not exist and just as I was leaving, it was under construction.  I heard good reviews of the trail so decided to try it.  Why is it named Sara Wan?  I'm not sure.  But I have heard and read about her.  She is with the California Coastal Commission and is a vocal and dedicated supporter and leader of environmental causes in Malibu.  So I surmise, the trailhead was named after her in honor for the work she has done and continues to do to preserve the beautiful coastline and natural surroundings of Malibu.

I took the Corral Canyon trail which is a 2.5 mile loop that is easy but also can be a workout if you attempt to power walk it.  I took it going clockwise as this way when descending, you face the ocean.  If you go the other way, the ocean will be to your back.  As you enter the trail, after about 500 yards, you will get to a fork.  Take the trail to the left to go clockwise.  It is quite a beautiful trail as it takes you through the last undeveloped canyon that flows freely into the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles.

The entrance to the trail is located off the Parking Lot

After a creek crossing the trail widens

Not sure whose house was standing here but now all that is left is the chimney

View of the Canyon on a Foggy Day

As you ascend, the trail gets narrower.

And if you look closely, you will see some wildlife:  See the deer?

The trail then descends slowly, where you get a magnificent view of the Malibu Coastline:  Tivoli Cove

And a view of Cher's house.  I'm wondering if she still lives there.

The 2.5 mile loop took me an hour and 10 minutes to complete with stops for photos.  I did not "power walk" it but still it was good exercise.  As it is located right next to Malibu Seafood, if you time it right, after the hike, enjoy their delicious tuna burger.  It does get crowded in the summer though but it is worth the wait!

Sara Wan trailhead is located off PCH in Malibu a few miles North of Pepperdine.