Be Safe!

The Los Angeles Fire Department wants you to remember that fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles, and in all other cities serviced by the LAFD. Every year, thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by illegal fireworks. You may also have noticed that, in addition to the dry brush which already surrounds many of our neighborhoods, many people have stopped watering their lawns, leaving their houses surrounded by dry fuel. It takes only one spark to set off a serious fire. Please enjoy professional fireworks shows. Don't risk your life and your property.

SFV Guide

A blogger named Angela has just started "The Ultimate Guide to the San Fernando Valley". Determined to prove that there really is something to do in the Valley, she promises to write about dining, shopping, entertainment, special events, and other activities. I like her photos of her meals at local restaurants, and some really delicious pics from the Calabasas Farmers Market. A journalism student, Angela interviews people at the places she visits, and sometimes brings a video camera. Take a look.

Nonedible Groceries?

I just thought it was interesting that the grocery store classified cat food as "nonedible". I'm not going to tell the cats.

Homegrown

My little "patio tomato" plant is progressing nicely. It sits in a pot at the edge of the patio, of course. I also have a pair of larger plants in another part of the garden that are just starting to develop fruit.

Home-grown tomatoes are easy and economical. And they taste so much better than any you will find in the supermarket that it can be hard to believe they are related.

It's not too late to get started. Plants are still available in local nurseries for less than $1.50 each. For a special treat, try the yellow pear variety. They look nice in salads, and are good enough to eat as snacks. If you have room for more than one plant, it can be fun and rewarding to experiment with one of the "heirloom" varieties.