Pasadena and Parkfield

I had the pleasure of spending much of the last three weeks with my older brother David and his husband Geoff. They came to Oho for Dave's 50th high school reunion. Unfortunately, Geoff had some difficult medical issues while they were here that put him in the hospital. Once he was stabilized enough to fly home, I went back to California with them. They are in the process of settling in Pasadena for a while so Geoff can be close to the medical care he needs. They also have the good fortune of being able to stay in an apartment on the property of two of Geoff's siblings Jim and Amanda, and their friend Mark. So now they have family at hand and many of their LA friends too. Welcome comfort, company, and helping hands when they most need it.

Geoff spent a few more days in the hospital when we got to LA. It's right across the street from the Scientology headquarters. The hospital is a better choice in my book, because you get to leave!

Their home is an oasis and their warmth and hospitality were so welcoming. They live a truly indoor/outdoor lifestyle and are surrounded by beautiful gardens, a fish pond and fountain, chickens, two dogs (Willie and Augie), a vegetable garden, and soothing music provided by Mark's daily piano practice. The apartment was filled with fresh plants and flowers when we arrived. Jim, Mark, and his friend Mike are all great cooks, so we were treated to delicious meals accompanied by lively conversation. I am so happy to have been able spend time getting to know Geoff's family,  touring around their neighborhoods with them, and hearing stories about their adventures growing up in LA.

The neighborhood is on a hill overlooking the Rose Bowl. Many mornings I took walks enjoying the diverse architecture and gardens. One thing Pasadena is known for is Craftsman-style architecture. A well-known example, the Gamble House is just down the hill. 

Gamble House

A couple of doors down the street is a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The people who owned the house across the street from it wanted a place to store their book collection, so they commissioned him to build a library.  Below, you see the house the owners lived in, and then a series of pictures of the FLW home. In spite of the sign posted in the driveway, the current occupant let us take a walk through the house when she was hosting friends and neighbors for a Labor Day picnic. 

Another home in the neighborhood is purportedly used only for entertaining. No one lives there full time. It is a restored Craftsman with views of the arroyo where the Rose Bowl is, and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. One percenters I imagine!

And here are some random pics from my walks around the neighborhood.

Dave and I went up to Parkfield for a couple of days to check on the house and garden, and to bring back some things they needed to set up longer term housekeeping in Pasadena. I understand why they love Parkfield. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in community! A few pics from that trip: