Linda W.'s Profile

I took my 2-year-old grandson to Jumping Genius and he loved it.  No shoes or bare feet, just clean socks are worn in the play area.

A slide, carousel, bounce and ball rooms are a few of the features. Lots of cars for the kids to ride around and a little 'roller coaster.'   Two table games, not sure what they are and eye-hand coordination games as well. A basketball hoop and plywood-built fire engine, bus and playhouse are among the things to investigate.

There are a few tables to sit and eat plus cubbyholes to store shoes and bags outside of the play area.

The place was clean, but there were a few toys that needed mending or replacing.

There is only one entrance and exit, making for good security and that is located in the back, away from the street.

Barely visible from the street, this outlet store is nestled between BevMo and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Although the address is on Canoga Ave, the store is actually closer to Victory Blvd.

What a terrific place for discounts on quality baby and toddler's clothing.  Offering 30% to 70% discount on items, some of the items are mislabled.   As a example, I purchased two skirts of the same design for my granddaughter, both labeled the same size, but were actually not the same.

I don't live anywhere near Ray's Food Place and that's a good thing because they have Killer Brownies that are to die for.  Whenever I'm in the area which is about twice a year I stop at Ray's just to buy brownies.

The brownies are moist and dense.  Definitely worth stopping for if you're traveling through Mt. Shasta. The last time I was there, they had four varieties of topping.  Crushed Oreos, peanut butter cups, coconut candy and butter brickle.  Yummm!

Unlike many of the big box craft stores, the staff at Continental actually knows what they're talking about.

Offering a good variety of art supplies, they also give student discounts.

The bookstore has moved into the main store and the old bookstore is soon to be a classroom.

The parking is not easy to come by on a busy weekend or at the start of school sessions.

Imagine driving through a canyon on the edge of Los Angeles and seeing a massive Hindu temple. That's exactly what one encounters traveling to or from the beach via Las Virgenes Canyon Road.

Built on five acres, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu and has several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities such as Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswati.  Each shrine has a sculpted dome and intricate carvings appropriate to each deity.  The place is simply spectacular.  The glass walls in the meditation hall allow a view of the equally spectacular Santa Monica Mountains.

There are many services and events throughout the day and week.  The priests are welcoming and treat Hindus and non-Hindus equally when giving blessings.

A wonderful place to step away from the city, spend some time in meditation or just enjoy the beauty of an authentic Hindu temple.

While the temple is open everyday of the year, during the week the hours are 9a.m. til noon and 5p.m. til 7 or 8p.m.  depending on whether it's summer or winter.  On weekends and holidays, the temple is open from 9a.m. til 7 or 8p.m. again depending on the season.

Horses are natural athletes and the most versatile non-human animal in the sports world. Think about it, who competes at the Olympics? People and horses. Not dogs or cats or birds.  

Gifted with beauty, grace and rhythm, horses need riders dedicated to perceptive communication in order to perform as partners.  When you go to an event at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center that is what you'll see whether it's team penning, jumping, dressage or rodeo.

More than 50 shows are scheduled each year. In addition to the ones I mentioned there are also various breed shows and several special events.

One year I saw yabusame, a Japanese sport that involves shooting arrows at a target while galloping.  Traditional ceremony and costumes added to the beauty and excitement of this event.

Other events that occur annually are:

The William Shatner Charity Event benefiting equestrian programs for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, a non-profit organization raising money annually for Cancer Research, features horses whose gait is so smooth riders can carry a glass of champagne on a tray without a spilling a drop.  And yes, the champagne walk is a competition at this show.  There is also food, dancing and music at this fiesta.

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo - Bill Pickett invented the sport of bulldogging and is  the most famous Black cowboy in the world.  Rodeo is as exciting as it gets.  Great family entertainment and don't believe what Peta says about rodeo, they don't know what they're talking about.

E.T.I. Convention & Horse Show - A variety of competitions, both English and Western including mounted drill teams performing at speed.

Grand Prix Show Jumping is the highest level of jumping competition and LAEC is on the circuit three times a year.

Tournament of Roses EquestFest features some of the horses and riders in the Rose  Parade. Dances, drills, roping and trick riding can be seen in this annual event.

If you're addicted to horses you'll be delighted with the variety of offerings.  People with no exposure to horses might discover they'd like to learn more.

Check out LAEC's website for a complete calendar. http://www.la-equestri...

At 50 years, Orlando Gallery is the oldest gallery in Los Angeles.  An eclectic selection of artwork fills this delightful space.

On the first Saturday of each month Orlando's has an opening. The work of the featured artist(s) are displayed in the first room as one enters the gallery.

Next is the large main room covered floor to ceiling with art and alcoves in the west wall display art as well.

At the back of the main room is a hall and two adjacent rooms, one larger than the other. The hall leads to a back door beyond which there is additional parking.  At openings the smaller room is used for refreshments and while one is nibbling more art is available for perusal.

The larger room contains an amazing collection of African art including masks, sculpture and a carved door.

Orlando Gallery has a warm friendly atmosphere not found everywhere in the art world. This is attributable to the proprietors Gino and Don. I'm not famous, well-known or heavily degreed and yet, they still put two of my works on exhibit.

Narrow and long this small store is well organized and neat.  

Folks seem to like to hang out here and chat. That's how friendly this thrift store is.  Management is courteous and helpful. Service is king at Thrift Town.

The falafels are not dry, hard or shrunken. In other words, fresh, fresh, fresh.

Nothing stingy about the serving size either.

My favorite falafel place in the Valley.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the food is terrific.

This is my favorite place for tortas.  You have a choice of seven kinds of meat. The bread has a slight crispness, but the sandwich isn't dry. In addition to the meat, the tortas come with avocado, beans,  cheese, chiles, onions, sourcream and tomatoes.

I've been going Las Fuentes since it opened and have never walked away unsatisfied.  They also do special requests which is especially nice for small children.

Get there early for lunch and dinner if you're really hungry. It gets very crowded.

The decor changes every few years. Currently, the theme is the sun. There are suns of all kinds and sizes everywhere.  Colorfully painted chairs are carved with flowers and birds. What could have been one ordinary dining room is broken into four areas on two levels.