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Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies - Martha Stewart

Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies - Martha Stewart
Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies

I love lemon.
I love ginger.
I love cookies.

So much promise.

Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies - Martha Stewart
I made these Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies from the Martha Stewart empire. They use lemon zest and crystallized ginger. You drop them onto the sheet, bake for 7 minutes, pull them out and sprinkle with sugar before popping them back in for another 7 minutes. Easy peasy.

Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies - Martha Stewart
However, even though they contain lots of my favorite ingredients, they didn't knock my socks off. But I like my flavors strong, so you might like the subtle flavors in these.

Recipe:
Adapted from Lemon Ginger Drop Cookies from Martha Stewart website (Published in Martha Stewart Living, December/January 1995/1996)

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 large egg
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (I used Meyer Lemons)
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup diced (1/8 inch) crystallized ginger

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
2. Place 3/4 cup sugar in mixing bowl. Add zest and rub with sugar until fragrant and damp. Cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (with paddle attachment), about 5 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl. Add egg; mix on high speed to combine.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, baking soda, salt, and crystallized ginger; add to butter mixture; mix on medium-low speed to combine, about 20 seconds.
4. Drop about 2 teaspoons of batter on baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes. Pull out trays, sprinkle cookies with sugar, rotate sheets between oven shelves, and bake until just golden, about 7 minutes more. Slide parchment with cookies onto a wire rack; let cool 15 minutes.
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Coconut Tea Cake - Tuesdays with Dorie

Coconut Tea Cake Bundt - Tuesdays with Dorie
Coconut Tea Cake

Recently, a friend of a friend started the marathon session of filling out the eHarmony questionnaire. I think applying for the Foreign Service or CIA is easier. How these 500 questions about music preferences, religion and bowel movements (towards the end I wasn't paying attention but I think they asked about regularity or something) will match you with your perfect mate on 29 dimensions of compatibility (for $50+ per month) is beyond me.

However, that got me thinking about "levels of compatibility" with food. My eFoodHarmony questionnaire will include: Bundt cakes, Thai Food, Green Tea/Matcha anything, Mochi, Hawaiian Shave Ice, Udon Noodles, Soon Tofu, Avocados, Carnitas and, of course, long walks on the beach with Lemon Curd.

And my "dimension of incompatibility"? You know....coconut strands (coconut flavor okay...but the strands and flakes have a dental floss texture that I don't hang with).

Coconut Tea Cake Bundt - Tuesdays with Dorie
For this week's Tuesdays with Dorie selection, Carmen of Carmen Cooks singled out Coconut Tea Cake on pages 194 and 195 of Dorie's book, Baking: From My Home to Yours.

Made in a 10-cup Bundt and a mini 4-inch cake. I skipped the rum and used a bit extra vanilla extract.

My hate of the coconut strands prohibits me from rating this. Co-workers said it was The Yum.

Coconut Tea Cake Bundt - Tuesdays with Dorie

Be sure to check out the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers!

Recipe:
Carmen of Carmen Cooks' blog, or
Pages 194 and 195 of Dorie's book, Baking: From My Home to Yours
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Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant - Garden Grove, CA

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
My friend and I are always looking for places to eat near Disneyland (we have annual passes) so we stopped by Pot Au Feu Pho restaurant in Garden Grove. The large Vietnamese community in Orange County equals lots of yummy food.

Only 3 miles from Disneyland, Pot Au Feu Vietnamese restaurant is a world apart from the offerings at D-Land and so much less expensive!

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
We split two main dishes. Here is Pho Tai Nam (#P4 rice noodles with filt mignon and flank) (regular size $5.75; large size $6.50).

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
The pho broth was very tasty and I enjoyed this dish. I always add some sriracha sauce to my pho and pile in the bean sprouts, basil and lime.

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
We also ordered Bun ga xao xa ot (#B7 vermicelli with lemongrass chicken and chili) $6.50.

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
We got an order of Spring Rolls (#A4 goi cuon $4.50). These were my least favorite...the meat was a bit dry and I wasn't crazy about the sauce. I grabbed some of the Vermicelli fish sauce to dip the rolls.

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, Garden Grove, CA
My friend got a Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua $2.50) and that inspired me to make a gelatin creation I'll show you during National Library Week (April 11-17)!

If you are headed to the Magic Kingdom and want something other than the Rainforest Cafe or hamburgers in the Park, stop by Pot Au Feu! Here is the Yelp listing.

(Sorry the photos aren't that great...they are all from my Android Verizon phone)

Pot Au Feu Pho Restaurant, 11915 Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840, (714) 636-3687 Closed Mondays
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Hot Rods to Hell!


It's Christmas time and Tom Phillips is on his way home, bringing presents for his all American family; the beautiful wife, teenage daughter and young son. Driving down a narrow winding road on a foggy, snowy night, some might say too fast for conditions, another car coming towards Tom and loses control. Tom yells "Crazy drunk!" just before his is driven off the road. Tom winds up laying on the cold, wet ground, blood dripping from his head and presents spread all over,

And so it begins!

Soon after, Tom is heeling physically but emotionally he's got a few issues, waken from bad dreams and afraid to drive. In an effort to start a new life, he buys a motel, sells everything the family owns and sets out on a cross country road trip with the family. About 80 miles away, the wife behind the wheel, they meet up with the Hit Roads to Hell. It's those damn teenagers who don't have any respect for themselves or others.

This film was filmed for TV in 1966 but was so good it was released in theaters and Drive-ins in 1967. It has the look and feel of a more 1950's film than 1967. The family could have been out of a Leave It To Beaver and the wild kids are not dressing of acting like a 1967 teenagers.

Directed by John Brahm, this was his final film. John was a film maker in the 1940s but soon because a TV director as soon as the miracle box became popular, He directed many shows from 1952 until he retired in 1967. Some might way it was time.

For more information on the cast and crew, check out the IMDB site - CLICK HERE

As the policeman say at the rest stop the family pulls into to hide from the 'gang'. "These kids have no where to go but they want to get there at 150 miles an hour. Giving them cars like that is like putting guns in their hands. Yes, they might kill somebody. I only hope I catch up with them before they do."

In the club, there is a band playing and apparently the leader of the band in Mickey Rooney's son. From what I read, he was an original Mousketeers on Walt Disney's "The Mickey Mouse Club" and later played bass in Willie Nelson's band.

So it turned out the the motel he bought is also a night club, the bad teenagers hangout and they don't like it. Adding to the drama, Tom's young daughter is attracting one of the bad boys. So will Tom face up to his fears and fight back or will he chicken out and run.
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How to Get Rich on the Internet


I have a friend who has made a fortune on the internet. He has written books and does seminars all over the world telling people how to get rick using the internet. I've read a couple of his books and watched many of his videos. None of it help me make money.

After a while it occurred to me, the secret! Oops, I better not call it that, I might get in trouble from Rhonda Byrne. I'll call it, The Concealed.

And one thing it is not; a believe in it and it will come true.

Here is it (drum roll, please) The way to make money on the internet is to tell people how to make money on the internet. It doesn't matter if it works or not. Just put a disclaimer in small print saying just that. Have you ever watched those late night infomercials in which they tell you how to make cash without an effort? Do you see all those people who wave huge checks around and tell you how easy it is? Read the fine print at the bottom. They will all say that these results are not typical and some even go on to say that the people in the commercials are actors, not real success stories. It's all in the fine print!

So start a blog, write a book, make some videos and tell people some half-ass way to make some money. You can even do a
Rhonda Byrne thing and tell them that just wanting it bad enough and you'll get it. It doesn't matter! Just don't forget the fine print.

So now you know the The Concealed, Jeff's way to make money on the internet!
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Visit from down-under

This week we had a visit from the current Australian barista champion, Scottie Callaghan.
Scottie is the 2006 World Latte Art Champion and also won the ABC (Australian Barista Championship) in 2007, representing Oz at the WBC in Tokyo. Back in 2006 I visited Australia and met Scottie who's personality and commitment to coffee instantly impressed me.

Scottie is on a world tour that will take him through Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands, U.K. and several states in the US of A. What a trip! On the way he'll spend time with some stellar coffee people and taste lots and lots of coffee. The purpose of it all is to get a broad understanding of the taste preferences and approaches to roasting (and perhaps blending) from country to country.

We had a great time with Scottie and spend a whole day on cupping and training. I really look forward to follow his tour around the globe on his blog: scottiecallaghan.blogspot.com

To go straight to his blog post about his visit to Copenhagen, click here.

Scottie on his rented bike:
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7 More Days Go Bye



Let us see what new.

Since I'm a Photoshop guy, a co-worker sent me this YouTube video, which, according to the video, is a new feature in the upcoming Photoshop. I find it hard to believe. In a way, I hope it's not real because the easier they make Photoshop, the less need there will be for a guy like me.



The last example might be a little much.

Just read s story of three teenage girls, about 18, who were on a 500 mile bike ride. They were struck by an elderly driver, killing one girl and seriously injuring the other two. I can't imagine what the parents of these three must be going through, and what the other two, if they survive, will have to deal with. Also the old man. I'm assuming it was just a unfortunate accident. What will his remaining years be like?

1 teen killed, 2 injured on Downstate bike trip


Terry at Broken Hearted Toy writes a very good piece called 45 RPM Memories, A semi-regular feature about some of my favorite singles from the past. On this post he writes of The Bangles and compares their latest efforts with those of the past.

The podcast I'd like to recommend in a music podcast called The Subculture Collective / Wreckhouse Radio. Barry Monster brings a wide range of lesser known Rock and Roll music. As I write this I am listening to a band called The Tombstone Brawlers doing a rockabilly version of Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast. Very cool stuff. Each show is about an hour and a half. Get on iTunes (free from Apple for both PC and Mac) and start listening to this show. Also you can get it from the psychobillydeluxe.com website.

Hope every gave the Kurosawa movies all month long on TCM a chance.

My wife received the following email. Seems we "have got" a tax refund. Do you think we should give them out Visa information?

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Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips - Bon Appetit

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit)
Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips and No pecans

I started these muffins yesterday morning...until I realized that I forgot to replenish my espresso powder. Flash forward a few hours to work. I mentioned that I needed to go to Target for more espresso powder (yes, you can get instant espresso powder at Target)...and my co-worker says she has some in her desk and doesn't like it (as a drink...she's quite happy with it in baked goods). How perfect is that?! Thanks J for the espresso powder...and here it is in these muffins.

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit) Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit)
I adapted the Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Pecans recipe from Bon Appetit. Ditched the pecans and upped the espresso. I also used Trader Joe's dark chocolate that I chopped up.

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit)
I got 15 muffins out of the batter. The recipe says 12. Either they make big o' muffins, or I got bonus muffins. I'm going with the bonus muffins. Always love with you get a little bit free.

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit)
I just had 1/2 a muffin and there is lotsa espresso. Our library will be the one with people bouncing off the walls.

Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips (Bon Appetit)

Recipe:
Click here for printable recipe

Adapted from Mocha Muffins with Chocolate Chips and Pecans (Bon Appetit, April 1995 via Epicurious)

1/4 cup hot water
1 1/2 tablespoon instant espresso powder (I used Medaglia D'Oro. Original recipe was 1 T)

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I used canola oil)
2 large eggs (Always use room temp eggs for baking...sit in warm water for 10-15 minutes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Penzy's Dutch cocoa)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I used chopped dark chocolate from Trader Joe's instead)
The original recipe has 1 cup pecans but I skipped.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin tin with liners. The recipe says it makes 12 muffins, but I got 15 muffins. Dissolve espresso powder in the hot water.

Wet ingredients: Whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla in a medium bowl, then add the espresso mixture. Dry ingredients: Mix flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add buttermilk mixture and stir just until combined. Mix in chocolate chips and pecans (if using). Do not overmix your muffin batter!

Pour into muffin pan. I use a scooper to dish out the batter. Bake until tester inserted into center of muffins comes out clean, about 20 minutes (recipe says 25 minutes but mine were done in 20 so check early!) Transfer muffins to rack and cool.
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Dulce de Leche Cookies - Tuesdays with Dorie

Dulce de Leche Duos - Tuesdays with Dorie
Dulce de Leche Duos

For this week's Tuesdays with Dorie selection, Jodie of Beansy Loves Cake decided on Dulce de Leche Duos on page 161 of Dorie's book, Baking: From My Home to Yours.

Have you read California girl Jodie's blog? Always a fun read...although Jodie loves coconut (my arch enemy). Her decorated cakes are really cute!

Because I live in Los Angeles, canned La Lechera Dulce de Leche is easy to find for just a few dollars. Lots of TWD bakers made their own using their ovens, stove tops and crock pots. I just reached for it on the shelf and was happy with that. Opening a can of Dulce de Leche is lovely...the sweet caramel smell is intense and you just try your darnest to not throw a spoon in there and just start eating it!

Dulce de Leche Duos - Tuesdays with Dorie
These were delicious!
The cookie (made with dulce de leche) was soft and the dulce de leche in the center? Heaven.
They were GONE at the library. Gone.

Dulce de Leche Duos - Tuesdays with Dorie
I like the cookies on their own. They didn't need the filling...but I'm not going to pass that up either! ;)

Be sure to check out the other Tuesdays with Dorie bakers!

Recipe:
Jodie's blog, or...
Dorie's book, Baking: From My Home to Yours, page 161
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Manchester Gallery 6 - Two Takes

The Incredible Fictionalized Account of the
Sixth Installment of Manchester Gallery.

From the upcoming book, "Coffee With Jeff: Behind the scenes".

Remember, the myth is always better than the truth.

What happens when to visionaries both have an idea for an episode of a classic Internet show and neither side will bend? You get two different versions of the same show. Such is the case with the latest Manchester Gallery.

On Saturday, Dave burst into Pam's office at the Manchester Gallery Studios, his face red with anger and before Pam could begin to talk, his fist pounded the large antique Victorian desk she sat behind. Pam had been the director and editor of the most recent edition of the show and obviously Dave has an issue with the final result.

Six weeks earlier, Dave had suddenly been jolted wide-awake from a vision he had while drifting in and out of his slumber. He remembered his Uncle Wilber and his fascination with the Beatles. Dave still had the original Beatles' button that he had found in his Uncles belongings after he has passed away. This would make an excellent topic for the Manchester Gallery, he figured. He even called his Aunt Beatrice, the late Wilber's wife, and explained how he was going to use Wilber as a subject for a show. She was thrill. She had mentioned how she had been a fan of the Gallery every since it was on radio back in the 1940s. Dave made an attempt to explain that the show had been around for less than a year but soon gave up. He could see why Beatrice and Wilber made such a good pair.

A week later on a Saturday, maybe Sunday, he was having Coffee with Terrence and began to explain his idea. No wait it was a Saturday, I think. Anyway, since there was an art show happening soon at the Flat Iron, Dave knew this would be the perfect place to film the episode. Terrence listened bit wasn't exactly thrilled. You see, the last episode had been partially written my Dave and Terrence was anxious to do a show of his own creation. As Dave chatted on, he noticed Terrence flipping a quarter between his fingers. Was this a reference to . . .? An agreement was made to shoot the Dave's story but unknown to Dave, there would be a little Terrence in the story as well.

When the day of filming arrived, Terrence handed Dave two scripts. The first one was Dave idea exactly, but the second was a modified version that was more to Terrence's taste.

"What the hell is this, T?" Dave always referred people by there first initial when he was disturbed,

"What do you mean, David?" Terrence replied, obviously knowing exactly what Dave was referring to. Terrence reached into his pocket and pulled out a small tangerine and began to throw it a few inches into the air and catch it. "Just another variation on your story, David. Why don’t we just try it both ways?”

Not being able to utter the words he wanted to speak, Dave stormed off.

Pam, who has just finished mounting the last of the lights, quickly followed Dave into the bathroom. "Dave, let's talk."

Already splashing water on his face, he turned as said, "How long Pam, how long is he going to bring up that this. It happened so damn long ago." Of course he was referring to the tangerine-silver dollar incident from their time at the ad agency.
.
"Look Dave, you're right. What happened with the tangerine was horrible but it was a long time ago. This is not about the tangerine or the silver dollar. You know that." He looked at her as she spoke; his eyes filled with tears, looking like a lost puppy. "Listen to me, " she continued. "I am the director and editor. Once the camera stopped, all the decisions are mine. Go ahead and film it both ways. Just do it to make Terrence happy. I'll have the finally say."

Talking a deep breath, he walked back onto the set. Dave, the professional, by the time he was back in front of the camera was ready and did each script to perfection, with so much heart and soul that Terrence began to feel a little guilty for the way he had acted. Half way through the sixteen-hour shoot, he walked over and dropped the tangerine into the garbage can. Looking up, a starving artist, the type that lives in the Iron Horse gazed at him. "Sorry dude, no one gets that piece of fruit."

Two days before the latest addition of Coffee with Jeff was to air, the cast a crew got together at the Music Box Theater for the screening and that's when Dave saw the final version. He turned to where Pam was sitting but she was gone.

Now back at her office, Dave fist down on the desk, he demanded to know what had happened. She looked up, now her eyes were filled with tears, and she said, "You're right Dave, it was all about the Tangerine and Dollar."



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Finca Vista Hermosa, Guatemala, march 2010

So this is the forth year we will be buying coffee direct from Finca Vista Hermosa.
Being my first time in Guatemala I was very excited.
Both Klaus and Linus have been to Finca Vista Hermosa before. You can read what they had to say about it here:

Linus' visit in 2009:
Part 1
Part 2

Klaus' visit in 2008:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

I arrived in Huehuetenango just as this years harvest came to an end. The patio’s were full of washed coffees, laying drying in the sun. The patio crew, which contains 5 people, is constantly watching the coffee and making sure the coffee drys evenly by turning the coffees all the time.


We have been buying from FVH the past three years and it has always been one of my personal favourite coffees. I was very curious how this years crop would turn out. The harvest, as with so many other places around the world, has been really small due to bad weather. Around 30% less than last year, which was also a small harvest.

What we have experienced in the past, when the harvest is small, is the crop tends to have more complex aromas. This usually means that farms who are focused on quality can get a higher price for their top lots. This ensures their survival, even when the yield is low, like it was this year.

The first day I spent hiking the mountains where the farm is located. Edwin, who's family own the farm, took the time off to accompany me, along with Diego the farm manager. They showed me the farms micro lots and some of the many natural springs which flow from the mountains over several locations. The springs are a very favorable advantage for the FVH coffee farm. Huehuetenango has one of the lowest annual rain falls in Guatemala. The springs ensure FVH can prosess their signature clean and aromatic coffees.


We also walked past some of the houses, situated in the middle of the farm, surrounded by the mountains. Living in these houses are families who have been working with Finca Vista Hermosa for a long period of time. These families have now been offered land where they can live and farm themselves. Most have amimals, grow vegetables and coffee which they themselves sell to different buyers. Essentially living off the land.

Another contribution that Finca Vista Hermosa brings to the local community is the farms school. The school is used daily by more than 120 children, some living up to 25 mins walk from the farm.


On the second day I was acompagnied by Andy from Barefoot Coffee Works in San Jose California. They have also been buying from Finca Vista Hermosa for a long time. We brought a couple of bags of freshly roasted FVH coffee, Edwin brought a grinder and a Hario v60 dripper. We brewed fresh coffee, and the people of FVH tasted the coffee they put so much effort into growing.

In Guatemala people drink coffee the whole day. It is also normal for children to drink coffee day and night. But they brew it very weak, up to 10 times weaker than we are used to. They also add milk and loads of sugar. So we added extra water to suit the locals taste. The local people provided a lot of positive comments on our brew. It was such a relief that they liked what we had made out of their coffees.

Three years ago a new micro-lot was planted at FVH. This year will be the first time they can harvest this lot called El Mirador. This has produced about two export bags (120 kg) this year. This lot is located at the very top of the farm between 2000-2200 MASL. This is one of the highest altitudes coffee can grow in Guatemala. On this lot they have chosen to grew the Maragogype type of Arabica which produces huge cherrys and therefor huge coffee beans. This coffee should produce more aroma but less body. We for sure look forward to tasting this new lot and tell Edwin all about what we think.

During the evenings at the farm a lot of coffee discussion went on. One of the topics was Fair Trade. Why is Fair Trade not a good thing for a farm like Finca Vista Hermosa? Its simple; the cost to produce coffee in this region exceeds the fairtrade buying price! This is due to the rough and steep mountains where the farm is located and because the pickers are out picking cherrys in the same lots up to 7 times per havest for the cherrys to be perfectly ripe. So Fair Trade does not equal good coffee nor an actual fair price for farm like FVH.


After 3 days at the farm it was time to head back to Guatemala City. On the way there we stopped at one of the dry mills Fince Vista Hermosa uses, called Beneficio de Cafe Cofeco. This is where the last step of quality control is made before the coffee leaves Guatemala, ensuring only the best beans arrive at the roastery here in Copenhagen.

Back in Guatemala City we finally tasted this years lots. 11 in total. At Anacafé they were really helpfull. They roasted and arranged a cupping for us afterhours. This was the first time we were able to taste the coffees also for Edwin. The cupping blew our minds! The three of us were speechless! Everything tasted fantastic and all the lots cupped really clean. The difference was in the aromas. We found everything from thick sweet chocolate, to fresh tropical fruits. I’ll let all you people out there put your own words to the coffee once it arrives here at The Coffee Collective.


We really look forward to presenting some of the best of these FVH coffees to you.
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Journey to Planes, Trains and Automobiles


Here is my short film of my travels to some of the locations from the the famous John Hughes film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

I visit the two motels that Neal and Del stay at, as well as Neal Page's home and the place were their wonderfully burnt car is towed to.

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LA Marathon 2010 with Dave & Daveypops

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Congrats Dave on finishing the Los Angeles Marathon!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Team Dave with the Daveypop

My friend Dave finished the LA Marathon! After months and months of careful preparation, today was The Day for Team Dave

We had friends and family at:
Mile 7 (Mary the Food Librarian, Helen, Alison)
Mile 12 (Rod and Kris)
Mile 15 (Marilyn & Eric)
Mile 20 (Chris N, Rod & Kris)
Mile 22 (Mary the Food Librarian, Helen, Alison)
Finish Line (Rod and Kris)

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Team Dave Members: Alison and Helen. We started the race at Mile 7 in Silverlake on Sunset Blvd. (This photo from our Brentwood stop)

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
We met this lovely family who were the first to hold our extra DaveyPops. The high school student (pink hair) has friends running in the race...we hope to see her next year!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
My first shot of Dave approaching us at Mile 7! (That's Helen reaching out to give him a big hug). Alison excels at playing "Where's Waldo/Dave?" as she spotted him. It was crazy crowded and amazing. Seeing 25,000 runners pass by was incredible.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
This woman was a fantastic new supporter. She works nearby and screamed, shouted and cheered all participants and gave Dave a big hug when we saw him.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
More strangers who greeted Dave with our Daveypop! They found their friend in the race and we screamed for Dino! The sense of community was awesome.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
This group of Angelinos were sooooo enthusiastic for Dave! It was awesome and I know Dave really appreciated the support.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
After seeing a literal sea of runners go by, it is FANTASTIC to find your friend. Fantastic!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
We passed Marathon street on our way to Mile 7. How perfect is that?!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
There were some interesting costumes in the race!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
After Mile 7, we hopped into the car and zipped off to Mile 22 outside the VA in Brentwood. Here is our view from the freeway. Traffic wasn't bad and we were very lucky to find parking in both places.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
We positioned ourselves outside Whole Foods in Brentwood. These nice people held up the Daveypop for almost any hour! What nice strangers. Los Angeles, you rock!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Our friend Phil is recovering from knee surgery so he ran the last half of the marathon. He stopped by for a sip of juice!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Alison was able to spot Dave and Phil all three times! Dave was also on the look out for us, I mean, HIMSELF on these Daveypops. Here's Dave approaching Mile 22 in Brentwood.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
More sweet Los Angeles strangers rooting on my friend!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
He just ran over 21 miles and looks great! Dave said he never hit the wall and was so happy with his running and yoga preparation.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Omg. How cute is this couple! They were so excited to see Dave, and the woman kept her Daveypop as a souvenir!

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
This is me, the Food Librarian and Helen. I'm shy.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Team Dave toasting Dave & Phil on their accomplishment! (And yes, that is HP sauce on the counter...we were doing a taste test).

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Ain't it pretty?! Dave finished in 4:16.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Team Dave decorated the lawn with Daveypops after the race. After Dave passed us and rejoin the race, a woman behind him said, "Oh, You're Dave" as I'm sure she saw Team Dave and our Daveypops along the route! :)

I can't tell you how exciting it was to see Dave in the sea of runners. We were filled with adrenalin and joy. Helen, Alison and I spent half the day shouting, "How great is this?!?!"

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
And would you believe, Dave and Phil hosted a BBQ after the race! We were treated to yummy chicken, veggies, potatoes au gratin, and lots of laughs. I brought a California strawberry shortcake and Thin Mint Cupcakes to the BBQ (yes, I only use seasonal ingredients...including Thin Mints). I'll post the recipes later.

LA Marathon 2010 - DaveyPop
Team Dave and Dave himself

Thank You Los Angeles Marathon organizers, volunteers, and weather for a wonderful day! I love Los Anglees and we don't have too many times when the community comes together, but today was a great day for LA. The new course is fantastic...a landmark every mile.

Dave and Phil: Great Job! Dave and I have been friends for over 20 years...you are a rock star, and I'm lucky to be your friend!

Check out Dave's Blog for more photos from Team Dave stops and follow his journey!
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