We are a busy people.
Whether for work or play, it seems that every minute is scheduled or filled with something that just has to get done. I used to take comfort that in my retirement I would finally have the chance to do nothing. I asked my mother-in-law about this, thinking she spends her days painting watercolors or knitting. She was quick to explain that since retiring years ago from her 9-to-5, she has never been so busy.
She’s a woman of projects.
In the early 1990s she oversaw the construction of her home up on Mountain Avenue (she has since sold that and moved north). She writes music, travels and regularly visits the rest of the family here in the foothills. She and her husband are ready to open their home for any family function and there is a standing invitation to us all – and there are a lot of us – to come up and spend some time with them. Just this past Saturday she and her husband surprised me by coming down and spending some time with me here at the office. Unexpectedly, my son, his wife and my granddaughter happened to also be in town and stopped by the office where great-grandmother was able to elicit a smile from the 4-month-old angel. It was wonderful to have that time to just visit.
Later that evening, I met my best friend for dinner. She and I love trying new places and after putting in some time on a Saturday at the newspaper, I wanted a relaxing place. I suggested the Agave Bar & Grill at the Angeles National Golf Club out in Sunland.
If you’ve driven west on the 210 freeway, you’ve seen the golf club off to the right. It’s gorgeous, literally a lush oasis in the middle of a wash. I had been to the golf club a couple of times at night for chamber functions and had promised myself to return during daylight hours for either their champagne brunch or for dinner. On Saturday, we met at 6:30 p.m.
We were seated on the patio overlooking the links. It was like being on vacation – the golf course manicured to perfection and a bubbling fountain dancing in the middle of the man-made lake. There was soft music playing in the background and, as dusk approached and with the golfers gone, the groundskeeper started chasing the Canadian geese that were feasting on the snails in the grass. The geese flew off as one unit, chiding the groundskeeper, sounding like nosy neighbors at a coffee clutch. Everyone on the patio stopped their conversation to see the birds fly overheard, swoop around, then settle on the surface of the lake. It was perfect, an evening of good food, good wine and good company.
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Today, Thursday, is my husband’s birthday and to celebrate we are heading over to the Summer Night on the Plaza in Glendale.
This is an annual fundraiser for Glendale Clean and Beautiful with an emphasis on ‘fun.’ Held at Glendale City Hall Perkins Plaza (basically at Broadway and Glendale Avenue), the $20 ticket includes tastes of some of the great restaurants in Glendale. This year will feature Outback Steakhouse, Carousel, BJ’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Damons, Clancy’s, the Olive Garden, Fish King and more. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a tropical paradise with swaying palms and music from Trinidadio, a steel drum band. A photo contest showcases the best of Glendale in color and black-and-white prints that attendees can vote on as their favorite. And one of my favorite things – a silent auction – is part of the evening.
Perhaps I’ll see you there. Summer Night on the Plaza is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.
And Happy Birthday, Steve!

  Crescenta, Goldsworthy