Finished!

All done! Couldn't be happier. Come join us for a swim this summer.

Landscape Preview

The landscaping will be done this afternoon but here is a sneak peak of what it looks like with the obligatory before picture.





More later this weekend.

Before & After

On December 12th the backyard looked like this:



This morning it looks like this:



Two days ago I finally jumped into the pool for the first time after moving the big boulder next to the spa into an upright position. For those of you not in Southern California it was sunny and 80 degrees. Yesterday it rained pretty much all day. L.A. weather is pretty kooky, but then that's why we live here and added a pool. Upcoming this week, the landscaping is finally going in...probably.

How Do You Really Feel About It, Ken?

With baseball season in its second week, good friend Ken has posted a wee bit of a rant about one Barry Bonds and Steroids. Be forewarned that the author is quite colorful and holds back nothing. Kids, this isn't for you.

But Will I Fit?

Went to the Walt Disney Studios today to meet some friends for lunch and we spotted Pixar chief John Lasseter showing off one of the stars of the new movie, Cars.



When it was started up it actually had a nice throaty roar. I hope the movie is as good as the promotion.

Aron Semel tribute

My brother Scott has set up a weblog in memory of our father's life. Dad passed away late last year and his wife gave Scott all of Dad's important and historical papers and photographs.

Aron Semel tribute

Dad hid from the Nazis in a cellar with his parents from age 2 until age 5. After WWII they waited in Germany for 5 years until there number was called to come to this country. Scott has posted much of their documentation. His was not an easy life but he was successful and we love and miss him very much.

How to Make My Day, Twice!

Tell me I look thinner. That's what my doctor said this morning when she walked into the exam room. Then I heard it again from a co-worker in the elevator. Remarkedly, I was not naked either time. I appreciate the sentiment and have lost maybe 5 pounds, but I think the real reason for people noticing is that I shaved off my goatee. Oh well, I'll always take unsolicited compliments irregardless of reality.