More Catalina Rebuild

They sure have done a lot of work since I was here 3 days ago. Opening day is less than 7 weeks away.

Lots of columns were poured on the pool deck.

I love how they preserved the look & feel of Catalina. It's a retro gem.

Looking good ... an eastward view from the roof of Oceanview.

The oceanfront cabanas took a real beating. At least they weren't filled to the roof with sand, like some of the other clubs.

 The pool ladders & lifeguard stand remnants were inside the Oceanview office.

Becker Brunch

Molly & Teddy ... the day after ... exhausted!

While we were at Sandy & Larry's house, I saw this hanging on a bulletin board in the kitchen. Ashley made this awesome drawing in 4th grade. Love it!

Molly's Bat Mitzvah

On the way back to Sandy & Larry's, I parked next to this building. Don't worry ... be happy!

I didn't take many pix at the Bat Mitzvah but here's the ice sculpture ...

The hors d'oeuvres were awesome ... sushi bar, carving station, pasta bar & other delicious appetizers were served. This is the biggest hunk of Parmigiano Reggiano I've ever seen. It was probably 12" in diameter & about 14"-16" tall. I was almost too full to eat my filet mignon dinner. The chocolate lava cake dessert was amazing!

Photogenic veggie cocktails.

JAX-JFK-Catalina

After Stephen picked up my mom, Hank & me at JFK we went to Catalina. I wanted to see & shoot the rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. I wish I could have been there to document the entire process, from destruction until opening day. It definitely would have made for some cool time-lapse photos.

Pump it ... Don't hump it!

Even though the far west corner was the only part that collapsed, they had to rebuild & reinforce a section that spanned the whole length of the pool deck.

I never get bored shooting rust.

We walked down the beach to check out the other clubs. Many look they won't open this year.

 

The boardwalk is closed & has a lot of damage.

Stephen, mom & Hank.

Awww!

Blast at the Beach!

Today Rob, Lauren, Cora, Stella & I went to the Lodge & Club so the pups could run on the beach. Cora is a long distance sprinter with the speed of a greyhound & the agility of a deer. As soon as they got off-leash, Cora started running like she was on a oval track. Stella did her best to keep up with her, occasionally cutting across the track.

Both Cora & Stella love being splashed & jump pretty high to catch every drop of water. When Rob & Lauren both splashed, I was able to capture the synchronized jumping.

Cora could be an Olympic gymnast! Everyone on the beach loved watching the show. They were even amused by the high speed chase.

I sure wish I had a "real" camera with me! The timing is a little tough with my iPhone 5!

Dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig!

How long do I have to wait?!? Splash me already!

Pictures Everywhere!

John & Sherry took me to the French Pantry for my belated birthday lunch.

We waited in line for an hour & 45 minutes to just to get in the door. I've never waited that long but they were NOT disappointed on their first visit!

 

I had my usual chicken & mozzarella bruschetta. The chocolate cake wasn't very photogenic, so I took a pic of our Crème Brûlée.

 Old decrepit sign in the parking lot behind the French Pantry.

Something rusty ... I'm not sure what it is.

There was an old Plymouth Fury III parked outside Kinkos.

Hose Time

One of the perks of taking a shower is that Stella gets to play with the hose outside first. It doesn't get any better than this!

More PLEASE!

 

I can't get enough!!!

SHAKE!!!

Goldilocks!

All of this fun is exhausting! At least Stella got to relax on her new Kyjen Instinct Air Flow Bed.