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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

California trip pt. 3 - Dearly Departed Tour

The second tour we took on Friday was the Dearly Departed Tour, which had been recommended by a friend. This trek ventures to the dark side of Hollywood, visiting locations where famous celebrities died or were murdered. This tour took about three hours but was wildly fascinating and the tour guide was wonderfully entertaining. Unfortunately, I forgot to take notes and as I was going through my photos, I realized that I had forgotten what some of the places were. Here are some I do recall:

First up, this famous house in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles was designed by Lloyd Wright (eldest son of Frank Lloyd Wright). Known for its striking facade, which resembles a Mayan temple or the mouth of a gaping shark, it is also known as the "Jaws house". From 1945 to 1951, it was owned by Dr. George Hodel, a physician who was a suspect in the Black Dahlia murder case.




The Chateau Marmont again, popular hangout for celebrities and where John Belushi died of an overdose in 1982. Greta Garbo stayed here often.


The Scientology headquarters - former home built for a film producer's mistress (I can't remember the details). The tour guide told some amusing stories about the tight security there.
Bela Lugosi died in the apartment on the upper left


El Coyote restaurant, where Sharon Tate and friends dined the night they were murdered.

Former home of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe

The Menendez murders happened in this house

Lana Turner's boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, was killed in this house by
Cheryl Crane, Turner's daughter.
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Mae West lived in Ravenswood, a historic apartment building in Hollywood. She lived there from the time of her arrival in Hollywood in 1932 until her death in 1980.
It is said to be haunted by her ghost.


And some of other interesting sites along the way -

Contests on their way to film "Let's Make a Deal" -


Halloween decorations at a home in Beverly Hills
Beautiful architecture and a murder happened here as well (I don't remember the details)
The fire escape where the final scene of "Pretty Woman" was filmed

Apartment where Joe Gillis (William Holden) lived at the beginning of "Sunset Blvd."


Restroom where George Michael was arrested

Some more interesting buildings we saw on our way back -






My next post will be all about my visit to the Norton Simon Museum!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I am enjoying seeing all of this. Seems like a lot of murders doesn't it?

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  2. I have to say a lot of people met their 'end' there.

    Great tour, wonderful buildings, I love all the early twentieth century architecture through to mid century moderne. Few years back I visited Miami and filled three photo albums of all the deco buildings in and around south beach.

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  3. You saw so many different places it is no wonder you can't remember them all. It is so pretty out there.

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  4. Wow! You sure did make the most of your visit while you were there. Did Michael stay home?--Randy

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  5. What fun. I'm enjoying the tour with you. Hollywood is full of the dark side.

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  6. George Vreeland HillJune 5, 2012 at 3:18 AM

    Thanks for sharing these awesome pictures with us.

    George Vreeland Hill

    ReplyDelete

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