In college I had a German philosophy teacher who always answered the question “How are you?” with “Today is a good day to die.” Sounds grim at first, but if you think about it, what better metaphor is there for enjoying life to the fullest each day and leaving nothing undone at the end of it? The purple glitter skeleton made me think of that. The hammock under the disco ball just rubbed it in.

Sometimes I think cats have it all figured out.

Keeping chickens equals an endless supply of fresh eggs.

Those eggs taste very nice fried up in butter and accompanied by a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee.

And a breakfast beer… why not?

And, finally, yummy pancakes with warm maple syrup to conclude one rocking breakfast. Thanks Ilse & Meeno. You are the best hosts ever.

We’re ready for a weekend in the desert.

Sunlight streaming through the curtains, I awake to the sounds of the amazing gardens outside. Despite the heatwave that hit L.A. this weekend, the morning air is still cool.

I walk outside the pink house that is my temporary home to smell the flowers, breathe some fresh mountain air and say good morning to the dogs.

Then, I turn back in for some reading, a great Swedish book about a 100-year-old man who escapes from the old folks home in search of adventure. It’s never too late.

The bustle of downtown Los Angeles is far below; tranquility reigns up here in the urban oasis on the hill. Next: Breakfast.