I'm in L.A. for a very short visit with family and friends.  I'm constantly being asked how I could ever have moved AWAY from a town that lures so many young (and not so young) hopefuls to it's golden glamour every day.  Growing up in L.A., I never saw it that way.  And now when I go back to visit, the glitter seems a little more tarnished every time.  Don't get me wrong, L.A. has some beautiful spots. Newport Beach,  Palos Verdes, Santa Barbara (wait, those aren't in L.A.).  Okay, downtown L.A., they are working on revitalizing it (sound familiar), and they're doing a pretty good job actually. Hollywood still needs some work, but again...they're working on it.   And it would help if they had some form of good public transportation (sound familiar)  This time, being back it just seems, well...grittier and a little dirtier. (That kind of thing has always worked really well for New York, but not necessarily for L.A.)   Yesterday I drove by all my old teen stomping grounds, and most of it,  like all of L.A.,  has been torn down and re-built, torn down and re-built.  You want history in L.A. , you have to dig deep. Try the La Brea Tar Pits.

I will say the weather hasn't been too hot, although I'm staying with my folks in the "valley" (a REAL valley, not that place in Chesterfield that we CALL a valley but really isn't one, I mean...where are the surrounding mountains??).  The Valley (and I'm referring to the San Fernando Valley...like, fer sure!) is much, much hotter than anything "over the hill", but it hasn't been that bad.  My mom says I missed the heatwave by a few days.  Which is good, since my dad insists on keeping the air conditioning set at 80.  He says it's to help out the environment, I say it's because he's cheap.  (I keep sneaking the thermostat down when he's not looking, it's like a game....I'm sure I'll get a bill later.  Love ya Dad!!)   

Haven't seen any stars yet, although I have seen a really big billboard of Ryan Seacrest, which is enough of him, thank you.  But If I do happen upon Jennifer Anniston or Johnny Depp, I promise to get all the full on details for you. (I'll even hide in the bushes, take pictures and hound them for autographs)   Your own St. Louis Paparazzi right here in L.A.!

If I could take back with me an In N' Out Burger (double double, extra cheese...animal style),  Jamba Juice (Coldbuster with vitamin boost), Pinky's Dog (original)  some Jerry's Deli (I use to see the Seinfeld cast there all the time!) and a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for you, I certainly would.   And of course if I see Brad Pitt lurking around anywhere I'll tear him from the arms of Angie and bring him back to his home state of Missouri!  I'm sure he won't mind!