ANOTHER PICTURE PERFECT DAY IN PARADISE ...

It was another picture perfect morning in Santa Monica.  So perfect, in fact, that it was hard to leave 7th and Montana today for the office.  At least I took an extra long walk yesterday, starting with a stroll down Adelaide with its views of the Canyon, the Pacific and the Notorious Ocean Towers (1-6), continuing down the length of Palisades Park (7-8) and culminating in a long walk down a Short Pier (9-11)!     

POLICE PROTECTION AT 7TH AND SAN VICENTE ...

Sirens were blaring and whistles were blowing as a bevy of police officers descended on 7th and San Vicente this morning.  At first I hoped the City was finally taking action against the three-story abomination under construction nearby, but it seems they were merely closing off traffic for the Santa Monica Classic road race.  As for the new home, perhaps the City will issue a Citation to the architect in question for polluting the environment ...!

NEW ARRIVALS AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

It was a full house at Starbucks this morning as an Anonymous Lummox held up traffic by slowly, separately ordering one of every pastry on display (#1).  Moments later, he blocked the exit by dropping a tray of steaming cappuccinos all over the floor (#2).  On a happier note, Howard and Cathy just returned home, renewed and refreshed from their trip abroad.  Everyone was thrilled to see them, especially Our Pal Zoey (#3)!

SMOKE SIGNALS AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

What would you do if a complete stranger wandered into your car and chain smoked a few cigarettes?  Such was the challenge Kovar faced this morning when he realized, much to his shock, that he had forgotten to lock his car door last night and some unidentified ne'er-do-well used the passenger seat as an ashtray.  Holy Smokes!

THE SCRIBBLER REVISITED ...

New evidence suggests that the mysterious Scribbler-in-our-Midst -- who can be found scribbling in the same notebook every day from dawn to dusk at Starbucks -- is more than what he seems.  While many assumed based on the "violent" nature of his penmanship that he was a borderline psychopath, I couldn't help noticing today that he had a book by his side entitled "How to Make a Good Script Great."

GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD PYLONS ...!

Things got exciting this morning at 7th and Montana as an anonymous motorist plowed full steam ahead into one of the protective pylons designed to prevent "automotive mishaps" at the Curb from Hell.  The fact that the pylon in question was ripped from its base raised hopes among local spectators that Starbucks will once again play host to its very own Demolition Derby!

A LITTLE PROZAC FOR TOBY ...?!?

What do you give the "89-year-old" pooch who has everything?  The general consensus at 7th and Montana is that Our Favorite Cocker Spaniel, Toby, could use a prescription for Puppy Prozac.  While the FDA has evidently approved a version of Prozac for anxious dogs -- to be marketed under the name "Reconcile" -- I think it would be a doggone shame if Toby spent what's left of his Golden Years popping anti-depressants!