Hello and good morning to you, where you are. It's 4:46 AM and raining here in the Coachella Valley. The peaceful sounds of rain is punctuated with an occasional flash of light and sounds of thunder. Perhaps, you to, were awakened by the warning blasts that come from out phones indicating that a flash flood watch is in effect throughout Riverside County. Over this past weekend, there have been many news reports of flooding in other states and even my phone loudly alerted to flash flooding in our area around 3:30 AM. Where ever you are today and especially if you are in the flood areas I hope you stay safe and dry.

Morning basil in the rain for the bunny and rain puddles.

I am happy to report that I am feeling fairly well this morning after our big weekend. Hubby and I traveled, along with our pug to the LA area. Jenny, our pug, was super excited as we usually leave her with my youngest son when we take overnight trips. This time, she had her bag packed and was ready to go. Hubby had been invited by a high school friend and bandmate to a birthday party in Venice. I was excited as there was going to be live music and I was going to get to meet some of the characters in the early life of Hubby.

After we dropped off Jenny, he got back on the 10 Freeway and headed toward the beach. I tried snapping photos along the way. I lived in and near downtown Los Angeles for 7 years have never gotten bored with the skyline and even the freeway that I used drive during typical Los Angeles rush hour traffic.

We arrived in Venice around 12:30 PM and Hubby drove by some of the places from his youth. Some of the stories make me thank God that he survived. He would point out houses and landmarks and then tell the accompanying stories. It was the best.

It was amazing how easily he maneuvered the narrow, car lined Venice streets. Me, I would have found a parking spot that I wouldn't have to parallel park, even if it was a mile from our intended destination. Hubby got lucky as he found a spot that was not to far from the party. From that point on it was a blur because it went by fast, way to fast.

Just the sight of this flyer got me exited! It felt like I was 19 again!

When I was much younger, I remember going to house parties that had local bands providing entertainment. Usually, these parties got broken up by the cops even before one song was played. I also remember going to one party in Pasadena and the boys fathers band, Fizgig was set to play. I remember all the trouble it was getting his bass cabinet out of his Plymouth and to that house only for him to have to move it back into the car 5 minutes later because the party had abruptly ended. This party was set to kick off at 1 PM as to have a chance at getting all the bands time to perform.

There was a crew filming the event.

The best part of the day was getting to meet Hubby's friends. The host and birthday dude, James, was super sweet. However, his family, I think it was his cousin, made me feel like I was part of the family. I had been standing in the sun when she came over pointed to a couple of chairs near grill and entrance to the backyard. She excused herself to help with the cooking. By the way, later that afternoon, she tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I have been watching you and you need to get a plate." Then she handed me a plate of the best macaroni, BBQ beans and hot wings. Oh my! I think I licked my fingers as I didn't want to waste any of it by wiping any stray sauce from my fingers and wasting it on a napkin. I wish I would have taken a photo of it. Later, she also tapped me on the shoulder and said "Stand up here." We were both standing behind the band that was playing Cycotic Youth, and it was getting wild. She saw that I was taking photos and she said that I would would have a better view. She was right and it was much safer in that spot.

I had switched the camera to B & W for a minute.

We didn't stay much to long after that photo as you could feel all that masculine and youthful energy that was happening in front to the band. I loved hearing all the shouts coming from the crowd. "It's punk rock!" or "Fuck yeah!" was on a constant loupe.

The highlight of my day was getting to see Hubby playing with No Reaction, one of the first bands that he played in back in the 80s. Getting to see that smile of his while he plays never gets old for me.

I didn't know what to expect before the guys started playing as they did not have a formal practice and had not played together in over 30 years. It turned out fine after all, it's punk. 'nuff said.

My heart was pumping during the No Reaction set as I had not been alone at a punk show since I last saw Blink-182 about 12 years ago. I found a space to the left of the stage or in the pit. I tried to stay out of the way of the other photographers as they were there working for their blogs. If I can locate their footage, I will repost so you can get a different perspective of that day. There were a few times that I thought I had made a mistake by standing where I was as a few elbows and bodies grazed my camera.

I had a few people in front of me.

I didn't dare go back to that spot when the next band, Cycotic Youth started their set and only took a few shots from the spot that that nice lady I have been talking about tapped me on my shoulder and said, "Come stand up here." and I happily climbed the steps and stood beside her.

Right after those photos were snapped, a thing happened and things were said and like I said, Hubby said, "Time to go." I grabbed my stuff and we were on our way. Honestly, I was already worn out and missing my afternoon nap...not so punk rock...

What is going on back there?
One of the many murals we saw through out Venice.
Trash or work of art?

This day will surely stay planted in my memories and I am so thankful that Hubby shared part of his life before us with me. It really did fill in more of the picture I have of him in my mind. Now to go through the rest of the video and photos. Can't wait to go through all the footage from the beach with my sons, hubby and Jenny! We tried to pack as much as we could into our weekend as we could. Anyhow, I am ready for a nap right now and Hubby and Jenny are already ahead of me in the zzzz's department so time to catch up to them.

Thank you dear reader for stopping by. Where ever you are going today, I hope you get there! Peace.