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Cue Carpenters song now

Gracious. We just got back from the Fifth Annual Interfaith Blessing of the Animals in Long Beach, where we took our beloved Pet Sematary refugee for a spiritual boost. We knew we were really in for something when we almost immediately ran into the pig pictured above, who obviously had no concept of a traditional luau menu main course.
We'd write more, but right now we're suffering from acute Cute Overload. Enjoy the photos.
Very convincing triceratops disguise:

The Reverend Ava, rushing in late and setting up her shrine in a hurry. Probably stayed out too late at The Tantric Dance of Feminine Power last night:

Dogs definitely outnumbered other species. It didn't seem like these guys were going to form an alliance, however:


These dogs had just slurped up copious amounts of holy water out of the cistern. Bonus Los Angeles points for the nail polish-wearing clergy in flip-flops:

We didn't stick around to see what kind of pervs would line up for this sort of thing:

We don't know what happened to Buster Brown; Tige was hanging out with some guy wearing Nikes:

A possum doing what possums do best (alternatively, "An opossum doing what opossums do best"):

Monsignor Sean Flanagan doing his thing:

We could not get a good picture of this lady's orange flowered skirt, as she was showing a little too much interest in our occupied cat carrier:

Contrary to popular belief, all three of the Del Rubio Triplets are alive and kicking. Eadie not shown, as she was chasing a miniature Pinscher:

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It's been many, many years since we saw this much snow in our mountains. Going up there right now isn't safe, but here are some places where you can enjoy the view and snap a pic.
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April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
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A look at years past when snows creeped into our citified neighborhoods, away from the mountains and foothills.
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In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
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Another Missing Hiker Has Been Found Dead In San Gabriels As Search For Actor Julian Sands ContinuesBob Gregory, 62, went missing the same day as Sands. His body was recovered near Mount Islip.