The robert redford building

The robert redford building
Originally uploaded by savtadotty

In Santa Monica

Psychic readings by Dorothy

Psychic readings by Dorothy
Originally uploaded by savtadotty

Taken yesterday tomorrow from a moving bus on Santa Monica Blvd.

Introducing Walter

Meet Walter
Originally uploaded by savtadotty

After two weeks of renting a car and facing the prospect of an open-ended stay in Los Angeles, I decided to scour Craig's List and bought a 1992 Mercedes for a pittance from a local screenwriter/playwright/producer. One might say this is a crazy odd thing for someone who lives on a limited income in Tel Aviv to do, and one could be right. But my instinct told me that this car and I will have some good times in the USA before I return to the Altneuland, and it may just become our LA-based or floating family spare car, if I can find a geographically and otherwise suitable car-sitter.

I have named it Walter. It runs, and it will run even better after I pick it up from its various not-so-cheap fixes at Stuttgart Automotive in West Los Angeles (!) The whole buying experience was sweetened by the former owner's poodle, who has his own Hollywood career as a Therapy Dog and Model in addition to his day job as Pet. Sadly, the poodle was not for sale or even for rent, so I will have to make do with Walter.

Are There Enough Lifeboats?

That's what my brother asked me today:

Are there enough lifeboats?

Without skipping a beat I said there were, and they were fluorescent orange and had whistles and everything. He was pleased. I'm laughing and crying at the same time. Actually, I don't know whether there are enough lifeboats, but there's nothing to be done now if there aren't.

Chanuka in Santa Monica. NOT

Well Pablofisherman thinks it's December 8, 1908, so why can't I think it's Chanuka? Apart from the surprise of having someone you've known all your life suddenly start talking nonsense in a perfectly normal tone of voice, it's not all bad. In fact, it's kind of fun wondering what he will say next? I'm consoled by the fact that he is not in pain, and his physical care is excellent. He is definitely in a Different Place, and it isn't the Santa Monica that I'm in. I'm glad I'm here, wherever that is.

Non-vacation Trip Imminent

I'm arranging a last-minute trip to LA because my brother Pablofisherman has taken a turn for the worse. Luckily, once I arrive I'll be surrounded by multitudinous supportive cousins, so I just have to suffer the flights by myself. Er. I wish. The flights are close to full, because of the upcoming holiday. Apparently there are quite a number of Israelis who travel to the USA to avoid celebrate Jewish holidays there.

I wish you all a Shana Tova v'Metuka (Happy and Sweet New Year).

My New Career as a Criminal

After 19 years I'm beginning to master the way to get things done according to the local mores.

A couple of weeks ago I found myself lugging home a new scanner which I had bought while walking my dog. The combination of heat, humidity, dog, and scanner was wearing me down, when I saw a bus that stops practically on my doorstep approach the bus stop I happened to be near. Doggie is quite accustomed to riding on buses, cars, and trains, and hopped on unhesitatingly. As I was paying my fare (and hers - dogs pay full fare!) the driver asked me if I had a muzzle for her.

American Savtadotty: Oh, yes but I forgot to bring it with me. [Gets off the bus and walks home, sweltering and fuming.]

Newly-Israeli corrupted Savtadotty: Yes. [Technically this is true.]

Bus Driver: Be sure to put it on her as soon as you sit down.

Israeli Savtadotty: Yes. [Lying through her teeth. Chooses a single seat directly behind the driver, dog sits down between savta and closed side of bus, seen by no one and bothering no one. Savta carries dog off bus from rear exit at her stop.]

It took me 19 years to learn that:
1. Most bus and train riders in Tel Aviv practically swoon when they see my dog.
2. The bus driver was reciting a script and didn't have his heart in it, so one could assume he was just going through the motions.
3. I wasn't risking anything except my own self-righteousness.