This is a little bit late in coming, but here are some photos I took during the Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills. This day of road racing near Chumash Park and in Old Agoura is meant to raise money for our public schools. Kid 1 is in Kindergarten, so we are entering the fundraising world this year, taking part in almost every opportunity that comes our way. The Great Race was a no-brainer!
Photos From the Great Race
May 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Mosquito Fish
March 22, 2011 by 12 Comments
After the heavy rains of last weekend (that are rumored to continue this week) you might want to take a little walk around your grounds and dump out any standing water that has collected in unexpected places. Wheelbarrow, empty bucket, various containers that your kids play with, crap that your husband leaves on the “white trash” side of the house. Things like that. They might seem like small, inconsequential amounts of water, but mosquitoes breed even there. I learned this from the kind employee of the LA County West Vector Control District, who stopped by one day to bring mosquito fish for our backyard fountain.
Our small fountain had mosquito larvae in it last summer and fall, despite repeated chemical treatments. Agoura Hills Dad drained it for the winter, so it was dry. But soon after he refilled it, Kyle came running into the house with a collection vial, yelling “Mom! I found some fish in our fountain!”
Uh-oh, I thought. Sure enough, they were mosquito larvae. That is when I started researching how to get mosquito fish – they were not for sale at any pet or aquarium store around here, but someone from one of those stores referred me to the county offices. Our location in Agoura Hills is on the LA County side, only blocks from Ventura County. Ventura’s mosquito fish guy, Randy, will come out to your property with mosquito fish but only if you technically live there. Call him at 805-654-2816.
Los Angeles County West Vector Control District
310-915-7370 lawestvector.org
Leave a message about where you are and they will call you back! Or you can go down to their headquarters at 6750 Centinela Ave. in Culver City with your own bucket and they will give you some, M-F 9:30-3:30.
The technician told me that the mosquito fish will multiply quickly and they like murky water. Beware of raccoons, who eat them! Ours have lived in the fountain for a few weeks now, and they all still seem to be alive and happy.
Family Outing: Cheesboro Canyon Hike and Dinner at Ladyface Alehouse
March 21, 2011 by 2 Comments
As the sky darkened, our family headed out for a short hike at Cheesboro Canyon. Although rain threatened and a chill had settled into this Sunday afternoon, we had been cooped up in the house all day and needed some fresh air and exercise. An easy walk up to the summit of the first hill rewarded us with this view.
Our fair city is snuggled in the valley below.
On the way home from our hike, Agoura Hills Dad wanted to grab something at the Do-It Center, but once we got near we realized the time and knew it would be closed. We’ve both been wanting to try Ladyface Ale Companie Alehouse and Brasserie, so I called ahead from the car to make sure they allow children, and we ended up there. The beers made on the premises were a tasty post-hike treat, and the children’s menu is typical but pleasing. Kyle loved the chicken tenders so much that I asked for the recipe, via Twitter, and received! I’ll blog that home cooking adventure in a future post.
And look, everyone’s happy. We will certainly return to both sites.
Gosh, I love it here.