The Other Pasadena

New year's day is a big deal here in Pasadena. The Tournament of Roses Parade. The Rose Bowl Game. Just three more days.

White-Suiters, those insiders in the ToR organization who volunteer countless hours for the planning, organization and implementation of these events, sometimes grow up in the tradition, and their children follow after them. It is time-honored stuff, almost as old as Pasadena itself. I know people who've never missed a Rose parade.

I might see one myself some day, though I haven't done so yet. Crowds, noise and cold are not my cup of tea.

Alas, I blaspheme.

At least for the next few days I live in "the other Pasadena"--the one seeking a route to the grocery store without bumping into a parade float, hiking in the mountains north of town on game day, and looking for a restaurant so far from Colorado Blvd. that only the locals know about it.

And that's fine. In fact, it's downright fabulous. I want everyone to have a wonderful time! I look forward to the pictures!