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Barney Glenn Field in the late afternoon.

Chang Thai Bistro has nice dishes, a great atmosphere and friendly service. I’m addicted!

We now have another place to buy guitars in Monrovia, Mick’s Music on Colorado in the (not-so) old Dr. Music location next to La Adelita. Stop in and say, “hi” to owner Mick McMains.

ADDENDUM: I walked past the shop today and it was completely empty! I wonder if he knew he was moving when I took his picture?

I love eating at La Adelita Mexican Restaurant on Colorado. They have a couple of tables outside (and I can bring my dog!) and the staff is very friendly. I recently fell in love with the spinach enchilada. Great flavor and lots of goodies inside.

I’ve passed by this little gem of a tea shop many times in the last couple of years without entering, and boy do I wish I had ventured in sooner. I finally stepped inside the other day and not only were the owners friendly, but their selection of teas is staggering. Along the far wall they have shelves and shelves filled with glass jars with enticing names like “Summer Spice” and “Linden Blossom.”

I had no idea which one to choose, but co-owners Cindy Thai and Kim Nguyen (pictured above) were more than happy to help me find one that I might like. It’s fun just to open the jars and smell what is inside. They brew their teas fresh on the spot, so you might wait a little longer than getting an iced tea from a machine, but boy, is it worth it!

Fusion Tea Lounge/Aloha Boba Tea House
666 W. Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
(Next to “Toys R Us”)
Tel: 626-303-2283

Now that summer appears to have arrived (a bit too early for my taste), most of us who spend time in Monrovia will be hunkering down in front of our air conditioners for a good part of the day. If we are lucky, we can get up very early enjoy some fresh air before 10 a.m., and then reluctantly go back inside for some needed cool air. Not until 7 p.m. does it start to cool off.

I am loathe to go outdoors between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. but these are the prime shopping times, and so sometimes I must to get things done. Monrovia is known for it’s shops and eateries closing early, but during the summer months, this seems rather counter-productive. When I lived in Italy, I came to know what is known in some places as the “Siesta.” During the afternoons, businesses roll down their shutters and everyone takes a few hours off to relax before heading back to work again around 6 p.m. Shops often stayed open until 10 p.m., and restaurants much later.

I hear times are tough for local business here in Monrovia, especially in Old Town, and merchants are putting their heads together to come up with a strategy to get more business. Some have said business is down 60%. That combined with increased rents would make things a bit strained.

And so I put the question to you, dear reader. Would you shop in Old Town if businesses closed during the hottest part of the afternoon and opened again in the evening and kept later hours? I say let’s re-institute the Siesta.

As many of you may know, two fun events will be happening this weekend in Monrovia. The Fire Service Day Pancake Breakfast will be held from 7–11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th, at Fire Station #1, at 141 E. Lemon Ave.

On Sunday the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group is putting on their annual Mother’s Day Home Tour. This year will be their 26th annual tour, and the homes will range in age from 1887 to 1939.

Learn more about the Pancake Breakfast on their PDF flyer or by calling 626-256-8181 or the Mother’s Day Home Tour by visiting the Monrovia Old House Preservation Group’s website or calling 626-358-7822.

In other news: more free parking in Old Town Monrovia is now available in the Colorado Commons underground parking area. This should make lots of people happy.

I grew up around horses, and used to ride them from the stables to my house, on the side of the road. I miss seeing them, and was happy when I spotted some when driving through Bradbury the other day.