DMV....Echo

Five days it's been since I've posted.  You'd think I was super busy.

I guess, in a way, I have been.

First up this week was an very interesting initial trip for The Maven and I to register our two cars, and Mr. T's in CA.  Luckily we had an appointment.

I had filled out a lot of paperwork ahead of time, but a lot of good it did me.

Sent back twice for corrections.  Got right back to the front of the line (daggers in the back) each time and then time to wait for our turn at one of the many desks where info was entered into the computer.

Long story long. After about an hour with the lady at the computer and a lot of $$$, the three cars are registered.  Next up, Smog checks,

vehicle inspections, then handing over of paperwork and FL license plates in exchange for California ones.

Mr. Tennis has done all the requirements as his job will start kicking into high gear very soon.  He won't have the time for lines, etc.

He's done!

Not his actual plate, mind you.

The Maven and I will tackle Smog inspection and vehicle inspections next week and then make appointments for the paperwork and handing over of FL license plates.  THEN, we will make appointments for driver's licenses - which Mr. T has done already.

He's a Californian!

Everyday I try to go and look at a different part of the LA Metro area.

Well, not everyday, but most days I try.

Today I finally remembered an area I've read about and always forget to go see when we've visited here in the past.

Echo Park.

An area of town with a notable/notorious past and a bright present and future.

It's listed as.... well, I will let the sign speak for itself:

I'd first heard of Echo Park through the author Michael Connelly. 

 He writes crime novels quite often taking place on the streets of various parts of LA and two, in particular, in Echo Park.  In his books the area is a mix of old run-down Victorian homes and an active drug culture, hence a lot of crime.  He does hint at the re-vitalization of the area, but his character, Det. Harry Bosch  mainly deals with the seedier side of this interesting area of town.

These books are dated and now I hear people are coming in, buying the homes and restoring them to their past glory. What a wonderful thing, I say.

An old hitching post.  Look at the next one!

I parked and walked around a bit, but still feel a bit shy taking pictures of people's homes,

so I eventually resorted to driving and shooting from my car.

It was a fascinating ride up and down hilly streets.

Beautiful, beautiful, ornate homes.

And some that have lots of potential.

Look at that top right area - I've never seen anything like that!

I know some of you would just itch to get your hand on this one!

I haven't done the research, but I know some of these homes have been the backdrop for movies, tv shows, past and present. As I settle in and have more time I would really like to learn about the history of this area more and then take some pictures that are truly worthy.  What about you?

Have you ever heard of Echo Park?

For me?  

Do I like the ornate Victorian style?

I like it to look at, but for me, my dream California home would be a small

bungalow or craftsman-style home.

Not that these are cheap!  Especially in this area. My photography skills do not do any of these homes justice - I need a "fancy" looking camera to give me some street cred.  But I think the residents are proud of their homes and don't mind - I hope!

A place that I can furnish and decorate in an eclectic fashion with things such as this:

A new find! 

 One of a couple I found this week in my exploration of neighborhoods and thrift stores.

More on that another time.

Have a great weekend and even though we are in California, we still say:

GO GATORS!