31st Occasional Doo Dah

What happened last November, in the streets of Old Town? Where were the irreverent presidential impersonators? Not a peep from the reclinable armchair on wheels? Where was the popular Briefcase Drill Team? You thought you missed the Doo Dah Parade, right? It's actually taking place tomorrow, January 20 at 11:30 a.m.

The parade will start off on Raymond Avenue at the Pasadena Senior Center, which is just a couple of blocks north of Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena, and head west onto Colorado Boulevard.

It's a popular Pasadena treat for the entire family. If you haven't been to the parade, then bring your lawn chair and camcorder. It's a carnival-like showing of the quirky, weird and colorful, and I don't just mean the costumes. Be prepared to participate in the world's largest public wedding shower, which will be recorded for the Guinness Book of World Records, says Ellen Snortland (Pasadena Weekly, Jan. 17). In lieu of shower gifts, consider showering "a nonprofit documentary at www.beautybitesbeast.org and donate the cost of a spatula, blender or event a new car! Whatever's comfortable for you."

And, check out the pre-parade pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., held at the Pasadena Senior Center. It's all you can eat at $6.oo, which includes ham, sausage and scrambled eggs. Yum! For more information, contact the PSC Welcome Desk or call (626) 795-4331.

Need a Nanny?

If you are in need of or considering hiring on a nanny, here is a word-of-mouth reference.

The family has relocated to Chicago for a new job opportunity and to be closer to family.

See excerpted message:

"We have an amazing nanny named Lulu whom our 21-month-old son Dylan loves and that we would love to help find a new job with a nearby family.

Lulu speaks fluent Spanish, and has been teaching Dylan some Spanish phrases. As a result, he has several Spanish words already in his vocabulary. Lulu follows a schedule of activities so that Dylan engages in arts and crafts, visits to the park, plays with his toys and books and goes for walks.

She has always exceeded our expectations and Dylan is quite happy and comfortable with her. Aside from her daily hours of 8-6, she has spent a few evenings at our house babysitting while we enjoyed an occasional night out. When Dylan is napping she also tends to our house with light cleaning, ironing, and any projects that we have asked her to do. She has been very flexible with my work travel schedule as well.

Lulu lives in North Hollywood with her family, so an opportunity in Burbank, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood or Valley Village would probably be the best, but I know she is open to other areas. She does not drive, but instead uses public transportation, walks or gets rides from members of her family. On occasion, one of us has driven her home, especially if it is later in the evening.

Lulu has three great kids of her own and two adorable grandchildren. Because Lulu speaks Spanish, we would recommend someone who has a comfort level with other languages. She would be available to start working with a new family immediately.

If you or anyone you know would like to meet Lulu or learn more about her, you can email us. Many thanks in advance for your consideration.

Best regards,

Dan, Tammy and Dylan DeMarco"

*Contact phone numbers have been omitted for Internet privacy issues. To request a contact phone number, email the DeMarcos, or send your request to: pasadenaphiles@gmail.com.

Halloween - Part Cinq: Montrose

The City of Montrose will be having its own Halloween "Spooktacular" at the Montrose Shopping Park. Lots of activities for kids, of course, such as trick or treating, a magic show, carnival-style game booths, etc. There's even a costume photo booth. Great for the entire family, or for a date. Everything pretty much takes place at the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue.

Date: October 31, 2007
5 pm - 9 pm

Lots of city parking. Parking behind Rocky Cola Cafe will get you three hours of free parking. Observe restrictions.

13th Annual Kidspace Pumpkin Festival

Cool! Something to take my son to for his first Halloween as a toddler. There always seems to be some sort of carnival every weekend at Brookside Park near Kidspace Children's Museum... This event is basically a carnival "with rides, game booths, costume parades and live stage performances, the Pumpkin Festival takes place over two days in Brookside Park in front of Kidspace."

October 27 9:30am - 6pm
October 28 9:30am - 5pm

Free admission. Tickets must be purchased onsite for individual rides, games, crafts, and activities.

Click here for more information: Kidspace Children's Museum Pumpkin Festival Info.

Parking Information: Park at parking lot "I", which is the first parking lot across from the Soccer field at the Rose Bowl. If it overflows, you'll have to try your luck at scattered locations in and around the Bowl.

Click here for the map: Kidspace Children's Museum