Sunday was Half-Marathon Day. Sort of like Half-Christmas Day. (This year xmas will start at noon.) But there it was: Sunset Boulevard blocked, crossing guards, runners and half-runners (walkers) trotting along the west side of the lake. They used to run south on Echo Park Ave., but a friend of ours had his car towed, got upset, asked they city why the runners didn't go through the park instead of along the street next to it, and voila! here they are running on the joggers path. We chose the other side of the park for a stroll, myself, my husband, RJ, Madeleine, our friend Martin Cox, and Rosie the dog. We said hello to the coots, the mallards, the wigeons and some geese. The famous Bufflehead is gone; he stayed in EP about three days. Next to the bank there was a dead mallard. Martin, who loves the lake, pointed out that "nothing holds up to close inspection" at EP lake. A small outboard boat that said "Lifeguard" on the side motored around. Martin said they patrol the lake twice a day, in the morning and evening. Looking for submarines? Just protocol. And, joking aside, I'm glad they do it. Motorcycle cops were also on patrol, circling the lake, it seemed. A pair came our way. We heard them chuckling and hooting like yahoos as they glided side-by-side. "They don't know their speakers are on," Martin observed. Not by half, it seemed.

Later, on the other side of the neighborhood, we went to the reception/sale at Peter Shire's studios. With the Echo Park Animal Alliance's Santa event in full swing, it was very doggy. Dogs all dressed for their Santa portraits, with red velevet collars and bells. There were excellent snacks for humans, and there were pots and pictures, perfumes, and so many neighbors. It's one of the nicest events of the year, times two!