I decided to give my pet mantis a send-off to insect Valhalla down the L.A. River. Yes, I'm an incredible dork.
but the good news is, there's an egg case waiting to hatch:

Here's a view form my roof from today:

Here's a detail that looks like what the album art should be if Brian Wilson did a Burzum tribute album. (Click image to supersize.)I should be ok, since the fire would need to jump the river and 2 freeways to get to me.

For a sense of scale, here's a map of L.A. I live where the red X is (Click on image to enlarge).

Some things I've planted

Bell Peppers: Rosemary:

Basil and Tomatoes:
Cilantro:

Cactus in the front yard, cut from a 10 foot one with lots of branches from my old place in Pasadena. This one's only about 10 inches so far:
Tiny succulent cuttings from Pasadena I'm hoping I can grow to populate the front yard:

Some views of the outside of the house, since I didn't post any yet:

L. A. River

There's a trail along the river that begins 2 blocks from my place, bounded by the 2 freeway and the 5/110 freeway interchange. A likeably awkward meeting between urban decay and persistent nature. A good hour long stroll each direction.

Figs and pears from my yard.

My new housemate, Ichi the mantis. His eyes are light in these pictures. When it's dim, they darken.

More pics coming soon of yard, etc. click on images to enlarge.

Front room (front door on left just off screen):

Back work room:

Front room side wall:

View coming in font door w/ nice plastic bag:

opposite way, plastic bag still going strong:

front room, blinds up:

bedroom (closet curtains on bed, since put up):

front room, afternoon:

guest room (note blinds on floor still in boxes):

front bathroom: