Another Christmas Day is nearly over, but every day should be a celebration of giving. Live for the sake others—give and forget. That’s the spirit of the season, which is instead awash with wanton materialism, rather than celebrating Jesus—or the birth of any child, for that matter.
Around San Diego neighborhood University Heights, the atmosphere was spiritless today. During a morning walk, my wife and I passed numerous residents—many of them walking dogs. I greeted everyone with “Good Morning” and “Merry Christmas”. No one, and I mean no one, returned the greeting or acknowledged our presence. I know that we are old now, but so were some of the non-responders.
We both commented about the dead, spiritless atmosphere. Granted, we live in a liberal stronghold where many residents are angry and/or depressed about the Presidential election’s outcome. I got to say: I saw no smiles anywhere today, during the walk. Grim reapers of misery best describes people out and about mimicking the living as they prattle about like the Walking Dead. Bah humbug to you, too.
We stopped by Lafyette Hotel, where over-decorating defined the day, like everywhere. The interior is a Christmas tree forest of chaos; many hang from the ceiling because too many fill spaces on the floor.
In general, I dislike the Lafayette’s renovation, which I would describe as gay garish—a euphemism for being overdone in gaudy colors and mixed, poorly matching motifs and styles. Some people would call it flamboyant and reminiscent of another era. I call it ugly.
Let’s talk photos: The Featured Image comes from Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra; the companions from Nikon Zf. Vitals: f/2.2, ISO 50, 1/800 sec, 13mm (film equivalent); 9:30 p.m., today. Vitals, second shot: f/5, ISO 100, 1/100 sec, 40mm; 11:50 a.m. PST. Last one: f/3.2, ISO 100, 1/800 sec, 40mm; 11:47 a.m.