Camera, birthday cake, angels and other things

I have lots of things to share with you today.
First, my camera story. Canon Camera has a policy where you can return your camera to them for repair at a flat rate of $97. So, off went my three year old S1IS Canon Powershot. I did not hear anything for two weeks and finally last Thursday I received a package in the mail. I was expecting my repaired camera, so you can imagine my shock, disbelief and utter joy at finding a brand new S1 I5 Canon Powershot and all it's accessories in the box. Along with the camera was a note that stated that my old camera was defective, they were not able to repair it and therefore AT NO CHARGE they have replaced my camera. My note to you BUY CANON!!!! That is incredible customer service.
Next up, I spent some time working on the collage you see below. My youngest son was treated to a Panda Bear birthday cake made by Mommy for his first birthday in 1977. His oldest son, Jackson received the same cake made by Gramma for his first birthday in 2006 and his youngest son, Hunter received the same cake in 2007 for his first birthday. I stumbled across photos of my son with his cake and the end result is the following collage. I hope my son likes it. The cake pan and design are the same. No, it is not the same 31 year old cake. LOL
A little quilting is up next. With the help of my teacher, I put together this stain glass angel on the weekend. It is going to be a wallhanging. It was great fun and not as difficult as I had expected.My stitching these days are secret stitches for exchanges and other things so I am afraid I cannot show you anything. I will as they are sent and received.
I promised a few pictures of the visit to L.A.
The first is along the coastline from San Diego to L.A. - the sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom on the hillsides.

What trip to L.A. is complete without a visit to the Hollywood sign. Our tour guide tells us we were lucky to be able to see and photograph the sign because the smog is normally so bad.

Next up, where else but in Hollywood would you see Charlie Chaplin and Catwoman having a chat. This was in front of Mann's Chinese Theater - the footprints of the stars and the stars on the Walk of Fame.

And for all us ladies, some eye candy on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Hope you enjoyed the sights. It was difficult to only pick a couple of photos but I hope I gave you a broad view of the craziness known as L.A. and Hollywood.