mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today. She's the one who does these Rose Parade posts. Kirk is taking a break.
So, it's 2022! Happy New Year. A time to start anew, change habits. For starters, most of the photos in this post were taken on December 31, unlike when The Mister and I attended the Showcase of Floats-following the Rose Parade in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
With Covid-19, not many people were volunteering to decorate the floats and we had been receiving daily emails and noticing all of the float builders asking for volunteers. We had helped decorate floats in early December, and were wide awake around 1 a.m. on December 31, saw a live video of the float barn and how much help was needed, especially since final judging is around 10 a.m. on the 31st. We got in the car and drove to Irwindale.
Here are some photos of floats and details at the Phoenix Decorating Company barn.
Trader Joe's, "You're Invited"
Kiwanis International, "Dream To Achieve"
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, "Seeding Tomorrow"
Lutheran Hour Ministries, "Jesus Teaches"
Oddfellows and Rebekahs, "Arctic Adventure"
The Century anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children, "Celebrating 100 Years of Believing in Dreams". This float depicts a young girl with scars from Spina Bifida repair, spinning in a looking glass, dreaming of being the spinning ballerina in a jewelry box. There were three color florographs on this float, celebrating the providing of care to children with complex medical conditions regardless of their ability to pay.
"Wild Kingdom" by RFD-TV and Mutual of Omaha. 
The Closing float, reminding people of the Rose Bowl Game.
Rotary International, "Changing Lives Through Education"
Lions Clubs International, "Quest For Kindness"
Best wishes to you and yours. Dream, Believe, Achieve. 
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
It was after 11 a.m. and The Mister and I still had not had breakfast so we left and began driving to a favorite stop, The Peppertree Cafe. Another Covid-19 survivor.
Since it was a Friday, the regular menu (and specials) were available. We were so tired and overwhelmed. The Soup, Salad Half Sandwich ($9) was great- clam chowder, ranch dressing, turkey sandwich. There was a half order hot beef sandwich available ($9) so I tried it. Just enough food. A very long day. Peppertree Cafe website
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
In November, we finally made it back to Porto's, where we had not been since October, 2019. So happy it survived Covid.
The menu (bakery and meals) is limited, dine in capacity is at 50% (tables removed), most cold beverages are bottled but the food items are consistent.
Torrejas (Cuban French toast) was just perfect-crisp exterior, fluffy interior. 
Pan con Lechon- slow roasted pork with pickled onion and a green garlic mojo sauce on the fresh Cuban bread was a nice, salty contrast for breakfast. Portos Bakery Website
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Also in November, The Mister was craving a good pastrami sandwich, so we drove up the 15 to The Hat, which also survived Covid-19.
Things are about the same, other than you have to ask for condiments.
The sides are still enough to share-a large serving. The pastrami is still kind of perfect. The Hat website
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
so beautiful!
I enjoy watching Tournament of Roses parade, and one of these days, I’ll go. Or at least go to the viewing. But now I really want to volunteer to work on the floats and go eat at one of the places you’ve posted about over the years!
Thanks for decorating! I watched your handiwork on tv. I love eating at Porto’s too.
Cathy, I always love these Tournament of Roses posts and your breakfast choices! Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you and your Mister Cathy! As always, an informative post about the floats. I feel so privileged seeing your “previews” and it is cool to know someone who has helped decorate the floats! I love the potato balls from Porto’s!
Yes, so very intricately detailed, Kat. The effect of a multitude of natural materials and colors is highlighted on every float. Sad they can’t all win awards.
You live in Southern California, Sandy-enjoy doing the ‘local’ things! We’ve met so many who are checking items off of their ‘Bucket List ‘lately-this can be one for you. It’s really not that far away; two hours with one stop (and no traffic).
Thanks, Soo. This year is a little different so far. We had gone to Portos six times in 2019 and were very happy we could sit inside again.
Thanks, Amanda. Decorating and seeing the floats being built/road tests is something The Mister and I enjoy. Our breakfasts up there have been successful all while being random; we really do just drive and stop.
Thanks, and Happy New Year to you, cc. Irwindale is ‘local’ enough for us to take a mini-vacation for a half day while checking up on the upcoming Parade. Finding a breakfast spot afterwards is another adventure and it’s so nice that Portos is just six miles from Phoenix Decorating.