Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, this blog about food. Cathy is writing today because she has a post about food (and some other things) while Kirk is busy with work.
This past Saturday had us waking at 4, leaving at 5 and getting to Irwindale at 7; the start of what we thought would be an efficient morning.
2024 Rose Parade Float Road Test #1
A few floats were being tested for mechanics and maneuverability.
The Oddfellows and Rebekahs float, "All You Need is Love", passed with flying colors! I can't wait to see which natural materials are used to decorate the unicorns.
The Kiwanis 2024 float, "Serving in Harmony" passed its third road test, with people (weight) on board and will be ready too decorate with 'dry' materials and glue on the first Saturday in December. You can volunteer to decorate by signing up HERE.
The Lions Clubs International float, "Changing the World Through Music" has a great rendering of the Parade theme (Celebrating A World of Music; The Universal Language) and float title.
The Royal Court float was also tested; seven members will be seated here as part of their year long reign of community service.
Stored inside the float barn, the Elks Clubs float with headless and handless Fife and Drum Corps is painted in (usually human 'skin' decorating, done with various spices, is separately worked on and I suspect that is why the heads and hands are not attached).
The Petal Pushers and Lutheran Hour Ministries entry, "Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord" has been further painted in.
The Rotary International entry, "Clean Water, the Music of Life" with the ducks and umbrellas looks to be a winner. It's cute and conveys the message of the Parade and of Rotary.
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Being efficient, we were on the road South and got to Portos before 8 a.m..
Plenty of parking, no lines, a quick pick up of the seasonal peach tart, a blueberry croissant, cranberry orange scone, cheese roll, walnut raisin bread and a Cuban quesadilla (pretty much another form of cheesecake).
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We started on the 10 West, toward El Monte, took an exit and I made a quick stop upon seeing this signage.
The menu was outside, inside and at the counter. 
We ordered #1, #3 and #7 (Shrimp Har Gow, Shrimp Shiu Mai and bean curd wrapped meat) ($18 total) and put the bag in the car. It would be a late lunch.
Very good, fresh, quite large pieces. Glad we stopped.
Hong Kong Dim Sum House, 9505 Garvey Ave, South El Monte 91733 (626) 350-7099 Open Wed-Mon 7-3, Closed Tues
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Since it was early, and we wanted Dim Sum, we we decided to try Ocean Bo again
The menu is the same, prices slightly higher by 30ยข ($4.59) than in October.
The drill was the same; check off your order on the menu and everything is brought out at once. We knew what was in the car so ordered different things here. 
Steamed Fun Gor, Ham Sui Gok, Shrimp and Chive dumpling, Seafood Gow and baked egg tart (each $4.59). Hot tea was $1.80 each and the pot was constantly kept refilled.
Cross sections; different skins on each item, everything very fresh and very efficient service. A great place.
Ocean Bo 3944 Peck Road El Monte (626) 452-1818 Open daily 8 am-9 pm website
Even though we were done at 9:29 a.m. and thought we would get home quickly, that didn't happen. We drove over to the 15 and ended up getting in at 12:45. Crazy traffic! Still a nice day.
