Today is the last day before the big parade.  I can only imagine the last minute rush that is ensuing all over Pasadena.  I have never been to the Rose Parade, but have watched it in awe since I was a little kid.  My dad used to work for a company that sponsored a float every year and we would root for it to win prizes like you might root for teams in the actual game that takes place later in the day.

As an adult, I find watching the parade on TV much less satisfying that I used to.  What I really want to do is walk up to the floats – really really close and see all the little details; every seed, petal, flower — maybe even touch it.

I found these pictures to try and satisfy my urge just a little.

1. our roses, 2. pineapple face, 3. amnesia roses, 4. tapioca pearls and cranberry seeds, 5. right wing, 6. P1010192, 7. yellow flowers, 8. kermit mums and a spider mum, 9. purple button mums

These are from the LA times

and lastly…this little gem from orphan jones on flickr….they are taking off leaves because a volunteer didn’t do a good job.  Those of us in TV land would never have noticed.