Quiet Time - sorta

Well, I've quite a bit of catching up to do... Seems ya just gotta sit down and do it, that's all... So this goes back to the end of April when I was still in California...

Monday had an early start with JC & Franci having an early flight to the Cayman Islands... I drove them to LAX, with their Daughter Amy driving their oldest Son JC III and wife Jennifer and little Baby Allison - this at 6:30am... After double and triple checking everything over the past 18 hours... we still had a minor glitch with JC III realizing they needed the portable crib and had to turn around and go back for it. That was our last glitch however and they still arrived with plenty of time to check in and make it to the Boarding Gate.

Well I promptly returned "home" and then "snuck out of town" and took an un-authorized and un-published trip to Disneyland (Shhh, DO NOT tell a soul...), primarily to do "research" for my Daughter Kelly's proposed trip in September with her Family (and Grandpa gets to tag along...). Tuesday I met O'Neill at Hennessey's near the Redondo Beach Pier for lunch and we went over to the Lifeguard station there to see our old Friend Captian Mike Patterson (Sherry Lyn's Brother) but it turned out to be his day off. Wednesday was laundry and packing, and then over to Friend Sandy Saemann's for Taco's, to watch the Laker game, and to discuss his latest business venture and my developing a Website & Shopping Cart... look for more on that down the road.

And at last we've arrived at Thursday, and thanks to the kindness of Amy, I had a ride to LAX myself at 6:00am in the morning, for a somewhat uneventful flight to Las Vegas...

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E...

HOORAY - DISNEYLAND DAY!!! (OK, don't let the timeline throw you off... our Disneyland Day was Friday April 25th.)

For as least "one of us" this was the high point of my trip... a day at Disneyland with some of my Favorite people in the World, AND being able to share a visit to Club 33 for Lunch. Besides Kris (our first visit to the Park together in over 40 years (yikes, that's a bit scary to say...) there was JC & Francie (this has become sort of a ritual part of my SoCal visits), and their Daughter Amy and her BFF Heather, celebrating being College Grads a slight bit early, and good Friend and fellow Disney Fan, Marcus DeChevrieux. That maxed out our Club 33 reservation, but also joining us for the rest of the day was yet another LHS Alumni, Classmate, Friend AND former fellow Valley Boy - Craig Hanna and his lovely wife Debbie. (Shhh, don't tell anyone but Debbie played hooky today, just to come and play. She's a teacher in Encinats, but who could blame her?)

We all met up around 10:00am and started with a trip to California Soarin' followed by what everyone (well, everyone less one) thought was the most important - California Screamin' - the Rocket Rollercoaster. Yes, I got drug on again, how could I say no to a good lookin' Blonde? And yes, I survived once again, but I'll be hard pressed to have to do it again (Did you hear that Amanda?) After my selfless bravery it wasn't too difficult to convince everyone it was time for a libation at Ariel's Grotto. Children's Theme Lunch or Adult Beverage stop? Well, as it turns out, BOTH. Downstairs (yes, the Grotto) is Ariel and all the little Grommet's dining and signing, while upstairs, with a sweeping view of the Lagoon, a full service bar. I've grown fond of the Draft Guiness - with everyone else choosing a very diverse assortment - from Mint Julips to Merlot and a wide range in between.

That took us just about up to reservation time and so we headed to New Orleans Square and Club 33. Lunch was the usual decadent celebration with the Salad/Cheese/Seafood bar, sumptuous entrees (I had the Chateau Briand, read that melt in your mouth) and the "to die for" desert bar, oh, and the Beverage Bar... Admittedly pricey, but just too much fun.

From there we just kind of meandered through the Park, with different groups taking off on different rides as the mood struck us. We finally opted to mosey over by It's a Small World for a different perspective on the Fireworks, rather than in front of the Castle. Being right under them offers quite a spectacular view. By the time the show concluded it was really starting to get chilly (read that it was almost freezing) and we'd pretty much all had enough. We shopped our way down Main Street, then after an extended session at the Disney Store at Downtown Disney we caught the Tram back to the parking garage and headed home. I'm pretty sure a good time was had by all.

Saturday was recovery and right now I've hardly any recollection of what we did, Sunday I took Kris to the Airport mid afternoon and then in the evening JC & I paid a short visit to Sandy Saeman's (you guessed it, another LHS Alumni, Class of '65) and to watch the Laker's get smashed by the Okie's. We didn't stay late as JC and Franci were leaving for the Cayman Islands. So, that's a wrap...

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

Blame it on a Woman...(Revised)

It'd be nice if I could just blame my tardiness on my transcribing duties on Kris' being here, but that just wouldn't be fair. I have to take it all on myself, and admit to just being lazy! Hey, "I'm on Vacation after all." I know I tried to warn everyone just a bit, but still, I'm feeling the "guilts" (thank you Mrs. B...) so I'll try and get back on track here a bit, if only info wise. Photos will follow eventually, I promise.

(The Sunset Photo Above is offered as gesture of Conciliation and Apology... Taken from the Splash Bar at the Sand & Surf Resort in Laguna Beach - see below for more on this...)

So, we pick up Monday morning following the Long Beach Grand Prix, with Kris joining us at the Agajanian's for the week, following a visit with her Niece Kari, and her BFF from High School Daze, Mary (Wiegand) Meyer down in Carlsbad, CA. Kris rolled in about 11:00am, and it wasn't long before we (her, JC and I) were off, back to San Pedro to drop off the Band equipment.

(Revision #1) Now that I recall, we had an exceptionally splendid BBQ dinner at the Aggie Estate that evening. Francie had been wanting Fish for some time and JC found fresh Mahi Mahi on sale at Hugh's, so that settled the main course.

We made a special trip down to the Fish Market to get Tartar Sauce, and JC also picked up some Squid, which after being sauteed by Francie made a terrific Pupu and a great addition to Kris' Salad. JC took the few suggestions I offered on cooking the Mahi on the Q, and it turned out succulent as can be. Delisciousio. AND we were treated to another spectacular Sunset.

Tuesday evening was dinner at Old Tony's in King Harbor, Redondo Beach. An old favorite of mine (having first gone their back in the early 60's with my Parent's) it was a "must" to treat my Host's JC & Francie for their hospitality, Kris of course for coming down to visit, as well as friends and fellow LYC Members Leon O'Neill and Kathy Kern. Regular readers should be able to tell who is who in the photo on the right.

While Wednesday was mostly a blank for a brief time (Revision #2), I've since realized that it was truly a busy day... we started off with Kris heading out early to search for the "perfect Bagel" to satisfy a craving, which evidently everyone but me was having. Then Kris and I drove to Huntington Beach to have lunch with her Niece Kari - where we wound up at the Cheese Cake Factory. OMG, talk about a menu... anyway, it wasn't too difficult for each of us to find something to eat. From there we picked up Kari's 3 youngin's and took a brief detour to the Park to let them burn off some steam while we chatted (and tried to keep warm) before dropping them all back at home, as we were heading South for our evening plans...

Which were to visit Mary and her husband (also a LHS Alum '67 and Football team mate) Jerry in Carlsbad. Chicken, Asparagus & Spinach/Strawberry salad were on the menu. Again, over yet another fine meal, the ensuing gabfest went on until the wee hours, when we finally had to head back up North - the biggest advantage of which was no traffic!

Thursday Kris and JC and I were off to pick up LHS Alumni Carol Ruby ('68) on our way down to San Juan Capistrano where we met Carol's Classmates Janie Cavenaugh (Brunette) and Shelly Graen (Blue Blouse) at the newly redecorated RUBY'S Sky Ranch. Janie's Brother Doug owns the Chain, and Janie was instrumental in the design changes at the SJC store.

As one might tell from the enormous grins on every one's face, a good time was had by all. After our luncheon (more like a food fest) we made a quick run to Rainbow Sandals in San Clemente (arriving 5 minutes before closing) partly for sentimental reasons on my part, and of course to pick up a new pair of flip flops. With everyone finding something to expand their wardrobe, we returned to SJC and had the pleasure of everyone having a glass of wine at Janie's who lives within a cork's throw from Ruby's (OK, not "everyone" had wine, I contented myself with a beer, as wine is still too much for my tender palette).

As sunset was nearing, JC, Carol, Kris and I bid a fond adieu to our LHS Schoolmates and set off for our return drive to the City. Well, as it turned out JC & Carol had a hidden agenda and each had picked out a spot they wanted to visit, to share with Kris and I, as "we" were on vacation. Carol's choice was the SPLASH Bar, at the Sand & Surf Resort in Laguna Beach, and we were treated to an amazing Sunset, along with some delictable Calamari. After nursing a few Hot Coffee's (well, coffee AND I suppose) we were again on our way, this time stopping a place JC was touting, Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach. With a spectacular view of the huge Grecian pool we settled in for little "snack" and to watch the end of the Laker's game (which they lost). And then we were to drop Carol off at home and back to Hermosa, as we had an early call the next morning... DISNEYLAND! (And we'll continue that in the next chapter...)

"The sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of a cannon, but the echo can last a great deal longer." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Fast, Faster & Fastest

So the TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH has come and gone and at least for this Lil' Fella, a good time was had by all. Friday we went for an early morning Drifting session, Indy Car practice and "Cigar Day." No, the cigar part is not my thing, but it is among a good many of Sam's friends, and the cohorts of JC's brother Chris. Oh well. We spent a lot of time cruising the Pits and taking in all the action, the Drivers & Owners, and a long list of visiting Racing Celebs. In addition to Owner's Chip Ganassi & Roger Penske who've already been mentioned, there were close encounters with Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti and several other less well known names. Then there were a few Actor's who's names I'm still trying to figure out, former Drivers Ari Lyendyke, Roger Mears and the Legend, Parnelli Jones. Good stuff if you're a Motorhead.



No real point in name dropping but I had a ball. Saturday was pretty much the same without as many cigars, and topped off by qualifying. After the on track activities CHEAP TRICK was playing in concert over on the Main Stage while Sam served up a traditional Armenian dinner to a crowd of around 150 Family, Friends and Business associates. Following dinner (we'd set-up at 4:00pm) GLASS went on for their first set at around 7:30pm. 2 hours later the evening began coming to a close with the "Kaskanian Singers" joining the Band for a very different rendition of Misserlou sung to Arabic lyrics... The evening ended with Glass's traditional last song of GLORIA, with Chris Agajanian (part of the original Glass band from High School days), joining in for the final number.



Well, it wasn't quite the end, as after JC and the guys went to get their vehicles to come back and pick up their instruments and sound equipment, they couldn't get back in, as the Track Security was bound and determined not to let them back in without the proper parking credentials, which hadn't been a problem in past years. Eventually that got worked out, and a half hour later than anyone intended we were finally packed up and headed home.



Sunday was race day, we had seats in Grand Stand #25 right past the Start Finish Line. All in all it wasn't a terribly exciting or eventful race, but it was still good to be there. If you didn't see it on TV, you probably won't care about hearing much more, and if you did see it, well, there's not much I can say here that you don't already know. So, DASSIT.


"IF EVERYONE IS THINKING ALIKE, THEN SOMEBODY ISN'T THINKING." - General George S. Patton

Wednesday/Thursday

(Worth noting... this is well after the fact, for which I apologize, so it's mostly just for the "record." Also, pictures will be added later, just not sure when right now...)

Wednesday started slow, with not much to do until we left at 1:30pm to head down to the Long Beach World Trade Center to pick up Race Credentials and meet up with the Band. Franci was hosting a group of 20 or so Ladies for a "cooking demonstration" (an excuse to eat food someone else prepared and drink some wine while having a good little gabfest) so she drove down separately - accompanied by one of our LHS Cohorts, Rob Saemann, who will be joining us for Saturday's festivities - Franci then headed back home to drop off Rob and so she could get ready for her party.



JC and I, along with the rest of the Band Members went on to the track to unload the instruments. With four of us, it didn't take long, leaving us time to reward ourselves with a few beers with Sam (JC held to Diet Pepsi and H2O), and also allow Franci and her Ladies to finish their wine. As we were leaving the track we saw chip Ganassi of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing and JC got an invite to stop by the Target Hospitality headquarters which happened to be at the end of the row where Sam's Autoland was. Coincidentally, directly across from Sam's was the Penske Compound, which only added to the energy of the weekend.



Thursday we we're off again early to deal with the Safe Door... which we had to pick-up from "hacks" in Torrance and then drove all the way out to Montebello to "Safeland" a HUGE place with hundreds of safes of every size and description, including a few antiques and one big old one from Israel. Anyway, it too the guy all of five minutes to remove the time delay and reset the lock code - we both agreed it was well worth the drive.

... and at the moment time clouds the rest of the day... so we'll have to move ahead to Friday and Saturday...

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night. " Edgar Allen Poe

Oh, and about the "Technical Difficulties"

Forgot to mention, that after encountering the trouble with the HD Cable feed on Sunday, JC called the Time Warner Folks, who were kind enough to dispatch a Serviceman first thing Monday morning. Turns out the Cable feed comes into the house adjacent to the "Wall Suite" (formerly their Son David's room, which I've been fortunate enough to acquire on my visits) and when JC opened up the Storage Closet for access, the Tech discovered the problem was the result of a pin hole leak in the plumbing above, which had thoroughly saturated the whole area.

Naturally that was a bit alarming, and we immediately shut off the water to the house (disrupting everyone's morning routine) and JC put in a call to the Plumber. Miracle of miracles, he was in the area and said he'd be right over. Which he was, and he promptly replaced the faulty section of copper pipe, which of course took a bit... but he got it done in short order. As soon as it dries up in there the Cable Guy will be back to make his repairs. Problem solved.

So today, JC's off to deliver a prospective Tenant's app to the clearing house, and I'm down here researching Backgammon games... Then around 1:30pm or so this afternoon we're off to Long Beach to collect Credentials for the weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to Emily Joyce... Hi Em! She's working to get herself and several fellow Patch Adams Clowns over to Russia, to help out an Orphanage in Moscow... interesting tale, check it out: To Russia With Love If you can, make a small donation to her cause... Oh, I might also mention here that Emily's Grandfather is our Club 33 Benefactor.

"You treat a Disease, you win, you lose. You treat a Person, I guarantee you, you'll win, no matter what the outcome." - Hunter "Patch" Adams

A Couple of Quiet Days

As I write tonight, JC and "the Boyz" (that'd be the Band GLASS, Carl, Jim, Blake and Wokk sitting in for Frank) are downstairs practicing for this weekends gig at the "Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach."

Sunday we thought would be a day of "recovery" and watching the Indy Car race... Well technical difficulties (ours, with the Cable HD TV) compounded that, and made it not all that much fun, and we wound up having to listen to the audio on the Computer live feed. Then we attempted to watch Saturday nights NASCAR race, which JC had Tivo'ed, only to have the timer elapse with 6 laps to go... Oh the frustration.


Following that we dug up 8 or 9 grass "clumps" from a section of his property that the neighbors would be re-landscaping in the next couple of days, yes, it was special grass... Next came the task of re-rigging the canvas screening on the upstairs deck, as both Rain and heavy winds were called for. That became a bigger project than anticipated, but with Franci's help and direction we succeeded in securing the situation. Then we tackled the chore of putting together JC's PLAY LIST (Songs for the two sets to be played on Saturday) book. It took awhile but we finally accomplished that, to everyone's satisfaction.



Yesterday, Monday, we planned out strategy for the week, went and picked up a safe door at one Locksmiths and took it to another, trying to get the time lock removed and combination changed, along with a trip to Sam's Autoland to pick up Credentials for the weekend for the Band. And as we had time to kill along the way, we just had to stop at the largest Asian market in the South Bay area for a little snack. Tomorrow, Wednesday we go down to Long Beach to move in the Band equipment and JC and I will pick-up our All access Credentials while we're down there. Now, just so you know, it most likely will be a couple days before I can get to the weekend Race update, so please bear with me. It's going to be a few long and busy days.

"Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." - Albert Einstein

DISNEY, DRIFTING, DOCKS & NO DRAFT

I'm not sure, but I don't think more could have been crammed into a day than JC & I managed today. My day started at my Aunt Elaine's in Anaheim, when the Super Shuttle showed up 20 minutes early for my ride to LAX where JC was to be picking me up. With no traffic we wound up at the Tom Bradley International Terminal another 20 minutes early... I had time to grab a big cup of coffee and call JC, to get him going "early."

So, with our early start and very little traffic we found ourselves at the Disney Burbank Studios an hour and a half before our scheduled check-in time. Quite fortunately for us, we were able to join the just departing group as there were a couple of no-shows. The Club D-23 Member's Only tour of the Disney Studios was something we'd been looking forward to for some time now. Of interest, quite some time ago I had the opportunity to meet Roy E. Disney at his office (formerly Walt's office) at the Animation Studios (across the street from the film studio), and have a short private tour of the lot then. Along with my Mom & Dad, I was able to bring JC and his Son David, so this brought back memories of that visit.

It was a walking tour and we were able to see some of the original Hyperion Studio buildings that had been disassembled and moved when the "new" studios were built to Walt's specific design. We were able to go through the Animation building where they did Snow White and several of the original feature length "cartoons" for which Disney became so famous. Next it was scross to the Ink and Paint building, however we got to take the underground passage where much of the Archives are stored. One interesting note was this passage was used as the set for where Jennifer Garner was often chased in ALIAS.

We then moved on to several of the sound stages, and saw where 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was filmed, which also happens to house the largest water tank on a sound stage in the United States.

We were also able to spend quite a bit of time in the Disney Legends courtyard and picked up some interesting tid-bits about some of the important but not so publicly known contributors to the Disney Studio accomplishments. That's where my picture was taken with Walt & Mickey.

After that we went into the actual Archive's Building and had the rare opportunity to meet and listen to "the living Legend", Dave Smith who started the Disney Archives over 40 years ago. He lectured for about 20 minutes and shared some rare and a few never before seen items. Roy O. Disney's First Ticket to Disneyland, which sold for $1.00; an original Parking Decal (which was a stick on, and then had to be peeled off); the first Park Program, 20 pages in full color which sold for 25 cents (and cost 35 cents to print); the first "E" Ticket book; and the original script for Oswald the Rabbit, which Walt kept in his desk drawer.

The last thing to be shared was one of Walt's 35 Oscar's (the most awarded to any one person), the one for WHITE WILDERNESS, a wild life, live action feature film. We were actually allowed to pass it around, hold it and as you can see, have a photo taken with it.

Then with a boost by our being early to Burbank, we were off to Long Beach to take in the Drifting Competition, hosted by Dwight Tanaka (TGPLB Management) and JC's Friend Sam Kaskanyan (Sam's Autoland) who are both Drifting Car sponsors and very involved in the Sport. Sam brings a couple of Motor Coach's and sets up a big tent to provide Hospitality for the week at the TOYOTA GRAND PRIX of LONG BEACH, where we'll be all next weekend. Anyway, this weeknd was (Click here >>) Drifting (<<>NOTE: If you're not into Motorsports, or don't understand it, you're really not gonna get drifting...)

Leaving Long Beach took us over Vincent Thomas Bridge and as we were coming down, JC asked if I'd ever seen "Janice Hahn's Fountain?" Well, I hadn't and Janice, being another fine LHS Alumni, we just had to stop. The FANFAIR FOUNTAIN was part of her efforts to improve the revenue production and bring more people to the Port area, and it's worked pretty well. While there we took a spin on the Red Car Trolley down to Port's Of Call and back. Then we drove down to the Port's of Call Restaurant for a beverage and to watch the Container ships heading out to sea.

From there we thought we were headed home when JC got the sudden urge to stop for a "German Beer" when we just happened to be passing by the ALPINE VILLAGE in Torrance.

We had our beer (JC's was a draft and as they both agreed, it had "balls..." and I tried for a draft dark, but had to settle for a bottle by some name I couldn't begin to remember), and some very good Liverwurst, and lively conversation with a number of Eastern Europeans also sitting at the bar. And from there, finally we did go home.

"ONE OF THE GREATEST LABOR SAVING DEVICES OF TODAY... IS TOMORROW!

Blue Water Grill & El Torito

A quick report on Thursday - Marcus gave me "the boot" on Thursday, as he'd had a change of plans and so I needed a back-up plan, which is what brought be to Aunt Elaine's where I spent Thursday & Friday nights. Coming to my rescue for a place to "hang-out" until Cousin Claudia could pick me up after work, was former Lutheran High School Alumni, Carol Ruby, who has recently re-located to Newport Beach.

Situated right near the water I was treated to a panoramic view of "boats" (and some really nice ones at that) as we spent most of the day reminiscing, sharing photos of Family and Hawaii, and sipping on a couple of Heineken's. Then we walked down to the BLUE WATER GRILL for lunch. Also on the water, we split a Swordfish Steak with Spinach & Mashed Potatoes and a Crab Louie Salad. A recommendation from Marcus, it fulfilled all expectations for a decent meal.

Then Claudia (Aunt Elaine's youngest Daughter, picked me up, and we drove over to Fashion Island to meet up with Aunt Elaine, Cousin's CeCe and Ramona, and her Daughter Julie for Dinner. Undaunted by my fish taco experience I had Chicken Fajita Burritos with Chipolte sauce (mild according to the waiter...) and a big bowl (OK, it was a goblet) of Dos XX. We made the switch after dinner so Claudia wouldn't have the drive up to Anaheim and then back to Mission Viejo. A good portion of the dinner conversation was around Claudia's upcoming Mediterranean cruise. In addition to Barcelona, Spain and some time in Rome, and the South of France, they'll be taking a trip to MARY'S HOUSE in Turkey. All in all, I'm a bit envious as it brings back fond memories of some of my European travels.... Well, maybe someday soon. Good thoughts to fall asleep with...

"The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and impatient when least effective." -- Henry David Thoreau

On a Clear Day...

Well the schedule remains full but the weather has been superb. Yesterday (Wednesday) was a Disneyland day with Marcus, and as is his habit, we got off to a roaring early start at the crack of 12:15pm! With a few errands to run we wound up down by Crystal Cove and I was amazed with the view. On the Coast you could see Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island and to the South, San Clemente Island - and I don't remember seeing all three at the same time since High School days when I used to cruise down from Marina Del Rey to Newport with Rick Moss's Dad Bill, while Bets and the Kids drove down.

Then, to the inland side both the San Bernadino and San Gabriel Mountain ranges were as clear as I can recall seeing them - with snow capped Mt. Baldy looking darn near like the Alps! At that time of day the drive to Disneyland was easy, with hardly any traffic, and again, the clear skyline made for a nostalgic scenic ride, not something I was expecting but definitely an added bonus.

After parking we headed straight to California Adventure and the Wine Terrace - WHICH WAS CLOSED! Well, not entirely, it was close for remodeling but they'd moved it around the corner, so there was still Beer and Wine, just no food. Marcus tradition is to start with a glass or two of wine, and to savor the crowd before entering the fray, which was fine by me. I still can't handle wine or hard liquor for that matter, but was content to have a Heineken.

With Marcus not having had breakfast Food was next on the list, and we headed across the way to Ariel's Grotto, upstairs. Well, not only did we find food but (much to my surprise) but we also discovered a FULL SERVICE BAR! Who'd of thought? We both opted for Fish Tacos (which I was later to semi-regret, and now I know the full meaning of Chipolte Sauce), Marcus another glass of wine, and I opted for a Guinness Stout... Ummmmm.

Turns out it's still "Easter Week" and the place was packed, and the lines were long. We managed to fit in California Soaring, Toy Story, Monster's Inc., a pit stop at the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian, and while I know you're NOT going to believe this, "we" even rode the California Screamer! Yes Sports Fans, it's true, yours truly actually, finally, muscled up and went for it. Marcus even insisted we ride in the FRONT! Well, I survived, not too much the worse for wear, although my hands are still cramped from gripping the handles, and my legs stiff from pressing me back into the seat - and I've got the picture to prove it!!!

We found a good vantage point just outside "Hollywood" to watch the ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE from where it starts. This was kind of a treat, as it's been a long time since I'd seen it, and they're shutting it down in the next week or so, and moving it to Orlando. Just as the huge American Flag and Eagle passed by to mark the end of the Parade, we split for Disneyland to take in the Fireworks. We'd barely made it out entrance of DCA when they started, so we held up in front of the "F" in California to watch. You know, it was a pretty darned good vantage point, I was surprised, and relieved that we didn't have to face the challenge of negotiating the crowds trying to get down in front of the Castle, and were still able to see I'd say about 80% or more of the show.

In the semi-silence following the grand finale we both agreed we'd had enough, and decided to head for home. Marcus admitted his "one" too many glasses of wine had caught up with him, and I knew his back was hurting - and for me, since I was coming back Friday, and again in two weeks, I could easily call it a night, besides I was dragging a bit myself.

Today I'm off to visit with Carol Ruby, a Friend from High School in Newport, then this evening Cousin Claudia Burnette is picking me up and will join Aunt Elaine and several of her other Daughters for dinner. Aunt Elaine is letting me spend a couple nights at her home, and then it's back to JC's for further fun and frolic... Details to follow.

"When Someone Throws Dirt at you, Remember, all they are doing is Loosing Ground." - Ben Franklin

HE IS RISIN

Well we made it to Easter Sunrise Service at Hope Chapel, where Franci was "signing" for the choir songs. (Franci has been doing this for the Church for a long time, and also teaches a class to Parents of toddler children who cannot hear.) It was a bit cold, but clear skies and no wind made it quite tolerable. There was a large turnout, a talented (and in tune) Choir, and an inspiring message, followed by communion.



With all fulfilled, we returned home prepare for the afternoon's gathering. There was Lamb to go in the oven, flags to be flown, Pilaf to prepare, and eggs to be Deviled, dipped and dispersed. The final Menu ended up with this:

Roasted chicken

Oven baked leg of lamb w/ gravy

Pilaf

Deviled Eggs

Quiche appetizers

Green Salad

Pistachio/pineapple ambrosia

Tabouli Salad

Slow cooked Green Beans & Tomatoes

Lahmajune

string cheese/rope cheese

Pieta bread

Shrimp platter/ Vegetable tray/ & Baby cucumbers

Humus dip, onion dip, cucumber dip

Red velvet cake

Rob's Sugar-free pies

Bunt cake (rum soaked)

Peep cakes (cupcakes)

Raspberry cheesecake

We wound up with about 28 adults, 2 children and 2 babies. The afternoon was capped off with the unexpected EARTHQUAKE just South of the border which set all the hanging lamps swinging and tongues wagging... but with no real damage, just a little excitement to help everyone digest the wonderful meal. The weather held aside from a little brisk onshore breeze. I'll try to follow-up with some photos here in the next couple of days...

"To Bring up a Child in the Way he should Go, Travel that way yourself once in a while." - Josh Billings

Racer's Reunion & Bench Racing

Today was the Racer's Reunion being hosted by Parnelli Jones at his Garage/Museum in Torrence, CA. An annual get together for Racer's, Industry Folks and Fans to recognize some of the Greats and to "talk" Motorsports, I was able to tag along with High School Chum, JC Agajanian, Jr., who was this year's MC.

It was a treat indeed to be able to get inside and see Parnelli's private collection, including the Agajanian 98 Special, which he drove to victory in the 1963 Indianapolis 500. There were a lot of old Ascot Sprint Car Driver's, mechanics and sponsors there. A disappointment to many was that Honorees Dan Gurney & Al Unser, Sr. were unable to make the event, organized by Hila Sweet (the first woman licensed to race by NASCAR).

I managed to enjoy a couple of Tecate's along with an excellent Mexican buffet while JC conducted a 45 minute raffle, which just about everyone there wound up with a bottle or two of LUCAS Oil products or vintage car books.

Wrapping up around 3:00pm, we were off once again to COSCO for last minute items for the Easter party on Sunday. Being unable to find the requisite Vegetable Tray and Humus, we made an additional trip to Von's so we wouldn't have to venture out further. Which was a good thing, because upon returning home, JC & Franci's oldest Son JC III, wife Jen & Baby Ali had arrived from San Diego, and shortly after, youngest Son David, also from SD showed up. Being that we'd all have to be up early for Easter Sunrise Service at Hope Chapel in the morning, it was early to bed (well, at least it was for me...)

"Change your Thoughts, and you Change your World." - Norman Vincent Peale

Settled into the South Bay

It's hard to visualize that almost two weeks ago I was sitting in West Salem, having brunch with Kris at her Friend Maureen's. Mango Mimosas, Velvety scrambled eggs, succulent ham steaks, and the best pecan crusted french toast I've ever had and fresh roasted coffee, Ummm. Throw in Patrick's Irish banter and a good time was had by all. But it was cold and wet and Oregon. Now I'm in Hermosa Beach, it's not so cold and the promised rains have never materialized.



Why twice now we've even been able to see Catalina, I mean, like it's right there, almost a part of the Palos Verde Peninsula, even I know you don't see it all that often. And man oh man is the time flying... I can hardly keep track of all that's gone on. I can tell you that I spent one day orchestrating the assembly a storage shed with Nick the Handy Man, another helping JC plant tomatoes, and day before yesterday I "set out" over 120 Red and Yellow (Go SC) geraniums and some type of "fire" plant. Yesterday JC & I packed up his collection of ceramic, race car designed decanters as part of preparations for Sunday's Easter Family gathering here - of over 30 Family and Friends...



Also, we've been to COSCO twice, Home Depot twice, Sports Authority, Vons, Albertsons, and the Fishing supply store for Propane. I've been in touch with Friend Marcus and we've sorted out plans for next week - and also with Aunt Elaine (thank you Cece & Claudia) for a short visit there. Yesterday I finally finalized arrangements to continue both my Dental (HDS) and my Health (Kaiser) insurance (I've no idea what President Obama has in store for us) which has taken some doing... AND got some good news from my old Boss, Jim Killett; they've decided to end the Company ESOP program so I'll be seeing a couple $$$ a few years earlier than expected, which will be nice.



Well, today is more shopping, more errands and more cleaning... Then this evening JC and I are off to Brixton's in Redondo Beach for Al Stewart in concert. Al Stewart is a British singer-songwriter and folk rock musician. He is best known for his 1976 single "Year of the Cat" and its 1978 follow-up "Time Passages" (both of which were produced by Alan Parsons). JC's a Music buff, and had tickets, so we hadda go...

"IT IS PART OF THE NATURE OF MAN TO START WITH ROMANCE AND BUILD TO A REALITY." - Ray Bradbury

MALA WHARF & The STORY OF STUFF

Before we get to the "Story of Stuff" I just wanted to acknowledge the painting above that has been at the Head of my Blog for the past few days. "SUNRISE AT MALA" is by a Friend and Lahaina Galleries Artist, Ronaldo Macedo, which he actually painted "plein air" a couple months ago directly in front of my house in Lahaina. I happened to see him out there on the very day he started it. It was low tide, and Yep... that's what it looks like.

OK, so now to The Story of Stuff or the Reality of Consumerism and what it's costing. (FYI - it's 21 minutes so grab a cup of coffee or a beer, sit back, relax and take it in.

I came across this very informative and somewhat disturbing video on U-Tube the other day, and after watching it, got more involved and did some digging, which wasn't difficult as at the end of the 20 minute clip, showed the website dedicated to this subject. http://www.storyofstuff.com/ Friends, I have to tell you, this is a MUST SEE information video, and I further encourage you to send it to "EVERYONE" you know. NO, I don't just mean blast your address book with another spam barrage, but it is something that we all need to deal with. It's not just another "global warming" pitch to blame Nature's idiosyncrasies on Man's evolution and self destructive tendencies, but it does focus on the effects of a selfish "minority" that in one way or other actually is a part of most all of us.

And to be fair (and keep my Cousin Ron Ralston at bay...) Fox News has taken exception so some of Ms. Leonard's stats... Questionable Numbers They raise some good points, but none the less - We as a whole WASTE way too much... and that's Alls I gotta say!

OK - it's back off the Soap Box for me, and back on the Travelogue...


PROGRESS IS MANS ABILITY TO COMPLICATE SIMPLICITY - Anon