California...or bust! September 2012

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012: Todd and I took our time packing and getting ready for our California trip. Everything was smooth sailing- packing, traveling to JFK, checking in. We used our electronic check-in on our phones! We didn't even have to print out our boarding passess. How cool is that?

We ate lunch at Todd English Bonfire at the airport. Split the steak tips. And then we got coffee flavored gelato! 

The flight was great. The take off was a little bumpy. I said a little prayer and it smoothed out for the rest of the flight. 

The airline provided free tv and movies! We were in 7th heaven (well...close enough). We watched "Girls" and "Globe Trekker: Holland",  "Curb Your Enthusiasm". Then he wanted to read the news online (zzzzzzz) and I got to watch "Brave" by Disney:Pixar, which I had been wanting to see. Fun!


By the time we landed, got our luggage, got to the rental car, I was ready to go to the hotel. But Todd wanted to forge ahead and go to church in Pasadena. It started at 8:00 (fortunately) and we were only 20 min. late....but afterwards, of course, I was glad we went. 

Found an inexpensive fast food Mexican place (in California? I know you're surprised...) King Taco, just a couple of blocks from our hotel. A couple of soft tacos and a Horchata (A drink Todd introduced to me a couple of years ago). Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white long-grain rice
• 5 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup white sugar

Settled in for the night. Wiped out. Fell asleep immediately!

Thursday, September 20th, 2012:

Woke up to the sun's beautiful colors reflecting off the mountains. 

Here's a photo to share the beauty: 

Thursday, September 20th, 2012

We walked a bit downtown Pasadena, lots of neat shops and restaurants. We had driven past a bakery last night, called Flour and Tea. We walked there for brunch. Had a sausage and cheese in a big roll and almond tea. Tastey. 

While we were out, we walked to the Pasadena Reading Room. Classic and richly designed. 

A Bible History exhibit was on display for the 100th Anniversary of the King James Bible. The librarian gave us a book with the information. 

I had mapped out several Reading Rooms to visit and Todd went with me. Went to the Jointly Maintained downtown, 3rd church L.A. Reading Room and 9th Church L.A. Reading Room. 

Then we looked up 1st and 2nd church Los Angeles in an old Journal. 

Drove to pick up his parents at their hotel in Pasadena. Great to see them. 
Then we all rode over to Todd's Aunt Barbara and Uncle Andy's house for dinner. She made a wonderful dinner! Chick pea and vegetable stew, kale with nuts, golden beets. Tastey and healthy. It was like a gourmet dinner. 

We all sat around and visited. I got to visit with Barbara and hear what she has been reading. 

Memorable day. 

Friday, September 21st 2012:

We picked up his parents and drove to see the Getty Museum. First we drove to Todd and my hotel in Culver City (Four Points Sheraton) (we switched hotels to be closer for his class) to drop off our car. 

Then we drove to the museum. But when we got there, the parking was full so we couldn't stay. 

We decided to find a place for lunch. We went to Zabie's, the restaurant in Santa Monica where Todd and I usually have lunch during his class. 

Then we decided to go to the Armond Hammer Art Museum. We saw the Gustav Moreau exhibit (wonderful drawings) and then the permanent exhibit, which was impressive with Van Goghs, Monet, and several Rembrandts. 

We drove to our hotel and said our goodbyes. It was special to get to spend the day together. 

Todd and I walked across the street to the mall that had been remodeled. 

Had dinner. I got two spring rolls and vietnemese coffee for $5.00! We liked the food court because they weren't all chained restaurants. They were gourmet style and a great variety. 

Went back to our room and watched the latest episode of Parenthood.

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Had breakfast in the hotel and then I dropped him off at this class at the Santa Monica airport. 

I drove the side roads (and not the freeway; side roads are more scenic) and went to Broadview's Annual Meeting (the CS care facility for L.A.). It was beautiful: landscaping and setting, which had a rose garden. 

The event was outside under a tent. The Director spoke, then the President of the Board and then several nurses spoke about healings they'd seen. Then they had a lecturer: Tom McElroy "How you can change the world". It was probably one of the best lectures I've heard. It was conversational, but he stuck to his points and he explained what practitioner, Journal, etc. meant (not assuming everyone in the audience was a Christian Scientist). 

Then they served lunch! And it was free! They served finger sandwiches, chips, cookies and lemonade and tea. There was an "ice cream parlor" where you could make your own ice cream sundae. Yum! It was so elegant and done so well- balloons over the water fountain, a keyboard player playing in the background. It was a special event. It was such a delightful day. So grateful I got to experience it. 

Then I drove to 13th Reading Room of Los Angeles. I had to get on the freeway to save time (which I don't care to drive on the freeway). It's a nice Reading Room, great location. 

Then I drove back to Santa Monica (took side roads). I was so glad I had headed back when I did because I was just in time to pick up Todd from class. 

Drove to the Hilton Doubletree in Culver City. 

A wave of being tired swept over me and I felt wiped out. Took a nap. 

Todd went down to the hotel restaurant and he brought up pizza for us to eat! That was such a nice surprise. We ate the pizza and watched "Arrested Development" (one of my new favorite shows). 

Vie est bonne! (Life is good). 

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

Dropped Todd off at his class then went to the Santa Monica Church. They've recently built a new church, three years ago. The reading room is at the front of the church. The outcome is attractive and modern. It's nice how it unfolded for them and the fruition. It's so nice to see such demonstration. 

Drove back to pick Todd up for class and we had lunch. Went to Zabies (our usual) on Ocean Blvd. 

Went to lay out by the pool. Very relaxing. I think the driving and traffic is getting to me. And wherever you go, you have to think about parking-where to park and what the cost will be. 

Picked up Todd and went back to the hotel. We just talked and I think he needed to wind down from his class. 

Went to downtown Culver City to eat for dinner. Found a great Sushi place - 
K-Zo. It was excellent and great service. I had the cucumber salad with eel and two pieces of eel. Todd had monk fish, scallop dish, halibut and kapache (hammerjack). 

Monday, September 24th, 2012
Took our time at the hotel this morning. Todd read from his "toy" (aka-I-pad) and I went on an adventure looking for a good bakery. Stumbled across a French cafe! Cafe Laurent (Culver City) (I'm good at stumbling). It was perfect. And free parking (hard to come by). Ate a chocolate croissant and a decaf. ice coffee. Had a nice visit with the owner, who was from Greece.  

We drove along the coast, through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Beautiful. Dark blue sky, palm trees dotting the beach, calm water as far as you can see. Tranquil and serene. 

Then we drove through residential areas. I love the west coast architecture. 

Then Todd had the idea of riding the subway to the end of the line. We ended up in E. Los Angeles. It was a great way to see the city (and not drive in the traffic!). 

We had to get the car back by 7:00. We made it to the hotel-Four Points Sheraton, which is by the airport. 

We had a good meal in the hotel restaurant. We shared a cobb salad and some bratwurst. 

Turned in early because we have a 6:00 a.m. flight! (didn't know there were 6:00 a.m. fights...) Until next time! 

New Orleans April 28th-May 2nd, 2012

Saturday- Todd and I explored the French quarter and French area. At at Port of Call for lunch- excellent hamburgers and bake potatos.

Ate at Royal House in French quarter for dinner.

Todd had oysters and I had crab bisque soup. We ate up at balcony. It was a cool night and we could hear live music. A duo was playing right on the street corner from the restaurant-Tanya and Dorise. They're on youtube. Had a guest singer who had a beautiful voice.


Sunday- went to church. Walked by Reading Room. Ate at Fresca's-great food. We shared a mushroom and lamb gyro and an order of hummus. I had a ginger peach tea! Delicious!

Todd wanted to take a trolley out to city park. We had ice cream at Pandora's. I ordered regular ice cream and Todd said I'd have to come back and get the milk cream and flavored syrup (this is what they're known for).

Went back to the hotel so Todd could go to the conference (oh yeah, that's why we're here...). I went exploring in the French quarter. Searched for an hour for the perfect place and found it! The Royal Street Deli. Bohemian and eclectic atmosphere.

Found Tanya and Dorise again! Held captive by their melodies for several hours.

Monday morning- Todd went to his conference and I worked at the hotel. I had an appt. to meet with the Head Librarian at 1st church reading room. Met with Carolyn to discuss the possibility of their RR hosting a JSH workshop. It was a good meeting.

Then I went to lunch at Chill Out cafe-an Asian fusion place. Had one of my favorite Asian dishes with noodles and coconut milk and Thai ice coffee.

Ate dinner in at hotel-had cream spinach.

Tuesday-went to cafe beignet for lunch. Had neat area outside to eat. Had royal sandwich (ham and Swiss cheese (nothing to write home about) and fresh squeezed lemonade. Hilight of lunch-an order of beignets. Hot off the fryer!

Took trolley out to see city park and the sculpture garden. But it closed at 5:00 and I was there at 4:45 (Maybe next time...).

Made it to pandor'as again and ordered the grasshopper cream. Very tastey. Worth the trip outside the city.

Ate dinner at Napolean's in the French Quarter. Ordered Red rice and beans. Authentic New Orleans meal.

Left the next day. Productive and enjoyable trip!

San Francisco, CA August 28th-31st

Todd had a conference in San Francisco, CA for a week. I was able to join him for a long weekend. San Francisco is beautiful but it's cold! Even in August it was in the 60's and got down in the 50's at night.

We got up at o'dark thirty to catch a plane. We arrived in CA before noon. We've made it a practice to not think about the time difference and adjust to the local time as soon as we can. This way we don't spend our day thinking of how tired we are or what time it really is. We try to adjust and keep moving forward.

We got to the hotel, Le Meridien, which is in the financial district downtown. We unloaded and then walked to the Ferry Market, which my tour guide (aka Todd) said that the building has been remodeled and had really turned around since the last time he'd seen it. It had a lot of neat shops and restaurants in it. It was fun to look around and see unique shops.

We ended up at a fish place and I had clam chowder and he had clams. It was delicious.
This was the view that we had of the Bay Bridge when we ate. We sat facing windows all along the back of the restaurant that gave us this view.

Northport Long Island August 22nd, 2010

We rented a zip car and drove up to Northport, LI on Sunday morning to go to church.
It was a sweet little church. We drove around the north forks and along the water. The north forth is so much greener and plush than the South fork of Long Island-because of all of the rain it gets. Each time we've been to the Northfork, it has rained.

It drizzled all day. We walked around a little bit in Northport and grabbed a bite to eat at the local pub. Had fish and chips and it was tastey.

Then we drove to Centerport and went to the Vanderbilt mansion.It wasn't as lavish as the other Museums we've seen. This mansion houses many of Mr. Vanderbilt's collections of fish and a vast collection of marine life displayed in the aquarium. If you're a nature lover, you would love his collection.

Then we drove back along Long Beach but it wasn't very scenic. The land was flat and dry; not plush at all.

We had an invitation from a friend to eat at her house and watch PBS specials, so we drove to her house. That was fun.

Cape May! August 8th-10th

Sunday, August 8th, after church, I rode on the train to Newark, NJ to meet Todd at the motorcycle rental place. We rented a Harley and rode it along the Jersey Shore. Our destination was Cape May, the southern most tip of New Jersey. I had wanted to visit this place for quite some time, so I was grateful that the opportunity presented itself.

It always takes us longer to get somewhere than is predicted. A one hour destination usually turns in to a four or five hour ride. Because there are so many small towns, neat shops, rest stops, that call our name to stop.

As we got closer, we rode along the shore and it was wonderful to see the ocean and be on the bike; we're out in the open, feeling the breeze against us and smell the dampness of the ocean. All of the senses are stimulated.

We arrived early evening. I loved the town right away. It has more victorian homes than we've seen and most of them have been turned in to bed and breakfasts, which we love. We didn't have a room reservation, so as Todd rode to get gas, I strolled through the town, looking for a place to stay. I stumbled across one that was a block away from the beach and it had a vacancy! It was fine.


We walked through town and decided on Blue Pig Tavern-Congress Hall. It's owner, Thomas Hughes, called it the Big House, because of it's size. But many critics were skeptical of it becoming a success and named it "Tommy's Folly". Now open for over two centuries, it has become a success (see www.congresshall.com). The food was good and you could feel the historical significance as you sat outside.

We walked through town and ended up at a putt-putt place. Todd beat me for the first time (I've always beat him). Then we went across the street to an arcade and played games.

Monday morning we decided to stay another day! Todd or I didn't have to get back to work and we wanted to enjoy another day at Cape May.

We walked through town again to see the neat shops when they were open. There were no chains and each store was unique.

We had lunch at the Mad Batter, which had a fun atmosphere and uniquely decorated.

We got back on the road and took a different way back. Then we stayed in Ocean Grove in a Bed and Breakfast.

We walked over to Ashbury Park and had dinner at _____________. The food was excellent.

We were pretty wiped out, so we crashed when we got back to the BNB.

Tuesday morning we grabbed breakfast at the BNB and got on the road. We had a short distance to ride back to the motorcycle rental place.

Stacy and Peter Baird visit with two dogs

I get a call Wednesday from Stacy Baird (Stay and Peter are friends from ASCSA-they are now kicked out of the group like we are) stating they wanted to come to New York Friday morning for a concert. I said "why don't you come up Thursday night and stay with us?" They took us up on the offer! We were excited to see them and have guests. Fortunately, the apt. was coming together and we finally had some furniture.

We got the apartment in order and waited for their arrival. It was great to see them and they brought their two dogs! They were well behaved (the dogs...) and would stay in their kennel while we were away from the apt.

The concert was Train which performed for the Today show early Friday morning. Early, meaning we were there about 6:30 a.m. Stacy and I thought we'd venture ahead of the line and see where it lead. Bad idea...we ended up getting separated from Peter and on the other side away from the stage. Peter was right next to the stage! So we got back in line but it didn't go all the way through-there was a blockade and we couldn't go any further. We were butting in front of people but we did have a good reason! to get to her husband. Most people believed us, except a girl scout with an attitude! She turned her back towards us. What has the world come to when a girl scout doesn't believe you?

So we just stayed where we were and enjoyed the concert. The music was entertaining and we danced to it. We made a new friend who stood next to us. He was from New Jersey and we enjoyed talking to him.

The staff handed out styro-foam microphones (who doesn't need one of those?) and we sang in to those. We were very sophisticated, we were.

We left about 3 1/2 hours later and met Todd for brunch at Kitchenette, a fun place in Tribecca. Then we were ready for a nap! So we headed home and crashed. We slept most of the afternoon (which I don't like to sleep the day away but when you get about 3 hours of sleep, the lack of sleep catches up with you).

We met Todd for dinner at Sweet Melissa's in Brooklyn. There's a nice outdoor patio in back of the restaurant. It was a beautiful night to spend outside. We were going to see a movie and rushed through dinner. When we rushed to the theatre, we found out that the movie was sold out. We decided to enjoy the nice weather and take a walk along the promenade. This gave us more of a chance to visit. We walked through the park by the promenade and enjoyed the city lights emanating from Manhattan, across the East River.

We stopped for ice cream. We had to.

The next morning we took our time getting around. I made breakfast. Then we wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Then we had the bright idea of walking back on the Manhattan Bridge. None of us had done that, so it was new to all of us. But we had felt we had walked about 100 miles, so we were pretty wiped out.

We ended up at Juniors for a late lunch. Shortly after they loaded up to go back home. We loved having them here.

Bikers gone bad Long Island July 2010

Our first bike ride together! We decided to rent a bike in Queens Village on a Sunday afternoon. We took the Long Island Rail Road to the Village and picked it up. I was a little skeptical, just because I hadn't ridden a motorcycle since I was in grade school. But I knew Todd would be a good driver (and I prayed a little too!).

It was a spontaneous trip and we didn't know where we were going or where we'd stop for the night. Which made it even more fun and exciting.

We rode along Long Island and just headed towards the North fork. A couple hours into the trip the sky was getting darker and we could tell a storm was moving in. I suggested we stop while we were in a small town for lunch. But Todd thought he could beat the storm...so we kept riding. About 15 minutes later, the storm hit and it started pouring, when we were outside the town...but did I say anything? Did I say "I told you so?"...nope.. (but inside I was). We pulled off to the side of the road and tried to seek cover under a big tree. That didn't help too much. We were soaked. Did I say we were seeking adventure? I guess we found it.

We rode back to the town and parked. We found a restaurant to eat at-a good mexican place. The server was so nice and didn't mind that we were leaving puddles where we sat.

The rain was lighting up so we got back on the road. We rode through ___________ as the wind was drying our clothes out. We were on the lookout for a store where we could buy some cheap clothes. Only when you're looking for something is when you don't find it. We ended up at a Walgreens and bought a couple of cheap t-shirts.

We had ridden long enough that our clothes had mostly dried out.

We ended up coming to ______________ where we found a hotel that had a vacancy. It was an upperscale hotel; it was fortunate that there was a room available.

When we got to the room, I used a heat lamp to dry out our jeans. Fortunately, I had a dress that I had worn to church that I could wear.

We thought this had been one of our most fun trips because of the spontaneity; not knowing what was ahead of us; the thrill of riding and not knowing where you were going to end up. Not packing what we needed but finding the resources we needed or make do with what we had.

We explored the town; watched cars load a ferry to be transported across the water to Rhode Island.

We settled back in the hotel and ate at the restaurant there. Had a wonderful meal-steak, cheese and fries fondue with a wonderful view of the water.

We were pretty wiped out and Todd crashed when we got back to the room. I was still awake and watched Miss Congeniality II. Had to. It was a moral imperative. These are the movies I have to watch when Todd is asleep.

Had the complimentary breakfast in the morning and then got back on the road. Didn't have as much time today since we had to return the bike late morning. It was a beautiful day for riding. Perfect weather.