Quote from: larryJ on May 09, 2009, 01:00:30 PM
Yeah,David, that was the place. When I moved to California in 1965, I got a job selling records at the Lakewood store and worked my way up to Assistant Manager. Then the Army stepped in for two years. When I came home, I was given my old job back, but at the West Covina store. From March of 1968 through July of 1971, I worked as assistant manager and finally store manager all over the chain, the last being assistant manager in Hollywood. Mr. Wallichs and I had differing opinions about fraternization with employees so there was a period of time of unemployment, but they took me back when they were hurting for a manager. At long last, they just couldn't abide by my take on fraternization and I was gone for the final time. I really loved that job. I worked afternoons and nights and weekends for low pay, but I just loved that job.
During my course of employment there, Tower Records opened a store in Hollywood selling records at a discount. In our meetings with Mr. Wallichs, we encouraged him to go discount and he wouldn't do it. Consequently, he filed bankruptcy in 1972 and the end of an era. During World War II, you could go into Music City and record messages on discs which were sent to sodiers overseas.
Nice picture. Thanks David
Larryj
Quote from: larryJ on May 09, 2009, 04:39:57 PM
David, does the receipt actually say Wallichs Music City? The reason I ask is because some departments such as the instruments and the sheet music and the tickets were actually Franchises inside the store. The tickets were sold by Liberty long before their was a Ticketmaster. Each store's instrument department was owned by various people. I think the one in West Covina was owned by Mr. Edelman. I don't remember any others. All store's sheet music departments were owned by Mr. Hansen who had a daughter, somewhat overweight, and not too much fun to look at. She was an alcoholic probably because she couldn't get a date. When my roommate and I were broke we would cruise all the bars in Newport Beach and Balboa until we found her and we would sit with her all night and never have to pay for a drink. Some stores used the Wallichs name and others used their owners name. I would be interested if there is a name on the receipt other than Wallichs.
Larryj
Quote from: dnalexander on May 09, 2009, 06:14:56 PM
Quote from: larryJ on May 09, 2009, 04:39:57 PM
David, does the receipt actually say Wallichs Music City? The reason I ask is because some departments such as the instruments and the sheet music and the tickets were actually Franchises inside the store. The tickets were sold by Liberty long before their was a Ticketmaster. Each store's instrument department was owned by various people. I think the one in West Covina was owned by Mr. Edelman. I don't remember any others. All store's sheet music departments were owned by Mr. Hansen who had a daughter, somewhat overweight, and not too much fun to look at. She was an alcoholic probably because she couldn't get a date. When my roommate and I were broke we would cruise all the bars in Newport Beach and Balboa until we found her and we would sit with her all night and never have to pay for a drink. Some stores used the Wallichs name and others used their owners name. I would be interested if there is a name on the receipt other than Wallichs.
Larryj
Quote from: dnalexander on May 09, 2009, 06:14:56 PM
Quote from: larryJ on May 09, 2009, 04:39:57 PM
David, does the receipt actually say Wallichs Music City? The reason I ask is because some departments such as the instruments and the sheet music and the tickets were actually Franchises inside the store. The tickets were sold by Liberty long before their was a Ticketmaster. Each store's instrument department was owned by various people. I think the one in West Covina was owned by Mr. Edelman. I don't remember any others. All store's sheet music departments were owned by Mr. Hansen who had a daughter, somewhat overweight, and not too much fun to look at. She was an alcoholic probably because she couldn't get a date. When my roommate and I were broke we would cruise all the bars in Newport Beach and Balboa until we found her and we would sit with her all night and never have to pay for a drink. Some stores used the Wallichs name and others used their owners name. I would be interested if there is a name on the receipt other than Wallichs.
Larryj
Larry, I never paid much attention to the recepit, it is in storage with other things I don't want to throw away. The Wallach's name was new to me, but I recognized the name Music City. I was not sure originally if you were talking about Music City or maybe Tower.The address you mentioned struck a bell because because I visited Amoeba records which started much more recently here in the Bay Area and has a new store near where I think Wallach's was located. My 7 years in LA were spent in Redondo Beach and Hermosa during 1989 to 1995 when I worked for Sports Club\LA and Talla Developement the owners of many big name properties. Your story mirrors mine in so many ways.
David
p.s. Since we are having a personal conversation about LA send me a PM. I doubt anyone here cares or knows what we are talking about.
Quote from: indygal on May 09, 2009, 07:25:07 PM
Actually, David, I've enjoyed reading the conversation. Don't stop on my account :laugh: Also, your mention of Redondo Beach made me think of an old Patti Smith song by that title.
Quote from: dnalexander on May 09, 2009, 08:07:27 PM
For Indygal, because she was interested, I am starting a new thread in the Misc thread called Swimming Pools and Movie Stars to continue Larry and my conversation on Los Angeles, famous people, music, and pop culture.
David
Quote from: dnalexander on May 09, 2009, 06:14:56 PM
Quote from: larryJ on May 09, 2009, 04:39:57 PM
David, does the receipt actually say Wallichs Music City? The reason I ask is because some departments such as the instruments and the sheet music and the tickets were actually Franchises inside the store. The tickets were sold by Liberty long before their was a Ticketmaster. Each store's instrument department was owned by various people. I think the one in West Covina was owned by Mr. Edelman. I don't remember any others. All store's sheet music departments were owned by Mr. Hansen who had a daughter, somewhat overweight, and not too much fun to look at. She was an alcoholic probably because she couldn't get a date. When my roommate and I were broke we would cruise all the bars in Newport Beach and Balboa until we found her and we would sit with her all night and never have to pay for a drink. Some stores used the Wallichs name and others used their owners name. I would be interested if there is a name on the receipt other than Wallichs.
Larryj
Larry, I never paid much attention to the recepit, it is in storage with other things I don't want to throw away. The Wallach's name was new to me, but I recognized the name Music City. I was not sure originally if you were talking about Music City or maybe Tower.The address you mentioned struck a bell because because I visited Amoeba records which started much more recently here in the Bay Area and has a new store near where I think Wallach's was located. My 7 years in LA were spent in Redondo Beach and Hermosa during 1989 to 1995 when I worked for Sports Club\LA and Talla Developement the owners of many big name properties. Your story mirrors mine in so many ways.
David
p.s. Since we are having a personal conversation about LA send me a PM. I doubt anyone here cares or knows what we are talking about.
Larry, I never paid much attention to the recepit, it is in storage with other things I don't want to throw away. The Wallach's name was new to me, but I recognized the name Music City. I was not sure originally if you were talking about Music City or maybe Tower.The address you mentioned struck a bell because because I visited Amoeba records which started much more recently here in the Bay Area and has a new store near where I think Wallach's was located. My 7 years in LA were spent in Redondo Beach and Hermosa during 1989 to 1995 when I worked for Sports Club\LA and Talla Developement the owners of many big name properties. Your story mirrors mine in so many ways.
David
p.s. Since we are having a personal conversation about LA send me a PM. I doubt anyone here cares or knows what we are talking about.
I had some trouble transfering stuff so please forgive me. My brain wasn't working too well on this. I hope you get the idea of this thread
David
I'm not Indygal, but I enjoyed this conversation also! ;)
I hope everyone that is interested gets pas my feeble attempt to transfer this thread here. I thought Larry and I could tell our tales of life in L.A. among the stars of movies and music.
David
Hey, don't quit on account of me. I was enjoying it, even though I don't have anything to add.
Thanks, fellas. It's fun traveling in the time machine with you! Y'all come back now, ya hear? :laugh:
I don't want to scare anyone off. But Larry will tell you that we both were working and our contact was fleeting in most cases. We both happened to come in contact with a lot of famous people just because of our jobs. Think about the guy at the grocery store that works in a neighborhood in Hollywood or Beverly Hills. But being in such a target rich environment we do have a few stories that will satisfy your movie star gossip. We may even have some really juicy stories. For the most part it is hello, Mr Cruise, may I hold your towel? Thanks, David good to see you again. Then there are stories that we really need to check with our lawyers on before we tell you.
David
There was no problem with the transfer. All of you who read all that and have questions just jump right in. I am sure between David and I we could find the answer.
So, good stories, huh. Most of mine would be based on my experiences at the record store.
I was somewhat naive when I came to SoCal. I wasn't aware that people would cheat you, rob you, and throw you to the wolves without blinking an eye. Over time I became cynical in that I didn't trust anyone, especially my ex-wife. One day at work a messenger service guy came in and piled up about 20 record albums in front of the cashier and I and proceeded to hand me a credit card (Diners Club, if I remember correctly). The name on the card-------------Marlo Thomas---------you know-------from TV. Well, I told the guy that I couldn't accept the card because he clearly wasn't Marlo Thomas. He just kind of looked at me and said ok and left. About 30 minutes later I got a phone call from--------guess who. She really raked me over the coals for about 10 minutes using words my mother never taught me and pointing out the obvious flaws in my being. When she was done, I told her that I was only protecting her because I thought the card might be stolen and that she was lucky I didn't confisticate it right there on the spot and cut it up. There was silence and then-----------------------------wait for it-------------------she hung up on me!!!
I was later informed by higher up management that no matter what card was used and by whom, just take it and shut up. So I guess she had some pull with my bosses.
Larryj
Ok Larry you are on my same wavelength. I too have stories of the seemingly nice guy\gal star and they turned out to be a terror, ruining my opinion of them. Some turn out to be really nice normal people. I also, have stories of the things most people associate with California some true some just the hype we use for marketing purposes. I'll start with a few stories to enforce some of the hype. Then I will tell some of my jucier stories. If anyone has any specific questions go ahead and ask. I will come up with a good story I think you all will be interested in. Larry, any good stories about Jim Morrison and The Doors my favorite group? I am working hard to become Jim Morrison's replacement on the current tour.
David
Sorry, I had to cut out there for a while. My son and daughter-in-law are traveling the world and he just called on the computer. He had installed Skype on my laptop so we can have regular phone conversations. The clarity is such that he sounds like he is in the room with me. He was calling from Malaysia.
Jim Morrison and the Doors? No, but I loved the music. When I got a new cell phone a few years back, I wanted to download "Light my fire" for the ringtone, but there was some kind of legal issue and I couldn't do it. I wish you good luck in your endeaver (?) to lead the group.
Okay, one more and then its bedtime.
Across the street from the Hollywood store stands a large building some 20 or 30 storys tall. It is mostly used for offices, but there are some high end apartments in there and a fantastic restaurant on the top floor. I ate there once and then had to wait for several more paychecks before I could eat there again. Anywho, the reknowned singer Mr. Johnny Mathis had an apartment there. One night he came into the store and bought a single 45 rpm record. He came to the cashier and paid for it and then asked for the manager. I came out and he asked if I would be so kind as to deliver the record to his apartment. Now for those of you that don't know, Mr. Mathis was-------------------had a different sexual preference. This was a well known fact around the Hollywood area. There was no way I was going up to that apartment, but a young man newly hired volunteered. I don't recall talking to him afterward, but I know it wasn't going to be me to deliver that record.
Okay, one more. As this thread originally started out about hippies. Across the street on another corner was a Bank Of America. In front of the building which sat at an angle to the corner was a large fountain maybe 30 feet in diameter. Every once in a while when the local hippies had enough money to buy some drugs or booze, if there was any money left over they would buy laundry soap and throw it in the fountain at night. They would bathe and wash their clothes and leave and the next morning, the intersection of Sunset and Vine would be awash in soap bubbles. It took a while, but the bank finally turned off the fountain.
Good night. Larryj
Your turn, David.
Larry, Malaysia? How great is that.! What a wonderful experience.
I was filling in for the Night Manager of our 96,000 sg. ft. flagship Health Club, located in the heart of celebrity land in LA. It was just a few minutes before closing on a Friday night, which tended to be very busy with everyone getting gussied up to head out to all the hot spots. I was sitting in the Cafe getting ready to do my walk-around before locking up the Club and going home. I was summoned to the house phone. One of the locker room attends frantically explained to me that someone had fainted in the women's locker room. This was not the first time this person who liked to sit in the steam room to lose weight had done this. Most of the staff was already gone so that left one fitness trainer and me as the only first aid\cpr staff in the building. I told the attendant to have the woman lie down, elevate her legs, and cover her up with some towels. I yelled to the front desk to call 911 and have them meet me at the back corner of the building so I could let the paramedics directly into the locker room through a fire exit door. Then I sent another person to get the fitness staff. I ran out the front door and about a long block and a half to meet the paramedics. So I could unlock the door and let them in. The paramedics arrived and I grabbed the front of the gurney to lead them through the sunbathing patio and into the locker room. As I rushed through the door I came face to face, sort of, with Elle MacPherson topless in only a skirt and high heels. I am only 5'8'' tall and she had to be at least 6'3'' in heels. I stopped dead in my tracks. The firemen kept pushing the gurney and I found myself embracing a tall half-naked Sports Illustrated model. My face turned deep red. As I apologized profusely and looked away all I saw were women in all various states of undress. My embarrassment tripled. We quickly went on to help the woman that had fainted. She turned out to be fine, just another one of her episodes caused by not eating and sitting in the steam room. I headed back upstairs to hide and write my incident report.
David :-[
Great story David! I've been on the end of the stretcher in the boys' football locker room. Lots of hot, steamy "nekked" young males. The coach had fainted. I'm sure the ladies weren't terribly upset, you were doing your job.
Diane no they didn't care. I was the only one that was flustered. The fireman were used to it since they worked in the area all the time and probably have even better stories to tell. My home club was located in Torrance in the suburbs and had a whole different vibe. I didn't even mention the girl standing totally drippin' wet nekid giving her phone number to one of the fireman after all was said and done. I was very happy on Monday morning to be back at my home in the burbs. Yes Wilma I should have said the fitness instructor and I were the only ones with first aid\cpr training.
David
I hadn't even noticed, I was so interested.
Larry just in case you weren't sure. I really am not working hard to become the lead singer of The Doors. I don't even think they are on tour. Plus the amount of tight leather it would take to clothe me would be very expensive. Just a dream, just a dream.
David
Well, come on, guys...Let's hear some more Tales from La-La Land! ;D This is great! ;D ;D ;)
I have more, but some of my favorites I have to figure out how to explain in mixed company. Others have not run the statute of limitations, since my mom always said the statute of limitations never run out in the court of mom. Maybe I will tell one that we use in our marketing brochures.
David ???
I was pretty sure you weren't serious although I woulld like it if the Doors came back.
You had mentioned something about those people who were seemingly nice and turned out to be a terror. Over time I had experiences with "wannabe" stars who would get angry with me if I refused to accept their credit card (it was expired or the credit card company wouldn't accept it) or wouldn't special order an album for them (because it was out of print)". One of my favorite times was when that person would get indignant and say, "Do you know who I am?". At first, I used to say yeah I saw you in the movie or on TV. After a while, my stock answer was, "No, who are you?" or "yeah, your name is right here on the card".
Then there were the good ones. One night I was working the turnstile entrance to the listening booths as mentioned earlier and an African American guy with a huge afro stopped in front of me. He had two beautiful blonde anglo girls with him, one on each side. He asked a question about a record and I answered it and he walked away. The employee who was coming back from his break was staring and asked me if I knew who that was. I shook my head no and found out I had just an encounter with Jimi Hendrix. Two months later he OD'ed.
Larryj
Diane, my son, 30 something CPA, and his wife, who held a high position with Oakley, you know, the sunglass company, decided last year after much research that they wanted to see the world. He was self employed and gave up a few clients and the rest could be handled on-line. She just quit her job. They left on April 13, first stop Australia and New Zealand. They left there on the May 9 and went to Malaysia for just two days and then on to Thailand for two weeks. They won't return home until the end of the year. They plan to visit Nepal and India, back to Maui for a friends wedding. Then off to Hong Kong where she was born and still has relatives. On to Eastern Europe, Russia if they can get a visa and on to England and Ireland. My wife will try to join them in Ireland. I miss them a lot after only four weeks. But they have set up a place where we can view their pictures and videos. And, as I mentioned the computer program that allows us to talk like on the phone for free.
Larryj
David you are not keeping up here!
I was in trouble with the higher ups and had been reduced to the television/stereo department as a salesman. The company that makes jukeboxes, Wurlizter, had come out with a coffee table style jukebox that stored and played whole albums rather than 45 rpm records. One day, Dick Smothers of the Smothers Brothers came in and was all excited about getting one. So I demonstrated it for him and he couldn't wait to sign the check. I then talked him into buying a second one for his brother Tom. Delivery took about a week in those days. A few days after one was delivered to Tom, he came storming into the store and demanded that we send someone to pick up that piece of junk his stupid brother got for him. Talk about ungrateful. I always wondered just how close they really were after that.
By the way, when I was demoted to tv/stereo department, I was told I would never be in management again. A few months later at the height of the Christmas season, one of busiest times of the year, the assistant manager was caught stealing and was immediately fired. As they had nobody trained to take his place they had to beg me to come back!
Larryj
Ha! Serves them right. Thanks for sharing your son's travel plans...and yours too. I'm jealous! I met the Smothers Brothers in 1963 when they came to UD for a concert. They were both a bit tipsy, but were having a good time. I got to meet them before the concert.
Back in 1986 I was managing a health club in Reno Nevada. We had just completed our grand opening and I had been working non-stop for months. I finally found a chance to take a break and just enjoy the club. I was on of our glass courts just hitting a raquetball around trying to relax. A guy came up to the door and asked if I wanted to play. We introduced ourselves. I told him I was David Alexander and he told me his name was Steve Wynn and he was the Vice President of Cesar's Tahoe. I said my mom's maiden name is Winn , W I N N. He said his was spelled W Y N N. We played for a couple of hours and he said if you ever come up to Tahoe look me up and we can play again.
Fast forward to when I was working for the Sports Club company in L.A. I was in Las Vegas with my girlfriend and we were going to watch the demolition of the Dunes hotel and do a little gambling. I was working out in one of our health clubs. Out of the office walked MikeTalla the President of our company. He said David what are you doing her? I explained I came to see the Dunes demolition and have a little gambling vacation with my girlfriend. I said what are you doing here. He explained he was there on a real estate deal and introduced me to the man he was with. "David this is Steve Wynn he is the owner of the Mirage Hotel" I said, " I think we met once when I was managing a club in Reno and you were the VP up at Cesar's Tahoe" We played racquetball together. Steve said yes that was him and we explained to my boss the whole story. That night my girlfriend and I had dinner with my boss and Steve Wynn in his private dining room at the hotel and then had a front row seat for the implosion of the Dunes hotel. If you have never seen the demolition of a big building it is spectacular. There is a series of timed explosions that are better than any fireworks I have ever seen. That is one of my favorite celebrity stories.
David
David, great story. Tell me that you won the raquetball game and the bet was for free hotel rooms any time you were in Reno ;D
Not to horn in on your thread, but do you by chance remember Johnny Kay? Do you know what band he was with? He has a LOT of famous R. and R. early history under his belt. Beatles in Hamburg, Germany 1962, (shortly before Love Me Do was released). Little Richard in '66, '72 in London with Mick Jagger, who swore he wouldn't be still at it at age 50. (Ha!) Johnny Kay is 68 now and lives north of here, not far from Claymont Delaware and Chester PA., where a lot of early stuff really started. He was with the "Godfather of Rock and Roll" and traveled the world with that well known band for 12 years. Ya got him figured out? The band he was in kick started the rock era with a still very well know tune back in 1955. Ya got him figured out yet? Back later! ;D ;D ;D
Yep, he was front man for the Sparrows who moved to California and changed their name to--------Steppenwolf. And feel free to horn in with your memories, or your questions. I know I will love to hear about other peoples experiences or memories as would David who started this thread.
I once got an "atta boy" while working at the music store. The rock opera "Hair" was playing at a theater down the street. As our store was open until 2 AM, I or one of the salesman would stand outside the store with a rack of the soundtrack of "Hair". As people would exit the theater they would see us out there and come over to buy an album. These are people that liked the music and said they would get an album later. By being outside right after they saw the show, they were more inclined to buy the record right then.
Larryj
Nope, Steppanwolf was around 13 or 14 years later. Not John Kay, Johnny Kay. A clue: 1984 was a special date...what historic thing happened very late in 1984 and somewhat into 1985. It only comes around once in a while. Samuel Clemons would have been interested. By the way, Hair is still one of my all time favorites, and J.C. Superstar too.
Long live Evita...Cats...Le Mis...Phantom!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, to be enchanted by the Music of the Night...
I got to see Cats and Phantom in NY City and River Dance too. I still want to see Le Mis but I've never been able to work it out. We try to get a group together and take a bus up.
Diane, I'm going to guess he had something to do with Bill Haley and the Comets.
You would guess right! Johnny Kay was a guitarist "Comet" for 12 years. He still plays some of the clubs around here,also had a group called Johnny Kay's Rockets and is bringing out a new album soon.(www.jkrockets.com) Bill Haley was a local boy too, just over the northern Del. line at Booth's Corner PA.
I have a guitar string from Bill Haleys' guitar in my cedar chest. :D
OK, that's not fair, you are going to make me ask....tell all, there has to be a good story there.
I thought I had posted this before on the forum, but for those who are interested---. About 1958 Bill Haley and the Comets appeared at the old Forum in Wichita. In those days a band usually played a 'dance' after a stage appearance and we got tickets to the one held at the CEC Playhouse, an upstairs party room in a nearby building. We got to stand right at the front of the band, just like the movies and dance if we wanted. Of course, Bill Haley was escorted around like the celeb he was, but while on stage he broke a guitar string. I was able to snag it up and rolled it up and stuck it in my pocket. I also got the autographs of the band members on a paper place mat. I will have to look and see if Johnny Kay is included. That was fun, and one of the special times in my teens.
That may have been just before Johnny Kay joined the group. I think he was a Comet from 1960 to '72. Prior to that he had his own group in our area. He was playing in Chester when he was spotted by Haley's manager and asked to play "Rock Around the Clock." for Bill Haley. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ok guys, any more stories? I love hearing them.
Or, are they just too juicy for posting on a family site?? lol
Well, as David has mentioned some stories have to be cleaned up so to speak to be put in a family forum and others just aren't worthwhile or just not that good.
However, I have this one. Every year, there is an auto show held in the LA convention center. When my kids were coming of driving age, I would take them to the show so they could see all the cars in one place. People could sit in the cars and look under the hoods and get an idea of what it was like to have that particular car. And, in my son's case one that he would fit in being 6'6" tall. In one area the more expensive and exclusive cars were roped off not allowing the peons to touch. As usual when there is a bigger crowd on one area, there is possibly a star. We were in this area looking at cars we will never have or even want to have as far as I am concerned when we saw such a crowd. Like everyone else in the herd we moved over to see who it was. It was Mr. Tim Robbins looking at a Rolls, but was delayed by autograph seekers. In the meantime, a part of the crowd began to gather across the aisle to another star. This one was Arnold who would later become our governor. Arnold was allowed to enter the roped off area and sit in the car he was looking at. Talk about star power! In the 44 years I have lived and worked in the LA area I have become disaffected by stars. Although I was in the local grocery store some years back when I saw Lori Laughlin from the TV show Full House and just flat fell in love on the spot. Anyway over the years I have come to realize that they are no better than I am and I get to go to the store without being hounded by those pesky fans!
Larrj
This little tidbit isn't about music, but you might think it is fun. Capriotti's and Casapulla's make the (arguably) best subs around here. They are both local families who know what a REAL sub (hoagie) is...not just lunch meat on a long roll. Capriotti's, my personal favorite, makes a lot of different kinds of subs including all Italian, tuna, roast beef and fresh baked sliced turkey. There is another Capriotti's a bit north of here and they had a familiar looking visitor. It was Kal Penn ( Kumar, House ) who stopped to order a "Bobbie" before he was going to UD to give a talk. Now, what is a Bobbie? It's Thanksgiving dinner on a long sub roll. Warm sliced turkey, plenty of warm dressing, a bit of gravy, cranberry sauce and a little mayo. Oh, yum, I love'em !!!! He knew exactly what it was and was nice enough to sign autographs while he waited.
I want one!
Diane I have that sandwich on a semi-regular basis. Thanksgiving dinner on a sourdough roll. It didn't sound too good at first, but once I tried it I loved it. I love the tv show House I didn't realize that Kal was also, Kumar. I love White Castle burgers too. Time for dinner and a Lipitor.
David
Out here in LA we have some mom and pop submarine sandwich shops. Of course, we have the chains like Subway, Togos, and Quiznos. I never really cared for subs. No reason, just didn't eat them all that much. I really only joined in here to say that House is one of my favorite shows. USA cable channel runs marathon House shows all day on Saturday in this neighborhood. I have been watching them so much that I am seeing reruns of reruns.
As my diet has now become gluten free, I no longer eat wheat based breads so that eliminates breads sold in sandwich shops. Also, the meats have to be fresh, not frozen. I have discovered a world of rice bread and rice tortillas, gluten free rice cereal, soy bars not containing gluten, and lots more of fruits and vegetables.
Larryj
Some of our better sub shops will make you the sub of your choice as a salad, for people who can't have the roll.
Did you know Kal Penn's real name is Kalpen Suresh Modi?
McDonalds will make a lettuce wrap burger on request. And we have a chain called "In-n-out" here in the west which limits their menu to hamburgers and cheeseburgers, drinks and milkshakes. They also make a protein burger which is a lettuce wrapped burger. It is a sad thing for those of you who have never experienced an In-n-Out burger. It is simply the best I have ever had. When we first lived in this area, we rented a house about a block from the local In-n-Out. We lived east of the place and the breeze blows from the west 98% of the time. So we could always smell the delicious burgers being cooked. Had we not moved we both would be too large to get in the car to go through the drive-thru.
Larryj
Off topic (I'm good at that...oh well, someone will get us back in line)....Larry, are you familiar with a grain called spelt? I believe it's gluten-free and has a kind of nutty flavor. I've had spelt bread, and it's kind of crumbly, but makes delicious toast. Also, I'm curious why you can't have frozen meat.
Indygal, Spelt is not gluten free. See list pasted below. I have to look up the meats to see why it should only be fresh meats. I do know that things like meat loaf are a no-no because of the breading used. Of course, you can substitute your own gluten free breading. Frozen meat patties also contain some breading. I will get back to you on the meat question. Meanwhile, this list is those grains which are NOT gluten free.
Larryj
Grains to Avoid on a Gluten-Free Diet
Wheat
Rye
Barley
Commercial Oats*
Malt
Couscous
Durum
Spelt
Kamut
Bulgar
Farina
Semolina
Einkorn
Farro
What's left? Looks like all grains are listed.
Larry I love In\Out Burger too. That also, reminded me of a good California story, but it doesn't involve any celebrities.
I was surfing just south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. The seals were overly active and I kept getting bumped on my legs. Don't let those cute faces fool you those seals can give you a pretty good bite. The waves weren't very good so I decided to head out of the water and up to the pier to see what the fisherman were catching. As I got up on the pier there was a commotion down at the end. As I got closer I saw that one of the fishermen had caught a 6' long Thresher shark. That is the one with the long sweeping tail and are a rare sight since the usually are found out in deep water. After I got done talking to the guy that caught the fish I went over to the side of the pier to watch the surfers. Since the pier is raised high above the water it is a great place to scan the beach and watch the surfers. As I scanned across the water I saw that right were I had been surfing there were huge schools of anchovies and bonita. No wonder all the seals were so aggressive and bumping in to everyone, they were chasing all the schools of fish. As I scanned further I saw many larger fish scattered among everything. They turned out to be close to 50 Thresher sharks there fore the same reason. Thresher sharks are big and not know to be aggressive, but a "thrash" from their powerful tail can really do some damage. The images of Jaws came into my head and I decided to stay out of the water the rest of the day. Even though I knew the Thresher sharks are not considered man-eaters I did not want to become a Double-Double In|Out burger for some shark. I decided it would be more fun to just stay on the beach and do some people watching.
David
(http://www.pattywilliford.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Landscapes/.pond/HBPierbyMoonlight.jpg.w300h433.jpg)
(http://ichthy.mlml.calstate.edu/images/duzinski-thresher.jpg)
Wilma, see list below for allowed grains. I have found rice bread to be denser than wheat but still good. My wife fixes spaghetti with rice pasta. There are many different applications of gluten free grains in recipes on the internet which is the biggest source of my knowledge. I have talked to my Doctor and two nutritionalists who don't or didn't have the information that I have found on the web. When hospitalized in January, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD) and the hospital was aware of those things I couldn't eat. Unfortunately, they served me what was left on the menu and did not attempt to find replacement items to feed me. Had it not been for my family bringing me food to eat I probably would have starved.
David, what neat pictures! I don't surf and my one shot at body surfing nearly killed me so I don't go near the water. I figured that those sharks and other sea creatures don't walk around in my neighborhood so I am not gonna walk or swim around in theirs.
And rip tides scare me to death as I am not a strong swimmer, then or now.
Wilma------
Gluten-Free Grains and Starches
Amaranth
Arrowroot
Buckwheat
Chickpeas (Garbanzos)
Corn
Flax
Flours from nuts/beans/seeds
Millet
Potato starch or flour
Quinoa
Rice (and rice bran/flour)
Sago
Sorghum
Soy (but not most soy sauce) (Tamari is the one recommended)
Tapioca
Teff
Again, reading the labels is key. For instance, I have a recipe for coated chicken using rice krispies which is one of my favorite dishes. Once I was diagnosed with CD I discovered that Rice Krispies, supposedly gluten free are processed on machines that also process wheat. So there is a cross contamination factor to consider. I have found Rice Chex which is gluten free and works just the same as the Rice Krispies did. As you can see, there is not a big limitation to what you can eat. I have also found on the internet the foods that I can order while eating out listed by the name of the restaurant. Some restaurants even offer gluten free menus or list gluten free entres on their regular menu. There are some things that I really miss such as caramel corn. I love caramel corn especially fresh cararmel corn. Caramel manufactered in the United States is gluten free, but a lot of caramel is imported and is not gluten free. I also love Brach's Jelly Beans, but can't have and have to eat jelly bellys which do not have gluten. I eat oatmeal to help with my cholesterol and have found a certified gluten free oatmeal. I have become an expert on this stuff since being diagnosed, so any of you have questions, just ask away.
Almost forgot. Frozen meat sometimes is injected with preservatives to keep it from spoiling and turning colors while freezing. At least that is what I hear.
Larryj
We had good cheeseburgers from In -n- Out on one of our CA trips once. They were very good. Did they have fries? I can't remember.
yes they have fries. While you are sitting at the window waiting for your food, you can see one of the hired help putting peeled potatoes through a machine that cuts them. No additives just pure potato.
Larryj
That's right! I had forgotten. Thanks.
My wife just returned from her Doctors appointment and asked two questions: How are you doing? And, what do you want for dinner? All this talk about In-n-Out has made me hungry for one of their protein burgers. So that will be dinner tonight. Yea!! As she is laying down and resting for a while, I might even drag my lazy rearend and my O2 tank and go get it. Nah, I'll let her go.
Larryj
Larry, are you using the liquid O2 or the E tanks? Ted had both kinds of the liquid tanks and really liked them.
I use a concentrater at home with a 50 foot tube to get around the house. I use E tanks when we go out to eat or shop. And, I have a large cylinder which is for emergencies such as a power failure or as it happened yesterday a malfunction with the concentrater. I noticed yesterday that my breathing wasn't doing so well and discovered that the concentrater had given up the ghost. One phone call to the after hours people and within two hours they brought a new concentrater. The company that supplies me with all this equipment is very proficient. I called last week to exchange 5 empty tanks for 5 full ones and they insisted on leaving me 15. I am looking into the M6 tanks and backpack as being easier to manage. However, somewhere I have read (maybe in the insurance papers) that I can't have both the E tanks and the backpack. The M6 tanks have a different regulator in that it supplies oxygen only when you are inhaling. With the E tanks you have a constant supply all the time. Hopefully with proper exercise, I will be able to not rely on tanks so much or maybe ever (doubtful) and can make a trip to Howard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Larryj
Shoot, don't let that stop you! Ted and I traveled around quite a bit. I loaded his concentrator up in the van and could take two days of O2 in liquid form. The M6 tanks are nice, but are not really reliable in warm humid weather as they tend to freeze up. We also had a medium sized liquid trank that held a large amount of O2 so I could refill his small tanks. He had both the on demand and the regular liquid tanks. We kept a large liquid tank on the porch and refilled his small tanks as we needed them. I think that medicare differs from state to state and your state may not allow both types. Ted absolutely hated pushing around that cart with Etanks, I think it made him feel old! ;)
Yeah, I know the feeling. I tend to look on the bright side of life however. Being in the condition that I am in gets me a permanent handicap parking tag so I don't have to walk so far. Which I occasionally have to do because the handicap spaces are taken up with those who use a parking tag even though they are not handicapped. But thats another thread. Being visible pushing a cart with a tank tends to bring out the best in people such as: Holding doors for you when you have spent your life as a gentleman holding doors for them, allowing you to go first in the grocery line because you are pushing the cart and a basket (I do load the cart in the basket when I shop) and offers of help from people who are concerned when I am just sitting down resting and enjoying life which is something not many living in a big city are prone to do.
As far as traveling, I have yet to venture far from home. I guess because I am sitll new at this. It is not that I can't, I think I just don't want to put up with the hassle. I think our first venture (when my wife is doing better) will be to venture up the coast toward Santa Barbara to one of our favorite motels which features jacuzzi style tubs and free breakfast. My son and his wife are on a worldwide traveling trip and will be in Ireland sometime in September. My wife is already making plans for her cousin and her to go and meet them there. As talked about in another thread with Frawin, I really don't have a desire to visit other countries. However, I probably would like Ireland.
I am true to my quote!!!
Larryj
Being in a wheel chair gets you all kinds of privileges, too. And sometimes some fun. The other day I was sitting at an automatic door waiting for my daughters when another older lady approached the door. I quickly asked her if I could open the door for her, then pushed the automatic button. She laughed and thanked me. That works on doors that open when you approach them, too. Sometimes the person looks at you like he wonders if you are in your right mind, but it doesn't bother me.
Santa Barbara....made me think of Santa Clara. Have you been there? There is a huge 30 ft. tall stainless steel statue, Our Lady of Peace. It was created by a long time friend, Charles Parks. The beautiful statue was on display here for a time before it was trucked to California. I was the family baby sitter when his three kids were little. Charles, Chris and Inga Laura. On the handicapped tags, here they are only good for two years, so the kids can't keep using them after grandma dies. I have personally made comments to able bodied people, with no tag, who abuse the parking.
Thought I would ad some info on the town where I live. Forbes magazine included Belmont in its list of the Top 25 Towns to Live Well in earlier this month.
Belmont has country feel - with city amenities
The morning commute rush over, Gar Gilmore and Larry Caesar park their tow trucks side-by-side at the Len Turner Memorial Vista on Ralston Avenue and - until the next call to rescue a motorist in distress comes in - admire the view. "It's a nice community," said Gilmore, who lives in San Jose. "It's a nice town." "Yeah," said Caesar, a resident of San Carlos, "It's low-key.
The view they're taking in on this sunny Friday - rolling hills that give way to flat land between Interstate 280 and Highway 101 - is the city of Belmont: A small, mid-Peninsula city halfway between San Francisco and San Jose that was founded by a somewhat mysterious Englishman, favored by an Italian count and is presently populated by 26,000 souls.
For its size, Belmont boasts a disproportionate number of amenities - including a new library, a 499-seat performing arts center, a sports complex and senior center, a community garden and park space. It has a university (Notre Dame de Namur) two high schools (one of which is a Distinguished California School) and a distinguished middle school. All that, said the mayor, attests to the city's devotion to lifelong learning, and is part of the reason Forbes magazine included Belmont in its list of the Top 25 Towns to Live Well in earlier this month.
"I think that really is a feather in Belmont's cap," said Mayor David Braunstein. "We're very lucky. We all feel very blessed."
While Forbes judged the city on its cultural amenities, pro-business environment, education of the workforce and salaries, some residents use a different set of criteria to determine the quality of life in their town.
"It's the air," said Janet Pepe Davis, a local real estate agent. "You've got a great relaxing energy. It's rejuvenating - that's why people like it here. It's kind of like a larger Tahoe. The deer are out. You're out in the country, but you're not." Many of her clients, she said, are initially attracted to Belmont because it is centrally located and within a reasonable commute to San Francisco or Silicon Valley. Others are drawn to the hilly terrain, the quiet, winding, tree-lined streets and bay views. "It's individual homes over here," said Davis. "It's not cookie-cutter."
Braunstein, who moved to Belmont from San Jose in 1995, said that in a way, the place reminds him of the summer camps he attended as a kid in the Santa Cruz Mountains. "It smells and feels like you're away from the city," he said. "When we were visiting Yosemite and watching the deer, my wife and I were yawning: We have all that at home - quail, deer, rabbits. We're not out in the boondocks, but it feels like it." One of the reasons the schools are so good, he said, is that so many parents are involved. They help out in the classrooms and elsewhere. They also created School Force, a foundation devoted to raising money for the schools. The community's support of its children, said Braunstein, goes beyond the classroom. For children, as well as adults, there are a number of sports programs - including softball, baseball and soccer leagues. There are hiking trails at nearby Water Dog Lake and art classes at Barrett Community Center.
The Tuesday evening City Council meetings, said Braunstein, are well-attended. "Belmont people are very passionate about their issues," he said.
While Belmont has not been hit as hard as some other Bay Area cities by the recession, it had to make a 5 percent cut in its budget this year. A hiring freeze has been in effect since fall, said Braunstein, but layoffs are unlikely.
"We're not unlike other cities," said Braunstein. "We have roadways that need to be improved and we're aware of that. We're interested in creating more economic development - in mixed residential projects, in attracting more business to enlarge our tax base."
Braunstein said he also would like the city to develop the area around El Camino Real into a more recognizable downtown. "We don't really have a bustling downtown."
In 1850, downtown Belmont was a roadhouse called the Angelo House, owned and operated by Charles Aubrey Angelo, an Englishman and the first official European settler in the area. Angelo House, which soon became known as Angelo's Corners, was located at Ralston Avenue and Old County Road. It served as a stage stop, store and, since Judge Benjamin Fox heard cases there, a courthouse. An early advertisement for Angelo's Corners praised it for its "peculiar advantages for salubrity that cannot be excelled by any part of California."
Not much was known about Angelo, who took off for Canada in 1853 after selling his place to Marcus Flashner, who quickly changed the name to Flashner's Corners. In succession, Flashner's Corners became known as Cañada del Diablo and, finally, Belmont. The city incorporated in 1926.
Another early settler, Col. Leonetto Cipriani, built a chateau about the time Angelo left for Canada. In 1862, the retired soldier became Count Cipriani and was appointed to the Italian Senate. The chateau was sold to Bank of California founder William C. Ralston. Built around the count's chateau, Ralston Hall resides on the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University and is a historic landmark.
Belmont may not have a downtown, but it does have something else going for it. Turn off Ralston - the main thoroughfare that runs east-west through the city - onto just about any street, say, Cipriani Boulevard and then onto Wooster Boulevard, and stop. As Davis said, the houses aren't cookie-cutter. They are fairly large one- and two-story, custom-built homes on good-sized lots along a narrow, winding street on a hill overlooking the bay. There are palm trees, pines, firs and redwoods, shrubs, flowers and grass and the buzz of a lawnmower in the distance.
"The homes here have lots of square footage and they're on larger lots," said Maxine Dumas, with Dumas & Co. in San Carlos. "There are a lot of trees - you feel like you're in the woods."
The houses range in price from the entry-level, two-bedroom, two-bath, 900-square foot bungalow for around $600,000 up to a sprawling $1.8 million mini-mansion.
In the first quarter of 2009, the median price of a home in Belmont was $650,000, a drop from the first quarter of 2007, when the median was $900,000. The most inexpensive condo, of which only nine are currently on the market, goes for around $275,000.
Belmont Residential Area
(http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2009/05/17/ba-belmont17_0500133427.jpg)
View of the Redwoods Looking West
(http://home.pacbell.net/leewaysf/sawyer.jpg)
View From Belmont to SF\SF Bay
(http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/l-ZCjhhs04z5WnhMlAYhQQ/l)
Quote from: Diane Amberg on May 23, 2009, 01:01:54 PM
Santa Barbara....made me think of Santa Clara. Have you been there? There is a huge 30 ft. tall stainless steel statue, Our Lady of Peace. It was created by a long time friend, Charles Parks. The beautiful statue was on display here for a time before it was trucked to California. I was the family baby sitter when his three kids were little. Charles, Chris and Inga Laura. On the handicapped tags, here they are only good for two years, so the kids can't keep using them after grandma dies. I have personally made comments to able bodied people, with no tag, who abuse the parking.
(http://www.olop-shrine.org/images/shrine300t.jpg)
The Statue
In August of 1980, Msgr. John Sweeny, then pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Santa Clara, California, fulfilled a long-time desire to give special honor to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. That month, he commissioned Charles C. Parks, a noted sculptor, of Wilmington, Delaware, to design a 32-foot stainless steel statue of Our Lady, under this title. Thus began a remarkable odyssey, of a truly extraordinary image of the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of God. After several models, the masterpiece was begun.
The statue, which some have called "the awesome Madonna," was finished in the Summer of 1982. It stands higher than most three-story buildings. The 7200-pound statue rises to a height of thirty-two feet and rests on a twelve-foot landscaped mound. The head, hands, and feet are cast in stainless steel. The gown is constructed of welded strips of stainless steel.
It was erected outdoors, on the lawn of the artist's studio. It created so much interest, and attracted so many visitors -- day and night -- that the Mayor of Wilmington invited the sculptor to put it on public display in the heart of the city. There it remained from September 1 to October 10, 1982. Many busloads of pilgrims came from distant cities, to see the statue, and to pray.
During that period, the local paper printed a special supplement titled "The Madonna In Rodney Square", telling the story of the statue and of the vision of Fatima. The first 10,000 copies sold out in one day. In November 1982, Delaware Today magazine published a special article with full color pictures under the title "The Madonna Phenomenon."
Our Lady's Image
The statue was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Pierre DuMaine of the Diocese of San Jose, in Santa Clara, California. The ceremony took place on October 7,1983, Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. Msgr. Sweeny considered the date significant. This date was the 15th anniversary of the beginning of monthly First Friday all-night vigils in this parish.
Pope John Paul II sent a special blessing for the dedication ceremony. During the three days of October 7th to 9th, there were religious and civic ceremonies and public acknowledgements at the foot of the statue. At the final service, on Sunday, October 9th, Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., of the Family Rosary Crusade, gave the homily.
The Shrine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Our Lady of Peace is the only major Marian Shrine on the West Coast between Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine in Portland, Oregon, (over 700 miles to the north), and the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, (over 2,300 miles to the south).
No wonder you like it there. Great article and lovely photos.Thanks for sharing. David, that's her! Isn't she beautiful?
Diane that statue is spectacular. Santa Clara is just about 20 miles from me. I am going to have to make a special trip down there to see the statue. I never heard of it before. Just think I heard about her logging on in California to a forum in Kansas, from a member in Delaware? Small world is getting smaller.
David
Thank you both for sharing! Now that is America, as far as I am concerned, filled with art, beautiful houses, and awesome views. Of course I would probably be among the homeless should I be in California, $650,00 median for a house? No, not a house but a condo. Wow! How do people do it? ??? ???
Six Hundred Thousand for a two bedroom, two bathroom house. Can't even imagine it.
Yes David, it is a small world. When you go to see her, please tell her we love her and miss her. She is very special to us here too. But we know she got a good home .
Quote from: sixdogsmom on May 23, 2009, 04:36:41 PM
Thank you both for sharing! Now that is America, as far as I am concerned, filled with art, beautiful houses, and awesome views. Of course I would probably be among the homeless should I be in California, $650,00 median for a house? No, not a house but a condo. Wow! How do people do it? ??? ???
Quote from: Ms Bear on May 23, 2009, 05:00:52 PM
Six Hundred Thousand for a two bedroom, two bathroom house. Can't even imagine it.
The best I can explain it to you is simply this. To some extent it is Monopoly (the game) money. People here have higher wages, but the cost of living is higher. In Howard the road crew makes $10 per hour but they can buy a house for 25-30,000 dollars. (Just basing m info on what has been posted on here by folks that live in EK). In the end why we choose to live where we do has to do with very personal choices and preferences. I have lived in many places big and small expensive and cheap. I always found the best in the places I lived and made the best of it. Over the last 30 years I have left but always keep coming back to this area. It gives me the things I love about city life and the things I loved about growing up in the Midwest and small towns. It fits for me. Of all the places I ever lived the only place I would never go back to is Reno.
David
There must be a story about Reno?
QuotePeople here have higher wages, but the cost of living is higher.
Very true!
We used to live in Minnesota. Wages were definitely higher, but so was the cost of living.
Much prefer Kansas. :D
Beautiful pictures. Kansas is home and always has been for me, but I love to travel and see it all. For those places I haven't been you people sure make me want to go and visit.
Ditto, ditto, ditto, greatguns. Never will be able to go, but lots of fun sitting here looking at pictures and reading stories.
So, Diane, when can we expect you?
Whoops! I messed up I thought that high income area was Piedmont, Kansas. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
If you do come and visit let me know and I will give you my insider's guide to California; beyond the stereotypes and tourist attractions. I used to have a picture up on here of my Brittany "Kansas Boy" out in a field that I swear could have been taken in Kansas except for the mountains in the background. I love Kansas too and tell everyone out here that I think all kids should grow up in Kansas\The Midwest. Between the Midwest and Alaska I have shoveled all the snow I want and that will be enough to keep me living here. We already have enough people here and I wouldn't stop anyone that wanted to leave. ;D
David
A Virtual California Vacation
(https://secure.reservexl.net/wwwimg/img/tours/153-4.jpg)
(http://www.mrfs.net/trips/2005/Northern_California/San_Francisco/chinatown.jpg)
(http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/lombard20street.jpg)
(http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicc/cfiles5487.jpg)
(http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/San_Francisco_Bay_aerial_view.jpg)
(http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image%3Cbr%20/%3E/Dungeness_Crab_Fishermans_Wharf.jpg)
(http://www.travel4california.com/img/redwood_national_park_california_01.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1209/975043726_56a5d5f68a.jpg?v=0)
(http://bikeandhike.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/8713yosemitebridgehicontrast.jpg)
(http://www.1adventure.com/archives/images/malibu-beach-california-2004.jpg)
(http://www.light-and-shadow.org/gallery/view_photo.php?full=1&set_albumName=Art-Walkers-Album&id=Morning_on_the_Eureka_California_Coast)
(http://www.zonaviaggi.it/galleria/albums/deserts/normal_Desert%20Bloom,%20California%20Desert%20Conservation%20Area.jpg)
(http://www.vegsource.com/pop_photo/2cows.jpg)
(http://www.rivenrock.com/localhills.JPG)
(http://www.westcoastphoto1.com/Images/CaMissionBook/images/MissionSanJuanBautista2.jpg)
Thanks for the trip. It was delightful. I don't think I would care for the backyard bathers and I certainly don't care for the wall to wall housing, but I love that streetcar and the switchback flower lined street. The desert, the mountains. Looks like California has it all.
The switchback street with all the flowers is called Lombard Street and is the curviest street in the country maybe in the world. On a visit to San Francisco many years ago, I was driving a pickup truck with a camper shell and went down that street. I was holding my breath and my wife was trying to point out all the flowers to me. By the way, and correct me if I am wrong, David, but I believe that street only goes one way. You can only go down, not up. And, yes, California does have it all. Now if we could just keep it all in one place (shake, rattle, and roll).
Many people dream of having a beach house such as the ones pictured and sunbathers are just a part of the landscape. I always tell my wife that we should sell our house and move to the beach, but she says we have too much stuff and would be better off waiting for the house to burn down rather than moving.
Very nice pictures David. Thanks for reminding me of where I live and not always see.
Larryj
Thanks for sharing ! I enjoyed the trip, now I must unpack and catch up on the laundry! :D
Edie, maybe you pack too many clothes for these trips.
I remember going down Lombard St., very carefully...Going to the San Francisco Music Box Company down at the Wharf...Walking through China Town...Going across the Golden Gate Bridge and going to the pull-off that on the right side of the road to look back across the Bay...Walking from the Wharf to Ghiridelle (I KNOW I spelled this wrong!...Didn't want to take time to Google it) Square, buying WAY too much of that fresh sourdough bread to take back to the room. CA has so many flowers...Everywhere...I fell in love with CA when I was out there. Almost made the decision to give up my job and just stay, too...Those were the days!
That's Ghirardelli (Gear are delli) I cheated, I looked on my cocoa can. ;D
No fair...That's cheatin'!!!! ;D ;D
David, thanks. Maybe someday I'll get to see some of it in person.
I always enjoy seeing the pictures of Kansas so I am glad you all Liked them. Now for my warped sense of humor comments.
Larry Good job on bringing up the earthquakes. As I said we already have way too many people, but we would love you all to come visit. Also, the beach picture with the sunbathers in the backyard is of the Malibu beach "ghetto" I think the fourth house down is available for about 1.2 million. When I was new to LA I lived in a small over priced apartment just a few feet off the beach. You should try it once, but don't get rid of the house and listen to your wife. I soon moved further away and found I could spend just as much time at the beach for much less. I here that is a common to newbies.
Wilma, I am right with you on the crowded living situations. The second picture is of the uncrowded part of Chinatown. I love Victorian houses and I might be convinced to live in that crowded situationThat is why I live where I do and not in the City. When I get the urge I can go to any of those places. If you come here to visit I promise to get you a place that looks over the Water district trucks and the sewage treatment plant so you feel at home. ;D
Lombard is indeed a one way street down only. I think crookedest street is just a little hype.
Most of those are the real tourist hotspots with the exception of the cattle pictures which are at Harris Ranch. Which is where I go when I need to have that great smell of cattle and have a good steak, when I miss Kansas.
When I get the chance maybe I will post my secret spots from my insider's guide to California. I am not sure I want to post them though because I fear they will then become hotspots. (Back to the too many people thing.)
David
The desert is beautiful!
Interestingly enough, after my son and daughter-in-law were married a few months, they rented a beach house in Newport on the Balboa peninsula. They could live there from September through May for a nominal rent but would have to move out before the summer season so the house could be rented on a weekly basis. My wife and I at first were saying to them, "why do you want to move somewhere that you know you will have to move out of soon." Their answer, "Because we want to." Which means butt out mom and dad and let us do our own thing. After a few visits down there, I began to love the place. The house sat on the bike path facing the ocean and there was a big grassy area on the other side of the bike path for picnics and family gatherings and then the beach. The Balboa pier was just off to the right and the downtown area of Balboa was right around the corner and best of all there was a cantina just a few doors down with loud music and happy hours. When they had to move I was very sad. Recently we took our 4 year old granddaughter down to the beach and she actually remembered her "uncle and aunts house-----Over there papa" even though she was younger when they lived there. It was really relaxing to sit on the porch and have a cold one and watch and talk to the people walking, riding, jogging, and skating on the bike path.
Larryj
Quote from: Diane Amberg on June 07, 2009, 09:15:48 AM
David, we've been to SF a number of times so we feel very comfortable there. We saw Grant Ave., but also enjoyed the streets on either side with their huge bags of rice and tubs of fish and pressed duck hanging in the windows. Once we picked a place to eat that had the menu in the window in Chinese only....went in anyway. No English spoken, or at least they didn't admit to it. With some good will and gestures we got a delightful meal of the Chinese food that the locals eat. I wasn't brave enough to try the preserved eggs.
Diane you were on the right track. Just a little further back in to those narrow alleys, where the hard click, clack, of Mah Johng tiles increases, and you see people through a old screen door, sitting at a table full of money and Chinese food. That is the restaurant (no sign it is a restaurant) I will take you to visit. Better and cheaper. I hope you don't mind if I eat chicken feet and 1000 year old egg soup.
David
David, now that sound like fun! We would really enjoy that. I finally got to try Abalone in one of those off beat places, not quite THAT remote though. At another place the girl was trying to tell me what the fish of the day was. I kept hearing "wok odd." I finally figured out she was saying rock cod, and was it good! Nothing wrong with chicken feet and I love hacked duck and most any kind of fresh fish. The egg soup? Only If I try a taste of yours first! ;D
David, let us bow our heads and whisper a silent prayer for Jim Morrison of the Doors. He died 38 years ago on this date.
I entered this tidbit knowing your appreciation of his music and my appreciation as well.
Larryj
Quote from: larryJ on July 03, 2009, 10:37:44 AM
David, let us bow our heads and whisper a silent prayer for Jim Morrison of the Doors. He died 38 years ago on this date.
I entered this tidbit knowing your appreciation of his music and my appreciation as well.
Larryj
Larry, since I read your post I have been playing my Doors albums and cd's all day in honor of Jim Morrison. To tell you the truth I would not have remembered today was the day that he "supposedly" ;) :laugh: died in Paris. Last I heard he was raising horses up on his ranch in Oregon. ???. What I really like is that you remembered that I was a fan and mentioned it on the forum. Larry that makes me an even bigger fan of yours than I already am. Thanks!
David
Awwwww Shucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-[
Too sad-----For those of us old enough to remember, "The world is waiting for the sunrise"-------------------Les Paul, 94, died today of pneumonia in White Plains, NY. He invented the electric guitar that started rock and roll music electronic generation. The "Gibson Les Paul" series guitar is still the most widely used today after 50 years. There is probably a video on youtube.
Larryj
So many memories brought back by listening to Les Paul's music. I was sad to hear the news of his passing.
Thanks Larry, I can always count on you to keep me up to date on Rock and Roll. I pulled out my "log" and plugged in the old Les Paul 8 track and played my tribute to the man that made rock and roll possible. I had to use my Fender Strat because my Gibson is acoustic. I think Les wouldn't mind too much.
David
Quote from: dnalexander on July 03, 2009, 03:20:17 PM
Larry, since I read your post I have been playing my Doors albums and cd's all day in honor of Jim Morrison. To tell you the truth I would not have remembered today was the day that he "supposedly" ;) :laugh: died in Paris. Last I heard he was raising horses up on his ranch in Oregon. ???. What I really like is that you remembered that I was a fan and mentioned it on the forum. Larry that makes me an even bigger fan of yours than I already am. Thanks!
David
Larry, I was reading some of your posts elewhere and remembered this post. Happy Independence Day. I'll be listening to Jim Morrison and the Doors all day. Hope you are doing well.
David
Hey David! How ya' doin'? :D :D
Quote from: sixdogsmom on July 03, 2011, 05:41:57 PM
Hey David! How ya' doin'? :D :D
Edie, I am doing well; how are you? Things are great here in the land of Swimming Pools and Movie Stars. I have been reading the forum most days but haven't had anything to say. Actually, that's not true. I have had much to say, but chose to stay out of the hornets nest. I have enjoyed reading about the windfarms and the Elk Konnected LLC. I am saving my energy for the upcoming Presidential race. LOL. ;D
David
Good to hear from you again. Are you cooking something yummy for your friends tomorrow? I was at out farmers market on Friday and the fish shop had a special on escargot and alligator but I settled for some fresh flounder.
Quote from: Diane Amberg on July 03, 2011, 08:46:55 PM
Good to hear from you again. Are you cooking something yummy for your friends tomorrow? I was at out farmers market on Friday and the fish shop had a special on escargot and alligator but I settled for some fresh flounder.
Yes I have been cooking hot dogs and making potato salad since Friday to feed all my nieghborhood kids and some of their parents. Usually I would cook for the adults mostly. I thought this year I would cook for the kids to make it easier since it was only hot dogs. I did not anticipate that I would become the local fast food hot dog spot. Now McDonalds's claim to over a billion served doesn't seem to be as great of a feat as I thouhgt it was before. :D Happy Independence Day Diane.
David
Welcome back David. You have been missed.
Oh, and a HAPPY 4th from me, too!
Back at ya, David! I am headed over to the local park for a music concert early this morning, however, patriotic music, no Doors.
Oh well, when they are done, I will come home and play my Doors album.
Larryj