Eleven Years Ago Yesterday

 

Pat and Ron, The Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood, California January 14, 2014

Happened to come across this picture of me and Pat taken eleven years ago to the day yesterday when we first visited California. 

It's been quite a ride since with this wonderful man who is now my husband.

With all the chaos, hate and turmoil in the world, this gentle man keeps me grounded. 

Hollywood Casting Lies

One of my pet peeves is Hollywood casting where they cast actors who are well  beyond their teenage years as teenagers. What? There aren't any teenage actors?

Present I'm watching the Netflix series "You" which is about a serial killer. Of course it's ridiculous but it is entertaining. "Black comedy" is I think what they call it. 

I'm watching Season 3 now where they introduced a new character. The character's name is "Theo" and he is supposedly the teenage (19 years old) son of the next door neighbor of "Love Quinn", a married woman with a small baby and the wife of serial killer Joe Goldberg. She's supposed to be the "older" woman that "teenage" Theo is attracted to. Even though the actor who plays "Theo" has his hair combed bang style and wears a hoodie,  I immediately wasn't buying him being a teenager. So I did a little research and sure enough he is the actor Dylan Arnold, who is 29 years old! The actress Victoria Pedretti plays the character "Love Quinn." She is supposed to be the "older woman" who "teenager" Theo is attracted to. In real life she is a YEAR YOUNGER THAN DYLAND ARNOLD. She is 28 years old!What the fuck Hollywood casting director? Who do  you think you're kidding? 

I watch a lot of movies and this is one Hollywood "trick" that has always bothered me, casting older men as teenagers. "Theo" is no more a teenager than I am and God knows I'm a long way from being a teenager. Maybe in my next life.

These Hollywood casting directors think they are so clever by casting older actors as teenagers. This is one viewer who isn't buying the deception. Besides, the actor who is playing "Theo" isn't even likable. He's creepy. This must be one of those "Timothee' Chalamet" force feeds. Apparently some producer, man or woman, has the hots for them and assumes we, as the Great Unwashed, will buy their deceit.

This dude is 27 years old but tassel the hair and presto! Timothee' is a teenager!

The Oscars 2023

 

Yep! I'm watching Oscars tonight.

I said years ago I would never watch again because I was so bored with the acceptance speeches in which the winners thank everybody from their third grade school teacher and even their newly born babies. This after reciting a whole litany of names of those behind their film whose we don't know. Why not just say "Thank you"? 

But this year I want to see if Brendan Fraser wins for "The Whale". This would be such a wonderful comeback story for Brendan, who at one time was a young hottie in "George of the Jungle" and the pool boy in "Gods and Monsters" with that self absorbed over the top ham actor Ian McKellen.

Brendan put on some weight, actually too much to be a hottie, after outing Philip Berk, the then-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for sexual assault ("allegedly") against him. Brendan got very few film roles after that incident but gradually came back in Steven Soderbergh's "No Sudden Move and Darren Aronofsky's "The Whale". I saw him play a prison guard in the TV Showtime Series "The Affair." What an actor! He scared me. I like seeing someone like Brendan overcome the Hollywood blacklist by his sheer talent and I hope he wins the Oscar tonight. But of course I put nothing past those in the Academy who often vote for some actor to win who we never heard of before nor will since. 

Another reason I will watch the Oscar telecast tonight is that I won't have to hear any references to what a "God" Harvey Weinstein is (Meryl Streep called Weinstein a "God" in a Golden Globe acceptance speech). I love Meryl Streep and was so disappointed to hear that kind of crap coming our of her mouth. Even before the real Harvey Weinstein was outed as a sexual predator I knew he was a monster. He's in prison now and that is exactly where he belongs.

I also won't have to see the smug faces of James Franco, Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey. All good actors, I'll give them that but awful human beings.  Sometimes I think it better not to know too much about actors' private lives but how can that happen when they are so arrogant thinking they can get away with anything including sexual assault?

There was a time in the distant past when I would never miss an Oscar telecast. Remember Elizabeth Taylor receiving a pity Oscar for "Butterfield Eight". She was gorgeous in a yellow diaphanous gown. But she really received the Oscar not smooch for her acting in "Butterfield Eight" but serving a near death from Pneumonia; she only survived due to an emergency tracheotomy performed in London. Everyone looked for the tracheotomy scar on her throat, the only imperfection on her perfect beauty at that time.

If you're watching the Oscars tonight, enjoy! 

"The Price is Right!"

Me and Pat practicing wining! We're ready!

Just a reminder folks, tomorrow is the day Pat and I will appear in the audience on "The Price is Right!"

Pat and I taped the show when we were in California last February during our annual Get Away From The Cold Weather vacation. 

This was our four taping of "The Price is Right!" Last year we attended two shows, they were short of an audience for the second show and they asked for volunteers. We volunteered.  

We have yet to be called to "Come on down!" but we know people who have been called.  Two years in a row people we talked to right next to us in line were called to "Come on down!"  I doubt if we'll ever be called but it attending the show is a lot of fun. The staff at "The Price is Right" have a such a smooth operation you hardly know you've been standing in line for four hours until they usher you in the building for the taping. 

Oh I know we're being used like clapping seals in the audience but it's all good fun. With all that is going on in the world, what a nice interlude from the bad news and stresses of the day. 

Look for us in the back row in black T-shirts. We always have custom made T-shirts when we attend the show, apparently to little avail. Maybe next year we'll just go in our street clothes. I'm pretty sure they determine who they call as a result of the interviews they take while we're waiting in line outside. Maybe Pat and I aren't that interesting. Or maybe they know I can't jump.  I was so hoping they would call Pat. That would be the highlight of my life, maybe next year.

Remember to watch for us tomorrow!

A Ride Down Hollywood Boulevard

One of the joys of our annual visit to Hollywood is that Pat and I have no set schedule. We just "go with the flow."  The one set thing we do (at my insistence) was attending a taping of "The Price is Right."  Which, by the way, we will appear (in the audience) on the May 2nd and 3rd show on TV.  Check your TV listings. 

This post features one of our rides around Hollywood one evening. During a previous visit we walked down Hollywood Boulevard to Hollywood and Vine.  Walking past the famous In and Out Burger, which I have yet to sample. Next year for sure!

This year, we didn't get a chance to walk down to Hollywood and Vine and mingle with the touristas but we did ride down there.  If you look closely you can see the Walk of Fame.  

As a matter of fact, we missed out a lot this year during our visit. For the second year in a row we didn't visit Oil Can Harry's gay bar.  We visited there the first year (remember when I fell on the disco ball glittering floor to "Ahhhs!"?)  I have yet to take any of the studio tours.  The Paramount studio is nearby where we stay.  Again, next year for sure.  But we did visit the new Ikea store in Burbank.

Well anyway folks, here are a couple of fun videos of our ride down the famous Hollywood Boulevard at night. Very interesting and always fun.  Next year we walk (or maybe skateboard).  Yeah, sure.

The Price is Right Redux

Pat and me in The Price is Right line February 14, 2017 on Beverly Boulevard, Hollywood, California - check out  Pat's cool white trimmed sneakers - he left his sandals at home and survived!

Finally, I'm almost feeling normal. Back to the good stuff. Now where did I leave off with our Annual California Adventure? Ah yes, our return to "The Price is Right" TV show audience.

My erstwhile Canadian Travel Buddy Pat just goes along with me on this one. In fact, he never saw "The Price is Right" TV show until he was in the audience for the first time last year during our visit to Hollywood, California. Me, I started watching TPIR before Bob Barker's hair turned white.

Ah yes, the Plaid Suite Days. I used to have a plaid suite just like this!

In fact, just to tell on myself how old I am I remember when Bob Barker first came on TV. Ralph Edwards, the host of the old black and white Fifties show "This is Your Life" introduced a very young Bob Barker as the host of Edward's new TV show "Truth or Consequences" in (wait for it) - 1956!  Sixty years ago folks! Wow, am I past my sell by day or what?

Ralph Edwards and Bob Barker - 1956

In fact folks, actually the first "The Price is Right" shows I used to watch were with Bill Cullen.  You all remember Bill Cullen?  The "I've Got a Secret" panel member. The crew cut and black rimmed Buddy Holly glasses who walked with a limp.  I never did know why he limped by the way.  I do remember thought that the first TPIR show was a lot different from the current version of TPIR.  One might even say it was boring but back in the Fifties we were thankful for anything on TV.  We didn't know Boring back in the Eisenhower Years.  But you know folks, I would take those years back now in place of the nightmare we're going through now.  But I digress.

Bill Cullen, original host of The Price is Right

What a difference in TPIR from those day until today!  Back then the audience wasn't allowed to help by shouting out the prices for the contestants.  I remember Bill Cullen often warning the audience not to shout out the prices.  SOOOO serious. But this was the Fifties folks.  Today, the audience IS the show. We are clapping seals encouraged to shout out the prices even though some of us can't even see the game being played because of the TV cameras and staff blocking our view.

By the way folks, I can see where this post is going to be longer than my usual post so if you have to go to the bathroom now, better do so. If you have anything on your stove, turn off the burners. Settle in for a LONG narrative of our second experience at "The Price Is Right!" TV show.

TPIR has two tapings a day.  They are done at the CBS TV studio on Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood, California.  Two years ago, during  our first visit to The Grove with our friend Nadege, who lives in California and works sometimes at the CBS TV studio, she told us TPIR is taped there.  I could see the large black building with the white CBS logo on the building from where we were standing in the elevated parking lot at The Grove.  That planted a seed in my head "Why not write for tickets and be on the show for our visit next year?"  

Pat wasn't too keen on the idea but he went along with me on this one. After all, we're in Hollywood!  Let's do something HOLLYWOOD!

Well, we had a good time last year.  Didn't get on the show but as I said before, TPIR audience IS the show. A fact that the staff frequently tells us while we're waiting four hours in line outside waiting for the first daily taping.  They tell us "You're all going to be on TV and you're all going to have a good time!"  And you know what folks, they were/are right.  We had a fabulous time. Last year and this year.

I wrote for my priority tickets, which guarantees that we would be in the audience, several months ahead.  

We're told to be in line outside the CBS Television studio by 8:30 for the 12:00 taping.  Now that sounds like we're standing in line a long time and, of course it is, but you know what folks?  They keep us so entertained that you're not bored at all.

The long TPIR line outside the CBS Television studio on Beverly Blouvelard

One of the requirements is that there be no sandals which posed a problem for my Canadian Travel Buddy Pad.  Pat wears sandals.  Last year we purchased a $30 pair of cheap sneakers for his size 10 1/2 tootsies. Those sneakers were only worn once and we left them next to a sleeping homeless man under a paper tent on Hollywood Boulevard. This year we purchased another pair of sneakers, only $20 this time. Pat didn't get to "Come on down!" with those feet smoothers either.  We left them in the closet of our Airbnb when we checked out. Maybe the cleaning woman can use them.

There are two types of audience members in line. Those who just get in line and folks like me and Pat who have the Priority Tickets. 

While you're standing in line in the chilly Los Angeles morning (temps around 55 degrees) you get to meet all kinds of interesting people.  Last year one of the people we met was a couple from Kansas. Pat told me that the guy would be chosen to be a contestant and darn if he wasn't!  

TPIR has a well honed procedure to keep you occupied while you're standing in line becoming acquainted with your fellow potential contestants called to "Come on down!" and win a car (or two). 

Staff member walk down the line and collect the priority tickets and tell us special folks to follow them, right past all those other woebegone still standing in line. That always feels good to walk ahead of the line, but I'm not one to cut the line.  I followed the proper procedure. I didn't cheat.

TPIR audience has three hundred members. If there aren't enough priority ticket holders the rest of the audience is chosen from those still standing in line.

The next step in the procedure is staff members ask your name and write it on a sticker and place it on your person. 

Then there is a whole procedure of filling our a multi paper release form.  Also, photo ID's are taken.  Folks, there is more security to getting on TPIR than going through TSA at the airport. The only difference is that I didn't get a pat down.

You don't have to stand in line the whole time you're waiting, benches are provided and coverage in case in rains

There are different stages in the line.  Of course one of the stages is we're standing next to TPIR souvenir shop.  Yes, I did indulge. Really didn't need to but why not?  I can show my grandkids my "The Price is Right" tote bag. More likely, I can show my fellow Food Lion supermarket shoppers that expensive tote back.  

The Price is Right souvenir shop

We're allowed cell phones while in line but we have to turn in our cell phones once we go into the studio.  Both last year and this year I didn't take my iPhone with me because I didn't want to put it into a basket with all those strange (and unclean) phones.  Who knows WHERE they have been?

Some of the photos in this blog of standing in line I took from the Internet that others took. Next year I'm going to take my iPod with me and take my own photos.

One of the souvenirs I always get, and most others do to, is the photo next to The Wheel. It's taken with a green screen behind us.  The photos cost $20 each but what the hey? You only live once.

One of the main parts of standing in the line is being interviewed.  This is how they pick contestants. They are looking for people who are genuinely happy to be there.  The interview is short, only about twenty seconds long but the interviewer can tell who is going to provide good TV and who is perhaps not.  I will say, he is good. 

I think most of us are happy to be there but some are obviously very forced.  The key is to be genuine.  You either are or you aren't.  Not being chosen for two years in a row now has given me some thought but hey, I know I'm happy to be there.  I always have a good time whether I'm chosen or not.  Of course it would be fun to be chosen but still, it is a wonderful experience.

Four hours quickly goes by (really) and the last stage is the line just outside the studio. They have six to eight TV's going with old TPIR episodes with contestants winning cars and trips, screaming and jumping up and down, to get you in the mood. By the time we're ushered into the music thumping, colorful, brightly lit studio, we're primed!!!

The smiling and efficient staff quickly assign us our seats while while everyone is clapping to the infectious music.  The excitement builds to a crescendo  as everyone is hyped by all TPIR crew, including one man whose job it is to raise his hands and arms up and down as to the volume of our cheering and clapping.  We are trained seals.

Then George Gray,  TPIR announcer lovingly mouths into his microphone and says 
"Here it comes, from the Bob Barker Price is Right CBS studio in Hollywood, it is The Price is Right!"  As the camera swoops over the cheering, diverse, colorful, clapping audience George says his first "Come on down . . . . !" (and says the name of the first contestant in contestants' row).  By the way, in the audience see the name of the contestants on a written out on a big billboard held by a staff member out of camera range.  I often wondered how the audience could hear whose name was being called to "Come on down!"  

All for now folks. I'll have to continue with my Price is Right experience in my next posting. I've already exhausted you enough with this posting. By the way, we were there for two tapings this time.  Whoopee!

I Have Returned!

Pat and me the day we arrived in LA Sunday, February 12, 2017

Yes, it's true! I have returned.

What a vacation we had! So much to write about and so many photos and videos to share.

View of Los Angeles from my window in the plane right before we landed, see the movie studio buildings in the foreground and downtown Los Angeles higher up in the photo

I returned home last night about ten o'clock after a long flight delay.  

We left our Airbnb accommodations in West Hollywood at 4:45 am yesterday morning to return our Hertz rental car and be at LAX in time for our 8:20 am flight back to Philadelphia.  In Philadelphia Pat would make his connecting flight back to his home in Toronto.

Just as we had problems going out and with our accommodations in La La Land, we had problems returning home.  

We were an hour ahead of schedule halfway across the United States until a storm front roared through Philadelphia.  Then we were put in a very boring hold pattern over Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for over an hour. 

Storm front roaring over Philly just as our plane was headed there an hour ahead of time

Then we ran out of fuel and had to land in Harrisburg to refuel.  

Pat did have a long layover in Philly until now.  Now he was afraid of making his connection.

Then to top everything off we couldn't get off the runway in Harrisburg.  The vehicle that refueled the plane couldn't back up!

More delay.

By this time, my ride that was waiting to pick me up in Philly had to go in a holding pattern.  First he had to stop someplace to pee.  I felt bad for him, having to wait so long for me but he was good natured about the hold situation.  Thank goodness.

We finally arrived in Philly in the dark, just as we had left LA, in the dark.  

The rain had dissipated and all we saw was the wet tarmac.

Pat and I parted company and I was off to the baggage claim area for my ride back to the now cold climes of southern Delaware.  During the last part of the week while Pat and I were "chilling" in California in fifty degree weather (thank goodness I had my hoodie with me), Bill and my neighbors in Sussex County Delaware were getting an early dose of spring like seventy-two degree temperatures. Wow.

Pat was able to make his connection, it was delayed also.  Got a break there.

My ride picked me up and we were off for our two hour ride back to southern Delaware, with a pit stop in Newark for food.  I had not eaten all day except for a pack of those tasty free American Airline crackers.




Bill stayed up late for me and was waiting with our garage door open for me when I arrived home.

So good to get home!  Vacation are good but arriving back to the familiar comforts of home are good too.  

I was exhausted last night. After unpacking (always a "fun" thing to do after a trip)  I don't think I even moved my position in bed once I got to sleep.  I'm still a bit woozy.

I wasn't going to write a long blog today but here I am writing one.  

I have so much to write about our trip. So many things.  One of the main being our discover of Palm Springs, California. Oh how I LOVE Palm Springs. More about the discovery later, MUCH more. See the banner photo at the top of the blog for a taste of this wonderful paradise in the middle of the desert.

Tomorrow I have to deal with a new passel of medical bills an notification that we received from theVA re Bill's medical emergency last November.  Seems the VA is contesting some of the bills.  I'm not sure why but I'll be on the phone quiet a bit tomorrow so I may not be able to get to my blog right away.  

Do not worry though, I'm here with a big fresh batch of photos, videos and memories to share.

Have a great day!

Price is Right! Here We Come!

Me at "The Price is Right!" last year (the poor photo is a result of taking it from the TV show - I had to freeze frame to capture my two seconds of celebrity glad-handing our friend Lloyd who was called to "Come on down!"

We're going to "The Price is Right!" again this year!

The line outside CBS Television studio waiting to get into "The Price is Right!" - this is the day last year that we stood in line for about three hours. Not to worry, they do keep you entertained and the weather was beautiful that day!

I just finished printing my tickets.  We'll be on the show Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2017.  

Our "Priority Ticket" for Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2017. This guarantees us entrance to the show after waiting in line for hours - it's worth it!

This is the second year we're going. Neither one of us got called up on "The Price is Right!" stage last year by George the announcer (we were sitting near him).  We're hopeful that we'll be lucky this year and get the call to "Come on down!" Even if we don't get called, we love the experience. 

Can you spot me and Pat in the audience? That's us in the second row to the left. Pat is in a gray sweater and I'm in my custom made Dr. Spo "Parrot" shirt.  We're clapping our hands, which is what they tell us to do incessantly.  My hands were sore by the time we got out of there! We were right behind George the Announcer, who is a very nice guy by the way.

This is also the third year we (Pat and I) will be visiting Los Angeles (West Hollywood). This is our annual tradition now.

Our flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, five hours in the Tube in the Sky

Both Pat and I love Los Angeles.  Oh I know, THE TRAFFIC.  Thank goodness Pat is an excellent driver.  He's been driving in Toronto  traffic his whole life. Did I get lucky or what to have such an experienced chauffeur? 

LA Freeway traffic

I was warned the first time that I visited Los Angeles . . . . "the traffic!"  Tell me about it.  It IS A BEAR.  But with Pat's terrific driving skills and calm demeanor, the only problem we had was the time it took to traverse just a few miles from LA to Pasadena or Santa Monica.  Where I live now I'm only ten miles from Rehoboth Beach.  I can get to Rehoboth in about ten minutes.  Santa Monica and Pasadena (and Burbank) are CLOSER to where we were staying in West Hollywood but it took us at least an hour to get from point A to point B.  Yes, the freeway in LA is surely a sight to behold and experience.

Pat standing in line at the Veggie Grill in West Hollywood, our favorite "go to" place for lunch and dinner when we're staying in Hollywood - located at 8000 Sunset Boulevard, directly across from the Chateau Marmont Hotel

But you know what folks?  After we return from one of our forays into the excitement that is LA, we return to the comfort of wherever we are staying.  This year we chose an Air B n B in West Hollywood. 

Pat relaxing by the pool at the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast, where we stayed last year

 We are both looking forward to seeing our friends Nadege and Tony again, and hopefully this year to see Mike Wilson (are you reading this Mike)?  

Pat and Nadege on a palm lined street in West Hollywood, the place to be!

On this our third visit to LA, I hope to do one of those studio tours. Either Paramount, Universal or even go to Disneyland.  Come on Pat!  But whatever we do, and we do play it loosey goosey, we have a great time.  

Nadege treats us to lunch at the Veggie Grill on Sunset Boulevard

Other than our planned visit to "The Price is Right!", we have nothing set in stone in our schedule other than to reunite with our friends Nadege and Tony.  

Tony (isn't he handsome?), me and Pat at a vegan restaurant in Silver Lake (Tony's recommendation)

So here Pat and I are off to another adventure.  Maybe this time we'll be discovered by a Hollywood agent!

Pat and Ron in Lotus Land (aka Los Angeles, California)

I'm No Singer

Good morning folks!  I bet you didn't know I could sing.  Hey, I didn't either!

Yesterday I posted a sad story from my past. I have written about my relationship with "Brad" before.  Brad is gone now.  I felt like I had to bring "closure" to that chapter of my life.  I survived and for that will be forever (as long as I live) thankful. 
All of my friends featured in the movie that I posted, are also gone now.  With the exception of one friend, all of AIDS related causes.  My other friend died of Parkinson's Disease. I alone survive.  I don't know why, and I certainly don't have Survivor's Guilt, but I do know that this is the best time of my life.

This too I have written about before but it is worth repeating again.  

Here is what I have to be thankful for:

• I live in a nice home and a great location
• I have a happy and contented long term relationship (married now) with Bill, my spouse. Fifty two years this summer!
• I have a good job
• I have good health (for a 74 year old anyway, arthritis is creeping up
• I have all the "toys" I ever wanted (mostly Apple "toys")
• I have several really good friends (you know who you are Larry, Bill P., Don McK. and especially Pat F.)
• I have time to enjoy what I really want to do in my life like genealogy research, gardening, taking photos, blogging, reading, and just enjoying life like getting up in the morning when I want too and taking a nap every afternoon

Perhaps most of all, for the first time in my life I have a friend who has similar interests like I do.  A friend who isn't married to someone else, who can afford to travel with me, who is good company, who laughs easily, and who is a good soul.  It took a long time but I found him. 

On this post I dug into my photo and video archives to bring out a video we took back in January of 2015 during our visit to Hollywood, California.  I have so many videos and photos I have yet to post from our first adventure in La La Land. I intend to post more of these "Ron and Pat Shows" from our various adventures. By the way, Pat is coming down this week for a week in Delaware and Philadelphia.  More "Ron and Pat Show" videos on the way!

Have a great day everyone!!!!!

Back To Hollywood

  Good morning folks on this snowy (yes, it IS snowing right now and I have to go to work today) Monday, February morning.  This is the kind of day I yearn to be back in Hollywood.  We (me and my Canadian Travel Buddy) Pat visit Hollywood every January, but only for ten days.  I'm trying to talk Pat into staying longer than the ten days we stay but after ten days with my I tend to become annoying.  Hey folks, that me.  Only one person can stand me longer and that's my hubby Bill.  Perhaps that's why we've been together lo these 52 years.  But Bill doesn't like to travel, hence my Travel Buddy.  

This morning I was going to do my rant on the death of the Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and the Republicans decision that our president (that would be president Obama) is only a three year president and thus unqualified to name a replacement to the Supreme Court.  Of course the president is adhering to the Constitution, which the Republican as so fond of spouting all the time except when the Constitution interfere with their nefarious plans to take over this country.  They says "let the people decided" and wait until the next election is over.  Uh, didn't "the people" already decide when they elected Barack Obama? Well, seems like I'm ranting anyway doesn't it?  

So I decided not to post one of those "rant" posts and instead post something that will bring a smile to your face.  Here is another video I took of that Giant Tourist Mecca at Hollywood and Vine.  Man oh man, was that ever an experience.  I tried to capture the Flavor of the Moment, including Brad Pitt who was disguised as a homeless person.  

Oh that's Brad Pitt. You can't fool me Brad!  I know you change your hairdo all the time and do research. 

My apologies for scanning the taping so fast, I get nervous when I'm in a crowd.  I don't want anyone confronted me for taking their picture without their permission.  But I have to admit the only time I've encountered that problem is with police (who almost always will confront you and I HAVE been confronted - what are they worried about anyway?) and, occasionally someone who has outstanding arrest warrants (how am I supposed to know)?  Oh, and the other folks who are nervous about me taking their picture are the Mexicans who help me with my yard work in the spring and summer.  Gee, I wonder what that is ALL about?  So, I am sorry for the Quick Scan.  I'll try to slow it down a bit next year.  Hey, wait until you see my video of our ride through Beverly Hills.  

Drive Down (Tacky) Hollywood Boulevard

Hey folks, back to Hollywood today.  Every now and then I go off on one of my political rants like I did in my previous post.  I need to do those rants, if for no other reason than to get my feelings out there in the blogosphere for all to read, see and hear.  But I do know those posts are not among my most popular so thanks for indulging me.

In today's post I take you, my faithful readers back to my annual California Vacation Indulgence.  

This is the second year in a row that my Canadian Travel Buddy (Pat) and I have visited Los Angeles, California.  Specifically, Hollywood California.  

What a treat it is for us to walk on those same streets of which so much history has been made and is still being made.  We have yet to see a real life movie star (Drew Carey of "The Price is Right!" doesn't count, sorry Drew) but we haven't given up hope yet.  Oh sure, we have hit the usual tourist meccas like La La Land,  Grumman's Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame and even Forest Lawn Cemetery.  We even stood right next to Bette Davis's mausoleum!

Pat and I at Forest Lawn Cemetery last year in front of Bette Davis's mausoleum (Pat was brought to tears)

Take notice at the end of the video I posted in this blog, that Pat gets a call from a realtor.  Yep, Pat's checking out properties for sale in Los Angeles.  You know how those rich Canadians are.  

Enjoy the drive folks. Lots more videos and photos to post of our California Vacation Indulgence to post in the future.  Glad you like them!

Pat and I in a furniture store in Beverly Hills - yes, THAT Beverly Hills! 

Other than Ashton Kutcher, we were probably the only two guys in Beverly Hills to wear beat up baseball caps.  Touristas to the end!

David Bowie's star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood

Well folks, the threat of snow has cancelled my scheduled day trip to Philly today.  I got the call last night from the Delaware Tech coordinator who told me "Four to eight inches of snow is expected in Philadelphia tomorrow so we decided to caution on the side of the safety of our seniors (me?) and cancel the trip to Philadelphia tomorrow." After my fall on the ice (and life changing leg injury) this time last you believe me folks, I do not take any chances.  She told me she would reschedule me for next month't trip to Philly.  By then the threat of snow should be gone, I hope.  But you never know.  Just get through this winter (again).  In the meantime let's go back to La La Land, aka Hollywood California.  

The banner at the top of my blog was our view from the dumpy lodgings we were staying in the Hollywood Hills.  While I was disappointed in the Airbnb room, I wasn't disappointed in the view from the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles in the valley.  I took that picture early in the morning before we set off for Hollywood and Vine. 

Now folks, let's get this fact right out in the open.  I am a tourist and a sucker for all the tourists' meccas.  Oh sure, I know all the souvenirs are made in China but what the heck?  Actually, I don't buy any of the souvenirs these days because I'm at the point in my life where I'm getting rid of things so when I make my Final Exit (which isn't too long down the road I have to admit), whoever is taking care of my final belongings will have less of a headache.  But I digress (as I all too often do).

So without further ado here is a mini walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for all you folks who couldn't be there in person to wallow in this once in a lifetime experience:




Next year I'm going to have to walk the whole length of the Walk of Fame. Most of the names I recognize but some I have to admit, and this form a Hollywood trivia master, I didn't know. I have to admit I got a thrill walking over on this street. Just think, I'm walking where the stars actually walked. Oh yes, I am that easily impressed. Well, not actually everything easily impresses me but anything to do with the magic of Hollywood does impress me.

After I made a fool out of myself and showed the the locals what a hillbilly hick I was by videotaping my walk on this famed walk, I put the icing on the cake and entered the ultimate kitschy touristy souvenir store called, oh so appropriately, "La La Land." 



And again folks, I was impressed. Check out the light show in "La La Land." I loved it! Better than any Fourth of July Rehoboth Beach puny fireworks I say.

Check out Elvis's car.  Can you believe we used to actually ride around in these land barges?  Every time I see one of these 50's excesses cars I think of Cleopatra's barge riding down the Nile. 

Cleo's Nile River Barge

So while we were at the very center of the Hollywood fantasy Pat decided that we should take a short video of me "walking the red carpet."

Now folks, remember I was surrounded with tourists when I decided to make a fool out of myself by "walking the red carpet."  Oh by the way, Pat suggested that we get a clapboard to make these "Ron and Pat" vignettes official.  

So what do you think folks?  Did I pull it off?




I had down the cliches patter about "It's such a thrill to be here . . . yada yada."  Did you catch my Dame Edna Wave.  

Oh sure, maybe I should have brought my white gloves before I waved to the assembled masses awaiting my entrance on the red carpet. 

Hey folks, it's all fun.  There's more of the "Ron and Pat Show" (with clapboard) to come!

Ah yes, the magic of Hollywood.

By the way, the sound in the second video was muted because of copyright infringement.  Well, EXCUSE ME!

My First (and last) Airbnb

Our Airbnb stay in the Hollywood Hills

Last year, during my first visit to California, I stayed at my first bed and breakfast.  I was apprehensive about staying at a bed and breakfast, me who works at a hotel and is used to staying at hotels.  A bed and breakfast?  Isn't that someone's home?  Well yes, but from my experience last year at the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast, I found the experience to be totally satisfactory.  In fact, I loved it so much I returned this year.  

Our accommodations at night - first night back we couldn't find the place! Kept ending up on the Santa Monica Freeway after missing our turn. This was the one time we were glad to get back "home". 

However, this year my Travel Buddy (Pat from Toronto) suggested we also stay at an Airbnb.  He saw this modern home nestled in the Hollywood Hills that looked intriguing.  I too thought it would be interesting to stay at one of those homes tucked into the Hollywood Hills.  Plus, I had never stayed at an Airbnb so this would also be a new experience for me.  Well folks, with all due respect to Pat and his good intentions, this move didn't work out too well.  In fact I was very disappointed.


I had a couple problems with our new accommodations.  My biggest problem was that the place just wasn't clean.  Here are few of the cleanliness failures:

Grout needs cleaned in the shower - also black hair on tiles - neither Pat or I have black hair - someone didn't clean the shower before we checked in

More hairs on the floor of the bathroom - not good 

• Hair on the floor and tile in the shower
• Dirty grout in the shower
• Dust on the floor
• Black sheets that didn't feel clean 
• Rough towels

The "couch" - very uncomfortable

The "kitchen" - pots and pans but no stove - room above the garage heated by space heater

The bathroom - rough towels - no soft and plushy here

The bathroom sink and shower - I liked the above head shower - bathroom not a total disappointment

Our room was above the garage and plenty big but the furniture worn and very uncomfortable. To say the furniture was "rough" would be generous. And with all the furniture, one of the basic requirements of accommodating guests was there was no luggage rack.  Hey Airbnb proprietors, provide something for your guests to place their suitcases other than the floor or a chair. 

View from the black sheeted bed - my suitcase is on the chair behind the TV

Actually, I felt like the proprietors lost an opportunity to provide a really nice space for their Airbnb guests because they have the space to do it.  But I felt like they just threw in some old furniture and a space heater and figured out that was enough.  It was a shame because this could really be a cute and desirable space.  

A nice, big open space - could be made to really be comfortable

Another problem with this location (and not the fault of the proprietors) was the location.  We thought it would be cool to stay in the Hollywood Hills but be careful what you wish for.  During our stay at our previous accommodations (the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard), we could walk to any location including Hollywood and Vine.  Not so this location.  Oh no.  Oh for sure we were tucked into the Hollywood Hills. We weren't going to be walking anywhere.  In fact, I had a very hard time even maneuvering around and walking up those steep steps to our Airbnb.  Again, not the fault of the aforementioned Airbnb proprietors but not a place that is conducive to my aging, arthritic riddled body.  And one day, Pat was on the receiving end from a blast from one of our Airbnb proprietor's neighbors.  Pat had dropped me off and before he left to visit one of his modern furniture stores, waited to make sure I made it up the steps.  The neighbor came out and started to yell at Pat "You can't park here!  You are so rude!"

Not the actual neighbor, the real one was much nicer looking but still very angry

Pat tried to explain to the irate woman that he wasn't parked in front of her house but she wasn't hearing any of it.  Obviously she has had problems before with her Airbnb neighbors' tenants parking in front of her house.  While Pat was trying to explain to her that he was moving on she continued to yell at him "We have the biggest area in the Hollywood Hills to turn around and you park in front of my house! I can' believe you!"  I paraphrased her words but that she was very angry and not willing to listen to any reason for a car in front of her house, even if it was to monitor an arthritic old man climbing steep stairs, was very apparent. Welcome to the neighborhood Ron and Pat.  Hey lady, don't worry, we won't be back.

Pat at the "desk" behind the refrigerator

Oh, I almost forgot.  During our first morning this is what I saw out on the back patio.  Obviously we didn't partake of the patio.  One of my really big fears is being "skunked" on vacation.  

However, all was not a loss. We always wondered what it would be like to actually stay at one of those houses in the Hollywood Hills. Now I (we) know.  Curiosity satisfied.