Memories of California Holiday 2017 Part 2

View of the Rockies from my airplane window

Today is one week since we returned from our annual California holiday. I am still luxuriating in the memories. Here are more than I am sharing with you, my intrepid and faithful blog readers.

We (Pat and I) had a smooth six plus hour flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. I always try to get a picture (or two) or the Rockies as we cross the continental United States. I've never been to the great middle of America but I have flown over it several times. I guess  you could call me the Ultimate Coastal Liberal.  I live on one coast and visit the other coast.  Only "interaction" I have with the Great Middle (Trump Country) of the United States is flying over it.

When we deplaned at LAX in Los Angeles, we caught the Hertz shuttle bus to the Hertz rental car location. Oh my, look at what we encountered there. A LONG line.  




In the past we have rented cars from Enterprise but they were just too expensive. Pat got a good deal at Hertz at about half the price. Apparently others found the same bargains.  Look at the lines.  

Pat (red hat) waiting in line at the Hertz car rental in Los Angeles

We were at Hertz for about an hour.  It really wasn't too bad. We were in California and enjoying that really great sunny California sunshine. 




We inspected our car then we were off to our Airbnb rental.  And there we encountered a problem.  Our room wasn't ready.  

I had called a few days before to confirm our reservation that I had made last year.  I was told by our hostess ("Joanie") that "everything was ready."  But when we climbed the winding stairs to our second floor shared accommodations (we had a private bedroom and bathroom but a shared living room and kitchen), we were met with an unmade bed and damp towels piled on the floor.

The room that "greeted" us at the Airbnb where we were staying

I immediately made a call to our hostess and she apologized.  She said she had a "scheduling mishap" and would get the cleaners over right away.  

The cleaners came over about an hour later and we were in our room by 10:00 PM.  A long day for sure.

Our Airbnb "roommates" were from Germany. A very nice couple. They had taken over the living room and kitchen so Pat and I retreated to our bedroom (and TV) for a well deserved rest.  

After we settled down and washed up we headed out to 8000 Sunset Boulevard and the Veggie Grill, our favorite restaurant in West Hollywood. 

Our annual holiday was beginning!

The above banner photo is Pat visiting the CB2 store at 8000 Sunset Boulevard prior to us going into the Veggie Grill. Pat had a part-time job at the CB2 store in Toronto during the Christmas holidays. He loves that store.  And he has his eye on a beautiful leather couch in that store for his new digs in Hamilton, Ontario; that he will move into this September.

Pat sitting on that leather couch he wants to buy from CB2

More to come............

Packed and Ready To Go

This time tomorrow I'll be on that silver tube in the sky (aka American Airlines) headed towards the sunny and warm skies of California. 

While on FaceTime with Pat last night, I suggested we double check our flight times. Of course there was a snag. Since we made our flight reservation last April, American Airlines has changed the time of our flight four times.  Good thing we checked because American Airlines had Pat leaving Los Angeles at 6:00 am in the morning and me at 8:20 am!  How did that happen?  I guess it was because Pat had to make a connecting flight from Toronto to Philadelphia then Philadelphia to Los Angeles. 

Pat called American Airlines and they changed my flight too 8:20 am so I could travel with Pat. No charge but I didn't get my extra legroom seat that I paid and extra $85 for.  I'm not complaining though.  Well, maybe a little bit.  At least they have us seated together and I don't have to pay the extra $200 for changing my flight.  

I always get nervous when making trips like this, worried that I'm going to forget something. I've already reminded Pat several times not to forget his passport.  Or else Trump's minions will arrest him at the border.  

I have all my chargers, underwear, shirts, socks and let's see what else. And extra pair of pants and my Macbook Air and an old iPhone that I use as a backup camera.  

Ready to go folks. The toughest part of the trip is coming up now, the airline flight out. Getting through TSA.  I should get a pass this time because I'm seventy-five years old. We will see.  

Wish me luck! 

California Deaming

One more day of work then I'm off until February 27th.  

Folks, I'm ready to get away.  Big time.

I called my Airbnb host tonight just to check to make sure my reservation (that I made last year) is still on.  It is.  Super!  

We'll be staying right tin the heart of West Hollywood, just off of Melrose Avenue. Walking distance to all of our favorite haunts. 

The weather here today was positively springlike at 68 degrees. What a pleasure it was to take my daily walk.  The older I get I have a harder time handling cold wind in my face. Today was most pleasant. The same weather I am looking forward to the next two weeks in Los Angeles. Oh yes!

Wouldn't you know it, snow is forecast for tomorrow.  Just as I'm going to work. Thankfully, warmer temperatures are forecast for this Sunday, when my ride (my neighbor Bill B.) will drive me to Philly International Airport to meet Pat and our flight to Los Angeles. 

This time next week we will be totally immersed in California.  At time like this I am reminded of the old Mama's and Papa's song "California Dreaming".

California (Hollywood), Here We Come!

Our flight next Sunday from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, one coast to another coast

One week from today we'll be in California! 

I'm ready folks. In fact, more than ready.  

This year Pat and I will be staying in West Hollywood at for two weeks.  

Our bright and uncluttered accommodations in Los Angeles for the next two weeks

We'll be staying at a different Airbnb. In the past we've stayed at a bed and breakfast called the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast on Hollywood Boulevard.  Perfectly lovely accommodations but a little too cluttered and dark for Pat's taste.  Last year we split our time between the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast and an Airbnb in the Hollywood Hills.  That Airbnb was a disappointment. Black sheets, skunk outside and a neighbor screaming at Pat for daring to turn around in the tight driveway to let me off.  Plus the TV was crappy. What is it anyway with the cheapo TV's in the bed and breakfasts.  We had the same problem at our B & B in Niagara Falls. 

I am so looking forward to getting away from the news and just relaxing and doing whatever.

Pat and I don't plan our itinerary except for the flight out and the accommodations. We will be staying a few days in Palm Springs for the Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour. Both Pat and I love checking out homes. We'll also be visiting Dr. Spo and his pals at their bathing suits optional accommodations. 

Indulge Resort, Palm Springs, California

Needless to say both Pat and I will be keeping our pants on. 

Now to start packing. I think I have this down pat now, underclothes and socks and not so much on shirts. And also all my electronic chargers for my Apple toys.

Not long now!

Annual Trip To Los Angeles

Pat standing in line at the Veggie Grill at 8000 Sunset Boulevard last year, our favorite place to eat when we're in West Hollywood

Talk about good timing! Originally I had planned our (me and my Canadian sidekick Pat) annual trip to La La Land  (West Hollywood, Los Angeles) for this date.  For the last two years Pat and I enjoyed the easy freedom and balmy breezes of southern California in early January.  However, I decided this year to go in February. 

Pat and I meet up four times a year.  

In the Spring we meet in Philadelphia and stay at the guest suite of my long time friend Don McK.'s co-op on 21st and Chestnut Street. We make a side trip of a few days here at my home in southern Delaware to sample the delights of Lewes (the Nectar restaurant) and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  

At the end of summer, Labor Day I fly to Buffalo, New York where Pat picks me up and we cross the border to Canada and stay overnight in Niagara Falls Canada. From Niagara Falls Pat drives me to his very cool minimalist home in Toronto where I spend a week enjoying the famous Canadian hospitality.  While there we take in the annual Canadian National Exhibition. 

Then, during my birthday in early November we return to Philadelphia and the guest suite at my friend Don's co-op in Center City, Philadelphia.  

Originally we got together again in January to celebrate Pat's late December birthday. However, I noticed last year the long gap between January and May so that's why I decided to forward our departure date for the land of warm breezes and palm trees to the middle of February.  

Wasn't I lucky this year not to have planned to leave for Los Angeles in early January?  If so I would have had to manage to get to the Philadelphia International Airport through all the snow and ice.  Thank goodness I don't have to do that.  But . . . . . who knows what the weather will be like here February 12th, when I am scheduled to leave.  It's always a roll of the dice when one decides to leave the cold of winter for the tropical weather of southern California.  But you know folks, it's worth it!

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!!!!!

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!

"The Price is Right!"

We made it folks!  Ron and Pat with our faux photo in front of The Wheel

Check out the banner photo folks!  That is the queue to get into the long-time running, very popular TV show "The Price is Right!"  That was the afternoon line on January 12th.  We (me and Pat) were in the morning line.  

So how long does one stand in line to get into the TV studio audience for "The Price is Right"? About four and a half hours.  That's right folks, 

FOUR AND A HALF HOURS

Not that we minded.  I had written for tickets several months before our trip.  I received priority tickets which guaranteed that we would be admitted and we were.  But that didn't preclude that we still had to stand in line.  

We didn't have to be there until 8:30 am, which is just about when we arrived.  Of course we arrived at the total opposite end of the huge CBS studio building. You should have seen me hobbling with my arthritis and game leg to try and get to the studio on time (like they were waiting for me, I am so full of myself).  

I saw the line but I bypassed it and tried to enter through the employee's entrance, which I didn't realize it was until I was told to "go to the end of the line."  I said "But I have priority tickets."  HA!  "End of the line buddy!"  No doubt this wasn't the first time a rube like me tried to jump the line.  The CBS security guy handled me with professional dispatch.  He said "They'll get you. Just show them your tickets."

"End of the line you two!"

So to the end of the line I go.  Oh, by the way, I don't have any first hand photos or videos because we were told that we were not allowed to bring cell phones or cameras into the studio so I left mine back at the bed and breakfast where we were staying.  Later on I found out I could have had my cell phone with me but turned it in before we entered the studio four and a half hours later, which is what I should have done but hey, this was my first time.  The banner picture I took at the top of this post was taken of the second group to go in that day, in the afternoon.

The view of the colorful and happy stage of "The Price is Right!" from the audience - FUN!

We walk past the long line of peeps back to the end of the line on this chilly Tuesday morning in LA.  Even though we were in line a lone time I have to say it wasn't a bad experience.  We got to talk to several people standing in line with us, including a retired couple from Utah.  The gentleman, "Lloyd", was called to "come on down!" later which Pat predicted he would because he was so gregarious and pleasant to talk too.  He was the last contestant called and did get up on the stage but didn't win any further prizes other than the one he bid on.  Of course it goes without saying neither Pat or I were called to "come on down!" but I did get to high five Lloyd and he bounced on down through the audience to the panel of four.  

So while we're standing in line there is a whole process that the contestants go through.  Employees of "The Price is Right!" go through the line and collect all the priority tickets.  Then we're told to go ahead of the line to an area where they explain the ground rules once we're in the studio.  We also are asked to sign release forms because we're told that the "all members of the audience will be on TV."  Of course we gladly signed the release forms (how many you can say you've signed release forms?  Huh? Huh?)

We're also advised to be cheerful no matter who wins or loses.  We're told that this is a fun process (which it was) and we will all be on TV, which you KNOW I love.  And just between you and me I think Pat loves to although you've never get him to admit to that fact.

As we inched near the entrance we hear whoops and cheers.  And as we got nearer we saw where those happy sound were coming from.  The "Price is Right" people were placing singles and couples before a green screen and taking photos.  Turns out the green screen was The Wheel.  Hey, we all get to memorialize our visit (for a price of course, $20 a photo which I got three, greedy tourist that I am).  

Most of the potential contestants who posed before the wheel jumped, including Pat.

Pat "Won" the dollar! Sure. 

Me?  I can't jump. In fact I was going to get a T-shirt that said "I can't jump, pick me." I instead opted for the butch thumbs up pose.  I don't know, do you think I pulled it off?

What an 74 year old guy with arthritis and a bum leg does when he wins on The Wheel, thumbs up!

After the picture taking, and ordering (if we wanted any), we were moved (still in line) closer to the studio entrance.  By now folks were getting hungry because it was near lunch time (12 PM).  I found out later two shows are taped.  We were in the morning taping.

Many people in line ordered food from their concession which, Pat found out, was quite expensive.  Four dollars for a small bag of potato chips!  I saw people with spaghetti dinners on paper plates.  I can just imagine what that cost.  But hey, load up on the carbohydrates, you'll need them for what was to come once we got into the studio.

Then, after the Long Wait in Line, the time comes to enter the studio.  EXCITING!!!!!!!

This photo not the day we were there but looks the same - lots of color and excitement and great music - really put us in the mood!

Folks, I have to tell you that entering "The Price is Right!" studio was thrilling.  I am truly a tourist at heart.  This is the first time since 1964 that I've entered a TV studio.  The last time was when I took my Mother (and Bill) to New York City to see a taping of "To Tell the Truth."  While that was exciting, and a long time ago, this was even more exciting.  Why?  Because by the time we were entering the colorful (if tacky) studio), we were hyped.  And I mean HYPED!!!

All the seats are assigned.  Pat and I were quickly ushered over to the far right, just about where George the Announcer (who is a very nice guy by the way, he is in person just as he is on TV as is Drew Carey).

Pat and I were seated right behind George and as you can see, blocked from the cameras. We couldn't see what was going on the stage.  We have to watch the TV monitors above which we didn't realize were there until about a half an hour into the show

 
I noticed that in the center of the audience were placed all the groups in matching T-shirts and the screaming and jumping ladies.  The Old Men were put to the side.  And while we're entering the music is blaring and people clapping to the music.  They were keeping his hyped!  And I didn't mind.  Fun times!!!

We were all standing, clapping, and cheering to the music until everyone got seated.  I noticed that behind where George was standing was a bank of TV monitors.  They were watching the audience from behind!  Ah hah!  That's how they pick folks to "come on down!"  They want to see who the most enthusiastic were.  Well, they had a lot to choose from because just about everyone in the audience of 280 (total seating capacity on the smaller in person studio) was HAPPY! Anyone could be picked.

Right before they started to tape one of the folks on stage reminded us again that we were all there to have a good time, we would all be on camera and even if we didn't get called up on stage to be happy for those who were called.  And no one had a problem with this.  We all cheered.

Then, while we were hyped to near orgasmic frenzy, the show started with George the Announcer announcing Drew Carey.  Drew comes darting out on the stage and the day's taping had begun.

Now here is something interesting folks.  Where Pat and I were seated we couldn't see the products at first (later we watched the TV monitors above the audience which we didn't realize were there at first) nor hear the prices. 

The first four contestants were called to "come on down!"  We couldn't hear the names.  I also noticed that each name was on a big cue card displayed before the audience.  We couldn't see that either since it wasn't shown on the TV monitors for home viewing.  So the first thought that came to my mind was "If they were calling us, how would we know it?"  Simple, as we later found out.  No one was calling us (the Two Old Men Seated to the Far Right Out of TV Camera Range).  Buy what the hey?  We were having a good time. 

So the show was off and running.  And I have to say the show moves along at a pretty much the same pace as you see on TV.  There were the commercial breaks during which Drew interacted with the audience.  And by the way, Drew Carey really enjoys his job.  He was and is a stand up comedian and he employed all his skills to the fullest the whole time he was on stage.  Nothing phony about DREW!  In fact all the members of the crew were good natured and happy and that good will easily transmitted to the audience.  

Drew Carey and the audience - Drew has to have one of the best jobs in Hollywood

Another interesting thing was there was one crew member who was like an orchestra leader.  He was the one who raised his arms to get us cheering and lowered his arms to tone us down.  After a while we felt like trained seals, clapping and cheering for I don't know what but we were having a good time.  Even Pat was whooping it up.  This being the same Pat I had to convince to go to "The Price is Right!" with me.  Pat, who prefers visiting modern furniture stores in LA as opposed to taking the Paramount or Universal Studio Tour (which we have yet to do . . . . Pat . . . maybe next year).  

So we didn't get called to "come on down!"  Out of an audience of 280, ten were called.  We weren't one of the Lucky Ten.  One of the contestants won TWO cars (lucky him).  He won one when he was first called up on the stage and then he won the show case.  Our friend, Lloyd, who was called did make it up on the stage but didn't win his price nor did he get into the showcase at the end of the show.  

We found out later from our new friend Johnny Knight some details about "The Price is Right!".  Johnny is a 30 year old transplant to California seeking a career in music and holding four jobs including his photo taking gig, while awaiting his Big Break into stardom.  Judging from his totally nice personality I think Johnny will make It.  He was so kind to us, two goofy old men from the East.  I'm always impressed with people who are kind to me for no other reason than to just be nice.  So often in this world today people like Johnny are a rarity.  I've noticed that the older I get I am too often treated dismissively or, if someone wants something from me (telemarketers, salesmen, etc), they're aggressive and rude.  What a pleasant change to have someone just be nice and helpful.

Pat, Johnny Knight and me at "The Price is Right!"

I told Johnny of my experience with a former co-worker who won the showcase and decided to leave it because she didn't want to pay the taxes on it.  He said now the contestants who win can take the cash value, less the taxes and walk away with a check.  Cool!  So if I was that contestant who won the two cars or the air hockey game (what is THAT anyway?), I could get the cash which would put a significant dent into our annual California Holiday expenses.  So, maybe next year if I can talk Pat into going on the show again and I'm called I have options.

So as the last showcase was finished and the winner enjoying his spoils, we were ushered out of the CBS "The Price is Right!" gaily colored sparkly curtained studio into the warm sunlight of a Los Angeles January noon, thoroughly hyped.  But not before I asked George the Announcer to shake his hand.  He asked where we were form and wished us well on our vacation.  What a nice man.

George Gray, the announcer on "The Price is Right!"

What a way to spend the morning!  Our first full day in LA was well on its way.  I love these January holidays to La La Land.  With all the troubles in the world, health issues at home, trying to keep up with the ever increasing bill and the always bad news on TV, what a delight to have just a few happy, carefree hours when everyone was just nice to one another.  Good for the soul folks! 

And just one more note folks, our taping is scheduled to be shown this February 29th.  Look for me and Pat, the Clapping Trained Seals along with 278 of our fellow "The Price is Right!" audience members. 

Our Flight to Los Angeles and Landing

Now it seems so long ago but it was only Monday, January 11th, almost two weeks ago that I met Pat in Philly for our American Airlines flight to Los Angeles.  The flight took off at about 1:30 PM in the afternoon, depositing us six hours later in Los Angeles just in time for darkness to descend and rush hour.  What was I thinking?  I think what I was thinking was that I didn't want to get up real early in the morning like I did last year in order to avoid the maddening crowd at the airport.  Guess what folks?  Anytime of day there is a maddening crowd at the airport.

Our flight was about a half an hour late in take off but we made up that time.  The flight was totally full.  Since Pat and I don't travel first class nor are we any kind of priority flyers, we had to wait almost to the end to board the plane.  While we were waiting we were getting constant warnings that the flight was "fully booked" and we may not be able to put our carry on luggage in the overhead bins.  Oh great.  Just what I like, going to baggage pickup at the end of the flight, praying that my luggage isn't lost.  The woman announced that there would be no charge if we decided to check in our luggage.  I was worried that I wouldn't have room so, against my better instincts I checked my luggage in.  And wouldn't you know it when I got to my seat, there was room in the overhead bin!  Great!  

Oh, by the way.  To back up a bit here, I had a helluva heck of a time getting through airport security.  When I first took a plane flight after 9/11, I was ushered through airport security as an Old Man.  I didn't even have to take my shoes off.  Not now.  I'm pulled aside and scanned and patted down.  Talked to roughly (I had my hoodie on and one of the TSA guys said "Didn't I tell you to take that off!?" - They got  the power man and they're using it).  Welcome to the police state that is called TSA. 

At least when I was about to be patted down (all body) the TSA grunt asked me "Do you want to do this in private or here?"  I said "Here".  What do I care? I've had the prostate biopsy and kidney stones.  I've been catheterized by strangers. I can no longer be humiliated.  I have no privacy anymore.  They already have a full body scan X-ray of my body. So getting on the plane I felt thoroughly violated and disrespected, which I was.  Welcome to the modern age of travel Ron. 

The flight was long an uneventful (thank goodness).  And as I said we arrived just at dusk (good timing Ron).  Then it was off to the baggage claim area to pick up my carryon which did not to be checked in after all.  



Thank goodness my carryon bag did appear and we were off in the twilight of the Los Angeles early evening to catch the Enterprise Shuttle bus to Enterprise car rental. Our experience at Enterprise was 100% better than our experience with American Airlines (stuffed in the plane for six hours like sausages and the TSA body violations). This is the second time we have used the Enterprise car rental in Los Angeles and we continue (especially me) to be impressed.  

Pat does the driving, being the excellent driver that he is (and I'm not).  My main concern is that I have enough leg room.  We checked out a Hyundai.  I had enough leg room so we rented it and were off into the Los Angeles rush hour night in search of a place to get sneakers for Pat.  More about that later in this post.

It wasn't too long until I realized I made a mistake with this Hyundai.  I had enough leg room but I felt like I was sitting on the floor, which actually I was. Plus, there was a gap in the seat where the small of my back fit into the seat. So here we were, driving around in the darkening evening hours of LA, looking for a Wal Mart or something like that to buy sneakers for Pat.  Pat always wears sandals. We had an 8:30 am appointment the next morning to appear on "The Price is Right" TV show.  One of the instructions was NO SANDALS.  I guess they are afraid that if someone runs and jumps up on the stage when called to "Come on down!" they're going to fall flat on their face.  So off into the night to look for sneakers for Pat. 

It didn't take too long to realize that this trip was beginning badly.  Here we are, trying to find our way around LA at rush hour, in the dark, with my iPhone GPS working overtime, looking for a place to buy sneakers. And my back is killing me because of our rental car that had me sitting practically on the ground.  Every time we stopped someplace and got out, I had to practically roll myself out of the car like the arthritic old man that I am.

Finally we found Marshall's (which Pat never heard of, "They sell sneakers?" he asked).  We found the sneakers ($30).  They passed Pat's "cool test" and we were off into the night to check into our bed and breakfast accommodations.  



But first we had to eat.  And where to eat?  Of course the Veggie Grill at 8000 Sunset, right in the heart of West Hollywood, across the street from the Chateau Marmot and the Laugh Factory (Kevin Nealon appearing).  

Pat standing line at the Veggie Grill - we love the Veggie Grill!

The Veggie Grill is our main eating destination when in West Hollywood.  I go vegan when I'm with Pat on our adventures.  And guess what, I don't miss the meat and dairy products at all.  Oh how I wish I had the vegan and veggie options here at LSD (Lower Slower Delaware) but that is not to be unless you call an iceberg lettuce, tomato and cucumber salad enough to subsist on.  

Pat and I enjoying a vegan meal with nary an iceberg lettuce leaf in sight - lentil soup, Yukon fries, and Bombay Bowl of goodies

But for all the hassle in getting to LA, we were now here.  All we had to do was check into our bed and breakfast, have a good night's sleep and get ready for the next ordeal, appearing on "The Price is Right" the next morning at 8:30 am.  And what an ordeal (five hours) that was folks.  That I will tell you all about in excruciating detail in my next blog posting.  You have been forewarned. 

Packed and Ready to Go!

Me and Pat with "friends" last August in Toronto.  Lookout LA, here we come!

Well folks, I spent the best part of this day packing or shall I say, deciding what to pack. I still have that tendency to pack too much.  

The most important thing is to pack the underwear and socks and some toiletries (I can buy the rest in LA). Also, all my Digital Age accessories.  MacBook Pro, iPhones, chargers, et al.  Wow.  

I guess you heard by now, I didn't have the winning Powerball ticket.  The next jackpot is estimated to be 1.3 billion.  BILLION!  Now let's see how much that is after taxes and early payout. Heck, if it is only about 300 mil, I'll take it!  

I bought eight more tickets today through our stay in California.  I don't want to take a chance on missing out on this Opportunity of a Lifetime.  The opportunity to win the biggest jackpot in the history of the world.  

Hey folks, I'll share something with you.  I've always believed that I was destined for something really big.  REALLY BIG.  I don't know exactly what that BIG would be but you know, it could just be winning this Powerball jackpot.  I've already made tentative plans on how to spend it using my career workplace background of working in a bank trust department.  I can't give too many details right now because I don't want to jinx my chances but let's just say that my family; nieces, nephew, grand nieces, grandnephews and even one grand-grand niece will have a healthy trust fund set up for them so they would never have another money worry in their life.  "Uncle Ronnie" sure would like to leave that legacy.  

Dreams folks, always nice to dream.  But in the meantime, I leave Casa-Tipton Kelly tomorrow at 9 am for my ride to Philly International and my 1:35 pm flight to LA.  I'll meet Pat at Philly International.  He's flying down from Toronto.  We'll take that 6 hour flight sitting next to each other.  

We arrive late afternoon tomorrow.  Early the next day we take the few blocks from where we're staying to the CBS Television Studio City studio to appear in "The Price is Right!" audience.  Can't wait folks.  

Life is indeed good. 

Countdown To L.A.

Mostly packed (first run through) and ready to go to LA

Less than two days and we'll be on our way to L.A.!  

Of course I'm nervous that I'm not packing enough clothes.  Always I take too many clothes shirts but I am being very disciplined this time minimizing my wardrobe packing.  This is the way I look at it, anything I need I can always buy in Los Angeles.  I hear they have many fine stores out there.

Early Monday morning my longtime friend Lar will stop here at Casa Tipton-Kelly to transport me (my very own personal Uber Driver) to Philly International for my afternoon flight out of Philly to LA.  I'll meet Pat in Philly, he's taking an earlier flight in from Toronto.

The excitement is building folks!  

We'll arrived LA after a five hour flight from Philly.  We're checking into the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast, right in the heart of West Hollywood for the first half of our ten day stay.  The second half Pat has reserved an Air B & B accommodation in an ultra modern house in the Hollywood Hills, literally IN the Hollywood Hills.  I will take photos of those accommodations, you can be ultra sure of.

Tuesday, our first day in LA we have to get up early to get in line for our appearance in the audience of "The Price is Right!"  I just hope I can complete my bathroom needs by the time I get in that audience line, which, by the way we do have priority tickets so we're guaranteed to get in.  The last time I had priority tickets was to be in the audience of "American Bandstand" and that was in 1958.  I don't do this kind of thing too often.

The Powerball drawing is tonight.  Estimated jackpot is 900 million.  900 MILLION!  After taxes and early payout I might just clear 50 million.  Just think of what I could do with all that money.  I'm already dreaming of it.  Of course my chances of winning are one in 292 million.  I have more chance of being elected president of the United States or becoming a movie star (one in 20 million) than I do of winning this Powerball jackpot but you know what they say, "You have to play to win" and you know folks, that has always been my lifetime mantra. . . . . . in ALL aspects of life.  

Me and Pat in Philly last month 

Hollywood - One Week To Go!

This time next week Pat and I will be flying the Big Bird (American Airlines) to our annual sojourn to Hollywood, California.  Can't wait!

I am especially anxious to get away from the continuing frustrations of poor service in my little corner of this world.

Just this morning I find that my online Scabble on Facebook has further malfunctioned.  Not only does the Teacher function not work (which I PAID for), now the letters don't appear on the tiles.  Wonderful!  And just who do you contact to correct this malfunction?  Ever try communicating with HELP at Facebook?  I have more of a chance of winning the Powerball Lottery (which I may just buy a ticket, I saw on the news this morning the jackpot is up to $400 mil)!


And, believe this or not, I STILL haven't received my new (replacement) Discover credit card.  Remember when I called Discover (Wallet Protection) a couple of weeks ago to tell them I lost my credit card?  Not only did they not discontinue my credit card they didn't send me a new one.  Then when I called inquiring about the credit card, they apologized (said it was a "clerical error") and they would send a new one "Fed Ex overnight express."  Oh sure, I didn't get that one either.  I call again and I was told it was send "regular mail, five to six business days."  I asked "Did I do something wrong?  This is twice you have made a mistake."  Again, with the usual boiler plate apologies to sooth my troubled soul and assurances a new card would be "Fed Exed" today.  I'm waiting.  I just hope I can get it by the time I leave for California next Monday!  

Then this morning I get a call from my co-worker asking if I can come in early. She has a doctor's appointment.  Well, I guess that can't be avoided so that's more disruption to my day.  I always take a nap before I go in so I can be at my perkiest. 




Then Bill stops up this morning.  He can't get on his iPad.  I've explained so many times how he can go on Settings and choose a WIFI network but he keeps getting confused.  Again, a situation that can't be helped and I promised to be more patient with him next year, which is this year now.

So folks, I've posted a few videos from my trip last year to Los Angeles which I don't think I posted before.  I'm ready folks.  I'm ready!

Pat, Tony and me last year in Los Angeles

California Dreaming

After yesterday's post about writing for tickets to "The Price is Right!", I'm California dreaming.

Pat and I are scheduled to fly out to Los Angeles January 11th, from Philadelphia.  Pat will take fly from Toronto and meet me in Philly.  

We'll be staying ten days in Los Angeles.  Five days at the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast, where we stayed last year.  The remaining five days we'll be staying at one of those Airbus rentals in the Hollywood Hills.  Pat chose that location.  

I can't believe that almost a year has passed by so fast.  I've only posted about 25% of my videos form last year's trip.  The video I'm posting today is of our visit to the Griffith Observatory of our trip last year.  

Pat and I, when we go on a trip, loosely plan our activities.  Last year we were so lucky because the weather was perfect wherever we went.  The day we visited the Griffith Observatory was perfecto!  We had a fabulous view of downtown Los Angeles, a view we often see in movies.  

This year we may actually have a mini Bloggerpalooza.  That is if we can coordinate Dr. Spo and Someone to come.  David (the Travel Penguin) and may be there too!  We hope to see Tony and Nadege again.  And Cindy of Sonoma?  You're invited! And of course Randy of Nebraska, always welcomed.

Note: the header photo at the top of this blog is of Pat at the Hollywood Hotel.  This is where he stayed the last time he visited LA alone.  We stopped in to check the renovations.  I didn't want to stay there last year because of all the negative Trip Advisor reviews but hey, maybe after the renovations they will be improved.

California, Here We Come!

Pat relaxing poolside at the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast last January - far from the cold winds, ice and snow of his domicile in Toronto, Canada

Well, it's done folks!  Pat and I have secured our plane reservations and lodgings to return to the Golden State of California next January.

"Ninja" Pat when he heard we were returning to Los Angeles next year

This year I'll be meeting Pat in Philadelphia and we'll take the same plane out to California and the same plane back. It's a five hour flight out and back and I find much more enjoyable to have my Canadian friend as my seat mate than a random air passenger.  I'm that way you know, fussy to a fault (and sometimes beyond belief).

We will be returning to the Hollywood Bed and Breakfast where we camped out last January.  We can't give too many kudos to the Hollywood B & B: 

Perfect location
Perfect hosts
Perfect quarters
Perfect breakfast
Good price

However, this year, conceding to Pat's minimalist yearnings we will be splitting our time between the aforementioned Hollywood B & B and staying at a hillside bunker (pictured below):

We will staying in the apartment above the garage (hope no one leaves the motor running in their car when we're sleeping at night).  The owners of this hillside fortress in the Hollywood Hills live in the generous window paned two floors to the left of our "bunker."  I don't know why but this building sort of reminds me of Hitler's Last Stand but hey, what do I know?  Just me being "unfiltered" again (big smile).

Next year we hope to meet again our new friends that we met this past January.  

Me, Nadege and Pat in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Pat, me and Tony (I hope Tony doesn't take umbrage that I have divulged his name) at a veggie eatery near the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California (great food by the way and I walked out without paying the bill - but the waitress caught up with me - it was an accident!)

I also hope to meet in person some new friends (that would be you "Cindy of Sonoma" and "Mike of Studio City". I am still amazed that every blogger or commenter I've met has been super folks.  Nary a stalker among them (there I go again, unfiltered). 

"Mike of Studio City" (I have that same brown plaid shirt Mike! Good thing we never appeared in a bar in that shirt at the same time - I would have had to turn in my gay leather and western cruise card)

Our next trip out I have to make sure that Pat get's plenty of rest.  The poor boy, I ran him ragged with trying to see everything (and he drove) during our all too short visit to Los Angeles and West Hollywood this past January.

Pat resting a bit at CB2's  in West Hollywood - Pat was often in the prone position during his stay in Hollywood

I take a nap every afternoon.  And not just a fifteen minute or so "power nap" but a "Mom nap" which is half an hour to an hour.  

Pat grabbing a few more winks someplace during our stay in Los Angels - this could have been one of those modern furniture stores which he likes to visit in big cities ) there are no modern furniture stores in small towns (of course) with the exception of Rehoboth Beach (we have one which Pat has visited - twice)

Me, when I'm on vacation, I don't take a nap.  Time is too precious.  I'm on the go continually from the time I wake up (usually very early and certainly before Pat wakes up) until the Midnight Hour when we finally called it a Day during our stay in West Hollywood.

Pat and met at the Griffith Observatory and the famous "Hollywood" sign - we'll be back at this same location next January!

So we're off again folks. Hopefully my leg will be back to normal and I'll walk my ass off like I've been doing for the past 70 some years of my life.  I don't know what life would be like (and I dare not imagine although I had a taste of it the past three months) if I couldn't walk wherever and as long as I wanted too.  I've been a walker all my life and I don't intended to succumb to slothful ways now in the sunset of my life.




While I'm here on this earth with whatever time remains for me I fully intend to live life to it's fullest or as much as I am able to with my health and can afford.  And when I become that Scarecrow in the Field (as Elton John's song "Curtains" refers to), I will have known Life. And that is to have loved and be loved. That's all I ask and that is what I have been blessed with.

I used to know this old scarecrow
He was my song, my joy and sorrow
Cast alone between the furrows
Of a field no longer sown by anyone

I held a dandelion
That said the time had come
To leave upon the wind
Not to return
When summer burned the earth again

Cultivate the freshest flower
This garden ever grew
Beneath these branches
I once wrote such childish words for you

But that's okay
There's treasure children always seek to find
And just like us
You must have had
A once upon a time