December 13, 1999,
Monday. With only 90 miles to go- we
did a relaxed departure this morning- and as a gift from the guy
upstairs- didn't hit any traffic, even through we had to travel of
three different freeways. We did pass a palm tree that caused Susan
to do a double take. On further inspection this was a cell tower
along 
the
highway cleverly disguised. Our new spot is Long Beach. Our park,
just three years old, is in the center of the action. Across the
water from us, is the Queen Mary, and the old dome from the Spruce
Goose, which is now in Seattle. Adjacent to the park, is the
aquarium, beyond that the convention center, and following, is a
magnificent harbor with hundred and hundreds of boats moored.
We visited another Trader Joe's food store,
like we had in San Francisco, and stocked up on lots of real goodies.
It's one of those stores that seems to have the freshest and unusual
se
lection
of healthy foods. One interesting thing- is that all of the carts
have four swivel caster wheels. At first it was like trying to
ice-skate the cart around. After we got the hang of it- it worked
well for a store with narrow isles and tight corners- you could sort
of scoot the carts into tight spaces.
The other night we watched a program on the history of motorcycles. In the beginning of the century, they were the workingman's transportation, selling for $250 to $300 per bike. About 20 manufacturers were in business. Autos were selling for $900 per car. Then came Henry Ford with the model T selling for $300 per car- and cycle sales fell, and only three manufacturers survived. By the end of W.W.II- only Harley Davidson survived. Everyone knows that these are called "hogs", but the reason was a rally that had a photograph published showing a pig or hog on the handlebars between the rider's hands. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Another observation was that many restaurants and public buildings in California have restrooms with men and women's symbols on the same single person room. Joint restrooms seem to be the wave of the future.
December 14, 1999,
Tuesday- a special day. While chatting
with our neighbors, a bike ride was discussed. Since each couple had
a similar ride in
mind, we headed south along the beach with a goal of reaching
Newpor
t
Beach, some 24 miles south. A more beautiful ride could not have been
obtained as we headed south. Wide beaches, protected harbors, naval
stations, coastal drilling rigs, and lovely homes. The miles just
pealed off. Then, turn around, and into the wind. About 14 miles into
the return, the other couple wanted to stop for a snack. So, into a
restaurant we went, and as I watched the sun get lower and lower, my
thoughts weren't about food, but riding home in the dark, without
lights or reflectors. By the time we left, the sun was dropping into
the water, and the last 15 minutes of riding were in night. Not my
favorite option, but fortunately we all made it back safely. At
forty-eight or so miles, it was the longest ride that we've
done.
December 15, 1999, Wednesday- today was the day that the company that Steve works for went public. Its IPO was well received and from an opening price of $11 per share, went as high as $17, and closed at $14.50. Needless to say- everyone involved was thrilled- and some young people, at least on paper, have some significant net worth.
Today
is also the day that we finally got to check out the Getty Museum.
This mountain top retreat is a newly created sanctuary where the
human can recharge the mind and body. Our reserved parking space is
waiting for us (when we did the computer phone reservation some 3
weeks ago). Take the elevator to the tram, which whisks you away to
the mountaintop series of six buildings. From here are vistas to the
sea and to the city, 360 degrees around. Gardens provided places to
meditate and sip coffee. This complex, recently finished with the
Getty Trust having spent 1.2 billion dollars, is comprised of rough
cut travertine marble, aluminum and glass. Special construction
techniques were employed to prevent earthquake damage.
Inside, the exhibits ranged from paintings to sculpture to glass to pottery to photography. All of the masters were represented- Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, and hundreds more. Everything was arranged in a spacious manner, and with the rented headsets, additional detailed information was provided on selected works. Our 5 hours passed too quickly.
Dinner was a chance to see Dan, Laurie's former husband, that we haven't seen in some four or five years. A great time was had catching up on old times, current times and future plans. Our meal was at the Cheesecake Factory in Brentwood. Directly across the street was the Mezaluna restaurant, the last dinning place of OJ's ex. Dan is now in the catering business running out of one kitchen, and soon to be second place. Their fifteen employees are soon to double. It's good to see him doing so well in business.
December 16, 1999, Thursday- before you knew it- our neighbors and we were again on our bikes, out for a Thursday ride. This time- it's only 25 miles in and around Long Beach, some city, some water, some what they call "class A" bike trail. This is one that is total enclosed and separated from traffic. The one that we chose was along a canal- and had it's own beauty.
The best part of the day was a call from Art telling us that we had two different parties interested in our house, and that he expected an offer within an hour. So, we got the details and are only a little apart- but due to time difference, we're in California, and the buyer is in Kansas City- the final details can't be resolved until the morning. Well, hope springs eternal.
December 17, 1999, Friday- YES! Finally, after a long wait- we have a lovely family that wants to take over the warmth and love that we all started in our home. If everything goes according to plan- we will close on Monday, Jan. 10, 2000. Since there are no contingencies- (an all cash deal, and they had previously done their walkthroughs a few months ago), our plans call for travel to Vail just after the new year- when Rob and Deb leave- most likely on Jan.3. After a day and a half of travel, the unloading of our personal things will begin. Since we're selling the house furnished- no problems with furniture moving.
So, the morning was filled with faxing paperwork back and forth, lots of phone calls and good wishes, and a little shopping. Then, for a celebration dinner- it was time to step "downtown". A two block area of downtown Long Beach contains some 8 or more high end restaurants. We picked Madison's- set in a magnificent old wood paneled bank building. With 30 or more foot high ceilings- elegance at it's best.
December 18, 1999, Saturday- cleaning day- since we have been in the salt/sand area for the last few weeks, it was time for a coach and car washing. Fortunately this park lets you wash - as long as it's not move out day, (so you don't leave a wet/muddy space for the next arrival). Fair enough. Afterwards, on to Redondo Beach for some meandering around the pier and marina areas.
A search for some hydraulic fluid for the coach proved fruitless after stops at four different auto part stores only yields 5 gallon pails. We need maybe a pint or quart. We'll keep looking.
More washer/dryer problems- intermittent stopping in different cycles. I think we will open it up again to make sure the repairs I did a few weeks ago are still tight. All it takes sometimes is a loose electrical connection. Susan is frustrated.
After dinner I opened up the washer and found a wire harness connection that must have come undone during the last repair- and had finally separated. A quick clip together, and a tie-wrap connection, and then close it up, and a smile is now on Susan's face, and a little egg on mine, since I did the last repair. Oh well, at least I try to rise to the occasion.
December 19, 1999, Sunday- working on our schedule for February- we booked 2 plus weeks for San Diego, and feel fortunate that we have Mom coming for a week and then Laurie and her grandson Michael Max for a weekend. How fortunate we are to be able to keep up family and friends during our travels.
Steve and Deb were skiing yesterday in Vail, and it had better, but not great snow yet. Today Debi had her longest trip home to Denver from Vail ever- over 3 1/2 hours. Icy roads, wind, snow…and the car in front of her fishtailed and went over the edge of the road and down into the creek. Guys in the car behind her jumped down the hillside and helped the two people out. One was shaken and one was bruised a little. Meanwhile Deb did the cell phone coordination with the police, fire and tow truck people.
Michael and Patty came over today- and we then piled into the car and cruised along the water to Laguna Beach. Definitely an upscale boutique shopping area and Hobbes was, as usual, the hit of the show. It was impossible to walk 10 feet without being stopped. With a wonderful lunch overlooking the beach and ocean, and a soft sun- heaven! Walking amongst the shops a man comes over and sticks his face into mine- and gives us his name. Neil was a salesman for one of the vinyl cutters that we used in our sign business. Even though we had not seen him in five plus years- he remembered us. In fact he told Susan, that based on her suggestions, they now have a CD-ROM as an instructional video training film. Again, small world.
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