California

50x50

January 10,2019

The next chapter begins.   The Southwest. 

Off to a good start. Somehow we were all awarded TSA precheck without registering.   This is such a great thing.  Zipped through security despite the government shutdown.  

Arrived into LAX almost an hour early and got the white dodge minivan rental.  Headed down Rodeo drive which looked beautiful with lights on all the palm trees.   Then a stop at The Chinese Theater to see all the stars.  Fun to see how many were animated: Snow White, Donald Mickey and Minnie, Shrek.  There was one for the muppets too.   Despite the late hour, there were plenty of other tourists.  

Stayed at the Holiday Inn about two blocks from the theater. Clean room and free breakfast which worked out well.  The amazon packages arrived which saved me the usual rush to get to Walmart for all the snacks and things we forgot. 

January 11,2018

Kids choice.  We hit the Hollywood sign.  Great view from Hollywood Lake Park.  Got to see lots of interesting landscaping jobs.  

Off to Santa Monica Pier. Watched some street performers including a guy with a suit and trump mask singing in Spanish.   Rode the Ferris wheel.  Looked in the tourist shops.   Quite a few drug addicts asking for money.  Someone actually asked if I would give them money for a dog on a stick.  This was after his very clear medical diagnosis of ADHD that he shared with me to explain his erratic behavior.  

A drive up the pacific coast highway to Malibu.  Then dropped the kids for two hours of six flags. (Membership kept this free) 

John had to work. So we are meeting him then taking the long drive to Needles.  Up early tomorrow for the Balloon Festival.  Hope these kids get up with me.