We have been planning our USA visit for quite awhile. Randy’s Ojai Valley School 50th reunion, visiting the Baskins in Fountain Valley, CA, a stop in Vegas (timeshare exchange) and visiting our daughters in Seattle were all on our agenda.
Mark and Arlene at Cliff’s 70th birthday party in Huntington Beach.
A beautiful scene in Huntington Beach actually celebrating 5 birthdays with live music, games and food
Mark took us on a hike to Top of the World in Laguna Beach
We had a lovely 4 days with the Baskins, enjoying food, conversation, hiking and life. Our first stop after being in Central America for 9 months, we were excited about simple pleasures like Walgreens, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse and Amazon orders.
Next Stop- Hollywood
Although I grew up in Hollywood, there were a number of tourist attractions I had not visited. We stayed in a shared Airbnb with a friendly couple not far from my childhood home. It was a beautiful neighborhood to walk in the evening, with tall palm trees lining the streets.
The neighborhood
Entry to our Airbnb
Lovely walking tour through downtown LA
Lunch at Horse Thief BBQ at Grand Central Market
Angels Flight was closed for repair
Paramount Studio tour was very enjoyable and educational. We got to hold a real Oscar.
500 lb. dead lift
Robin transporting
Toured Dr. Phil’s studioThrone from Gladiator
After Paramount we drove behind the studios and toured Hollywood Forever Cemetery . Many famous actors buried here, Judy garland, Don Adams, Jayne Mansfield and Burt Reynolds were a few.
Margherita pizza at John & Vinny’s
LA Farmer’s Market
The Getty Museum
World famous art is on display at the Getty Museum in Brentwood. Neither one of us had ever been here before. Free admission, just pay for parking.
We enjoyed a lovely day touring the Getty Museum
We also did a Tour of the Stars Homes
The old Playboy Mansion
Gate to Michael Jackson’s estate
TCL Chinese Theater, the old Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Getty Villa
On the way to the LAX Airport, we stopped to tour the Getty Villa,in Malibu. We enjoyed this more than the Getty Center. Beautiful grounds, well kept facility, lots of volunteers and rotating exhibits.
Ojai Valley School Alumni Weekend. (my 50th high school reunion)
We drove to Santa Paula, CA and then made our way to Ojai. Friday night dinner hosted at Suzanne Harvey’s beautiful home. Shared a great meal with long time friends. Saturday we spent the day at upper campus for a lunch and tour. Saturday eve took place at lower campus for cocktails and dinner with more friends.
Always enjoyable connecting with the Boggs family
Vegas and Seattle
We didn’t take many pictures in Vegas this visit,but the Conservatory at the Bellagio is always awesome
Random chance, we ran into my niece, Catey at the Las Vegas airport.
Our plane made a nice wing tip over the Vegas strip as we left.
A very enjoyable Father’s Day lunch at Cactus, with Rikka and Katy.We were looking forward to 3 days with John and Joan at their penthouse condo on Alki Beach. Unfortunately, the next day, I was admitted to the hospital for a coronary artery stent.
I recovered quickly, but we had to cancel the Florida chapter of our journey.
Rikka with our little grandpuppy, Jelly BeanRobin with her firstborn and newborn
Thanks to Candi and Gene for a lovely visit in Ellensburg
Katy’s first visit to the Whiskey Bar in the bowels of the Dana home.
Lunch at the Tav
Robin’s birthday celebration with her sister and family
Always fantastic meals at the Dana’s
Incredible steak at Daniel’s Broiler for my birthday dinner thanks to Katy. Glowing from my chemical anti cancer face peel.
Happy mom and daughter getting to spend quality time.
Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 