The day of GGB...Galleries, Gardens, and Beach...

This past Sunday we had the pleasure to visit the Getty Museum in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. $10 bucks to park, and the museum is free! Once out of the parking garage, we boarded a tram to head up the mountain. The buildings are and grounds are simply stunning. I was in awe of the panoramic views.

Phill and I were excited to visit this museum with our friends. Their knowledge of the collections aided us in enjoying each building we toured through.

In the galleries all mediums were on display; mosaics, oil, sculpture, pen and ink to name a few.

I was drawn to the expressions on the faces.They were mesmerizing! In one painting, "Spring", painted in 1894, the little girls seemed that they could walk right off the canvas.

The photography exhibit by the artist Jo Ann Callis was wonderfully engaging. Her "Guilty Pleasures" photographic display of desserts had us riveted to the images.

On the grounds of the museum is an outdoor garden, "The Flowering Maze." The maze is surrounded by a floral fantasy. We had a great time taking in the sunshine walking through the pathways, eyeing such exotic plants!

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After our lovely peaceful day at the Getty, we drove to Venice Beach.

Walking to the beach from our parked car, it is apparent this is one unique town. Venice Beach, as finally decided by the Jersey Boys is, "Seaside Heights on Crack." This beach area is jam packed with tourists, locals, musicians, entrepreneurs, and them some. It is by far the craziest beach town I have ever seen. Legal THC and Pot are sold in many stores. I was amazed how many afflicted peeps are patrons of these med shops! I was even handed a postcard listing what diseases can be helped!

On the beach we could see and hear a huge drum circle! There had to be well over 200 people playing, dancing and taking in the cacophony of sound. We had a blast taking in the sights, and music.

As it was a few days after the passing of MJ, many fans were selling his tribute T-Shirts.

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Tonight we were fortunate enough to be out in the car while the sun started to set. As you can see by these photos, it was magnificent. This had to be the prettiest sunset we have seen here yet. Enjoy!

Seen along the way...

A few views as we drove south on the PCH. We were coastline along beaches and beach towns. So cool. I loved the road sign!!

We met this gentleman at the Farmer's Market in Dana Point. I you look closely , he is carrying his pet parrot on his back. I asked, "why are you carrying your bird?" He laughed, and stated that birds are like dogs they need the companionship. Personally, I don't think the bird really cared. Probably if it's wings weren't clipped he would show the owner what it really cared about! But, he said he knew of people that take their trusted sidekick birds on planes. These birds speak.....so you know where this conversation went from here...."Hey can you fly this faster?" "What only a stinking pack of peanuts?" "Polly want a better Pilot!". We had a great laugh, I asked if i could take his pick and we were on our way!

The market has a varied group of wonderful farmers, organic farmers, and crafters (the second Saturday of every month.) Our most favorite organic fruit farmer/seller is our weekly ha ha. He is just so free and open. One of those clazy characters, that make you laugh. This first time we bought cherries from him (quite delicious), he explained his measuring system. First a quart container is filled, and then you get a hand full, then you get a few sprinkled on top!! All for 5 bucks. The show is well worth it. (I don't have his picture, I reallly wanted to ask him though.) This past Saturday, we were happy to see him back at his booth. He told us he was losing his voice, and had leukemia all week. I said leukemia!? He replied, yes for a week, but it is getting better. (we figured out laryngitis as we walked away with the most delicious organic cherries!) I have now named him Shroom boy.

Maybe reading all those Dr. Suess books growing up was a good thing! All in Whoville are alive and well!

Kingbaboo's Sunday Road Tripz

A few weeks ago, Phill said we were going for a ride to an airport. Inwardly I groaned. Phill used to fly small planes, and we have spent many an hour at small airports. But, I was a sport clapped my hands and said let's go!! We ended up at Torrey Pines Sailport. Hours were spent there watching the Paragliders come and go. The sailport is perched on a cliff dropping off to the Pacific Ocean! The beauty is phenomenal. I have a little fear of heights, and was glad if you were a spectator, you had to stay behind the marked area! Phill was in his glory! We took many pictures, just revelling in the beauty of the sport! At the end of this visit, I was dizzy! Phill had to hold my hand back to the car. It doesn't take much for a blonde to get involved! hahah.

This Sunday Kingbaboo said to me....I want to take you on a bike ride. We are going to ride The Ortega Highway, through the Cleveland National Forest, and then to Lake Elsinore. I was a little nervous, but took 3 Advil for my upcoming hip pain and jumped on the bike.

Kingbaboo rather a mild man, transforms into Speed Demon on a bike. Let's for sake of this writing refer to him as Kingbaboo Speed Demon: KSD. I have ridden with KSD since I was 18. Who besides this writer, and KSD has done 90 mph on the Pulaski Skyway? If Mr. James M reads this blog, I know he has a tale worth telling.

There were various road signs that curlicued and stated 25 mph. KSD believes a motorcycle can handle those curves 10-15 mph fassssster. When we arrived at the top of the mountain, KSD stopped for a photo op.

Lake Elsinore is far below in the distance. One sign I spied at 80 mph that we were at 2,600 elevation. We arrived alive down the mountain pass, and in the sky we spied dozens of parachutes! I was praying for a hip break, so we found the field and enjoyed the atmosphere for awhile.

At one point I counted 23 jumpers loading into a jet. Right behind them 18 more loaded themselves into another awaiting jet. We had a blast watching these fun loving men and women whoosh onto the field from far heights in the sky.

I then inquired to KSD do we have to go back the way we came? (please say no, please say no!!) Well kids, this wouldn't be a story if we drove back by freeway.

So up the mountain we climb. But this time something has changed. We are on the leaning edge to the abyss. No guardrail, no nuttin' just a painted line to see where the road ends. A mathematician I am not. But I knew our angle of attack was 45 degrees or more. I THOUGHT I WAS GOONA DIE!!!!! Now my brain is thinking, if our tires slip, slide or wobble, that would be it.

We finally make it up and down the crazy road, Phill turns his head and says, "This always makes me feel like I am in a commercial." I say to KSD, "that made me feel like I was in a nightmare!" A chuckle nonetheless.

I guess this is why we have been married 30 years. The Yin and Yang of our relationship!

Ciao for now, and hold on tight!