Monday, September 9th, 2024
5th time at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Exhibits on his childhood, college, Governor and President.
Some of these haven't been displayed before.
They've had the x-ray out before showing the bullet next to his heart. But not the new suit that he infamously quipped about being cut off of him.
Somewhere my name is supposed to be on a Founders' Wall for the Air Force Pavilion.
Cockpit, communications, First Lady and Cabinet.
Thursday, September 12th, 2024
You can tell you're in California....
Nethercutt Museum has beautifully restored automobiles focusing on the 1900s to 1940s.
J.B. Nethercutt (1913-2004) co-founded Merle Harmon Cosmetics with his aunt in 1931. His passion for fine motorcars spiraled into having his own restoration shop and opening up his collection to the public in 1971.
Oh, there is more.
If you plan ahead you can get on a tour of the non-descript second facility.
It starts in the basement.
So many marvelous works of engineering and styling.
1931 Bugatti Type 51
1928 Isotta-Fraschini Model 8A
1926 Pierce Arrow Series 33 Runabout
Last time in LA, the Academy Museum had just opened and timed tickets were sold out.
A tradition since 1996.
His Mother's Bible used in both inaugurations
Notecards of jokes, stories and stats to use in speeches
Scribbled notes after assassination attempt when he was hooked up to a breathing machine
Letter announcing Alzheimer's.
The Oval. Resolute desk had to be raised 2 inches so they didn't have to 'lower his knees'.
Tail number 27000 served from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush with Ronald Reagan using it the most.
Part of the World Trade Center in front of the gallery on Camp David and Rancho del Cielo.
The back with....
...the final resting place.
Good morning from Sylmar Donuts.
And then the Grand Salon. Mic drop.
Imagine how much money is here. And more importantly the skill to restore these beauties.
1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Arlington Torpedo
1930 Ruxton
1931 Cadillac Model 370A
1933 Hispana-Suiza Model J12 Coupe de Ville
You can walk right up to them, but no touchy touchy. I had a girlfriend like that....
1933 Hispana-Suiza Model H6C
1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Sedan
1932 Maybach DS8 Zeppelin Sport Cabriolet
Down to Hollywood to visit with a high school friend. Oh, he works there, not an involuntary resident.
Always enjoy strolling The Grove.
And absorbing the decades of ambience at The Original Farmers Market.
Magee's has been doing corned beef since 1917.
It's three floors dedicated to the art of movies. This exhibit has background on Casablanca including two pianos used in the classic film.
Notable moments and some outfits from the Academy Awards.
Most of these Oscars are from categories people never watch (or are aired) execept the last two are Clark Gable and Mary Pickford.
An exhibit on how costumes are designed including actual movie wardrobe. Recognized the ones on the end?
Sci-fi costumes and props.
Not sure what movies these are from.
Hollywood
Gone Bananas uses their own Banana Bread in Banana Bread Pudding.
Roscoe's House of Chicken n Waffles is the last restaurant on my lengthy restaurant list.
Friday, September 13th, 2024
On this spot in Hawthorne, now intersected by I-105, stood the home of Murry and Audree Wilson. In 1961 their sons Brian, Dennis and Carl along with cousin Mike started The Beach Boys.
In Downey is the oldest (1953) operating McDonalds brother's restaurant. This was their third restaurant and since it came before meeting Ray Kroc and his franchising, it remained independent until 1990.
Came here many years ago for the vernacular architecture, recognized in film and TV. Keep returning since their donuts are really good. Pumpkin Butter Crumb Cake and Cinnamon Crumb Cake.
Love Googie architecture!
Opened in 1958 in the Westchester neighborhood of LA, it's a remarkably well preserved example of this uniquely SoCal style that played into that era's fascination with space travel, cars and jets.
The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum.
Looking at that legroom!
Familiar drive leaving Santa Monica heading towards Malibu.
In the foothills above Santa Monica is Will Roger's ranch.
He had 354 acres in 1928 with 186 remaining as a state park.
Will was the top box office earner from the 1920s until his death in 1935 in a plane crash. He also had a widely popular column in 500 newspapers and a radio show.
This aerial picture is when mules were used to clear the land for his beloved polo field across from the ranch.
Took four attemps over 3 decades to get a house tour. Loved it.
I want this. Everything is original.
Top of the line kitchen in 1928.
Courtyard between the two wings.
North music wing with a music room and living room.
Will Jr's bedroom.
Master bedroom.
Study.
Despite driving past numerous times, realized I'd never been San Bernadino. Egads. Looked it up- for a crime rating of 1 to 100 (100 the best), this town has a 4.
Site of the first McDonald's along Route 66 in San Bernadino.
