Exploring Catalina Island: A Journey to Avalon

October 16, 2017California

“I found my love in Avalon, beside the bay; I left my love in Avalon and sailed away. I dream of her and Avalon from dusk ’til dawn – and so I think I’ll travel on to Avalon.” ~Al Jolson, Avalon The early morning sun was already casting an apricot glow over the horizon as … Read More

Notes from Home: Life at the Edge of the Pacific

September 11, 2017California, Notes from Home

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ~Jacques Cousteau “It will be like we’re on vacation!” my husband proclaims as we scroll through photos at the kitchen table, our dinner plates pushed aside, laptop front and center. An upcoming home remodeling project was forcing us to find … Read More

Cabrillo National Monument: On A Clear Day You Can (Almost) See Forever

August 28, 2017California

The two-lane road to Cabrillo National Monument winds its way to the tip of Point Loma, leaving behind busy commercial intersections and residential neighborhoods as it leads to the park entrance. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a California Historical Landmark that dates to 1882, stretches along both sides of the road. Glimpses of San Diego Bay … Read More

The Hollywood Bowl: Good Times Never Seemed So Good!

July 10, 2017California

Two years ago in late May, I finally made it to the Hollywood Bowl. I had wanted to see a concert there for as long as I’ve lived in Southern California, but as with so many places close to home, it never quite found its way into the plans. Nearby experiences don’t seem to carry … Read More

The Magic Castle: An Enchanting Evening in the Heart of Hollywood

June 19, 2017California

From the moment I walked into the library-themed lobby of The Magic Castle, I was captivated, transported to another world that felt like time-traveling back to Old Hollywood. Red-and-pink Victorian-looking wallpaper, rich-toned wood moldings and old-fashioned floral carpets set a mood of quiet elegance in the dimly lit space. But it was the secret doorway … Read More

San Diego: Five Favorite Excursions from the Port

October 3, 2016California

When I first visited San Diego in the early 1990s, it struck me as a big small town. And now after calling America’s Finest City home for thirteen years, it still feels that way. San Diego is a city, to be sure, but it’s an easy place to get around, even with the phenomenal growth … Read More

San Francisco: Getting Around With Uber

May 16, 2016California

“How long have you been driving for Uber?” My husband’s question echoed from the back seat as we rode through the hills of San Francisco. We recently spent three days using Uber to get around the city, where our daughter Emily was moving to start a new job. We were there to help with the move, … Read More