Redondo Beach, April 9, 10

 We had such a wonderful visit with Clare and Chris Auchterlonie. The weather was a bit overcast with some rain, but it did not stop us from doing anything.
   On April 9, a Saturday, we met up with Cindy (Gerchman) Winner and her husband, Kirk. Cindy and Barbara grew up together in Binghamton, but, sadly  have not seen each other for almost 40 years! It was great to meet up. Time just vanishes. We met by the Redondo Beach Pier at Captain Kidd's, a really good fish restaurant. Cindy and Barbara caught up on our families and reminisced a bit. Cindy is retiring soon from her job as a hospital administrator. We hope that means that we will see more of each other.

    

Great Blue that was on the pier where we all walked

 In the evening we went out to eat (fish tacos) with Clare and Chris.
      The next day we started off with an asparagus frittata made by Mark as it was a recipe he was given to test for America's Test Kitchen. We all thought it was pretty good.
      Then Clare drove us into L.A. and gave us a tour of the area where L.A. began. (We were very happy to have Clare drive the hectic freeways.) We started at Little Tokyo where we bought a small housewarming present for David and Maura who have moved into a new place in Missoula. Clare introduced us to "mochi" a Japanese style of wrapped ice cream (in some sort of rice paper dough).

Little Tokyo

Clare in Little Tokyo

    From there we walked to La Plaza and went into the Mexican-American museum. Some of the exhibits were closed, but it was still interesting. Too many people forget that this part of the country belonged to Spain and then to Mexico. The treatment of the Mexicans has been pretty terrible. There was a nice exhibit to Anthony Quinn, the actor.

Antique Fireman's hats on the wall of the first firehouse in L.A.

     From there we walked around the area and visited the oldest house in L.A. an adobe house.

Adobe House

Mark and  Clare in Adobe House

Oil Derricks in downtown L.A., 1916

Pico Hotel, a luxury hotel once upon a time

Pico Hotel building today - empty now

     Before going home, Clare took us up to the cliffs of Palos Verdes, very close to their house. Stunning views with lots of dolphins and surfers, rocks and waves, rugged cliffs. (Not to mention multi-million dollar homes.)

Looking back at L.A. from Palos Verdes

Catalina Island in the background

       The four of us had a nice Sunday dinner of roast chicken, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, asparagus and peas. Then we watched some good t.v.