We went to the beach last Sunday. You’d think that I would take in that ocean air more often considering the Pacific Ocean is less than 20 miles away from me; but no. I always think I would do it next week and next week never comes. Similarly, I regret I didn't visit the Smithsonian Museums more often when I lived near Washington, DC. Yup! I admit it. I’m part of the Procrasti-Nation. If you’re honest, you’re part of it too.
I enjoyed just observing the California beach goers. You know the song --- “I wish they all could be California girls” --- oh behave! They came in all shapes and sizes --- chiseled vs. cellulite. From skins that were smooth and youthful to overcooked and leathery --- the vegans mixed with the fast food junkies. It's interesting how most sun bathers started out very demure --- unpeeling each layer of clothing but, as the day progressed, all inhibitions were thrown by the wayside. You know the old saying --- "When in Rome ..."
They came by the thousands. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last. These were young Americans, many of whom who had never lived more than forty-miles from their place of birth. This all changed with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Most of the U.S. military bases were located in California and the recruits were shipped to an unfamiliar landscape of wide-open spaces, eternal sunshine, crystal-clear ocean waters and groves of citrus trees...
Each summer the Terry & Jackie Nishimoto family of Sherman Oaks, CA, load up their Volvo station wagon for a week-long vacation to one of California’s most spectacular destinations. Yosemite? The Redwoods or Joshua Tree? Wrong. The Nishimoto’s destination of choice is nestled along the Pacific Ocean, less than a two hour drive south of Los Angeles.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is the best of both vacation worlds. Set in a lush canyon, next to a flowing stream, the resort offers guests a classy, rustic atmosphere. And located a few hundred yards from the Pacific Ocean, it also boasts a California beach feel. In other words, The Ranch is one of my new favorite hideaways. A …
It is hard to overstate the beauty and magnificence of the Pageant of the Masters. The spectacle, held in an open-air theater in Laguna Beach, is one of my favorite annual Southern California events and something that any lover of art and culture should experience at least once. Now in its 85th season, the world-renown stage show incredibly recreates and …
There is nothing like sleeping in an ocean-front room and awakening to the sounds of waves crashing against the sand. It is one of the finer things in life. And it is exactly what I experienced recently on a memorable getaway to The Inn at Laguna Beach.