…is what I’m doing today, after returning from an energetic week in Southern California, visiting my sons Robert and Tom. Right off the bat I was treated to a gala 21st anniversary concert by the Agape International Choir, which, you may remember, sang at the Democratic National Convention in August, 2008, and in which my son, Tom, participates. It’s an integral part of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City (www.agapelive.com) Talk about energy! It was a combination gospel, spiritual, and rock concert of original music that literally blew me away!
After that it was a whirlwind of visits starting with old friend Karen dePlanque, who met me in Del Mar for lunch, a walk on the beach, and a glorious sunset over the Pacific Ocean. I was so excited to see so many seals, except that they turned out to be hardy surfers in wet suits. What does a city girl from NJ know?
Next, I connected with Ruth Abel, and had a three- hour lunch at the famous Warehouse Restaurant. Ruth is a dynamo, who participates in many philanthropic projects, my favorite being APECA (Association Promoting Education and Conservation in Amazonia) in Iquitos, Peru. I urge you to visit www.apecaperu.org and read about some of their projects, such as training health providers, and initiating water and reforestation projects so needed by people in remote areas.
The main reason to visit L.A., of course, was to reconnect with my western sons and daughter-in-law, Gwen Abel. We had a blast and these pictures capture some of our peregrinations, from work to play. It’s nice to be sitting in a Jacuzzi in November after walking on the levees and bridges that separate Marina Del Rey from Playa Del Rey. And to see the hundreds of sailboats and fishing birds that inhabit this second largest man-made bay in the world (I think Dubai is now the first).
Robert and Tom. It's sunny in California!
A variety of fisher birds live in these trees
Standing on the edge of the bay...
Mexican food at the end of the day
As I’ve reported in the past. Robert has invented an exciting new game using his “almost golf” ball, and travels to college campuses, parks, neighborhoods, and corporate headquarters across the country to set up interesting courses for tournaments, some as fund raisers and others just as fun-raisers. His most recent one was for the L.A. County Park Foundation. Catch it on his website along with some neat videos of the tour. http://www.offcoursegolf.net
Tom is also full speed ahead on his new business, White Roof Systems, LLC. Some of you may have read about this amazing new paint that, when applied, lowers heating and air-conditioning costs by over 30%. It’s catching on like wildfire in southern California and Tom has just completed a massive job at the Anaheim Hilton. Here is a shot of him putting the finishing touches on this famous hotel.
Anaheim Hilton
My final Sunday in L.A. was spent at the Agape International Spiritual Center, where 5,000 young people (young compared to me, at least!) attend three services and listen to the inspirational message of the Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith. What a great way to end a trip!
Tune in next time for a review of plays and Rule #4 for travelers.
Jon Pollack
I had forgotten that you went out of town. I also loved your comments on the Met backstage tour. That is something I always wanted to do.
M PETERSON
OK, I’ll do it, again, with you. Did you see my most recent one? I’m trying to write a blog more frequently. Any good travel suggestions…maybe a little off the beaten path? Love, Meg