California dreamin’ and fun, fun, fun in the sun
I flew to Los Angeles on Thursday, June 19, 2025, to spend a few days with my nephew, Andrew, Michael’s son, and to connect one-on-one without the rest of the family.
Left Susan and Michael’s in Phoenix early to catch a one-hour flight on Southwest to LAX, that took off 45 minutes late, but landed only 15 minutes late. Must be the time-continuum shift or something.
Andrew picked me and that started a day of catching up and adventure.
First stop: Andrew’s quiet place to read. A tiny pocket park in his neighborhood with a bench and four-or-five big, beautiful trees. A nice green respite from the concrete jungle.
We parked nearby and walked up a slight hill just to prove I’m out of shape and can breath heavy with a little exertion. From the top of the rise you can see the Pacific Ocean, and the walk to the beach was at least down hill. Whew!!
Patty Ann enjoyed the easy walk along the beach esplanade, this being the first time she saw the Pacific Ocean. Our return trip to where we parked the car was up hill because what comes down must go up. Can you hear my heavy breathing?
Andrew took me to show me his apartment and to call the hotel to see if my room was ready for me to check in. It was, so after talking a bit we headed down the two blocks to Hotel June. Newly refurbished, my room was spacious and clean. Very nice accommodations.
We left the hotel and in a few quick turns we were parking in a tiny lot to have lunch at Cinco, the Mexican bar and restaurant that my nephew Thomas, Alfredo’s son, insisted we stop there. Thomas went to film school in LA and his older cousin, Andrew, took him under his wing to show him all the cool places. Thomas now lives back in Florida.
It’s only 2 p.m. and we’ve done all this. Crazy. I only got to LA at 11. Whew!!
But Andrew had more plans. It was off to his favorite used record store, or should I say used record store and emporium. Between the aisles of record bins, under the racks, above the piles, on shelves against the wall, were a plethora of antiques, collectibles, vintage gadgets, books, magazines, and an assortment of stuff. A hoarder’s (like me) dream. I loved that place.
Andrew scored three great record finds before we headed out back to his apartment to catch our breath. We sat and had some more great conversation before heading out to dinner at Jame Italian restaurant.
All the traditional Italian dishes were on the menu, but many had an interesting twist. My cavatelli were excellent. It was in a ricotta and bread crumb sauce. I tasted Andrew’s Cacio e Pepe and it was also well done.
Back to Andrew’s to watch some of “Saving Private Ryan” to test his new surround sound system. Then it was back to the hotel for me at around 10 a.m. to get some rest for another activity packed day.
We’re heading south to have lunch with our cousins Tina and Toni on Friday.
Writer’s note: Andrew kept me so busy I didn’t take many photos. Sorry, I’ll try to do better.