Long Beach

I have had a great week-end in Southern California this Labor Day holiday. Charlie and I arrived at Cousin Marian's on Friday evening. We explored Long Beach on Saturday (all day) and Sunday (evening). Long Beach is where Charlie spent both elementary and high school days of his growing up years. We had a great day just wandering around the area. Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant with wonderful food at an overwhelming quantity. We finished it up today for lunch!

Sunday morning we went to Forest Lawn at Glendale. I was sure Charlie would like the history and religious overtone. We sat through the program about the stained glass version of "The Last Supper". As we were leaving the area, we saw a platform with flowers. I got out of the car to investigate and discovered it was a platform dedicated to Michael Jackson. On it were numerous notes, pictures and cards as well as flower arrangements which were fresh flowers and pretty new.

We went from there to the Freedom Mausoleum where I lost Charlie. Marian and I sat on the steps thinking he would ultimately reappear. I finally found him from the exact opposite direction I expected.

Charlie and I returned to Long Beach on Sunday evening. We explored and checked out the pool hall where he learned to hustle. (I have to wonder if that is a useful skill??????) He found his childhood home. It is currently on the market for $219,000. It sold for $30,000 in 1960'ish.
He said he is pleased to discover he was raised in a 1/4 million dollar home and never knew it.

Right now I'm on the 14th floor of a Hilton in Pasadena, California. It is a corner room with great windows. The view is wonderful.