NO time for boredom today

Tag: American culture

  • The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

    The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

    California is lucky to have two Presidential Libraries: the Reagan in Simi Valley and the Nixon in Yorba Linda.

    I have visited the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum a number of times and have watched it change over the years. The library was originally started by a private foundation in 1990. It is located on land that was previously owned by the Nixon family for a failed citrus farm. The grounds still include Nixon’s childhood home, from 1912, built by Nixon’s father using a mail-order kit.

    In 2007, the National Archives and Records Administration took over the collection. Nixon’s daughters Julie and Tricia are still active members of the board of directors. The biggest change in the library was the reinterpretation of Watergate. Other changes include the 2004 addition of the East Wing replica. Also, in 2006, the Army One helicopter arrived. This helicopter was flown during the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations. This is the same helicopter that transported the Nixons on their final flight from the White House lawn when Nixon resigned as President of the United States. Now is the time to see it. The helicopter is scheduled to depart the library for extensive restoration.

    I have been to more than half of the presidential libraries and this one does a fantastic job at presenting interactive displays. The current permanent exhibit is a fair and honest interpretation of Nixon’s accomplishments and failures. Nixon is responsible for establishing the Environmental Protection Agency as well as Title IX which prohibits any sex-based discrimination in any education-based program or activity receiving federal funding. In addition, he ended the military draft effective 1973. His international work to establish a relationship with the People’s Republic of China after 25 years of no contact is extraordinary.

    On the negative side, his campaign promise to dismantle the Vietnam War was painfully slow and frustrating. Nixon’s abuse of power and paranoia was legendary. The Watergate coverup of course, destroyed his presidency and reputation.

    The current rotating exhibit celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and includes President Dwight Eisenhower’s 4 stars, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and the kitchen display that started Nixon’s famous “Kitchen Debate” with Khrushchev in 1959 when Nixon was the Vice President under Eisenhower.

    In summary, the library does a wonderful job at maximizing indoor and outdoor space.

    Inside the Lobby
    Front Entrance Fountain
    The Nixon Presidential Campaign
    Nixon Campaign Buttons
    Nixon’s Oval Office
    Nixon’s Oval Office
    Part of the Berlin Wall
    Watergate Display
    Abuse of Power Display
    Map of Hidden Speakers in the Nixon White House
    Nixon Family Grocery Store in Whittier
    Lieutenant Nixon
    Nixon’s Early Political Life
    Fun Photo Opportunity at the Nixon Library
    Novelty Nixon Shower Head
    Nixon Established the EPA
    Rose Garden at the Library
    The Nixon Graves
    Nixon’s Original Childhood Home Where He Was Born
    Nixon’s Childhood Home
    Replica of the East Wing of the White House
    Front Exterior of Nixon’s Childhood Home
    112-Year-Old Pepper Tree Adjacent to the Nixon Family Home
    California Bear Sculpture
    The Nixon Presidential Helicopter
    My Husband and Myself in Front of the Nixon-Era Helicopter
    Special Exhibit at the Library
    Eisenhower’s 4 Stars
    The Actual Kitchen from Nixon’s Kitchen Debate
    Louis Armstrong’s Trumpet
    Plaque Outside Nixon’s Childhood Home

  • Lobster Roll

    I first discovered the delicious treat known as the lobster roll years ago while attending college in Massachusetts. At the time, I had no idea of the controversy: cold or hot, celery or no celery and, of course mayonnaise or no mayonnaise. Many heated arguments have erupted over these questions. Depending upon what state you go to, for example Maine or Connecticut, determines your definition of a lobster roll.

    Personally, I like mine Connecticut style which means butter, salt, pepper and lemon juice. I have tried the cold mayonnaise version and it is just not my thing. Also, to those who add celery – wrong! Lobster has a very delicate taste and I think that it interferes with the flavor of lobster versus complimenting it.

    The lobster roll sandwich goes back to the 1920s but really gained popularity in the 1970s. I went to college in the 1980s and never heard of lobster rolls until I was in Massachusetts.

    Locally, we go to Lobster West in Encinitas California for our sporadic fix. The place not only prepares the lobster perfectly but serves the sandwich on the perfect toasted roll with the right amount of melted butter! In addition, whenever I am in Massachusetts for one of my college reunions, I always make sure to enjoy a lobster roll.

  • Say Cheese!

    Say Cheese!

    I recently attended Gourmet Foods International’s San Diego Food Expo. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience…except, perhaps, that feeling of being so full by the end of the day.

    The day started early in the morning with a series of classes:

    French and American Hams for Charcuterie Boards

    I loved learning about the history behind the Jambon-Beurre. It is the classic Parisian sandwich made with just three ingredients: baguette, ham and butter. What makes this simple sandwich so special is the quality of all three ingredients. French butter, in particular, is a lot more rich and creamy than the American version. The ham, Jambon de Paris, is a wet-cured and boiled ham that is not smoked. It is very tender and not salty. I must confess that while I was in Paris, I focused on two other classic French dishes – soupe a l’ oignon and croque-monsieur. That said, I can’t wait to go back to Paris for a Jambon-Beurre.

    Next up, the president/owner of The Spotted Trotter out of Atlanta Georgia spoke about his background as a chef at French Laundry in Napa Valley and his desire for a greater purpose – to create fine American-made charcuterie meats. We sampled his Tasso Ham (a heavily spiced and pecan-smoked meat) and Culatello Prosciutto (made from the center of the pig leg and known as the king of prosciuttos). Both were immensely delicious and impressive.

    California Cheeses

    Highlights included meeting one of the three sisters who own Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese – a company that started out only making blue cheese. The company has expanded with other products and now makes several versions of Toma which the president described as an Italian cheese with a Dutch twist. I loved her suggestion of using the company’s TomaRashi (Toma flavored with Japanese chili flakes, ginger, orange peel, nori and nigella seeds) in tacos.

    Cypress Grove Cheese brought its spectacular Humboldt fog cheese – a yummy goat cheese with a gooey layer under the rind and a layer of vegetable-based ash in the center. You really have to try it to appreciate it. This cheese looks like a work of art. In addition, the Cypress Grove representative brought their Dutch-made goat Gouda called Midnight Moon. This cheese is so smooth and sweet. I sell a lot of it in my store. I almost think it has a cult-like following. It is an expensive cheese but so worth it.

    Cheese Pairings

    In this class, we were given an assortment of cheeses, including Point Reyes Bay Blue, Vermont Creamery’s Hooper (creamy cheese shaped like a donut) and Marin French’s Breakfast Brie (a soft and rich Brie without a rind). The Bay Blue has a fudge-like texture with a more mellow and sweeter taste than their original blue cheese. It really complimented the Jose Andres dark chocolate. Also, I enjoyed the Breakfast Brie with the pepper jelly. My other favorite pairing was the Marin French breakfast cheese with sweet peppers.

    The Convention Hall Booths

    Walking around the convention hall was a food-coma experience. As a professional cheese monger, I am responsible for ordering everything from specialty cheeses to a variety of foods someone would want to pair with his or her cheese. That means I interested in jams, crackers, halva, dried fruit, specialty meats and so on.

    The Ube Gouda caught my eye because of its vibrant color. The cheese maker gets this color by adding in Japanese Ube potato to the mix. Surprisingly, the cheese has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

    For those who love Jose Andres potato chips (they are delicious and consist of only 3 ingredients: potatoes, olive oil and salt),you will be happy to know that the company has a new flavor – curry. I tried it and loved it; it is not overpowering.

    Marin French Cheese Company has a new Brie with a garlic-free version of everything-but-the-bagel seasoning and it’s wonderful!

    Firehook was there with their classic gourmet cracker flavors (sea salt, rosemary sea salt, garlic & thyme and so on). The company produces the best organic Mediterranean-style cracker that has just a handful of ingredients and nothing artificial. Firehook has a new dill-flavored cracker and it is fantastic. If you have not tried Firehook, you need to. These crackers are insanely good.

    Eventually, all good things come to an end and so my husband, a friend and I all waddled out of the convention hall and into our car. I left feeling completely full and inspired by all the new products I tasted.

    Ube Gouda
    Tasting Ube Gouda
    Creamy Maytag Blue
    Really Fresh-Tasting Jams
    Goat Cheeses from Cypress Farm Including the Dutch Sheep Gouda Lamb Chopper
    English Cheeses from Somerdale
    English Cheddar with Pumpkin Spice
    Plate from My Cheese Pairing Class
    Great Resource for Those Interested in Learning More
    Fun Display at the Expo
    California Cheeses for Class
    Ham Tasting Class
    Red Pepper Jelly from My Cheese Pairing Class
    Humboldt Fog Cheese
    Mixture of Olives & Red Peppers from My Cheese Pairing Class
    Jose Andres Chocolate with a Hint of Cinnamon
  • The Wizard of Oz Visits the Hotel Del Coronado

    The Wizard of Oz Visits the Hotel Del Coronado

    Every year, the Hotel Del Coronado puts up an impressive Christmas tree in the hotel’s main lobby. This year’s theme is the Wizard of Oz. In addition, to the tree in the lobby, the hotel set up multiple trees in the courtyard. Each of the smaller tree represents a character from the Wizard of Oz.

    I have always loved visiting the Hotel Del Coronado. First, the hotel is an elegant Victorian hotel built in 1888. The hotel is painted white with a red roof and is known for its iconic large circular ballroom. Second, the surrounding town is beautiful. Coronado is a charming and elegant beach town with a small-town feel. The beach is the most beautiful beach in all of San Diego. Third, one of my favorite movies, Some Like It Hot, with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon was filmed at the hotel in 1958. Billy Wilder directed the film and the Del Coronado filled in for a Floridian resort.

    Finally, as a history buff, I love that the Prince of Wales, subsequently known as King Edward for a brief period of time, visited San Diego in 1920 and stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel hosted an elaborate gala for the occasion. The Del Coronado still has the menu and some of the special China used for the dinner on display.

    Normally, the hotel is extremely busy during the holiday season. However, due to heavy rain on New Year’s Day, the town of Coronado and the hotel were quiet. We were able to enjoy the Christmas decorations without anyone else around.

    Main Lobby Christmas Tree with Wizard of Oz Theme
    Close-Up of Lobby Tree with Toto
    Main Lobby
    Main Lobby
    Elevator at Lobby
    Interior View of Front Doors
    Reception Desk
    Close-Up of Original Room Keys at Reception Desk
    Main Hallway Off the Lobby with Historic Photos
    Historic Framed Photos at the Hotel
    Stained-Glass Windows Near the Reception Desk
    Interior View of the Front Desk
    There’s No Place Like Home Tree
    Dorthy’s Tree
    Cowardly Lion Tree
    Tin Man Tree
    Scarecrow Tree
    Interior Courtyard
    Back Exterior of Hotel
    Front Exterior Photo of Stained-Glass Window
    Exterior View of Front Doors
    Front Entrance & Valet Parking
    Famous Dome Roof
    Famous Done Roof
    Example of Lobby Stained Glass Windows
    Built in 1888 – the Hotel Became an Historic Landmark in 1977
    Front Porch
    Downstairs Cafe & Market
  • The Ultimate Christmas Extravaganza – Trees of the Decades at the Ronald Reagan Library

    The Ultimate Christmas Extravaganza – Trees of the Decades at the Ronald Reagan Library

    One of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season is the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley California. The library staff decorates the property so well. The highlight is always the collection of Christmas trees that are so creative and beautiful. The 2025 display includes 26 trees decorated to represent each decade in our country’s history.

    I have included a photo of each tree. My personal favorites include the trees from the 1770, 1870, 1920, 1930, 1950 and 1970.

    The 1770 tree includes the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Lantern, George Washington and the fife and drummers.

    The 1870 tree is especially fun because so much happened in this decade – including the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park. American football and tennis were developed and the typewriter was created. In addition, Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

    The tree representing the Roaring Twenties includes film star Rudolph Valentino who starred in The Sheik in 1921 and died in 1926 at the young ages age of 31. The 18th Amendment banning alcohol became effective in 1920 so this tree dramatically features speakeasy signage. Also, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified in 1920 so the tree is adorned with Votes for Women buttons.

    The 1930s tree includes baskets of apples, the Great Depression, the Hindenburg blimp and Shirley Temple.

    The 1950s tree includes a beautiful lit-up Wurlitzer jukebox as well as Elvis memorabilia, a tribute to the Korean War and a photo of President Eisenhower.

    The 1970s is especially important to me because it was the decade of my childhood. So much happened in this decade and the tree reflects it with: the bar code creation, the start-up Apple Computer Company logo and the movies Jaws, Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Watergate, President Jimmy Carter, the Bicentennial and the short-lived eight track are all included on this tree.

    The trees are on display until January 4 so you still have time to schedule a visit to the library.

    1770
    1780
    1790
    1800
    1810
    1820
    1830
    1840
    1850
    1860
    1870
    1890
    1900
    1910
    1920
    1930
    1940
    1950
    1960
    1970
    1980
    1990
    2000
    2010
    2020
  • The Ronald Reagan Library Is An Absolute Must!

    The Ronald Reagan Library Is An Absolute Must!

    I have visited approximately half of the presidential libraries and the Ronald Reagan Library located in Simi Valley California is my favorite one – so far. Both the permanent and traveling exhibits are impressive. Plus, it is located in a beautiful area of Simi Valley with spectacular mountain views from every direction. In addition, the library has the most friendly and helpful staff.

    First, the library has the Air Force One plane that Reagan flew on as president. The plane was in service from 1973 to 2001 and Reagan flew on it the most out of the seven presidents who used this particular plane. It is impressively displayed in a glass structure and visitors can walk around and through the plane. One year, we even enjoyed a fun lunch during the Christmas season where the tables were set under Air Force One. The food was delicious and the table settings and decorations were perfect.

    Speaking of Christmas, every year the library showcases an impressive number of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This year, we enjoyed looking at 26 trees representing each decade in American history. Last year, the museum displayed trees for each Country that Reagan visited during his eight years in the White House.

    The rotating exhibits are wonderful as well. Currently, the library is curating a fun cowboy themed exhibit. Past exhibits include: the FBI, Pompeii and Auschwitz.

    Finally, no visit is complete without a visit to the gift shop. I never walk out empty-handed. I usually pick up a few fun Christmas tree ornaments. One year, I picked up a great book regarding the White House gingerbread houses.

    Front Entrance
    From the Front of the Library
    Front Entrance
    Front Entrance
    The Current Exhibit
    Statue Outside the Front Doors
    Buffalo Coat
    Congressional Gold Medal for Louis L’Amour
    Chuck Wagon
    Typical Western Saddles
    Chaps
    The Evolution of the Cowboy Hat and Birth of the Stetson
    Wild Chair
    Cattle Car
    Branding Irons Including the One Used ByWill Rogers
    The History of the Branding Iron
    Barbed Wire Was Patented
    Modern Cattle Ranching Utilizes Helicopters
    Rodeo Attire
    Reagan’s 1960 Jeep
    The Exhibit Has a Rifle Demo
    Yellowstone Television Series Costumes
    Wagon
    Trigger of Roy Rogers Fame
    Christmas Tree in the Gift Shop – Ornaments for Sale
    A Piece of the Berlin Wall
    Inauguration Clothing for the Reagan’s
    Nancy’s Second-Hand Rose Costume
    Clothes Worn by Nancy
    Sinatra Was a Huge Supporter
    In High School Nancy Starred in Her High School’s Play First Lady
    Air Force One
    Another View of Air Force One

  • Frogtown: From Factory Town to Artist Colony

    Housing Overlooking the L.A. River

    Over the years, I have heard so much about Frogtown and the Los Angeles River. Recently, my husband and I opted to sign up for one of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s tours of the area – also known as the Elysian Valley. The tour of the area was done in partnership with Friends of the Los Angeles River. Our tour met at the Lewis MacAdams Park, named after the founder of the Friends of the Los Angeles River. MacAdams, who passed away in 2020, was a huge advocate for restoring the river to a more natural state. The park and surrounding area has been designated a protected butterfly habitat with lots of milkweed planted to encourage butterfly activity. Consequently, beautiful butterflies are everywhere within the park and nearby homes.

    After a massive flood in 1938, the Army Corps of Engineers created a 51-mile waterway encased in concrete to prevent future devastating floods. The area we visited is one of the few areas with a dirt basin. A nice walkway with a bike lane, adjacent to the park, has been built. We were warned in advance about speeding cyclists and the warnings were valid. We stayed on the far left side closest to the river and managed to avoid a collision with a few Lance Armstrong wannabes. Future plans include new parks, recreational areas and restored habitat areas for wildlife. Unfortunately, the plans are moving at a snail’s pace due to conflicting goals and concerns from the multiple government agencies involved.

    The surrounding area started as a working-class neighborhood of affordable housing near industrial facilities, including the Kruegermann Pickle and Sauerkraut factory and the massive Hostess Bakery facility. The pickle factory site is now a dance studio and the bread factory is now an amazing film industry prop house. As part of our tour, we spent some time exploring the prop house. The place has furniture, lighting and dishes from every decade. Based on the hold tickets I saw, every major studio is renting items from this place.

    In addition, a nearby automotive repair shop called Salazar’s is now Salazar’s Mexican BBQ restaurant. Our tour guide mentioned this restaurant and we met a friend there for lunch. The food and atmosphere were amazing. Salazar’s serves a delicious salsa made with tomatoes that they roast on the grill. The tres leche cake was phenomenal, too. Our waiter was an actor originally from Argentina. Apparently, he grew up primarily eating Italian food in Argentina and was relatively new to Mexican cuisine. He and the rest of the crew were incredibly welcoming.

    The neighborhood dates back to the late 1800 and the streets are extremely narrow. Parking is limited with street parking at a premium. With all the cars parked on both sides of the streets, the remaining street space is too narrow for cars to pass going in opposite directions. We found ourselves frequently waiting for a car going in the opposite direction to pass before we could continue driving.

    Additional fun business have opened up in the area including Bauer Pottery. I have been buying dishes made by Bauer online and was really excited to have the opportunity to see the company’s showroom.

    LA River and Bridge
    LA River
    LA River
    LA River
    Gallery Adjacent to the LA River
    LA River
    LA River
    LA River Walkway
    Interior of Bauer Pottery Showroom
    Salazar’s – Former Automotive Repair Shop and Now Mexican BBQ Restaurant
    LA River Walkway
    Former Wonder Bread Bakery – Now a Movie Prop Business
    Interior of Gil & Roy Props
    Boarding House Built in 1917
    Historic Home Near the River Park
    Local Graffiti at the Freeway Underpass

  • Homemade Mac ‘N’ Cheese Versus the Boxed Stuff

    My mother and I have a running joke/argument regarding macaroni and cheese.

    She loves Kraft mac & cheese; she admits that her love for it goes back to her childhood. I should add that she was born in the 1930s. Kraft mac & cheese came out in 1937. At 19 cents a box, it was a great success. Between the depression and WW II food rationing, Americans were looking for cheap ways to feed their families.

    I prefer homemade macaroni and cheese. Over the years, I have perfected my recipe. My key tip is to undercook the macaroni. Otherwise, after you combine the cooked macaroni with all the other ingredients and bake the dish – you can end up with overcooked mush. Also, I like to use a good quality macaroni. For my latest effort, I paid an extra dollar for Italian macaroni. The result was a delicious dish with great texture.

    As far as the cheese mixture, I normally use a combination of a really sharp cheddar, parmesan and either smoked Gouda or smoked mozzarella. Other key ingredients include: Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, sweet hot mustard, nutmeg, dry Sherry, butter, heavy cream and milk.

    When I make the roux, I immediately add the Dijon mustard to the butter and flour – before I add the milk and cream. I then add in the cheese, spices and so on. I like texture in my macaroni and cheese. After combining the macaroni and cheese sauce, I fold in additional grated cheddar and cover the top with extra grated parmesan.

    My mother considers herself a Kraft purist; she likes her Mac ‘n’ cheese exactly as the box directions state. My husband and I just seem incapable of following the directions. We usually add additional cheese and replace the milk with either cream or half & half. My mother will protest if we make too many additions.

    I did notice that the other night, Mom ate her entire serving of my homemade macaroni and cheese. She grudgingly even admitted that the pasta texture was perfect. My husband and I just laughed as soon as she left the table.

    Dinner with My Homemade Macaroni and Cheese.