Where Everybody Knows Your Name......



I like traditions.  People who know me usually ask, "Why do you always go to the same places over and over again?"  Easy,  when I find something I like, it only makes sense.   Friday night is drive-in night.  Every Friday night for the past nine years I call in an order to the local drive-in.  It's as close to an old diner that there is in my city.  "What can I get for you Kathy?"  says the voice on the phone.  I usually order the same things, but occasionally change it up.  "See you in few minutes Kathy." Nine years ago this little drive-in made me feel like I was back home.  It's not a corporation, the owner flips burgers five days a week.  He smiles and says hi every Friday night.  It's not a bar.  It's not a club.  It's a slice of small town America in the big city, where everybody knows your name.

Desilu

I've read several books about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.  I find them intriguing. Their success was centered around a simple concept.  Love and marriage.
The irony lies in Desilu.  Desilu is a detailed book about Lucy and Desi's rise to fame.  Unlike their hit t.v. show, their everyday lives were far from the characters they portrayed.  If you don't want to know the details of their marriage, don't read this book.
Although they were divorced after nineteen years, they never stopped loving each other.  That's what kept coming through in the book.  They called, consulted and looked out for each other until Desi passed away.Even though some choose to focus on their failed marriage, their television marriage continues to bring love and laughter around the world. Thank you Lucy and Desi!

Clayton's

One of my favorite diners  is Clayton's Coffee Shop in Coronado California.  "Grilled cheese on sourdough please with fries on the side."  Comfort food is just that, comforting.  When I grew up, my small town had a couple of great diners.  No more.  Too bad they were gutted and destroyed so long ago.  I find it pleasurable to sit in an old Naugahyde booth and sip a cherry coke.  Clayton's has many regular customers, and of course the waitresses know their names and what they want to eat.   I absorb the past through places like Clayton's.  It is one of Main Street USA's finest destinations.

Disneyland Tips

A friend asked me to jot down some tips about Disneyland. These are just a few things I've learned over the years.

• Wear tennis shoes!  Sounds obvious but so many people don't.  Get free water at any restaurant in the park.  No need for bottled water.  Just ask for a cup of ice water. Don't miss the Opera House on Mainstreet when you first come in.  It's a great place to sit and relax and see an excellent show. 

• My favorite place to eat in Disneyland is Del Zocalo, right next to Thunder Mountain.  Good food and fair prices. Fantasyland rides are usually long, so pick a day and go there first.  Head straight for Peter Pan, otherwise you'll have to wait 30-45.  However, Snow White, Pinocchio and Mr. Toad are usually 10 minutes or less much of the time.
  
  • In California, don't forget the new Little Mermaid ride!  It is fantastic.  This ride is easy to get on early or during The World of Color.   So if you want to see most of it, just get in line for Little Mermaid and you can watch the show while you're in line!
  
  
  • Tuesday and Wednesday are the least crowded. 
  
  
  •  Go to the Disneyland site and find the calendar.  Punch in the dates you are going.  You can find out ahead of time what rides might be closed and the park hours.  The good thing about going in mid-week is no crowds, the bad thing is usually shorter hours.  So it's important to check the site before you go.  Save money by staying across the street on Harbor Blvd.  It's much easier to walk to the entrance and you don't have to fool with the parking gargage. 
  
  
  • Have fun; wish I was going with you!
  
  

Hidden Passages

One of my favorite reasons to go to Carmel California is the hidden passageways between the stores.  This one leads to the Thomas Kincade Art Gallery.  It is very small, hardly enough room for more than four or five people at a time.  Nevertheless, each visitor is treated warmly and it's always a pleasure to enjoy Thomas Kincade's work.  Kincade has a unique ability to capture Mainstreet America on canvas. 

Whatever Happened to Mayberry?

I grew up in a town like Mayberry.   I live in a big city now.  I yearn to see a familiar face at the grocery store.   I long for conversations about families that I grew up with.  But things change and so do circumstances.   However, the lovely memories of growing up can't be erased.  It has became important to me to share this simple way of life with my children. 

So, I decided nearly ten years ago to make every day a “Mayberry” day.  One way is through writing.  I look forward to sharing some simple memories blended with current inspirations from my children. 

I’ve written several poems that are waiting in the wings to become children’s books.  The one dearest to my heart is about my father.  He is eighty-four years old.  Dad grew up during the depression and was raised by his brothers and sister.  His story is simple, unique and inspirational.  You can tell by his smile what a wonderful attitude my dad has, even to this day.  The little boy is my dad with a neighbor friend named, "Big Mike."

My dad's story is coming soon...............