BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:07 AM

100!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:49 AM

Looks like Lewis is going to have a LOT of memories Jacqui ! Aint catters nice Folk ??

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:59 AM

Sorry SINS ! Beat you to it ! LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 09:03 AM

WE are not amused.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM

SINS, LF. CELLAR!!!!!

Last day in San Francisco today. We're heading out to the airport to pick up a hire car and then on to ClaireBear's where we will be staying tonight. I think that we will try to get some form of transport across the Golden Gate Bridge before we leave the city - maybe using the commuter buses, as we can leave our luggage to the hotel while we do that.

We spent the day walking the Fishermans Wharf area, taking in the sights and buying souvenirs. We went to the Maritime Park and looked over the ships there, including the Balclutha, which had three separate careers, and the Eureka - formerly a ferry across the Bay. We rode a cable car and got a taxi back to the hotel, up and down some really steep streets. Both rides were a real experience!

Last night I got to go out with Dave Swan to a session at the Plough, run by Chantyranger. I've acquired a new CD by Riggy Rackin, that I shall be listening to very soon and chatted with Lani Herman. There was another young lady, whose name I didn't get, but who was at the Press Room in June for Barry's sing. She's playing Hamlet on Alcatraz in October so we had a chat about Shakespeare. Altogether a very enjoyable evening. Many thanks to Dave for being kind enough to go way out of his way bring me right back to the hotel last night.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM

That Swanno can be a real gent when he puts his mind to it, eh?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:32 PM

I can think of worse company to share a cellar with Jacqui !!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM

He sure can Amos. I hope one day he can make it to Maine and we can return the hospitality.

Right now we're trying to book the rest of our trip, with accommodation in La, flights to LV and hotel accommodation at the Excalibur in LV. It all has to be tied in - a bit of a juggling act altogether!

After that, it's off to drive out to the Golden Gate Bridge and then head for Santa Cruz.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:31 PM

WOW I read that as "it's out to drive off the Golden Gate Bridge." LOL
Did you get to go down Lombard Street? All esses and steep turns.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 04:41 AM

If they drove off the Golden Gate Bridge, they must have driven back on again, because the entire party converged upon my house just in time for appetizers.

Right now Lewis and Martin are tucked all snuggily buggily ruggily, as we like to say, in sleeping bags and cots in the outdoor bedroom in the meadow (Lewis' first campout!); Jacqui, Sharon and Steve are ensconced in the guest house; and I've just finished my day's work, an hour of which had to wait until everyone else had toddled off to sleep. Now it's me for the meadow and my own humble cot. I can assure Jacqui's devoted following that she is being well cared for and will be returned to Maine in top form -- that's if my husband will let her leave; I believe he quite fancies her!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 08:05 AM

LOL Claire - she's not wearing the black leather jacket is she?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 09:44 AM

All sounds really great!!!

BTW Jacqui.....You do realize of course that El Swanno as a founding partner in Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan....Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire rendered his services to you without the normal charges, not even the special Mudcat rate. I'd appreciate it if you would keep up the fine publicity for our services as we need more time doing nothing and what with the economy and all, fewer folks are willing to pay for us to do nothing for them. Even Rick's billable hours are down and being deceased he's available anytime and anywhere, even multiple places at once! So tell your friends and all you might meet that you have been well cared for by:

Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan
Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire
"When doing sweet damn all is simply too damn much, call LFPS
We do nothing for you...Its the least we can do....the very least"


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,KOKO
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 10:13 AM

I pay big bucks for sweaty Irish man. Yum Yum!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM

Here we are chez ClaireBear, having enjoyed wonderful hospitality and a good night's sleep.

Lewis slept in the meadow with Martin, a real adventure for my little kid, who enjoyed the event.

We have been copiously wined and dined and Claire and I had a chance to catch up after everyone else had gone to bed.

We're just getting ready to go to breakfast with the Bears and then off for a train ride into the redwoods before continuing the journey south.

Right now we're still looking to find suitable accommodation in LA, but should be able to sort that out today.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:30 AM

Jacqui: Holler if you have time for a visit while you're here in L.A. Also, if you have time for any live music, there's lots on my web site at www.aliveandpicking.com
And of course the young one will enjoy Disneyland, but you'll need to mortgage Kendall to pay for the admission tickets.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM

Hi! Just heard from Chris and Hope. They will visit the last week in July so I will have a baby of my own to show off. Prince pATRICK IS COMING TO mAINE.
lol
sEAMUS WILL BE WITH ME THIS WEEKEND. tHOUGHT HE COULD USE SOME FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP.
dAMN cAPSLOCK!
Wonder how he will react to no Oed to torment him. Air conditioner installed in sunroom so he will have a comfortable bed.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 11:13 AM

A long day yesterday, driving down Highway 1, the scenic route. Once we were on it really wasn't practical to try to get to 101 and so we had a very long drive! Steve is now my hero - he did all the driving and managed the winding roads excellently.

We stopped at Carmel By The Sea and went for a paddle in the Pacific. This is a beautiful little town with architecture ranging from Spanish to Olde English. It looked quite an expensive place - lots of little boutique type shops as we drove down.

We took photos of a very fat squirrel that seems to live in a dead tree by the seashore - I'll try and get some photos onto flickr when I can. Further down we stopped at an elephant seal rookery - those are amazing creatures! Sharon told Lewis that one of them looked like Daddy when he was asleep.

The scenery was amazing - such a wild looking coast line and with the hills stretching up on the other side. We saw a mailbox with the number 77000 - miles away, it seemed, from anywhere and wondered who delivered the mail and how often. The occasional house down toward the sea got us wondering about the logistics of living in such a place - having to travel for hours just to get the basic groceries necessary for daily living.

Lewis was amazed to see a helicopter hovering over the ocean, but lower in the sky than the road we were travelling. With stops we spent about seven hours in the car yesterday but he was brilliant, enjoying the passing scenery all the way down.

I must admit that we all breathed a bit of a sigh of relief to get to flat straight roads at last and to finally settle into a Travelodge in San Luis Obispo for the night.

Today we travel on to LA - we still have to book a hotel there, but are taking advice from Mary Katherine re suitable areas.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 12:51 PM

Another L.A. resource for "what's on"(on the music front): Folkworks ("Folk Happenings" is the calendar link).

Have fun!

~ Becky in Long Beach
about to drive back to Tucson today, flying to NJ on Saturday

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 01:59 PM

I am enjoying the updates. Looking forward to pics.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dave Swan
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:40 PM

Once again the Mudcat experience of running into an old friend you just haven't met yet proved itself with Jacqui. Laughing, discovering loads of shared interests, catching each other up on M'cats we know in common and enjoying the moment all came as naturally with Jacqui as with Mick, Pat, Rick, Amos, hg, and Wyo among others. Thanks to Max another friend was made.

Hanging out at the Starry Plough and getting to hear Jacqui sing was a real treat. Jacqui is talented, funny, irreverent, gracious and a treat to be around.

Catch her in person, coming soon to a town out West near you.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:09 PM

Good to see Jacqui is getting some singing in - She IS worth hearing

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM

Thank you for those kind words guys. now I've got all embarrassed!

We had a bit of a scare yesterday. Kendall phoned to tell me that he was having some trouble breathing and that I might need to come home. I suggested that he contact his local ENT to check that all was well. I got his doctor involved, rang his daughters, who went with him to the ENT appointment yesterday afternoon and just waited. Deb reported back that things seemed to be OK and, by this morning, he was breathing better, has an appointment with his primary care doctor tomorrow and has let DR Z know what is going on. Right now I'm holding off making plans to head home until next week.

We finally reached LA and booked into an Econolodge, which is relatively cheap but has large rooms and comfortable beds. We're not too far from LAX so have planes going over regularly, but that didn't stop any of us sleeping last night.

Yesterday, on Mary Katherine's advice, we stopped in Santa Barbara at the oldest mission in California. Lunch in a beautiful open space in front of the mission and then a tour of the premises, which held the interest of the whole party. Thanks for that MK - I can't think of a nicer place that we could have broken the journey.

We've now experienced the LA freeways - Steve is doing an amazing job with the driving, considering that he's wrong side of the car and the road and driving an automatic. He handled the traffic like a pro.

Last night we stood on the balcony of the hotel looking up at a clear sky and seeing a sliver of moon with Venus shining brightly to its right. Above the buildings the tops of palm trees could be seen and the lights of LA shone brightly. With the cool breeze it was wonderful to stand there.

we are having lunch today with Mary Katherine and taking Lewis to the beach at Santa Monica. There's also a pier with amusements - little boy heaven, which he deserves after being so good on the trip down from San Francisco. He's also been promised a big ice cream, when we can find a good place.

More later............

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM

Dave, I should get my glasses changed; at first glance it looked like you wrote ...jacqui is a THREAT, and then ..catch her in PRISON.

You are right about her. Sometimes when I think about all she means to me it's all I can do to not tell her.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 12:25 PM

The humidity here is brutal, folks. Everyone is having trouble breathing. Take it slow, Captain. It will help.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:00 PM

By the way, my above post is in jest; for those of you who don't get Maine humor.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:05 PM

I enjoy Maine humour greatly. I just don't get enough.

SINS is right about the humdiditty. Hopefully we'll have a dry spell for a respite soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:06 PM

I've heard that anecdote about Samuel Clemens and the speaking engagement in Maine, so grasped the essence of your jest, Cap'n.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:05 PM

Believe it or not I've met people who just don't get it. I always say The essence of Maine humor is that which is NOT said. And as my old pal, Marshall Dodge of Bert & I said "It takes more than a teaspoon full of brains...well, he didn't say that, I did, but he could have.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dave Swan
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 05:31 PM

Also Scottish humour. The first time I heard that line was from my uncle in Perthshire re my aunt. "It's everything I can do not to tell her I love her"

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:40 PM

Had a terrific lunch with Jacqui and her family today in a Mexican restaurant out at the far end of the Santa Monica Pier. Dolphins were frolicking out in the water as we were eating, but we didn't throw them any food. They're all doing well and enjoying their visit here, though I hope that the heat (it will be at least 100 tomorrow, perhaps higher) won't cause them any problems. If all goes well we will meet up again tomorrow in Hollywood.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:40 AM

Another day in LA. Outside the sky is grey and there is a little rain falling. We're sightseeing today so perfect weather isn't quite so important.

Yesterday was beautiful. We went to the beach at Santa Monica, close to where Mary Katherine works. On her recommendation we found day parking for $8! We spent the morning on the pier - Lewis heaven - and then were treated to an excellent lunch, at a Mexican restaurant at the end of the pier, by Mary Katherine - yet another old friend that we have just met. She works in a building looking on to the beach - with such a lovely view it's surprising that she can get any work done!

It was rather comforting to find out that, contrary to all the scenes of beach life in LA, the place is not totally peopled with ultra fit bronzed beauties. After lunch we went to the beach. Sand so hot that it burned the feet and waves that did not allow for swimming. Lewis and I had great fun standing in the water and almost being knocked down by the incoming waves. The undertow was very strong and we really had to struggle sometimes to keep our feet, but it was lovely to share that with the little boy.

A bit of shopping (avoid taking a child to Toy'R'Us to make a decision about what to buy!) and then we came back to the motel to chill for the evening, watching Wolverine on HBO.

Today it's the La Brea Tar Pits and museum, the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign and then meet up with Mary Katherine to go eat. That's after taking Lewis to IHOP for his new food love, pancakes with maple syrup.

To be continued..........

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:48 AM

Mind where you put your feet around those tar pits, dear! The lawns are pitted with little tar-seep spots where your sneakers can get stuck. The air coming to the surface in the occasional bubbles in the pits themselves has been buried for tens of millions of years, an amazing thought IMHO.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 02:14 PM

What a marvellous trip for the young man... for anyone. Still enjoying the updates.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 03:24 PM

"The air coming to the surface in the occasional bubbles in the pits themselves has been buried for tens of millions of years...."

Shouldn't be too much for Jacqui to handle as the same has been said of Kendall's flatulence................

Love the updates Jacqui and tell Lewis to try the Boysenberry!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:15 PM

I prefer boysenberry more than any ordinary jam. I'm a citizen for boysenberry jam fan...
If I became a first lieutenant, would you keep my photo on your piano? "To Mary Jane. Best Wishes, Martin."
Wish I could visit the tar pits.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: maeve
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:25 PM

I'd like to see the tar pits, too. A family member worked on the exhibit.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:11 PM

"A family member worked on the exhibit."

Really? Me too. It appears that way, way, back I had an Uncle who was a Giant Ground Sloth...................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: maeve
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:21 PM

That explains a lot, Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 06:58 PM

Really enjoying keeping up with your travels, Jacqui, and hearing about all your meet-ups with assorted Mudcatters.

In my next life, I'm gonna be an extravert!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 01:37 AM

What a day. The tar pits were amazing - you don't quite believe it until you see the stuff bubbling up out of the ground. The exhibits were great - lots of skeletons of extinct creatures and a garden with a stream, home to carp and turtles.

We managed, after some trying, to get to the Walk of Fame and spent time looking for the necessary stars with which to have photos taken. I came across William Shatner's star and took a photo for Little Hawk.

The best part of the day was visiting Mary Katherine, who has a veritable cornucopia of musical memorabilia, posters, photographs, music and books. I spent the first ten minutes just looking around, open mouthed, at the treasures she has, including a signed photo of all four Beatles with Peter, Paul and Mary, which Mary Katherine took. There isn't an inch of wall space that hasn't been used for posters and photos for Folk, Bluegrass and Blues stuff.

MK was kind enough to give us the use of her laundry facilities and then took us up the hill to get a good view of the Hollywood sign. She even took photos of all of us in front of the sign. We went back to her place and were introduced to her daughter, a real Star Wars fanatic, who has the most amazing collection of Star Wars stuff that I've ever seen. This time it was Lewis who was speechless and ended up leaving with a few treasures. MK generously treated us to dinner in a local diner, terrific food, and refused to allow us to pay for the meal. (I WILL get my own back, lady, just wait and see!)

We drove back to the motel along the freeways, passing the lighted city buildings, which looked almost like a science fiction backdrop.

Right now Lewis has just gone to sleep - it took a while for him to come down off his high - and our bags are part packed for the flight to Las Vegas in the morning. I'm just finishing a glass of wine before hitting the sack myself.

Night all.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM

Oh, Jacqui beat me to it! Well, yes, what she said; we had a lovely day together, and by the way, Kendall, Jacqui is bringing you home a small prezzie from my place. Now they're off to Las Vegas (whatever for? says I) and then on with their adventures!
You should have seen Lewis last night, playing with one of my daughter Jennifer's Star Wars light sabers; the kid was in hog heaven!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM

Rumor has it that Herself and entourage has hit Las Vegas. Hope Sin City is braced and ready!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:29 AM

Las Vegas

Even the airport has slot machines. To check in at the desk we had to plough our way through the crowds at the slot machines and gaming tables, and then again to the elevators to our rooms. We're staying at the Excalibur - Sharon's choice for Lewis. The rooms are fine, quiet and cool, but the public areas are jumping - very crowded and noisy.

We found the children's area - so far Lewis has collected three SpongeBob Squarepants toys and has his sights set on more. Sharon is concerned that his collection may put them over the top on baggage when they fly to Colorado!

It is HOT. It got to 108 today and there were still people out sunbathing by the pool. The heat hits you like a blanket - a few minutes out there were more than enough. We will be getting to the pool first thing, hopefully before the heat builds up too much.

This evening, after dinner, we went a little way out from the hotel, still very hot, but slightly more bearable and the sun was a lot lower. This place is like Blackpool on steroids. Totally crazy, but amazing. Tomorrow we're hoping to get tickets for the hop on hop off buses and go exploring the wonders of the strip and then, in the evening just take a ride along the strip to see the lights.

Right now peace and quiet and a glass of wine are very relaxing.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:18 AM

Blackpool On Steroids !! GAWD !!!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM

Wal, no-one ever said you'd find peace and quiet in Vegas... ;>)

But if you have never been there, you got to do it once before you move on.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:35 PM

Well, I guess Amos may be right, that you have to see Las Vegas once just to know what it is.

I was really wishing you could go to SAN DIEGO instead of Las Vegas while reading your travel thread. San Diego is a lovely city. Las Vegas... well, I better not post my opinion.

I am enjoying reading this travel log!

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:43 PM

I was hopin' fir San Diego, too, 'cause she could get me a bag of weed at any of the corner pot shops there in Amos's neigborhood...

Hey, Jacqui... Don't go hittin' them slots too hard... The Capt'n ain't in the mood to go back to work to pay off gamblin' debts...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:30 PM

The slots hold no attractions for me whatsoever. I'm not lucky that way so I stay away.

Had a great time in the pool this morning though - the spa was lovely.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 02:29 PM

Did you know (or care) that in 1910 Las Vegas had a population of 30?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:12 PM

I have a 90 year old aunt who has lived in Las Vegas since long before it became what it is today. I've had to work souvenir trade shows there and design t-shirt designs for the Mirage... I'll say no more.

I'm glad you had a pool to enjoy in that heat!!


A.