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Fun

February 29th – A Different Day! Let’s Do Something Different!

Posted on March 4, 2016April 8, 2016 by Easin' Along

While sitting around in the man cave I noticed that the calendar was reading February 29^th. After a quick calculation (requiring all fingers and a few toes), I realized that today would be only the 17^th time I had observed Leap Day in this whirlwind that we call a lifetime, and decided that, on a day that’s a little different, it would be fun to do something different.

Last week I had a friend mention to me that she had taken some out of town friends to the Blue Plate Special in Downtown Knoxville and that everyone loved it – a comment I had heard several times from other people. I’m thinking “Well, I’m from in town and I’ve never been, and this is the day to go”. Off I went.

The Blue Plate Special is an event sponsored by Radio Station WDVX (89.9 FM), a listener supported station which celebrates what it calls “roots” music, meaning a mix of Bluegrass, Americana, Classic and Alternative Country, Western Swing, Blues, Old Time and Appalachian Mountain Music, Bluegrass Gospel, Celtic and Folk music. This station began as a small operation, broadcasting out of a trailer on a lot outside of Knoxville, and grew as word of its programming was spread by listeners.

The Blue Plate Special is held Monday – Saturday from noon to 1pm and is broadcast live from the WDVX Studio inside the Knoxville Visitor Center, and features performers from around the world. The broadcasts reach a sizeable portion of the Southern Appalachian Region, but can be heard everywhere on the WDVX website.

I arrived on Leap Day at around 11:30. I was greeted by a young lady at the entrance to the Visitor Center, who welcomed me in and, greeted just as quickly, by a volunteer who was steering guests to the seats in the small studio on the left side of the room. While waiting I walked around to view the display of Blue Plates at the back of the stage which was marked as the Blue Plate Special Wall of Fame. Living in East Tennessee, where this type of music is part of your fabric, I recognized a few of the names on the wall, but was a little ashamed that I did not recognize more. I’m certain that a few of these artists and groups are legends in these parts.

At around 11:55 the DJ, a truly Southern lady named Red Hickey (love the name) began to warm up the modest number of visitors in the audience. We were told that the numbers of attendees would grow just as soon as the lunch hour began, but for now, we needed to sound large and lively when the show began.

At exactly 12:00, Red gave out a big welcome to the crowd, and pointed her finger to us as a cue. We shook the walls!

Red then introduced today’s first artists as Freddy and Francine, a vocal group from Los Angeles. Red announced that these two were on tour and would next be appearing in Birmingham, Alabama, New Orleans, and then finish their tour with a stop in Arlington, Texas. They had performed last in Nashville. After the show, I spoke with Francine who told me that Arlington was actually her home.

Red told everyone that she knew their names were not really Freddy and Francine, but actually were Lee Ferris and Bianca Caruso. When asked how the name change came about, they gave us the story, but I’m not sure I got it all. Trust me when I say the names didn’t matter…these two could sing.

Their music is described as Americana/Soul. They write their own songs and give them a folksy touch that, to my ear, is a unique blend of country and soul that would have a great appeal to a country music audience. Their voices were in perfect harmony. Lee (Freddy) played the guitar and Bianca (Francine) did a lot of the vocal work in the four songs performed this day. Her voice is strong and comes from deep within. In the first two numbers she displayed a wide range and I put in my notes that parts of the songs had a somewhat slow and mournful quality to them that I absolutely loved. I would describe Lee’s voice as leaning a little more to the country side than hers. This is understandable. He had once toured the world for three years as Carl Perkins in a performance of “Million Dollar Quartet”.

The audience loved their performance and gave them round after round of grateful applause. I made a video of a portion of one song and have shared it on the right side of the Easin’ Along home page. It’s a bit shaky, but I had no tripod and no lights of course, but I think you’ll enjoy it.

I hung around after the show and was able to speak to Bianca for just a second to express my appreciation and wish them well on the rest of the tour. She was nice. I bought a CD of their first album, The Forest and the Sea. This album contained two of the songs they did for us including today’s first song, “I Don’t Wanna Go”, which was truly special.

The second group on today’s Blue Plate Special was a group from Knoxville named the “Scruffy City Syncopators”. The name is a mouthful, but Red made it through the introduction and we applauded both the band and Red warmly.

We learned that this group had been together for about a year and they are primarily a dance band. They describe their music as “swing”. There are five people in the band, and all appeared to be in their late 20’s or early 30’s.

Megan, the only female, was the principal vocalist. Jeremy, a clean cut young man resembling a banker, was the guitar player. Chris, who hid behind Megan, was the drummer, and Ashton played bass. Hunter, the saxophonist, was the real star of the show. During each song he would let loose with long rips on his instrument that appeared to be very technical to the uneducated (me). The best compliment he got came from Freddy and Francine from the first act. They sat beside the stage and cheered loudly after each sax solo. Hunter was good.

**Hunter, Scruffy City Syncopator Saxophonist**

I would describe Megan’s voice as having a blues quality reminded me of some of the songs recorded by Billie Holiday back in the day. Their first song “Goody, Goody” was followed up by “I Didn’t Like it the First Time – The Spinach Song”. Their music was fun, and while they called it “swing”, I would describe it as more like some of the Big Band music of the 40’s and 50’s being played by a small band. I think it would appeal to a very wide audience. It certainly appealed to this one…there was a lot of toe tapping around me.

In an instant, one hour of the Blue Plate Special was over.

I couldn’t believe how fast time had flown. Red Hickey was announcing lineups for future shows. I had just enjoyed a very pleasant lunch hour and definitely wanted to come back. So I did…on Wednesday.

Two days later, I parked a little closer to the Visitor Center. It was a cold day and I was fending off a cold, so I was being a little careful about staying out of the elements.

Wednesday's Lineup — **Wednesday’s Lineup**

The sign at the entrance told us that today’s entertainment was to be provided first by Jonny Monster, who was to be followed by a group known as Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones.

Today’s audience was a little larger than Monday’s, and I wasn’t sure if it was because more people were familiar with the artists or if the cold weather had driven a few more inside. Nevertheless, Red Hickey didn’t have to work as hard to get a big sound from the crowd and, on her cue, we gave it up big for Jonny Monster.

Jonny is a man of few words, but he gives good guitar. His vocals remind me of Richie Havens with a touch of gruffness that I really like. His guitar playing was amazing. During the first break, Red asked him a few questions. We learned that he is from Kingston, NY but now lives in Knoxville and is “starting over” (we never learned what that meant). He has a band that plays music inspired by Johnny Winter who Jonny has followed since the age of 10. He describes his music as Rock n’ Blues, because it blends aspects of both the blues and rock and roll. He says he plays fast. I am a witness to the truth of that statement.

Jonny's Guitar and Fast Fingers — **Jonny’s Guitar and Fast Fingers**

Red asked him about who taught him his guitar skills and he replied that he learned some from his father, but that he was primarily self-taught. Then he said the thing most amazing to me. Jonny said “I can’t read music, I just hear things and do them. My technique is terrible”. I would give anything to be that terrible. I have posted a video of Jonny’s guitar playing on the Easin’ Along Facebook page. Please go there and witness some amazing stuff.

The last group on Wednesday was Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones, coincidently, from Kingston, NY, the same hometown as Jonny Monster.

Lara is a very attractive singer who wears wide rimmed red glasses. I checked the website for the Ark-Tones and she is wearing those glasses in every photo, so this must be her trademark. Lara explained that the Ark-Tones had been on tour for seven weeks and usually they would still be in bed on a day like this, but they would do their best for us at this hour and work up to the high notes after a bit. This was going to be fun.

Their music is Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, and Rhythm and Blues. Most of this day’s selection came from the Rockabilly genre which, to me, means country music at a livelier pace, but I am the farthest thing from an expert on music. I just know if I like it and I liked their music lot. Included in their performance on this day was “Luckiest Girl In the Town” which I think was a reference to the recent marriage of Lara and Matt (bass player). They also gave us a great song with a great beat titled “Honkey Tonk Merry Go Round”. Both songs got everyone in the audience jazzed up and there was a lot of toe tapping around me once again.

In addition to Lara, vocalist, and Matt on bass, there was Chris on guitar and Dave on drums. Red told the audience that Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones would be appearing in Las Vegas in April at “Viva Las Vegas” which is the premier Rockabilly concert in the country. Lara said the group had never been to Vegas and they all were pumped. I hope they do well.

Once again, an hour passed by all too quickly.

Active Older Adulthood offers us a lot of choices and on this leap year day (extended) I think I made a great one. This choice may well become routine.

For now, with all toes tappin’, I’ll be Easin’ Along…

Fundamentals

Flash! “Busy Retiree” Becomes “Active Older Adult”!

Posted on February 26, 2016October 28, 2016 by Easin' Along

Aerobics room - YMCA — **Aerobics room – YMCA**

When I retired in August of last year, I placed myself in the category of “busy retiree”, meaning that I wasn’t going to sit in the recliner and let life go by…so far, I haven’t. I learned how to blog on the web and created Easin’ Along in order to document an active lifestyle and share it with anyone who might be interested.

Helen (adorable wife) and I set out on a wonderful five week journey up the east coast, followed by a two week trip around the entire peninsula of Florida, and another week in California’s South Bay in order to facilitate a total transformation from a lifetime of meeting the demands of work to a life of “playing it by ear”. Those trips have been shared in previous posts of Easin’ Along. We have plans for more travel in the months ahead, but for now I’ve returned to the man cave and resumed life at the local level.

With no big travel plans in the immediate future, we decided that it was time to focus a little more intently on our health and physical condition. Helen has always been involved in some sort of physical activity from her days as a youth prodigy on the tennis court to her exercise classes offered at work and beyond. As for me, it’s a different story altogether.

I played a little basketball in high school, but I was too slow afoot and too uncoordinated to be very good at it. Besides, I can’t jump. After college I entered the Army and was required to get in shape. As an Army Reservist for twenty plus years, I had to maintain my weight at certain level, so I jogged regularly for most of those years. Beyond that, I’ve taken advantage of the fact that, at a height of 6’ 4”, there are a lot of places to hide a few extra pounds. I also come from an enviable gene pool. My family is an assortment of string beans. On either side of the family tree, we’re tall and slender and blessed with the trait that allows weight to be gained slowly and extra pounds to be shed quickly. That make-up can produce some very bad habits over time, and, at age 67, I have finally accepted that those pounds don’t fall off as fast as they used to. It was time for a change.

I have had memberships at health clubs before, but my track record with them is not that good. There are contracts involved, and I lose my enthusiasm for indoor exercise, particularly in the summer months when I prefer to be outside. Even when there are not contracts, the fees can be expensive or the facilities are small and, the activities are limited or designed to appeal to fitness fanatics. We needed something that appealed to us. We found what we were looking for at the local YMCA.

The first thing I learned when I looked into the Y was that I was no longer a “busy retiree”. I was about to become an “active older adult”. They had me from hello.

At the Y there are no contracts. Membership is strictly on a month to month basis, and we can quit at anytime. There are five facilities within the area that we are entitled to use. The price is a total $60 per month for the two of us, so it is relatively inexpensive, and we can bring our grandchildren to swim in the indoor pool for a small charge. But, the thing that appealed to us most of all was that it is loaded with activities that are “age appropriate”. We were handed a schedule filled with group activities for Active Older Adults (me) and encouraged to get started…now.

The activities are spread throughout each weekday and have interesting names like “Silver Sneakers Classic” and “Splashing to the Oldies”. The most intriguing class was called “Aqua Zumba”. What the heck is that?

We signed up and I made an appointment for the following Monday to meet with a young lady in the fitness center who would help get me started on an exercise regimen.

Fitness center - YMCA — **Fitness center – YMCA**

The fitness center is a large, well-lit room with big windows. It is in sharp contrast with other facilities I had used in the past where we were contained in a room with only block walls and no windows. There is plenty of exercise equipment including, but not limited to, treadmills and stationary bicycles, as well as the usual weight lifting machines. At 9:30 in the morning, the place was busy, but not so busy that members would have to wait long for a piece of equipment. One member later told me that Mondays are a little busier than other days of the week. Fridays are wide open he said. I’ll remember that.

The young lady I met with was very helpful and very professional. We went through a checklist that asked for general information such as height, weight, and age. We went through a list of things that I wanted to accomplish such as weight loss (definitely) and increase overall body strength (I have none), then entered all of that information into a computer program called ActiveTrax. I entered a username and password and I was in.

ActiveTrax then designs a program that will help me accomplish the goals I am working toward. It is programmed to give me a set of exercises for each workout session using the different pieces of equipment and the amount of weight and number of repetitions for each piece. It also lists a number of floor exercises such as crunches (ugh!) to complete. At the end of all of that, I would be instructed to complete a cardio routine of at least twenty minutes using equipment like a treadmill or stair master. Once the entire routine for each workout is completed, I will to enter the information for that workout into ActiveTrax, either at the Y or at home, and the next workout would be created based on the accomplishments (or lack thereof) of that day’s workout. ActiveTrax stores all of that information in order to track progress toward the goals I established. It couldn’t be easier.

My helper then took me through the exercises different pieces of equipment to make sure that I would use them correctly for each exercise and to establish a starting point for the program. I was told to do as many repetitions as I could for a minimal amount of weight placed on the machine. That’s when I leaned how badly I needed to do this. I went home already sore, and wondering if I would ever qualify for “Active Older Adult” status.

Nevertheless, I went back the next day to a class at 10:35am entitled “Senior Circuit”.

This class was described in the handouts as a circuit class specifically designed for active older adults to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight muscles and build core strength. Participants will use a chair, elastic bands and balls for exercises. This sounded harmless enough, but little did I know what was coming.

I arrived at the aerobics room a bit early, but I wasn’t early enough to beat the crowd. I’ve always heard that the world is run by those who show up, and these “Active Older Adults” tend to show up early and run the show.

Being new to the class, I wanted to stand in the back row and learn by observing. But, when I went to the back row, I was informed (somewhat politely) by almost all who were there that I was standing in their spot. I had a lot more than exercise to learn… I moved one row closer to the front where spots were filled, more or less, on a first come, first serve basis.

The aerobics room filled quickly and my new classmates were busily placing their chairs in their “spots” and placing small weights, one rubber ball, and an elastic band on the floor beneath the chair. I grabbed a pair of 3 pound weights, not knowing what I really needed, and an elastic band that I later discovered was too short for someone my height, but, then again, this is a learning process.

I was delighted that there were some familiar faces in the class, as I was met by five people from an old neighborhood of ours. We chatted briefly, and I remarked at how good they looked. Maybe there was something to this exercise thing after all.

At approximately 10:33am everyone was lined up next to their chairs in about six rows with about 6 people in each row, and at 10:34am Donna, our instructor, walked into the room and marched up to the front to don her headset and microphone and welcome everyone with a big, warm, smile. At precisely 10:35am Achy, Breaky, Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus came out of the loudspeaker and Donna started marching in place and everyone immediately took her cue and lifted their feet in time with Billy Ray’s twangy guitar.

“Let’s go!” she said, “Pick your feet up, everybody!” That smile never wavered as she reminded everyone to move their arms as well as their feet. At this point, my anxiety picked up a little bit. I was a member of a fitness center once before and participated in a regular step aerobics class. It was a good workout and I was progressing nicely until one day a new instructor came in and ruined it all. This person was determined to kill everyone in the class or die trying herself. I never went back. I hoped that Donna would offer a different experience.

For the next forty minutes we never quit moving. In this session, I was ALWAYS out of step or sending my arms everywhere but in the appropriate direction. Remember now, I’m a big person and usually stand out in a crowd anyway, but in this mirror lined room there was no place to hide. The opportunity to disappear quickly was immediately vanquished when one of my former neighbors informed Donna that there was a new member in the class. So, as I was clumsily side-stepping to Billy Ray, everyone turned toward me when Donna pointed me out. As luck would have it, my arms were going straight up as everyone else’s were pointing to the side. Nonetheless, they were all very welcoming because, they too, had been a class newbie at some time in the past.

Donna was awesome. Without being domineering, she led us through the workout at a pace that was strenuous enough to elevate everyone’s heart rate, but not so rigorous that some might not be able to keep up. She told us to listen to our body, and that if we needed to slow down (or sit down), that was fine. She said this with an encouraging smile that made everyone still feel comfortable when, or if, they had to alter their own pace. You could tell that the class liked her and she chatted with some of them individually through her microphone as she took us through the workout.

Donna - Senior circuit instructor — **Donna – Senior circuit instructor**

“Bend your knees, Sunshine”, she said, correcting one of the participants. “How’s it going today, Victor? Did you have a good weekend?” She asked, never missing a step. Her personality and demeanor was as bright as the pink exercise shirt she was wearing.

Even though I was quickly running out of steam, I was actually having fun. The program was varied enough to give us a whole body workout, stretch and strengthen those old muscles, and then cool down while relaxing. The forty minutes passed unbelievably quickly, and the accompanying music (Brown Eyed Girl, California Dreaming, etc.) was a delightful bonus.

At the end of the session, I walked up to Donna and told her that I was spent, but that I would be back. She seemed pleased. By the time I turned around, all of the chairs, weights, balls, and bands had been returned to their proper place.

Most had left the aerobics room by then, but a few of my classmates walked up and welcomed me to the group. Wow! I’d been accepted into the club. A formerly “busy retiree” was now officially an “Active Older Adult”. I might even get my own spot!!

I flexed a bicep to mark the moment…

For now, this Active Older Adult will be Easin’ Along. Where’s the massage table?

Fun

Play Day is Every Day in South Bay

Posted on February 21, 2016February 21, 2016 by Easin' Along

Manhattan Beach - A South Bay city — **Manhattan Beach – A South Bay city**

Easin’ Along has been spending time in the area just south of Los Angeles, California for about ten years now. Our son visited there after he was discharged from the Army, and soon discovered that there was just too much to like, and stayed a little longer. His interest in the area was enhanced greatly when he met a young lady who had grown up there, and the move became permanent. A wedding followed. Within a few years, two beautiful children entered the picture and there was no keeping the grandparents away, so we fell in love with the area also.

South Bay is an area composed of the cities of Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach in Los Angeles County, California. I always position it for people by telling them it lies about 15 minutes south of the airport (LAX) with Manhattan Beach the northernmost of the three. The area has increased its population significantly in the last few decades, but prior to that it was primarily the home for people who worked in the airline industry and needed to be close to the airport. Once the area was discovered as a place for great weather and outdoor activities, it boomed. Real estate values have skyrocketed, and many of the small “surfer shacks” have been torn down and replaced with luxurious homes, particularly in the area adjacent to the shoreline.

With the real estate boom came a plethora of shops, restaurants, and night spots that attract young and old alike. These activities are centered principally near the piers of the three cities, but there is plenty to do in the areas away from the shore.

On our recent visit, we left our home in temperatures just slightly below 20°. We made a connecting flight in Dallas, Texas and landed in Los Angeles where the temperature was 86°. It was difficult to convince me that it was the middle of February. Everyone around me was dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. I couldn’t get the sweater off fast enough. We took the shuttle to the rental car business, got our van that Helen had reserved, and threw our luggage in. I was a little frustrated because I already knew I had packed too many clothes, but who doesn’t bring jackets and sweaters along in February? I hope that I brought some shorts…

Our son and his family live in Redondo Beach in a lovely neighborhood composed of young adults and children and within walking distance of both the beach and the school where our granddaughter is in the first grade. We had the distinct honor and privilege of walking her to school on our first morning there. The school is only two blocks away and you could hear the buzz of busy little ones almost immediately as we stepped on the sidewalk to join other parents walking their children.

**Schoolchildren before the bell rings**

**Grandmother and granddaughter walking to school**

Before the school bell rings, the students are gathered on the playground and are directed to run around the track as a way to energize themselves for the school day and burn off a little excess energy at the same time. Children everywhere were walking or running, mostly in small groups. It was another warm day, so no jacket needed. Our granddaughter gave us a quick hug then ran to join the others in time for the morning round of jumping jacks. Big fun!

Our next day was spent on the beach next to the pier in Redondo Beach with our daughter in law and grandchildren, her sister, and her two small children. Friday was the start of a weekend holiday so there was no school. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the water was even warm enough for the kids to play in the ocean. I stayed clear, having not been convinced that this was even possible in February. Everyone else seemed to have a large amount of fun, however. I went to the pier to grab a quick lunch while everyone else played and treated myself to a Redondo Beach staple known as a “Hot Dog on a Stick”.

I enjoyed it immensely.

That night the whole family went down to the pier at Hermosa Beach for dinner at my “go to” place whenever I’m in South Bay – Hennessey’s Tavern. I have to admit, the food is just okay, mostly better than average pub fare, but the service is always good, and that is critical when travelling with young children. Nevertheless, the location is terrific. Hennessey’s is located on the Strand adjacent to the Hermosa Pier.

It has a great view of the ocean and is the best spot for watching all of the volleyball games on the beach and for just people watchin’ in particular. On this evening, there were a lot of folks out and about for a casual stroll on the Strand and to take in the sunset from the pier.

View from Hennessey's Tavern - Malibu beyond — **View from Hennessey’s Tavern – Malibu beyond**

Prior to entering Hennessey’s, we walked out to the end of the pier. I wanted to see if anyone was catching fish and I also wanted a picture of the setting sun. There were a few people fishing, but none with any luck, but we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset. I was able to capture a few shots with silhouettes of pier walkers and gulls in the foreground that I thought turned out well. I have shared it with you here. We let our grandchildren play in the sand at the pier while we ordered dinner and waited for it to arrive at our table beside the Strand. The weather was delightful. Catalina Island was visible off the coast.

On Saturday we decided to travel a short distance to Palos Verdes where the original Marineland of the Pacific had been converted to a natural area and a spot for whale watching and named the Palos Verdes Interpretive Center. This day turned out to be a little cooler that the previous days and jackets were needed. Nevertheless, the park was crowded and there were some eager whale watchers out on the viewing deck with their binoculars at the ready. We saw no whales, nor had anyone else, but we did enjoy walking through the small museum that depicted the area as it was in the early 1900’s when the land was used primarily for cattle ranching. Today there are mansions everywhere overlooking the Pacific.

That evening we ordered a take-out meal from another one of our local faves called Poulet du Jour. It is a small restaurant run by an Indian family that features Mediterranean roast chicken that is out of this world. We devoured it as soon as it hit the table.

Sunday was a day for Helen and me to participate in our favorite activity in this area and go bicycle riding along the strand.

Normally, we ride to the Strand from our son’s house, but we had been moving a little slow that morning, so we loaded the bicycles on the back of his car and drove to the Hermosa pier where we would start the trip. A mist (marine layer) had settled in at the shoreline and the air had turned cool. Because it was clear and warm at the house a mile away, neither of us had brought jackets along. We were having second thoughts, but hung in there and mounted our bikes.

We headed south toward Manhattan Beach. There is a lot about biking along the Strand that makes this trip fun. Volleyball games are underway everywhere, and some of them are quite competitive. Usually there are a few surfers in the water, but the water was a little flat today, so there were not many takers in the waves. Nevertheless, the objects that always draw my attention are the seemingly endless number of beautiful homes that line the strand. I am always looking toward them instead of toward the water. Today was no different. I can only imagine the views of the water at sunset.

**Homes along Strand at Manhattan Beach**

We rode past the Manhattan pier toward El Segundo where the bike traffic thins out a little, but there are always runners and outdoor enthusiasts committed to fitness taking advantage of the Strand. After a bit, we turned around and headed toward Hermosa and Redondo with just a short pause at Manhattan pier to ask a young couple to take our picture. Next, it was on to Redondo and a ride through the marina to marvel at the huge sailboats in the harbor then call it a day. It was a great trip and it felt wonderful to be outdoors doing something fun. Still asking myself if this was really February…

Monday was a holiday. Our son had the day off, the weather was again perfect, and so, it was back to the beach, this time to Manhattan. I think that everyone else had the same idea, and we were fortunate to find a parking space near the pier. After unloading the car, we walked down the road leading to the pier. This is a busy area and the bars, restaurants, and shops were doing a landslide business even in the middle of the day. I resisted the temptation to climb aboard a bar stool in one of the open air taverns by taking my grandsons hand and marched on toward the sand and shore. I was rather proud of myself for staying focused on the matter at hand.

The beach was alive with people playing volleyball and building sand castles. Near the pier were about ten surfers catching some huge waves. The waves were cresting out beyond the pier and some of the boarders were able to ride them all the way to within a few feet of the shoreline…a skill I can only envy. One surfer came to rest near us and was admonished by a lifeguard who told him to stay closer to the pier and away from the swimmers. The surfer was not happy. The lifeguard was a well tanned Adonis type with perfectly coiffed blond hair and aviator sunglasses. I couldn’t help but wonder if he ever got that hair wet.

**Goodyear Blimp above Manhattan Beach**

In addition to the entertainment provided by the surfers, we were treated to a flyover by the Goodyear Blimp making a pass above South Bay. I understand that one of the four Blimps is based at LAX so this was probably a day to exercise along with the rest of us. The Blimp moved along very slowly, but with such a clear sky, it could be seen all the way out to Catalina Island where it became just a small dot above the horizon. I bet the view was incredible from up there.

It was nearing the end of our beach day when I decided I HAD to try the water just to say I was brave enough to go into the ocean in winter. To my amazement, the water was not as cold as I thought it would be. Mind you, I only went in knee deep, but it was definitely survivable and it forced me to reconsider the sanity of the hundreds of swimmers to my left and right. I toweled off and went to stand next to the buffed lifeguard with an air of confidence in my inner toughness. Helen said it was time to go.

Tuesday was our last day in South Bay. I had arranged to meet up with an old friend from high school and college who was now living in Mission Viejo. I had not seen him since our college days and that was a long…time…ago so I was looking forward to it very much.

Sharkeez - At Hermosa Beach Plaza (on left) — **Sharkeez – At Hermosa Beach Plaza (on left)**

We met at Baja Sharkeez on the plaza at Hermosa Pier. I arrived early and grabbed a seat outside…another bluebird day. When he arrived, I was amazed at how little he had changed and how healthy he looked. It really sinks in at how the awesome weather and the healthy outdoor lifestyle of this area can manifest itself in the way people look and feel. My friend was just another beneficiary. We lingered long and had a great time just catching up on the past few decades. We agreed to try it again soon.

On Wednesday we were up early for the trip to the airport. We said goodbye to the grandkids and hugged them as many times as time would allow, then hugged everyone again before jumping into a new Kia owned by Dominic, an engaging young man of about 22 with a big smile, who answered our hit on the Uber app. Dominic knew the back roads to LAX and got us there in plenty of time to go through the always busy airport security in Los Angeles. We boarded our flight for a rather uneventful trip home, but refreshed from our Play Days in South Bay.

Until next time, we’ll be Easin’ Along.