Monday, November 26, 2012

Orlando Grandma's Visit So Far...

We took it easy on her the first week....

See that cocky stance as she crested a very severe incline during a hike with me and The Maven? Incredible!

but watch out - she's rested and acclimated to the new time zone and has one more week to go.  But that's a story for the next week.

Here's a little peek at what Orlando Grandma's first week looked like:

The Maven helped her get her Nook straightened out.

She met Stanley, our Canine Grandson - her Canine Great-GS?

We had Thanksgiving dinner out on the patio, SoCal style!

Stan and The Bostons supervised.

Then.....

Mr. T and Stan rested...

But we eventually did an after Thanksgiving dinner hike around this area:

Porter Ranch, not far from where we live.

Mr. T had to be a drama queen:

This was actually the end of a road which continued across the gulch/ravine/crevice/gorge.  We came to the conclusion that there had been a bridge at one time that was destroyed during the Northridge earthquake.

Then...

Orlando Gma and I went to The Mission in the Valley, right here in San Fernando Valley - 10 minutes from our house!

We spent about 2 hours doing a self-guided tour...

...enjoying the beautiful grounds and genius reconstruction, as well as many historical relics. A worthwhile trip if you are in the area.  Next Mission in our sights may be the next one North in Ventura.

We were pleased and surprised to see a garden dedicated to the late Bob Hope and his wife, Dolores.
They were great supporters of this particular mission which is now their final resting place...


Then...

Mr. T and I took her for a ride in the Hollywood Hills and stopped for this view of the valley.

We are somewhere out there at the base of those mountains in the distance!

Then...


Of course, no trip onto Hollywood Blvd is complete without a stop at Graumann's Chinese Theater.

Friday night - it was packed and it was hard to take pictures, but I snapped a few.
This one was for me!

Even captured two celebrities on camera - Mr. T and his Momma!

This one was for Grandma...



This upside down one is for our local Twihard, The Maven.

Lots to see along Hollywood Blvd...

Gazing at the Hollywood sign from the Dolby Theater - formerly The Kodak Theater.

There it is!

Then...

We wanted to take in a movie and went to a fancy theater in Hollywood where we were treated to a beautiful rooftop sunset...

When we exited the theater and returned to our car on the rooftop a fog had rolled in and we couldn't see past that building in the foreground.

But we did catch a glimpse of Anderson's workplace as we walked towards the elevator.

We entered the very fancy Hollywood movie theater and Orlando Grandma insisted her picture be taken with her favorite leading man...



But this is actually what we saw...


...and enjoyed very much.  Three thumbs up from TBL, Mr. T and Orlando G-ma.

(I will mention that on Saturday, G-ma and I ventured to Pasadena.  She enjoyed the beautiful views on the drive.  We visited an antique mall and walked around the shopping/dining district. Because I had been to a wonderful restaurant with a fellow blogger, we hit that place and had a tasty lunch - thank you Lisa! - and then drove back through that same scenic highway)

Then...

Today...Sunday we ventured to Venice Beach so Grandma could take in the unique atmosphere and sights to be seen there.

Took only one picture, which pretty much sums up the Venice Beach Vibe:

Man playing piano - very well - with pretty kitty sitting atop his instrument.
Cool Cats.

This upcoming week promises the following so far:

The Getty Center
Griffith Park
The Grove
Ventura
...Who Knows!!!!

Everyone have a great week!
I look forward to catching up with my bloggy friends when Orlando Grandma slows down and takes a nap!  It's hard to keep a good woman down!

Having fun and hoping all of my good friends are too.



























11 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Wow, what a time your are showing her! She must be thrilled seeing all these wonderful historical places. Who wouldn't love the adventures. Enjoy the week ahead!

centerofgravity said...

I hope I have that much energy when I'm her age. Glad you're having such a good visit with Orlando Grandma. CG

Robin Larkspur said...

Non-stop, action-packed visit!! I'm pooped just reading about it, lol!

Mr. Connor said...

What a tour of the area. Love it. I got tired just looking and it is going to be MORE fun this week , OH BOY ! ! !

Unknown said...

It has been a great week,I have learned so much from these kids it is si good to be with them Mr. Tennis, the Maven and TBL make a good team,of course .TBL is the turist guide "per exellence". I love the mts.California has a lot to offer.

Olive said...

My goodness y'all are making me tired. And I spent Saturday trimming shrubs. How boring am I? Orlanda Grandma may just move to California with all that fun and pretty d driving around. xo, olive

the cape on the corner said...

oh my gosh, that sounds like a jam packed time! looking forward to seeing this week's adventures!

Chatty Crone said...

I was out of town last week - so I did not know that your MIL came out there - but it looks like you are showing her all the ropes. And the Thanksgiving dinner on the patio - looked so nice. I know y'all are having the time of your lives. sandie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a fun post, Ann! Looks like you are having the best time visiting and sightseeing! We actually went to see Skyfall on our little getaway!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That's my kind of trip...filled with lots of interesting places to go and things to see! I'm an Ocala Grandma...when can I come? heeheehee! Enjoy your week, girlfriend!

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

This looks like a wonderful visit!!
Your Orlando Grandma, sounds like fun, and what a lovely bouquet of sunflowers as well (from your top post).
Thanks for sharing your amazing pictures!
Brenda