Take An Uber

I just returned from an eight day trip with my mom.  We visited Nashville and Chicago.  We ate, drank, saw the sights, listened to music and comedy, looked at art, and all our transportation was by Uber.  I feel like an expert, after about 25+ Uber rides, including four rides from airport to hotel, which were the most expensive.

Uber, or Lyft (which we did not take just because I didn't have the app on my phone) are here to stay.  The bigger the city, the better, and cheaper, are your rides.  Most of our rides were in the $5 range.  You have so many options.  You can get a basic car like a Toyota Camry, or you can get something more upscale, which will cost you more.  You can go by yourself, or you can request a share ride.  The share ride will cut the cost of the ride in half, and add about 5-10 minutes to the length of your trip.  We did a lot of shared rides, as we were not in any hurry, and we loved meeting the people.

Most of the riders we encountered were under 40 years of age.  Many of the college age kids we met are growing up with Uber.  They don't see any need for a car.  We met so many young people in the shared rides, and they all love Uber.  We met med students, lawyers, businessmen, unemployed young people.  We shared a ride twice with the same young girl, Kate.  Talk about a coincidence!

Most interesting were the drivers, and the diversity we met.  We met everything from college students driving part time, to college professors raising money for charity.  The latter was a college professor working part time for Uber to raise money for juvenile diabetes.  He got 14 of his friends to work for Uber too, and they all plan to raise $1000 each.  What a great idea.  Drivers we met came from Nigeria, Equador, Mexico, Egypt, Palestine, and all over the U.S.  Most loved the work, especially the freedom to set their own hours.

We met many young people in Chicago who had sold their car, finding out that by using Uber they can save money and still get around town.  I think Uber is here to stay.  Maybe in a few years Uber won't even use drivers.  After all they're working on the car with no driver.  That will put thousands of drivers out of work.

Another Animal Rescued

I met Aster this morning.  She is a 10 pound dog, around six years old, that one of the residents in our community just rescued from the Humane Society.  The woman had gone to the shelter looking for a companion for her other dog.  She had a specific type of dog in mind, but that's not what she ended up with.  Aster took one look at my friend and that was it.  Aster put her head in her lap and gave her a look that said "I'm yours,"  and she was.  When she took Aster home there was concern that she might not even make it.  She was a mess, but my friend could not go home without this poor little guy.

Aster was found in a canyon, probably one day from starvation.  She weighed six pounds when the human society found her.  She had been surviving on berries for some time, because that is all she pooped for the first week.  She was infested with fleas, and they thought she had cataracts.  Actually, her eyes cleared up nicely after she got her energy back.  She was shutting down all together when she was found, but as soon as they got food and water into her and she gained a few pounds, her eyes cleared up.  How she avoided the coyotes while in the canyon is a mystery to everyone.   She has now been in her new home for about a month.  She has gone from an amaciated six pounds to just over 10 pounds!  She is happy, always wagging her tail, and loving.  I was so happy to meet her today, and see that another rescue dog has a happy, forever home.  As much as I'd love to rescue another dog, I told Pepper when we got him that he was, and always will be an only dog!

More Good Eats In Oceanside

Rarely do I concentrate reviews or recommendations on just one city, but since Oceanside is an up and coming foodie location, here goes.  These are just a few of the super cool restaurants to try, some old, some new, in the hottest spot for new gastropubs.  Actually, only one restaurant on this list is a gastropub.  All the others are good, causal restaurants, with great food.

608 is the name of a new restaurant taking over where Swami's used to be on Mission Avenue.  The owner and chef comes from Real Bar and Bistro in Solana Beach.  He likes to combine classic, comfortable and familiar staples with bold flavors and seasonings.  The restaurant just opened a few weeks ago, and I will try to get there soon for a full review.

Captain's Grounds is a local coffee house, with great lattes and a good vibe.  If you're like me, and like to support local merchants rather than chain restaurants, give them a try next time you're in the area.  Also, Red and White Market on Vista Way, is a small local market that has been around for years.  It's family owned, and the people couldn't be friendlier.  They are known for the excellent deli, and delicious sandwiches.  Next time you're on the way to the beach or picnic, stop at Red and White and get your sandwiches.

The Breakfast Club Diner is not new, but it's place you will love, if you want to feel like you're back in the 80's.  Huge portions, great food and a real diner experience await you at this local spot on Coast Highway.  It looks like something Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives would review.  Maybe he has.  Buccaneer Cafe is another diner type restaurant, with big portions and always busy with lots of locals.  My favorite breakfast place in Oceanside, however, is the Beach Break Cafe on Coast Highway.  Run by the same family for many years (they used to be right down the street), the food is fabulous, whatever you get.  On the weekend, be prepared for a wait, but it's worth it.  French toast, pancakes, omelettes, and eggs of any type, are all great.  Try their coffee cake for a special treat.

Finally, one more restaurant that I can't wait to try.  It's called WuLan Ramen House, on Frazee Rd.  Coming from L.A, we have one street in Santa Monica (Sawtelle Blvd) that has about 15 different ramen restaurants to choose from, so I've had lots of ramen.  We don't have many ramen restaurants  here in north county, so if this is good, as all the reviews say it is, it will surely be a winner.  They serve ramen with several types of broth, and lots of additions to broth, depending on your taste.  They also have other Asian appetizers, so there's a lot to choose from.

So many new places to try, I can't wait.  I will review 608 and WuLan Ramen House as soon as I go there.  Until then, happy eating, wherever you go.

Music And More At Kaboo

Fran was lucky enough to get VIP tickets to Kaboo, the music, food and art festival in Del Mar.  Last year was the first time it was held, and it was a huge success.  We wanted to see what it was all about, and Fran knows one of the performers, so was able to get tickets.  Prior to this concert, I had  probably been to four or five concerts in my life, like Rick Springsteen at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, and Neil Diamond at the Forum.  I'd never been to an outdoor concert like this.  The added bonus of Kaboo, was delicious food, wine and beer choices and some wonderful art.  We loved the day and evening, but I came home exhausted.  I definitely got in my 10,000 steps!

We were dropped off by Fran's husband, Jim, almost at the entrance to the fairgrounds.  That saved us at least 1/2 mile of walking.  We got our badges, and headed over to a concert venue on the other side of the fairgrounds, to see Sugar Ray and his band, which was excellent.  There are no seats, so don't even think you're going to sit down at one of these events.  Luckily we found a spot along the fence, and were able to lean for much of the time.  The concert was great, everyone singing along, arms waving in the air, wall to wall people having a good time.  What energy Sugar Ray has, after doing this for so many years!

Next, it was off to find water, then dinner, before we saw Hall and Oates and Jimmy Buffet.  There were at least 20 bands performing each day, so you have to pick and choose.  Dinner was our next choice.  We were surprised.  We both expected to see fair type food choices, and they were all there.  However, they also had some very gourmet choices.  Searsucker, City Tacos, Bottega Americano, Seaside Market, JSix, and many other wonderful restaurants from the area had limited menus for us to choose from.  We selected a Mediterranean restaurant in El Cajon, and had a delicious flatbread, topped with chicken, garlic, cheese and other good things.  Fran had one of the many beer choices.  We were lucky to find a picnic bench for dinner.  I saw many people eating standing up.

As day moves to night, the concerts get bigger and more crowded.  By the time Jimmie Buffet appeared on stage, it looked like Woodstock.  I tried to capture a picture of the crowd, but the picture doesn't  really capture it.  (the pictures I posted are of Sugar Ray and the crowd at the Jimmie Buffet concert). In any event, we were lucky to find VIP seats, yes seats, for the rest of the evening.  It helped a lot, as my legs were shot.  I noticed lots of other concert goers over 55 as the night wore on.  This was truly a concert that appealed to all ages.

My only disappointment was with the medical services.  A lady passed out at the afternoon concert, probably from too much sun and not enough water, but it took a full 15 minutes for EMT to get to her.  Also, water was not easily available.  You had to stand in a long line to get water.  All in all though, it was a great experience, which I'm glad I had.  I can check it off my bucket list.  Been there, done that.

A New Way To Enjoy Cauliflower

I was browsing the aisles at Trader Joe's recently, when I ran across a product I just had to try.  It was crumbled cauliflower, or as they called it "rice cauliflower."  The cauliflower was cut into rice size pieces, and was meant to be used as a rice substitute.  Especially for those watching their weight, cauliflower is a great substitute for rice or potatoes.  I have been using it to make "mashed potatoes" for years.  Here's a recipe for fried rice, made with cauliflower.  It's a great vegetarian lunch or dinner or a side dish for any meal.


                                       Cauliflower Fried Rice

sesame oil
butternut squash, cubed
package of cauliflower rice (or make your own by using a food processor)
garlic
peas
two eggs
soy sauce
chopped scallions

Coat saute pan with sesame oil, add butternut squash and cook for one minute.  Add a little chopped garlic and the cauliflower.  Saute until squash and cauliflower are soft.  Add a handful of frozen peas.  Then, add two eggs and scramble into the mixture, adding a little soy sauce if mixture is too dry.  Voila.  You're done.  Put in serving bowl and top with chopped scallions.  You are going to love this delicious, low calorie fried rice.  Enjoy.

What Do You Think Of Colin Kaepernick's Protest?

You cannot live in a democracy without protest.  The right to protest is one of the things that makes our form of government different that dictatorships or socialism.  We have the right to protest.  Many view Colin Kaepernick's recent protest as unpatriotic.  He says he is protesting the many deaths of black citizens at the hands of the police.  He has the right to do this.  He also puts his money where his mouth is, giving large sums of money to organizations that are trying to prevent police shootings.

I remember when some American athletes gave the black power salute in Mexico City during the Olympics many years ago.  That was quite different, and in my opinion disrespectful and inappropriate.  Colin is trying to make a statement without hurting anyone, in a peaceful way.  He has the right to do this, and perhaps it will light a fire in others to try to initiate change in the way blacks are treated by some police.  Many years ago while I was teaching, I had a Jehovah's Witness in my class.  They do not salute the flag.  I discussed this with her parents, and we decided that she would stand, but not salute the flag.  This was a teachable moment for my third graders.  They learned that in a democracy, one has the right to do or not do something, as long as they are not hurting others.  It was a good lesson for them all.

Here's one funny story I must tell you.  Many years ago, Ron was going to the horse races at Santa Anita.  He was in the parking lot, and running to get to the track for the first race.  Then the national anthem started to play, as it does everyday before the first race.  Ron was running to get to the track, and a man stopped him and said, "Don't you stop for the national anthem, don't you have any respect?"  Ron said, "The great thing about America is that I don't have to stop if I don't want to!"

Delicious Saltine Toffee

At a recent 80th birthday party for our friend Richard, we were served the most delicious and easy saltine toffee recipe.  Our hostess' sister, Rhonda, brought her famous saltine toffee.  She told me how quick and easy it was, and I just had to share it with you.  It's great to keep a container in the freezer for drop in guests, or bring as a hostess gift when you go to a party.  I think you will like this very much.

This easy Saltine Toffee recipe requires just five ingredients to make an incredibly delicious candy. You have to taste it to believe it!  Who would have thought that saltine crackers would work so well as the base of this crispy, crunchy toffee that's packed with brown sugar and chocolate flavor? You can also make it your own by adding other nuts or dried fruit to the top, or swirls of white or milk chocolate.

Ingredients

• 50 saltine crackers (from about 1.5 sleeves crackers)
• 4 oz (1 stick) butter
• 7.5 oz (1 cup) packed brown sugar
• 12 oz (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup salted pecans, or any nut of your choice, chopped

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 lbs Saltine Toffee

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 11x17-inch baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet so that there are no empty spaces in between them. Break them in pieces if necessary to fill all the gaps.
3. Place the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Stir while the butter melts, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, leave it without stirring for 5-6 minutes before carefully pouring the sugar-butter mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet in an even layer, trying to cover most of the crackers.

4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee, and allow them to sit for one minute to soften and melt. Once softened, use an offset spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface of the toffee in an even layer. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top with the chopped peanuts.  Add a sprinkle of coarse kosher salt if you like.
6. Refrigerate the pan to set the toffee and chocolate for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into small pieces, and enjoy! Store Saltine Toffee in an airtight container for up to a week.

The Death Of The Bumper Sticker

It's Labor Day, and I hardly see any cars in San Diego with political bumper sticker.  Ron and I were out for dinner a few nights ago and I mentioned this to him, and though he hadn't thought of it before, he definitely agreed.  I think I have seen two Hillary stickers and two Trump stickers.  In the last election cycle Obama and Romney stickers were everywhere.  What has happened?

I don't know if political scientists or sociologists have studied the reason for the decline in bumper stickers, but I have some ideas.  First, social media has led everyone to express their opinions on Facebook or Twitter.  It's so easy to Tweet out your opinion on something!  You won't get your car keyed by some passerby who doesn't like your bumper sticker, or get dirty looks from those who disagree with you.  Second, no one seems passionate about either candidate.  For most voters I talk to, their voting choice is the lesser of two evils, so they don't want to have bumper stickers plastered all over their car.

From the time cars had bumpers, bumper stickers have adorned them, especially during the presidential cycle.  No more.  The internet and social media have taken its place.  Take a look when you're out driving tomorrow and see how many stickers you see.  My guess is it won't be many.

Why Are Federal Elections Held on Tuesdays?

I always wondered by federal elections were held on Tuesday.  Now I know.  Years ago, when the framers of the Constitution were deciding what day to hold elections, they determined that Sunday was out because it was the Sabbath for most people and Monday was out because traveling to the voting location would take another day.  Voters traveled by horse and buggy to get to the polls.  Wednesday was also out because that was market day, and we were a heavily agrarian society at that time.  So, Tuesday became voting day.

Fast forward 250+ years and you may ask yourself why we haven't changed the day of the week for voting.  We have one of the lowest voter turnouts of any country, and if voting were to take place on the weekends, many more people would be able to get to the polls.  Early voting  and on line voting increase the number of voters, but why doesn't everyone vote?  The way it is today, many people simply cannot get to the polls.  Either they can't take off work to vote, or they have no transportation to vote. There have been bills introduced in congress to change the federal day for voting, but so far, nothing has changed.

My suspicion as to why it hasn't changed is that Republicans don't want it to change.  We all know that when voter turnout is low, Republicans do better.  This is a fact.  So why would Republicans in Congress want to change the day of voting?  They wouldn't.  Many countries, like Israel for example, hold elections on the weekend.  Voter turnout is much higher.  Keeping the voting day on Tuesday is just another example of voter suppression.  Kind of like the ID's that need to be produced in so many states these days.  This is not done to prevent fraud.  There is so little voter fraud that it's insulting for lawmakers to tell us that fraud is the reason for voter ID laws.  It's to suppress the vote, just as keeping the voting day on Tuesday does.  I thought that in a Democracy the idea was to give every citizen an opportunity to vote.  Apparently everyone doesn't see it this way.

Raising Children

Every generation thinks they have figured out the "right" way to raise their kids.  I remember when my kids were growing up I swore not to repeat the mistakes of my parents.  They, in turn, thought many of the things we were doing were wrong.  This is just the way each generation handles child rearing.  The current parents are no exception.  They think they're doing the right things, which leads me to the assumption that they thought we were NOT doing the right thing.

Too strict, not strict enough, too many rules, not enough rules, too cautious, not cautious enough.  Which is right?  The answer is that there is no right or wrong.  Each parent has to find what works for them and their child.  Some children need more rules than others, so what works for one child may not work for another.

I do have one criticism of parents today.  Well, actually two.  First, why do kids have to have so much of everything?  Why does their closet have to look like a Toys R Us store?  Toys today are fantastic, but kids have a mind and an imagination which is not being used today as it was in years past.  Kids used to throw a scarf over their shoulders and pretend to be Superman.  Today they want the store bought Superman cape.  No imagination!  Kids used to go in the backyard and build a fort out of sticks and whatever was lying around.  Now, the parents go and buy them a pre made fort or house for the yard.  They don't get to use their imaginations.  The other thing that really bugs me is that many children are not taught the proper way to behave when going to a restaurant.  Some children run around the restaurant, stand up at the table, or yell.  Some parents do little if anything about this behavior.  I never would let my kids behave that way.  We would go home immediately if the children misbehaved.

Whether we like how parents are raising the children or not, they will all grow up to be pretty normal.  They all make it, regardless of what parents do.  I try really hard not to criticize my children's child rearing.  They are all fantastic parents, and are doing what they think is best, just as we did.

New Restaurants in San Diego and North County

We were out for dinner with Laurie and George in late August, and Laurie started telling me about a new restaurant soon to open on State Street in Carlsbad.  It is called Campfire.  It is 6,000 feet of space, in and outdoors, with a campfire theme.  They even have a Quonset hut.  Food is cooked over open flames, and it has an open kitchen, so guests can watch what goes on in the kitchen.  It's not quite quite finished, so check before you go there.

If you're in to beer, and beer only, look for Culture to open a new location on Coast Highway in Encinitas.  They already have four other locations, including Solana Beach.

On Convoy Street, check out Prime Grill, a new Korean BBQ.  I have not been there, but hope to try it soon.

In North Park, Tribute Pizza is new.  Pizza seems to be all the rage now, and this is Neopolitan style, nice and thin, the way I like it.  In Pacific Beach, another new pizza place has opened, Ambrogio 15.  It is owned and operated by two transplants from Milan, and it looks delicious.  Can't wait to try it. 

If you're in Libery Station,  you might want to try Breakfast Republic.  It's just breakfast and lunch, and I hear the waits are sometimes very long.  Fortunately, there is so much to choose from in Liberty Station now, that if the wait's too long, there are plenty of other places to eat.

Finally, Du Par's is opening in downtown San Diego.  Any of you from Los Angeles know Du Par's, everyone's favorite late night or early morning stop for pancakes, pie, or a great old fashioned patty melt.  They will be open 365 days a year, so you know there is someplace to go for a great meal on those days when everything else is closed.  So glad to have them in San Diego.

Well, that's it for now.  I have several other new eateries to share with you, but this should keep you busy eating out for a while.  I have not tried many of them, but will try to in the near future.  Reviews of specific restaurants will follow soon.

Keep Traveling As Long As You Can

One of the things that gets harder and harder for people to do as they age, is travel.  Even if nothing  is wrong with you, it's hard.  Walking distances in airports are long, plane seats are uncomfortable and difficult to get in to, hotels may have stairs that are tough to climb.  Not to mention getting on and off buses, carrying luggage, and possibly standing in line for extended lengths of time.  Then, if you have any sort of disability from a bad back or bad knees, to Parkinson's, MS or ALS, even the smallest thing could become an obstacle.  I have experienced this first hand in the past year, and feel compelled to make a few observations.

Thank goodness for the Americans With Disabilities Act that passed in 1990.  This opened the world to individuals with disabilities, from curbs that were wheelchair friendly, to bathrooms equipped for the handicapped.  Years ago, it took an act of God to get a wheelchair at the airport.  I remember in the 1990's when I was a full time travel agent.  I had to call the airline and reserve one of the few wheelchairs that were available for my older clients.  Today, there are hundreds of wheelchairs available for individuals that need them.  Just tell the skycap you need one, and within 5 minutes, your wheelchair and assistant will be there for you.  Older people who cannot walk long distances can now get around the airport.

Hotels are friendly toward those with disabilities, too.  Bathrooms and showers for wheelchairs make traveling so much easier.  Restaurants have tables that can adjust for wheelchairs.  All this makes travel accessible to older people or those with disabilities.

Of course adventure travel, hiking or climbing trips and ski trips become more difficult as you age, but there is so much you can do, and doing it keeps you young.  We just returned from a trip to Colorado and I was surprised at how much we were able to do.  Yes, it's harder, but travel makes everyone more interesting.  New experiences, new places, restaurants and new people make traveling adventurous for people of any age.  As we age and travel becomes more difficult, we just change the types of trips we take.  Train or cruise trips become the best way to go, and even driving trips (as long as driving is still an option) are fun.  Getting old or becoming disabled does not mean the end of travel.  It means travel will be more difficult, everything will take longer, but also gives you something to look forward to, a change in scenery and a new experience.  Ron and I intend to keep on traveling as long as we can.  It's one of the many things that keeps you young at heart.  All you youngsters, and those with no physical disabilities, please be patient when you see an old woman trying to get across the street or climb on to a bus.  These things are difficult for her, and we will all face these challenges at some time.