Rodeo Drive at Christmas

Our Christmas card to you this year to thank you for visiting us and keeping us in mind is of the beautifully decorated shops in The Rodeo Collection on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles which I hope you'll enjoy. 

We visited recently during the dampest, foggiest, wettest, rainiest few days of the entire year.  This is quite the opposite of what LA weather usually is.  People like change, so they probably don't mind the blanket of fog making their hair frizz or wilt, putting an extra sweater on; all things they don't usually have happen in LA.

But the crowds were out as we strolled among stores frequented by billionaires and celebrities who aren't too intimidated to enter.

It was fun to gawk and be gawked and admire the colors of bright poinsettias everywhere paired with twinkly white lights.  I noticed the decorations were very understated and elegantly beautiful.

I bought $50.00 worth of chocolate and cocoa at Vosges, a favorite culinary treat, and thought this might be a good place to look for online gifts.    I passed on the beautiful black dress I loved with turtleneck up to the chin and a price tag as high paired with patented high boots which I noticed is a look so popular now.

I want to take this moment to say how much I appreciate all the visitors to my site.  I do work hard to make it current, correct and authentic.   It means so much to me if you enjoy my site and more importantly find it useful in finding communities.  Let me know what you think and have a wonderful Christmas and holidays.

More photos:

Enjoy!  Merry Christmas - Happy New Year!

Carol

Find apartments in Los Angeles for seniors

Photos by Carol Fena, Best Guide Retirement Communities

Excursion to North Carolina and Virginia Beach

The last few days I was in Virginia and North Carolina. I attended a seminar in NC. The trip down was an easy 4 hours with little traffic; we arrived at 3 PM. I have to put a plug in for the Marriott Courtyard Raleigh, because it was a fantastic experience that one doesn't often have for a short stay. The customer service was outstanding from the housekeeper to the very friendly professional demeanor of Stephanie at the front desk.

Everyone we encountered from the bartender, dining room personnel to even the taxi cab driver they arranged went beyond expectations. If you have a business, they are a fine example in customer service to observe. They recently remodeled their lobby; these new innovations were clever: bistro with TV screens, computer access and beautiful lighting within these private cubicles.

Many other features including a fireplace and lounge area.



The next night we stayed at a different hotel in VA Beach; the customer service was good but average. I must say the bartender was the exception. He made us laugh and was very helpful in selection of our cocktail and dinner.



Good customer service is important to your experience when visiting retirement communities also. You can tell if you are being treated in a very personal, professional, warm and welcoming manner. If so, you will most likely be back. When visiting retirement communities, leave plenty of time. Our trip was only 3 days and we kept arriving at communities too late. I wanted to see 4 Seasons' new community in New Kent, but the office was closed. I drove by to view the country ambiance.



And since I started back late, I encountered busy commute traffic and I will be careful not to do that again. One sight I did want to see was the Edgar Cayce Library in Virginia Beach. This was an inspirational experience and an attraction I would like to revisit. The massage at the spa was also excellent.



It was a fun trip. At times we were frustrated and tired, but overall very interesting hunting down retirement communities and taking in the sights as well. We are not affiliated with the Marriott. This is an information only website. We do not make recommendations. Please do your own thorough investigations of information.

Architectural Homes Walk

Yesterday we enjoyed an architectural walk through an older neighborhood of homes built at the turn of the century. We thought it was a treat for the eyes and hope you enjoy it. Queen Anne style, built 1911:


My favorite was this Bungalow Style, built 1925:


and it's sweet side garden:


Colonial Revival home built by C. Walton Fitch 1920

American Foursquare style 1905:


There were many old flowering trees:


We liked this wavy fence:


We hope you enjoyed our walking tour of historic homes (route planned by "Walk Arlington.")

A life Lesson from Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain travels the world--with bluejeans, rolled up sleeves on clothes that look like they lay for days at the bottom of the laundry pile. Yet he is revered because he has something to say.

You can see it in his swagger--a confident man. I'm sure everyone knows who he is and has watched on TV at least some of his fascinating culinary adventures around the world and reveled in his way with words. Of course, he has a first-class crew behind him--photographers, stylists, script writers, the works.

I envy him but don't know if I could be him even with all that. You see, the man has more than talent. He has the courage to pull it off. What makes his talent. A confidence in what he says. He's not afraid to be Anthony Bourdain. He speaks out, poetically and gifted true, but there are many who have the gift of writing and speaking, but not many who can take the heat in the kitchen.

This comes from having the courage to bring a talent out from under the bushel. If you are in a retirement community, does your talent remain under the bushel.

So many are bringing their talents out in retirement. There are clubs for photography, writing, art, gardening, charitable activities, drama and so much more.

Seniors are enjoying developing their talents in the many activities and clubs. They may not be Anthony Bourdains, but they are enjoying discovering who they are at this time of life. They are letting their talents, once suppressed, shine. Seniors everywhere are taking what may be the first step to liberating their gifts and their myriad curiosities at our retirement communities.

The silent generation has found a new voice.

Travel the USA in a flash by browsing retirement communities from all over America.