Blogs from California, United States, North America

I was watching some tournament tennis on TV the other day. The announcers were talking about some of the current greats, like Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, Roger, and Serena Williams. Other sports too. One of them mentioned that all great players must reach the end of the road at some point. The other one said, "Father time is undefeated!" It reminds of many great athletes who should retire now, like Nadal, Tiger, Klay Thompson, Lebron, others, of course. But it also reminds me of many who stayed beyond their time, like Mickey, Roger, Brady, Carmelo, And I guess it applies to non sports people as well, like Warren, Sleepy Joe, Rudi, RBG, Which brings me to myself. I first retired 15 years ago. But somehow, I am unable to stay retired. But after some surgery and two ... read more

From 2009, though this year's race will be tomorrow. And just for the record, I never streaked the race! Back in my running and jogging days, I ran in several editions of the Bay to Breakers Footrace in San Francisco. Back then, the race often experienced record numbers of entrants, and lived up to its name as the world's largest footrace. It begins at the foot of San Francisco Bay, then winds through the streets of the City, through Golden Gate Park, and finally onto the Great Highway and the Pacific Ocean (ie the breakers). The first race, known as the Cross City Race, began in 1912, as a precursor ... read more

The oldest fast food joints that I have visited (from Lovefood): Back in Lodi again: California is jam-packed with historic fast food restaurants, and the state is home to the oldest operating McDonald's and In-N-Out Burger restaurants. Its oldest chain, though, is url=http://awrestaurants.com/blog/it-all-started-roadside-stand-roots-aw-restaurants?fbclid=IwAR2iqIdS326MkwhvjM-Zsg-dxOqdqfmzDQ14QqIv3PQrqznVsf7wywJsa4IA&W, which started as a root beer stand in Lodi in 1919. That original roadside stand is long gone (though it is marked with a plaque). But A&W’s history is celebrated at the current Lodi location, which displays plenty of old memorabilia and regularly hosts classic car meet-ups. We often went after baseball practice. I spent a summer playing baseball in Lodi while I was in college. I can hear CCR singing their famous song! On the islands, you must try Rainbow... read more

There are many things (with the help of "Passing Through Travel" to do in Napa Valley: The Oxbow Public Market is the epicenter of Napa’s local food and wine scene, offering a vibrant mosaic of gourmet vendors, artisan cafes, and specialty shops. This bustling marketplace showcases the bounty of Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and wines, the market is a culinary adventure that reflects the diverse flavors of the region. Downtown Napa is the vibrant heart of the Napa Valley, where the region’s rich history meets modern luxury and sophistication. This bustling area is a haven for foodies, art lovers, and shoppers, offering an array of boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and galleries. The Napa Riverwalk is a highlight, providing a scenic ... read more