Pageants and Presidents

The Gamble House, the ultimate California Bungalow, is a stunning site in Pasadena.

After the holiday party winds down, talk always turns to travel. My bucket list?, friend Jeanne says, Pasadena, New Years Day, the Rose Parade. What? All the crowds? Dave Kimmich pipes in, Let’s go. We can all bunk at my brother’s house. Jeanne adds a caveat, Roseville is having a first-time-ever float. Carl likes it. I’ll visit Mom first, meet your guys at the airport. Okay, I’m whipped. Book it.

Tickets are a snap to get online, $42-85 depending on grandstand choice.  (sharpseatingcompany.com). And for $13 more you can experience the magic as floats get their final prep–at three locations–prior to the big event. Oh, why not?

Since 1890 the parade has marched the 5 mile route on January 1. And we were there last year, mashed in a grandstand, completely overcome with float fever, caught the previous day at our behind-the-scenes adventure. When you see what it takes to design and decorate these short-lived beauties, it spikes your enthusiasm. And being awed by mega-bunches of fruit, seeds, grasses, bark and those breathtaking flowers makes you a fast fan.

We did locate the Roseville float in prep stage, impressed by the 55-foot replica of a 1909 train. We cheer the next morning as our hometown entry passes by, governor’s choice for best depiction of early California life.

The parade ends, but not the amazement as we walk downtown, dodging trash in streets, overnight curb-campers hauling off cook stoves, coolers, mattresses. We’re on a  hunt  for Bungalow Heaven, the historic district of 1920’s arts and crafts houses. The guys just want to talk about low-slung roofs, artistic porches, unique gates, custom doors. The girls just want to find lunch. Tummies full, it’s a short drive to the Gamble House, a national historic landmark from 1908, operated by USC School of Architecture. Since alumni-Carl perks up at the mere mention of USC, (missing the big game tore at his Trojan heart) he’s enchanted with the house, grounds, furnishings. The Gamble heirs (of Proctor and) nearly sold the masterpiece home, until prospective buyers mentioned painting the woodwork white. In a Craftsman? They gave it to the city instead.  (gamblehouse.com) Tours $10 and worth it. And to think I pooh-poohed Pasadena? What a gem.

So is the Getty Museum. And you don’t need to appreciate any of J. Paul’s  private collection of European art to be wowed here. Savor the amazing sunset views of LA from the Santa Monica foothills, stroll the landscaped gardens, follow a docent on the architecture tour and hear: People come with the idea they’re going to a museum with works of art inside, but they’re really visiting a work of art with a museum inside, So True, and you won’t look at travertine the same way again, trust me. Free every day. (getty.edu)

Before heading home, we detour to Simi Valley for the Reagan Presidential Library Museum. A lofty location with sweeping vistas, a fitting resting place for a president who called America a shining city on a hill. We join history buffs, students and curious tourists who navigate the 240,000 square feet of artifacts, exhibits and dramatic stories of American history. Seniors: $9.

I linger at photos of Ronnie as teen lifeguard, radio broadcaster, budding actor, political activist, candidate. I hide out in the miniature theater watching old movie clips like my favorite classic weepy, Kings Row where Drake clutches his cruelly amputated legs and cries, Where’s the rest of me? Pure delight.

Outside stands the 9  foot piece of the Berlin Wall about which Reagan said, Let our children see it and reflect what it means to history, only vigilance and strength will deter tyranny. Point worth pondering. The best for last; Air Force One Pavilion, a stroll through the very plane that flew Reagan and seven other Commanders in Chief around the globe. (reaganlibrary.com) Popping in the museum store, I know what I want. It hangs on my Christmas tree; a miniature Air Force One that reminds me: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places and moments that take our breath away.

Wherever you go, near or far, blessings in this sacred holiday season.