Congressional Health Care

I understand that many people are afraid of health care reform. Generally speaking, people prefer the status quo to the unknown. No problem. Do you know what kind of health care our Congress people get? It is called The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). Under this plan, they are able to choose from " Consumer-Driven and High Deductible plans that offer catastrophic risk protection with higher deductibles, health savings/reimbursable accounts and lower premiums, or Fee-for-Service (FFS) plans, and their Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)." What this mean is that unlike most of us who have to choose between a small selection of plans (assuming we have insurance at all), they are given options which include plans offered by health care providers from all over the country such as Blue Cross, HMOs, even labor unions. They do not have a waiting period and are covered for any preexisting conditions. Our representatives have some of the best health care benefits in the country. 75 percent of this is paid for by the government, yes that means the taxpayers! So how about getting rid of this "public option" idea and instead give us the choice of keeping our own insurance or using the plan that is already in place, The Congressional Health Plan Option! It is not a new plan so no one needs to be afraid of it. Congress can not possibly object to this idea. After all, aren't the people who put them where they are today deserving of the same plan they have? Why don't you contact your representative and ask him or her to support the idea of allowing Americans the same health benefits they have been enjoying. https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Do You Remember?

Those of you shall we say "of a certain age" might remember this house. Here is a hint: "The plane. The plane" Of course this is the house where Hervé Villechaize ( Tattoo) would call out those famous words announcing the arrival of the latest guests to have their fantasies fulfilled on the long running television program, Fantasy Island. This Queen Anne style house is just one of the treasures you will find at the LA Arboretum in Arcadia. The gardens are divided into different regions such as The Americans, Africa, Asia, and Australia. There are art displays, plants, trees, and even a lovely waterfall to enjoy. You can also learn about the Tongvas who are Native American people said to have greeted Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo in 1542. You can see examples of their houses called kiys. For lunch there is the Peacock Cafe, peacocks included. Saturdays at the Arboretum are popular for weddings. We found ourselves dodging large gatherings more than once but all in all had a great day.

Huntington Library

Is this Japan? No, it just looks like it. We recently visited the Huntington Library in San Marino. This wonderful oasis is part of a nonprofit research center which was founded by Henry E. Huntington in 1919. This facility houses one the country's largest collection of rare manuscripts and books. Its research library is used by scholars world wide but the general public has access to many treasures including one of only 11 copies of the Gutenberg Bible printed on vellum as well as a vellum manuscript of Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

The Huntington Art Collection consists of French and British artwork from the eighteenth century and American pieces from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. The galleries contain paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative art. It is here that you will find Thomas Gainsborough's most recognized work, The Blue Boy.

120 of the 207 acres are available to the public in the form of a botanical garden. It is divided into regions ranging from a lush sub-tropical setting to relaxing Japanese and Chinese retreats, Zen garden included. There are waterfalls, a lily pond, even a bamboo forest. With plenty of benches available a shady spot is easy to find. Unfortunately picnics are not allowed so the only dining options available are over priced and the choices are few.

If you would like to visit, check their website, linked above. They are only opened from 10:30-4:30 during the summer (closed on Tuesday) The first Thursday of every month is free with advanced reservations.

Los Angeles, Farmer's Market

We went to 3rd and Fairfax today. This farmer's market is an historical landmark that has been around for 75 years. It began as a place where farmers could sell their produce but has undergone many transformations since then. While there are still stalls where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, there is also a myriad of cuisines to sample. We usually gravitate towards Moishe' Restaurant for Middle Eastern food as well as Pampas for churrascaría which is a Brazilian style of barbecue. Whatever you are craving, you will most likely find it here, from gumbo to omelettes, or just plain hamburgers. Be forewarned though, this is cafeteria style food. Most of the tables are outside and there are very long lines. The food, however, is worth the wait. If you prefer a more formal setting, there are other restaurants in the newer adjoining shopping area called "The Grove." Here you will find chain stores like Barnes & Nobel, Banana Republic, Gap, Sur La Table, etc. It definitely lacks the character of the older section but serves it purpose nonetheless. Many events take place here. Today we were treated to a sampling of the Cirque du Soleil.


Future events will include live musical performances, movies, and arts & craft workshops.