Change...

the other day I had to drive out to Rancho Santa Margarita.  Since I 

wasn't really sure where I was going I pulled up the directions on my phone.

It took me out the Ortega Hiway past our old house and farther.

I was trying to remember the last time I was out there...it's been years.

What a change!

All of the orange groves that were there are gone and

the hills are graded for houses.

I could hardly tell that this was the "dump road corner" it had

changed so much.

this is a sign that says that there are going to 12,000 homes in

Rancho Mission Viejo.

What the heck!

When we bought our first house in San Juan Capistrano 41 years

ago, there were only 5,000 people in the whole town.  There wasn't

a market (had to go to Capo Beach Vons or up to Mission Viejo).

There was a drive-in movie and after soccer everyone it seemed was at Thrifty's getting 

ice cream.

Our friends were telling me that the dump road is finally going to open all the 

way to San Clemente.  So is that going to be another way for those

12,500 families to get to the beach?

Perplexus...

the Moysa's got this game for Christmas.

It's crazy, frustrating and fun all at the same time.

The object is to roll a silver ball around inside this plastic ball pass/through

all these different levels.

It get to about 15 and then it falls.  You have to turn it and move it at the 

same time.  I think it's really hard (but also addicting).

yesterday this guy made it to 100 and wanted me to take a picture.

Good Job Grey!

Lido Theater...

on Saturday hubby and I were going to the Crab Cooker in Newport for 

late lunch/early dinner.  We'd wanted to go to the movie later, but came

across the Lido Theater and "Saving Mr. Banks" was there and the

time was perfect.

I know that they do a lot of special movie events here (Analog did premiers here)

and now I know why, this place is great.

Neither one of us had ever been to that theater before and were amazed.

It was a step back in time.

There is only one screen and the theater is pretty big.

The ceiling…It was so beautiful

yes, they had a balcony...

the walls were the prettiest undersea mural

the ladies room was great!

actual make-up stalls that had lotion and hairspray!

I didn't know they still made hairspray in the tall can!

beautiful tile work and Christmas decorations!

I loved the floor!!!!

my favorite.

 a great snack bar

I think that this might be Catalina tile, it was all over the theater, inside and out.

Lido Theater, a real step back in time

Cinepolis...

hubby and I finally went to Cinepolis.  We'd been hearing about

this place everytime we're in SC.  Finally broke down and went.

Luxury is a good 1 word description.

It's not your usual movie experience that's for sure.

From the front lobby (huge) with it's seating areas to the decor it's

really first rate.

It's expensive...$17.00 for senior tickets! We're used to paying a third

of that in Laie.

the seating is probably what make it...

reclining leather seats.  Spaced two together with a little table between you and

the next two.  Lots of room to put your drink or plate down.

They have wait service that comes to your seat and take your order.  We were

surprised by the choice of items....even GF and Veg choices.  From pupu

type to full dessert.  They have a wine/liquor menu also.  We saw people

having wine and cheese trays or sandwiches.  

we got just our regular popcorn and Diet Coke, but they even had choices

on the popcorn.

It really was a fun experience.  We'll have to go again when we're here.

At home we'll stick to our little, local place, Laie Palms...makes

Cinepolis seem even more luxurious when we go again.

Elephants On Parade...

there's an outdoor exhibit in Dana Point right now,

Elephant Parade.

This is a way of bringing the plight of the Asian elephant to the public.

These elephants have been decorated by famous artist.

Each one is different and unique.

I didn't even see half of them, but loved the ones I did see.

I think this "woody" one may have been my favorite.