Close to You--the advantage of apartment living

This is one of two apartments once owned by Richard Carpenter. Still looking for the next one.

Now and Then

After reading an LA Times article about the possibility of Richard and Karen Carpenter's house being torn down, I had to pay a last visit. The house is near the oldest standing McDonald's in Downey, California (see yesterday's entry below).

For those who are not familiar, The Carpenter's were a 1970s sibling duo whose melodic songs pushed the Top 40 for a decade. I grew up listening to, and falling in love with Karen Carpenter. As a nine year-old, I used to dream of someday meeting her. The closest I ever got was in the mid 1970s from the 23rd row at the "Fabulous Forum" in LA. The Carpenter's house was made famous in their 1973 album, Now and Then (Inset on the photo).

As I drove up to the modest home, others were sadly driving by the tired and overgrown house. That was last winter. I paid another visit to learn the house is still there.

Before There Was Ronald...

Rising more than 50-feet in the air is the original McDonald's mascot, "Speedee." With a wink and a smile, the cheery neon chef points to the third franchised McDonald's building, and what is now the oldest surviving McDonald's. On the same property is a small museum with nifty artifacts like cups, toys and original menus. The vintage arched building is located a few miles southeast of Los Angeles in the city of Downey.

Speaking of fast food, Downey is also home to the first global pseudo-Mexican junk food icon, Taco Bell. Spain, UK and India: Taco Bell is coming soon...