We have been busy. On Thursday, we journeyed to Simi Valley to the Reagan Library. I'm a big fan of Presidential Libraries and have been to the Truman, FDR, Lincoln, George W. Bush, Johnson, and of course the Hoover, which is only ten miles from me. They do such a great job of depicting the history of the period. The Reagan seems a little more over-the-top than the others on adulation of the former president but worthwhile nevertheless. We toured Air Force One, saw the Berlin Wall and the Cold War exhibits, and visited the grave site.
Friday, we snooped around Ventura, first to the Museum of Ventura County. Another love of mine are small, local museums. There are so many wonderful ones around the country. The Ventura museum has a permanent exhibit about the Chumash people who have lived in the area more than 15,000 years. An exhibit called 'Crossing Borders' displays art works by first generation immigrants to the area. There is an extensive display of work by Margaret Garcia. A highlight is an exhibit of quarter-sized figures by George Stuart of people instrumental in the American Revolution. The detail is incredible and included are King George III, King Louis XVI, Washington, Adams, Franklin, Monroe, and Madison as well as Baron Von Steuben, a German who trained the troops at Valley Forge and British General John Burgoyne--"Gentleman Johnny"--who tried to invade down the Hudson Valley from Canada but was too weighed down by the accoutrements for fine living to be effective in staving off the colonists.
Next we went to the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, founded in 1782 by Father Juniper Serra. The lovely Church was completed in 1809. After a walk down Main Street of Old Ventura, we returned to Joanie's for a little beading and to rest up for a great supper at her daughter and son-in-law's. Excellent day.
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