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Articles by Judi Curry

High school dropout who decided to show the educational community what learning is all about. If it's the status quo something's wrong with it and I'll scratch the itch!

Judi has written 145 articles for the OB Rag!

The Widder Got’s Her Dander Up! – Ralph’s New “Check-Out” Rack

May 21, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Market’s New Methods Leaves The Widder In a ‘Boycott Ralph’s’ Mood

As the “mother” of this household – put the emphasis wherever you think it should be – I do all of the grocery shopping. My feet are not anchored in cement, and I shop at a variety of stores – CostCo, Barons, Stumps, Vons, Ralph’s, etc. I like various things at different stores. (I used to shop at Sprouts until they fired an employee I liked.)

My main shopping store is Ralph’s, for a variety of reasons: I use their pharmacy and all my prescriptions are on file there; the items that I purchase are lower there than at other stores; they have the variety of items that I frequently look for. I seldom buy my produce there because I think they are over-priced, under-ripe, and outdated. I shop there at least once a week; sometimes twice.

Today, when I did a relatively large shopping at Ralph’s, I noticed that the check-out area had a new configuration.An annoying one.

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The Widder Curry Re-Visits the Point Loma Democratic Club

May 20, 2013 by Judi Curry
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A Brief Summary of May 19, 2013 Meeting of Peninsula Dems

It has been a long time since I attended a meeting of the Pt. Loma Democratic Club. My husband was an officer of the club, and when he passed away I decided that I no longer wanted to attend their meetings. The reason for that was many – I didn’t want to hear how much Bob was missed; I loved the President of the club – Nancy Witt – but didn’t know the other officers well and from what Bob had said I didn’t want to know many of them. The other thing that disturbed me was that the average age of the club was – well, let’s just say “old.” There were very few young people attending meetings, and although this is an intellectually sharp group, I wanted to be with younger people with younger ideas.

However, I heard that this might be a cantankerous meeting, and I wanted to attend. I also knew that if I did not renew my membership, I would not be allowed to speak or vote on issues that I thought were important, so I handed over my $20 and sat in on a meeting that was not cantankerous, but interesting.

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Discussion on PL Democrats Website: Is the ACLU “Subversive” Because They Oppose Cross at Mt Soledad?

May 17, 2013 by Judi Curry

The Widder Curry Weighs In

An interesting question appeared today on the Point Loma Democrats website in regards to an article announcing the 80 year celebration of the San Diego ACLU.

To say that I was nonplussed to read the question which can as a comment to the article, would be a minor revelation. At the risk of being censored – do you think that Democrats would do that to their own? – let me tell you something about it.

On June 7th, there will be a 80 year celebration of the San Diego ACLU. As the article read, this function is not a

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Health Care Reform – An Enlightening Discussion in OB Sponsored by League of Women Voters

May 17, 2013 by Judi Curry
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OB Rec Center Meeting Led by Jeanne Brown

By Judi Curry

I attended a most informative meeting at the OB Rec Center on May 16 on the subject of “Health Care Reform”. The focal point was on a “Single Payer Health Care” and a Healthcare Movie was shown to the audience.

The film revealed the true story of how the health care systems in Canada and the US evolved so differently when, at one, point, they were essential the same. Statistics are overwhelming –not just in comparing the Canadian health care system to ours, but in just looking at the stats overall.

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The Widder Curry Asks: When the toilet overflows, is it a “flood”?

May 14, 2013 by Judi Curry
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For the past few weeks, I have had an interesting situation at my house. At least once a night, maybe even twice, I hear a “phantom flush” in one of two bathrooms in the house. (I sometimes have wondered if my deceased husband has come to visit me!) It doesn’t freak me out, but it does wake me up, and since I have enough trouble sleeping as it is, the flushing of an “unmanned” toilet keeps me awake for the rest of the night.

I happened to mention the problem to a neighbor and he said I needed a new “flapper valve.” When I looked at him blankly he told me not to worry, he would take care of it for me, and sure enough the next day he was at my door with a pretty blue flapper valve. Within a few moments he had it installed and I looked forward to a quiet night sleep. The first night was wonderful. No phantom flush. The second night was just as great – no phantom flush.

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Business Review: Eddy Ayub – Physical Therapist

May 13, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Eddy Ayub, Physical Therapy
3145 Rosecrans, San Diego, 92110
619-223-7175

It’s Not Just Leno I Will Be Missing

As many of you know, my husband passed away 3 ½ years ago from lung cancer. His death has virtually nothing to do with this article, except for the following: He was confined to a wheel chair his last few months, and even though he had lost a great deal of weight from chemo, he was still a big man.

He was just about 6 feet tall, and weighed about 170 pounds. In lifting him in and out of the wheel chair, I managed to tear both rotator cuffs, and that, in turn, was instrumental in creating a painful condition called “trigger fingers.”

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Restaurant Review: “The Joint” in Ocean Beach

May 10, 2013 by Judi Curry
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The Joint
4902 Newport Ave
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
(619) 222-8272

It is wonderful having guests from out of town staying with me. I am trying restaurants that I would not go to on my own for a variety of reasons. Last night, however, my guests from Massachusetts wanted to have sushi and I have wanted to try “The Joint” so on an evening I thought would not be busy – Taco Tuesday – we entered the establishment about 7:00 pm only to find it absolutely packed.

There was a wait, but not a long one and we were seated at the first table near the door. All night long we watched people go in and out of the restaurant without any slowdown. To say I was surprised puts in mildly, but after having a meal there I can understand the enthusiasm of the diners.

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Where Are All the Strawberry Fields Going?

May 6, 2013 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

strawberries“Far, far away.”

During my trip to Carlsbad last weekend with members of my support group, we stopped in at a delightful shoe shop, “Coolest Shoes in California” and had an interesting discussion with Christine Davis, the owner of the store. Somehow we started talking about the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields and making jam, and she commented to me “better hurry. They won’t be here long.”

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Are They Going to Slip Something By Us Again at “The Inn at Sunset Cliffs”

April 29, 2013 by Judi Curry
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By Judi Curry

I was stunned to find out that there is a potential building change going to be asked for that will totally destroy the Sunset Cliffs area.

Let me tell you what I know – and let me stress I do not know how much truth there is to this, but people are talking, just like we heard the “talking about the VFW building.”

“The Inn at Sunset Cliffs” – corner of Pt. Loma Avenue and Sunset Cliffs – is seeking permanent and private ownership of the coastal area just west of the hotel.

The Ocean Beach Planning Board hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 1, at 6:00pm at the Ocean Beach Recreation Center.

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A Ride to North County on the Coaster

April 17, 2013 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

coasterFor the past few months members of my support group have talked about taking a ride on the ‘Coaster’ to North County. Only one of the members had been on the Coaster; the others of us had it on our ‘bucket’ list.

The first time we were to go it rained; the second time we were to go someone was sick; the third time it was raining again. This time we decided we would go regardless if it rained, or regardless if someone became ill. It was a “go” no matter what. And, wouldn’t you know, the weather forecast WAS for rain, but we decided unless a hurricane was in the offing we would still go. And then one of the people that was going to go with us became ill, but she encouraged us to go anyway, and we did. We are so glad that we did.

We met at the Old Town Trolley Station at 9:30am on Friday. Parking was horrendous.

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Ocean Beach Business Review: Ocean Spa Nails

April 9, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Ocean Spa Nails
4914 Voltaire St.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-224-0498

I try to have a manicure and/or pedicure at least once a month but sometimes I find that something interferes with the timing and I may go longer without having one. Today my daughter Michele called me and told me she was going to have a pedicure and manicure at a new shop and wondered if I wanted to join her. Although I had a pedicure last week, I didn’t have a manicure and jumped at the chance of going with her for several reasons.

I have been trying different shops in the Ocean Beach and Point Loma area for several years. I have not found one that I have been real happy with, but have gone back to different shops more than once because they were better than some of the other places I have tried. Michele told me that “Ocean Spa Nails” had several very good reviews and we were anxious to try it.

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A Fine Farewell to Dating Websites

April 9, 2013 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry online20dating

As my subscriptions to five online dating sites comes to a close, I look back at some of the situations I have found myself in and can’t help but laugh hysterically. On the other hand, some of the time I found myself sad and depressed because things did not turn out the way I had hoped they would. Sounds like I might be bordering on bipolarism.

Some of the people that I have met have been wonderful and I consider them friends. Of course, I wasn’t looking for friends when I joined the sites; I was – and still am – looking for a companion, a lover, a best friend. I am thrilled that Joe, a man I frequently went out with has found a potential companion for life. I will always think of him as a friend and have also “friended” his new squeeze. Jim, I know I can always count on you if I need help; you have been there each and every time I have asked for some thing.

I have been amazed at the number of men that are married and are looking for a one-nighter.

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OB Restaurant Review –“ Te Mana Café”

April 8, 2013 by Judi Curry
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“Te Mana Café”
4956 Voltaire
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-255-9233

There are so many new restaurants opening in Ocean Beach it is difficult to get around to all of them in a few weeks. Today my friend Candy and I decided to have lunch at “Te Mana Café” on Voltaire. The physical restaurant is a restored 1924 Craftsman house. The Cruz family lived in it for years and as they remodeled it into the restaurant it is today, they continued living in all of the rooms – although they no longer live there now. It is beautiful; well furnished, and very warming to its clientele.

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Restaurant Review: “Newport Avenue Yacht Club Restaurant”

March 25, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Newport Avenue Yacht Club Restaurant
5060 Newport Ave.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107

Watch out, South Beach. You have serious competition – and right across the street! Monica – my live-in student – and I decided to try out the new restaurant because so many people have already told me about it. And the surprising thing is that it has only been in operation ten days! It didn’t take long for the word to spread about how good this restaurant is, and it can only get better. [We helped spread the word.]

Granted, at the present time the owner, John Rudolph, does not have a beer and/or wine license, but he welcomes his diners to bring in their own – no corkage fee – to enjoy while eating his succulent offerings. (He said it may take 6-9 months before a license is granted!)

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On the Waterfront Restaurant Review: Mitch’s Seafood

March 20, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Mitch’s Seafood
1403 Scott St.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-8787

After posting my review of Point Loma Seafood’s last week, several of my readers wrote in and told me that I should try “Mitch’s Seafood”, because it was as good, if not better than the subject of my original review.

I could hardly wait to try it, and when Monica, my foreign language student came home early from school on Tuesday I decided it was a perfect time to “test the waters.” After all, Tuesday in San Diego means “taco Tuesday” and with tacos at $2 and $3 it was well worth it. We arrived early – 4:15 pm, because one of the readers said that it is almost impossible to be served after 5:00pm on Tuesday.

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Restaurant Review: Point Loma Seafoods

March 18, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Point Loma Seafood
2805 Emerson
San Diego, CA 92106
619-223-1109

Point Loma Seafood’s is famous all over, not just in San Diego. Thirty years ago I was a principal in Mohave Valley, Arizona and had two delightful, single teachers that taught for me – Bill and Cher. They subsequently married, and in the past 30 years I have seen them twice, until yesterday.

When they were here 15 years ago, I introduced them to Point Loma Seafood’s, and they have been back many times. They live in Prescott, so it is not just a hop, skip and a jump away. I was surprised when they called me yesterday and asked if I would join them for lunch at their favorite seafood restaurant. Naturally I said “yes” because it is also one of my favorite places. Not only do I like to go there for a meal now that my husband is no longer with us and catching fish, I buy my fresh fish there also. (And let me put in a plug for the half-baked bread. It is offered in rounds or loafs, and you finish the baking when you get it home. Yummy!)

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Restaurant Review: OB Kabob

March 13, 2013 by Judi Curry
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OB Kabob
4994 Newport Ave
San Diego, CA 92107
619-222-9700

Driving down Bacon Street the other day, I happened to see the “OB KABOB” restaurant near the corner at Newport. I was surprised that I hadn’t seen it before, but I later found out that it had just opened in February of 2013 – only a few weeks ago.

I called Scott, my friend from the Beacon, and asked him if he would like to go with me to try it out, since he has accompanied me three times already to review restaurants. He jumped at the chance.

We went on a Tuesday for several reasons. It is “Taco Tuesday” and I felt that it would not be crowded because of the specials being offered at other neighboring restaurants.

The menu was extensive – but I was unprepared at how small the restaurant is – 4 tables; 4 high tables; and a variety of counter space. (Come inside for details and the Widder Curry’s grades.)

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Neighborhood Business Review: John Baker Picture Frames

March 12, 2013 by Judi Curry
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An Introduction to a Neighborhood Business

John Baker Picture Frames
4735 Point Loma Ave.
San Diego, CA 92107
619-223-5313

A year or so ago, I was in a hurry to frame a picture I was going to be giving as a gift, and rather than drive down to Midway and Rosecrans to either Michael’s or Aaron Bros. I decided to stop in at John Bakers Picture Frames on Point Loma Avenue. I am embarrassed to say that in the 36+ years I have lived around the corner, I had never been in the store. I was amazed at the selection he offered his customers. Perhaps one of the things I liked the best was that “Murph” – his dog – greeted me at the door.

The next time I went in the shop I had some doggie biscuits with me, only to find that Murph had gone on to another place. And I found out that John had retired and the business had been purchased by an employee of his of over 14 years. Let me introduce you to Mary Maslanik.

I watched Mary work with a customer today while I waited for Chris Baker to complete a picture frame for me. (Yes, Chris is John’s son.) Mary worked with this woman – for almost an hour. The scene reminded me of a woman trying on shoes and not finding anything that she liked. Mary brought out all kinds of samples of matting, frames, etc. until there did not seem to be anything left in the front or back room.

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Transient Ischemic Attack … ‘I Had a What?’

March 11, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Monday morning dawned bright and early and I looked forward to going to my physical therapy appointment at 7 a.m. I love driving over Pt. Loma Avenue early in the morning to see the sun coming up over the mountains.

This day was no exception. My therapist, Eddy, worked me especially hard that morning because, after having breast cancer surgery 18 years ago, within the past 6 months I have developed a severe case of lymphedema. There does not seem to be a cure, and we are trying to get the lymph fluid to flow out of the elephantine arm that used to be my left arm. It doesn’t hurt – just restrictive at times.

Following my therapy I had an appointment to see my primary care physician for a routine check up and all was normal. I left her office; did some shopping at Ralph’s, and walked in the door about 11 a.m. One of my former students – Corrine – was coming in the front door as I was walking in the back door. She had an armload of tomato plants with her that she was going to plant in the backyard.

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Restaurant Review: Pho Point Loma & Grill

March 8, 2013 by Judi Curry
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“Pho Point Loma & Grill”
2788 Midway Drive
San Diego, CA 92110
619-226-6502
www.phopointlomagrill.com

After a day that became more stressful hour by hour, I decided that I did not want to cook dinner for my one remaining student – Monica – and suggested that we have a meal out. The physical therapists at the office I go to three times a week had talked about “Pho Point Loma” yesterday, and, knowing that Monica likes pho food, thought it would be a fun experience for both of us.

I used to go to the restaurant when it served Chinese food and always marveled at how large it is. There is the regular dining room; a huge dining room in the back part of the restaurant, and a smaller, more cozy room to the side as you come into the building. It should be noted that there were patrons in all of the rooms and for a Wednesday night they were doing a thriving business.

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La Jolla’s Anti-Semitic Past Still Reflected in Community Christmas Parade

March 7, 2013 by Judi Curry

La Jolla from above

What is the difference between a “Holiday Parade” and a “Christmas Parade?” Not much, actually. But the fact that La Jolla continues to call their December parade a “Christmas Parade” bothers some residents of this snobby, exclusive city.

Many years ago – 1965 – to be exact, my husband and I decided to take a trip to La Jolla. We knew we would be moving to the San Diego area shortly, because my father-in-law was quite ill and lived in Chula Vista. We decided to make a vacation of it, and driving down from Berkeley where we were going to school we stopped off at a hotel in La Jolla. I was wearing a beautiful Star of David given to me on my 18th birthday by my ex-husband. My current husband – Bob – was not Jewish, but the star was so pretty that I wore it frequently.

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Car Wash Review: Rosecrans Car Wash

March 5, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Another In a Series of Car Wash Reviews by the Widder Curry

Rosecrans Car Wash
3768 Rosecrans St.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-298-0624

I have wanted to try the Rosecrans Car Wash ever since I read that I could have my car washed at the same time I could wash Buddy, my dog. Since we frequently go to Dog Beach, it seemed a natural thing to do, but for some reason – procrastination – I have not done so until today. And wouldn’t you know it – when I finally did go I had my student friend in the car and not Buddy.

The first – and only problem that I had was in finding the entrance into the lot. Even though the address is on Rosecrans, you enter the lot from Kurtz St. When I passed it and Monica asked me where we were going – we were headed East on Highway 8 – it became apparent to her that I had missed the entrance. We turned off on Taylor and backtracked to Rosecrans, not before getting stuck by a train as we attempted to cross the tracks. That was a 2-3 minute wait.

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Restaurant Review: Ranchos Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine

February 22, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Waiting too long detracted from the good food

“Ranchos” Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine
1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-226-7619

A good friend called me today to wish me happy birthday, and said she had been following my restaurant reviews and wondered if I ever stayed home and cooked any more. It does seem like I have been going out a lot – and my increased girth tells me that is true – but I hate to pass by the opportunity of going out and trying new – and old – restaurants, so I decided to take my two students – Monica and Jeffrey – to Rancho’s for dinner. (And for clarification purposes – both students are adults studying English at ESL schools.)

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A Review: Humphreys Backstage Lounge on Shelter Island

February 21, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Humphreys Backstage Lounge
2241 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619·224·3577

A friend, Jim, and I decided we would go out on Valentine’s Day for appetizers and a drink or two. (Yes, I do drink and yes, I did meet him on-line.) We wanted to celebrate Obama’s win and this was our first opportunity together.

I called my daughter for – one who knows nice places to go out for celebrations, and she suggested “Humphreys Backstage Lounge.” I have been to Humphreys many times. My youngest daughter was married at Humphreys, but I had never been to the Backstage Lounge nor had Jim, so that was where we went.

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Review: Living Room Coffeehouse in Point Loma

February 20, 2013 by Judi Curry
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“Living Room Coffeehouse”
1018 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-6852

Within the small support group of widows that I am part of, three of our husband’s are buried at Ft. Rosecrans. So two of us thought we would start the day by a trip to “see” them. Even though one of our members was ill and not with us, she “talked” to her buried hubby via my cell phone and made her feel better for the day.

Then Candy and I went to the “Living Room Coffeehouse” on Rosecrans. We had never been there and we thought by going there we would avoid a crowd at the more popular Sunday breakfast restaurants. We were right. In the Living Room there are many small rooms available, couches, an outdoors, etc. so even if it was crowded it would not have been apparent to us.

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Touching Lives in the Community: Point Loma Grocery Outlet

February 19, 2013 by Judi Curry
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Point Loma Grocery Outlet
3948 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-704-1440

You know a place is successful when you cannot find a parking space at 1:30 in the afternoon. I am one of the patrons that missed LONGS DRUG STORE when it closed and became CVS. I still miss LONGS and seldom shop CVS. I still go to that shopping center because there are several stores that I like to patronize, but with the opening of the “Point Loma Grocery Outlet” I think I will be there often.

What an exciting store. There is an array of merchandise, from fresh meat to fresh produce, to fresh flowers, wine, beer, health foods, to almost every canned item a person would want. And, contrary to what someone told me when the word went out that the Grocery Outlet was opening, I found no out-dated food; no dented cans.

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