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has written 524 articles for the OB Rag!

‘Scam Me Once – Shame on You – Scam Me Twice, Shame on Me’

January 27, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

There is no question that I am an insomniac. I have been for over 13 years and it started when my husband Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer.  As the cancer advanced, it was difficult for him to speak, and so we developed a method of communication by turning on a light whenever he needed anything.  It didn’t matter what time of day it was – the light went on.

But insomniacs seem to “run” in my family. 

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Scammed by the Best

January 11, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

For those of you that read my columns on the OB Rag, you are aware that I had to put my wonderful Golden Retriever down a few months ago because he developed cancer and there was no cure for him. “Shadow” lived up to his name to the nth degree.

I got him just a few months after my husband died, and he became my companion; he seemed to be able to know when I was sad, when I was happy; when I needed a hug, etc. There was no way I could find a “replacement” for him but I did not want to be without the doggie companion that Shadow was for me.  So I began looking for another Golden,

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A Holiday of All Holidays

December 12, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Eleven years ago one of the darkest moments in my family took place. It wasn’t a death – although it felt like one – it wasn’t a terminal illness – although it felt like one – it was worse.  My two great-grandchildren, Riley – age 2 ½ and Noah, age 1 years old were kidnapped by their father and taken to Australia.

Their mother, my granddaughter had no idea what had happened for some time, but when she found out she went to Australia to attempt to have them return to America.

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The Search for the Best Tamales in Town Ends at Marissa’s Deli

December 6, 2022 by Judi Curry

Marissa’s Deli
3770 Voltaire St.
Stumps Family Marketplace
Point Loma, CA 92107
619-226-9575

By Judi Curry

Ever since I was a principal in San Ysidro and one of my teachers had a “tamale-making” party, I have been looking for tamales that were as good as the ones we made back then.  I think I have found them and you will never guess where.  But first, a little background.

I met Marissa several years ago when I placed my first order for tamales with her. 

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Restaurant Review : Himalayan Palace Restaurant in the Midway

November 23, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Himalayan Palace Restaurant
3760 Sports Arena Blvd. #5
The Midway District off San Diego, CA 92110
619-510-4966

By Judi Curry

A funny thing happened on our way to eat at an Indian restaurant. My daughter Stephanie and I decided to go to our favorite Indian restaurant on Midway and easily found a parking space right in front. We walked into the restaurant and saw a group of people standing in line but no movement.  Like sheep, we also got in line. But they weren’t seating anyone.

Since we were both craving Indian food, I remembered that there was an Indian restaurant just behind the Red Lobster on Sports Arena and we decided to go there instead — the Himalayan Palace. 

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Heartbreak at the Widder Curry’s Home

November 16, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Ten years ago a dog washed up on the beach at Rosarito and was taken to the Baja Dog Sanctuary .  He had the stinger of a sting ray stuck in his head, and he was bedraggled from his swim to shore from the boat that he must have fallen off.

There was no doubt that he was a thoroughbred Golden Retriever, and I heard about him through Trish Penneck, the physical therapist I was using for my Golden Retriever “Buddy,” that was suffering from hip displasia.

Almost immediately after Trish told me about this water-logged dog, I contacted the rescue organization and we planned a meeting so we could meet each other. I took a few of my friends with me to meet this dog in Poway, and it was love at first sight.

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Restaurant Review: King Crab in the Midway District

October 27, 2022 by Judi Curry

King Crab
3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-269-0800

By Judi Curry

Ever since COVID hit, many favorite restaurants have closed, and many new ones have opened.  And even some of the new ones have closed. I have been watching the space where Soup Plantation used to be, wondering what might go in there since it seems that buffets are a thing of the past.  So when my daughter Michele and I stepped into King Crab it was almost like déjà vu – but not quite.

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Wanted: A Canine Who Can Smell the Rats Visiting Us From Sunset Cliffs

October 10, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

In today’s world there is much going on that does not cause laughter. Well, of course, there are many different kinds of laughter, some of which is fun, some of which is nasty, some of which is sarcastic, etc.

I might have a little bit of laughter for YOU – (certainly not for me.) Here is my story.

Several years ago I wrote an article for the OB Rag about the new residents of Ocean Beach/ Pt. Loma.  Namely the rats were moving in. And I don’t mean the two legged kind – I mean the true, four-legged rats.  At times one could stand on Sunset Cliffs Blvd and watch the rats run across the street.  That was then.  Let me get you current. Those damn rats found that Sunset Cliffs and its environs were a perfect place to raise their families,

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‘Keep Your Hands Off My Body!’

September 26, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Yes, I am old.  Very old.  The chances that I will ever need an abortion in this lifetime are almost nil.  But I have daughters, and granddaughters, and great-granddaughters that may, some day, find they are in a predicament where an abortion is the answer to their problem.

And that is not between that female and her Congressman; her Supreme Court Justice; her representative.  No! That decision should be between her and her physician.

I remember, as a young child, maybe 4-5 years old, overhearing my parents talk about “Patsy” – the young teenager next door that “died because of a hanger abortion.”

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‘The Third Time’s the Charm? Baloney!’

September 15, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

The freezer was cold,
The food was icy,
Opened the refrigerator to find
The food was dicey.

The temperature read 60,
When it should have said 40
Oh my goodness,
Oh My, Lordy, Lordy.

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Two Home-Town Heroes, Plus Two More in OB’s Own ‘Surfing Duo’

September 14, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

A year ago I wrote a story about our very own surfing duo – Derby the Golden Doodle and his blue Mohawk partner, Kentucky.

Several things have happened since.  Number one, the pair has been competing in surfing competitions and early this month they went to Waikiki to compete in the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest.  Plus, a new book has hit the bookshelves, entitled, The Adventures of Derby California – Derby learns to Surf.

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A Powerhouse Lunch With Linda Lukacs, Candidate for District 2

August 24, 2022 by Judi Curry

Judi Curry’s views continue to be her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the OB Rag.

By Judi Curry

It is difficult for me to sit back and watch the deterioration of the area known as “District 2.”  We purchased our house in 1966 and loved the neighborhood.  We moved here from Berkeley where my husband and I were attending school and where we were active in the Free Speech Movement and Mario Savio was in one of the first classes I attended.

The hippies were just moving into Ocean Beach, and San Diego was so conservative there was talk of “outlawing left-hand turns because they were subversive.” 

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Restaurant Review : Jennings House Eatery in Point Loma

August 23, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Jennings House Eatery
1018 Rosecrans
Point Loma, CA 92106
619-222-6857
Jenningshouseeatery.com

By Judi Curry

It’s been many years since I had a meal at Jennings House Eatery. The pandemic changed the hours, and I just never could find a convenient time to return. 
One thing that seemed to present a problem was that there was very limited off-street parking, but Cathy, the owner of the restaurant told us that the bank on the corner will allow her guests to park in their lot as long as they park along side the restaurant building.

We met at 11:45am, and Cathy offered us either an inside or outside table. 

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The Widder Curry Asks: ‘Who Is Going to Pay my Electric Bills?’

August 16, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

I heard this was coming.  This, plus the proposed increase to my water bills, has me pondering if I should go back to teaching.  After all, there is a teacher shortage, and at my age I might just have to go back to work just to pay my utility bills.

Yeah, I can hear you now!  What the hell is the old negative widder talking about now?  You mean you don’t know?  What fun to be able to show you a copy of a “flash” from the Union/Tribune just a few days ago.  Ready?

News Alert – Aug. 11, 2022
San Diego looks to eliminate nearly all natural gas by 2035. What does that mean for your home? A dramatic update of city’s Climate Action Plan aims to retrofit 90% of buildings, including homes. But a cost estimate is still to come.

I don’t know about those of you that cook, but as a gourmet cook that has written three cookbooks

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‘Oh, Yes! Let’s Raise the Water Rates – Again!’

August 10, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Two days ago, I received in the mail, as I am sure that almost all of you did, a notice from the San Diego Public Utilities Commission notifying us of a “Notice of Public Hearing.”

And what is this hearing about?  A “Proposed Increase to Water Rates,” to be considered by the San Diego City Council.  (In case you did not receive the notice the public hearing will be held September 20, 2022, at 2:00pm.)

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Restaurant Review – Sabor Brazilian Grill in the Midway

August 4, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Sabor Brazilian Grill
3944 West Point Loma Avenue
Midway District
San Diego CA 92110
619-736-1383

By Judi Curry

The last primary election that was held in San Diego introduced me to a new group of people interested in the same solutions for our community as I have.  It has been a refreshing, and exciting time. As we get to know each other better, we are branching out and doing more than discussing political aspects of San Diego.

This day was a perfect example, because I went out to lunch with Mandy Havlik, a current elected member of the Peninsula Community Planning Board and former city council candidate. There are several new restaurants that have opened in the Ocean Beach/ Point Loma area.  We decided to try Sabor Brazilian Grill. It is located just behind Grocery Outlet to the north.

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This Is District 2 Candidate Linda Lukacs, Part 2

August 3, 2022 by Judi Curry

Judi Curry’s views are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the OB Rag.

By Judi Curry

Part 2

For those of you that did not read “Who Is Linda Lukacs, Part I,” let me briefly state that she is running for City Council Seat, District 2, against Jen Campbell, the incumbent.  I voted for Dr. Campbell when she was elected because I felt she was the best for the job – and the fact that she was a Democrat did not sway me in my decision.

After all, I am a registered Democrat.  On the other hand, Linda is a registered Republican

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Who Is Linda Lukacs? She’s Running in District 2 Against Jen Campbell – Part 1

July 27, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

There is one thing about the San Diego City Council that some people do not realize. The seats on the Council are bi-partisan. Whether the “owner” of that seat is a Democrat or Republican should not make any difference. They are elected to do the best for the community.

Suffice it to say that it is well known that the incumbent is a registered Democrat – and, in my opinion – a “do nothing” Democrat. Yes, I supported her and yes, I even voted for her. When she came out ahead in the most recent primary election I knew I would have to do some investigation into her opponent, because I knew that I would not cast my vote for her again.

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A ‘Feel Good’ and Bizarre Tale

July 21, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Sometimes I find myself in a position of writing a story that I think will find the reader feeling good without any negative vibes. I am hoping that this tale does that for you, because it did for me.

Let me give you a fast background. I met Mona in 1992 when I was hired to be the Vocational Manager at San Diego Job Corps. Mona was the Academics Manager. Our offices were on the same floor but at opposite sides of the room, and our interactions took place numerous times during the day.

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The Widder’s Lament: Firecrackers and Fireworks

July 6, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

I am not a violent person. I do not believe in guns for any purpose other than military, and even then I have some doubts.

I do not like hunting innocent animals for fun; I do not like people to have guns in their homes, cars, tents, etc. I do not fish anymore – something I used to do until I heard a lobster scream when I put it in boiling water.

I do not like Ice Hockey because of the fighting that goes on; I just realized that I do not like the Tour de France either because of the arguments that take place there. And I do not like people that feel the need to argue with me and tell me that my thinking is wrong. In fact, I am liking animals more than humans recently.

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The Widder’s Rantings – Abortion and Guns, Drought and More Buildings, Campbell, Trump and Biden – Whew!

June 24, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

A few days ago my editor-dude wrote to me and asked if I was okay because I hadn’t written anything for some time. I answered back that I was physically all right, but there is so much going on in the world that is pissing me off I was unable to articulate the feelings. Today’s decision, although we knew it was coming, just set everything else off.

Who are these people that think they can control the lives of all of the women in America? What gives them the right to make a medical decision that doesn’t pertain to them in any way? Who are they to make a decision that will affect lives for years and years and years? Do they think that by passing this stupidity that abortions will not take place?

They have effectively removed SAFE abortions from every woman living in a state that prohibits them. I thought that there was supposed to be a separation between church and state? What happened to that? Do they realize that they have reduced women to second-class status?

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Restaurant Review: Country Waffles in the Midway (After 9 Years)

June 23, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Country Waffles
2323 Midway Drive
San Diego, CA 92110
619-223-2225

By Judi Curry

It is difficult to find a time that is convenient for a restaurant owner and myself to have breakfast but Ibrahim (Al) and I seem to enjoy our time together so much that we try to meet at least once a month to discuss his new book, or his new painting, or his new poetry, etc. Yes, I am talking about the owner of Fairouz restaurant.

Our original plan was to go to Perry’s for breakfast, but when we arrived about 9:30 on Saturday morning there was not a parking place to be found. We decided not to wait and would go to the Country Waffles restaurant, a place we had gone to before, but not with each other.

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A Questionable Mother’s Day at Quarterdeck Restaurant on Shelter Island

May 9, 2022 by Judi Curry

Quarterdeck Restaurant
Bay Club Hotel and Marina
2131 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
619-225-1604

By Judi Curry

Sometimes things happen that leave you shaking your head in amazement, astonishment, disappointment, or confusion. One seldom expects that when making a reservation for a dining experience, but it happened to us on Mother’s Day, May 8th, 2022.

My daughter Michele asked me if I wanted to go out for Mother’s Day breakfast, and, if so where did I want to go. Since my other daughters and their families were not available to join us, I said that it would be nice for her and Lawson and Steve and I to go out to eat somewhere near the water and outside, weather permitting.

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A Warning to Meat Eaters: Recall of Ground Beef

April 28, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

This is nothing more than a hopeful help to those of you, like me, that have purchased Grass Fed Ground Beef packaged by Lakeside Refrigerated Services and sold under the names of NATURALLY BETTER, NATURE’S RESERVE AND THOMAS FARMS.

Many of these products have been recalled because of E.Coli. I looked in my freezer and found that I had 5 packages, all purchased locally.

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The Widder Curry Disses the Incitement of Violence at Hockey Games

April 26, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

People that know me are aware that I enjoy most sports. I frequently went to the Chargers game – or Patriot’s games when I lived in Maine; I went to baseball games at Dodger Stadium since I was a little girl – a hundred years ago. I attending Horse Racing all over California, Arizona and Maine; My grandkids played a variety of sports – rugby, soccer, softball, and a grandson was a wrestling champion not all that long ago. I attended their game/matches whenever I could. Every now and
then my husband and I would attend a Gulls Ice Hockey game, and it was enjoyed.

However, those same people that know about my enjoyment of those sports are now aware of my distaste for Ice Hockey. My problem is that Steve has season tickets to the Gulls game; his seats are one row back from the goal, and we have a practically unobstructed view of the game. Perhaps that is some of the problem for me. If Ice Hockey were the only thing played it would be great,

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Restaurant Review: Wild Things Pizza in Ocean Beach

April 22, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Wild Things Pizza
2163 Abbott Street
Ocean Beach, CA 92107

By Judi Curry

It isn’t often when the owner of a restaurant asks me to do a review of his establishment. In fact, it has only happened two other times. Fortunately, each time the food was good; the service was good, and it was fun to do the review. This restaurant is no different.

It is where the old Surfrider Pizza used to be. That was one of my favorite restaurants but the trouble with it was that I was always cold when I was there because of the open windows and doors. It is no different now, except that Steve and I sat at the far southern end of the building and the windows were not open. If I were to go again – and I am pretty sure I will – I would try to sit in the same location.

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Restaurant Review : Cesarina’s in Point Loma

April 5, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Cesarina’s
4161 Voltaire St.
Point Loma, CA 92107
619-226-6222

By Judi Curry

It has been some time since I ate at Cesarina’s. The pandemic, new restaurants opening, etc., but Steve and I had something to celebrate and I wanted to go to Cesarina’s for their octopus and other authentic Italian meals.

A great many of the their recipes come from Napoli, and each of my three daughters spent a year in that city and raved about the food so I wanted to try it out again and see if it was as good as it was three years ago. In case you don’t want to read any more of this review I can honestly say, “It is!”

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Judi Curry: ‘We Stopped by Wendy’s on Midway and Wish We Hadn’t’

March 25, 2022 by Judi Curry

Editordude: Judi and her friend Steve stopped by Wendy’s on Midway Drive on their way to a Gulls’ game the other night. They wish they hadn’t. Judi submitted this as a “restaurant review,” but it’s hardly that – Judi only ordered a Vanilla Frosty (which they didn’t have) but Steve got his order. Here, then, are Judi’s thoughts:

By Judi Curry

I have only reviewed a fast food restaurant once in my career of being a food critic. That was because of exceptional service at the Jack in the Box on Voltaire and I felt they needed to be recognized. The other night, on the way to the Gulls Hockey game, Steve and I decided to stop off at Wendy’s

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Restaurant Review: The Third Corner in Ocean Beach

March 4, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

The Third Corner
2265 Bacon Street
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-223-2700
WWW.THE3RDCORNER.COM

By Judi Curry

At Christmas time, friends gave me a gift certificate for The Third Corner. I had been there many times before; usually for lunch or their weekend brunch, but never for dinner. Steve and I decided to give it a try because we were in a celebrating mood.

That mood almost evaporated within the first 10 minutes of walking in the door. I had made reservations, and when we were shown to our table it was along the wall with the windows facing West Point Loma Avenue; there was a large party just to the left of us, and two women sitting to the right of us. The large party was so noisy that I asked Steve to see if we could change tables.

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The Widder Curry: ‘I Have Family in Australia Where They’re Having a Once-in-500 Year Storm’

March 2, 2022 by Judi Curry

A Grandmother’s Concern

By Judi Curry

Too often we hear about something third or fourth hand, and although we feel sorry for the involved people, we let it pass until the next crisis hits. Many of us know individuals that come from Ukraine that are losing their very foundation of life.

But today I am faced with a problem even closer to home.

Many of you may know that I have a granddaughter and two great-grandchildren that are in Australia.

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