Sam Maloof is a name that woodworkers and people who love and collect crafts have heard. It turns out he grew up in Chino and had his workshop in Cucamonga. He makes some of the most beautiful furniture I have ever seen. He was awarded a Mac Arthur Fellowship when he was 80. His home and workshop in Rancho Cucamonga are now a museum and are open to the public several day a week. Learn more by visiting the Maloof Foundation web site.

A few years ago the historic home was moved a few miles up the hill to make way for the 210 freeway. It is, according to the guide, now even more beautiful as a result of the larger, more scenic lot.

We met Sam, now 92, outside his workshop where he still works most days. He and a team of three craftsmen make about 50 pieces of furniture a year and sell them for up to $50,000 each. Every piece is custom made to order and the wait is four years.

Sam is an eclectic collector. His old house now the museum, no photos inside, is full of art, pottery, plants and gee gaws. This is a collection of pot bellied stoves that was on one of the porches.

It made me rethink my anti-clutter mentality. We had lunch at the Red Hill Diner which it turns out only serves breakfast and not very well.