MORE MEANDERINGS

Quick note from the Adobe on Hillside Drive  Our week was a bit subdued as the Man of the house continues to fight lack of energy and thus, ours has not been a house filled with unlimited enthusiasm for activity.  Luckily, the LA Dodgers have been doing their thing with the Boston Red Sox and Ken has been tied to the television.  He is not much of a sports fan until they get down to the brass tacks of championship battle and then he develops interest especially when it is a home team.  He is a Dodger fan but not until they get down to the final games does he sit up and take notice.  It has been several years since he attended a game but alas, he has been known to enjoy attending on occasion when life was a bit spryer. I was surprised that he stayed up until almost 1 AM Friday/Saturday to see the Dodgers win game 3.  That was late for him but he was glued to the tele. Inasmuch as it was the only game the Dodgers won, it is good that he was able to share that one loud burst of applause!

Thursday, I Had my semi- annual checkup of my pacemaker and it seems to be running smoothly and according to plan.  Doctor says I have eight more years of battery and that will probably outlast my need. After the pacemaker checkup we drove to Beverly Hills to my eye Doctor for a look see at my eyes that seem to be of concern by others including Dr. Daood who seemed to think I should consult my eye Dr.  She prescribed an eye drop which is an anti-biotic but she did not see anything that was a source of concern for immediate action.  So, I will continue to haunt everyone with my red eye!

Ken and I vote absentee ballot and our votes are in.  I learned that you cannot write in a candidate when there has been a primary balloting process so I simply did not vote in two races that seemed to be a choice between two Socialists, neither of which I cared to be on record as supporting by vote or otherwise.  I emphasize with all of those who lament that they no longer identify with the country where they were born because of President Trump’s policies.   I wasn’t born in California but I can assure all who care, I do not identify with California’s politics.  While I love the State, the politics of many of its inhabitants are offensive to my values and beliefs.  The political climate does not live up to the promises inherent in its many other inviting characteristics sans earthquakes mind you!

No blog can post without a complaint, opinion or observation that I feel you need to know.  This week I want to share with you my experiences in the new services for home delivery that are being lauded by on line retailers i.e., Amazon, Walmart and Costco.  I believe that Target is readying themselves to join this new wave as well but I have not checked them out.  Daily we discover new issues related to the aging process. I thought that ordering heavy groceries and staples on line to be delivered to our home would remove some of the stress of shopping and carrying stuff in from the car.  Ken does most of the shopping and carrying the groceries in also seems to be a chore that he bears.  I enthusiastically made out my shopping list for Costco on line, pushed send on my computer order and sat back to await delivery of our first order promised in  two days.  As promised, two days later my orders arrived in relatively good condition in spite of  a few small dents in a couple of cans).   I was encouraged by this modernized and greatly improved version of the house to house peddlers that I remember from a bygone era. It is amazing what good ideas can come from new thought processes!

I was now encouraged but Costco does not carry some things that are required by our lifestyle or or their quantity is too large for our small pantry space.  Back to the on line shopping cart at Walmart I went and placed my order with Walmart, again for delivery two days later.  Once again, my delivery arrived as promised and again, a few dents but all still usable. I was excited.  Ordering on line was less expensive because I was not encouraged to buy items that struck my fancy as a result of tasting, looks or emotional appeal.  In addition, the packages were delivered onto the porch where we could open the boxes and easily carry the items into the those and not have to unload them from the car.  This was good.  What a help!

A few weeks later, I placed a second order with Walmart and Costco and again, both companies delivered two days later as promised.  Costco’s order was in good shape but Walmart’s packaging did not live up to expectations with several cans dented bad enough for me to be suspicious as to their reliability.  I had ordered 20 items and seven had to be returned to the store.  Now I am dealing with reverse inconvenience though the returned items were not heavy or bulky.  Nevertheless, this was not a desired effect.  Ken assumed responsibility for the return.  Although the wait to return the items was extraordinary  he reported that  the customer service was pleasant with no questions asked and a refund in full was credited to our credit card.   Somewhat disappointed, I was now having second thoughts about this great new service but I still felt somewhat upbeat inasmuch as Costco had managed to retain my enthusiasm.  I assumed Walmart would soon learn from its mistakes and I held out hope that their service would improve.  

  

Last week I decided to bite the bullet and try again.  Costco lived up to expectations but Walmart really blew it.  I ordered four jars of Alfredo sauce and they appeared to throw the unwrapped jars in the bottom of the shipping box with some miscellaneous items on top.  (I know they have a protocol for wrapping breakables, I have a trash can full of the stuff but alas, whoever packed the Alfredo sauce apparently was not aware that glass breaks!) As you might suspect, the Alfredo sauce arrived broken with sauce all over the items that had been thrown on top.  Once again, Ken returned the items for a credit that was issued without question and in a pleasant manner but that simply does not cut the mustard (or even spread it).  I have advised Walmart’s on line customer service of my disappointment. Further, I plan to write Walmart's CEO suggesting that they should not waste their money on college educations for their employees and that they (and the country in general) might be better served by teaching their employees how to think and the importance of competence and customer service.   In the interim,  my Walmart loyalty has undergone rethinking .  Perhaps their shipping department uses those same people who answer my telephoned request for help with my Internet question?

I am now going to try Amazon and see how they do.  They recently announced pay increases to all of their workers and I am curious to find out if that has helped their employees in using their head better than Walmart’s promised college education. We do live in interesting times.  

Life is a bowl of cherries!

WEEKLY MEANDERINGS

It is Sunday night and all through the house all is quiet,

Ken is safe in his bed and I am cheating on my diet

When suddenly I remembered, the GAZETTE must be done

How could I possibly miss out on that fun?

Poet and don’t know it but alas, my feet show it!

We had a good week and enjoyed our visit with niece, Debbie, from Indiana. We were sorry when it was time for her to return home to her dear family.  She missed her granny’s despite our best efforts to keep her occupied.  Terri took Monday off and they did a girl’s celebration of Debbi’s birthday and on Tuesday, Debbie and Ken took the train to Santa Barbara for lunch on the pier to complete her visit to California.  I was disappointed that a medical situation prevented me from accompanying them but life is what it is!  We sent her home, hopefully, not looking a day older than when she left, despite adding another year.  Unfortunately, she apparently picked up a bug during our visit and plans to call her Doctor tomorrow in hopes of gaining some relief from symptoms that sound like a cold.  I have heard reports of some inconvenient symptoms from a bug that tend to hang on.  We are hoping that we did not contribute to her current discomfort.

Wednesday and Thursday found us making routine visit to our Doctors with both of us being referred for further tests and oversight.  I have been having a problem with my eyes and the Doctor suggested that I should see my eye Doctor for follow up.  Likewise, Ken has been having a problem that seems related to his throat and he has a further test scheduled to check that.  He also had a lung function test this week and we await the results of that test.   Whatever did we do when we did not go to the Doctor at least once a eek and sometimes, more than that?

 

We completed our week with a lovely brunch celebrating Terri’s birthday served by Marci and Lauren out in the lovely new landscaped yard at Gary and Marci’s.  Gary had a skin cancer removed from the bottom of his foot and it developed blisters that curtailed his walking so he was home to join in the celebration. 

We have completed this week with dinner prepared and served by our friends Phil and Sheri.  They had invited us to join them for dinner but Ken has been having some shortness of breath that has curtailed his activities.  I was afraid that it was too much for us to plan on doing an afternoon out after Church and I was right.  So, since Ken could not come to dinner, Phil brought dinner to us.  Terri assisted while Ken and I assumed the role of royalty under the guise of “old age”.   Life is good!

Today is Ken’s brother, Don’s, birthday.  They are helping some friends move their furniture from Florida to Arizona and thus, we did not want to call him while he was driving and this evening when we should have called, we had company.  Nevertheless, we remembered him and wished him a Happy Birthday via Facebook but I am not sure he got that either.

Lauren left this morning for Kauai, HI.  She texted that they were checked in and ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Island.  We could not resist suggesting things for them to do and see while on the Island.  However, it sounded like they had planned their week without our assistance.  We just want them to enjoy and have a great time.  This is her first trip to Kauai and though we believe it is the prettiest Island in the chain, it is not the liveliest for the young.  We did try to prepare her for a more subdued lifestyle, but we hope she and her friend will liven the Island with their special charm.

The election is nigh and I have my absentee ballot at hand and Ken has completed and mailed his.  California has a lot of bond issues on the ballot and though many sound good and I would like to support them, the State has no shame when it comes to spending money it’s taxpayers do not have.  So far, I am inclined to vote yes on only one and that is to override a gas tax that is burdensome and ill conceived.  I also have a bit of an elitist attitude (i.e., deciding what is good for people over their own decision-making attributes) and deciding what is good for others by voting against increasing taxes that must be repaid by my children and grandchildren.  That, of course, may be in opposition to how they vote but Mother and/or Grandmother knows best!

Below you will find my latest meanderings of political thought.  Whether you read further or not is solely your decision. Your reading pleasure is not defined by my rant on a given day.  Have a good week!

The recent Kavanaugh experience has increased my awareness of just how concerned I think we all need to be for our country and the course we are on.  I am concerned for our Constitution and the rule of law that supports our rights under its guiding principles.  Admittedly, I have a conservative view of life.  While the view of others may be more progressive, ambitious or liberal in perception, I firmly believe that our disagreements are not liberal or conservative but rather who we want to be and how we achieve that end.

We all see the world from a personal perspective and that perspective varies in relation to our lifestyle, experiences and expectations. We see answers to problems from our perspective and experiences. Thus, it is important that we be introduced to and understand differing and alternative views if we are to reach a sustainable resolution to our problems in an understanding that differing views can be a framework to real solutions.  In today’s world, idea exchange and respect for alternative views has been rejected and exploration of ideas is no longer a welcome endeavor. When our institutions of higher learning cannot or will not allow people of different thought processes on their campuses, can we honestly believe that free speech abides there? 

Discourse of thought and sharing of ideas as to alternatives has been reduced to attacks bordering on violence that conveys a vulgar and tyrannical approach to opposing views.   As I hear the increasingly aggressive rhetoric that encourages hostility I am appalled.  I do not believe any of my friends or family engage in such actions. However, commitment to a few broadly shared values and party loyalty  assures their vote to reinforce that rhetoric and my heart breaks.   I do not know anyone personally who has joined the mobs on the street, many of whom wear masks to protect their identity.  Neither have I heard any outcry or criticism of these actions.  In fact, some of our high placed representatives have gone on record as encouraging the mob.  Do they not understand that they, by their simple statements of support are sitting the stage for further violence?  The potential of impact upon our way of life because of not condemning the actions of a mob mentality is enormous. The “protesters” are paid to convey the views of an employer(s) who hide(s) from the limelight and risks no liability.  In fact, the mob mentality that is active in creating discord among us is no better than those who we readily identify  as offensive and condemn, namely   the Klu Klux Klan, Communist, Nazis etc.  In fairness, the latter group does not hide behind masks and mislead us as to their intentions.  

I urge friends, family, citizens and responsible people everywhere to look at the issues confronting our country and consider the repercussions of your decision on election day.  Whether you are a supporter of President Trump, a “never Trumper”, Democrat, Independent or one of the new Socialist, look closely at your candidate’s vision for your country.  Even though we may know our representative as a member of our community, will he or she vote a vision that is compatible with what you believe and want for our country.  It is not enough to vote for the man or woman who we know to be a good, honorable person committed to the principles and philosophy that we believe in. He or she must have an open mind and a commitment to a way of life in which you can believe.  

We need to ask ourselves, will the person for whom we are voting be respectful of the views of others and willing to consider alternatives ideas? Will he or she vote the party line as reflected in the current trend for mob rule or support the rule of law that protects our Constitutional rights? 

What do the candidates really believe beyond that which they think will get our vote?  The votes we  cast may determine whether we live in a country governed by Constitutional rule of law or a country of mob rule.  We cannot take our choices lightly. By ignoring the rhetoric, we may be encouraging further dysfunction and even violence and is that what any of us want?  We must remain true to ourselves and beyond that, think beyond today or our children, grandchildren and those who come after us will inherit the results of our decisions.  Go vote but know for whom and what you are voting.

Oct 14 THIS N THAT

THIS N THAT 

It is that time of the week and I am not sure how well I am going to do on this computer.  I had some issues with my trusty computer and Terri had a touch screen that she was no longer using so I confiscated it.  I was anxious to get the touch screen because it saves a lot of wires etc but the keyboard is different and I have not yet adapted to it.  We’ll see how it goes but I may need to retrieve my old keyboard for extensive pecking!  Granted I do not type like I once did, but alas – old dogs do not like to learn new tricks.

Our week was good.  After celebrating Terri’s birthday on the 4^th and our anniversary on the 7^th, my niece, Debbie Wood, arrived for a visit on Wednesday, the 10^th.  Thursday we did a mountain run for breakfast at Newcomb’s Ranch, a stop over at the observatory on Mt. Wilson and a ride back through Big Tujunga Canyon and home. 

Friday included a brief? Visit to Costco and to Walmart to return some items ordered on line that arrived looking like they could have been thrown from China as opposed to shipped.  I have been ordering large  bulky items and canned goods on line from both Costco and Walmart to save the wear and tear of trying to get the stuff from the car into the house.  We still have to move it from the front porch into the kitchen but it is easier.  Of course, I am also analyzing the business plan of both companies and wondering how they can sustain their expressed intent of providing delivery to the home.  The concept is great for the customer but let’s face it, costs have to be covered and by my calculations, Walmart needs to do some refiguring.  Of course, Democratically speaking, free enterprise should be a giveaway and the reality of covering the costs is a concept gone afoul.

 Friday evening thunder was heard and lights flashed and miracle of miracles, rain fell from the sky surprising all who were caught unawares including the master of the house.  It rained through the night (Southern California style) and the outdoors still bore resonance of rain.  Our cup (and Ken’s barrels for saving rain water) overflows.

Saturday we attended the theatre matinee presentation of SOMETHING’S AFOOT at the Glendale Centre Theater.  Afterward, we joined friends for dinner at a local eatery and that about wrapped up our Saturday out on the town.

Sunday Terri and Debbie visited the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and enjoyed lunch at the Winery in the vicinity.  Ken of course, attended church and enjoyed a long nap while I relaxed and did what I do best – nothing.  We topped our day off with a movie on the tele and that brings us to Monday and a new week.

Absentee ballots have arrived and the voting process is in season as are the never ending calls, letters and advertisements urging one’s vote for whomever and whatever!  Robert Redford recently said he feels out of place in the country he was born in.  That made news perhaps because Robert Redford said it, but don’t we all at one point or another in a given day, week, month or year?  I personally am not comfortable with a lot that is going on in this country but what disturbs me may be at variance with the Star. Unfortunately, we all share the mess that exists and our definition of “mess” may vary.  I suspect it is a given that his vision and mine may not share the same moral high ground.  I keep wanting to remind the people who feel that they are suffering through a purgatory of sorts that I suffered through eight years of discomfort with decisions that I did not agree with and I just want to tell them all Welcome to the Club.

67 YEARS WHOOPITY DOO

67 YEARS AND COUNTING

It is that time of the week when I share with you my complaints, happy chatter and words for thought.  Now aren’t you the lucky one?  Be alert, I am not sure how well I am going to do on this computer.  I have been having some issues with my trusty computer and Terri had a touch screen that she s no longer using so I confiscated it.  I was anxious to get the touch screen because it saves a lot of wires etc but the keyboard is different and I have not yet adapted to it.  We’ll see how it goes but I may need to retrieve my old keyboard for extensive pecking!  Granted I do not type like I once did, but alas – old dogs do not like to learn new tricks

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Our week has been pretty routine – up, dressed, eat, sleep and repeat!  Of course, we have been riveted to the Kavanaugh hearings and it is with a great deal of relief that we watched the vote and saw the Judge confirmed.  I am shocked at the mentality of our country.  If there was one iota of evidence that offered any basis for a conclusion other than what was made, it would be different.  But, absence no one who could substantiate anything related to Dr. Ford’s accusations, I believe that the Majority made the right decision and the minority was wrong in the way they handled the entire affair.  Admittedly, my personal philosophy and related opinion may be somewhat prejudiced toward the majority, but I do believe they extended patience to Dr. Ford and were respectful.  I was appalled at the way the Judge was handled by the minority party and it left a very bitter taste in my mouth for the minority representatives on the Judiciary on Committee.  To the extent their attitude is shared by the masses, may the masses beware!

On Wednesday, Ken and I celebrated Terri’s birthday with a prime rib dinner at a restaurant nearby.  She worked on Thursday and was booked up for the rest of the week, so alas, it was an early celebration for ye old parents.

Thursday on our day out, we drove to Ventura (remember we started that way several weeks ago until the GPS turned us around and routed us to Ventura Iowa until we finally spoke up and told the lady in the box to STOP ROUTE!).  We had one of our major rainfalls on Wednesday (two drops to the acre and we know that because there were raindrops on the car windows) so the air was delightfully clear and a good view of the outlying islands available.  A drive about the marinas and a stop for lunch summed up the day out and of course, the ride home was abysmal with the Southern California traffic that binds! 

Cooper (Terri’s very lovable and cute dog) has not been feeling good of late so he is getting lots of attention.  He is lethargic and reluctant to play with his toys as well as getting up and down the steps into the house from the yard is a chore.  Terri took him to the vet and they gave him some meds, believing as we do that he may have done something to cause some muscle discomfort.  He is making progress but we want our happy healthy dog back. 

We are looking forward to niece, Debbie’s, arrival on Wednesday.  We haven’t firmed up any plans for things to do while she is here but alas, we’ll think of something.  For us, visiting and sharing time with her is great but I am afraid that would be pretty boring for her.

Today Ken and I have been married 67 years.  How time flies when you are having fun! 

Have a good week. 

OUR WEEK

OUR WEEK

Well, it is time that I take myself away from the grueling work of vilifying all things sexual in the Kavanaugh dilemma and give you an update from Glendale.

We are both doing okay.  Ken is continuing to feel somewhat subdued after his battle with a cold that created severe coughing and that seemed to impact his shortness of breath.  His light headed feeling seems to have subsided since he has adopted a regimen of 1 1/2 - 2 full liters of water every day and at least one full liter each morning.  He underwent an echo gram on Friday as a routine follow up to assure that his heart is continuing to perform as it should.  The Dr. strongly lectured him on drinking lots of water and said that the lightheaded feeling is often related to dehydration.  Ken is good at obeying the Dr.  Not so good about obeying his wife!

In a fact stating mode and I am not complaining, we are finding every day effort provides an opportunity for the body to complain a little more vehemently thus we are mindful of the fact that age is neither fun nor exciting.  But as I have said before, "Every day that we wake up without a bow on our toe, must surely mean that we are blessed to see another day".  That is not meant to be gloomy, just factual!

I ordered some hearing aids on line. I am aware that the old ears are not as fresh and keen as they once were, but I doubted my commitment to use them religiously (is that a politically incorrect choice of words?) and the cost seemed too high to justify "hearing aids just in case of need".  I saw an ad on Facebook for a pair of aids at a fraction of the cost that Ken paid for his recent ones and I said to myself, "Self, you can afford those as a trial balloon" and I ordered 'em.  They seem to be doing the job intended.  Last night I had a question about them that I asked Ken and he said, "I don't know about how yours work.  What does your instructions say?"  To which I responded, "Oh, I have to read the instructions?"  Now I ask you.  Who would have ever thought of that?

Did I tell you last week that Lauren has accepted a job in Los Angeles and has firmed up her plan to move back to California for which we are grateful and happy. Frankly for the love of me (there is no greater love!), I do not know why anyone would want to move to California  shy of independent means that assures unlimited wealth no matter what! Nevertheless we are happy for her decision and we'll leave it to her and whatever generational cohort she belongs figure out what kind of boat they are going to build to weather the high seas of the progressive liberal intellect that is the Coastal communities of  California.   And that brings me to my soapbox of today!!

My first impulse was to post the first paragraph with an empty page because our week has been pretty much engrossed in all things political.  Dumb me, I actually thought that advise and consent was to do just that and not as Judge Kavanaugh said, "Search and Destroy".  To save you time and frustration with your possible urge to ring my neck and seek to destroy me because I may have opinions that do not agree with yours, this blog "may"  contain political rant!!  So, forewarned, feel free to tune out.

Diane Feinstein and Kamilla Harris are the Senators elected to represent California.  They are both Democrats and their representation reflects the admittedly liberal/progressive views of this State.  Let me be clear.  They do not represent my views.  I do not profess to speak for any other member of my family, that is up to them to declare or defend!! I have made my thoughts clear to both Senators Feinstein and Harris on the subject of Judge Kavanaugh as follows. 

• 1.For the record, I believe that Feinstein should be investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee and have to defend her actions regarding her handling of the complaint that she admittedly received from Dr. Ford in July.
• 2.I believe that Senator Feinstein's withholding of this information from the Committee until September 13 was a planned deliberate political act to at a minimum delay Judge Kavanaugh's nomination and hopefully defeat his nomination.  If Judge Kavanaugh's life and that of his family is destroyed in the process, the glee and the praise goes to Senator Feinstein and the Democrat party.  [For some time many Republicans have been evasive on acknowledging their political party registration for fear that it might somehow reflect some hint of impure thinking or whatever.  I hope that the many good and decent people who I know that are proud of their affiliation and shared vision with the Democrat party will now realize the extent to which their party will go to win and regain power. ] It was a despicable act with no redeeming factors and if we are serious about preserving our way of life, we need to sit up take notice and act!  (I am trying to organize a wheel chair brigade.  I plan to call it 'WHEELING WITH FEELING".)
• 3.Feinstein is up for reelection and while I will not and cannot support her opponent (another Democrat under California's enlightened sense of Democracy, the two highest vote getters in the primary go on to run for the seat in question. Two Democrats garnered the highest number of votes for the Senate seat in our California primary.) I will do a write in vote and I have not decided who that will be.  
• Let it be sufficient for me to say that I am unimpressed with the Senators from California.  

For those of you who care to know, I will summarize as briefly as possible my views on what we are witnessing.  I believe Dr Ford was credible, I believe she suffered an agonizing trauma and that this should have been brought to the authorities when it happened and someone made to pay for their actions.  There are holes in her story that do need an answer. She remembers who was at the party but she does not remember how she got there, how she got home or where she was.  cannot who she went with or where the party was.  These are pretty important things to identify if one is going to successfully litigate even the smallest of claims that happened as recent as 30 minutes ago.  Am I right?  I have heard various commentary on the fact that memory loss is not unusual in these situations and I understand that.  However, I think if it were me that house, who I went with, how I got home and those acts would have been permanently affixed to my mind.  Nevertheless, we are all different but the fact that we are looking back 34 ? years, is it fair to actually blame anyone for acts that you can neither prove categorically or provide witness that will categorically state that they witnessed anything or  were with her at any such event at the time, place and date unknown.  People we are not talking about a petty little act of lying, cheating or stealing. We are talking about unsubstantiated charges that affect a man's life, career and family.  As bad as I feel for the agony and obvious torture that Dr Ford has undergone, it is unfair for her to make these accusations that cannot be proven or substantiated in any way against Judge Kavanaugh or any human being.  It is wrong and I find the actions of the Committee and the Democrat party repulsive, shameful and Un-American .

This is all that I am going to say in this dissertation but be assured, I will never again look at a person who is proud of their affiliation with the Democrat party with the same respect that I might have before this broke.

Yes sexual harassment, sexual crimes and sexual violence must be addressed in our society.  Judge Kavanaugh should not be treated as a perpetrator in the absence of any evidence that he has ever been a party to such activities.  If you have decided Judge Kavanaugh is guilty on the basis of the evidence before us, you do your moral values a tremendous disservice and that of all good that you might otherwise believe.

FYI -- I believe that Dr. Ford is relating to a nightmare that she may have suffered and that has remained with her through the years.  I am not credible to form a medical opinion and thus my tongue in cheek comment should not be taken serious. But I submit to you that my theory makes about as much sense as Dr. Ford's claim that she was driven to a party at an address unknown by someone she can't remember that was attended by four people none of whom can recall the place or the people in attendance and was taken home by someone who she doesn't remember.  I do not believe that all of those people could suffer from amnesia.  

Furhter, I do not believe that this is a matter being covered up by the GOP establishment in their attempt to confirm Judge Kavanaugh. 

Sorry -- I warned you!!  

There you have it.  Have a good week. 

Sept 23, 2018

THE CHILDREN AGE TOO

Once again I am a day late in posting my update of our California lifestyle.  To start with I need to include a comment about Ken catching a cold somewhere in his travels.  In the old days, a little cold was barely anything but a slight nuisance to bear.  In our old age it, like all of the other little aches and pains, tends to hang on.  Ken has a tendency to exaggerate his state of readiness and that, in spite of his best intentions, seems to delay his overall recuperation.  Since we were planning to go to San Diego this weekend, I insisted that he take it easy all week and do his part in making himself well for our planned celebration of Marci’s birthday.  And to that end he seemed to comply with a certain degree of positive response by doing nothing, drinking lots of water, etc.  We did the trip and all went well but in honesty, we are both getting to the point that we are best described as two dawdling old fools!  Need I say more?

As indicated above, our emphasis this week was on the celebration of Marci’s entry into that awesome group of birthdays that begin with six.  She and Gary celebrated the actual date on their Alaskan cruise which they both seem to enjoy immensely.  Our dear son, bless his heart (and I do mean that) can be a bit of a curmudgeon and somewhat critical on occasion but he actually expressed praise and enthusiasm for their trip and they both have expressed laurels for their accommodations,  trip and adventures.  It doesn't get any better than that!

The rest of us also wanted to share in acknowledging Marci’s birthday and to that end, Lauren was responsible for organizing and putting together a celebration that both the Helmstetter and Burns family could share.  To that end she did well and she successfully oversaw a wonderful brunch for the immediate family and close friends at the Hotel Del Coronado.  It was an awesome occasion for all of us and we are happy to report, Lauren and Sean were successful in accomplishing a surprise event.  Gary was his usual self and nervously lamented to all his concern that “Marci does not like surprises”.  Even he was a surprise for Marci.  He was supposed to be working!  At the last minute, Sean was called to work and he had to leave but he was able to make a brief appearance and aided in achieving the surprise by helping Lauren get the prized recipient to the “hotel on time”.  Sean’s absence was a disappointment but alas, his loyalty and sense of responsibility to his job is applauded in spite of his Grandma Burns’ disappointment that she didn’t get to visit with him and do her usual "grill".  (I think the grandchildren are leery of Grandma Pat's nosey nature.)

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Lauren and Marci were scheduled to do a concert in San Diego on Saturday night.  Lauren had thought that Marci would drive to San Diego Friday night and that she would take the dogs, Holly and Oakley, to San Diego when she went down on Saturday.  Marci decided instead that they should go down on Saturday together rather than separately, thus creating a bit of problem for what to do with the dogs without raising suspicion.  Of course, with Marci’s plan Gary would be home to take care of the dogs but they could be left with us during the day!  Lauren made a panic phone call to us and of course, we could watch the dogs.  A slight bump to the surprise had thus been averted. We filled in the gaps with the dogs and everything was back on track.

Terri rode to San Diego with Gary early Sunday morning and came back by train Sunday afternoon.  So a dog walker was arranged for our cumulative three dogs (two at Gary’s – Gary took the dogs home when he got home from work) and Terri’s here.  Gary and Terri left at 7 and unlike most days of travel to San Diego they made great time and arrived in San Diego before 9.  However, as they got into San Diego Gary had a problem with his car and they were barely able to coast into Coronado where a frantic phone call to Lauren resulted in Lauren meeting them and exchanging cars.  Gary and Terri were then going to come to our hotel for Gary to change.  To complicate things, when we gave Terri the address of the hotel she misunderstood the street which further exasperated an already “frustrated” brother.  They finally arrived at our hotel a little after 10.  As Gary grabbed his clothes from the car, he discovered he had left his pants in the other car.  He had to rush back to get his pants from the other car and then, find someplace to change (everyone was supposed to be at the hotel by 1045!) and get to the hotel to be part of the surprise.   To say it was a hectic morning for Gary (and one to be unforgotten by Terri) might be an understatement. 

I think Terri was glad to change cars and ride to the hotel with  two old people who might be a little slow but less irritable.  However, when I grumpily responded to her dad she retorted, “Between mom and Gary, the morning has been full of grumpy” – or something to that effect.  She and Ken maintained their sweet cheerful self (I think Ken tried to sing – but he was a bit off tune) and I remained quiet!  In spite of everything, it all went off, everyone arrived and we had a wonderful celebration and Marci took the surprise with the class and dignity of Marci.  She is a special lady and Gary is a lucky man to have her as his wife, Sean and Lauren are lucky kids to have her (and as his mother, I believe)  Gary as parents.  Of course, as parents and grandparents, we are very blessed!  Life is good!

I have a lot to say about the state of affairs of all things “America” but I do not want to destroy a happy celebratory report by bringing in a touch of reality but be assured, I have it all pent up and it is coming.

Love you all – friends, family and foe alike!!

September 16 OLD HOME WEEK

OLD HOME WEEK

My friend Diane e mailed me to question my reference to our 28 day trip around Cape Horn in last week’s dispatch.  I agreed that I thought it was longer than 28 days but I had not referred to any notes that would confirm my dates.   She was right. The ship departed Fort Lauderdale on January 31 and arrived in San Francisco March 21.  It was a 49 day excursion. Thank you, Diane.  I really need to stop relying on what is becoming an unreliable memory bank! 

Our weekend in Washington concluded with a Sunday dinner with Diane and her daughter, Crista, son-in-law Chris, grandchildren, Sophie and Nate and fellow California friends, Vickie and Gerry.  Chris and Gerry officiated as “chefs de gallante” (gallant chefs? my attempt at hillbilly French!)  with a wonderful grilled salmon accompanied by fresh crab legs and all the fixings that left Ken still smacking his lips Monday morning.  I truly expect to be hearing about that feast until he draws his last breath or I mine.  The company, food and conversation concluded a weekend that was sad but celebratory and a fitting goodbye to our friend.

On Monday morning we made our way back into Seattle, turned in our rental car and boarded our plane for a return trip home.  My niece and nephew Joy Neely and J. D. Pinnick met our plane in Burbank and transported us home for this, another safe trip out and about.

Our week has been filled with visiting and catching up on the activities of our Indiana family.  It was good to welcome both JD and Joy back to California.  JD did the Pacific trail last year and during preparation for his hike and a few days off the trail, he spent time with us and we have missed him.  This year he is intent on maintaining his schedule of fitness, practicing minimizing and planning his next venture that he has not yet fully verbalized.  No matter, he is a very wise young man in spite of his great Aunt’s best attempts to shatter his concentration.

On Tuesday we motored over the mountain to Wrightwood (where last year we picked JD up for a break from his hike) and enjoyed a meal fit for a mountain man,  Joy's treat. Wednesday Terri treated us to breakfast at the Potholder in Long Beach.  Our adventure of the day was an electric boat ride on Newport Bay  compliments of the Captain of our ship, Ken. We concluded the day with dinner at Clarman's North Woods somewhere down the freeway toward Orange County. Living on a fixed income, it is increasingly difficult to justify the enormous prices of restaurant faire even if an affluent minimizing nephew  is paying! 

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Thursday JD caught the train for a quick ride to Ventura and visit with his cousin and another nephew of mine, John, and his wife Alice.  JD and John did much of the Pacific Trail together and thus, they bonded as cousins, fellow trekkers and suitable specimens of macho millennials.   Joy stayed behind with us while we welcomed the latest in big brother technology with the installation of a “on time” display for reading our electrical usage.   It is a new fixture for an ongoing family discussion about our waste of energy.  So far, we are having a good time learning how much energy we used on a given day and being reminded of how much it cost!!  Whatever will they think of next?  This additional availability of “awareness” seems to fit right up there with the extra .25% tax in order to avoid the County or the State from getting money that can better be spent by our Glendale’s city fathers.

Through all of our “fun”, Ken managed to acquire some extra baggage in the form of a cold.  Friday I joined him in a laid back lifestyle while Terri and Joy visited the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda.  Ken had planned to accompany them but alas, even he has to grudgingly admit the inevitable reality of not feeling well.  Neither of us has been to the Nixon Library and that is on our “bucket list” on a day when the aches and pains of old age awareness gives encouragement to such activity.  Our friend Bob Gersten expressed his belief that the Nixon Library was more interesting and relevant than the Reagan Library.  I can’t comment because I have not been to the Nixon Library but my “off the top of my head” thought when he made the comment was, “that figures Bob’s political views were more closely aligned to Nixon” (neither of whom would have got his vote, mind you!).  Bob is another friend with whom we shared many travels. He is no longer here to defend himself but if he is looking down from above he is not surprised and is probably chuckling at my ongoing irreverence to all things political.

Saturday we were pleased to cap our week of family fun off with dinner at our adobe.  We enjoyed the grilled salmon in Washington so much we wanted to try a reasonable facsimile of that tasty meal.  So nephews, JD and John, grilled salmon, steak and fresh asparagus on the barbecue while I did some rice and boiled corn on that old reliable and traditional resource for preparing food, the stove.  While my marinade for the salmon may not have reached the heights for seasoning that we enjoyed in Washington, it all came out good and the nephews were outstanding in their jovial co-chef role.  We capped our meal off with apple pie and ice cream.  Gary came by after work and enjoyed some of our left overs while entertaining us with a review of his and Marci’s recent trip to Alaska as well as gave us a blow by blow summary of events surrounding his heart attack much of which we were hearing for the first time.  Parents are apprised on a "need to know" basis and we had not made the cut previously. 

I have enjoyed a wonderful week of millennial overview.  Nephew JD has concluded that he has too much “stuff” and that he needs to free himself of that burden.  He has adopted a philosophy of “minimalism” and is in the process of getting rid of all things irrelevant.  (That may include his Aunt when he reads this.)  In my limited exposure to the thinking of today’s millennials, this seemed highly unusual for someone barely in his 40’s.  Of course, one look around our house with its 67+ years of collector’s junk, I could identify with the validity of the concept.  Nevertheless, I could not resist reminding him that his philosophy for living might not be an asset should he decide to pursue a romantic interest with a girl of means.  His very sincere and committed intention to minimalize  prompted me to think of  "things” that he might need to give up.  This morning after he was on the plane returning home, I analyzed our dinner preparation and the numerous requests for items rarely used as possible candidates for disposal in a minimal philosophy.  I wished that I could have one last shot at reminding him that minimalism in practice (like political views and all things extreme) needs moderation.  (How else could I have supplied four large platters -- not a one from one of my five “guest” sets of dishes--, various spices, some  A-1 sauce that expired 3 years ago and numerous items that no minimally stocked kitchen could provide.)

Our evening concluded with nephew John expounding on his view that inheritance tax is good and necessary.  That subject proved to be interesting provocative and fun.  I think that our personal views are formed from experiences, people, and exposure to realities as we see them and thus, the discussion was raucous, (Ken and I are hearing challenged) a little illogical, thought provoking and good for further discussion.   Need I say more?  My two great nephews provided me good insight into the millennial future and I am glad that it is in their good hands. God bless you all!

In case you are wondering, my comments about my nephews are written tongue in cheek.  I love them and I love trying to challenge them with my old fashioned attitudes and being challenged by them.  Of course, neither they nor I will change one iota but it is good to discuss our positions.   I have to admit, I need to be more “aware” of the millennial thought process.  It needs review by those who are right in the traditions of our “old school” teachings!

 

Oh, Ken and I were watching Chris Wallace interview a veteran of World War II today.  We were impressed with his vibrant, alert and intellectually stimulating remarks.  We were shocked when Chris remarked that the gentleman was 95 years old.  That aggravated me and I decided to retaliate.  I jumped up from my chair and walked into the kitchen while Ken got up (he did not jump) and went to take a nap.  Of course, no one ever said life was fair!!

There you have it.  It was a good week with a rare visit with family that I enjoyed immensely.

September 9 -- a few days late

WEEKEND OUT AND ABOUT

On Friday, Sept 7, Terri dropped us at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank for our short 2 ½ hour flight to Seattle where we rented a car and drove to Bellingham Washington.  On Saturday we met our good friend Diane Herbert who accompanied us across the border to the Richmond Country Club in Richmond British Columbia for a celebration of life memoriam in honor of Diane’s husband, Bill.  Our special relationship with the Herbert family dates back to my years with the CBS West Coast Law Department where I met Marian, sister in law of Bill and Diane.  We became friends with Marian and her husband, Ken, and our frequent visits to their home ultimately resulted in our getting to know this very special Herbert family.

In 2006, Bill and Diane invited us to join them and three other couples on a caravan adventure in our recreational vehicles into Mexico. We enjoyed an extended stays in Mazatlán and Playa Amore from which we did numerous day trips and long weekends into surrounding areas.  It was a wonderful three month adventure with a great group of fun loving people with whom we bonded and formed memories that we will never forget.  Bill and Diane along with other members in our caravan of RV’s,  had been to Mexico many times and they knew the natives, best RV resorts and places of interest.   We were blessed to be invited to accompany this group of outstanding and savvy RV travelers.

   

In 2009, We again put on our traveling boots and with Bill and Diane and three other couples, including our good friends Bob and Marvis Gersten,  we enjoyed  a 49 day cruise from Ft Lauderdale, Florida to San Francisco, California around Cape Horn.  What a wonderful trip that was.

In 2015, we joined Bill and Diane in Port Liberty, New Jersey for a 58 day around the World cruise from Port Liberty to Shanghai, China and back to Southern California.  Bill and I were fortunate to enjoy many of the trips vicariously while Diane and Ken returned from their visits at many ports of call that were too adventuresome or grueling for Bill who by then was suffering from Parkinson’s and my activity was limited by the need to wear a boot for the entire trip.  We enjoyed the evenings in which Ken and Diane shared with us the places they visited, the sights that saw and gave us the highlights of their day out.

 In addition to our spectacular travel adventures, we shared many lovely evenings with many of the Herbert’s where, over wonderful gourmet dinners, we debated the crises around the World and debated the political dilemmas that needed our attention.  

During the course of our travels and subsequent in home visits, we came to know Bill as the patriarch of the Herbert family.  The Herbert children experienced the hardships of a broken home and were raised in foster homes. Brother Bill, an affectionate term by which Bill became known, exhibited distinctive “father figure” characteristics unique to a young person of his age.  He did his best to keep the family together in their youth and throughout his life.  His example in youth was no less in adulthood and he was affectionately referred to as Brother Bill by his large family.  The family remains a very close knit and committed family in the manner of few families today.  In spite of their difficult early beginnings, individual family members went on to become outstanding citizens and successful entrepreneurs in a rare example of accomplishments,  both in business and family devotion.  What a wonderful family they are.

It was a rare pleasure and wonderful experience to share in the celebration of this man’s life.  The accolades expressed by family members, friends and former business associates were an acknowledgment of a man, humble in demeanor, dedicated in purpose and loving in nature.  He lived life to the fullest, gained acknowledgment of his success and preserved his image as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.  Few have lived a fuller or more complete life.

In view of our recent travel to Seattle, I want to acknowledge the kindness,  respect and outstanding treatment that we received from Alaska Airlines and their staff and from many fellow passengers.  I do a lot of complaining about the state of our Country and the dumbing down of our society but there are a lot of good, kind and caring people out there as well.

Thank you World for acknowledging that old age must be suffered through by all of us! People are basically good but – do not forget – there are a few who may not have received a full commitment to compassion but the good make up for any who suffer otherwise.  Everyone was so good to us and though none will ever see this, I shall forever be mindful of their kindness.  

September 2, 2018

INTROSPECTIVE OR GRUMPY?

Gary and Marci are in Alaska this week in celebration of Marci’s upcoming birthday. Their itinerary includes an inside passage cruise and train trip to Anchorage.  In Anchorage they will rent a car and drive to Denali for a three day scenic visit and tour of the mountain.   We wish Marci a very Happy Birthday and a wonderful trip enjoying the awesome wonders of our 49^th State.

  

Next Sunday we all have to remember to turn our clocks ahead one hour?   My dispatch may be a little late next week!  The change of time may mean that I might not get up until 11 inasmuch as yesterday (Saturday), it was 10 AM when both the spouse and I awoke to the light of day!  That was really late for him but I have been pushing the clock recently.  If it helps you in understanding my apparent sleepy time blues, I rarely go to bed before 130 or 2 and then, not immediately to slumber.  It’s a phase that I need to get through.  FYI – I do not take naps except while watching TV!!

On the subject of TV, I do not comprehend why it is so difficult for us to understand the lack of morality, decency, respect and plain old good manners in our society.  Our television programming tells it all.  There is a total lack of decency in the majority of programs – at least from where I sit on my Throne (or maybe it is a thorn?) of proper etiquette!  In addition to anger, hate and malaise of positive influences portrayed on television today, there are a myriad of other distractions as well.  I do not wish to ridicule the sexual preferences that people wish to embrace but I do resent having to watch its evolution on screen.

 Further, why is the “F” word popular and accepted vocabulary in common ordinary conversation but not acceptable in “Words with Friends” or Scrabble!  Just saying!  In truth, I find that word so offensive it was difficult for me to type it out on line to get a definition of the word.  Even Wikipedia found it deplorable (my Hillaryism).  Nevertheless, that word is almost a byword for everyone over the age of 10 (am I being overly dramatic?) or under 90.  However, I must confess that I learned recently that a friend who is 92 considers it her favorite word and my favorite “slang” is just as offensive to her.  Bottom line – neither of us will use our favorite word when we visit.  Love her to death – would never have guessed!

I do have to admit that this week has provided new viewing pleasures with two funerals/celebrations of life in the same week. The life of two great American’s whose gifts and talents to our country can only be applauded were celebrated.  Sadly both were, in my opinion, somewhat reduced in stature by the insertion of politics into our last tribute to them on this earth.  I have always believed that a eulogy should reflect upon the greatness of the individual as an introduction to (or perhaps reference for?) the next life.   In today’s environment, are only Trump and his supporter’s hell bent and all others heaven bound?  I thought that judgment was to be wielded by a more perfect Judge.

I thought the letter to the Nation that Senator John McCain left was uplifting and “Presidential” in nature though he was never elevated to that prominence in life.  It is too bad that the family let either their own personal vendetta, or that of the Senator in his reduced mental state, somewhat tarnish the memory of this great man for many.  The acts of omission, words of implication and failure to recognize many who contributed to the Senator’s campaigns and challenges through the years were discouraging.  It was as if some who worked hard on his behalf were deliberately overlooked as inconsequential pawns to be used on the road to infamy and when infamy became irrelevant they too were. I was left a little disappointed in a final ceremony that tarnished my memory of and respect for a great hero.

There you have it. Those are my gripping thoughts for this week.

As you no doubt have gleaned, I am in my usual good spirits.  Ken is good and we are preparing for our brief outing over the next weekend.  Next week my recitation of sorts will undoubtedly be late or missing.  

Have a great week and let Fall begin!!

AUGUST 26, 2018

BORED AND BORING

It is time to do my weekly critique of the news for friend and family.  Needless to say the news is rather lacking in activity but alas, there is much going on around me.

It is proper that I along with America, express condolences to the family of John McCain a patriot and loyal American.  While I believed he, like all men and women, was flawed he unquestionably contributed much to our country and served it well. I can think of no single individual who even comes close in their personal sacrifices to our country.   He marched to his own drumbeat and while I admired that about him, I can’t help but think that sometimes the stroke on the drum could have been heavier or lighter, as the issue may have required.  That said, what finer tribute can there be to a person than to know that they have truly faithfully practiced the decree, “To thine own self, be true”.  From all that I have read and heard he did, in fact, do that.  I admired him greatly but I am not prone to devout Sainthood for any human being.  I believe that acknowledging our flaws and accepting our inadequacies are steps to improving our life and our future.   I hope that his family can take comfort in his great legacy and all of his good work as they now adapt to a life without him.

On a lighter note, depending on your source of news, the not so quiet drumbeat for the head of Donald Trump banged loudly while the stock market seem to take an Oh hum attitude and Melania’s plans for an African trip were revealed.  You really have to admire Donald Trump.  While his detractors (a kindly observation) attack him and all that he does, he carries on with the deliberation of a bull in a china closet.  I have had moments of analyzing my own feelings about this man who is our President and while he is imperfect, it seems to me that we know more about him and how he really feels about issues that affect us all than we have ever known about any other President.  At least, that is my view as reflected in the wisdom of my young life.  He does have a sensitive streak that could be better controlled in his own best interests but you do know where he stands and that he is aware of what is going on around him.

I think when the sun sets and the dust has settled, I might do an analysis of our President and examine how I really feel about him.  As I said in my second paragraph, I am not prone to Sainthood for any human being but neither am I afraid to admit that “there is good in the worst of us, bad in the best of us” and I believe “ it hardly behooves  any of us to speak evil of the rest of us”.  (While many have expressed variable versions of the quoted remarks, I first heard it from my second year High School English teacher although I had to Google the saying to fine tune the ending.) 

Having said all of the above, (and if you read it) you are probably wondering what we did this week.  I am learning that I do not have to abide by any alarm for the time of my rising.  I am learning to sleep in – sometimes as late as 10 AM and it is not surprising that all of my chores still await my attention.  

Our day out was a bit boring with a trip to get gas for the car, lunch and shopping at Costco.  Lauren came up for a visit and brought Oakley.  She invited Oakley to go into the pool but he was uninterested.  He has joined Holly and Cooper in rejection of the pool.  Ungrateful and spoiled dogs they are.  

Ken completed his cardiac rehab Wednesday morning and was granted a certificate of completion.  Wednesday afternoon he had a skin cancer removed from his back that required 23 stitches.  Other than that, we are well and life is good.  

Phil and Sheri came for dinner and we got a recap of Phil's recent five week trip to the East Coast. Gary and Marci are preparing for their Alaskan departure Thursday.  They will celebrate Marci's birthday aboard ship.   

There you have it – not much news of us but rather observations from what was on my mind today.

Until next I take keyboard in hand, have a great week.    

August 19, 2018

CELEBRATING ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

Our week has been typically lacking in excitement.  I complained to the City about the dishwasher permit and, of course, received the bureaucratic response that I expected.  In my youth I think I might have been willing to “go to the mat” but at this stage in my life, too much activity might create more anxiety than effective “due diligence”,

Our big event this week was celebrating Ken’s birthday and though we no longer feel the need to acclaim our aging years, I decided to indulge (or haunt) him.  We have enjoyed many wonderful meals at the Fisherman, a restaurant on the pier in San Clemente.  On our infrequent trips to and from San Diego or when we are in the vicinity of San Clemente we tend to indulge ourselves with a trip to the pier and an appropriate restaurant extravagance.

As a Thank You for our patronage, The Fisherman rewards Ken with a birthday coupon for a free entree.  Ken is always excited with the recognition as well as appreciative of something free.  Most years we can’t coordinate our travel within the dates the coupon is good.  The last time we were at the pier we discovered that Amtrak not only goes right by the pier but that  two trains in the morning and two in the early evening stop at the pier long enough to load and unload passengers.  With this information I decided to treat Ken to a special day and revive our memories of another era.

I discussed my idea with him and we agreed that we could catch the 950 AM train to San Clemente, have lunch at the Fisherman, walk the pier, grab an umbrella and sit on the beach and catch the 520 PM train back.

Some of our most memorable celebrations with Ken’s Uncle Bob and Aunt Gladys were of similar trips. Back in the day,  we would catch a train to San Juan Capistrano, have dinner and catch the next train back on its way back from San Diego to Los Angeles.  Our memories of those wonderful celebratory events are precious to us today as we recall many treasured times shared with that wonderful couple.
 

I purchased tickets for our planned escapade on line, called our son Gary and asked if he would let us ride with him to Union Station on his way to work and bring us home after work.  The timing worked well and Gary agreed. Thursday dawned bright and early with a slight overcast, but otherwise the day seemed to encourage our youthful enthusiasm for adventure.

We arrived in San Clemente at 1130 AM, enjoyed a lovely lunch of sea food extravaganza at the Fisherman and started our trek up the pier.  The weather was magnificent.  Slightly overcast, a light breeze and near perfect temperature.   It was neither too hot nor too cold.  Ken insisted that I take my walker which helps make my long walking events more tolerable.  However, he failed to consider that he might not be quite as spry in the walking category as he once was.  We made it to the first bench of the 1,296 foot long pier and stopped, ostensibly to watch the surfers below.  Upon resuming what we now recognized might be, for us, the equivalent of a hike up Mt Everest. We  were shocked to realize that our walk on the pier would take the better part of our day.  Fortunately, the benches were well placed for climbers such as ourselves  and we can tell you first hand that every one of the benches on that pier are suitable for sitting! Some needed cleaning and we performed our civic duty in the cleaning category which proved our contributory status even in our old age.

On our way back, we stopped for a brief birthday toast and by then it was nearing 415 PM. Ken was still too full from lunch and too tired to enjoy his intended splurge of the Fisherman’s “to die for” signature mud pie.  Regretfully, we made our way back toward the embarkation area where Ken found a patch of grass and took a nap.  I watched over his nap and contributed by assuring those passing by with a puzzled look that he was okay.  We were waiting and ready when our train arrived at 520 PM  and the conductor helped us aboard.  Terri had worried that Ken would not get his daily nap and we had discouraged her concern.  In retrospect, perhaps we should have listened more carefully and prepared more adequately?

Our schedule worked perfectly. We arrived back at Union Station approximately 10 minutes before Gary arrived on the shuttle from LAX and I can tell you first hand, we were glad to be chauffeured home.  The next day Ken had his regular appointment for rehab and his morning greeting reflected a wish that he did not have to go.  Like the trooper that he is, he rallied his energy and did his scheduled rehab. 

Ken declared the trip wonderful and the memories special while conceding that he may have been made aware of some previously unacknowledged limitations.

Terri has laid the law down.  The next time we should make it a two day trip and she stands ready to pay for our overnight stay.  Sounds like a plan! With an offer like that, a monthly event sounds inviting!