Living It Up in Rancho Santa Fe

 

Striker never tires of playing ball.  Kelsi loves to play with him, tool.

California living.

Please play with me!

Bear tries to boss us all.

From Jacuzzi to video games.

  

I actually swam today as well as jacuzzied!

Lea Graduates from 6th Grade

In front of Solana Beach Elementary.

Singing with 6th Grade and friend Camille.

 

At Garden Party with her Mom Camber. 

 

Lea and Jimmy had already gone back to class.  James was talking and I didn't get their pictures.  I talked to Jared and Monica and met their daughter Maysen who also graduated with Lea. I worked with Jared and James in downtown San Diego before moving to Lake Almanor. 

 

Camber also introduced me to the Collins who own the first house on the right as you drive into the Lake Almanor Club.  I will for sure call on them this summer and chat more with them.  Nice!

'

Later I visited James' office and then we picked up Jacob from Earl Warren Middle School and had Mexican lunch (fish taco again) and then dropped him in Del Mar with his short board.  He later said he had one of his best surfing days ever (I thought it was too cold!).

 

Mike Goes to Tahoe

I'm glad Mike got to vacation.  He has been taking care of Bandido and watering while I am gone.  Nice he could spend some time with his Mom and Johnny in Tahoe!!

 

Matt lives nearby so joins his Mom and Mike.

 

 

 

 

Ah, Cool Feet

Keira takes comfort into her own hands or should I see feet.

Shanghai Girls

I went from reading about the Holocaust to the plight of the Chinese  immigrants in America and then on to Homosexuals.  There is so much injustice in the world it is very depressing.  I need to find something light and fun to read for a change.

When you read about what others go through, you realize how easy we have had it.  The book I just finished was "Shanghai Girls" by Lisa See.  I think I would like to read more from her as this was a most compelling book to read.   And it was also very enlightening.

Newest Cheerleader Sarah

Here is a picture of our newest cheerleader in the family.  Sarah was chosen for Junior Varsity at West Hills High in Santee.  She is here with her nieces Kate and Brynn who are fast learning some of her moves!  Congrats to Sarah.

 

Mantra to Live By

So much time can be wasted in being angry, feeling sorry for yourself, questioning motives, etc., I am glad I have a poor memory so I easily forget the bad moments of my life.  I found this that  someone wrote and I like to think this is how I live my life, or should live it all the time if I don't.  Anger and being upset is a waste of precious time!!!

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break others' hearts. You'll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you'll cry because time is flying by.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. you just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts.

Don't be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back. -Unkown

Meagan's Sister Maya

Such a cute picture of Keira with her Auntie Maya.

 

Nice picture of Meagan, Matt and Keira with Maya.  Reminds me of when Meagan
graduated from high school and Jennifer had a baby with her.

So Far, So Good

Today I had my third Fish Taco and the ratings are the same as last year.  The  cheapest, most tasty, largest, most white sauce, and best flavor comes from the hole in the wall all Mex run place in Pacific Beach.  Rubios, eat your heart out, you are never the best but I do like your atmosphere.

I also had my favorite chocolate frosty from Wendys, I do miss that.

Yesterday I had my eyes tested and it appears it is a cataract in my right eye that is causing the problem, so whether I can get that taken care of while I am down here remains to be seen.  I have an appointment on the 18th.

When I drove to my skin cancer surgery yesterday my eyes were still dilated and I had a really hard time reading the signs.  I drove a little erratic and it is a good thing I generally knew the way.  I just caused a little anger with a few drivers on the way.

No biggie on the surgery, I have about 8 stitches and an inch+ scar but it is fairly hidden by my hair and she didn't have to take too much hair out.  She made me feel guilty about not taking my lipitor.  She said I should try ordering from Canada again as the generic is out and a lot cheaper.

Today I watched the video of the history of the Fort Peck Dam that Steph had put on Facebook.  It was so interesting.  I was ages 1-6 when it was built so, of course, knew nothing.  It was the largest WPA project ever and would probably have never gotten built if Roosevelt was not trying to find work for all those starving during the depression. Over 60 men lost their lives during the process.  It harnassed the mighty Missosuri River.  All I knew is that our Dad liked to go fishing there.

At Fort Peck Dam soon after it was completed.
Friend Donna, me, Marilyn and Jeanne.

WPA projects was what helped  Glendive succeed during the depression also, and was the reason there was customers for the store my Dad was managing.  Roosevelt did a lot of good during his presidency.

Good San Diego Day!

I started the day by checking in at the Cardiology Dept at Scripps Mercy Hospital.  Of course, I totally missed the main entrance and went in the Dr's entrance.  I don't know how I miss the obvious sometimes.  Anyway the gatekeeper gave me an exasperated look and a few wirds as she gave me a parking tab to have validated.

Talk about efficiency, they already had a chart on me and all I had to do was sign.  The operator of the ultrasound was not supposed to say anything but she led me to believe "there was something going on in my arteries but she didn't think it would require surgery at this time".  I surely hope she is right.  What if my doctor says I need it, then what, another opinion?  She said she was sending the records to Dr. Marc also.  I am thinking positive and will know on Wednesday.

I then had two hours before my appointment with Dr. Barbara, my dermatologist and skin surgeon.  Her office is one block from one of my favorite fish taco places.  So Fish Taco and Flan for lunch.  Perfect!!   My favorite Nails by Ann is next door to the medical building so I walked in to see if there was time for a pedicure.  Ann said, "Hi Janet."  Nice to be remembered and I had my first pedicure in almost a year.  It felt so good and I feel like a lady again.

When Dr. Barbara did her inspection of my body and read the biopsy she said yes, I needed to have the Mohl surgery but how long was I going to be here?  She wouldn't have a free time for weeks.  She was very happy to hear that one of her assistants had put a hold on 1 PM Thursday for me, assuming I would probably have to have surgery when I told her the location of the skin cancer.  Dr. Barbara was very impressed with the efficiency of her staff!  She had been on vacation at the time. She reminded me to bring a book on Thursday and be prepared to be there for the afternoon.

Maria and Melissa were just going to Goodwill down the hill in Pacific Beach and then the airport so I met them.  At Goodwill I found a book to take to the Drs and found one dress that Melissa liked.  She went home with a new wardrobe.  Amazing what nice things they have there.

After dropping Melissa off, we went back to Maria's and took Bruce for a walk along the boardwalk.  Very lovely but by the time we got back my legs were really aching and I already had a shoulder ache for some reason.  Maria gave me ibuprofen and put on a Netflix about old people dying in a hospice!!!  It was actually quite interesting but I hope that doesn't happen to me.  I just want to check out of this life very fast whenever the time is right.

After Johnny came home we drove by his Mom's inherited home in Birdwalk.  That was the area I had wanted to live when I first came to San Diego in 1956.  It is such a lovely place and Johnny is doing work on this home that has been in his family since the 1940s.  There is a lot of wood rot so it will be total reconstruction in some areas but how lovely when it is all done.

Maria and Johnny too me to Su Casa for dinner.  I chose the chili relleno and with the guacamole and chips it was a very delicious meal.  I love Mexican and can't get my fill when in San Diego.  I first went to Su Casa in the 50's and it is still the greatest!!!   I bored Maria and Johnny with stories from my past.  Nice to have someone to listen to me.  Oh, and my aches had  gone away! 

Mail had come from Carole and Marilyn and I spent the rest of the night typing up the stories they had sent about the death of my Dad and brother Dick.  They will go in the book I am finishing for the Cabin on my parents.  Lots more interesting things to read that they sent also.  I think I will record some of it here like poems and honors to my  Mom written by my brothers and sisters and me in the 80's.  Life is good!

Traffic is for the Pits!

I am not too good at driving the fast lane anymore.  The cars whiz by me and sometimes honk if I am slower than they are.  One of the best things about Lake Almanor is I do not have to deal with traffic.

So far I have had wonderful food in San Diego.  I have not had time to start my Fish Taco craze here but it will come.

Today I ate some veal at Pulsiphers and then had tacos and ribs at the Hardys.  So much for my diet but I have stayed away from desserts.  (Linda does not have them in her house.)  Although she and Kelly made delicious lemon bars for Saturday night and I ate the lemon off the top.  Great quacamole today and taco salad last night.  And I am eyeing all the Mexican restaurants.  I miss good San Diego Mex food when I am home.

I had gone to Church with Linda's family in the morning and enjoyed the Sunday School teacher very much.  The RS lesson was also good and we discovered she had been raised in Billings, Montana and Wyoming.  Afterwards I found she had been in third grade at Broadwater school when I was teaching second grade at Bench school, small world.

At James' home all the children played the piano for me.  Jimmy is also playing the guitar and played that.  Jacob plays amazingly well and Lea sounded great, too.  Even Kelsi and Jimmy had their learned songs down well.  Lea also showed her flips on the trampoline and her Mom said she had been invited as one of 200 of 2000 who tried out to go to the New York Ballet this summer.  Because of costs it may not happen but she has done really well sticking with her ballet.  Bravo.  I will need to come for Christmas sometime so I can see her perform.

Saturday Night Beach Party in Pacific Beach

Grandchildren Jacob, Sarah, Jimmy and Kelsi

 

Johnny, me, James, Linda, Gary and Melissa 

Johnny and Maria

Maria and daughter Melissa

Granddaughter Kelsi.

Granddaughter Kelly

It was June Gloom as usual at Pacific Beach with Maria and Johnny hosting a potluck for the family.  They said it has been sunny and bright.  It was probably May then! Keria was sick so the Masseys were not there and Camber and Lea were still at an "event" and Matt was working.  But I enjoyed seeing everyone and had some delicious food.  Pacific Beach is booming!  Always liked it here.

James told us a lot about his business.  Sounds fantastic.

Now here is a vain question, why did I not get my hair cut before I left.  It is a mess.

'Yesterday was just awful!"

Those words are from the musical "Annie"of course, but describe a good part of the day.  This was the longest trip to San Diego ever!!

The plan was to leave my house at 4 (we left at 4:45) and drop Mitch off at Melissa's and go on with Melissa and Bruce.  So far, so good.  However. during the almost 100 degree weather down south. things went wrong.  My sunglasses were so weak that when I drove the bright light really hurt my eyes.  Melissa had to take over driving.  Then she wasn't feeling well so we stopped for some ibuprofen and I would take over again driving with two sets of sunglasses on me. 

Unfortunately, previous to this the temperature on the car starting rising and we had to turn off the air conditioner.  Wtih Melissa not feeling well and me with my tired eyes and body and Bruce panting in the back this was not good.

We started off again up the Grapevine with no air conditioner and me driving and half way we had to pull over and rest the car again and Bruce.   I have always hated the Grapevine whether it is winter or summer but I especially hated it today when we felt so vulnerable.  I just wanted to be scooped up and delivered to the top--didn't happen.

We had figured we would arrive between 4 and 5 if all went well.  Unfortunately we had now hit Los Angeles too late on a Friday afternoon and we spend a few too many hours in the traffic.  This is when I remembered how wonderful it was I lived in Lake Almanor and I only had to put up with this stuff once or year or so.  I made my pledge to stay home forever--but of course, with all my doctors down here but Dr. Marc, that will be impossible.

I predicted we would get there at 8--Maria met us at Mission Bay and took Melissa and Bruce and I headed to Linda's and did arrive there in the daylight, which was my main aim from the beginning, and just a few minutes after 8.

Thank heaven Melissa was such a trooper and drove most of the way.  The Valko children have become my chauffeurs it seems.  Still I really enjoyed the conversations with Mitch and Melissa.  Get to know your grandchildren, drive a ways with them.

Staying in Linda's upper room with lots of windows and a comfy bed is like staying in a grand hotel.  I ate some of Gary's good chicken and watermelon, showered off the freeway dirt and slept until after 9 am.  Best sleep I have had in a long time.

Oh, Yes, I vow to really clean my house and simplify some more when I get home.  Linda's house looks great!!!

Good Day and Hate to Leave

Yesterday was a good day, had an enjoyable visit from Sue, and she challenged me to do two things a day to feel younger instead of older.  So I danced in my red night gown before bed and walked a little longer with Bandido and Bruce during the day.  This will be hard, what can I do to feel younger and more energetic each day?.  Oh, yes, today I only ate good things, no sugar, no ice cream, feel better already.  Losing weight will be a very good thing.    Must remember though "Ewe is not fat, just fluffy." Fluffy is good.  Surprisngly though my favorite jeans fit me right now...  If only my legs didn't hurt when I walk.   That is what I corrected supposedly last spring and now it is back.  Aunt Ellen and Mom had the same problem.  Must think good thoughts.

Also P G & E put in three new energy efficient lights--hallway and both bathrooms.  Plus they put a new light outside which will save energy and turns on and off by itself.  They also put in 5 energy bulbs.   And just as they promised, they do put out more light!!  Amazing.  Now we will see how long they last!!!!  Oh, yes, it was all for free.  There are some good things about being a senior citizen.

I also talked for awhile with an old friend.  That is always good.  Challenged again to feel younger instead of older.  Well, the P G & E men didn't believe how old I am, so that counts for something.

As I pack for San Diego, I always think of all the reasons I hate to leave, of all the things I enjoy  here.   Oh well, it will make it that much more fun to come home.

I can see that Mitch and I are two of a kind.  We both have to have lots of stuff with us where ever we g0--gives us lots of options.  My car always seems so small when I am packing.  Why can't I make good decisions now and take just a few things?  I don't know but I think I have enough clothes to last me for long, long time.   I keep getting rid of them but...

SBA called yesterday but I have medical things to do so...

I also finished watching the series "The Last Days of WWII".  I learned so much, some things I will be happy to forget though.

I also finished the McCoys and Hatfields.   Why do men enjoy the fight so much?  Very sad.  It is also sad to see your movie heroes get old.  I like to remember them as they were.   Just like old boyfriends, remember them as they were.

Oh, yes, and Ron called and said he has enough wood on his lot for me and we will get it in August!!!  Life is good.

Funny Family Picture

Funny picture from the 1975 Anderson Reunion.  Linda and Eric Fuqua are the ones looking at the camera.  My mother is in the middle with Jon Fuqua.  Jon is kicking Kathy Anderson and caused a big commotion.  I did not see this until I posted it on Facebook and Maria noticed i and I had all the Fuqua boys named  wrong.  I thought Eric was Jimmy, he looks just like him.

1938 with Great Grandfather Benjamin Lillywhite jr.

I wish this was a better quality picture.  I didn't realize we had two of them and this one is not torn.  I am amused by this pose I am finding in three other pictures at this time.  I wonder if it is the Shirley Temple pose.

Memorial Day 2012

I will have to visit Richard's grave when I go to San Diego.  Not sure when the grass was trimmed.  The last time I went was in 2009 I think.  Mitch and I unwrapped the flags from Richard's Veteran's gift and from Richard's father's Veteran's gift.  I had never done that.  We were amazed at how well those flags are made, very superior material and beautifully stitched stars.  Merlin's was the 48 stars from World War I.  It would be nice if there were somewhere that Richard's could be flown, it is very large--and would last a long time, but who would want it?   Seems like it should be used somewhere.  It would take a very large flag pole.  We were very impressed.

So what does one do on Memorial Day when there are no family graves nearby or parades in town?  I didn't want to go to the Art and Craft fairs or pancake breakfasts.  So here I am sitting in my cozy bedroom watching documentaries about the end of WWII.  Very interesting and I always learn so much, mostly sad and horrible things that men do in war.  The Japanese were so sure that the Americans would treat their people with horrible deeds after the war that they killing their mothers and family and then themselves.  The Japanese were ever much as brutual as the Nazis in the way they tortured their prisoners and the Russian soldiers were beasts as they conquered Germany.   It is so hard to believe that fairly decent people can be so vicious when in war.  Hard to believe.

While I am watching I am also running back and forth between my printer and my computer as I scan pictures and documents from Mom and Dad's photo album that I may have missed.  I may never see that book again so it is now or never.  I have such a wonderful scanner, it is not too much of a chore.

War is Hell and yet it goes on and on.  Near the end of the war the Japanese ordered everyone over 7 years old to do certain war chores.  12 year olds were putting together weapons.  The Germans had mostly men over 65 and boys as young as 15 carrying on the battles near the end of the war and the older men doing the shooting of Jewish still in the camps.  The Japanese believed death was preferable to surrender.  The Germans kept destroying their own cities so the allies would not get anything positive when they came.  They kept up the elimination of the Jews until Germany had fully surrendered.  Allies were just miles away when many of the Jews met their death.  It makes you realize that these power hungry leaders are the real problems.

Update on the Fuqua Twins

 

Raina above and Sage below, three years old almost and looking very grown up and pretty.

Shanghai Ghetto

The latest documentary I watched on the Holocaust was about the Jews who migrated to Shanghai in 1939 while they were still able to leave Germany.  It is interesting that no one else in the world wanted the Jews but the Japanese admired them for their great skill in so many areas.  The Japanese owned parts of China at that time and invited them to come to Shanghai.  

It was not very wonderful but they would be able to survive.  The thing that was so impressive is that the Jewish Organizations from around the world funded soup kitchens and help for them.  Being the resourceful people they are, they soon had schools, rebuilt the apartments, had soccer teams, gardens, a synagogue, etc.  They built an excellent community.

Then Japan  joined Germany in the war.  The British and Americans in Shanghai were put in concentration camps and their riches taken from them.  The Jews were not put in camps but they were moved to a less desirable area which they called a Ghetto.  Still they survived and the Japanese did not harm them.  They were, of course, though bombed.

It was a most educational and well done documentary and prepared by one of the survivors.   Unfortunately the relatives who were not able to leave with them on the ships to Shanghai did not survive the war at all.

Box for Mom and Dad's Photo Book

 

I found a box in the garage (of Matt's) that is just the size for storing Mom and Dad's Photo Book and Life Stories, etc up at the cabin.  I think it is good for the descendants to read about the legacy of my parents who built the Silver Gate cabin that they all  enjoy.

I had a calendar of old cars which I put on the outside (to denote the passage of time) and on the inside are scenes of Idaho.  They lived in Idaho for the last years of their life together. 

It is a huge box and took most of the day to complete.  My back is really aching.

Oh, yes, we also have Bruce here.  Matt called and had to get rid of him from the place he was living so Mitch drove to Tahoe to pick him up.  I must say he is a very well behaved dog so we all enjoy having him around.  The deer seem to  be steering clear of my place.  I hope it is because of the ribbons I have tied everywhere.  Evidently the movement keeps them away, at least that is the theory.  At any rate, Bruce has not had to chase any deer away since he arrived.  I know this is something he really enjoys, but oh well, I am glad they are afraid to venture in.

Time Goes By

Can't believe I haven't written in here for so long.  I cleaned up my yard really well for one thing.  The wind had really sent a lot of pods on the ground.  I get very tired and spend some time each day taking a long nap.   Last week I went to the Reno Temple with Maryanne and Jean.  On Sunday we had pot luck after church so I had to make chili the day before and also prepare my lesson.  So the time goes.  Mitch is here also, so one more around makes a difference.

Sunday was very interesting as we had three couples visiting who are very friendly and like to participate and talk.  One of the men had been the project manager on the building of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2000.  He talked for most of the hour and told some very interesting stories about it.  He had 56 contractors under him that he had to schedule and bring the building in completed on time.  No one thought he could do it, but he did.  His wife told me that he was probably the only one prepared for the task of that building because of the experience he had had the years just prior.  He had also had special training envisioning the day he might need it and he did.  She also said when you work for the Church you take a cut in pay from your usual.  She said she went to work with the Associates and earned just the amount that was missing from their income.  All in all it was a wonderful experience for them and they now have a home in Salt Lake as well as California.  That would be nice.  It would be nice to have a husband and other couple friendships like that to enjoy.   I miss a lot being a widow.   They vacation here every summer but all live in different cities, very lovely people.

Keira Goes to Hawaii...a Few Pix

Happy Keira gets to go to Hawaii.

Modeling the new outfit for Hawaii.

Pretty Mom and Keira.

Owning the beach.

Doing the hula with Daddy.

Helping Daddy.

Mom and baby.

The way she is holding her hands and standing reminds me of the Kewpie Dolls of yesteryear.  So cute!



Kewpie Dolls

 

All cleaned up in a sink bath.

Keira Eyes a Toy She Likes

I love the way Keira patiently eyes this toy she likes.  Makes you wonder what she is thinking.  I wonder if she ever got to play with it.  That was one of John's favorite toys, too.  He would pound it all down and then turn it over and pound it all down again .
Love those crocs, Keira!

Bluberry Cobbler

Great way to get your bluberries.  Sweet gluten free biscuits on top.
Yum, Yum.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Because of a disagreement with Dish Network they gave me two free movies.  I chose "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" as one and I actually ended up watching it twice, once last night and once today.

I enjoyed it most the second time, after I understood better what was going one.  The young actor Thomas Horn was incredible and I think what a challenge it would be to raise a child like the one he played.

What a tribute to a father (played by Tom Hanks) who would accept and understand his genius and strange child and contribute to his development by learning and giving him what was needed in his life.  And then for the mother to fill the void from the father's death by also learning what the boy needed.  It would be such a challenge not to override the boy's  zeal and forbid him his need to search and make sense out of what did not make sense.  He had incredible freedom in his search.

I thought the director did an excellent job though I must say the second time around was certainly alot more comfortable understanding the complex plot.  The moral that everyone has loss and sorrow in their life and must learn how to cope and how much better to have others who share the sorrow with you was very well stated I thought.

At Church on Sunday I felt a very strong spirit of love and charity for others and the need we all have to share with family and they share with us.  I find it interesting that in some families there is a strict policy of not giving or loaning money while in others there is a policy of sharing what is needed.  Some people feel just like a Bishop I once heard who stated, "they have only themselves to blame for their problems" which seemed extremely insensitive to me at the time.

Richard and I both grew up with familes who believed in helping, when you can, those in need.  I remember my Dad sending money to Mom's widow sisters even though he was not that rich himself.  One of them, Erica, took us children aside one day and told is to be careful what we asked our Dad for, as he would want to get it for us.  They all had great appreciation for Dad. However, they helped him in the depression when he needed it so badly.  He was returning that kind of love.

I was surprised when one of our members stated her son did not use food stamps when he was having money problems last winter.  I thought it strange that they thought he would need to since they have very ample means themselves.  But as I say all families are different in how they share with one another.  I appreciate that my sisters have been helpful to me and I have been helpful to them.  I am glad that Richard's nieces and nephews and children have remembrances of him always helping instead of the other way around. 

Charity is so much easier for some people to apply to strangers rather than their own family.  I have a hard time understanding that.

Dealing with the Corporations

Michael and I drove to Chico yesterday and it was warm and sunny.  Melissa met us Downtown which is a block or so from Chico College and a mile from her home.  We had Greek food which some I liked, some not.  Then Michael arranged for Melissa to pick up something for him and mail it, we bought some staples at Costco and Wal Mart and headed home.  Nice day, easy trip.  Melissa has a nice arrangement with everthing being within walking distance or she can ride her bike.  She is so pretty and efficient, I am sure they love her at her new job.

I just spent about an hour on the phone with Amerigas--their mistake, their apology, their refund and change of autopay and personal service to make their new accounting system work for me.

Yesterday I spent about an hour with Dish Network--their mistake, their apology, and they sent me two free pay per view account numbers.  I did have to deal with three people before they resolved the issue, however.

If I was working, I would not be able to do this, you don't have the time to track down their errors, and take the time to make them serve you, in stead of you serving their mistakes and just accepting them.

I remember when I used to deal with the phone companies when I was working for James at his office and I would get so emotionally distraught as I tried to manuever  and resolve their errors and over charges, etc. etc.  No more, I am very calm, but very determined and they correct their errors.

Why are there these errors?   I don't know, I don't know where the people who are working for them are, or why it happens, but you do need to be on top of them... probably has something to do with different parts of their operations being done by different  people all over the world. 

When I was working Disaster Loans in a large office in Fort Worth several years ago, there was a very large office next to us which I visited one day because I was so curious as to what was going on in there.  It was filled with free lance people in little cubicles doing billing, or reservations or some other small operation for some big corporation.  Very revealing about how business is done these days.

Companies are way too big and so computerized, they really have to work to have good personal service (without errors, I might note)...  Just one of the many problems in 2012.