OUTING
Another Wednesday - another outing! I t should be interesting. We will visit our State Capitol in Sacramento. We leave at 10:45AM. There are ten of us aboard: Tony, our driver par excellence, Kelli, our Activities Director, and Fabi, our Concierge, who is training to replace our Activities Director, while she is on maternity leave. Also, there are ten non-paying passengers. Tony does a good job. Not only is he a very safe driver, but he has a great disposition! He has a lot of patience and understanding, dealing with us older people. For example: He had to operate the power lift to load the person on the bus, in her power chair, and secure her. A staff person said that she couldn’t go because she had a doctor’s appointment. Tony was un-phased by undoing all the work that he had just finished. This inconvenience delayed our departure 15 minutes. Kelli is very good with the passengers. She is friendly and understanding and firm. Fabi was very helpful. She did the “heavy lifting” - by pushing a large man - first on his walker, and then all around the Capitol building in a wheel chair. All three were good company, and made the trip that much more pleasant.
We passed the Shell station on North Texas Street, and I saw the price of gas sign - $2.09 and 9/10c a gallon. A little farther on, Chevron was a penny more per gallon. I wonder why the service stations still use their archaic nine tenths of a cent pricing? Originally, it was a marketing gimmick. But when gas moved above $1.00 per gallon, there was no further need for such foolishness. Too, it’s a lot more work for the station operator, with their numerous price changes.
We are heading East on I-80 to Sacramento. The traffic is light. The hills are finally turning green. But we need a lot more rain before they become lush. Otherwise, there will be water rationing this summer. The bus rides like a truck! But, it is a truck! The cabin is mounted on a F-350 chassis! I will bet that most trucks give the driver a better ride than this - certainly those that are fitted with the Air-Ride system. Our bus just came off warrantee, so not much chance of getting replacement springs and shocks.
We are passing through Vacaville = the formerly famous Nut Tree complex on the left, and the Factory Outlet stores on the right. The new Kaiser Hospital, and Medical Center, is on the left. There are large fruit orchards on both sides. This Sacramento Valley is flat - as far as the eyes can see.
A mileage sign, on the right-hand shoulder, says, Davis -8
Sacramento - 20
We are passing the old Milk Farm signage on the left. Forty years ago, our family used to stop there for a delicious milk shake. There is nothing like “cold” to cope with 100 degree ambient temperatures, and no air conditioner in the car. A large fleet of bottom-dump sugar beet trucks are sitting idle on the right. We are now by-passing Davis. The large University of California campus is off to the left.
We are leaving Solano County and are now traveling in Yolo County. The main line -rail tracks run parallel to the highway, and a freight train is heading westbound in the opposite direction. Auto row dealers on the right side. There are beaucoup new and used cars crying out for an owner. We are traveling now on the Yolo Causeway. When we moved to Vallejo, from Hawaii in 1962, this area flooded about every winter. Cal Trans finally provided some flood control, by raising the road bed 12-15 feet.
We take the Highway 50-Lake Tahoe exit - off I-80 - and cross the Sacramento river onto Capitol-Mall in downtown Sacramento. I can’t believe all the tall buildings in the area. They weren’t here in 1952. At the time, Marie and I lived in Sacramento for two years, during the Korean War, and those buildings weren’t here then. Of course, Sacramento has grown a lot, too. At one time It was the fastest growing area in the country. We arrive at the Capitol at 11:30AM. It is a beautiful sunny day. The temperature is about 65 degrees.
Since 9/11, one can’t get away from Security. So, we were screened. There are a lot of people moving around inside the capitol building - many school kids on a field trip. We couldn’t get a guided tour of the capitol building, as we needed at least 20 people. We walked past the exhibits of all of California’s counties. I particularly enjoyed seeing Solano county’s. (Our county) It was established in 1850 - a year after the gold Rush.
We stopped by the Old Governor’s Office, and it was very interesting. A docent was explaining things, and his narration was very informative and interesting to me. It took 14 years to construct this magnificent building. They broke ground in 1860 and the building was completed in 1874. The Great San Francisco Earthquake was on April 16, 1906. At that time, San Francisco had a population of 150, 000 people. One half of them left the city afterwards. Many of them came on ferries up to Sacramento. They set up tents on the capitol grounds to house them. This was interesting to me, because Marie has told the story of her Mother coming to Sacramento by boat, afterwards. She was 23. But, the story seemed to end there. The docent went on to say that the Legislature and Staff also have to go through Security. A few years ago’ a truck slammed into the Capitol building. Now, they have a fence surrounding the building. There was some smoke damage to the building.
We had a nice lunch at 1:00 PM, in the cafeteria, in the basement.
I don’t know who does the catering but the food is very good, and is reasonably priced.
When we got outside, there were a lot of news trucks. I thought that there must be some breaking news - like they agreed to a budget. That would be news! The budget is already a few months overdue. The State plans on issuing I.O.U’s for the 2008 income tax refunds!
We leave Sacramento at 2:30PM, and head down L Street. (There are a lot of one way streets in Sacramento.) We pass the old Greyhound Bus Station on the right. Next was Macy’s and the Westfield Downtown Plaza. Raley Field is off to the left. The Sacramento River Cats (AAA affiliate of the Oakland A’s) play there. While driving in the Davis area, I can barely see Mt. Diablo to the south, through the haze. Visibility is about 50 miles.
We are back at Quail Creek at 3:30PM. Tony told me that our round trip covered 88 miles. While it was tiring, it was a very nice day! I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see Arnold, and his Governor’s office. That can wait until the next time.
RCL - 1/29/09.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
60th REUNION
REUNION
In our mail yesterday, was an envelope that caught my eye. On the front of the envelope - in large -bold gold letters was “Your 60th”. This rang a bell, even before I checked the return address - University of California - Berkeley. February - 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of my graduation from Cal! It can’t be! Where did all the subsequent years go? While Chancellor Birgeneau did congratulate me, the main purpose of his letter was to solicit funds. This is not the first letter I’ve received from the University. It seems that I hear from them weekly, asking for a donation. I haven’t contributed in all those 60 years, yet the University hasn’t been discouraged. My contribution would be more amenable if they spent some of their endowment funds on better causes. They have a huge fund - even after recent -large losses from their poor investment decisions. One would think that they would use some of their funding to subsidize needy students with their high tuition and text book costs!
“A lot of water has gone over….”, during the past 60 years! I will try and recall some of the major events:
1949 was not the best of years to complete college. There were 18,000 students at Berkeley and most of us were veterans from WWII, studying with big help of the great G.I. Bill. I started out at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I was in pre-engineering as an Aeronautical Engineer. Having been a pilot in the Air Corps, I thought that would be a good career combination. But there were more students in the field than there were jobs available. Unless we were an “A” student, we were counseled by the University to change our majors. So, I graduated from Cal with a BS in Business Administration. I wanted to be an Industrial Engineer, so I had to take a couple of additional classes at Cal, after I graduated.
It was tough finding a job in 1949, with all of the veterans in the job market. I looked around the local area, as well applying for jobs in the Los Angeles area and the Northwest. I thought about applying to the airlines, but they had more pilot applications than they knew what to do with. Too, I would have started as a co-pilot, and they were being paid around $200 a month. So, I scratched that idea.
I was accepted by U.S. Steel in Pittsburg (CA), in their Production Planning Department. My starting salary was $200 a month. My wife Marie, who supported us while I was going through school was earning $275 a month at the time. She quit her job at California Research the day I graduated. I told her that she could have waited until I got a job. Her reply, “I wanted to give you more incentive”. Then, she complained that I wasn’t keeping her in the manner that she kept me!
I was recalled to Active Duty by the Air Force during the Korean War. I was based at Mather Field in Sacramento. Our first child (Anne) was born in Sacramento on October 17, 1951.
I returned to U.S Steel in January, 1953, living in Antioch. We built a new home there in 1955. Mary was born on January 17, 1955 at Kaiser in Walnut Creek, as was Beth on January 25, 1957.
I accepted a job offer from C. Brewer, of Honolulu, in 1957, and we flew over in a United Air Lines DC-6 (prop job) on January 15, 1958. We had high- head winds and it was a 13 hour flight - with three small kids! I was an Industrial Engineer at Olokele Sugar Company on Kauai. Our plantation set the Hawaiian-yield record of 14 tons of sugar per acre. Today - 50 years later - the plantation has been sold and the new owners are raising the cane to produce ethanol!
Joan was born in Waimea Hospital on April 20, 1959, as was Sue on December 7, 1961. In June, 1962 we returned to the Mainland on a DC-8 ( a jet), in 5 hours! The four and a half years that we spent in Hawaii was interesting. Besides making new friends, we got to experience Hawaii both as a Territory and also as a State.
We moved to Vallejo (CA) which was a short commute to Crockett, where California and Hawaiian Sugar refinery offered me a job, as an industrial engineer. I was assigned to the C & H Sugar corporate office in San Francisco in 1969, where I retired in 1983 as Manager of Internal Auditing.
We continued to live in Vallejo (two different places) in retirement until April 2008 when we moved to Quail Creek - an assisted living facility - in Fairfield.
RCL - 1/27/08
In our mail yesterday, was an envelope that caught my eye. On the front of the envelope - in large -bold gold letters was “Your 60th”. This rang a bell, even before I checked the return address - University of California - Berkeley. February - 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of my graduation from Cal! It can’t be! Where did all the subsequent years go? While Chancellor Birgeneau did congratulate me, the main purpose of his letter was to solicit funds. This is not the first letter I’ve received from the University. It seems that I hear from them weekly, asking for a donation. I haven’t contributed in all those 60 years, yet the University hasn’t been discouraged. My contribution would be more amenable if they spent some of their endowment funds on better causes. They have a huge fund - even after recent -large losses from their poor investment decisions. One would think that they would use some of their funding to subsidize needy students with their high tuition and text book costs!
“A lot of water has gone over….”, during the past 60 years! I will try and recall some of the major events:
1949 was not the best of years to complete college. There were 18,000 students at Berkeley and most of us were veterans from WWII, studying with big help of the great G.I. Bill. I started out at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I was in pre-engineering as an Aeronautical Engineer. Having been a pilot in the Air Corps, I thought that would be a good career combination. But there were more students in the field than there were jobs available. Unless we were an “A” student, we were counseled by the University to change our majors. So, I graduated from Cal with a BS in Business Administration. I wanted to be an Industrial Engineer, so I had to take a couple of additional classes at Cal, after I graduated.
It was tough finding a job in 1949, with all of the veterans in the job market. I looked around the local area, as well applying for jobs in the Los Angeles area and the Northwest. I thought about applying to the airlines, but they had more pilot applications than they knew what to do with. Too, I would have started as a co-pilot, and they were being paid around $200 a month. So, I scratched that idea.
I was accepted by U.S. Steel in Pittsburg (CA), in their Production Planning Department. My starting salary was $200 a month. My wife Marie, who supported us while I was going through school was earning $275 a month at the time. She quit her job at California Research the day I graduated. I told her that she could have waited until I got a job. Her reply, “I wanted to give you more incentive”. Then, she complained that I wasn’t keeping her in the manner that she kept me!
I was recalled to Active Duty by the Air Force during the Korean War. I was based at Mather Field in Sacramento. Our first child (Anne) was born in Sacramento on October 17, 1951.
I returned to U.S Steel in January, 1953, living in Antioch. We built a new home there in 1955. Mary was born on January 17, 1955 at Kaiser in Walnut Creek, as was Beth on January 25, 1957.
I accepted a job offer from C. Brewer, of Honolulu, in 1957, and we flew over in a United Air Lines DC-6 (prop job) on January 15, 1958. We had high- head winds and it was a 13 hour flight - with three small kids! I was an Industrial Engineer at Olokele Sugar Company on Kauai. Our plantation set the Hawaiian-yield record of 14 tons of sugar per acre. Today - 50 years later - the plantation has been sold and the new owners are raising the cane to produce ethanol!
Joan was born in Waimea Hospital on April 20, 1959, as was Sue on December 7, 1961. In June, 1962 we returned to the Mainland on a DC-8 ( a jet), in 5 hours! The four and a half years that we spent in Hawaii was interesting. Besides making new friends, we got to experience Hawaii both as a Territory and also as a State.
We moved to Vallejo (CA) which was a short commute to Crockett, where California and Hawaiian Sugar refinery offered me a job, as an industrial engineer. I was assigned to the C & H Sugar corporate office in San Francisco in 1969, where I retired in 1983 as Manager of Internal Auditing.
We continued to live in Vallejo (two different places) in retirement until April 2008 when we moved to Quail Creek - an assisted living facility - in Fairfield.
RCL - 1/27/08
Monday, January 26, 2009
DEMENTIA
DEMENTIA
Dementia is a very debilitating and sad medical problem. While this is an under-statement, I say this from observing it’s effects close up - for over a year now. It is something that doesn’t improve over time - or go away - it just gets worse. The mind is a very complex organ.
I have read a lot about the subject, as I am part of the “old-old” cohort. Dementia used to be called “senility” or “second childhood”. Today, we know what it is, and refer to it as “dementia.” Also, I have audited many “Successful Aging” classes at Cal-Berkeley. The subject of dementia was discussed many times during these sessions. There seems to be more dementia today than ever before. There are many factors for this: - most of us are living longer than past generations, (who died before they became afflicted )- better diagnosis - a larger population - better reporting - or a combination of these reasons.
I first noticed Marie’s forgetfulness over a year ago. She was 84. She was returning, in the car, from a shopping trip. She told me that she couldn’t remember how to open the garage door. She finally remembered the garage-door opener. I suggested that she stop driving, and it wasn’t much longer when she did. From this point, her mental capability continued to decline.
I am surprised how fast her memory and comprehension continued to worsen. (Just now, she asked me, “Where is my Mom?”. I explained that she had died and is buried in the cemetery at Placerville, She said, “I don’t mean my first one, but my second one ”.) Such strange comments go on throughout the day. Also, she frequently will ask what time it is, even though there are numerous clocks in the rooms, and she has two watches. She will ask if it is time to go eat - just after we have returned from the dining room!
While still living in Vallejo - nine months ago - she functioned fairly well as far as the “activities of daily living” are concerned. She had difficulty recalling names, dates and recent experiences. Her interests deteriorated. She no longer was interested in reading, watching television., or gardening. These were important activities for her prior to this.
I started to do all the shopping, cooking and laundry. For a while it was no problem. But then, it became stressful, and I realized that I needed some help. I joined a Caregivers Support Group. The Facilitator, Fred Stephens from Santa Rosa, and the group, were very helpful with their advice and counseling. After listening to my “story”, and counseling with my three daughters and myself, Fred suggested that I get some help. My daughter looked into Meals on Wheels, and signed us up for the service. This worked out great for a few months - it took a load off me. But then, Marie decided that she didn’t care for the M.O.W. - so back to square one.
My daughters suggested that I get some respite care for Marie, so that I could get out for some fresh air. Fred stressed how important it was for caregivers to take care of their own health - mental and physical. Otherwise, not only would they not be able to care for their loved one, but they would probably pre-decease them. So, I was fortunate in getting Donna to stay with her. She was very good with Marie. She had a nursing background, along with a caring disposition and a nice personality. She was usually available on short notice, which was very convenient for me. Her staying with Marie permitted me to get out, without having a guilty conscience, knowing that she was in good and reliable hands.
I was afraid of both of us falling, and not being able to get to a phone, to call for help. So, I subscribed to a medical -alert system. This gave me peace of mind. While I felt more safe and secure, Marie couldn’t understand about pushing the pendant in an emergency, let alone wearing it.
Much before this, I started looking at local assisted -living facilities - anticipating a not too distant need, and for a more leisurely decision and transition. Marie wasn’t interested in moving, even though the reasons why she liked Vallejo were no longer valid. So my daughters and I looked at Quail Creek, a new assisted living facility in Fairfield. It is affiliated with Paradise Valley Estates. I was impressed with the facility on our initial visit, so I signed up. While it is expensive, personal care is labor intensive. We are receiving quality meals and care. We are now located in Fairfield (CA), close to our three daughters. They have been very supportive and most helpful. Without them, even with assisted living, I would not have been able to partially care for Marie.
The brain is a marvelous organ - complex and unique. When it deteriorates, it affects the functions that it controls. Dr. Pai is Head of the Neurology Department at the Kaiser Medical facility in Vallejo. He diagnosed Marie with having Alzheimer dementia. He based his decision on the MRI scan of her brain. He showed us the picture of her brain, and pointed out the frontal cortex, showing a 50% loss of brain cells. While I was very disappointed with his diagnosis, I wasn’t surprised. I had hoped that there might be a slim possibility that her dementia might be reversible (if it were caused by medications or other reasons.)
Dealing with a demented person 24/7 is very irritating and frustrating. I feel guilty, sometimes, for my poor reaction to these emotions. I pray daily that the Good Lord will give me more understanding and patience. I am having trouble adjusting to her personality changes, and dealing with her endless questions and strange actions. I tell myself that this isn’t the Marie that I knew for almost 65 years. I no longer know her. Dementia has robbed me of my wife, and my daughters have lost their Mother. Our ten grandkids have lost a grandmother and her friends have lost a friend. Marie’s actions (or inactions) are not voluntary, or premeditated, and I shouldn’t blame her by expecting normalcy. While I know this, it is hard to deal with. It doesn’t relieve my stress.
There are times that she doesn’t recognize me! After eating, she has said that she doesn’t want to go back to the room until that man leaves. That man was me! This is hurtful - even though I know that it is part of the beastly disease.
In the Caregivers’ sessions , Fred has emphasized that we are dealing with the mental equivalent of a five year old. But, I see a difference. You can talk to a five year old and communicate. They usually will comprehend. Also, you can teach and they can learn. At least that is the experience that I had with my five daughters, when they were five years old.
Fred told us that a person with dementia cannot make logical decisions and they cannot learn new things. Also, don’t argue with them - for you will always lose. I agree with him.
.
Marie’s vital signs are normal, yet she is severely handicapped. Marie frequently asks me what time it is, and if it is time to go and eat - quite frequently just after retuning from the dining room! She receives help, from the staff, getting dressed in the morning and help with her pajamas at night, They also give her frequent showers. But, she is stubborn and doesn’t want to cooperate. She would rather sleep. This is a big problem, and I have to intervene. Sometimes I am successful, while other times I just give up and tell them to let her dress herself, or go un-bathed, which is not always the best solution. This is the time for me to repeat the “Serenity Prayer”.
Disorientation is a big problem for her. This is a part of not remembering. This seems to be the case with all Alzheimer patients. We have two joining apartments, and this confuses her. She can’t locate her bedroom and her bathroom. I have to direct her. She no longer can distinguish the difference between the refrigerator and the microwave. There is no way that she could live alone. She would need one-on-one care, with the accompanying high expense.
Marie is often restless, and has started to “wander”. She will walk out into the hallway - and take-off. While her actions are startling and disruptive, they aren’t life threatening. I haven’t been too concerned because I know that many eyes are observing her. They would step in, if they thought that she was a danger to herself or others. Fortunately, most of her confusion occurs during the daylight hours. There has been one instance where she has wandered out of our unit at night. A CNA intercepted her and returned her here. Her doctor has prescribed a medication to diminish this
tendency, and it hasn’t happened again.
RCL - 1/26/09.
Dementia is a very debilitating and sad medical problem. While this is an under-statement, I say this from observing it’s effects close up - for over a year now. It is something that doesn’t improve over time - or go away - it just gets worse. The mind is a very complex organ.
I have read a lot about the subject, as I am part of the “old-old” cohort. Dementia used to be called “senility” or “second childhood”. Today, we know what it is, and refer to it as “dementia.” Also, I have audited many “Successful Aging” classes at Cal-Berkeley. The subject of dementia was discussed many times during these sessions. There seems to be more dementia today than ever before. There are many factors for this: - most of us are living longer than past generations, (who died before they became afflicted )- better diagnosis - a larger population - better reporting - or a combination of these reasons.
I first noticed Marie’s forgetfulness over a year ago. She was 84. She was returning, in the car, from a shopping trip. She told me that she couldn’t remember how to open the garage door. She finally remembered the garage-door opener. I suggested that she stop driving, and it wasn’t much longer when she did. From this point, her mental capability continued to decline.
I am surprised how fast her memory and comprehension continued to worsen. (Just now, she asked me, “Where is my Mom?”. I explained that she had died and is buried in the cemetery at Placerville, She said, “I don’t mean my first one, but my second one ”.) Such strange comments go on throughout the day. Also, she frequently will ask what time it is, even though there are numerous clocks in the rooms, and she has two watches. She will ask if it is time to go eat - just after we have returned from the dining room!
While still living in Vallejo - nine months ago - she functioned fairly well as far as the “activities of daily living” are concerned. She had difficulty recalling names, dates and recent experiences. Her interests deteriorated. She no longer was interested in reading, watching television., or gardening. These were important activities for her prior to this.
I started to do all the shopping, cooking and laundry. For a while it was no problem. But then, it became stressful, and I realized that I needed some help. I joined a Caregivers Support Group. The Facilitator, Fred Stephens from Santa Rosa, and the group, were very helpful with their advice and counseling. After listening to my “story”, and counseling with my three daughters and myself, Fred suggested that I get some help. My daughter looked into Meals on Wheels, and signed us up for the service. This worked out great for a few months - it took a load off me. But then, Marie decided that she didn’t care for the M.O.W. - so back to square one.
My daughters suggested that I get some respite care for Marie, so that I could get out for some fresh air. Fred stressed how important it was for caregivers to take care of their own health - mental and physical. Otherwise, not only would they not be able to care for their loved one, but they would probably pre-decease them. So, I was fortunate in getting Donna to stay with her. She was very good with Marie. She had a nursing background, along with a caring disposition and a nice personality. She was usually available on short notice, which was very convenient for me. Her staying with Marie permitted me to get out, without having a guilty conscience, knowing that she was in good and reliable hands.
I was afraid of both of us falling, and not being able to get to a phone, to call for help. So, I subscribed to a medical -alert system. This gave me peace of mind. While I felt more safe and secure, Marie couldn’t understand about pushing the pendant in an emergency, let alone wearing it.
Much before this, I started looking at local assisted -living facilities - anticipating a not too distant need, and for a more leisurely decision and transition. Marie wasn’t interested in moving, even though the reasons why she liked Vallejo were no longer valid. So my daughters and I looked at Quail Creek, a new assisted living facility in Fairfield. It is affiliated with Paradise Valley Estates. I was impressed with the facility on our initial visit, so I signed up. While it is expensive, personal care is labor intensive. We are receiving quality meals and care. We are now located in Fairfield (CA), close to our three daughters. They have been very supportive and most helpful. Without them, even with assisted living, I would not have been able to partially care for Marie.
The brain is a marvelous organ - complex and unique. When it deteriorates, it affects the functions that it controls. Dr. Pai is Head of the Neurology Department at the Kaiser Medical facility in Vallejo. He diagnosed Marie with having Alzheimer dementia. He based his decision on the MRI scan of her brain. He showed us the picture of her brain, and pointed out the frontal cortex, showing a 50% loss of brain cells. While I was very disappointed with his diagnosis, I wasn’t surprised. I had hoped that there might be a slim possibility that her dementia might be reversible (if it were caused by medications or other reasons.)
Dealing with a demented person 24/7 is very irritating and frustrating. I feel guilty, sometimes, for my poor reaction to these emotions. I pray daily that the Good Lord will give me more understanding and patience. I am having trouble adjusting to her personality changes, and dealing with her endless questions and strange actions. I tell myself that this isn’t the Marie that I knew for almost 65 years. I no longer know her. Dementia has robbed me of my wife, and my daughters have lost their Mother. Our ten grandkids have lost a grandmother and her friends have lost a friend. Marie’s actions (or inactions) are not voluntary, or premeditated, and I shouldn’t blame her by expecting normalcy. While I know this, it is hard to deal with. It doesn’t relieve my stress.
There are times that she doesn’t recognize me! After eating, she has said that she doesn’t want to go back to the room until that man leaves. That man was me! This is hurtful - even though I know that it is part of the beastly disease.
In the Caregivers’ sessions , Fred has emphasized that we are dealing with the mental equivalent of a five year old. But, I see a difference. You can talk to a five year old and communicate. They usually will comprehend. Also, you can teach and they can learn. At least that is the experience that I had with my five daughters, when they were five years old.
Fred told us that a person with dementia cannot make logical decisions and they cannot learn new things. Also, don’t argue with them - for you will always lose. I agree with him.
.
Marie’s vital signs are normal, yet she is severely handicapped. Marie frequently asks me what time it is, and if it is time to go and eat - quite frequently just after retuning from the dining room! She receives help, from the staff, getting dressed in the morning and help with her pajamas at night, They also give her frequent showers. But, she is stubborn and doesn’t want to cooperate. She would rather sleep. This is a big problem, and I have to intervene. Sometimes I am successful, while other times I just give up and tell them to let her dress herself, or go un-bathed, which is not always the best solution. This is the time for me to repeat the “Serenity Prayer”.
Disorientation is a big problem for her. This is a part of not remembering. This seems to be the case with all Alzheimer patients. We have two joining apartments, and this confuses her. She can’t locate her bedroom and her bathroom. I have to direct her. She no longer can distinguish the difference between the refrigerator and the microwave. There is no way that she could live alone. She would need one-on-one care, with the accompanying high expense.
Marie is often restless, and has started to “wander”. She will walk out into the hallway - and take-off. While her actions are startling and disruptive, they aren’t life threatening. I haven’t been too concerned because I know that many eyes are observing her. They would step in, if they thought that she was a danger to herself or others. Fortunately, most of her confusion occurs during the daylight hours. There has been one instance where she has wandered out of our unit at night. A CNA intercepted her and returned her here. Her doctor has prescribed a medication to diminish this
tendency, and it hasn’t happened again.
RCL - 1/26/09.
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 23, 2009.
January 23, 2009.
My Dad was born 119 years ago today, in Hillsdale, Michigan, and I still miss him very much. If I was born at home, I am sure that he was too. He was one of nine children born to Edith Cole and Peter L’Amoreaux. They were a musical family. Each of the siblings played at least one instrument, and some played two! My Dad played the e-flat- alto horn (similar sound of the French horn) and the violin.
He graduated from Hillsdale high school in the Class of 1908. A few years later, he went to work for the New York Central Railroad. He worked for them nearly 45 years, retiring from their Detroit office, as Chief Timekeeper, in 1955. He met my Mother, when they were working at the railroad’s freight office in Hillsdale. They were married on June 19, 1917 in Hillsdale. There were four of us kids (Jeanne, Bob, Jack and myself - Jack (Brother Mateo) and I survive) - plus Mom told me that she had four
mis-carriages.
My Dad registered for the Draft in World War I, but got a deferment. I assume it was because he was supporting his parents. Speaking of supportive, he was always there for me physically, and with his understanding and encouragement.
He always enjoyed humor. His genes now reside in me.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
My Dad was born 119 years ago today, in Hillsdale, Michigan, and I still miss him very much. If I was born at home, I am sure that he was too. He was one of nine children born to Edith Cole and Peter L’Amoreaux. They were a musical family. Each of the siblings played at least one instrument, and some played two! My Dad played the e-flat- alto horn (similar sound of the French horn) and the violin.
He graduated from Hillsdale high school in the Class of 1908. A few years later, he went to work for the New York Central Railroad. He worked for them nearly 45 years, retiring from their Detroit office, as Chief Timekeeper, in 1955. He met my Mother, when they were working at the railroad’s freight office in Hillsdale. They were married on June 19, 1917 in Hillsdale. There were four of us kids (Jeanne, Bob, Jack and myself - Jack (Brother Mateo) and I survive) - plus Mom told me that she had four
mis-carriages.
My Dad registered for the Draft in World War I, but got a deferment. I assume it was because he was supporting his parents. Speaking of supportive, he was always there for me physically, and with his understanding and encouragement.
He always enjoyed humor. His genes now reside in me.
Happy Birthday, Dad.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Inauguration - January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009.
Today is a very important occasion in our country’s relatively young history. Our 44th president took the oath of office. He is the 17th president who has served during my life. This is a momentous historical event! Barack Obama is the first African-American to hold this high office. This says a lot on how far the country has come in resolving the country’s black-white relationship. The “Press” describe him as “black”, but he is no more black than he is white. For, his mother was white, while his father was black.
I feel very fortunate to have experienced this event - even though it was via TV. When I was much younger, I never expected to see this day. But, it has taken 90 years! This feeling was reinforced by my military experience, living in the South during World War II and the Korean War. I was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama three times with the military. In 1941, I was assigned to Gunter field as a Sergeant and a crew chief on a Vultee BT-13 basic trainer, and in 1944, I was assigned to Maxwell Field as a 1st Lt. and student officer. During the Korean War, in1952, I attended the Air-Command and Staff School at Maxwell Field. All three times, the “Negro“, or “Colored”, as they were referred to back then, had separate (but unequal) facilities - schools, drinking fountains, public rest rooms and sections on public transportation! This was a new experience for me.
I am a native of Michigan. Seeing such anti-social treatment in the South was a real eye opener for me. How could I see one of these “second class” citizens as a future President - let alone achieve it in the next 63 years?
While I didn’t vote for Obama, (I voted for Bob Barr!) about everyone else did! But during the presidential campaign, I witnessed all of Obama’s personal skills - confidence, speaking ability, demeanor and good looks. Even then, he just appeared “presidential”. He has a tough job ahead of him - a given. Very few people would want to be in his shoes. I will pray for his success, and I am sure that future historians will have a lot of good things to say about him, after his term (s). I think that he was the correct choice for president, among all of the many contenders. If anyone can succeed, I think that this man will. He is very intelligent, speaks well and exudes confidence. Most of all, he will have common sense. Also, he has surrounded himself with a strong cabinet and administrative staff. I am sure that he will listen carefully to their counseling and advice.
President Obama’s election is a milestone in our country’s history. His overwhelming margin of victory in November’s election showed that the voters have matured, and done what’s right, by acknowledging and accepting such a highly qualified individual to lead us in the early part of the twenty first century.
Today’s crowd was the largest - by far - to witness the inauguration of a president - up close! The authorities estimated the crowd on hand, at the capitol, on the Mall and surrounding area, at one million! (How did they arrive at this figure?)
I am interested, and fascinated with the background -logistics for the occasion:
I can not fathom such a scene! Where is everyone staying - eating? Where did they come from? What means of transportation? What motivated them to make the effort, and bear the expense during these tough- economic times? Who was responsible for the pre-planning for the event - the needs for: Security? Seating? Food? Port-a- Potties? The stage at the capitol? Transportation? The lunch afterwards? The Balls in the evening?, and the list goes on and on! I wonder if the Mayflower “movers out” will pass the “ movers in”, as the tenants trade places? The activity, that went on behind the scene, is very intriguing and interesting to me!
Good Luck president Obama! May the wind of fortune be with you!
Ray L’Amoreaux
January 20, 2009.
Today is a very important occasion in our country’s relatively young history. Our 44th president took the oath of office. He is the 17th president who has served during my life. This is a momentous historical event! Barack Obama is the first African-American to hold this high office. This says a lot on how far the country has come in resolving the country’s black-white relationship. The “Press” describe him as “black”, but he is no more black than he is white. For, his mother was white, while his father was black.
I feel very fortunate to have experienced this event - even though it was via TV. When I was much younger, I never expected to see this day. But, it has taken 90 years! This feeling was reinforced by my military experience, living in the South during World War II and the Korean War. I was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama three times with the military. In 1941, I was assigned to Gunter field as a Sergeant and a crew chief on a Vultee BT-13 basic trainer, and in 1944, I was assigned to Maxwell Field as a 1st Lt. and student officer. During the Korean War, in1952, I attended the Air-Command and Staff School at Maxwell Field. All three times, the “Negro“, or “Colored”, as they were referred to back then, had separate (but unequal) facilities - schools, drinking fountains, public rest rooms and sections on public transportation! This was a new experience for me.
I am a native of Michigan. Seeing such anti-social treatment in the South was a real eye opener for me. How could I see one of these “second class” citizens as a future President - let alone achieve it in the next 63 years?
While I didn’t vote for Obama, (I voted for Bob Barr!) about everyone else did! But during the presidential campaign, I witnessed all of Obama’s personal skills - confidence, speaking ability, demeanor and good looks. Even then, he just appeared “presidential”. He has a tough job ahead of him - a given. Very few people would want to be in his shoes. I will pray for his success, and I am sure that future historians will have a lot of good things to say about him, after his term (s). I think that he was the correct choice for president, among all of the many contenders. If anyone can succeed, I think that this man will. He is very intelligent, speaks well and exudes confidence. Most of all, he will have common sense. Also, he has surrounded himself with a strong cabinet and administrative staff. I am sure that he will listen carefully to their counseling and advice.
President Obama’s election is a milestone in our country’s history. His overwhelming margin of victory in November’s election showed that the voters have matured, and done what’s right, by acknowledging and accepting such a highly qualified individual to lead us in the early part of the twenty first century.
Today’s crowd was the largest - by far - to witness the inauguration of a president - up close! The authorities estimated the crowd on hand, at the capitol, on the Mall and surrounding area, at one million! (How did they arrive at this figure?)
I am interested, and fascinated with the background -logistics for the occasion:
I can not fathom such a scene! Where is everyone staying - eating? Where did they come from? What means of transportation? What motivated them to make the effort, and bear the expense during these tough- economic times? Who was responsible for the pre-planning for the event - the needs for: Security? Seating? Food? Port-a- Potties? The stage at the capitol? Transportation? The lunch afterwards? The Balls in the evening?, and the list goes on and on! I wonder if the Mayflower “movers out” will pass the “ movers in”, as the tenants trade places? The activity, that went on behind the scene, is very intriguing and interesting to me!
Good Luck president Obama! May the wind of fortune be with you!
Ray L’Amoreaux
January 20, 2009.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wednesday Outing
Wednesday Outing - January 14, 2009.
We left Quail Creek at 10:45 Am, and headed for the Napa Valley. Tony was the driver of our Q.C. mini-bus, and Kelli was our hostess and navigator. There were seven of us seat-belted in the back.
As we headed along Paradise Valley Drive, I could see that the cable-laying crew are back - digging up the roadway to lay their cable. They were working on the other side of the road, a couple of weeks ago. They left and I presumed that the job was finished. So, more one way-controlled traffic in the area. A gasoline price of 199 and 9/10 was posted at the Arco station.
As we passed over I-80, I noticed that the traffic, down below, was lighter than usual. The weather is clear and cool with hazy visibility. We merge on to I-80 Westbound. There is major construction alongside the freeway, that will eventually link Highway 12, running east and west of the freeway. More men and equipment working on the new diamond lane between the eastbound and westbound directions of I-80.
We are now riding on the new section of Highway 12 heading west. This is the first that I have seen the new improvement. Cal-Trans has added about a mile section of an additional lane. This lane will be used by trucks which are plodding along going up the grade. Before this additional lane improvement, the trucks were chugging along interspersed with the cars, and clogging travel. In the early morning, before the improvement, the traffic feeding Highway 12 - Westbound - could be backed up on I-80 almost to the truck station.
Driving through Jamison Canyon, I noticed a young Christmas tree farm out the right side. There is more east bound traffic, than west bound. Probably this evening, this traffic pattern will be reversed. Now, there is only a single lane in each direction. There is a big need to add an additional lane, But, with all transportation needs, funding is always in short supply.
There are many young vineyards on both sides of the road. They weren’t here the last time I was on this highway.
We turn right, at the signal, from 12 onto 29. There are a lot of trucks on the road. All of this activity doesn’t translate into our current economic recession. We are passing Syars building materials plant. The recession must have slowed down their business. The Napa Community College is coming up on our left side. The Napa State Hospital, which houses mentally ill patients, is on the right. It is a very large facility,
The Raley’s Center, is off to our left, before our exit to Silverado Trail. I notice a 7-Eleven on the right. The reason this is significant is because many years ago, I was with my oldest daughter Anne, when she picked up her grandson Jobey (my great-grandson) at Mt. George elementary school. She drove to this 7-Eleven store so she could treat him to a cold drink. This was her daily routine.
Still on Silverado Trail heading north. There are many fields of grape vines - about a third way through their growing cycle. This Napa Valley is a very beautiful area - and valuable! There are about 400 wineries now in the Napa Valley, If you bought in to one of these wineries you can expect to pay $150,000 - $250, 000 an acre. I got this figure from Bill Hanna, who has a vineyard in the area. I asked him why the large spread in price. He said that it depends on the total acreage , the location and the availability of water for the required drip irrigation system.
We hadn’t traveled far up the Trail, when we turned in to The Black Stallion Winery - our destination. It is now 11:25. Cathy Cough, was our hostess at the winery, and she added a lot to our visit. She said that their particular location used to be an Equestrian Center. I had been there with Anne, as she used to board her horse there, plus took lessons in dressage. She also purchased a horse for our grandkids to ride. No wonder I had a feeling of déjà vu! The winery opened to the public in July 2007. Both the life -size sculpture of the Black Stallion, in action, at the entrance, and walls of the building covered with large stones - each individually set in place - were spectacular.
The winery is owned by Mike and Terry Maglich from Minneapolis. They produce 3800 cases a year, and the wines are not available in stores. They can be purchased at the winery or on the wineries web site - www.blackstallionwinery,com/winery. They charge $10 for tasting - 3 whites or 4 reds. Cathy poured a sample of their 2006 chardonnay for us to taste. It was excellent as reflected in the $38 a bottle price.
We left the winery at 12:25, heading back. The visibility was hazy in the Napa Valley - but pleasant. Passed some good looking sheep having their lunch in a small-beautiful pasture. What a pastoral setting. We passed the area on highway 29 where our family used to picnic - many times. We just pulled off the road, and into a driveway running up the hill. We got our lunch out of the car, and sat in this most beautiful and inviting setting.
We are now riding along Big Ranch Road. We pass where we used to go and cut down our Christmas trees - many happy memories. Our five girls would race into the area and each would select a tree that they thought was the nicest. They would stand guard by the trees until we could take a vote to select just one of them.
As we neared Trancas in North Napa, we were wondering where to go for lunch. I suggested The Sizzler, which wasn’t too far away. (That was a mistake!) - just past Queen of the Valley hospital - on Trancas. Kelli decided that was where we would go. We arrived at 12:55. Tony had trouble off loading us (two motorized scooters), and then finding a parking place. I was surprised that their prices had doubled since I last ate there. While I enjoyed their salad bar, others complained about the quality of their selections. (There is nothing like trying to please a group of old folks! No more volunteering information!) We left the Sizzler at 2:30.
We are on Highway 12 heading East - re-tracing our route. It is a treacherous road but very scenic. We pass the golf course on our right. Next, I see cattle grazing on the slope of hills which have experienced land slides.
We are back on I-80 heading East. We pass a pickup pulling a trailer holding about 8 horses. We are back on Paradise Valley drive, and the golf course looks very inviting. Tony pulls up at our front entrance at 3:15 PM, after a nice ride and a new experience.
Ray L’Amoreaux
January 17, 2009.
We left Quail Creek at 10:45 Am, and headed for the Napa Valley. Tony was the driver of our Q.C. mini-bus, and Kelli was our hostess and navigator. There were seven of us seat-belted in the back.
As we headed along Paradise Valley Drive, I could see that the cable-laying crew are back - digging up the roadway to lay their cable. They were working on the other side of the road, a couple of weeks ago. They left and I presumed that the job was finished. So, more one way-controlled traffic in the area. A gasoline price of 199 and 9/10 was posted at the Arco station.
As we passed over I-80, I noticed that the traffic, down below, was lighter than usual. The weather is clear and cool with hazy visibility. We merge on to I-80 Westbound. There is major construction alongside the freeway, that will eventually link Highway 12, running east and west of the freeway. More men and equipment working on the new diamond lane between the eastbound and westbound directions of I-80.
We are now riding on the new section of Highway 12 heading west. This is the first that I have seen the new improvement. Cal-Trans has added about a mile section of an additional lane. This lane will be used by trucks which are plodding along going up the grade. Before this additional lane improvement, the trucks were chugging along interspersed with the cars, and clogging travel. In the early morning, before the improvement, the traffic feeding Highway 12 - Westbound - could be backed up on I-80 almost to the truck station.
Driving through Jamison Canyon, I noticed a young Christmas tree farm out the right side. There is more east bound traffic, than west bound. Probably this evening, this traffic pattern will be reversed. Now, there is only a single lane in each direction. There is a big need to add an additional lane, But, with all transportation needs, funding is always in short supply.
There are many young vineyards on both sides of the road. They weren’t here the last time I was on this highway.
We turn right, at the signal, from 12 onto 29. There are a lot of trucks on the road. All of this activity doesn’t translate into our current economic recession. We are passing Syars building materials plant. The recession must have slowed down their business. The Napa Community College is coming up on our left side. The Napa State Hospital, which houses mentally ill patients, is on the right. It is a very large facility,
The Raley’s Center, is off to our left, before our exit to Silverado Trail. I notice a 7-Eleven on the right. The reason this is significant is because many years ago, I was with my oldest daughter Anne, when she picked up her grandson Jobey (my great-grandson) at Mt. George elementary school. She drove to this 7-Eleven store so she could treat him to a cold drink. This was her daily routine.
Still on Silverado Trail heading north. There are many fields of grape vines - about a third way through their growing cycle. This Napa Valley is a very beautiful area - and valuable! There are about 400 wineries now in the Napa Valley, If you bought in to one of these wineries you can expect to pay $150,000 - $250, 000 an acre. I got this figure from Bill Hanna, who has a vineyard in the area. I asked him why the large spread in price. He said that it depends on the total acreage , the location and the availability of water for the required drip irrigation system.
We hadn’t traveled far up the Trail, when we turned in to The Black Stallion Winery - our destination. It is now 11:25. Cathy Cough, was our hostess at the winery, and she added a lot to our visit. She said that their particular location used to be an Equestrian Center. I had been there with Anne, as she used to board her horse there, plus took lessons in dressage. She also purchased a horse for our grandkids to ride. No wonder I had a feeling of déjà vu! The winery opened to the public in July 2007. Both the life -size sculpture of the Black Stallion, in action, at the entrance, and walls of the building covered with large stones - each individually set in place - were spectacular.
The winery is owned by Mike and Terry Maglich from Minneapolis. They produce 3800 cases a year, and the wines are not available in stores. They can be purchased at the winery or on the wineries web site - www.blackstallionwinery,com/winery. They charge $10 for tasting - 3 whites or 4 reds. Cathy poured a sample of their 2006 chardonnay for us to taste. It was excellent as reflected in the $38 a bottle price.
We left the winery at 12:25, heading back. The visibility was hazy in the Napa Valley - but pleasant. Passed some good looking sheep having their lunch in a small-beautiful pasture. What a pastoral setting. We passed the area on highway 29 where our family used to picnic - many times. We just pulled off the road, and into a driveway running up the hill. We got our lunch out of the car, and sat in this most beautiful and inviting setting.
We are now riding along Big Ranch Road. We pass where we used to go and cut down our Christmas trees - many happy memories. Our five girls would race into the area and each would select a tree that they thought was the nicest. They would stand guard by the trees until we could take a vote to select just one of them.
As we neared Trancas in North Napa, we were wondering where to go for lunch. I suggested The Sizzler, which wasn’t too far away. (That was a mistake!) - just past Queen of the Valley hospital - on Trancas. Kelli decided that was where we would go. We arrived at 12:55. Tony had trouble off loading us (two motorized scooters), and then finding a parking place. I was surprised that their prices had doubled since I last ate there. While I enjoyed their salad bar, others complained about the quality of their selections. (There is nothing like trying to please a group of old folks! No more volunteering information!) We left the Sizzler at 2:30.
We are on Highway 12 heading East - re-tracing our route. It is a treacherous road but very scenic. We pass the golf course on our right. Next, I see cattle grazing on the slope of hills which have experienced land slides.
We are back on I-80 heading East. We pass a pickup pulling a trailer holding about 8 horses. We are back on Paradise Valley drive, and the golf course looks very inviting. Tony pulls up at our front entrance at 3:15 PM, after a nice ride and a new experience.
Ray L’Amoreaux
January 17, 2009.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Scenic Outing
SCENIC OUTING - Wednesday, December 31, 2008 - New Years Eve.
We shove off on our drive at 1:15, with Tony driving the Quail Creek Mini-bus, and Kelly in the co-pilot’s seat.. There are five of us free-loaders in the back. The weather is cool - probably 45 degrees. The high fog has been hanging in all day - but visibility is still good.
We head out on Paradise Valley, with a right turn on Dickson Hill. At the intersection with North Texas Street, I noticed The Shell station ahead of us. I asked Tony if he could read the price of gas on their sign. He said that “it was $1.77 a gallon, but up the street, Arco had it for $1.71.” The spot price for crude oil today is around $35 a barrel.
On the overpass above I-80, I can see heavy traffic flowing in both directions This is not unusual because it is New Year’s Eve. As we make a left turn onto Hilborn, the sun is peeping through the overcast. We make a right on to Waterman Boulevard, and continue South past the entrance to the Rancho Solano community. This whole valley is a very scenic area - even on a gloomy day. This is my favorite local area. We pass young grape vineyards. I didn’t see grape vines - I had a vision of dollars - beaucoup dollars! Waterman runs into Mankas Corner Road, beyond Rancho Solano. At the intersection with Abernathy Road, Tony turns right on a continuation of Mankas Corner Road. Black cattle are grazing in the hilly area. Sure a peaceful area.
Tony turns right onto Gordon Valley Road at Mankas Corner. We pass the Vintage Café` on the corner. Mary and Greg treated us to lunch there recently. I recommend it. We pass more young vineyards. Except for the hills, there is not much open area in the area. I can see many beehives in the field off to my left. We are on a winding road now - following the creek. It is such a peaceful area. If one wants to get some peace and quiet, they have to drive only a few miles back here. It is hard to believe that large metro areas are so close.
We are passing a huge brown and white bull resting, out the right window. This is his territory. He has the whole field to himself. He looks quite contented as he checks us out as we pass. A long white rail fence runs along the road to our left. It fences in a large estate/winery, and beautiful-old oak trees.
There is low fog now as we move along Gordon Way to Wooden Valley Road. We turn left. I see more young vineyards on both sides. Except for Gallo down in the San Joachin Valley, I thought most of the local vineyards were in the Napa Valley. Not so! This is more high-value real estate.
The road is curvy but still very scenic. We are still riding along side of a creek. Except for all the vineyards, I would guess that this area hasn’t changed much in a 100 years. Now we are passing a unique and distinctive rock wall. A huge bird is gliding in a circle overhead.
We are now riding along Suisun Valley Road. A few cars are parked in each of the vineyards that we pass. They belong to the people working among the vines on New Years Eve. Anyone, who might be sleeping on the bus, is suddenly awakened by the roar of the engines, from twelve bikes as they all accelerate, to pass us as a group. We are passing Larry’s Produce market on the left. It is closed. A little farther - still out the left side, is a large goat farm. They are feasting on a huge pile of oranges! (it sure beats tin cans).
We are passing another large winery/estate. Historic Rockville Cemetery is on the right side, with its very old and distinctive chapel. We make a left turn on to Rockville Road. We are on the home stretch. There is still a lot area which is sparsely populated. We pass an old country school house on the right. It is still in use.
There is a large winery on Gordon Road to the left. We make a right turn on to Mankas Corner Road and retrace our route along Waterman Boulevard. We pass over I-80 on to Air Base Parkway. At the intersection with Dover Avenue, we are sitting in the left-hand turn pocket, waiting for the green arrow. Out the front windshield I can see a huge flock of large birds circling. Tony tells us that area is home to turkey vultures!
We pull up at the Quail Creek entrance at 2:25 PM after a great commune with nature. It really perked up a gloomy day!
Ray L’Amoreaux
1/6/09.
We shove off on our drive at 1:15, with Tony driving the Quail Creek Mini-bus, and Kelly in the co-pilot’s seat.. There are five of us free-loaders in the back. The weather is cool - probably 45 degrees. The high fog has been hanging in all day - but visibility is still good.
We head out on Paradise Valley, with a right turn on Dickson Hill. At the intersection with North Texas Street, I noticed The Shell station ahead of us. I asked Tony if he could read the price of gas on their sign. He said that “it was $1.77 a gallon, but up the street, Arco had it for $1.71.” The spot price for crude oil today is around $35 a barrel.
On the overpass above I-80, I can see heavy traffic flowing in both directions This is not unusual because it is New Year’s Eve. As we make a left turn onto Hilborn, the sun is peeping through the overcast. We make a right on to Waterman Boulevard, and continue South past the entrance to the Rancho Solano community. This whole valley is a very scenic area - even on a gloomy day. This is my favorite local area. We pass young grape vineyards. I didn’t see grape vines - I had a vision of dollars - beaucoup dollars! Waterman runs into Mankas Corner Road, beyond Rancho Solano. At the intersection with Abernathy Road, Tony turns right on a continuation of Mankas Corner Road. Black cattle are grazing in the hilly area. Sure a peaceful area.
Tony turns right onto Gordon Valley Road at Mankas Corner. We pass the Vintage Café` on the corner. Mary and Greg treated us to lunch there recently. I recommend it. We pass more young vineyards. Except for the hills, there is not much open area in the area. I can see many beehives in the field off to my left. We are on a winding road now - following the creek. It is such a peaceful area. If one wants to get some peace and quiet, they have to drive only a few miles back here. It is hard to believe that large metro areas are so close.
We are passing a huge brown and white bull resting, out the right window. This is his territory. He has the whole field to himself. He looks quite contented as he checks us out as we pass. A long white rail fence runs along the road to our left. It fences in a large estate/winery, and beautiful-old oak trees.
There is low fog now as we move along Gordon Way to Wooden Valley Road. We turn left. I see more young vineyards on both sides. Except for Gallo down in the San Joachin Valley, I thought most of the local vineyards were in the Napa Valley. Not so! This is more high-value real estate.
The road is curvy but still very scenic. We are still riding along side of a creek. Except for all the vineyards, I would guess that this area hasn’t changed much in a 100 years. Now we are passing a unique and distinctive rock wall. A huge bird is gliding in a circle overhead.
We are now riding along Suisun Valley Road. A few cars are parked in each of the vineyards that we pass. They belong to the people working among the vines on New Years Eve. Anyone, who might be sleeping on the bus, is suddenly awakened by the roar of the engines, from twelve bikes as they all accelerate, to pass us as a group. We are passing Larry’s Produce market on the left. It is closed. A little farther - still out the left side, is a large goat farm. They are feasting on a huge pile of oranges! (it sure beats tin cans).
We are passing another large winery/estate. Historic Rockville Cemetery is on the right side, with its very old and distinctive chapel. We make a left turn on to Rockville Road. We are on the home stretch. There is still a lot area which is sparsely populated. We pass an old country school house on the right. It is still in use.
There is a large winery on Gordon Road to the left. We make a right turn on to Mankas Corner Road and retrace our route along Waterman Boulevard. We pass over I-80 on to Air Base Parkway. At the intersection with Dover Avenue, we are sitting in the left-hand turn pocket, waiting for the green arrow. Out the front windshield I can see a huge flock of large birds circling. Tony tells us that area is home to turkey vultures!
We pull up at the Quail Creek entrance at 2:25 PM after a great commune with nature. It really perked up a gloomy day!
Ray L’Amoreaux
1/6/09.
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