BLUE MOON
I was looking forward to admiring the New Year‘s Eve “Blue Moon” tonight. But it was not to be! We are socked in - preparatory to tomorrow’s forecast of rain. Fortunately, I did get a great view of the Blue Moon -“lite”, last night, from my living room window.
I checked Wikipedia for the explanation of a “Blue Moon”. The write-up explained that most lunar years have twelve full moons which occur in approximate monthly cycles. But, with our Gregorian Calendar- year, there are about eleven additional days. These extra “solar days” accumulate so that 7 times, during this 19 year period (235 moon cycles), there is an extra “blue moon.” At the end of this described 19 year period, the “New Moon” appears on the same day as at the beginning of the lunar cycle. Following, is the “extra” full moon. The full moon originally got it’s name from it’s unusual bluish color. This rare event can be caused by pollution in the atmosphere. Today, the layman calls the second full-moon in a month, a “Blue Moon.”
RCL - 12/31/09.
.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
BLUE MOON
BLUE MOON
I was looking forward to admiring the New Year‘s Eve “Blue Moon” tonight. But it was not to be! We are socked in - preparatory to tomorrow’s forecast of rain. Fortunately, I did get a great view of the Blue Moon -“lite”, last night, from my living room window.
I checked Wikipedia for the explanation of a “Blue Moon”. The write-up explained that most lunar years have twelve full moons which occur in approximate monthly cycles. But, with our Gregorian Calendar- year, there are about eleven additional days. These extra “solar days” accumulate so that 7 times, during this 19 year period (235 moon cycles), there is an extra “blue moon.” At the end of this described 19 year period, the “New Moon” appears on the same day as at the beginning of the lunar cycle. Following, is the “extra” full moon. The full moon originally got it’s name from it’s unusual bluish color. This rare event can be caused by pollution in the atmosphere. Today, the layman calls the second full-moon in a month, a “Blue Moon.”
RCL - 12/31/09.
.
I was looking forward to admiring the New Year‘s Eve “Blue Moon” tonight. But it was not to be! We are socked in - preparatory to tomorrow’s forecast of rain. Fortunately, I did get a great view of the Blue Moon -“lite”, last night, from my living room window.
I checked Wikipedia for the explanation of a “Blue Moon”. The write-up explained that most lunar years have twelve full moons which occur in approximate monthly cycles. But, with our Gregorian Calendar- year, there are about eleven additional days. These extra “solar days” accumulate so that 7 times, during this 19 year period (235 moon cycles), there is an extra “blue moon.” At the end of this described 19 year period, the “New Moon” appears on the same day as at the beginning of the lunar cycle. Following, is the “extra” full moon. The full moon originally got it’s name from it’s unusual bluish color. This rare event can be caused by pollution in the atmosphere. Today, the layman calls the second full-moon in a month, a “Blue Moon.”
RCL - 12/31/09.
.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
YULETIDE GREETINGS!
YULETIDE
Well. Christmas is now a memory, but a very nice one.. While there is also sadness, and family tensions, during this Season, all in all, it is a very rewarding experience for most people. I know that I have enjoyed the past few days. Most people that I know, express lots of love and goodwill during this Season.
I always reflect on past Christmases at this time of year. I can recall many nice memories. When our daughters and grandkids were younger, Anne suggested that I “play Santa Claus.” For many years, Anne rented me my red, white and black costume, and without any training, I tried to play the part. If you really want to experience Christmas, don the red suit. I can’t explain my feeling, but I received an emotional boost from the reactions of those that I greeted.
Anne received her moneys worth for the week that I had use
of my Santa suit. I appeared at our grandkids’ second grade classroom, at my Mother’s assisted living facility, and her skilled nursing residence - in succeeding years. I also appeared at Rick’s Christmas -Office Parties. The exchanges with the different ones were very interesting to me. I talked with my Mother, and she didn’t have a clue I was her son. I talked to our grandkids and they looked at me in awe, not recognizing me. Mrs. Brinkman’s class seemed thrilled to have me in their midst. It was interesting when Marie was driving me to my many appearances. People would see me in the car, and wave, or honk their horns - pretty flattering.
Through all of these interactions, I started to get the “Spirit,” and I believed in myself - Santa! I hesitated when Anne first suggested that I “dress up”, but then I realized that I would be experiencing a new role, and I heartily agreed. I am glad that I did. All of us need to get out of our comfortable skin, and try something new and different. (There was the time that I paraded as a female model in a fashion show, but that is another story, for another time!)
It is so rewarding to have family, or friends, to share in celebrating the Holiday Season. Because of them, I didn’t experience the loneliness, or depression, this time of year, that some feel.
Joan and Manny invited me to their Christmas Eve Party. It was very nice, with about 25 family and friends enjoying their festive house - each others’ company - and all the various tasty- dishes of food that people brought. The men did most of the cooking, and their creations were delicious. Melissa and Ryan brought a poker board and shuffleboard game with them from San Diego, along with their dog, Bodie. Jason brought his beagle, Buddy. The dogs kept everyone wide awake as they raced through the living room playing tag! (It used to be the grand kids!). We watched an old DVD, on the big screen, of our grandkids’ “Plays”. It not only was humorous, but well done.
The gift exchange was very interesting and entertaining.
Our instructions were to bring a gift costing less than $25. This open-ended instruction brings out the creativity of people - from the conservative like me to the creative like our host, Manny! There were seventeen “exchangers”. We each drew a number from the paper bag that our hostess Joan passed around. The number we selected was the order in which we picked out our gift. My number was “4”. You could pick from the pile on the floor, or “steal” someone else’s gift. The choosing sounds simple, but it becomes quite intriguing with al of the scheming and “stealing” going on. It seemed like the exchanging would never end. But, after two “steals”, that gift is “dead”, and unavailable for any further “stealing”. When everyone is satisfied with their gift, end of “gifting.” I never was involved in this process before, but it was very interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. When my turn to select came, I went for the smallest package. Initially, this was a good strategy. But, after I opened it, and the participants saw that I had gotten a gift card from Macy’s and a small box of See’s candies, it was a prime stealable.
Sue and Tom gave me a ride home. While we were about the first ones to leave, I didn’t get home until about midnight. I enjoyed Christmas Eve very much.
I arranged to join Marie for Christmas Day-Lunch, at Laurel Creek. I was looking forward to sharing the time and lunch with her. When I entered her room, she was lying down. I wished her a Merry Christmas, and I sat down next to her bed. She reached for my hand, and said “Your hand is cold”. Her hands are always warm, and mine are always cold. (I had just come in from outside). Soon, she let go, and said, “Your hand is heavy”. She never used to complain when we were younger!
I asked Marie if she could remember her nicest Christmas. She thought for a minute, and said they were all nice. Then, I thought, how would I answer, if she had asked me that very same question. I have to say that I would answer the same way. It’s strange though, I remember my two ‘saddest” ones very clearly.
The first of these sad Christmases, away from home, was in 1942. I was stationed in Cut Bank, Montana - 2,000 miles away from Ypsilanti. I was coping quite well with my homesickness, until I heard the choir sing “White Christmas” at Midnight Mass.
My second sad Christmas was after my Dad died on December 21, 1963 (at the age of 73). President Kennedy had been assassinated just a month before my Dad died. My Dad’s funeral was on Christmas Eve. To add to my sadness, it was the first (and only) Christmas that our family didn’t share. Marie and our five daughters, remained in Vallejo, while I flew back to Detroit.
We had just gotten out of the door to Marie’s room, heading for the dining room, and she said “I don’t think I can make it.” So, we returned to her room. I explained the situation to the CNA, and asked if they could bring our meals to her room. This is the first time that I hadn’t eaten with her in the dining room. (I just had lunch with her in the dining room, two days previously, on our Anniversary). So, we made the best of it, and ate together in her room At this stage of life, for your peace of mind, you had better be flexible.
Christmas evening, Mary and Greg invited me to have dinner with them and Daniel. Of course, I accepted. They picked me up, and delivered me back here, at the end of the evening. The dinner, and dessert, were very good (as per usual). The four of us played Scrabble after dinner. I can’t remember the last time that I played that board game. I know that it was a long time ago. The game was stimulating, and I enjoyed it.
Next, on the agenda, is formulating my resolutions for next year.
Ray L’Amoreaux 12/27/09.
Well. Christmas is now a memory, but a very nice one.. While there is also sadness, and family tensions, during this Season, all in all, it is a very rewarding experience for most people. I know that I have enjoyed the past few days. Most people that I know, express lots of love and goodwill during this Season.
I always reflect on past Christmases at this time of year. I can recall many nice memories. When our daughters and grandkids were younger, Anne suggested that I “play Santa Claus.” For many years, Anne rented me my red, white and black costume, and without any training, I tried to play the part. If you really want to experience Christmas, don the red suit. I can’t explain my feeling, but I received an emotional boost from the reactions of those that I greeted.
Anne received her moneys worth for the week that I had use
of my Santa suit. I appeared at our grandkids’ second grade classroom, at my Mother’s assisted living facility, and her skilled nursing residence - in succeeding years. I also appeared at Rick’s Christmas -Office Parties. The exchanges with the different ones were very interesting to me. I talked with my Mother, and she didn’t have a clue I was her son. I talked to our grandkids and they looked at me in awe, not recognizing me. Mrs. Brinkman’s class seemed thrilled to have me in their midst. It was interesting when Marie was driving me to my many appearances. People would see me in the car, and wave, or honk their horns - pretty flattering.
Through all of these interactions, I started to get the “Spirit,” and I believed in myself - Santa! I hesitated when Anne first suggested that I “dress up”, but then I realized that I would be experiencing a new role, and I heartily agreed. I am glad that I did. All of us need to get out of our comfortable skin, and try something new and different. (There was the time that I paraded as a female model in a fashion show, but that is another story, for another time!)
It is so rewarding to have family, or friends, to share in celebrating the Holiday Season. Because of them, I didn’t experience the loneliness, or depression, this time of year, that some feel.
Joan and Manny invited me to their Christmas Eve Party. It was very nice, with about 25 family and friends enjoying their festive house - each others’ company - and all the various tasty- dishes of food that people brought. The men did most of the cooking, and their creations were delicious. Melissa and Ryan brought a poker board and shuffleboard game with them from San Diego, along with their dog, Bodie. Jason brought his beagle, Buddy. The dogs kept everyone wide awake as they raced through the living room playing tag! (It used to be the grand kids!). We watched an old DVD, on the big screen, of our grandkids’ “Plays”. It not only was humorous, but well done.
The gift exchange was very interesting and entertaining.
Our instructions were to bring a gift costing less than $25. This open-ended instruction brings out the creativity of people - from the conservative like me to the creative like our host, Manny! There were seventeen “exchangers”. We each drew a number from the paper bag that our hostess Joan passed around. The number we selected was the order in which we picked out our gift. My number was “4”. You could pick from the pile on the floor, or “steal” someone else’s gift. The choosing sounds simple, but it becomes quite intriguing with al of the scheming and “stealing” going on. It seemed like the exchanging would never end. But, after two “steals”, that gift is “dead”, and unavailable for any further “stealing”. When everyone is satisfied with their gift, end of “gifting.” I never was involved in this process before, but it was very interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. When my turn to select came, I went for the smallest package. Initially, this was a good strategy. But, after I opened it, and the participants saw that I had gotten a gift card from Macy’s and a small box of See’s candies, it was a prime stealable.
Sue and Tom gave me a ride home. While we were about the first ones to leave, I didn’t get home until about midnight. I enjoyed Christmas Eve very much.
I arranged to join Marie for Christmas Day-Lunch, at Laurel Creek. I was looking forward to sharing the time and lunch with her. When I entered her room, she was lying down. I wished her a Merry Christmas, and I sat down next to her bed. She reached for my hand, and said “Your hand is cold”. Her hands are always warm, and mine are always cold. (I had just come in from outside). Soon, she let go, and said, “Your hand is heavy”. She never used to complain when we were younger!
I asked Marie if she could remember her nicest Christmas. She thought for a minute, and said they were all nice. Then, I thought, how would I answer, if she had asked me that very same question. I have to say that I would answer the same way. It’s strange though, I remember my two ‘saddest” ones very clearly.
The first of these sad Christmases, away from home, was in 1942. I was stationed in Cut Bank, Montana - 2,000 miles away from Ypsilanti. I was coping quite well with my homesickness, until I heard the choir sing “White Christmas” at Midnight Mass.
My second sad Christmas was after my Dad died on December 21, 1963 (at the age of 73). President Kennedy had been assassinated just a month before my Dad died. My Dad’s funeral was on Christmas Eve. To add to my sadness, it was the first (and only) Christmas that our family didn’t share. Marie and our five daughters, remained in Vallejo, while I flew back to Detroit.
We had just gotten out of the door to Marie’s room, heading for the dining room, and she said “I don’t think I can make it.” So, we returned to her room. I explained the situation to the CNA, and asked if they could bring our meals to her room. This is the first time that I hadn’t eaten with her in the dining room. (I just had lunch with her in the dining room, two days previously, on our Anniversary). So, we made the best of it, and ate together in her room At this stage of life, for your peace of mind, you had better be flexible.
Christmas evening, Mary and Greg invited me to have dinner with them and Daniel. Of course, I accepted. They picked me up, and delivered me back here, at the end of the evening. The dinner, and dessert, were very good (as per usual). The four of us played Scrabble after dinner. I can’t remember the last time that I played that board game. I know that it was a long time ago. The game was stimulating, and I enjoyed it.
Next, on the agenda, is formulating my resolutions for next year.
Ray L’Amoreaux 12/27/09.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
WEDDED BLISS - P.S.
WEDDED BLISS - P.S.
I have just returned from having lunch with Marie. While there, I re-read our Anniversary card from Mary, Greg, Daniel and Jason. Hallmark says it much better than I put forward in the preceding piece. I would like to share it with you.
“ To Mom and Dad:
Because of the two of you,
I know what love is.
It’s patience. It’s sacrifice.
It’s sharing joy
and keeping faith.
It’s what keeps us strong
and helps us find our way.
Because of the two of you,
I know what family is.
It’s laughing. It’s listening.
It’s growing up and
growing together.
It’s being there for each other,
no matter what.
Because of the two of you,
I know that love and family
Are at the heart of a good life
and a lasting marriage.
Because of the two of you,
I’ll always be thankful
for the love we have
and the family we are.”
-----------------------------------
We shared nice lunches in the Laurel Creek dining room. There was a large Christmas tree, and all the decorations.
Lillibeth, the Station Three nurse, stopped by to wish us a Happy Anniversary. She was marveling at our 65 years together.. I asked her if she was married? She said, “Yes”. I told her “to hang in there. the years go by faster than you think.”
Tony Bennett was singing, via the dining room’s excellent P.A. system:
“I’ve Got It Bad, and That Aint Good.”; “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”; “Noel”; Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; “Silver Bells”; “Merry Christmas”; “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, and, of course, “Rudolph” had to have equal time.
As we were eating our banana cake -dessert, one of the servers asked us if we were ready to share our Anniversary Cake? Talk about over-kill! We passed.
Back in Marie’s room, I tried bringing back old memories. I asked her if she remembered our first Christmas Tree? She thought for quite a while, and then she smiled and said, “Yes”. We spent the first night of our honeymoon staying at the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisby. If you have never been there, you should check it out. Our second night was at the El Conquistador Hotel in Tucson. I can’t remember the room rate, but it wasn’t cheap. It was a very nice hotel - the best that I had ever stayed in. Of course the rate was “American Plan”. (Needless to say, I think that we ate only one meal there. What a waste.)
One of the hotel staff brought us a very nice-little decorated -Christmas Tree, and placed it on top of the dresser. Our first Christmas Tree! To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we took an Elderhostel trip to Douglas. En-route, we wanted to stay at the El Conquistador Hotel for old times sake. When we got to the area we remembered, we couldn’t find the hotel.. I asked around, and learned that the hotel had been torn down, and a parking lot was built right where we were standing! That’s progress, I guess.
Ray L’Amoreaux
December 23, 1944 - December 23, 2009.
I have just returned from having lunch with Marie. While there, I re-read our Anniversary card from Mary, Greg, Daniel and Jason. Hallmark says it much better than I put forward in the preceding piece. I would like to share it with you.
“ To Mom and Dad:
Because of the two of you,
I know what love is.
It’s patience. It’s sacrifice.
It’s sharing joy
and keeping faith.
It’s what keeps us strong
and helps us find our way.
Because of the two of you,
I know what family is.
It’s laughing. It’s listening.
It’s growing up and
growing together.
It’s being there for each other,
no matter what.
Because of the two of you,
I know that love and family
Are at the heart of a good life
and a lasting marriage.
Because of the two of you,
I’ll always be thankful
for the love we have
and the family we are.”
-----------------------------------
We shared nice lunches in the Laurel Creek dining room. There was a large Christmas tree, and all the decorations.
Lillibeth, the Station Three nurse, stopped by to wish us a Happy Anniversary. She was marveling at our 65 years together.. I asked her if she was married? She said, “Yes”. I told her “to hang in there. the years go by faster than you think.”
Tony Bennett was singing, via the dining room’s excellent P.A. system:
“I’ve Got It Bad, and That Aint Good.”; “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”; “Noel”; Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; “Silver Bells”; “Merry Christmas”; “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, and, of course, “Rudolph” had to have equal time.
As we were eating our banana cake -dessert, one of the servers asked us if we were ready to share our Anniversary Cake? Talk about over-kill! We passed.
Back in Marie’s room, I tried bringing back old memories. I asked her if she remembered our first Christmas Tree? She thought for quite a while, and then she smiled and said, “Yes”. We spent the first night of our honeymoon staying at the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisby. If you have never been there, you should check it out. Our second night was at the El Conquistador Hotel in Tucson. I can’t remember the room rate, but it wasn’t cheap. It was a very nice hotel - the best that I had ever stayed in. Of course the rate was “American Plan”. (Needless to say, I think that we ate only one meal there. What a waste.)
One of the hotel staff brought us a very nice-little decorated -Christmas Tree, and placed it on top of the dresser. Our first Christmas Tree! To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we took an Elderhostel trip to Douglas. En-route, we wanted to stay at the El Conquistador Hotel for old times sake. When we got to the area we remembered, we couldn’t find the hotel.. I asked around, and learned that the hotel had been torn down, and a parking lot was built right where we were standing! That’s progress, I guess.
Ray L’Amoreaux
December 23, 1944 - December 23, 2009.
WEDDED BLISS
WEDDED BLISS.
Marie and I were married sixty five years ago today! She pinned my pilot wings on me that Saturday morning, December 23, 1944, and we were married that afternoon. Both events took place in Douglas Arizona. I am sure that we weren’t visualizing this day, when we looked into each others’ eyes. Marie would be returning to Mills College, and I would be flying in operational training, preparatory to being assigned to the Fifth Air Force in the South Pacific.
We were married in the Immaculate Conception Church. My B-25 instructor was my “Best Man”, and his wife was Marie’s Matron of Honor. Marie met them both for the first (and last) time at the altar. We were fortunate to have Marie’s mother, Ethel, there with us.
Today, December 23, 2009, I will have lunch with Marie at her residence, the Laurel Creek Health Center. I am fortunate that I can visit her each day. When I saw her yesterday, I told her that I would be having lunch with her this noon. I expected her to be pleased. She said, “Well, big deal!”
We hear about wisdom coming from the mouths of babes. How about the frankness coming from the mouth of a wife who has lost 50 per-cent of the brain cells in her frontal cortex? Very interesting.
People ask me what I attribute to our long marriage. You would think, by now, I would have formularized the secret. First of all, one must be blessed with good genes to survive that many years. Two, Lady Luck certainly has to come into play. And three, “you have to be in the moment” - you must have an awareness of the present situation. I have done my best to minimize conflict. But, when that fails you fall back on the trite “give and take” dynamics. Then, you hope and pray for the best outcome. Marie and I have been very fortunate to have liked each other, and to have enjoyed each others company all these many years. That always makes a happy marriage.
So, Good Luck to all of you “short timers.” Marriage - like life - is common sense and hard work. Without it, our culture is experiencing a shameful 50 percent divorce rate! I trust that I am “preaching to the choir”.
Ray L’Amoreaux
December 23, 2009.
Marie and I were married sixty five years ago today! She pinned my pilot wings on me that Saturday morning, December 23, 1944, and we were married that afternoon. Both events took place in Douglas Arizona. I am sure that we weren’t visualizing this day, when we looked into each others’ eyes. Marie would be returning to Mills College, and I would be flying in operational training, preparatory to being assigned to the Fifth Air Force in the South Pacific.
We were married in the Immaculate Conception Church. My B-25 instructor was my “Best Man”, and his wife was Marie’s Matron of Honor. Marie met them both for the first (and last) time at the altar. We were fortunate to have Marie’s mother, Ethel, there with us.
Today, December 23, 2009, I will have lunch with Marie at her residence, the Laurel Creek Health Center. I am fortunate that I can visit her each day. When I saw her yesterday, I told her that I would be having lunch with her this noon. I expected her to be pleased. She said, “Well, big deal!”
We hear about wisdom coming from the mouths of babes. How about the frankness coming from the mouth of a wife who has lost 50 per-cent of the brain cells in her frontal cortex? Very interesting.
People ask me what I attribute to our long marriage. You would think, by now, I would have formularized the secret. First of all, one must be blessed with good genes to survive that many years. Two, Lady Luck certainly has to come into play. And three, “you have to be in the moment” - you must have an awareness of the present situation. I have done my best to minimize conflict. But, when that fails you fall back on the trite “give and take” dynamics. Then, you hope and pray for the best outcome. Marie and I have been very fortunate to have liked each other, and to have enjoyed each others company all these many years. That always makes a happy marriage.
So, Good Luck to all of you “short timers.” Marriage - like life - is common sense and hard work. Without it, our culture is experiencing a shameful 50 percent divorce rate! I trust that I am “preaching to the choir”.
Ray L’Amoreaux
December 23, 2009.
Monday, December 21, 2009
GRADUATION DAY
GRADUATION DAY.
Saturday, December 12, 2009. Today is a big day! Two of my grandsons are graduating! I am very proud to be their grandfather.
Mary and Greg picked me up this morning at Quail Creek, and gave me a ride to the Napa Valley College, where their son, and my grandson, Daniel, was graduating, with the 76th Basic Police Academy Class. Daniel had previously graduated from the University of California - Sacramento, majoring in Criminal Justice. The Police Academy was an extension of his University training. The course was a very demanding “hands on” training. Their discipline reminded me of my Boot Camp. To give you an idea of how rigorous the 22 week course was (880 training hours), the class started on July 11 with 54 cadets. Today, there are only 34 graduating - three of them women! Their ages ran from 20-40, with various backgrounds. The Cadets’ achievement was all the more commendable, when I think of the $6500 tuition fee each of them had to pay. Police Departments used to sponsor the cadets. But, with tight- Public Safety funding in this “Recession” economy, that has stopped.
The graduation ceremony was very impressive. The Dunvegan Pipe Band played, as they led the graduation procession. The Napa Sheriff Honor guard presented the Colors. After the singing of the National Anthem, there was a Moment of Silence to honor all of the Law Enforcement Officers killed doing their job!
Jim Nelson, Class 76 Recruit Training Officer, Addressed the graduates. I remember one of his key points. He said that water at 211 degrees is very hot water, but if you add one more degree it becomes steam. He was illustrating how a little bit of extra effort can make a big difference
Before the Cadets received their certificates, all 34 of the class recited the "Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics" in unison! They spoke with one voice. The "Code" wasn't simple. It covered the 5 by 8 inch back page of the program!
Mary and Greg dropped me off, back at Quail Creed, for lunch and a short respite. Then, Sue and Tom picked me up to attend Jason Torres graduation in Stockton. Jason is Mary and Greg’s son, and the brother of Daniel.. We headed for Stockton about 60 miles to the East for the 4 o’clock ceremony.
Jason graduated from De Vry College in Sacramento, and received his Bachelors degree in Business. After a short work experience, Jason enrolled in the MBA program at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. There were 26 Eberhardt MBA graduates - many of them young women.
Dr. Cynthia Eakin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs welcomed us. The MBA Student Speaker was Amanda Marchini.
The MBA Staff honored the graduates, and their families, with a very nice dinner at the DeRosa University Center. The building was very nice and inviting. After a great dinner, they presented a video on the big screen of Joe Johnson, one of the school’s retired professors. He couldn’t make the graduation ceremony, and dinner, because he was vacationing in Hawaii!
I was very impressed with some of his remarks, and made a few notes. As I listened to him talk, I had the feeling of what a great experience if I had him for one of my college courses. He inspired me so much that I wished that I had pursued my Master’s degree. I did start the program with six Management units at Cal Berkeley, while I was working at U.S. Steel Company. I decided that I couldn’t continue working, going to school which included commuting from Antioch to Berkeley, and still fulfill my duties as a husband and father. I made the right decision at the time.
I jotted down some of Joe’s remarks:
“Work should be rewarding, including financially and pleasurable. If you are working for an unbearable boss, that you can’t tolerate, then leave. He calls this the “Piss-off” factor. You should always be prepared to go to work. You never know when you will be asked to do something important. When you are given an opportunity, make sure that you show up, and do it well. Be honest and true to yourself. If you don’t know the answer, find out. Earn the right to play. Play a leadership role. You are valued for what you do - not for what you say.”
It must have been rewarding for Daniel and Jason to have so many of their family and friends in attendance, supporting and honoring them.
At the end of the evening, I was tired. Or, as my Mother used to say - “A good tired”. But, my pride, and inspiration, made it all worthwhile.
RCL - 12/21/09.
Saturday, December 12, 2009. Today is a big day! Two of my grandsons are graduating! I am very proud to be their grandfather.
Mary and Greg picked me up this morning at Quail Creek, and gave me a ride to the Napa Valley College, where their son, and my grandson, Daniel, was graduating, with the 76th Basic Police Academy Class. Daniel had previously graduated from the University of California - Sacramento, majoring in Criminal Justice. The Police Academy was an extension of his University training. The course was a very demanding “hands on” training. Their discipline reminded me of my Boot Camp. To give you an idea of how rigorous the 22 week course was (880 training hours), the class started on July 11 with 54 cadets. Today, there are only 34 graduating - three of them women! Their ages ran from 20-40, with various backgrounds. The Cadets’ achievement was all the more commendable, when I think of the $6500 tuition fee each of them had to pay. Police Departments used to sponsor the cadets. But, with tight- Public Safety funding in this “Recession” economy, that has stopped.
The graduation ceremony was very impressive. The Dunvegan Pipe Band played, as they led the graduation procession. The Napa Sheriff Honor guard presented the Colors. After the singing of the National Anthem, there was a Moment of Silence to honor all of the Law Enforcement Officers killed doing their job!
Jim Nelson, Class 76 Recruit Training Officer, Addressed the graduates. I remember one of his key points. He said that water at 211 degrees is very hot water, but if you add one more degree it becomes steam. He was illustrating how a little bit of extra effort can make a big difference
Before the Cadets received their certificates, all 34 of the class recited the "Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics" in unison! They spoke with one voice. The "Code" wasn't simple. It covered the 5 by 8 inch back page of the program!
Mary and Greg dropped me off, back at Quail Creed, for lunch and a short respite. Then, Sue and Tom picked me up to attend Jason Torres graduation in Stockton. Jason is Mary and Greg’s son, and the brother of Daniel.. We headed for Stockton about 60 miles to the East for the 4 o’clock ceremony.
Jason graduated from De Vry College in Sacramento, and received his Bachelors degree in Business. After a short work experience, Jason enrolled in the MBA program at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. There were 26 Eberhardt MBA graduates - many of them young women.
Dr. Cynthia Eakin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs welcomed us. The MBA Student Speaker was Amanda Marchini.
The MBA Staff honored the graduates, and their families, with a very nice dinner at the DeRosa University Center. The building was very nice and inviting. After a great dinner, they presented a video on the big screen of Joe Johnson, one of the school’s retired professors. He couldn’t make the graduation ceremony, and dinner, because he was vacationing in Hawaii!
I was very impressed with some of his remarks, and made a few notes. As I listened to him talk, I had the feeling of what a great experience if I had him for one of my college courses. He inspired me so much that I wished that I had pursued my Master’s degree. I did start the program with six Management units at Cal Berkeley, while I was working at U.S. Steel Company. I decided that I couldn’t continue working, going to school which included commuting from Antioch to Berkeley, and still fulfill my duties as a husband and father. I made the right decision at the time.
I jotted down some of Joe’s remarks:
“Work should be rewarding, including financially and pleasurable. If you are working for an unbearable boss, that you can’t tolerate, then leave. He calls this the “Piss-off” factor. You should always be prepared to go to work. You never know when you will be asked to do something important. When you are given an opportunity, make sure that you show up, and do it well. Be honest and true to yourself. If you don’t know the answer, find out. Earn the right to play. Play a leadership role. You are valued for what you do - not for what you say.”
It must have been rewarding for Daniel and Jason to have so many of their family and friends in attendance, supporting and honoring them.
At the end of the evening, I was tired. Or, as my Mother used to say - “A good tired”. But, my pride, and inspiration, made it all worthwhile.
RCL - 12/21/09.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
GOODBYE RELIABLE ONE!
GOODBYE MY RELIABLE ONE!
I finally decided to sell our Buick, even though I am licensed until November 11, 2012. Joan and I were discussing my emotion on my decision, after driving a car for 75 years. I have mixed emotions. I was sad when Manny said that he had sold our Buick Century (on Craig’s’ List) to the first caller. He is quite a marketing genius, because he sold my Ford Escort to the first caller a few years ago. But, also, I was relieved. No more concern about maintenance, licensing, smogging, insurance and exposure of the car to the weather. What a load off!
Before going to bed for the past 20 months, I have always looked out my bedroom window, and checked on our car parked below. I wanted to make sure that the car was still there, and no one was siphoning the gas - even though we are living in a “gated community”. I still can’t get used to seeing the empty “04”, reserved spot, in our parking lot.
While the Buick had less than 57,000 miles on the odometer, (just broken in !),I have driven, at least the equivalent, of 30 times around the world during my 65 years of licensed driving. As I recall, I received only two tickets for moving violations during all those years of driving.
The first one was in 1937 for “speeding” on Washtenaw avenue, a nice residential area in Ann Arbor (housing many University of Michigan fraternities). The posted speed limit was 35mph, and I was going down the grade at 45! I was late on my way to work. The “stop” was so traumatic that I promised myself that I would never get a speeding ticket again. I kept my promise. That’s why I have the reputation for driving in the slow lane at 55 mph.
The second ticket was a strange one. The military could expect this harassment of the military in the South during WWII. Marie and I were on our way out to the Air Base, in Greenville, SC. I was driving on this long sweeping curve to my left (after all the intervening years, I can still accurately picture it!). The car ahead of me was going about 35mph. The driver stuck his arm out the window and waved me by. I had good visibility, and I could see that the coast was clear. So, I passed him. I hadn’t anymore pulled back into the lane, when he turned on his siren. (It was an un-marked car!). I pulled over on the shoulder and stopped. He came to my window and said that he was giving me a ticket for passing on a curve. He was the typical stereotype, of the Southern police officer, that we all have seen in the movies and in the TV commercials. He told me to appear in Traffic Court on Tuesday. I told him that I was flying on Tuesday. Then, he said, you can give me your $5 fine. I told him that I didn’t have any cash on me. Then, he said, “I’ll follow you out to the Base, and you can get a check cashed at the Officers’ Club.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! So, he followed me out to the Base, and waited for me outside the Officers’ Club, to cash my check. I came back to his car, and gave him a $5 bill. No receipt. So it was bye - bye baby! True story!
During the past 65 years I (or we) have owned twelve cars:- all new except for the first two, and the 1957 Ford.
1924 Model T touring car.
1931 Model A coupe (no rumble seat!)
1940 Chevrolet two door
1941 Chevrolet convertible
1947 Kaiser four door
1952 Chevrolet coupe
1957 Ford - 9 passenger station wagon
1963 Chevrolet II 9 passenger station wagon (Gertrude).
1971 Chevrolet coupe (“Blue Flame”,)
1983 Buick Skylark coupe
1988 Ford Escort two door
1994 BUICK CENTURY!
RCL 12/19/09.
I finally decided to sell our Buick, even though I am licensed until November 11, 2012. Joan and I were discussing my emotion on my decision, after driving a car for 75 years. I have mixed emotions. I was sad when Manny said that he had sold our Buick Century (on Craig’s’ List) to the first caller. He is quite a marketing genius, because he sold my Ford Escort to the first caller a few years ago. But, also, I was relieved. No more concern about maintenance, licensing, smogging, insurance and exposure of the car to the weather. What a load off!
Before going to bed for the past 20 months, I have always looked out my bedroom window, and checked on our car parked below. I wanted to make sure that the car was still there, and no one was siphoning the gas - even though we are living in a “gated community”. I still can’t get used to seeing the empty “04”, reserved spot, in our parking lot.
While the Buick had less than 57,000 miles on the odometer, (just broken in !),I have driven, at least the equivalent, of 30 times around the world during my 65 years of licensed driving. As I recall, I received only two tickets for moving violations during all those years of driving.
The first one was in 1937 for “speeding” on Washtenaw avenue, a nice residential area in Ann Arbor (housing many University of Michigan fraternities). The posted speed limit was 35mph, and I was going down the grade at 45! I was late on my way to work. The “stop” was so traumatic that I promised myself that I would never get a speeding ticket again. I kept my promise. That’s why I have the reputation for driving in the slow lane at 55 mph.
The second ticket was a strange one. The military could expect this harassment of the military in the South during WWII. Marie and I were on our way out to the Air Base, in Greenville, SC. I was driving on this long sweeping curve to my left (after all the intervening years, I can still accurately picture it!). The car ahead of me was going about 35mph. The driver stuck his arm out the window and waved me by. I had good visibility, and I could see that the coast was clear. So, I passed him. I hadn’t anymore pulled back into the lane, when he turned on his siren. (It was an un-marked car!). I pulled over on the shoulder and stopped. He came to my window and said that he was giving me a ticket for passing on a curve. He was the typical stereotype, of the Southern police officer, that we all have seen in the movies and in the TV commercials. He told me to appear in Traffic Court on Tuesday. I told him that I was flying on Tuesday. Then, he said, you can give me your $5 fine. I told him that I didn’t have any cash on me. Then, he said, “I’ll follow you out to the Base, and you can get a check cashed at the Officers’ Club.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! So, he followed me out to the Base, and waited for me outside the Officers’ Club, to cash my check. I came back to his car, and gave him a $5 bill. No receipt. So it was bye - bye baby! True story!
During the past 65 years I (or we) have owned twelve cars:- all new except for the first two, and the 1957 Ford.
1924 Model T touring car.
1931 Model A coupe (no rumble seat!)
1940 Chevrolet two door
1941 Chevrolet convertible
1947 Kaiser four door
1952 Chevrolet coupe
1957 Ford - 9 passenger station wagon
1963 Chevrolet II 9 passenger station wagon (Gertrude).
1971 Chevrolet coupe (“Blue Flame”,)
1983 Buick Skylark coupe
1988 Ford Escort two door
1994 BUICK CENTURY!
RCL 12/19/09.
OBSERVATIONS
OBSERVATIONS
I have just returned to Quail Creek, from visiting Marie at Laurel Creek. I accompanied Marie from her room, down the hallways to the very nice dining room. The Staff has gone all out to make the Holiday Season as nice as possible for the residents. They have gone to a lot of work, decorating the dining room. The Christmas tree is especially attractive. They had Christmas carols playing on the P.A. system. At that moment, Frank Sinatra was singing, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The music stirred my dormant - gut-wrenching emotion that I had experienced during the Christmas of 1942. I was just out of Bombardiering School, and had been assigned to my new B-17 Flying Fortress crew. I was attending Midnight Mass in Cut Bank, Montana. It was my first Christmas away from home. “Home” was over 2,000 miles away in Ypsilanti, as I listened to that carol 67 years ago.
Back to reality, and Laurel creek. I particularly looked at the expressions of the four ladies sitting at Marie’s dining table while the song was playing. I was looking for some sign - however slight - of their past memories of Christmas - thoughts which might have been triggered by Frank’s inspirational carol. I saw none. Their stoic expressions were the same. Apparently, there was no connect. I don’t think it was a hearing problem, as the volume was pretty loud. Then, I wondered just what thoughts that their tortured minds were processing at the moment. I will never know.
As I was cutting through the beautifully decorated Community Center, on my way back, I ran into Mary Anne. She is a very pleasant, warm and personable lady. I first met her while playing bocce, and subsequently, while playing bridge upstairs in the Community Card Room. Mary Anne was sitting on her motorized scooter, and was wearing a beautiful Christmas- red coat. I couldn’t help but notice how warm appearing and pretty it was. I commented on her coat. Mary Anne asked me if I knew how old it was. To me that was a “loaded” question. Similar to Marie asking me if the new dress made her look too heavy? I safely answered her by saying “No”. She said 40 years! (It looked like new!) I told her that it was a good thing that she hung on to it, because now it was back in style. She seemed pleased with my response. I think that my mind was reflecting on “coats,” because, yesterday, my youngest daughter Sue, took me to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where we donated five of Marie’s nice winter coats to be given to the less fortunate. RCL - 12/19/09.
I have just returned to Quail Creek, from visiting Marie at Laurel Creek. I accompanied Marie from her room, down the hallways to the very nice dining room. The Staff has gone all out to make the Holiday Season as nice as possible for the residents. They have gone to a lot of work, decorating the dining room. The Christmas tree is especially attractive. They had Christmas carols playing on the P.A. system. At that moment, Frank Sinatra was singing, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The music stirred my dormant - gut-wrenching emotion that I had experienced during the Christmas of 1942. I was just out of Bombardiering School, and had been assigned to my new B-17 Flying Fortress crew. I was attending Midnight Mass in Cut Bank, Montana. It was my first Christmas away from home. “Home” was over 2,000 miles away in Ypsilanti, as I listened to that carol 67 years ago.
Back to reality, and Laurel creek. I particularly looked at the expressions of the four ladies sitting at Marie’s dining table while the song was playing. I was looking for some sign - however slight - of their past memories of Christmas - thoughts which might have been triggered by Frank’s inspirational carol. I saw none. Their stoic expressions were the same. Apparently, there was no connect. I don’t think it was a hearing problem, as the volume was pretty loud. Then, I wondered just what thoughts that their tortured minds were processing at the moment. I will never know.
As I was cutting through the beautifully decorated Community Center, on my way back, I ran into Mary Anne. She is a very pleasant, warm and personable lady. I first met her while playing bocce, and subsequently, while playing bridge upstairs in the Community Card Room. Mary Anne was sitting on her motorized scooter, and was wearing a beautiful Christmas- red coat. I couldn’t help but notice how warm appearing and pretty it was. I commented on her coat. Mary Anne asked me if I knew how old it was. To me that was a “loaded” question. Similar to Marie asking me if the new dress made her look too heavy? I safely answered her by saying “No”. She said 40 years! (It looked like new!) I told her that it was a good thing that she hung on to it, because now it was back in style. She seemed pleased with my response. I think that my mind was reflecting on “coats,” because, yesterday, my youngest daughter Sue, took me to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where we donated five of Marie’s nice winter coats to be given to the less fortunate. RCL - 12/19/09.
Monday, December 14, 2009
BLOG
BLOG
I realize that I have fallen behind on my blogging. Please forgive. I have been so busy, of late, with activities worth blogging about, that I haven’t had the time to actually write the blog!
RCL - 12/14/09.
I realize that I have fallen behind on my blogging. Please forgive. I have been so busy, of late, with activities worth blogging about, that I haven’t had the time to actually write the blog!
RCL - 12/14/09.
Friday, December 4, 2009
HOME
HOME
I never thought much about the definition of “Home” before. I think that home means different things to different people, Home is in the eye of the beholder. Webster defines “Home” with multiple definitions - covering 3 ½ column- inches. Home is a nifty word. It is very flexible and adaptable. The word “Home” can be used as a noun, verb or adverb!
When I was young, home was where my parents and siblings resided. When I was in the Air Force, “Home was still the same place. After Marie and I were married, Home was two places - homes, where we were currently living and each of our former family homes.
The reason that I bring this up is, Marie mentions “home” quite frequently, She and I lived together, here at Quail Creek, for a year before she moved to the Laurel Creek Health Center. When her dementia became worse, she frequently mentioned that she “wanted to go home”. I asked her where home was - expecting her to say “Vallejo”. our prior home. Instead, she surprised me when she said “Where my Mother and sisters are”. The reason that I was surprised, is that all four of them are deceased.
At Laurel Creek, Marie frequently asks me when she can go home? I asked her the same question, and she said “Where you are.” While her reply makes sense to me, I think of “home” where I am physically located.
This “homing” request is not unique to Marie. It seems to go with the territory. I hear the same thing from other residents of Laurel Creek. The solicitations fly in the face of their getting the best care that money can buy - perhaps, except for private in-home care. A fairly new resident appeals to me every day, when I am there visiting Marie. As I approach her in the hallway, as she sits in her wheel chair, she greets me with “Darling will you help me? Will you take me home?” My response is: (I would preface it with the word “darling”, but this probably would not be politically correct) - “You are home”.
After passing, I can hear her make the same request from the next passer-by - be it staff or a visitor.
Marie and I have moved twenty six times during our nearly 65 years of marriage. Were each of these places “homes”? While 26 moves seem like a lot, they were a lot. Many of the moves came during WWII and the Korean Wars, when I was in the Air Force.
Our moves were pretty simple. We threw all of our possessions in the trunk, and back seat, of the car, and we were “moving”. These many moves were offset by a longer stay in Vallejo. We lived 24 years in our first home, and then 22 years in the second one - before we moved to Fairfield in 2008.
So, this Holiday, when we hear the recording of Tony Bennett singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, it will bring back different memories of “home” for all of us.
RCL - 12/3/09.
- 12/4/09.
I never thought much about the definition of “Home” before. I think that home means different things to different people, Home is in the eye of the beholder. Webster defines “Home” with multiple definitions - covering 3 ½ column- inches. Home is a nifty word. It is very flexible and adaptable. The word “Home” can be used as a noun, verb or adverb!
When I was young, home was where my parents and siblings resided. When I was in the Air Force, “Home was still the same place. After Marie and I were married, Home was two places - homes, where we were currently living and each of our former family homes.
The reason that I bring this up is, Marie mentions “home” quite frequently, She and I lived together, here at Quail Creek, for a year before she moved to the Laurel Creek Health Center. When her dementia became worse, she frequently mentioned that she “wanted to go home”. I asked her where home was - expecting her to say “Vallejo”. our prior home. Instead, she surprised me when she said “Where my Mother and sisters are”. The reason that I was surprised, is that all four of them are deceased.
At Laurel Creek, Marie frequently asks me when she can go home? I asked her the same question, and she said “Where you are.” While her reply makes sense to me, I think of “home” where I am physically located.
This “homing” request is not unique to Marie. It seems to go with the territory. I hear the same thing from other residents of Laurel Creek. The solicitations fly in the face of their getting the best care that money can buy - perhaps, except for private in-home care. A fairly new resident appeals to me every day, when I am there visiting Marie. As I approach her in the hallway, as she sits in her wheel chair, she greets me with “Darling will you help me? Will you take me home?” My response is: (I would preface it with the word “darling”, but this probably would not be politically correct) - “You are home”.
After passing, I can hear her make the same request from the next passer-by - be it staff or a visitor.
Marie and I have moved twenty six times during our nearly 65 years of marriage. Were each of these places “homes”? While 26 moves seem like a lot, they were a lot. Many of the moves came during WWII and the Korean Wars, when I was in the Air Force.
Our moves were pretty simple. We threw all of our possessions in the trunk, and back seat, of the car, and we were “moving”. These many moves were offset by a longer stay in Vallejo. We lived 24 years in our first home, and then 22 years in the second one - before we moved to Fairfield in 2008.
So, this Holiday, when we hear the recording of Tony Bennett singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, it will bring back different memories of “home” for all of us.
RCL - 12/3/09.
- 12/4/09.
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