CROCKER ART MUSEUM
We had an interesting trip last Wednesday, (March 17). We left Quail Creek at 9:15 a.m. to visit the Crocker Art Museum in downtown Sacramento. We arrived at the Museum, at 10 a.m., after a 45 minute ride eastward along the I-80 corridor. There were five residents of Quail Creek along - four women and me. This 4/1 ratio of women to men, also holds true for our whole complex. Kelli, our Activities Director, and Tony, our driver, occupy the “pilot and co-pilot/navigator” seats.
A routine ride eastbound on I-80. We passed the local Arco gas station and gas was posted at $3.06/Gal. The April Futures for crude oil today is about $82/bbl. The weather is balmy - high cirrus clouds and sunny. The temperature is probably around 60. I am enjoying the Irish green hills en-route. Their color is only appropriate on this St. Patrick’s Day! In another couple months, as their natural watering ceases, they will become golden mounds - equally nice to behold.
We are passing a billboard touting Cache Creek, our local gambling casino. We are about due to pay the “Indian” resort a visit - to “pay our dues”. We are passing the new Kaiser medical complex, north of Vacaville. Each time I see the tan buildings, rising majestically from the surrounding flatland, I not only see first class construction, but I also see the pleasing silhouette of a skilled architect’s design.
Signs of the lousy economy, are the vacant lots of many auto dealers, who were forced to close. When you occasionally see an auto dealer-ship still in business, huge auto inventories abound. I can almost hear the new cars’ appeals - “Please, won’t you take me home?” - similar to the barking pleas from the residents of your local dog pound. On our left, we are passing the huge “Campers World” jammed full with recreational vehicles. These units, too, are anxious to find a good home. But, with the tanked economy, and high price of gasoline, their chances aren’t very good.
We are passing the large Pacific Gas and Electric sub station, off the freeway, to our left. This is an old facility. By “old,” I am talking decades - as long as I can remember. And I have a good memory! I started day dreaming, and wondered how many years before all the wiring would be underground, and one wouldn’t even know the unit had been there. But, before the next century begins, electricity will be developed locally by nuclear power plants, and it is anybody’s guess how it will be distributed.
The many fruit orchards, between Vacaville and Davis are patiently, and anxiously, waiting for the first day of spring - when they can burst forth in all of their colorful finery. The bees will be happy, too.
We are passing near the University of California campus at Davis. Recently, Mary and I spent two hours every Saturday morning, for six weeks, at the University’s “Mini-Medical School”, graduating last Saturday. Nearby is the nice looking “Mondavi Center for the Arts” complex. It opened about ten years ago - yet it seems like only yesterday! When Robert and Margrit Mondavi contributed ten million dollars towards the building, it was only proper to honor them, and their generous gift, by naming the facility after them. I have only admired the building from the freeway. I am looking forward to going inside one of these days.
I can see an orange Syar concrete -delivery truck on the overpass moving over the freeway. Sue’s husband, Tom, drives for Syar. This truck was probably loaded out of Syar’s Woodland plant, where Tom works out of their Fairfield plant. We are passing a load of hay. That’s an expensive cargo! It is probably worth $5,000! I always see trucks pulling trailers loaded with containers - both loaded ones, outbound from the Port of Oakland, or “empties”, heading back. I used to see a lot more of them, before the economy worsened. I wonder if Google’s complaint about China’s censorship of their internet transmissions, will become political, and reduce our exports/imports to and from China?
We are traveling on the Yolo Causeway - over a swampy area. Part of the lowland is wet, and has the pattern of a rice field. Usually, rice is grown further north in California. I notice a “Swift” truck traveling westbound in the opposite direction. This company’s trucks stand out because Tom used to drive for Swift, when Sue and he were living in Chico.
I can see the outline of the high-rise buildings in downtown Sacramento off to the left, as we exit the freeway. A sign welcomes us to Downtown Sacramento. Tony pulls up in front of the museum on the corner of Third and O Streets to let us off.
Marie and I visited this Crocker Museum 60 years ago, when I was stationed at Mather Field, during the Korean War. While I pride myself on my long-term memory, I can’t recall any of the details in the museum. Two of our group were using their power chairs. So, I looked for a ramp to enter and leave the museum, but I didn’t see one. All I saw was about 25 or 30 steps - leading from our ground level to the massive front door of the Crocker family’s former mansion. The Crocker family was prominent during the 1800’s.The Museum is 120 years old, and originally, it was the Crocker family’s home. I was wondering how the Museum got away with not complying with the ADA regulations? About that time, a lady met us (Kelli apparently had called the lady, from her cell phone, for directions), and directed us into the museum. She took us in, through the front-delivery entrance on the ground level - left side. Once inside, we used the elevator to go up to the first floor -entry way, where we paid our $4.00 admission fees.
It is hard for me to believe such wealth as the Crockers had. According to Wikipedia, the collection of the Crockers totaled over 14,000 pieces, and features California art from the Gold Rush days until today. The various items are first quality, and exceptional. I can’t remember seeing any finer exhibit - even the White House’s presidential china collection
A lot of beautiful hardwoods were used in constructing the Victorian style - house. I’ve never seen a more attractive wooden staircase, winding up between the first and second floors. (sliding down that long-winding banister would be a thrill!) The flooring is also all hardwood. When it squeaks in a few places, as you are walking, you know that it is old!
To see the huge ball room was overwhelming, and worth the trip alone. I was very interested in the three plaster pieces of figures. I have never seen any art of this type. There was a long-high ceiling- room, which was an art gallery. I don’t know how many paintings were hanging on the four walls. (I would hate to take inventory and catalog them all.) The paintings were almost touching frame to frame - floor to ceiling. I can’t imagine how much the Crocker family invested in these paintings, let alone the time to find, purchase and hang them. In all these paintings, I didn’t see a print of “The Lovers”, by Pablo Picasso! I thought that my apartment was well “pictured“, but nothing like this art gallery.
A modern addition to the museum is being constructed next door, and will be tied in with the present mansion portion, to triple the size of the museum. The architects concept started in 2002, and the building is scheduled to open on 10/10/10! I hope we will have another outing to see the interior of this new portion. I am sure that the ambience will be much different than the mansion portion of the museum.
With no handicap ramp, we had to leave the museum through the basement exit. This exit was to the left of where we entered - about an hour and a half before. We walked through the museum’s research library. I was surprised that no one was looking through the stacks of material. As I was about to go out the door, I noticed, to my left, a lady employee sitting at a desk. She seemed “bored”. I said, “I guess you are waiting for customers”? She gave me a fishy-eyed look, and beckoned me to come over to her desk. Which I did. She never spoke a word. She pointed to the monitor on her desk. I looked and saw eight small screens, showing scenes from the various security cameras. I left, and neither of us spoke.(?) Besides this electronic surveillance, there were security personnel walking through the various exhibit areas. Tony loads us aboard, and at 11: 30, we leave for Fairfield.
The museum is close to the Highway 50 freeway, so it is an easy access and exit. We cross the Sacramento River, and are back in Yolo County. I can see four green mounds in the wetlands below the Yolo Causeway. Now, there is a high overcast, as I see a few ducks flying by - in formation. On our right are four box cars parked on a siding. A sign of our degenerate society, is the massive graffiti painted on the idle cars.
Tony leaves I-80 at Davis, and we stop at the Sudwerk - Micro Brewery for lunch. It is a nice place to eat. We have been here before.
We are off once again at 1:25. The weather has changed. Now, there is high-filtered sun. I don’t know what is going on , but we pass a solo lady driver - out of her car on the right shoulder, with FOUR Highway patrol cars parked in front, and behind her car! We travel a few miles west and two more California Highway cars are parked on the side of the highway! We are between the Vacaville and Dixon exits, and a Highway Patrol car passes us and pulls over to the right siding to join another patrol car parked there. I am wondering what is going on? Apparently, all of the Golden Gate Division is on duty today, and they are all in this locale!
The mustard seed is still blooming, but apparently all of the California poppies have left us. At least I haven’t seen any on this trip. We are passing the old Nut Tree Restaurant area. It sure brings back many pleasant memories of meeting people there for lunch - Maggie and Steve Gibbens; Pat and Mac MacDonald; Margot and Woody Duryea; Alta and Mickey Harrigan; Marie’s sister Merle and husband Bob, and many others I can’t recall. Of course, our family went there many times - always to their “Pumpkin Patch” during the Halloween season. We always enjoyed our visits during their decorative Christmas season.
When my sister Jeanne, and husband Bob, visited us, they always wanted to make the “Nut Tree run.” Usually, they came out from Michigan in their Pace Arrow motor home. It was a beauty, but the 28 foot monster looked a little strange, parked on the street, in front of our house on Camino Alto, in Vallejo. I think that Jeanne drove it only once - when she spelled Bob on one of their cross-country jaunts. Going around a tight curve in the mountains she came too close to the cliff on right side of the road, and “branded” the side of their motor home! Marie and I were always impressed with the cost for them to fill their 50 gallon gas tank. I think it was $50! Today, that would be more like $150! I asked Bob what kind of mileage he got. He said, on the straight and level, he averaged about 6 mpg. He volunteered that my question was the first one that people asked him. Those were the good old days!
We arrived back at Quail Creek at 2:00, after a very nice day.
RCL - 3/26/10.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"ONCE UPON A MATTRESS"
“ONCE UPON A MATTRESS”
I never thought that I would ever attend a theatrical play with a
9:00 a.m. start time. Last Friday morning it happened. I saw “Once Upon a Mattress” at our local Fairfield High School. I suspect that the unusual start time was to accommodate a few of us Seniors, along with about 100 youngsters, who are students at local elementary schools - kindergarten through the third grade.
There were only five of us from Quail Creek - three with power chairs, and two of us ambulatory. Some ate box - breakfasts en-route to the high school. I decided to go to the dining room when the doors opened
at 8. I was able to have a “wiki-wiki” breakfast before the bus left at 8:30.
The play was held in the drama class auditorium - a small and intimate room, with folding metal chairs. There must have been over 100 kids there. It was bedlam - with all of their energy and enthusiasm at full throttle. (Why does such energy have to be “wasted” on the very young?) I was having difficulty picturing me coping with such noise for over two hours. But, once the curtain went up, there wasn’t a peep out of any of them. I was amazed how attentive they were. Their powers of concentration were probably better than mine. They showed intense interest.
The play originally opened over 50 years ago, at an off-Broadway theatre in New York. The music for the comedy was written by Mary Rodgers. The play was a take-off, based on “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen. Carol Burnett made her debut in this play. The play is popular with high school drama programs.
The high school players did a great job. The play was filled with high energy action. We didn’t receive a program, but I would guess that there were at least 30 actresses and actors! A personable young man greeted us at the school. He told me that he made the stage settings and the props. He did a great job. In talking with him, I asked him where he got his “know how”. He told me that his dad was a contractor, and he worked for him. He told me he was a senior. I asked him what he would like to major in and he said “History”, which was interesting to me. Then, he went on to say that he was going to enlist in the Marines, after he graduates in June. He was quite an impressive young man! So, I tried pitching the military academies. But, he wasn’t interested. He wants to be a Marine.
After the performance, the whole cast filled the stage. Their drama instructor stood in front of them, and asked the kids if they had any questions of the cast? I only heard the first two questions, as we had to leave. But, they were very good ones. Their questions showed that the “askers” had really paid attention during the play. I only wish that I could have heard the rest of their questions, and the answers by the cast. It was really a great experience for me to be sitting so close to all of the action. I really enjoyed the play. It was a great learning experience for me!
RCL - 3/21/10.
I never thought that I would ever attend a theatrical play with a
9:00 a.m. start time. Last Friday morning it happened. I saw “Once Upon a Mattress” at our local Fairfield High School. I suspect that the unusual start time was to accommodate a few of us Seniors, along with about 100 youngsters, who are students at local elementary schools - kindergarten through the third grade.
There were only five of us from Quail Creek - three with power chairs, and two of us ambulatory. Some ate box - breakfasts en-route to the high school. I decided to go to the dining room when the doors opened
at 8. I was able to have a “wiki-wiki” breakfast before the bus left at 8:30.
The play was held in the drama class auditorium - a small and intimate room, with folding metal chairs. There must have been over 100 kids there. It was bedlam - with all of their energy and enthusiasm at full throttle. (Why does such energy have to be “wasted” on the very young?) I was having difficulty picturing me coping with such noise for over two hours. But, once the curtain went up, there wasn’t a peep out of any of them. I was amazed how attentive they were. Their powers of concentration were probably better than mine. They showed intense interest.
The play originally opened over 50 years ago, at an off-Broadway theatre in New York. The music for the comedy was written by Mary Rodgers. The play was a take-off, based on “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen. Carol Burnett made her debut in this play. The play is popular with high school drama programs.
The high school players did a great job. The play was filled with high energy action. We didn’t receive a program, but I would guess that there were at least 30 actresses and actors! A personable young man greeted us at the school. He told me that he made the stage settings and the props. He did a great job. In talking with him, I asked him where he got his “know how”. He told me that his dad was a contractor, and he worked for him. He told me he was a senior. I asked him what he would like to major in and he said “History”, which was interesting to me. Then, he went on to say that he was going to enlist in the Marines, after he graduates in June. He was quite an impressive young man! So, I tried pitching the military academies. But, he wasn’t interested. He wants to be a Marine.
After the performance, the whole cast filled the stage. Their drama instructor stood in front of them, and asked the kids if they had any questions of the cast? I only heard the first two questions, as we had to leave. But, they were very good ones. Their questions showed that the “askers” had really paid attention during the play. I only wish that I could have heard the rest of their questions, and the answers by the cast. It was really a great experience for me to be sitting so close to all of the action. I really enjoyed the play. It was a great learning experience for me!
RCL - 3/21/10.
Monday, March 15, 2010
"MEN'S BODY WASHES"
MEN’S BODY WASHES
Melanie Wells interesting article, (“The Battle of the Men’s Body Washes”), in Friday’s Wall street Journal (March 12,2010), caught my eye. So, while reading it, a long-ago memory crowded out my concentration on what I was reading.
Melanie’s piece was about men’s use of body washes in the shower. (I am an Ivory bar user). She talked about fragrances. It reminded me of an experience I had about 30 years ago in Phoenix. I was there on business, as the Auditor for California and Hawaiian Sugar Company. I was having a late dinner in the Double Tree Inn, where I was staying. They were about to close, and I was the only customer.
My waitress was very friendly and talkative. While taking my order, I remember her saying, “You really smell good!” I thanked her, and gave my “Old Spice” the credit. When I had finished eating, she asked me about having a dessert. I told her that “I realize that Hot Fudge Sundaes aren’t on the menu, but could you make one for me? She said, “Sure”. After she returned with her great work of art, I said, “Thank you very much. I appreciate your effort.” Her reply, “What are friends for?” Of course, my tip reflected our new “friendship”.
RCL - 3/15/10,
Melanie Wells interesting article, (“The Battle of the Men’s Body Washes”), in Friday’s Wall street Journal (March 12,2010), caught my eye. So, while reading it, a long-ago memory crowded out my concentration on what I was reading.
Melanie’s piece was about men’s use of body washes in the shower. (I am an Ivory bar user). She talked about fragrances. It reminded me of an experience I had about 30 years ago in Phoenix. I was there on business, as the Auditor for California and Hawaiian Sugar Company. I was having a late dinner in the Double Tree Inn, where I was staying. They were about to close, and I was the only customer.
My waitress was very friendly and talkative. While taking my order, I remember her saying, “You really smell good!” I thanked her, and gave my “Old Spice” the credit. When I had finished eating, she asked me about having a dessert. I told her that “I realize that Hot Fudge Sundaes aren’t on the menu, but could you make one for me? She said, “Sure”. After she returned with her great work of art, I said, “Thank you very much. I appreciate your effort.” Her reply, “What are friends for?” Of course, my tip reflected our new “friendship”.
RCL - 3/15/10,
BERKELEY
BERKELEY
Our “Outing” on February 17, was to visit the University of California, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive.
We left Quail Creek at 10:20 this morning. It is a nice day, even though a little breezy. We are passing through the Paradise Valley Country Club. What a pretty golf course. It is certainly well maintained. It is very inviting to stop and play golf. Oh, that I was still in my golfing years. Those years go back to 1934, when I started caddying at Columbia Hills Country Club (not too far from Cleveland).
I can see a vapor trail from a jet probably 50,000 feet high. I can see the white trail, but not the plane. What a thrill to be flying in that cockpit. I wish that I was there. Gas at Arco is posted at $2.70. The spot price for crude oil today, is around $78/bbl. The traffic on I-80 is moderate, and flowing smoothly, in both the East and West directions. It is hard to believe that this highway was jammed with commuters only a few hours ago. It is a wonder that there aren’t more traffic accidents than there are! Marriott did a good job taking over the Holiday Inn in Fairfield, rehabbing it, and re-naming it the Courtyard. It is an attractive hotel, inviting motorists to stop by and stay with them. There are a lot of white-flowering trees in the area. I have asked “locals” about their type, and they aren’t any better a horticulturist, than I am. If this area was in the Southeast, I would guess them to be dogwood trees,. But here, I assume that they are some type of non-bearing fruit trees.
We are passing a driver of a rusty brown and black van who is “texting.” At least he has his hands on the steering wheel, and is driving slowly. Passing some sheep and black cattle, next to each other, taking advantage of the plush green grazing area. They make a nice contrast.
We are approaching the Vallejo area. From on top of the Hunter Hill, I can still see Mt. Tam about 30 miles away - even though it is hazy. The “Rest Stop” off to our right has been closed for a long time. They are rehabbing it. I can’t figure out why it is taking so long. Perhaps they are waiting for some “Stimulus” money to complete it. The “stop” is usually filled with parked trucks. I wonder what the drivers are doing since the closure? I am sure that they have worked it out by now.
Chevron, along the freeway, is posting gas at $3.00. To get that price, they have a “captive audience” I guess. As we pass over the Carquinez Straight, I can see the “Golden Bear” moored at the dock of the Maritime Academy - now part of the University of California system. I can see a complex of greenhouses, on the right below the freeway, in El Cerrito. They have been there for as long as I can remember - over 60 years! I would think that this commercial property is too valuable to be used for this purpose. But, who am I to judge? Our “school bus” passed this same way when I was going to the University of California in Berkeley, after the war, on the G.I. Bill. We lived in a low-rent housing complex in Richmond. Theses same buildings housed the workers at the Kaiser Shipyard in Richmond. They fabricated “Liberty” ships during WWII.
Golden Gate Fields raceway (horses), is off to our right. Beyond it I can see the Golden Gate Bridge and to it’s left, the San Francisco skyline, even with the hazy visibility. Traffic on the East Shore freeway is bogging down to a crawl now, as more cars San Francisco and Oakland bound, feed into our highway. The tide is “low”. There used to be a strong stench at low tide, but now the Bay holds much cleaner water. I am not sure how this was brought about.
Tony exit’s the freeway at University Avenue, and we head into Berkeley. I have many happy memories of when our family came into Berkeley, from Vallejo, to eat at Spengers or Brennans on Fourth street, or to attend summer -theatre plays at Berkeley’s auditorium,
I miss the sights and foods of Berkeley. I have a nostalgic feeling every time I am here. Besides going to Cal for nearly two years, I audited curses on “Successful Aging”, at Cal, for about 15 years. Of course, I attended many of Cal’s football and basketball games when I was a student. I miss seeing all the Volvos parked, and driving around Berkeley. I miss seeing the energy and enthusiasm of the young -eager students hustling back and forth to classes. I miss seeing many older people - some, probably retired from the University. I miss seeing all the bicycles - many in motion, and even more parked.
I miss seeing the dark brown -colored shingled- housing in Berkeley. Steve and Maggie Gibbens lived in the upstairs apartment of one of these, when their oldest daughter, Moire, was born. Later on, our family shared many happy occasions with the Gibbens family, when they lived on Spruce and on Los Angeles Streets. I never tire of being in Berkeley. Of course this high quality of living can be found in most College/University cities.
Now, we are riding along College Avenue, where there are many Sorority and Fraternity houses. College Avenue reminds me of how Telegraph Avenue looked before the “hippies” took it over, and ruined it, many years ago. There are many small-quaint private homes along College Avenue, plus large homes and apartment complexes. (I can’t help but wonder where everyone parks their car(s)?
Because of Berkeley’s growth, they had to go to one -way streets. The electric lift is on the right side of the bus. Consequently, Tony couldn’t use the Durant Avenue entrance to the museum, and had to swing back around to off-load us on Bancroft Way. We arrive at the Berkeley Museum at 11:25.
Only about half of the museum was open, as they were setting up a new exhibit. I spent most of my time browsing through the works of James Castle. I had never heard of him, and I didn’t appreciate his works while viewing them. But, after reading about him in the Museum’s BAM/PFA brochure, I have more respect for his art. James Castle was born in 1899 (a year before my Dad), and died in 1977. (My Dad died in 1973 - a month to the day - after President Kennedy was assassinated!). Castle was born in Idaho, and had no formal training. He was born deaf. Except for the five years he attended the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, he lived with his immediate family. He did not learn to read, write, speak, sign or lip- read. Yet, he was a gifted draftsman, and painter. I spent most of my time at the museum observing his paper constructions.
We had lunch at the Museum’s café. Then, we left at 2:10, and headed back to Fairfield. We passed Sather Gate as we turned from Telegraph onto Bancroft. Chevron gas was $2.86.Then, a left on Shattuck to Ashby. Right on to Ashby, heading west to the I-80 freeway. We passed the South Berkeley Senior Center. Gas at 76 is $2.94. It’s strange how the price varies.
Once again we are back on I-80 heading East towards Fairfield. It seems good not to see any graffiti on the sound-wall barriers, along the freeway, anymore. A container ship must be off-loading at the Port of Oakland, because we are passing trucks loaded with shipping containers. Now, on our right, we are passing a cemetery - a pet cemetery!
I always look down from the bridge, as we pass above Crockett, to see if a ship is off-loading raw sugar at the C& H Sugar Refinery. None in today. We are passing an older blond driving a red Mercedes convertible. Chalk one up for the Seniors! I notice a Syar concrete delivery truck. I am wondering if Tom is the driver?
It is hazy visibility as we approach Fairfield. I noticed that Campers’ World near the truck-weigh station has closed. (Yesterday, as Mary and I were returning from Davis, I noticed a Campers World. Mary said that they relocated it from Cordelia.) There were quite a few trucks waiting in the Weigh Station to be inspected. There are quite a few buildings along the freeway with “Available for Leasing” signs posted. A good reminder of the sour economic times.
Tony pulls into Quail Creek at 3:10. It was a very nice day.
RCL 3/14/10.
Our “Outing” on February 17, was to visit the University of California, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive.
We left Quail Creek at 10:20 this morning. It is a nice day, even though a little breezy. We are passing through the Paradise Valley Country Club. What a pretty golf course. It is certainly well maintained. It is very inviting to stop and play golf. Oh, that I was still in my golfing years. Those years go back to 1934, when I started caddying at Columbia Hills Country Club (not too far from Cleveland).
I can see a vapor trail from a jet probably 50,000 feet high. I can see the white trail, but not the plane. What a thrill to be flying in that cockpit. I wish that I was there. Gas at Arco is posted at $2.70. The spot price for crude oil today, is around $78/bbl. The traffic on I-80 is moderate, and flowing smoothly, in both the East and West directions. It is hard to believe that this highway was jammed with commuters only a few hours ago. It is a wonder that there aren’t more traffic accidents than there are! Marriott did a good job taking over the Holiday Inn in Fairfield, rehabbing it, and re-naming it the Courtyard. It is an attractive hotel, inviting motorists to stop by and stay with them. There are a lot of white-flowering trees in the area. I have asked “locals” about their type, and they aren’t any better a horticulturist, than I am. If this area was in the Southeast, I would guess them to be dogwood trees,. But here, I assume that they are some type of non-bearing fruit trees.
We are passing a driver of a rusty brown and black van who is “texting.” At least he has his hands on the steering wheel, and is driving slowly. Passing some sheep and black cattle, next to each other, taking advantage of the plush green grazing area. They make a nice contrast.
We are approaching the Vallejo area. From on top of the Hunter Hill, I can still see Mt. Tam about 30 miles away - even though it is hazy. The “Rest Stop” off to our right has been closed for a long time. They are rehabbing it. I can’t figure out why it is taking so long. Perhaps they are waiting for some “Stimulus” money to complete it. The “stop” is usually filled with parked trucks. I wonder what the drivers are doing since the closure? I am sure that they have worked it out by now.
Chevron, along the freeway, is posting gas at $3.00. To get that price, they have a “captive audience” I guess. As we pass over the Carquinez Straight, I can see the “Golden Bear” moored at the dock of the Maritime Academy - now part of the University of California system. I can see a complex of greenhouses, on the right below the freeway, in El Cerrito. They have been there for as long as I can remember - over 60 years! I would think that this commercial property is too valuable to be used for this purpose. But, who am I to judge? Our “school bus” passed this same way when I was going to the University of California in Berkeley, after the war, on the G.I. Bill. We lived in a low-rent housing complex in Richmond. Theses same buildings housed the workers at the Kaiser Shipyard in Richmond. They fabricated “Liberty” ships during WWII.
Golden Gate Fields raceway (horses), is off to our right. Beyond it I can see the Golden Gate Bridge and to it’s left, the San Francisco skyline, even with the hazy visibility. Traffic on the East Shore freeway is bogging down to a crawl now, as more cars San Francisco and Oakland bound, feed into our highway. The tide is “low”. There used to be a strong stench at low tide, but now the Bay holds much cleaner water. I am not sure how this was brought about.
Tony exit’s the freeway at University Avenue, and we head into Berkeley. I have many happy memories of when our family came into Berkeley, from Vallejo, to eat at Spengers or Brennans on Fourth street, or to attend summer -theatre plays at Berkeley’s auditorium,
I miss the sights and foods of Berkeley. I have a nostalgic feeling every time I am here. Besides going to Cal for nearly two years, I audited curses on “Successful Aging”, at Cal, for about 15 years. Of course, I attended many of Cal’s football and basketball games when I was a student. I miss seeing all the Volvos parked, and driving around Berkeley. I miss seeing the energy and enthusiasm of the young -eager students hustling back and forth to classes. I miss seeing many older people - some, probably retired from the University. I miss seeing all the bicycles - many in motion, and even more parked.
I miss seeing the dark brown -colored shingled- housing in Berkeley. Steve and Maggie Gibbens lived in the upstairs apartment of one of these, when their oldest daughter, Moire, was born. Later on, our family shared many happy occasions with the Gibbens family, when they lived on Spruce and on Los Angeles Streets. I never tire of being in Berkeley. Of course this high quality of living can be found in most College/University cities.
Now, we are riding along College Avenue, where there are many Sorority and Fraternity houses. College Avenue reminds me of how Telegraph Avenue looked before the “hippies” took it over, and ruined it, many years ago. There are many small-quaint private homes along College Avenue, plus large homes and apartment complexes. (I can’t help but wonder where everyone parks their car(s)?
Because of Berkeley’s growth, they had to go to one -way streets. The electric lift is on the right side of the bus. Consequently, Tony couldn’t use the Durant Avenue entrance to the museum, and had to swing back around to off-load us on Bancroft Way. We arrive at the Berkeley Museum at 11:25.
Only about half of the museum was open, as they were setting up a new exhibit. I spent most of my time browsing through the works of James Castle. I had never heard of him, and I didn’t appreciate his works while viewing them. But, after reading about him in the Museum’s BAM/PFA brochure, I have more respect for his art. James Castle was born in 1899 (a year before my Dad), and died in 1977. (My Dad died in 1973 - a month to the day - after President Kennedy was assassinated!). Castle was born in Idaho, and had no formal training. He was born deaf. Except for the five years he attended the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, he lived with his immediate family. He did not learn to read, write, speak, sign or lip- read. Yet, he was a gifted draftsman, and painter. I spent most of my time at the museum observing his paper constructions.
We had lunch at the Museum’s café. Then, we left at 2:10, and headed back to Fairfield. We passed Sather Gate as we turned from Telegraph onto Bancroft. Chevron gas was $2.86.Then, a left on Shattuck to Ashby. Right on to Ashby, heading west to the I-80 freeway. We passed the South Berkeley Senior Center. Gas at 76 is $2.94. It’s strange how the price varies.
Once again we are back on I-80 heading East towards Fairfield. It seems good not to see any graffiti on the sound-wall barriers, along the freeway, anymore. A container ship must be off-loading at the Port of Oakland, because we are passing trucks loaded with shipping containers. Now, on our right, we are passing a cemetery - a pet cemetery!
I always look down from the bridge, as we pass above Crockett, to see if a ship is off-loading raw sugar at the C& H Sugar Refinery. None in today. We are passing an older blond driving a red Mercedes convertible. Chalk one up for the Seniors! I notice a Syar concrete delivery truck. I am wondering if Tom is the driver?
It is hazy visibility as we approach Fairfield. I noticed that Campers’ World near the truck-weigh station has closed. (Yesterday, as Mary and I were returning from Davis, I noticed a Campers World. Mary said that they relocated it from Cordelia.) There were quite a few trucks waiting in the Weigh Station to be inspected. There are quite a few buildings along the freeway with “Available for Leasing” signs posted. A good reminder of the sour economic times.
Tony pulls into Quail Creek at 3:10. It was a very nice day.
RCL 3/14/10.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
WASP'S
WASP’S
There was an interesting article in today’s Wall Street Journal. It described the service of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served during World War II. The 1302 female civilians flew 78 different types of military planes over 60 million miles. They were not permitted to fly in combat. They ferried the aircraft from factories, where they were built, to various U.S. air bases, (most of the military -male pilots were overseas.) The women were denied military status, and considered civilians.
The WASP survivors will gather, for the last time, at the U.S. Capitol on March 10. There, they will be honored with the recognition that they never received. They will receive Congressional Gold Medals. Their patriotism, and flying skills, make them role models, and they will inspire future generations of women aviators. Having been a military pilot, myself , during both WWII and the Korean wars, I can really relate to their great achievements, and their unselfish contributions to the War effort.
While reading the article, a memory of a few of them, interrupted my concentration. I was stationed at Cut Bank, Montana in 1942. We had received our new B-17, prior to flying it overseas. I was a bombardier in the Second Bomb Group. We were test flying our new plane during our operational training. We were scheduled to fly one day, so I was on the flight line. I noticed a few women coming out of Operations. I particularly noticed one of the pilots because she was even shorter than I was. She was walking toward some Bell P-39’ s (Airacobras).
I greeted her as she walked by. I asked her where they were headed and she said Fairbanks. (They had stopped at our Cut Bank base to refuel and spend the night. Cut Bank is only 70 miles south of Lethbridge, Alberta.) Then, she said that the Russian pilots would meet them in Fairbanks and take delivery of the Lend-Lease planes. Then, the Russians would fly the planes back across the Bering Straight into Russia. I watched her as she walked toward the parked P-39’s. The seat-pack of her parachute was bouncing off her rear end as she walked. I couldn’t believe that she could fly that high performing fighter plane. I watched her do the pre-flight inspection, and then she climbed aboard.
She started the engine and let it warm up and then taxied out to the runway. After running up the engine to check it’s performance, she taxied on to the run way and took off. To my amazement, she did a slow roll shortly after leaving the ground. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! I had never heard of such a stunt, let alone see it. I often wished, afterwards, that I somehow would see her someplace, again, to ask her about her stunt after taking off. But, no such luck. I wish that there was a way that I could e-mail the group in Washington, to see if any of them was familiar with my story.
RCL - 3/7/10.
There was an interesting article in today’s Wall Street Journal. It described the service of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served during World War II. The 1302 female civilians flew 78 different types of military planes over 60 million miles. They were not permitted to fly in combat. They ferried the aircraft from factories, where they were built, to various U.S. air bases, (most of the military -male pilots were overseas.) The women were denied military status, and considered civilians.
The WASP survivors will gather, for the last time, at the U.S. Capitol on March 10. There, they will be honored with the recognition that they never received. They will receive Congressional Gold Medals. Their patriotism, and flying skills, make them role models, and they will inspire future generations of women aviators. Having been a military pilot, myself , during both WWII and the Korean wars, I can really relate to their great achievements, and their unselfish contributions to the War effort.
While reading the article, a memory of a few of them, interrupted my concentration. I was stationed at Cut Bank, Montana in 1942. We had received our new B-17, prior to flying it overseas. I was a bombardier in the Second Bomb Group. We were test flying our new plane during our operational training. We were scheduled to fly one day, so I was on the flight line. I noticed a few women coming out of Operations. I particularly noticed one of the pilots because she was even shorter than I was. She was walking toward some Bell P-39’ s (Airacobras).
I greeted her as she walked by. I asked her where they were headed and she said Fairbanks. (They had stopped at our Cut Bank base to refuel and spend the night. Cut Bank is only 70 miles south of Lethbridge, Alberta.) Then, she said that the Russian pilots would meet them in Fairbanks and take delivery of the Lend-Lease planes. Then, the Russians would fly the planes back across the Bering Straight into Russia. I watched her as she walked toward the parked P-39’s. The seat-pack of her parachute was bouncing off her rear end as she walked. I couldn’t believe that she could fly that high performing fighter plane. I watched her do the pre-flight inspection, and then she climbed aboard.
She started the engine and let it warm up and then taxied out to the runway. After running up the engine to check it’s performance, she taxied on to the run way and took off. To my amazement, she did a slow roll shortly after leaving the ground. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! I had never heard of such a stunt, let alone see it. I often wished, afterwards, that I somehow would see her someplace, again, to ask her about her stunt after taking off. But, no such luck. I wish that there was a way that I could e-mail the group in Washington, to see if any of them was familiar with my story.
RCL - 3/7/10.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
REUNIONS
Dear John: Fairfield
March 6, 2010.
After seeing your pictures of our Berea High School, Class of 1936, 25th reunion, I have been thinking a lot about you, and the rest of our classmates.
I was working in Hawaii, at the time of our 25th Reunion in 1961 (two years after Statehood!). The first Reunion that I attended, was our 40th in 1976. Marie wasn’t interested in going with me. She even questioned why I wanted to see “all those old people?” I never understood her remark.
While I was a little apprehensive to see everyone again after 40 years, it was like a time warp. It was strange, I didn’t see “old” people, I saw faces that looked the same to me as they did in 1936. I didn’t have to even read their nametags! It was a strange experience.
Do you remember the year of our first class reunion?
Marie never related to her high school reunions (Class of 1941), even though they were only a four hour drive away in Tulare. Yet, she was quite “close” to a few of her classmates. I thought that this was strange. But, we did go to her 40th Reunion.
Well, John, 2011 will mark the 75th year since we received our diplomas. I hope that a few of we survivors will be able to celebrate the occasion, by getting together to toast the class. I guess this wish comes under the category of “long range planning.”
Hang in there! Love, Ray.
March 6, 2010.
After seeing your pictures of our Berea High School, Class of 1936, 25th reunion, I have been thinking a lot about you, and the rest of our classmates.
I was working in Hawaii, at the time of our 25th Reunion in 1961 (two years after Statehood!). The first Reunion that I attended, was our 40th in 1976. Marie wasn’t interested in going with me. She even questioned why I wanted to see “all those old people?” I never understood her remark.
While I was a little apprehensive to see everyone again after 40 years, it was like a time warp. It was strange, I didn’t see “old” people, I saw faces that looked the same to me as they did in 1936. I didn’t have to even read their nametags! It was a strange experience.
Do you remember the year of our first class reunion?
Marie never related to her high school reunions (Class of 1941), even though they were only a four hour drive away in Tulare. Yet, she was quite “close” to a few of her classmates. I thought that this was strange. But, we did go to her 40th Reunion.
Well, John, 2011 will mark the 75th year since we received our diplomas. I hope that a few of we survivors will be able to celebrate the occasion, by getting together to toast the class. I guess this wish comes under the category of “long range planning.”
Hang in there! Love, Ray.
Monday, March 1, 2010
How to Stay Young
Here is some more philosophy to help you cope with your life. It comes from the Sunday Bulletin of Our lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG.
Throw out non-essential numbers - including your age.
- Enjoy the simple things.
- Keep learning. Follow your hobby interests. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
- Surround yourself with what you love--- family, cheerful friends, pets - (difficult for us), keepsakes, music, art, plants.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Stay physically active. Walk at least a half hour a day, and/or take up a sport you enjoy. (Note: this is not possible for most of us, but try and do what you can.)
- Laugh often.
- Forgive always.
- Take trips - but not guilt trips.
- Endure with faith the sad things that come into your life. Cry, grieve, and move on. But, do not let grief to possess you.
- Live fully in the present, neither looking back in anger, nor forward in fear.
- Pray daily. Go to church regularly. Be of service to the ill, the poor, and the needy. (Note: In our case, some of these goals may not be feasible. But, you get the idea.)
- Tell the people you love, that you love them - at every opportunity.
- Author Unknown. RCL - 3/1/10.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG.
Throw out non-essential numbers - including your age.
- Enjoy the simple things.
- Keep learning. Follow your hobby interests. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
- Surround yourself with what you love--- family, cheerful friends, pets - (difficult for us), keepsakes, music, art, plants.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Stay physically active. Walk at least a half hour a day, and/or take up a sport you enjoy. (Note: this is not possible for most of us, but try and do what you can.)
- Laugh often.
- Forgive always.
- Take trips - but not guilt trips.
- Endure with faith the sad things that come into your life. Cry, grieve, and move on. But, do not let grief to possess you.
- Live fully in the present, neither looking back in anger, nor forward in fear.
- Pray daily. Go to church regularly. Be of service to the ill, the poor, and the needy. (Note: In our case, some of these goals may not be feasible. But, you get the idea.)
- Tell the people you love, that you love them - at every opportunity.
- Author Unknown. RCL - 3/1/10.
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