A TWISTED PATH
My wife of more than 65 years has dementia. As I navigate this tricky road with her, I have learned a lot. On the flip side, I hope that I have made her journey a little easier - not as her caregiver - but as her fellow traveler. No longer knowing yourself, let alone knowing others, is a very sad commentary. Yet, I feel that I must hang in there and “go with the flow”, accept the syndrome, and do the best that I can for both of us.
During some of my visits with Marie, I am moved to make notes for future reference. I would like to share some of them with you - not expecting pity, but as a learning tool for others who might be already facing- or will be - a similar conundrum.
April 7, 2010.
Today, she said, “Maybe they will let me go and live with you. This is a strange life.”
Marie has been in Laurel Creek, our skilled nursing facility. for over a year now. Almost every time I start to leave her in the dining room, she questions me on how she will get “home”? Today, she asked me if I would stay and take her home. (I surmise that “home” means helping her get back to her room - not literally.)
May 11, 2010.
I was talking to Marie, while visiting her, and she said, “Aren’t we lucky to be together all theses years?” This followed our conversation about her up-coming birthday on May 26. She asked me how old she would be, and I told her 87. She couldn’t believe it! She said, “That’s old!”.
She asked me if I were having dinner with her, and I said, “No, some other time.” She said, “That’s what you always say!”. I was making this note at her dining table, and she asked me what I was writing.
May 15, 2010.
I visited Marie this afternoon, and she looked good. Of course, she always looks good, and I look forward to seeing her. Yet, she said that she didn’t feel well. I asked her where she hurt, She described her pain to me, but it didn’t make sense.
I knocked before I entered her room, as one should do before they entered anyone’s home. The only difference, I didn’t wait for her to acknowledge me, because she is usually sleeping. When I reached her bed, her responses were logical and they gave me a good feeling. When she first saw me she said “I’m glad to see you honey.” One couldn’t beat this touching greeting.
I went over to the recliner to fill out her “Meal Request” form for the next day (Sunday). I hadn’t any more sat down when she said, “You didn’t kiss me.” I apologized, and told her that I had put Vaseline on my lips as they were chapped, and I didn’t want to get it on her. She said, I will take Vaseline on my cheek.” So, I kissed her twice on her right cheek. Then, she said “I love you.”
She laid back on her bed with her eyes closed. I sat alongside in the large blue chair observing her peaceful-looking face. The family knows her as a “worrier.”, yet, I didn’t detect a worry line, furrow or wrinkle in her face! What beauty! My thoughts reflected back on how we looked in the pictures of us together, through the years. She didn’t have the same expression when those pictures were taken. Her beauty has aged gracefully, and I am so thankful that I can still see her face. I have never seen her with long hair, until now. Her gray hair loops on top of her shoulders, and is quite attractive. It is strange, but she adamantly refuses to get it cut. It certainly would be easier for the CNA’s when they wash it.
In about ten minutes, she opened her eyes and said, “How long shall I wait?” (She was referring to leaving for the dining room.) I told her that she could rest another five minutes before we leave. It was amazing! In exactly five minutes, she raised up - sat on the edge of the bed and put on her shoes. Part of her departure routine is to go to the bathroom before we leave - even though she had gone just five minutes before!
Marie walks quite well with the aid of her walker. She wears an anklet that triggers an alarm if she approaches a doorway leading to the outside. The alarm goes off as we pass the first door leading outside. I key in the reset code, and the alarm stops. Marie now senses when the alarm will go off, as we are walking. She will slow down, waiting for me to catch up with her, after pausing to turn off the alarm. Early on, I noticed that if I walk between her and the sensor, it provides a shield to the alarm signal, and it doesn’t sound. I usually walk on her right side. As we near the alarm-sensor area, I shift my course to be on her left side - to shield the alarm signal. Marie must sense this, and moves to her left to crowd me out!
I stand next to Marie at her dining table, until they deliver her meal. (About ten minutes.) She dines at a table with three other ladies. Tonight the CNA parked this obnoxious guy, in a wheel chair, behind their table. He started his loud coughing. All of the nearby diners gave him “the look”. Finally. Marie said that she was going to move to another chair across the room. I asked her “why?” She said “So she wouldn’t have to listen to him.”
I left the dining room, shortly afterwards, when the dinner arrived from the central kitchen. As I left, I ran into Charina the nurse on Station 3. She was giving the various residents their medications. So. I mentioned the offending “cougher.” I told her that the guy coughed so loud he could be heard over at Quail Creek (where I live), a quarter mile away. I also told Charina the guy should be eating in his room, rather than disturb all of the rest of the diners. I told her that not only was his coughing very loud, and disturbing, it was very un-appetizing. She listened to me, but I could read her expression - “What else is new?”
I was talking to our older daughter Anne recently, who had visited her Mother recently. Anne told Marie what a smooth complexion she had. Marie told Anne, “I will have to remember to tell Ray, because he says that too”.
Today, Sue and I were visiting Marie. Nurse, Kathy, came into her room. I was debating whether to tell Marie that Mary, Joan, Sue and I were going to Kauai for a week, on Wednesday. Our conversation pre-empted the need to tell her. Marie didn’t comment. Time is not relevant to her. I presume that she won’t miss us, She didn’t seem to miss me when I was gone for ten days last year. I will have peace of mind, knowing that she will be receiving the best care that money can buy!
RCL - 5/30/10.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
LeBRON
LeBron
I forgot to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers - Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Semi- Final basketball game last night. I was reminded of this when I tuned in to ESPN’s Sports Center, after the game. The panelists were discussing the game, and I learned that Boston won game six, (94-85),and the series - four games to two. I was surprised . The Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record for the season. This was a “must win” for Cleveland, and they were playing in Cleveland. Afterwards, they couldn’t “go home” - they were already home!
The panelists discussed the game. Chris Broussard predicted that Mike Brown, the Cavalier’s coach, wouldn’t be back in Cleveland next season, because he didn’t win the Championship last year or this year. How can he blame the coach for the loss? Mike couldn’t execute his plays on the court. The players are paid big bucks and more than he is to coach them. I would think that it would be very difficult to motivate young millionaires. The loss wasn’t a case of “If the student hasn’t learned, the coach hasn’t taught!”
Chris also inferred that LeBron didn’t step up - as the NBA‘s “Most Valuable Player” - for the past two years. While Cleveland pays a lot of money to LeBron, basketball is a team game. Still. James had a better game than the average NBA player - 27 points; 10 assists and 19 rebounds, a career high. The panelist ignored LeBron’s stats, and poked at him for his nine turnovers. LeBron took on the load, and the pressure, of trying to salvage the series. He was trying to do too much. The only other NBA player to have more “triple doubles!”, in the history of the Playoffs, was Michael Jordan, who had two. Speaking of the coach, I thought Mike would have subbed more for LeBron. Fresher legs and healthier elbows might have paid off.
Shortly, James will be a “Free Agent”, and will be able to shop his basketball talent to teams needing a star player, and have enough money to sign him. The three panelists spent more time discussing where LeBron might play next year, than they did analyzing the game. The reporters brought up the subject again, with LeBron at the post-game interviews. . The Cleveland management and fans have been very good to
LeBron. He also grew up in nearby Akron. This combination should make LeBron’s decision easy. But, when a young athlete pits his, or her, loyalty against dollars, their decision is not always based on a gut feeling. It becomes clouded. Some times the star players’ wallets and hearts are far apart. When you are already a multi-millionaire at the age of 26, I wouldn’t think that you would be looking for additional -marginal dollars, that you will have to share with Uncle Sam! I predict that LeBron will stay put in Cleveland.
RCL - 5/14/10.
I forgot to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers - Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Semi- Final basketball game last night. I was reminded of this when I tuned in to ESPN’s Sports Center, after the game. The panelists were discussing the game, and I learned that Boston won game six, (94-85),and the series - four games to two. I was surprised . The Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record for the season. This was a “must win” for Cleveland, and they were playing in Cleveland. Afterwards, they couldn’t “go home” - they were already home!
The panelists discussed the game. Chris Broussard predicted that Mike Brown, the Cavalier’s coach, wouldn’t be back in Cleveland next season, because he didn’t win the Championship last year or this year. How can he blame the coach for the loss? Mike couldn’t execute his plays on the court. The players are paid big bucks and more than he is to coach them. I would think that it would be very difficult to motivate young millionaires. The loss wasn’t a case of “If the student hasn’t learned, the coach hasn’t taught!”
Chris also inferred that LeBron didn’t step up - as the NBA‘s “Most Valuable Player” - for the past two years. While Cleveland pays a lot of money to LeBron, basketball is a team game. Still. James had a better game than the average NBA player - 27 points; 10 assists and 19 rebounds, a career high. The panelist ignored LeBron’s stats, and poked at him for his nine turnovers. LeBron took on the load, and the pressure, of trying to salvage the series. He was trying to do too much. The only other NBA player to have more “triple doubles!”, in the history of the Playoffs, was Michael Jordan, who had two. Speaking of the coach, I thought Mike would have subbed more for LeBron. Fresher legs and healthier elbows might have paid off.
Shortly, James will be a “Free Agent”, and will be able to shop his basketball talent to teams needing a star player, and have enough money to sign him. The three panelists spent more time discussing where LeBron might play next year, than they did analyzing the game. The reporters brought up the subject again, with LeBron at the post-game interviews. . The Cleveland management and fans have been very good to
LeBron. He also grew up in nearby Akron. This combination should make LeBron’s decision easy. But, when a young athlete pits his, or her, loyalty against dollars, their decision is not always based on a gut feeling. It becomes clouded. Some times the star players’ wallets and hearts are far apart. When you are already a multi-millionaire at the age of 26, I wouldn’t think that you would be looking for additional -marginal dollars, that you will have to share with Uncle Sam! I predict that LeBron will stay put in Cleveland.
RCL - 5/14/10.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
LENA
LENA
Lena Horne died two days ago, Sunday, May 9, 2010 - Mothers’ Day - at the age of 92. Lena was a mother, having had two children during the time that she was married to Louis Jones - 1937-1944.
Lena’s, and my, nonagenarian lives have spanned a lot of interesting history - some very interesting - and uplifting - and some very deflating and sad. She was a talented, and well known entertainer, who performed over six decades. Besides being known as a “singer”, she also appeared in 21 movies! I am glad that I got to see her perform in person - up close. Marie and I saw one of her shows in the Crown Room of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. That was probably 40 years ago. I can still relate to the chills I felt back then, when she sang her theme song, “Stormy Weather”. The world has lost another person who has helped to make our world a more pleasant place to live.
RCL - 5/11/10.
Lena Horne died two days ago, Sunday, May 9, 2010 - Mothers’ Day - at the age of 92. Lena was a mother, having had two children during the time that she was married to Louis Jones - 1937-1944.
Lena’s, and my, nonagenarian lives have spanned a lot of interesting history - some very interesting - and uplifting - and some very deflating and sad. She was a talented, and well known entertainer, who performed over six decades. Besides being known as a “singer”, she also appeared in 21 movies! I am glad that I got to see her perform in person - up close. Marie and I saw one of her shows in the Crown Room of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. That was probably 40 years ago. I can still relate to the chills I felt back then, when she sang her theme song, “Stormy Weather”. The world has lost another person who has helped to make our world a more pleasant place to live.
RCL - 5/11/10.
Monday, May 3, 2010
BERINGER WINERY
BERINGER WINERY
Today (April 28, 2010), we are heading to the Napa Valley - once again. Like San Francisco, I never tire of seeing such a great environment. There are five residents on the bus - two of us who are ambulatory, one with a walker, and two riding power chairs. Tony is so patient, and careful, when loading and unloading the latter. We leave at 9:25 in cool weather and broken clouds. It was clear earlier this morning, but convection has turned the humid air into clouds.
The Arco gas station is posting gas at $2.98. The futures price today is $82.44/bbl, down $1.76. We are on I-80 heading westbound. Traffic is light in both directions. We are crossing the Putah South Canal. The source of this small stream of water is the Putah Diversion Dam about 6 miles downstream from the Monticello Dam. This dam forms Lake Berryessa.
I am seeing more trucks on the highway than I used to see a few months ago. This is one way that I keep tab on the progress of the recovery from the recession of the last couple of years. My other measures for testing the economy are the number of cars in the Mall parking lot, the number of “container” trucks I see and the number of ads in the Wall Street Journal.
The sign says Vallejo 14, and San Francisco 44. Passing a bottom-dump truck and trailer. I don’t see many of this type of truck, unless they are moving dirt or rocks. Yet, there are bottom-dump trailers for hauling loads of bulk sugar. The mustard seed is still blooming and doing well. Most of the poppies have departed until next spring.
Now, the sky is black, and cars coming from the opposite direction all have their headlights “on”. It is also windy - flags are waving straight out. The weatherman forecasts “showers”. I believe him. I can tell that we have had a rainy season. There is a lot of standing water in the lowlands below us. Rain is always good news, after three seasons of less than normal rainfall. Now, I can see blue sky. We are passing a Chevron station. Gas is posted at $3.16 - higher in prestigious Napa County. Passing the Don Giovanni Bistro. We have eaten there on one of our outings, and the food was very good.
We are passing the Vintage 1870 complex on the right. They have a lot of interesting shops and good restaurants. Passing a lot of wineries before we pass the Oakville Grocery. This market was established almost 130 years ago. It is a very interesting place to visit - excellent sandwiches and picnic supplies. It is like visiting Wall’s Drugs in South Dakota - only on a much smaller scale. Check it out if you are in the area. The young grape vines are about two feet high. Passing by the small town of Rutherford, and next to the Napa Wine Train tracks. Passing Sattui winery on the right. We are passing through the city of St. Helena - a very interesting setting. The city has done a good job refurbishing their Main Street - some very interesting shops. (Not much tourist traffic yet).We pass 76 and Chevron stations - gas at both is $3.20! There are a lot of appealing smaller homes, along the highway, in St. Helena. You could probably buy one for a million!
Tony drives past the Beringer Vineyards driveway to avoid making a dangerous left turn. He goes a little way before he can pull over to the right and swing around and make a 180. We pass the Christian Brothers winery and the Culinary Academy (many cars in the parking lot). He makes a sharp right turn into the narrow Beringer winery drive, and parks in the “Handicap” loading area to drop us off. It is 10:25.
I haven’t been here at Beringers for probably 40 years. When I last visited, there were only a few wineries in the Napa valley - primarily, Beringer, Charles Krug and the Christian Brothers facilities. Charles Krug was the first winery in the Napa Valley. It was established in 1861. But, Beringer is the oldest continuously- operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times. As I remember, PepsiCo owned it at one time. Today, Foster Brewery of Melbourne owns Beringer. Foster’s Beringer- Blass Group is the seventh largest wine producer in the U.S.
When Marie and I started visiting Charles Krug so many years ago, it was operated by the Mondovi family. Shortly afterwards (1965), Robert split from his Mondovi family at Charles Krug, and established his own winery in nearby Oakville. It was so long ago, when we visited wineries, they didn’t charge for wine tasting or Tours! (Today, most wineries charge $10 for sips of three varieties.) Back then, Beringer could handle the crowd in their stone mansion - their only wine tasting facility. Today, Beringer uses this quaint mansion for tasting their most expensive “Reserve” varieties. They re-habbed one of their stone- storage facilities to include a tasting area for their moderately priced wines, a gift shop and rest rooms. This area is not very ADA friendly. We had to walk/ride up the hill on a long incline, then double back and continue climbing on the walkway to a small lift. This Rube Goldberg held only a wheel chair and an attendant. The top was open and I could talk to the operator of the “elevator” a few feet above.
I browsed around the gift shop. Instead of spending $10 tasting, I added another $10, and bought a bottle of Beringer’s Napa Valley Merlot. Since buying this wine, I read in today’s Wall Street Journal “Taking advantage of the Wine Glut”, (May1-2,2010), that there is a world-wide over supply of wine, from over production, plus diminished consumption. Now, I am wondering if I overpaid for my Merlot? I probably will live with this unanswered question the rest of my life. Because of the wine glut, some winemakers are plowing up their vineyards. Some French producers are turning their wines into ethanol and it is causing local winemakers to seek financing.
There was quite a range of prices for the bottled wines in the gift shop. The “reds” ran from $19.00 (my buy) to $80 for a 2004 Montagia Cabernet Sauvignon (a Reserve). The “whites” ran from $7.00 (White Zinfandel, White Merlot, Moscato and Chenin Blanc.) to $20.00 for a 2007 Stanley Ranch Chardonnay. There is a tug of war going on for the
wine-bottle -stopper business. Cork is losing some of it’s long held market monopoly to screw top and plastic inserts.
I miss touring the wineries, like Marie and I used to do. Those free Tours ended with free wine tasting. Today, you don’t see much touring of winery facilities, because there is also an extra charge for them.
We leave the winery at 11:35. An Exxon station is posting gas at $3.20. We are passing St. Helena High School. The marquee in front of the school advertises their baseball game after school. I hope that they get it in between rain showers. Passing the Zumwalt Used Car Agency, The sign particularly drew my attention, because it was spelled the same as the famous Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. I remember Marie speaking of him - one Of Tulare’s famous sons! Elmo graduated from Tulare High School three years ahead of Marie, in 1938. He was the class valedictorian. Elmo’s dad was a doctor in Tulare. Thinking about it now, I wonder if he could have delivered Marie? Interesting thought! Another famous son of Tulare, was Bob Mathias. (His dad was also a doctor in Tulare!). Bob went on to star in football at Stanford, and won two gold medals in the Olympics (Decathlon). His first medal was at the London Games in 1948. He was 17 years old - the youngest gold medalist to win a track and field event. Dr. Elmo Zumwalt was then the Mayor of Tulare. He presented Bob with the “Keys to the City” after a huge celebration and parade. Mathias also served four two year terms in the House of Representatives. It is a small world!
I have digressed. Back to the Napa Valley. As we are riding along, I couldn’t help but wonder about the total assessed value of Napa County? A BIG number! We arrive at the Rutherford Grill at 11:45. The restaurant was already packed. Many were eating at the bar, so the hostess was able to seat all eight of us , but we were separated at two tables. The quality of the food was very good, but the place was very noisy. I think the younger crowd likes this ambience. As I look out the window to check the weather, the Napa Wine Train is slowly moving along heading up-valley.
When we leave the restaurant at one o’clock, it is sprinkling - and I left my umbrella on the bus! Good planning! The parking lot is full of very expensive cars.(Tony had to park off-site). I notice a few workers in the vineyards - all wearing yellow slickers. We are passing the Robert Mondavi Winery on our right side. I reflect back many years , when Marie and I came here to picnic on the lawn, while listening to great music. We are passing many wineries and good restaurants. The California Veterans’ Home always stands out, against the green background, off to the right. We are passing the Red Hen, and the sun is popping out. The pavement is dry here, but that is the nature of shower activity.
The Factory Outlet Stores complex is on our right. We are passing my favorite white-belted cattle, grazing. I notice a lot of cattle grazing in various areas, but I never see the source for their drinking water? While waiting for the light to change at the intersection of highways 29 and 12 (Jamison Canyon), I point out to Tony, that his truck is along side -
(Tony’s Fine Foods).
We are back in Fairfield. Shell gas is posted at $3.09. Tony pulls in to Quail creek at 2:50. It was a nice day. RCL - 5/3/10.
Today (April 28, 2010), we are heading to the Napa Valley - once again. Like San Francisco, I never tire of seeing such a great environment. There are five residents on the bus - two of us who are ambulatory, one with a walker, and two riding power chairs. Tony is so patient, and careful, when loading and unloading the latter. We leave at 9:25 in cool weather and broken clouds. It was clear earlier this morning, but convection has turned the humid air into clouds.
The Arco gas station is posting gas at $2.98. The futures price today is $82.44/bbl, down $1.76. We are on I-80 heading westbound. Traffic is light in both directions. We are crossing the Putah South Canal. The source of this small stream of water is the Putah Diversion Dam about 6 miles downstream from the Monticello Dam. This dam forms Lake Berryessa.
I am seeing more trucks on the highway than I used to see a few months ago. This is one way that I keep tab on the progress of the recovery from the recession of the last couple of years. My other measures for testing the economy are the number of cars in the Mall parking lot, the number of “container” trucks I see and the number of ads in the Wall Street Journal.
The sign says Vallejo 14, and San Francisco 44. Passing a bottom-dump truck and trailer. I don’t see many of this type of truck, unless they are moving dirt or rocks. Yet, there are bottom-dump trailers for hauling loads of bulk sugar. The mustard seed is still blooming and doing well. Most of the poppies have departed until next spring.
Now, the sky is black, and cars coming from the opposite direction all have their headlights “on”. It is also windy - flags are waving straight out. The weatherman forecasts “showers”. I believe him. I can tell that we have had a rainy season. There is a lot of standing water in the lowlands below us. Rain is always good news, after three seasons of less than normal rainfall. Now, I can see blue sky. We are passing a Chevron station. Gas is posted at $3.16 - higher in prestigious Napa County. Passing the Don Giovanni Bistro. We have eaten there on one of our outings, and the food was very good.
We are passing the Vintage 1870 complex on the right. They have a lot of interesting shops and good restaurants. Passing a lot of wineries before we pass the Oakville Grocery. This market was established almost 130 years ago. It is a very interesting place to visit - excellent sandwiches and picnic supplies. It is like visiting Wall’s Drugs in South Dakota - only on a much smaller scale. Check it out if you are in the area. The young grape vines are about two feet high. Passing by the small town of Rutherford, and next to the Napa Wine Train tracks. Passing Sattui winery on the right. We are passing through the city of St. Helena - a very interesting setting. The city has done a good job refurbishing their Main Street - some very interesting shops. (Not much tourist traffic yet).We pass 76 and Chevron stations - gas at both is $3.20! There are a lot of appealing smaller homes, along the highway, in St. Helena. You could probably buy one for a million!
Tony drives past the Beringer Vineyards driveway to avoid making a dangerous left turn. He goes a little way before he can pull over to the right and swing around and make a 180. We pass the Christian Brothers winery and the Culinary Academy (many cars in the parking lot). He makes a sharp right turn into the narrow Beringer winery drive, and parks in the “Handicap” loading area to drop us off. It is 10:25.
I haven’t been here at Beringers for probably 40 years. When I last visited, there were only a few wineries in the Napa valley - primarily, Beringer, Charles Krug and the Christian Brothers facilities. Charles Krug was the first winery in the Napa Valley. It was established in 1861. But, Beringer is the oldest continuously- operating winery in the Napa Valley, founded in 1876. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times. As I remember, PepsiCo owned it at one time. Today, Foster Brewery of Melbourne owns Beringer. Foster’s Beringer- Blass Group is the seventh largest wine producer in the U.S.
When Marie and I started visiting Charles Krug so many years ago, it was operated by the Mondovi family. Shortly afterwards (1965), Robert split from his Mondovi family at Charles Krug, and established his own winery in nearby Oakville. It was so long ago, when we visited wineries, they didn’t charge for wine tasting or Tours! (Today, most wineries charge $10 for sips of three varieties.) Back then, Beringer could handle the crowd in their stone mansion - their only wine tasting facility. Today, Beringer uses this quaint mansion for tasting their most expensive “Reserve” varieties. They re-habbed one of their stone- storage facilities to include a tasting area for their moderately priced wines, a gift shop and rest rooms. This area is not very ADA friendly. We had to walk/ride up the hill on a long incline, then double back and continue climbing on the walkway to a small lift. This Rube Goldberg held only a wheel chair and an attendant. The top was open and I could talk to the operator of the “elevator” a few feet above.
I browsed around the gift shop. Instead of spending $10 tasting, I added another $10, and bought a bottle of Beringer’s Napa Valley Merlot. Since buying this wine, I read in today’s Wall Street Journal “Taking advantage of the Wine Glut”, (May1-2,2010), that there is a world-wide over supply of wine, from over production, plus diminished consumption. Now, I am wondering if I overpaid for my Merlot? I probably will live with this unanswered question the rest of my life. Because of the wine glut, some winemakers are plowing up their vineyards. Some French producers are turning their wines into ethanol and it is causing local winemakers to seek financing.
There was quite a range of prices for the bottled wines in the gift shop. The “reds” ran from $19.00 (my buy) to $80 for a 2004 Montagia Cabernet Sauvignon (a Reserve). The “whites” ran from $7.00 (White Zinfandel, White Merlot, Moscato and Chenin Blanc.) to $20.00 for a 2007 Stanley Ranch Chardonnay. There is a tug of war going on for the
wine-bottle -stopper business. Cork is losing some of it’s long held market monopoly to screw top and plastic inserts.
I miss touring the wineries, like Marie and I used to do. Those free Tours ended with free wine tasting. Today, you don’t see much touring of winery facilities, because there is also an extra charge for them.
We leave the winery at 11:35. An Exxon station is posting gas at $3.20. We are passing St. Helena High School. The marquee in front of the school advertises their baseball game after school. I hope that they get it in between rain showers. Passing the Zumwalt Used Car Agency, The sign particularly drew my attention, because it was spelled the same as the famous Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. I remember Marie speaking of him - one Of Tulare’s famous sons! Elmo graduated from Tulare High School three years ahead of Marie, in 1938. He was the class valedictorian. Elmo’s dad was a doctor in Tulare. Thinking about it now, I wonder if he could have delivered Marie? Interesting thought! Another famous son of Tulare, was Bob Mathias. (His dad was also a doctor in Tulare!). Bob went on to star in football at Stanford, and won two gold medals in the Olympics (Decathlon). His first medal was at the London Games in 1948. He was 17 years old - the youngest gold medalist to win a track and field event. Dr. Elmo Zumwalt was then the Mayor of Tulare. He presented Bob with the “Keys to the City” after a huge celebration and parade. Mathias also served four two year terms in the House of Representatives. It is a small world!
I have digressed. Back to the Napa Valley. As we are riding along, I couldn’t help but wonder about the total assessed value of Napa County? A BIG number! We arrive at the Rutherford Grill at 11:45. The restaurant was already packed. Many were eating at the bar, so the hostess was able to seat all eight of us , but we were separated at two tables. The quality of the food was very good, but the place was very noisy. I think the younger crowd likes this ambience. As I look out the window to check the weather, the Napa Wine Train is slowly moving along heading up-valley.
When we leave the restaurant at one o’clock, it is sprinkling - and I left my umbrella on the bus! Good planning! The parking lot is full of very expensive cars.(Tony had to park off-site). I notice a few workers in the vineyards - all wearing yellow slickers. We are passing the Robert Mondavi Winery on our right side. I reflect back many years , when Marie and I came here to picnic on the lawn, while listening to great music. We are passing many wineries and good restaurants. The California Veterans’ Home always stands out, against the green background, off to the right. We are passing the Red Hen, and the sun is popping out. The pavement is dry here, but that is the nature of shower activity.
The Factory Outlet Stores complex is on our right. We are passing my favorite white-belted cattle, grazing. I notice a lot of cattle grazing in various areas, but I never see the source for their drinking water? While waiting for the light to change at the intersection of highways 29 and 12 (Jamison Canyon), I point out to Tony, that his truck is along side -
(Tony’s Fine Foods).
We are back in Fairfield. Shell gas is posted at $3.09. Tony pulls in to Quail creek at 2:50. It was a nice day. RCL - 5/3/10.
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