MORE ANDY ROONEY.
THE WEATHER:
“The best thing about winter is, you don’t lose your sunglasses. The best thing about summer is, you don’t lose one glove.”
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE:
“When someone keeps saying, ’You know what I mean?’ It means he doesn’t know what he means. You know what I mean?”
FOOD:
“ If the dieticians who think of new weight-loss diets are so knowledgeable about food, why don’t they tell us why it’s so hard to stop eating peanuts once you start?”
THE HUMAN BODY:
“It would be good if we could close our ears easily as we close our eyes.”
COFFEE:
“Someone sent us a box with five bags of assorted coffee flavors. They were almond , cinnamon, hazelnut, French vanilla and amaretto. If I want the taste of hazelnut, I’ll have a hazelnut. If I want coffee, I want coffee.”
DRIVING:
“The drivers of trucks that have signs on them saying, ‘Call This Number If The Driver is Discourteous’ are usually driving too fast for you to see the number.”
SPORTS:
“Every time they list a baseball player’s batting average, they ought to list his salary next to it.”
FASHION:
“If we all came back to earth in a 100 years, it seems likely we wouldn’t find men wearing ties.”
RESTAURANTS:
“I don’t eat in a restaurant that has a sign outside saying, ‘HOME COOKING’. If I wanted home cooking. I’d eat at home.”
HEALTH:
“Sooner or later, everything we’ve ever heard about staying healthy turns out to be wrong. They’ll probably decide chicken soup is bad for you.”
“Most people find something to be proud of what they are no matter what they are. I saw a young man the other day wearing a black shirt with big yellow letters on the back that spelled, RIGBY PLUMBING INC. I was glad that he liked working for Rigby. I’ll bet they’re good plumbers too. He wouldn’t be proud of working there if they weren’t.”
“When I was in the eighth grade I began to think I wanted to be a writer. Now I am a writer and I have all I can do to keep from wearing a big black shirt with yellow letters on the back saying WRITER! That’s how much I enjoy being one. I am never happier than when I’m writing.”
“It makes me nervous when I see the evidence of how many other people want to be writers. I don’t talk to many strangers or get letters from many who don’t plan to write a book someday. You don’t hear people in their fifties and sixties saying they want to do brain surgery when they retire or argue a case before the Supreme Court but a lot of them say they want to write a book - just as soon as they have time. Time they feel, is all they need.”
RCL - 3/04/09.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Andy Rooney
ANDY ROONEY
Andy Rooney is one of my favorite authors! Literary snobs will look down their nose at my choice. I like his style, and his humorous sarcasm. T am a couple of months older than Andy (each of us is 90), and I can vividly relate to all his experiences. If I had his talent, and recall, I could have written a book that would parallel his! I have finished his “Out of My Mind”, and am currently reading his previous book, “Common Nonsence.” In the latter book, he has a lead in to each Part. Without his permission, I would like to recap them:
PART 1 - Daily Life in America.
“Further proof of the fact that hope springs eternal is everyone’s anticipation that the mail will bring something wonderful even though it seldom does.”
PART 2 - Food and Drink- Health and Doctors.
“The idea of having a cup of coffee is usually better than the coffee.”
P\ART3 - Politics.
“Everyone doesn’t have a right to his opinion. The person who doesn’t know what he is talking about does not have a right to his own opinion. It’s why I’m never too much in favor of getting everyone out to vote on election day. Some people are too dumb or know too little about the issues and I hate to have one of them negating or canceling out the vote of someone who has bothered to inform him- or herself.
PART 4 - Sports.
“If all you care about is winning, you aren’t a real fan.”
PART 5 - Entertainment and the Arts.
“I’m impressed by people who love the opera but I don’t. It sounds silly to me and I have the feeling that if they sang it in English, it would sound silly to everyone.
PART 6 - Learning.
“You meet a lot of dumb people who went to college.”
PART 7 - Work, Life and Success.
It’s amazing to see who doesn’t show up for work when the weather is bad. It’s usually the people we could do without any day.”
PART 8 - The Writing Life.
“We need more plumbers and electricians than we need poets ~ but we need poets, too. There are more bad poets than bad electricians and plumbers. Maybe poets ought to be licensed.
PART 9 - Home Life.
“You never see old men sitting in rocking chairs on their front porches whittling anymore. Rocking chairs, front porches and whittling al seem to have gone out of style. Old men, on the other hand, are all over the place.”
PART 10 - Animals.
“There aren’t as many canaries in cages as there used to be.”
PART 11 - Travel.
“No matter how big your suitcase is, it’s always a little small for what you are trying to get into it.”
PART 12 - Big Issues.
“Investigative television shows like 60 Minutes are always finding someone on death row who didn’t do it. They never conclude he really did do it. It’s puzzling to viewers because someone out there is murdering people.
PART 13 - Progress.
“The fastest thing a computer does is become outdated.”
PART 14 - People and Places.
“People don’t whistle as much as they used to.”
Note: I am already looking forward to his next book.
RCL - 3/2/09.
Andy Rooney is one of my favorite authors! Literary snobs will look down their nose at my choice. I like his style, and his humorous sarcasm. T am a couple of months older than Andy (each of us is 90), and I can vividly relate to all his experiences. If I had his talent, and recall, I could have written a book that would parallel his! I have finished his “Out of My Mind”, and am currently reading his previous book, “Common Nonsence.” In the latter book, he has a lead in to each Part. Without his permission, I would like to recap them:
PART 1 - Daily Life in America.
“Further proof of the fact that hope springs eternal is everyone’s anticipation that the mail will bring something wonderful even though it seldom does.”
PART 2 - Food and Drink- Health and Doctors.
“The idea of having a cup of coffee is usually better than the coffee.”
P\ART3 - Politics.
“Everyone doesn’t have a right to his opinion. The person who doesn’t know what he is talking about does not have a right to his own opinion. It’s why I’m never too much in favor of getting everyone out to vote on election day. Some people are too dumb or know too little about the issues and I hate to have one of them negating or canceling out the vote of someone who has bothered to inform him- or herself.
PART 4 - Sports.
“If all you care about is winning, you aren’t a real fan.”
PART 5 - Entertainment and the Arts.
“I’m impressed by people who love the opera but I don’t. It sounds silly to me and I have the feeling that if they sang it in English, it would sound silly to everyone.
PART 6 - Learning.
“You meet a lot of dumb people who went to college.”
PART 7 - Work, Life and Success.
It’s amazing to see who doesn’t show up for work when the weather is bad. It’s usually the people we could do without any day.”
PART 8 - The Writing Life.
“We need more plumbers and electricians than we need poets ~ but we need poets, too. There are more bad poets than bad electricians and plumbers. Maybe poets ought to be licensed.
PART 9 - Home Life.
“You never see old men sitting in rocking chairs on their front porches whittling anymore. Rocking chairs, front porches and whittling al seem to have gone out of style. Old men, on the other hand, are all over the place.”
PART 10 - Animals.
“There aren’t as many canaries in cages as there used to be.”
PART 11 - Travel.
“No matter how big your suitcase is, it’s always a little small for what you are trying to get into it.”
PART 12 - Big Issues.
“Investigative television shows like 60 Minutes are always finding someone on death row who didn’t do it. They never conclude he really did do it. It’s puzzling to viewers because someone out there is murdering people.
PART 13 - Progress.
“The fastest thing a computer does is become outdated.”
PART 14 - People and Places.
“People don’t whistle as much as they used to.”
Note: I am already looking forward to his next book.
RCL - 3/2/09.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Starbucks
Starbucks
Our daughter, Joan, visited us this afternoon. I had just hung up from a sad phone call, just before she came. One of my best friends, Steve Gibbens was dying. I was in an emotional blackout.
Joan came to play cribbage, but I begged off, as I couldn’t concentrate. She suggested that we go out for an ice cream. This sounded very good to me. Marie wasn’t interested, so it was just her Toyota and the two of us. She asked me whether ice cream or a hot chocolate was the most appealing. I voted for hot chocolate, and we ended up at Starbucks.
This was only my second trip to their much publicized facility. (I am not counting the numerous times that I have circled their store in Safeway.) They have quite an impressive operation. I liked the personal philosophy , “The Way I See It”, printed on the cups.
Joan’s was # 59:
“Having two older brothers is a healthy reminder that you’re always closer to the bottom than you are to the top.”
---Andy Roddick. - Tennis player.
In 2003, he became the youngest American to finish No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.
The “The Way I See It”, on my cup, was # 26:
“Failure’s hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you’re successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever.” (I like that.)
--- Po Bronson - Author of stories, screenplays and nonfiction, including “What Should I Do With My Life?”
Our daughter, Joan, visited us this afternoon. I had just hung up from a sad phone call, just before she came. One of my best friends, Steve Gibbens was dying. I was in an emotional blackout.
Joan came to play cribbage, but I begged off, as I couldn’t concentrate. She suggested that we go out for an ice cream. This sounded very good to me. Marie wasn’t interested, so it was just her Toyota and the two of us. She asked me whether ice cream or a hot chocolate was the most appealing. I voted for hot chocolate, and we ended up at Starbucks.
This was only my second trip to their much publicized facility. (I am not counting the numerous times that I have circled their store in Safeway.) They have quite an impressive operation. I liked the personal philosophy , “The Way I See It”, printed on the cups.
Joan’s was # 59:
“Having two older brothers is a healthy reminder that you’re always closer to the bottom than you are to the top.”
---Andy Roddick. - Tennis player.
In 2003, he became the youngest American to finish No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.
The “The Way I See It”, on my cup, was # 26:
“Failure’s hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you’re successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever.” (I like that.)
--- Po Bronson - Author of stories, screenplays and nonfiction, including “What Should I Do With My Life?”
Sunday, March 1, 2009
HESS COLLECTION
HESS COLLECTONS
Another Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) has rolled around! This means another Quail Creek Outing. There are ten of us on board - Tony, our driver, Fabi, our Acting -Activities Coordinator and Rosy, who is assisting one of the residents, plus seven residents. We pull out at 10:00 AM, February 26, 2009. Our destination is the Hess Collection, at the Hess Winery in Napa.
We are re-tracing the route that we have traveled many times. Only now, the hills are much greener - after raining off and on all last weekend. I like to compare the colors with western Ireland’s 40 shades of green! We pass the Shell station with the posted price of $2.18 per gallon. A little further, their competitor, Chevron, has upped the price 10 cents. Today, the crude oil price for April delivery is around $40 a barrel.
We are on I-80, heading West, with moderate traffic. It is cloudy with rain forecast. Hazy visibility, and can barely see the outline of Mt. Diablo some 25 miles to the south. There are many trucks on the highway. This is surprising, when I read about the slow down of the economy, in the Wall Street Journal.
It is still a teeth rattling ride on I-80, as Tony does his best to navigate the rough highway. When you feel - hear and see the side windows vibrate, simultaneously, it is “rough”. This section has been on Cal Trans list for re-surfacing for a long time. This is no list to be on!
The “Twin Sisters” peaks sit off the right side, just before we exit I-80 onto Westbound Highway 12. We are now driving through Jamison Canyon - very green and picturesque. The grazing cattle make it even prettier. A large -black cloud is sitting overhead, but no rain is falling from it. There must have been a recent shower, based on the puddles alongside of the road. Chardonnay golf course lies off to our left. I haven’t traveled this route for about a month, since we visited the Black Stallion winery on the Silvarado Trail in the lower Napa Valley.
We are on the Highway 29 by-pass now. The Meadows, an assisted living facility on the right side, has been enlarged since I last noticed it. The complex extends almost out to the freeway now. It is a very large facility. The Napa Factory Outlet stores sit off to the left. Perhaps their sales volume has held its own during the /recession, with consumers down- grading their buying. We plan on stopping at the Don Giovanni Bistro and have lunch, before we visit the art gallery. Ethel, who used to live on Mt. Veeder near the Hess Winery, suggested this restaurant. She said that it was “pricey”, but a very good place to eat.
Tony didn’t have an early warning as to the restaurant’s exact location, and we passed it. He left the highway and took a side road up to the first driveway where he could turn around. I noticed that the driveway was an entrance to the Trefethen Winery. Before he bought the winery, Trefethen worked for Henry Kaiser in Oakland. He was Marie’s boss while she was a secretary there. I was going to Cal-Berkeley under the “G.I. Bill” in the late 40’s. While I had heard of his winery, I didn’t know exactly where it was located in the Napa Valley.
We arrived at the restaurant at 11:15. We didn’t have reservations for lunch, and found that they wouldn’t be open for another 15 minutes. In any event, they seated (or escorted the powered scooters) to a large table and we all sat together. The table was set with a cloth- tablecloth and cloth napkins. This is the way that I judge the quality of a restaurant.
“ Without bread, without wine, love is nothing” - French Proverb. This quotation was at the top of their menu. This has to be a good place!
They didn’t permit individual checks, so the bookkeeping after lunch, took as long as eating our lunch. There has to be a better way for settling the bill. It was simpler when I was working for C and H Sugar. When a group of us went out for lunch in San Francisco, we split the bill evenly - no matter what you ordered or if you had a cocktail. This procedure might not have been equitable, but it was simplified and worked very well on a rigid lunch hour. Most of us got the Minestrone soup - $10.06 with tax and tip. It was served with their fresh- flat bread and was very good. Ed, next to me, started off with a shot of Jim Beam. It turned out to have cost him $8, but it didn’t faze him. Sometimes it pays to have a fuzzy mind.
In the restaurant, I had a strange feeling that I might run into my oldest daughter, Anne. It wasn’t to be. I haven’t been in contact with her for over two years, but that is another story for another day.
Going outside after lunch, I noticed that they had a large porch/veranda area where you could eat. On a nicer day, this would be great atmosphere. Also, they have a few olive trees bordering the parking lot nearby. These are one of my favorite trees..
It is 1:00 PM , as we leave. We are heading to the Hess winery, traveling South on Highway 29 to Redwood Road, where we will exit, and head West. There is a lot of local -Napa traffic, which is normal, - night or day. This is a shaded and pretty ride on a narrow and curvy road, following a creek and ravine. We pass a field where we used to cut down our Christmas trees, Now, it is all in grape vines. That’s progress, I guess.
We arrive at the Hess Winery/Art Collectiont at 1:15. It is next door to the Mont LaSalle monastery/novitiate - another very interesting facility. The last time that I was there was for a evening of bells and choir music presented by Claudia and Bill Hanna’s church group, many years ago.
Donald Hess has been collecting contemporary art for about 45 years. The link between producing wine and collecting art is a passion of his.
The following are two of his quoted philosophy:
“Wine, like art, is a creative process. When is the last brush stroke? When do you pick the grapes?”
“Live each day with the heart and courage of The Lion. This has been the credo of my family for nine generations.”
We depart from the winery at 2:15. One hour wasn’t enough time. One of the group’s oxygen tank had less than an hour’s supply left. So, we had to return. We missed visiting the winery’s tasting room.
We left Hess at 2:15, and retraced the miles of our inbound route back to Quail Creek. We arrived back at Q.C. at 3:05PM. Our round trip covered about 50 miles.
“All’s well that ends well”. Write it down!
RCL - 2/28/09.
Another Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) has rolled around! This means another Quail Creek Outing. There are ten of us on board - Tony, our driver, Fabi, our Acting -Activities Coordinator and Rosy, who is assisting one of the residents, plus seven residents. We pull out at 10:00 AM, February 26, 2009. Our destination is the Hess Collection, at the Hess Winery in Napa.
We are re-tracing the route that we have traveled many times. Only now, the hills are much greener - after raining off and on all last weekend. I like to compare the colors with western Ireland’s 40 shades of green! We pass the Shell station with the posted price of $2.18 per gallon. A little further, their competitor, Chevron, has upped the price 10 cents. Today, the crude oil price for April delivery is around $40 a barrel.
We are on I-80, heading West, with moderate traffic. It is cloudy with rain forecast. Hazy visibility, and can barely see the outline of Mt. Diablo some 25 miles to the south. There are many trucks on the highway. This is surprising, when I read about the slow down of the economy, in the Wall Street Journal.
It is still a teeth rattling ride on I-80, as Tony does his best to navigate the rough highway. When you feel - hear and see the side windows vibrate, simultaneously, it is “rough”. This section has been on Cal Trans list for re-surfacing for a long time. This is no list to be on!
The “Twin Sisters” peaks sit off the right side, just before we exit I-80 onto Westbound Highway 12. We are now driving through Jamison Canyon - very green and picturesque. The grazing cattle make it even prettier. A large -black cloud is sitting overhead, but no rain is falling from it. There must have been a recent shower, based on the puddles alongside of the road. Chardonnay golf course lies off to our left. I haven’t traveled this route for about a month, since we visited the Black Stallion winery on the Silvarado Trail in the lower Napa Valley.
We are on the Highway 29 by-pass now. The Meadows, an assisted living facility on the right side, has been enlarged since I last noticed it. The complex extends almost out to the freeway now. It is a very large facility. The Napa Factory Outlet stores sit off to the left. Perhaps their sales volume has held its own during the /recession, with consumers down- grading their buying. We plan on stopping at the Don Giovanni Bistro and have lunch, before we visit the art gallery. Ethel, who used to live on Mt. Veeder near the Hess Winery, suggested this restaurant. She said that it was “pricey”, but a very good place to eat.
Tony didn’t have an early warning as to the restaurant’s exact location, and we passed it. He left the highway and took a side road up to the first driveway where he could turn around. I noticed that the driveway was an entrance to the Trefethen Winery. Before he bought the winery, Trefethen worked for Henry Kaiser in Oakland. He was Marie’s boss while she was a secretary there. I was going to Cal-Berkeley under the “G.I. Bill” in the late 40’s. While I had heard of his winery, I didn’t know exactly where it was located in the Napa Valley.
We arrived at the restaurant at 11:15. We didn’t have reservations for lunch, and found that they wouldn’t be open for another 15 minutes. In any event, they seated (or escorted the powered scooters) to a large table and we all sat together. The table was set with a cloth- tablecloth and cloth napkins. This is the way that I judge the quality of a restaurant.
“ Without bread, without wine, love is nothing” - French Proverb. This quotation was at the top of their menu. This has to be a good place!
They didn’t permit individual checks, so the bookkeeping after lunch, took as long as eating our lunch. There has to be a better way for settling the bill. It was simpler when I was working for C and H Sugar. When a group of us went out for lunch in San Francisco, we split the bill evenly - no matter what you ordered or if you had a cocktail. This procedure might not have been equitable, but it was simplified and worked very well on a rigid lunch hour. Most of us got the Minestrone soup - $10.06 with tax and tip. It was served with their fresh- flat bread and was very good. Ed, next to me, started off with a shot of Jim Beam. It turned out to have cost him $8, but it didn’t faze him. Sometimes it pays to have a fuzzy mind.
In the restaurant, I had a strange feeling that I might run into my oldest daughter, Anne. It wasn’t to be. I haven’t been in contact with her for over two years, but that is another story for another day.
Going outside after lunch, I noticed that they had a large porch/veranda area where you could eat. On a nicer day, this would be great atmosphere. Also, they have a few olive trees bordering the parking lot nearby. These are one of my favorite trees..
It is 1:00 PM , as we leave. We are heading to the Hess winery, traveling South on Highway 29 to Redwood Road, where we will exit, and head West. There is a lot of local -Napa traffic, which is normal, - night or day. This is a shaded and pretty ride on a narrow and curvy road, following a creek and ravine. We pass a field where we used to cut down our Christmas trees, Now, it is all in grape vines. That’s progress, I guess.
We arrive at the Hess Winery/Art Collectiont at 1:15. It is next door to the Mont LaSalle monastery/novitiate - another very interesting facility. The last time that I was there was for a evening of bells and choir music presented by Claudia and Bill Hanna’s church group, many years ago.
Donald Hess has been collecting contemporary art for about 45 years. The link between producing wine and collecting art is a passion of his.
The following are two of his quoted philosophy:
“Wine, like art, is a creative process. When is the last brush stroke? When do you pick the grapes?”
“Live each day with the heart and courage of The Lion. This has been the credo of my family for nine generations.”
We depart from the winery at 2:15. One hour wasn’t enough time. One of the group’s oxygen tank had less than an hour’s supply left. So, we had to return. We missed visiting the winery’s tasting room.
We left Hess at 2:15, and retraced the miles of our inbound route back to Quail Creek. We arrived back at Q.C. at 3:05PM. Our round trip covered about 50 miles.
“All’s well that ends well”. Write it down!
RCL - 2/28/09.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
HAPPY VALENTINES' DAY!
VALENTINE’S DAY
This is Saturday, February 14, 2009. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I had a very nice day today. It was one of the nicest of this special day, and I have experienced many great Valentine days during my 90 years.
First of all, my three daughters checked in with their Valentine greetings. I always enjoy Mary’s, Joan’s and Sue’s visits. We see them more often now, that we are all living in Fairfield.
This morning, the phone rang, and I debated whether to answer it, or let the call go through to Voice Mail. (We get a lot of “junk” phone calls - most of the messages are recordings.) I decided to answer - I’m glad that I did. It was Dody - my high school sweetheart - calling, to wish me a Happy Valentines Day and say “I love you.” I first heard her speak those tender words 75 years ago. They still perked up my congestive heart. I didn’t hear the words of a mature- 89 year old woman, but the bubbly- giggly words of a 15 year old! Music for my soul.
Dody and I went steady for her last three years of high school, and my last two years of high school and first year of college. “Going steady” may seem strange, and quaint, today, but then we were all comfortable with the custom. When I wasn’t playing in the high school band, playing football or running track, I would walk her home from school. One of my hands held hers (I must have been afraid of her getting away!), and carrying our books with my other hand. When I was with her I had goose bumps. I am sure that most people who are in love experience this same emotion! I looked forward to double, and triple dating, (no seat belts back then), with my friends, especially, to the Friday night dances in the Berea High School gym.
In the summer of 1937, (during the Great Depression), the New York Central Railroad was consolidating their offices. My Dad was transferred from Cleveland to Detroit, and we moved from Berea to Ypsilanti. This really put a crimp on Dody’s and my romance. It tested the old adage - “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” ---(of someone else!) While I visited her a few times in Berea, and she reciprocated by coming to Ypsilanti once, the distance between us became too big an obstacle. Too, World War II came along and scrambled the lives of so many of us - distant military transfers and meeting new people. The generation before ours was born and died in the same town - never venturing far a field. Dody went on to Baldwin Wallace College, in Berea, where she met her future husband. I ended up in Tulare for primary flight training. This is where I met Marie - at Rankin Field, where she was working. That was 65 years ago!
This evening, Quail Creek put on a very nice Valentine Dinner. Joan was our guest and we had a very nice time. When we got to our table, there was a unique favor on the plate - huge strawberries that had been dipped in dark chocolate! They were packed in a clear plastic container, tied with a red ribbon, with the words “Love” printed along it. I was impressed. With the price of the cacao bean going out of sight, this was a valuable gift. To top it off, they served a delicious lobster dinner. What a way to go! A great harpist played during dinner. Before leaving, I stopped by and commented what a talented musician she was. I told her that I enjoyed her playing “Embraceable You”. I explained that it was my wife’s and my special song for 65 years. She told me that a friend of hers did the arranging of it.
In all fairness, I must say that the festive spirit was dampened when I watched Marie during dinner. She wasn’t in the moment. Her previously sharp brain has betrayed her. It is not functioning properly. Consequently, she either doesn’t always respond, or her brain gives improper signals. She knows that something is wrong, but doesn’t comprehend. She doesn’t complain and is her former -sweet self. When she asks me to help her, and tells me that she loves me, it tears me apart. Alzheimer -dementia is a terrible curse - not only for the person experiencing it, but also for the family that is trying to cope, and understand it. We hear more about depression now, than we used to a generation ago, because of better diagnosis and reporting, and a larger population exposed to the disease, Too, we are all living longer! Previous generations usually died of something else, even though an autopsy at death would probably show early warnings of the dementia. Too, with our increased longevity, we are experiencing other chronic health problems. Other generations usually didn’t experience these ailments because they died first.
I was all wound up and couldn’t go to sleep. I got up, and so it wasn‘t a total loss, I put a CD of Frank Sinatra on the machine. Wouldn’t you know, he was singing “My Funny Valentine”.
RCL 2/14/09.
This is Saturday, February 14, 2009. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I had a very nice day today. It was one of the nicest of this special day, and I have experienced many great Valentine days during my 90 years.
First of all, my three daughters checked in with their Valentine greetings. I always enjoy Mary’s, Joan’s and Sue’s visits. We see them more often now, that we are all living in Fairfield.
This morning, the phone rang, and I debated whether to answer it, or let the call go through to Voice Mail. (We get a lot of “junk” phone calls - most of the messages are recordings.) I decided to answer - I’m glad that I did. It was Dody - my high school sweetheart - calling, to wish me a Happy Valentines Day and say “I love you.” I first heard her speak those tender words 75 years ago. They still perked up my congestive heart. I didn’t hear the words of a mature- 89 year old woman, but the bubbly- giggly words of a 15 year old! Music for my soul.
Dody and I went steady for her last three years of high school, and my last two years of high school and first year of college. “Going steady” may seem strange, and quaint, today, but then we were all comfortable with the custom. When I wasn’t playing in the high school band, playing football or running track, I would walk her home from school. One of my hands held hers (I must have been afraid of her getting away!), and carrying our books with my other hand. When I was with her I had goose bumps. I am sure that most people who are in love experience this same emotion! I looked forward to double, and triple dating, (no seat belts back then), with my friends, especially, to the Friday night dances in the Berea High School gym.
In the summer of 1937, (during the Great Depression), the New York Central Railroad was consolidating their offices. My Dad was transferred from Cleveland to Detroit, and we moved from Berea to Ypsilanti. This really put a crimp on Dody’s and my romance. It tested the old adage - “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” ---(of someone else!) While I visited her a few times in Berea, and she reciprocated by coming to Ypsilanti once, the distance between us became too big an obstacle. Too, World War II came along and scrambled the lives of so many of us - distant military transfers and meeting new people. The generation before ours was born and died in the same town - never venturing far a field. Dody went on to Baldwin Wallace College, in Berea, where she met her future husband. I ended up in Tulare for primary flight training. This is where I met Marie - at Rankin Field, where she was working. That was 65 years ago!
This evening, Quail Creek put on a very nice Valentine Dinner. Joan was our guest and we had a very nice time. When we got to our table, there was a unique favor on the plate - huge strawberries that had been dipped in dark chocolate! They were packed in a clear plastic container, tied with a red ribbon, with the words “Love” printed along it. I was impressed. With the price of the cacao bean going out of sight, this was a valuable gift. To top it off, they served a delicious lobster dinner. What a way to go! A great harpist played during dinner. Before leaving, I stopped by and commented what a talented musician she was. I told her that I enjoyed her playing “Embraceable You”. I explained that it was my wife’s and my special song for 65 years. She told me that a friend of hers did the arranging of it.
In all fairness, I must say that the festive spirit was dampened when I watched Marie during dinner. She wasn’t in the moment. Her previously sharp brain has betrayed her. It is not functioning properly. Consequently, she either doesn’t always respond, or her brain gives improper signals. She knows that something is wrong, but doesn’t comprehend. She doesn’t complain and is her former -sweet self. When she asks me to help her, and tells me that she loves me, it tears me apart. Alzheimer -dementia is a terrible curse - not only for the person experiencing it, but also for the family that is trying to cope, and understand it. We hear more about depression now, than we used to a generation ago, because of better diagnosis and reporting, and a larger population exposed to the disease, Too, we are all living longer! Previous generations usually died of something else, even though an autopsy at death would probably show early warnings of the dementia. Too, with our increased longevity, we are experiencing other chronic health problems. Other generations usually didn’t experience these ailments because they died first.
I was all wound up and couldn’t go to sleep. I got up, and so it wasn‘t a total loss, I put a CD of Frank Sinatra on the machine. Wouldn’t you know, he was singing “My Funny Valentine”.
RCL 2/14/09.
Friday, February 13, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEANNE!
Today is Friday the 13th! My only sister, Jeanne, was born 89 years ago today -also on a Friday. She was 20 months younger than I. We were close - almost like being twins.
Our Mother was visiting her parents when she went into labor. Jeanne was born in our grandparents’ home. I never got all the details as to whether a doctor was there, a mid-wife or no one.
Our Dad worked for the New York Central Railroad. Jeanne and I traveled quite a bit, free of charge - using his pass. We both were out of high school and living with our parents at 715 Oak street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
We visited Niagara Falls. We also went from Detroit to Cleveland a few times to see Glenn Miller and his orchestra, and other “Swing” bands play at the Hippodrome theatre. Jeanne attended my graduation from Bombardiers’ School in Victorville, California, on October 31, 1942.
Jeanne went on to marry Bob Gibbens, and they had eight children. Bob was the brother of Stephen Gibbens, who along with his wife Maggie have been our best friends for over 63 years.
We visited Jeanne and Bob - numerous times - for many years - both in Michigan and in Florida. They, in turn, also reciprocated, by visiting us in Vallejo many times.
Jeanne died on September 24, 1998 at the hospital in Stuart Florida, at the age of 78. She never recovered from surgery for an abdominal hernia ten days previously.
Happy Birthday, Jeanne. I miss you a lot.
RCL - 2/13/09.
Today is Friday the 13th! My only sister, Jeanne, was born 89 years ago today -also on a Friday. She was 20 months younger than I. We were close - almost like being twins.
Our Mother was visiting her parents when she went into labor. Jeanne was born in our grandparents’ home. I never got all the details as to whether a doctor was there, a mid-wife or no one.
Our Dad worked for the New York Central Railroad. Jeanne and I traveled quite a bit, free of charge - using his pass. We both were out of high school and living with our parents at 715 Oak street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
We visited Niagara Falls. We also went from Detroit to Cleveland a few times to see Glenn Miller and his orchestra, and other “Swing” bands play at the Hippodrome theatre. Jeanne attended my graduation from Bombardiers’ School in Victorville, California, on October 31, 1942.
Jeanne went on to marry Bob Gibbens, and they had eight children. Bob was the brother of Stephen Gibbens, who along with his wife Maggie have been our best friends for over 63 years.
We visited Jeanne and Bob - numerous times - for many years - both in Michigan and in Florida. They, in turn, also reciprocated, by visiting us in Vallejo many times.
Jeanne died on September 24, 1998 at the hospital in Stuart Florida, at the age of 78. She never recovered from surgery for an abdominal hernia ten days previously.
Happy Birthday, Jeanne. I miss you a lot.
RCL - 2/13/09.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Heartwarming
Heartwarming Sight
Marie didn’t feel well during last night. She didn’t feel like going down to the dining room, with me, for breakfast. So, when the CNA came in this morning, to help her get dressed, Marie declined her offer. The nurse authorized her having breakfast in the room. When I finished eating breakfast, I ordered pancakes and bacon, fresh fruit and milk, and brought it up to her.
She was still in her pajamas at noon, and didn’t feel like getting dressed for lunch. So, I brought back a grilled -cheese sandwich for her. Our youngest daughter Sue, brought back our laundry (which she does for us) just before dinner. Marie was glad to see her, and perked up a bit. Sue asked her if she could help her get dressed for dinner. Marie agreed, and Sue helped her dress.
It was very inspiring for me, to see Sue returning the love to her Mother, that she had received, over 45 years ago! My thoughts flashed back to that period when Marie would supervise, or help, Anne, Mary, Beth, Joan and Sue get dressed for church, or for school. It was no small task when you throw in the hair brushing and rubber bands! Yet, I don’t ever remember being late to Mass, or seeing a “Tardy” mark on their report cards.
Role reversal is a very interesting phenomenon. I only wish that I had a son to help me dress when the need comes. After Sue was born, I mentioned to Marie that I would like to have a son - knowing that she had the same desire. But, calling on her superior intellect, she said “No more. If you want a son, adopt one.” I either never got around to do this, or gave it up as not a good idea. An example of unfinished business!
When I was young, I should have realized what would lie ahead. My Mom and Dad earned “Sainthood” recognition, for all of the tender-loving care they provided in our home. They were caretakers for my Grandmother Flood, and her sister Aunt Nellie. (They both died in our home.) They also boarded my sister Jeanne, and her daughter Rae, for a couple of years, while Jeanne’s husband Bob was stationed in Italy. They cared for my brother Bob in their home, after he was released from a lengthy stay at St. Josephs Hospital in Ann Arbor. He had been critically injured in an auto accident.
I pray that my parents have passed their TLC genes on to me.
RCL 2/12/09.
Marie didn’t feel well during last night. She didn’t feel like going down to the dining room, with me, for breakfast. So, when the CNA came in this morning, to help her get dressed, Marie declined her offer. The nurse authorized her having breakfast in the room. When I finished eating breakfast, I ordered pancakes and bacon, fresh fruit and milk, and brought it up to her.
She was still in her pajamas at noon, and didn’t feel like getting dressed for lunch. So, I brought back a grilled -cheese sandwich for her. Our youngest daughter Sue, brought back our laundry (which she does for us) just before dinner. Marie was glad to see her, and perked up a bit. Sue asked her if she could help her get dressed for dinner. Marie agreed, and Sue helped her dress.
It was very inspiring for me, to see Sue returning the love to her Mother, that she had received, over 45 years ago! My thoughts flashed back to that period when Marie would supervise, or help, Anne, Mary, Beth, Joan and Sue get dressed for church, or for school. It was no small task when you throw in the hair brushing and rubber bands! Yet, I don’t ever remember being late to Mass, or seeing a “Tardy” mark on their report cards.
Role reversal is a very interesting phenomenon. I only wish that I had a son to help me dress when the need comes. After Sue was born, I mentioned to Marie that I would like to have a son - knowing that she had the same desire. But, calling on her superior intellect, she said “No more. If you want a son, adopt one.” I either never got around to do this, or gave it up as not a good idea. An example of unfinished business!
When I was young, I should have realized what would lie ahead. My Mom and Dad earned “Sainthood” recognition, for all of the tender-loving care they provided in our home. They were caretakers for my Grandmother Flood, and her sister Aunt Nellie. (They both died in our home.) They also boarded my sister Jeanne, and her daughter Rae, for a couple of years, while Jeanne’s husband Bob was stationed in Italy. They cared for my brother Bob in their home, after he was released from a lengthy stay at St. Josephs Hospital in Ann Arbor. He had been critically injured in an auto accident.
I pray that my parents have passed their TLC genes on to me.
RCL 2/12/09.
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