NAPA
Mary called and asked me if I would like to take a ride to Napa? We could go to Target, and I could get my Christmas cards while she shopped. Then, we could have lunch. Now, that’s an offer I couldn’t refuse.
She picked me up at 10, and we were off to the beautiful Napa Valley. It was a cool (probably in the 60’s), overcast and dreary day. Rain wasn’t forecast, but being a pessimist, I carried my “brollie”.
After we finished at Target, Mary still had a few things to get at nearby Trader Joe’s. Then, we headed up the Napa Valley. She left
Highway 29 and exited at Yountville. Besides the “Vintage 1870” shopping complex, there are many interesting shops, hotels and restaurants along the frontage road. Then, back on 29 heading north.
Mary stopped between Yountville and St. Helena at the Brix restaurant. There were only a few diners, at noon, when we entered. It was packed when we left the restaurant, an hour and a half later, after having a very tasty lunch. We noticed this beautiful vintage car in the parking lot. Mary asked me what make it was and I told her I thought it was a Rolls Royce (the head lamps- mountings flowed into the front fenders. This was my clue.) Mary drove up next to it, so we could get a closer look, and identify it. A man was sitting in the driver’s seat. (Would you believe that he was on his cell phone?) We didn’t know whether he was the owner, “car sitter”, the chauffeur, a by-stander or a car thief. The man rolled down his window and Mary asked him about the make and vintage (this is a good word to use in the middle of the Napa Valley!). He said that it was a 1947 Packard. I don’t remember ever having seen one just like it. It certainly was a beauty, and worth far more than it cost new, over 60 years ago!
I was reading the Wall Street Journal last night. I came across a front page -story about a dump truck, being pushed out the fourth floor window of an abandoned Packard auto plant- building in Detroit, by a bunch of idiots! I was startled! I had been in that very same building, a few times, seventy years ago! It was located on East Grand Boulevard. It was an old plant when I visited it in 1939. (The brick plant was constructed in 1907, Packard closed it in 1956.) I was in the plant, to trouble -shoot, and repair, some convertible-top assemblies that didn’t properly fit the Packard convertibles. In Ypsilanti, I worked for Motor State Products Company. We assembled the slat-iron frameworks for automatic tops for many different makes of convertibles. These assemblies included the header bars and the hydraulic cylinder, lines and control units. When I started to work there in 1939, I was earning 25 cents an hour. A little later, the UAW organized the plant, and my wage doubled to 50 cents an hour. The owner was a German engineer, who designed the automatic convertible top system. I can’t recall his name, but I think it started with a “G” or a “K”.
Of course, I had to have a convertible. I bought a maroon Chevrolet - red leather seats; black top; white sidewalls and rear-fender skirts. It was a beauty, too. Price $995!
Well back to reality. We returned to Fairfield. It was a routine trip to end a very nice outing.
RCL - 11/07/09.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
WILD WEST SNOW
WILD WEST SNOW!
I toured through Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Utah, a little over two months ago. We lucked out and had very nice weather. It was hard for me to visualize the treacherous weather that they experienced in those areas last week.
I flew into Denver in August, in nice weather, to catch the Tour. I couldn’t believe that the beautiful airport was closed last week, due to snow. Transportation officials also closed Interstate 25 (which we traveled) from Wellington, Colorado to Cheyenne - a stretch of 35 miles. That section re-opened later in the week, We took Highway 85, north of Cheyenne, on our way to Rapid City, It remained closed at week end. No snow in sight when our bus drove through this area!
Gusts of 50 mph blew through our tour area, and it received 3 feet of snow, with higher drifts across the whole area. The wind and snow reduced visibility to zero. When I was there, I could see forever across those prairies. Many main routes through the area were closed, they were too treacherous to drive on. Apparently, those miles and miles of snow fences that I saw, were overwhelmed by the blizzard.
Deadwood, S.D. (where Kevin Costner owns the “Costner Poker Parlor”) got about 15 inches of snow! Officials shut down nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I am thankful that it was “Open’ when I was there. At last week -end, winter-weather advisories remained in effect for southeast Wyoming.
When you are on vacation, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Luck and timing are critical.
RCL - 11/3/09.
I toured through Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Utah, a little over two months ago. We lucked out and had very nice weather. It was hard for me to visualize the treacherous weather that they experienced in those areas last week.
I flew into Denver in August, in nice weather, to catch the Tour. I couldn’t believe that the beautiful airport was closed last week, due to snow. Transportation officials also closed Interstate 25 (which we traveled) from Wellington, Colorado to Cheyenne - a stretch of 35 miles. That section re-opened later in the week, We took Highway 85, north of Cheyenne, on our way to Rapid City, It remained closed at week end. No snow in sight when our bus drove through this area!
Gusts of 50 mph blew through our tour area, and it received 3 feet of snow, with higher drifts across the whole area. The wind and snow reduced visibility to zero. When I was there, I could see forever across those prairies. Many main routes through the area were closed, they were too treacherous to drive on. Apparently, those miles and miles of snow fences that I saw, were overwhelmed by the blizzard.
Deadwood, S.D. (where Kevin Costner owns the “Costner Poker Parlor”) got about 15 inches of snow! Officials shut down nearby Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I am thankful that it was “Open’ when I was there. At last week -end, winter-weather advisories remained in effect for southeast Wyoming.
When you are on vacation, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Luck and timing are critical.
RCL - 11/3/09.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
BILL
BILL
Wishing you a “Spooky’’ Halloween. This morning, at breakfast, I saw a couple salute each other with raised glasses of prune juice. This must have been an omen for an interesting day.
Just after lunch, I received a phone call. I debated whether to answer, figuring that it was another recorded political spiel - before Tuesday’s election. I did answer, and was pleasantly surprised. Calling, was Bill Foley. He said that he was approaching the gate to our Paradise Valley Estates complex, and would like to visit with me. I had never met Bill, but I had communicated with him via e-mail. After I recovered from my surprise call, I called Security at the Gate to let him in.
The reason I was surprised is that Bill lives in Cowgill, Missouri - 2000 miles away! We crash -landed our B-17, near Braymer, Missouri, (near Cowgill) on February 25, 1943. During our few days “layover’, I met and dated his Aunt Ruby Foley a few times. Bill said that he was three years old at the time. He also said, that he heard his grandmother mention “Junior L’Amoreaux” many times when he was growing up So many times, that he decided he wanted to meet me during his lifetime. An aside - My fellow officers (pilot Ken, co-pilot Doug and navigator Ray) gave me my nickname because I was the youngest of the four of us.
Bill said that he and his wife were out this way to visit a long-time friend of hers in Turlock - a two hour drive from here. I was surprised how familiar he was with the local area, until he told me that he had been stationed at Travis Air Force Base nearby. Too, the GPS system in his van-motor home was a big help.
During our conversation, he said that he lived about a mile from Bill Pollard in Cowgill, and they are both members of the American Legion in Braymer. I have communicated with the latter Bill through the years - by e-mail and telephone - even though we haven’t met either. Bill P. was on his way to school that morning, passing by our wheels- up B-17 in a local cornfield!
Two screenwriters (John and Bill) are working on writing up our “landing” - and the interaction of our crew with the people of Braymer - during the five days we were their “guests”. John and Bill have interviewed all the people that I have mentioned above, about their recollection of that fateful morning.
So, we all should pay attention. When we plan our days, no telling what surprise we may not have included in those plans. RCL - 10/31/09.
Wishing you a “Spooky’’ Halloween. This morning, at breakfast, I saw a couple salute each other with raised glasses of prune juice. This must have been an omen for an interesting day.
Just after lunch, I received a phone call. I debated whether to answer, figuring that it was another recorded political spiel - before Tuesday’s election. I did answer, and was pleasantly surprised. Calling, was Bill Foley. He said that he was approaching the gate to our Paradise Valley Estates complex, and would like to visit with me. I had never met Bill, but I had communicated with him via e-mail. After I recovered from my surprise call, I called Security at the Gate to let him in.
The reason I was surprised is that Bill lives in Cowgill, Missouri - 2000 miles away! We crash -landed our B-17, near Braymer, Missouri, (near Cowgill) on February 25, 1943. During our few days “layover’, I met and dated his Aunt Ruby Foley a few times. Bill said that he was three years old at the time. He also said, that he heard his grandmother mention “Junior L’Amoreaux” many times when he was growing up So many times, that he decided he wanted to meet me during his lifetime. An aside - My fellow officers (pilot Ken, co-pilot Doug and navigator Ray) gave me my nickname because I was the youngest of the four of us.
Bill said that he and his wife were out this way to visit a long-time friend of hers in Turlock - a two hour drive from here. I was surprised how familiar he was with the local area, until he told me that he had been stationed at Travis Air Force Base nearby. Too, the GPS system in his van-motor home was a big help.
During our conversation, he said that he lived about a mile from Bill Pollard in Cowgill, and they are both members of the American Legion in Braymer. I have communicated with the latter Bill through the years - by e-mail and telephone - even though we haven’t met either. Bill P. was on his way to school that morning, passing by our wheels- up B-17 in a local cornfield!
Two screenwriters (John and Bill) are working on writing up our “landing” - and the interaction of our crew with the people of Braymer - during the five days we were their “guests”. John and Bill have interviewed all the people that I have mentioned above, about their recollection of that fateful morning.
So, we all should pay attention. When we plan our days, no telling what surprise we may not have included in those plans. RCL - 10/31/09.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
CLARK BARS
CLARK BARS
My daughter, Sue, brought me a bunch of Clark Bars this evening. Sue has a heck of a memory! She remembered the story of my boyhood. The fact that I’ve probably told it so many times may have helped her recall!
I guess there’s no harm in repeating it. I’m sure that some of you probably aren’t familiar with it.
When I was 10 and eleven, (back in 1928-9), I delivered newspapers for the Hillsdale (MI) Daily News. I delivered papers every day except Sunday. I made sure that my customers received it - rain/snow or shine. Fortunately, it was an afternoon paper, rather than an early morning edition. I would pick up my papers at the paper- printing plant after school during the school year, or on a summer afternoon. I can still hear the roar of the presses, and smell the paper, ink and oil, from the hot presses. I can’t remember how I got the papers at the plant. They must have been bundled by route number. If the weather was nice I would fold the individual papers as I walked from house to house. But, if it was raining or snowing - or just plain freezing - I would sit on the floor of the plant and fold most of them. The paper only had four pages so folding was very easy. I would fold the paper so that it was a third as wide. Then, I would insert the bottom into the top - ending up with a nice compact little square package. They were easy to pack into my bag and easy to throw on to the porches. When it was freezing cold in the winter, I hated to leave the warm and cozy building.
I eventually saved $25 from my earnings, and bought my first, and only, bike - a 26 inch- wheel Hawthorne. I used the bike to deliver the papers, whenever the weather permitted. I had to fold al the papers before I left the plant. I probably had a hundred customers. So, my paper bag was stuffed full when I started. I would place the full bag on top of the handle bars, and head out.
When walking, it was easier to launch the folded paper on to the porch. I got pretty skilled side-arming the papers on to the porches. But, the arc (similar to a moving Frisbee) was pretty tricky, and hard to learn. But, if windy, when walking, or riding my bike, it was pretty hard to hit the target. When sailing the paper you had to “lead” - throw ahead of the porch, with the wind/motion affect. I would like to see the mathematical equation for the trajectory. While a few of my errant tosses ended up on the roof of the porches, I never remember breaking a window. Compared to today’s newspaper delivery service (or no service), in the bushes or gutter, I gave my customers very good service. One advantage that I had, I didn’t have to put the papers in a plastic sleeve during inclement weather.
The paper cost 15 cents a week. I don’t remember, but I probably received two cents of this. I collected on Saturday mornings. With the money, the customer would hand me their card, and I would punch out the date with my paper punch. There are always the “cheats” and “skinflints”.
One old guy would always ask if I had change for a “twenty” - for a 15 cent payment! (This was during the Great Depression). He knew that I didn’t. After hearing the same question for a couple of weeks, I realized that I was a slow learner. The next Saturday, not only did I “collect” from him last, but I carried some additional change. When he popped the question, I called his bluff. I answered, “I sure do!” He was a little flustered! I cooled my heels for quite a while, as he scrambled to find the “Twenty”.
After I finished my collecting, I took all the change to the bank, and changed it into bills. In 1928-9, the Bills were very large (as were the wallets). Gold was still legal then, and I can remember having small denominations of those pieces. When the banks closed, because of a “run” on them during the depression, the Government ordered everyone to turn in their gold pieces. Of course, I respected “authority” and complied. Today, they would be very valuable - not only as an antique, but with gold going for over $1,000 an ounce. Today, I realize that the governments’ order was like today’s warnings not to remove the tags on mattresses and pillows! I settled with the paper and what money left was mine!
After nearly two pages of manuscript, I still haven’t mentioned “Clark Bars”. I had to walk about four blocks from the printing building before I started my paper route. It started downtown at Broad Street and included all of Bacon Street - both sides - eastward to the city limits. This distance was about two miles. The route probably included 100 customers. At the City Limits, Bacon street made a 45 degree jog to the right ,and became Bacon Road. At the City limits was a small hot dog stand called “The Limits” (that figures). A man and his wife ran the shop. In the summer, when I handed them the paper, they gave me a Clark Bar - cost 5 cents. Instead of getting tired of the candy bar, I got hooked on them. They became my favorite. In the winter, they would give me a hot dog. It was the best ones that I’ve ever had. I can still taste them - especially the onions - after 70 years!
D.L. Clark founded his candy company in 1886. Clark came to America from Ireland in 1873 at the age of 8. His education consisted of only one year in grade school. Like me, he sold newspapers at the age of nine. At age twelve, he went to Business College at night, and worked during the day. Clark founded his candy company in 1886.
He introduced his Clark bar by shipping them to the troops overseas during World War One. Their popularity continued with the general population after the war. Clark died in 1939 at the age of 75. In 1955, the Clark family sold the company to Beatrice Foods. It operated the company until 1983. After numerous sales of the company, New England Confectionary Company (NECCO) now owns the company.
I hadn’t seen a Clark bar in many years. I assumed that they were extinct, and I missed my Clark Bar “fix’. I am glad that Sue remembered, and thought of me.
Back to my paper route:
At Christmas, most of my customers remembered me with gifts of homemade cookies, fruit cake , candy or they gave me money. So, I must have done something right.
Today, I really appreciate my newsboy experience. I am glad that my parents went along with it and didn’t intervene. I do believe that my experience helped to mold my philosophy of life, and I’m thankful for that.
Long live the Clark Bar!
RCL
10/22/09.
My daughter, Sue, brought me a bunch of Clark Bars this evening. Sue has a heck of a memory! She remembered the story of my boyhood. The fact that I’ve probably told it so many times may have helped her recall!
I guess there’s no harm in repeating it. I’m sure that some of you probably aren’t familiar with it.
When I was 10 and eleven, (back in 1928-9), I delivered newspapers for the Hillsdale (MI) Daily News. I delivered papers every day except Sunday. I made sure that my customers received it - rain/snow or shine. Fortunately, it was an afternoon paper, rather than an early morning edition. I would pick up my papers at the paper- printing plant after school during the school year, or on a summer afternoon. I can still hear the roar of the presses, and smell the paper, ink and oil, from the hot presses. I can’t remember how I got the papers at the plant. They must have been bundled by route number. If the weather was nice I would fold the individual papers as I walked from house to house. But, if it was raining or snowing - or just plain freezing - I would sit on the floor of the plant and fold most of them. The paper only had four pages so folding was very easy. I would fold the paper so that it was a third as wide. Then, I would insert the bottom into the top - ending up with a nice compact little square package. They were easy to pack into my bag and easy to throw on to the porches. When it was freezing cold in the winter, I hated to leave the warm and cozy building.
I eventually saved $25 from my earnings, and bought my first, and only, bike - a 26 inch- wheel Hawthorne. I used the bike to deliver the papers, whenever the weather permitted. I had to fold al the papers before I left the plant. I probably had a hundred customers. So, my paper bag was stuffed full when I started. I would place the full bag on top of the handle bars, and head out.
When walking, it was easier to launch the folded paper on to the porch. I got pretty skilled side-arming the papers on to the porches. But, the arc (similar to a moving Frisbee) was pretty tricky, and hard to learn. But, if windy, when walking, or riding my bike, it was pretty hard to hit the target. When sailing the paper you had to “lead” - throw ahead of the porch, with the wind/motion affect. I would like to see the mathematical equation for the trajectory. While a few of my errant tosses ended up on the roof of the porches, I never remember breaking a window. Compared to today’s newspaper delivery service (or no service), in the bushes or gutter, I gave my customers very good service. One advantage that I had, I didn’t have to put the papers in a plastic sleeve during inclement weather.
The paper cost 15 cents a week. I don’t remember, but I probably received two cents of this. I collected on Saturday mornings. With the money, the customer would hand me their card, and I would punch out the date with my paper punch. There are always the “cheats” and “skinflints”.
One old guy would always ask if I had change for a “twenty” - for a 15 cent payment! (This was during the Great Depression). He knew that I didn’t. After hearing the same question for a couple of weeks, I realized that I was a slow learner. The next Saturday, not only did I “collect” from him last, but I carried some additional change. When he popped the question, I called his bluff. I answered, “I sure do!” He was a little flustered! I cooled my heels for quite a while, as he scrambled to find the “Twenty”.
After I finished my collecting, I took all the change to the bank, and changed it into bills. In 1928-9, the Bills were very large (as were the wallets). Gold was still legal then, and I can remember having small denominations of those pieces. When the banks closed, because of a “run” on them during the depression, the Government ordered everyone to turn in their gold pieces. Of course, I respected “authority” and complied. Today, they would be very valuable - not only as an antique, but with gold going for over $1,000 an ounce. Today, I realize that the governments’ order was like today’s warnings not to remove the tags on mattresses and pillows! I settled with the paper and what money left was mine!
After nearly two pages of manuscript, I still haven’t mentioned “Clark Bars”. I had to walk about four blocks from the printing building before I started my paper route. It started downtown at Broad Street and included all of Bacon Street - both sides - eastward to the city limits. This distance was about two miles. The route probably included 100 customers. At the City Limits, Bacon street made a 45 degree jog to the right ,and became Bacon Road. At the City limits was a small hot dog stand called “The Limits” (that figures). A man and his wife ran the shop. In the summer, when I handed them the paper, they gave me a Clark Bar - cost 5 cents. Instead of getting tired of the candy bar, I got hooked on them. They became my favorite. In the winter, they would give me a hot dog. It was the best ones that I’ve ever had. I can still taste them - especially the onions - after 70 years!
D.L. Clark founded his candy company in 1886. Clark came to America from Ireland in 1873 at the age of 8. His education consisted of only one year in grade school. Like me, he sold newspapers at the age of nine. At age twelve, he went to Business College at night, and worked during the day. Clark founded his candy company in 1886.
He introduced his Clark bar by shipping them to the troops overseas during World War One. Their popularity continued with the general population after the war. Clark died in 1939 at the age of 75. In 1955, the Clark family sold the company to Beatrice Foods. It operated the company until 1983. After numerous sales of the company, New England Confectionary Company (NECCO) now owns the company.
I hadn’t seen a Clark bar in many years. I assumed that they were extinct, and I missed my Clark Bar “fix’. I am glad that Sue remembered, and thought of me.
Back to my paper route:
At Christmas, most of my customers remembered me with gifts of homemade cookies, fruit cake , candy or they gave me money. So, I must have done something right.
Today, I really appreciate my newsboy experience. I am glad that my parents went along with it and didn’t intervene. I do believe that my experience helped to mold my philosophy of life, and I’m thankful for that.
Long live the Clark Bar!
RCL
10/22/09.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
ACCEPTANCE
ACCEPTANCE
My daughter Joan, joined me for lunch yesterday, here at Quail Creek. We had an interesting conversation about her upcoming Workshop at Stockbridge. She will teach, and demonstrate, how to make skin-care products and candles.
After lunch, we went over to the Laurel Creek Health Center to attend a Care- Plan Conference, on Marie’s status at the skilled nursing facility.
Besides Joan and I, the following facility representatives were there:
Toni - Case Manager
Suzanne - Social Worker
Debbie - Dining Services Dietician
Debra - Activities Coordinator.
The Staff presented their comments relating to Marie’s status, and Joan and I mentioned our concerns and suggestions. While saddened, we were not surprised with the gloomy news.
After the half-hour conference, Joan and I walked over to Station 3 to visit Marie, my Wife, and Joan’s Mother. Upon leaving Marie’s room, I experienced my usual sadness, and I fought off tears. Joan was quiet, so I glanced over at her, and she was teary-eyed, apparently experiencing my same emotion. I am sure that the information, that we just heard in the meeting, contributed to our sad feelings.
This was not the first time that I have experienced this sad emotion. It is a usual feeling each time that I leave Marie. While I have tried to define, and understand it, I have come up empty. Our feeling of “loss’ and sadness, flies in the face of Marie getting optimum care at the facility. (I expect this, when we are paying $230 a day for it!)
The paradox is that I see others in the facility - certainly, some worse off than Marie, I don’t relate to them as I do to Marie, of course. It is probably because I am recalling all the happy memories of 65 years of our being together - a very happy and fruitful marriage. I remember how vibrant she used to be, and what a pleasure to be with. But, it doesn’t dull the pain. I want this same setting again. I don’t have the same feeling for the others.
I see them as very fortunate to have such “tender loving care!”
Why am I experiencing this sadness? Probably, because I am facing reality, and haven’t come to grips with it. I want to “fix” her, and I can’t. I am helpless. It is not to be. While many of us are out- living our life expectancy, it can be at a trade-off! More extended years with chronic health problems.
I have read Elisabeth Kubler Ross’ “Death and Dying,” and thought that I had reconciled her Fifth Rule for Grieving - “Acceptance”. Apparently not. Marie’s Neurologist has diagnosed her with Alzheimer Dementia. This is irreversible. While I know this, I still grieve. The MRI of Marie’s brain showed a loss of 50 percent of the cells in her frontal cortex.
On a much lighter note:-
Later yesterday afternoon, Joan and Manny joined me for Bocce Ball and golf. Our Bocce team showed up at three o’clock per schedule, but a “No Show” for our opponents. Their “forfeit” was an easy win for us. Joan and Manny had dropped by to watch me play. So it wasn’t a total loss, I suggested that the three of us play. They agreed. It was their first try at Bocce Ball, and they were very competitive, as they usually are.
After throwing a few balls, we went over to the putting green. We putted around the nine holes, and I enjoyed that, too.
RCL - 10/22/09.
My daughter Joan, joined me for lunch yesterday, here at Quail Creek. We had an interesting conversation about her upcoming Workshop at Stockbridge. She will teach, and demonstrate, how to make skin-care products and candles.
After lunch, we went over to the Laurel Creek Health Center to attend a Care- Plan Conference, on Marie’s status at the skilled nursing facility.
Besides Joan and I, the following facility representatives were there:
Toni - Case Manager
Suzanne - Social Worker
Debbie - Dining Services Dietician
Debra - Activities Coordinator.
The Staff presented their comments relating to Marie’s status, and Joan and I mentioned our concerns and suggestions. While saddened, we were not surprised with the gloomy news.
After the half-hour conference, Joan and I walked over to Station 3 to visit Marie, my Wife, and Joan’s Mother. Upon leaving Marie’s room, I experienced my usual sadness, and I fought off tears. Joan was quiet, so I glanced over at her, and she was teary-eyed, apparently experiencing my same emotion. I am sure that the information, that we just heard in the meeting, contributed to our sad feelings.
This was not the first time that I have experienced this sad emotion. It is a usual feeling each time that I leave Marie. While I have tried to define, and understand it, I have come up empty. Our feeling of “loss’ and sadness, flies in the face of Marie getting optimum care at the facility. (I expect this, when we are paying $230 a day for it!)
The paradox is that I see others in the facility - certainly, some worse off than Marie, I don’t relate to them as I do to Marie, of course. It is probably because I am recalling all the happy memories of 65 years of our being together - a very happy and fruitful marriage. I remember how vibrant she used to be, and what a pleasure to be with. But, it doesn’t dull the pain. I want this same setting again. I don’t have the same feeling for the others.
I see them as very fortunate to have such “tender loving care!”
Why am I experiencing this sadness? Probably, because I am facing reality, and haven’t come to grips with it. I want to “fix” her, and I can’t. I am helpless. It is not to be. While many of us are out- living our life expectancy, it can be at a trade-off! More extended years with chronic health problems.
I have read Elisabeth Kubler Ross’ “Death and Dying,” and thought that I had reconciled her Fifth Rule for Grieving - “Acceptance”. Apparently not. Marie’s Neurologist has diagnosed her with Alzheimer Dementia. This is irreversible. While I know this, I still grieve. The MRI of Marie’s brain showed a loss of 50 percent of the cells in her frontal cortex.
On a much lighter note:-
Later yesterday afternoon, Joan and Manny joined me for Bocce Ball and golf. Our Bocce team showed up at three o’clock per schedule, but a “No Show” for our opponents. Their “forfeit” was an easy win for us. Joan and Manny had dropped by to watch me play. So it wasn’t a total loss, I suggested that the three of us play. They agreed. It was their first try at Bocce Ball, and they were very competitive, as they usually are.
After throwing a few balls, we went over to the putting green. We putted around the nine holes, and I enjoyed that, too.
RCL - 10/22/09.
KNOW SOMETHING!
Lately, I am getting a lot of junk mail! Subjects - “Pre-need Funerals” and also “Pre-paid Cremation”. They have got me wondering, if someone knows something that I am not aware of?
RCL
RCL
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SOCIAL SECURITY
SOCIAL SECURITY
Yesterday, I received a letter from Bob, a friend, who works in the Glen Cove -Safeway store in Vallejo. He wrote that he opted for early retirement Social Security payments. He will continue working. Bob is in a good situation, as he is currently working part-time. He can earn up to $12,000 (2005) dollars a year, before a penalty. After this amount, he will be penalized $1 of benefits for every $2 he earns. His current Benefit is 75% of the Benefit he would have received at age 66, However, the amount of his benefit will be the same over time!
He also mentioned Leo, another friend in the same store, who is 65 and still working. Leo is collecting his full Social Security Benefit, and has no earnings restriction penalty. Had Leo waited until he was 70 before filing, he would have earned additional Social Security credits. Beyond the age of 70, there is no additional increase in Benefits.
Bob’s letter got me reflecting back on my Social Security decision in 1983. I retired on February 1 - prior to being 65 in November. I took a 5% hit from full eligibility, for this nine month shortfall. Even though it was a small decision to take “Early Retirement”, it is was still a decision. Deciding whether to retire early, or work until the legislated-fully vested Social Security age, is one of the biggest financial decisions people will face in their lifetime. It is a “crap-shoot”. There are so many variables and unknowns that you have to consider:-for instance, - will you reach, or exceed, your life expectancy? We are living longer than we were projected to live at birth. This increased longevity has come at a cost - in more chronic -health problems. Also, you have to consider the source for your genes. Were your parents and grandparents long-lived? What was their medical history? Another variable:- How much do you travel on the busy California freeways? Your exposure to all of the goofy - weaving - texting-drivers can be dangerous to your health, and reduce your longevity!
I think that the general consensus is that it is more prudent to file early for Social security - even though you will be receiving smaller monthly payments (these will be “fixed”), for a longer period of time. You are betting that you will beat the Governments’ actuarial by living longer than they calculated. A “no brainer” for taking early Social security payments would be to shelter investments having high returns. You would use your Social Security income rather than cash in your high quality investments. In this recessionary era, this situation would be highly unlikely - unless you have invested in a Ponzi scheme!
I got side-tracked, Back to my decision to retire a little early. The winter season of 1982-3 was particularly rainy. Too, the stress from my commute to San Francisco from Vallejo was bothering me. The travel times to and from, had almost doubled in the 14 years of commuting (1969-1983). Even though I commuted by a charter -Greyhound Bus, it was wearing.
While on the subject of Social Security: - The Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935 by president Franklin Roosevelt. It has been amended through the years. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is amazing to me, that the fund is still solvent - and is predicted to remain so for many more years - even with the earl “Boomers” joining the ranks. The program is a “Social Insurance”, even though some high-wage earners pay more into the system than they receive back. The system is “pseudo-scientific.” It is based on statistical probabilities (actuarials), and these assumptions change over time. It is based on averages, and no one is “average”. “Life Expectancies” are increasing with each generation. Yet, all-in-all, the Benefits are a God-send to great number of people. For some, it is their major source of income. This is outside of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. While SSI is managed by SSA, the SSI funds are not part of the Social Security taxes.
Good luck, one and all, on your decision making!
RCL
October 20, 2009.
Yesterday, I received a letter from Bob, a friend, who works in the Glen Cove -Safeway store in Vallejo. He wrote that he opted for early retirement Social Security payments. He will continue working. Bob is in a good situation, as he is currently working part-time. He can earn up to $12,000 (2005) dollars a year, before a penalty. After this amount, he will be penalized $1 of benefits for every $2 he earns. His current Benefit is 75% of the Benefit he would have received at age 66, However, the amount of his benefit will be the same over time!
He also mentioned Leo, another friend in the same store, who is 65 and still working. Leo is collecting his full Social Security Benefit, and has no earnings restriction penalty. Had Leo waited until he was 70 before filing, he would have earned additional Social Security credits. Beyond the age of 70, there is no additional increase in Benefits.
Bob’s letter got me reflecting back on my Social Security decision in 1983. I retired on February 1 - prior to being 65 in November. I took a 5% hit from full eligibility, for this nine month shortfall. Even though it was a small decision to take “Early Retirement”, it is was still a decision. Deciding whether to retire early, or work until the legislated-fully vested Social Security age, is one of the biggest financial decisions people will face in their lifetime. It is a “crap-shoot”. There are so many variables and unknowns that you have to consider:-for instance, - will you reach, or exceed, your life expectancy? We are living longer than we were projected to live at birth. This increased longevity has come at a cost - in more chronic -health problems. Also, you have to consider the source for your genes. Were your parents and grandparents long-lived? What was their medical history? Another variable:- How much do you travel on the busy California freeways? Your exposure to all of the goofy - weaving - texting-drivers can be dangerous to your health, and reduce your longevity!
I think that the general consensus is that it is more prudent to file early for Social security - even though you will be receiving smaller monthly payments (these will be “fixed”), for a longer period of time. You are betting that you will beat the Governments’ actuarial by living longer than they calculated. A “no brainer” for taking early Social security payments would be to shelter investments having high returns. You would use your Social Security income rather than cash in your high quality investments. In this recessionary era, this situation would be highly unlikely - unless you have invested in a Ponzi scheme!
I got side-tracked, Back to my decision to retire a little early. The winter season of 1982-3 was particularly rainy. Too, the stress from my commute to San Francisco from Vallejo was bothering me. The travel times to and from, had almost doubled in the 14 years of commuting (1969-1983). Even though I commuted by a charter -Greyhound Bus, it was wearing.
While on the subject of Social Security: - The Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935 by president Franklin Roosevelt. It has been amended through the years. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is amazing to me, that the fund is still solvent - and is predicted to remain so for many more years - even with the earl “Boomers” joining the ranks. The program is a “Social Insurance”, even though some high-wage earners pay more into the system than they receive back. The system is “pseudo-scientific.” It is based on statistical probabilities (actuarials), and these assumptions change over time. It is based on averages, and no one is “average”. “Life Expectancies” are increasing with each generation. Yet, all-in-all, the Benefits are a God-send to great number of people. For some, it is their major source of income. This is outside of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. While SSI is managed by SSA, the SSI funds are not part of the Social Security taxes.
Good luck, one and all, on your decision making!
RCL
October 20, 2009.
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