Wednesday Outing - August 13, 2008.
We moved out from the ramp at 10:45. Tony drove over to Laurel Creek to pick up a motorized - scooter passenger. Ten minutes to load her aboard, and then, we are off again at 10:55. There are nine of us aboard - including Kelli - plus Tony, of course.
As we move over the I-80 overpass, I see moderate traffic crawling East and West along I-80. We head West on Hill born - through the Castle Rock area. I notice the fairly new Fairfield-Suisun School District building as we head down the hill, and right on to Waterman Boulevard. We are heading Southbound, and past Mary’s and Greg’s house (our daughter and son-in-law). There is a large fire-darkened area to the right -
Not too far from Rancho Solano. Very poor air quality - probably due to our frequent air inversions.
Tony turns right onto Manka’s Corner Road, and we head down Brown Valley Road past the Wooden Valley winery. Passing some large homes and wineries. Interesting seeing the large bunches of grapes hanging from the vines. It won’t be too long now before they will be picking them. I hope that they don’t have too much trouble finding labor. There is water in the creek running alongside our route.
I was surprised how pretty the drive at the base of Twin Sisters mountain is. I have lived in the area, (Vallejo) since 1962, and yet, have been in this area only once or twice before. Tony cautiously passes a lone bike rider - pedaling slow in our same direction. I particularly noticed him because he had large USA letters printed on the back of his tee shirt. My first thought was - I hope that he didn’t miss the Great Wall (Olympics), and was “lost”.
This is a vast area. I never thought there was so much good land left in California, There are expensive horse stables along the way. There are also grape vines planted everywhere - both young and old. I couldn’t identify the varieties. A low-cement wall running alongside. The farmers must have run out of rocks!
This area is very dry! No water in the creek down below us. Fortunately, there’s not much traffic through here. We pass through the Highways 181 and 128 intersection. I see a unique monumental-rock road toward a “Rock Slide Area.
Tony is not only a safe and good driver, he is also courteous and observes “the rules of the road”. He pulls over to the right side of the road and lets a few cars pass us, as they have slowly bunched up behind our slower-moving mini -bus.
We are now traveling down Highway 128, along Monticello Road toward the northern Napa area. I can see Lake Berryessa off to our left even though the water level is quite low from a couple years of below average storage of water. Monticello Dam is a beautiful engineering marvel - a tribute to our forefathers’ planning and ingenuity. It is hard to realize that such a large area - now submerged - used to be dry land!
Ahead are “deer and rock slide” signs, ending with a 45 mph speed limit sign. I notice that Kelli is munching on crackers in her co=pilot’s seat. I can understand and sympathize - it is not only the magic- lunch hour, but her stomach must be queasy, as is mine.
The vineyards on the surrounding hills are different shades of green. The vines must be of different ages. We are cruising the Putah Creek/ area. I have never seen this scenery before - certainly pleasing to the eye. A strange sight - twin palm trees over on the hill - keeping each other company with no other trees around. It makes me wonder who planted them? And how long ago and WHY?
We are passing through a hoi-poloi area - many horse stables in large boarding facilities. It is now 12:30, and we are down on a flat road once again. Tony turns on to Vaca Valley Road, and we head for Vacaville and lunch at Fenton’s Ice Cream Parlor. We approach Vacaville on Monte Vista as we parallel I-80.
After lunch, we load up and complete our round-trip journey. We leave Vacaville at 3:15. A lot more traffic on the freeway now than there was four hours ago. So, Tony took the frontage road along I-80. A good decision!
We pulled up at Quail Creek at 3:30, after having had another nice Wednesday sightseeing. Tony said that we had covered about 50 miles. RCL-9/29/08.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wednesday Sojourn
Wednesday Sojourn - June 18, 2008.
We push off from Quail Creek at 12:05 pm, headed for the Monticello Winery in the beautiful Napa Valley. Aboard are our esteemed driver, Tony, and his co-pilot, and our Hostess, Kelli. Also, there are six residents belted-in the rear of the coach - plus a motorized wheel chair, walkers and a large - wheeled -picnic ice chest.
We enter I-80 Westbound. I know that it is I-80 because of the bumpy ride - even though Tony has moved over two lanes to the left and selected the No. 2 lane - the smoothest. This freeway has been scheduled for resurfacing for as long as I can remember. Apparently, the Solano Transportation Authority and Cal Trans have agreed on a plan, and the repair work has been scheduled.
I notice a truck sitting in the emergency lane. I assume that he is having a mechanical problem - but again, he may be inspecting his load prior to entering the Truck Scales, in Cordelia, up ahead. The vibrations feel familiar, as I was riding on the same stretch yesterday - to and from Kaiser in Vallejo.
I see two white horses, keeping each other company, grazing in the noon- day sun. Next I notice a herd of black cattle descending down the path on a golden-brown hillside. I couldn’t help but wonder how they choose their leader. And, how does the leader make the decision to move on to more fertile grazing - and where?
Now, we are traveling through Jamison Canyon westbound on Highway 12. This road has a treacherous history of fatal auto accidents. They have started a widening project, with all the earth moving -equipment parked nearby. Surprised to see many new vineyards along the way. We pass the entrance to the Chardonnay golf course on our left. We make a right turn at the traffic signal and are now heading northbound on Highway 29 - between Vallejo and Napa. A Lafitte cork facility on the right. I probably noticed this because the Lafitte family is one of the French Huguenot families that were affiliated with my French ancestors back in 1685.
I notice a roadside sign that sys that employees of Genova Deli in Napa are providing clean-up for this stretch of Highway 29. If their cleanup matches the quality of their deli, it will be most satisfactory. I see many TV antennae dishes down in the flats below the freeway. Next, I notice some new housing along the highway, in the area of the Senior Housing - Atrium, that I had never seen before. This section of highway has deteriorated quite a bit since I last traveled it. The makers of this mini-bus could use both I-80, and highway 29, as proving grounds to test the road ability of their busses. A big improvement at the Trancas and Highway 29 intersection, for through traffic. No more sitting for long periods waiting for the traffic signal to cycle at this intersection.
Tony turns off Highway 29 on to Eastbound Oak Knoll. A short drive over to Big Ranch Road. This area brings back many pleasant memories of when we used to drive to the area and cut down our “living” Christmas trees. Each of our five daughters would pick out their favorite shaped-tree, and stand by it, until the family could vote on which one we should cut down. This was one of my favorite family outings, and I always looked forward to this event.
A pretty drive along Oak Knoll Avenue - healthy looking vineyards on both sides of the road. I can see Atlas Peak in the distance as we turn right on to Big Ranch Road. Very majestic standing there. It monopolizes the panorama as does Mt. Diablo to the south. A short drive and Tony makes a left turn into the Monticello Winery parking lot. We off-load about 12:55 pm.
We settled on a picnic table in a shady-grass covered area, and plunked down on two of the benches. It wasn’t long before a large (overweight) black male lab came lumbering up the walk, to check us out. He must have sensed (or smelled) the ingredients in the ice chest. He patiently laid there until we started eating. Then, he got up looking for his “serving”. When there was no more offerings, he left us, patrolling other parts of the property. While it was a warm afternoon, there was a pleasant little breeze blowing through the olive trees. It reminded me of the trade wind in Hawaii.
Kelli “packed” a very nice lunch - wrap sandwiches, potato salad, delicious fresh strawberries and seedless purple grapes, and brownie cupcakes for dessert.
After lunch, we turned our attention to wine tasting. The tasting fee was $15 per person! While this dates me, I can remember when wine tasting (and occasionally hors doevres) were free! So Kelli suggested that we all chip in and buy a bottle of wine and split the cost, and price, of the wine - which we did. This was a good idea. While we got to taste only a single wine, the $3.50 price was right. Kelli poured the Corley Family Chardonnay into our empty 8 ounce water bottles. After a short toast, we “tasted”. The small bottles had an attractive shape. Tony mentioned that they looked like an inverted wine glass - which they did. He said that we could cut out the bottoms of the bottles and have a wine glass. This was a good idea, but it would have delayed our sipping.
There was a building on the property, modeling President Jefferson’s home in Monticello, Virginia. Marie and I had visited his home, so I walked up to the tasting room in hopes that they had a gift shop with a post card of this replica. They did not, and I was disappointed.
“All aboard” at 3:15, and we are off on our return leg. Lots of truck traffic through Jamison Canyon, but Tony made good time. The travel time - 50 minutes - was the same each way! Very interesting. We arrived back at Quail Creek at 4:05pm. - tired but refreshed.
Ray L’Amoreaux
June 21, 2008.
We push off from Quail Creek at 12:05 pm, headed for the Monticello Winery in the beautiful Napa Valley. Aboard are our esteemed driver, Tony, and his co-pilot, and our Hostess, Kelli. Also, there are six residents belted-in the rear of the coach - plus a motorized wheel chair, walkers and a large - wheeled -picnic ice chest.
We enter I-80 Westbound. I know that it is I-80 because of the bumpy ride - even though Tony has moved over two lanes to the left and selected the No. 2 lane - the smoothest. This freeway has been scheduled for resurfacing for as long as I can remember. Apparently, the Solano Transportation Authority and Cal Trans have agreed on a plan, and the repair work has been scheduled.
I notice a truck sitting in the emergency lane. I assume that he is having a mechanical problem - but again, he may be inspecting his load prior to entering the Truck Scales, in Cordelia, up ahead. The vibrations feel familiar, as I was riding on the same stretch yesterday - to and from Kaiser in Vallejo.
I see two white horses, keeping each other company, grazing in the noon- day sun. Next I notice a herd of black cattle descending down the path on a golden-brown hillside. I couldn’t help but wonder how they choose their leader. And, how does the leader make the decision to move on to more fertile grazing - and where?
Now, we are traveling through Jamison Canyon westbound on Highway 12. This road has a treacherous history of fatal auto accidents. They have started a widening project, with all the earth moving -equipment parked nearby. Surprised to see many new vineyards along the way. We pass the entrance to the Chardonnay golf course on our left. We make a right turn at the traffic signal and are now heading northbound on Highway 29 - between Vallejo and Napa. A Lafitte cork facility on the right. I probably noticed this because the Lafitte family is one of the French Huguenot families that were affiliated with my French ancestors back in 1685.
I notice a roadside sign that sys that employees of Genova Deli in Napa are providing clean-up for this stretch of Highway 29. If their cleanup matches the quality of their deli, it will be most satisfactory. I see many TV antennae dishes down in the flats below the freeway. Next, I notice some new housing along the highway, in the area of the Senior Housing - Atrium, that I had never seen before. This section of highway has deteriorated quite a bit since I last traveled it. The makers of this mini-bus could use both I-80, and highway 29, as proving grounds to test the road ability of their busses. A big improvement at the Trancas and Highway 29 intersection, for through traffic. No more sitting for long periods waiting for the traffic signal to cycle at this intersection.
Tony turns off Highway 29 on to Eastbound Oak Knoll. A short drive over to Big Ranch Road. This area brings back many pleasant memories of when we used to drive to the area and cut down our “living” Christmas trees. Each of our five daughters would pick out their favorite shaped-tree, and stand by it, until the family could vote on which one we should cut down. This was one of my favorite family outings, and I always looked forward to this event.
A pretty drive along Oak Knoll Avenue - healthy looking vineyards on both sides of the road. I can see Atlas Peak in the distance as we turn right on to Big Ranch Road. Very majestic standing there. It monopolizes the panorama as does Mt. Diablo to the south. A short drive and Tony makes a left turn into the Monticello Winery parking lot. We off-load about 12:55 pm.
We settled on a picnic table in a shady-grass covered area, and plunked down on two of the benches. It wasn’t long before a large (overweight) black male lab came lumbering up the walk, to check us out. He must have sensed (or smelled) the ingredients in the ice chest. He patiently laid there until we started eating. Then, he got up looking for his “serving”. When there was no more offerings, he left us, patrolling other parts of the property. While it was a warm afternoon, there was a pleasant little breeze blowing through the olive trees. It reminded me of the trade wind in Hawaii.
Kelli “packed” a very nice lunch - wrap sandwiches, potato salad, delicious fresh strawberries and seedless purple grapes, and brownie cupcakes for dessert.
After lunch, we turned our attention to wine tasting. The tasting fee was $15 per person! While this dates me, I can remember when wine tasting (and occasionally hors doevres) were free! So Kelli suggested that we all chip in and buy a bottle of wine and split the cost, and price, of the wine - which we did. This was a good idea. While we got to taste only a single wine, the $3.50 price was right. Kelli poured the Corley Family Chardonnay into our empty 8 ounce water bottles. After a short toast, we “tasted”. The small bottles had an attractive shape. Tony mentioned that they looked like an inverted wine glass - which they did. He said that we could cut out the bottoms of the bottles and have a wine glass. This was a good idea, but it would have delayed our sipping.
There was a building on the property, modeling President Jefferson’s home in Monticello, Virginia. Marie and I had visited his home, so I walked up to the tasting room in hopes that they had a gift shop with a post card of this replica. They did not, and I was disappointed.
“All aboard” at 3:15, and we are off on our return leg. Lots of truck traffic through Jamison Canyon, but Tony made good time. The travel time - 50 minutes - was the same each way! Very interesting. We arrived back at Quail Creek at 4:05pm. - tired but refreshed.
Ray L’Amoreaux
June 21, 2008.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Scenic Drive
Wednesday Scenic Drive.
It is Wednesday, June 4, 2003. The time is about 1030 Pacific. Tony, hit’s the accelerator of our Quail Creek shuttle bus. Tony is our “Wagon master”, and Kelli is our “Hostess“, and riding “shotgun. Nine residents are off on our “Scenic Tour”.
We head out the gate and proceed to Air Base Parkway. A left turn and proceed down to Walter Road. We turn right and head for Highway 12. Left on 12 and drive by Suisun. This used to be a “killer” highway, similar to Highway 37. Thoughtless drivers would pass on blind curves and hills, causing many accidents most were head-on “fatals”. Widening the strip between Fairfield and Rio Vista was not feasible, so they decided to put a concrete barrier down the center of the road. Today is the first time that I have seen this improvement.
We pass a wind farm. The props are barely rotating as it is a pretty calm morning - but, I guess that any action is a gernerating plus. I can see a lone -large plane, off to our right. It appears to be flying so slow that it seems like it must be in a “stall”. I can only presume that they are training the pilots, by making “touch and go” landings.
The large fields on both sides are “golden”. I would like to think that it is wheat. But, it probably is just wild grass. My right window frames the majestic Mt. Diablo, about 20 miles to the south. Now, we are seeing quite a few cattle having their breakfast/brunch? This afternoon, they will be looking for shade, but I don’t see a tree around Another picturesque scene - a lone donkey standing guard in the center of a herd of sheep. What a picture this would make - but we must speed on. Then, another scene - that would make a good picture - a stand-alone barn in the middle of no place! I can’t help but wonder who owns all this land we are passing? If I were asked to make a guess, I would say the State of California.
Tony hangs a left from #12 on to highway 113, and we head north towards Dixon. I blinked my eyes and didn’t see Elmira. While I have heard of it, I don’t recall having seen it. This section is a bumpy ride! The tire, shocks and front-end alignment people will be happy! I kept thinking, I hope that there is no one aboard having trouble with hemorrhoids. The view on either side is an interesting contrast in color. On the left side, were irrigated-green fields. I assumed that they were tomatoes, because Dixon processes a lot of them. On the right side, the fields were golden - what a distinct contrast. I hope that I was looking at wheat or alfalfa. But, being a gentleman farmer, I wasn’t sure. It was probably un-irrigated grassland. (An aside). After I returned, it bothered me to realize that I couldn’t positively identify the crops in the two areas. So, I called the Dixon City Hall, in hopes that they could help me. The lady, who answered the phone, didn’t have the foggiest idea. So, I called the Dixon Tribune. I asked the lady my same question, and she didn‘t know either! She told me that “I don’t get out there very often!”. So, I left it at that - not realizing that Dixon was so provincial.)
We passed the Dixon May Fair grounds. I remember going there, a few years back, to their May Fair. We moved from Vallejo to Fairfield, recently. For many years, a year doesn’t go by, when the Solano County Fair Board and the City of Vallejo, don’t talk about moving the Solano County Fair up-county. Their justification is that the property is too valuable to be used as a fairgrounds for only two weeks out of the year. The only catch, is that the deed reads that if the acreage is no longer used for the County Fair, the title would pass from Vallejo back to the county of Solano.
I remember the Dixon area for all their sheep. But now, it seems that there are fewer sheep and more cattle. Into Vacaville along a scenic route. I didn’t realize that there were so many upscale places in the Vacaville area - a very enticing setting. I would be concerned about grass fires, but that is the pessimist in me. Back on I-80 heading for downtown Vacaville. Could see the 505 cut-off with the Kaiser and Genetech complexes anchoring the area.
We stopped at the Yen King restaurant in Vacaville - on the other corner from the Nugget restaurant facility. I had a nice orange- chicken lunch. We rode through very nice residential area, and then onto the frontage road paralleling I-80, and home. Nearing the gate, Tony braked as we came around a curve, - to slow down and let a mother quail and her chicks waddle across the street in orderly -single file.- a reminder of what suggested the name of our Quail Creek Assisted -Living facility.
RCL - 6/10/08.
It is Wednesday, June 4, 2003. The time is about 1030 Pacific. Tony, hit’s the accelerator of our Quail Creek shuttle bus. Tony is our “Wagon master”, and Kelli is our “Hostess“, and riding “shotgun. Nine residents are off on our “Scenic Tour”.
We head out the gate and proceed to Air Base Parkway. A left turn and proceed down to Walter Road. We turn right and head for Highway 12. Left on 12 and drive by Suisun. This used to be a “killer” highway, similar to Highway 37. Thoughtless drivers would pass on blind curves and hills, causing many accidents most were head-on “fatals”. Widening the strip between Fairfield and Rio Vista was not feasible, so they decided to put a concrete barrier down the center of the road. Today is the first time that I have seen this improvement.
We pass a wind farm. The props are barely rotating as it is a pretty calm morning - but, I guess that any action is a gernerating plus. I can see a lone -large plane, off to our right. It appears to be flying so slow that it seems like it must be in a “stall”. I can only presume that they are training the pilots, by making “touch and go” landings.
The large fields on both sides are “golden”. I would like to think that it is wheat. But, it probably is just wild grass. My right window frames the majestic Mt. Diablo, about 20 miles to the south. Now, we are seeing quite a few cattle having their breakfast/brunch? This afternoon, they will be looking for shade, but I don’t see a tree around Another picturesque scene - a lone donkey standing guard in the center of a herd of sheep. What a picture this would make - but we must speed on. Then, another scene - that would make a good picture - a stand-alone barn in the middle of no place! I can’t help but wonder who owns all this land we are passing? If I were asked to make a guess, I would say the State of California.
Tony hangs a left from #12 on to highway 113, and we head north towards Dixon. I blinked my eyes and didn’t see Elmira. While I have heard of it, I don’t recall having seen it. This section is a bumpy ride! The tire, shocks and front-end alignment people will be happy! I kept thinking, I hope that there is no one aboard having trouble with hemorrhoids. The view on either side is an interesting contrast in color. On the left side, were irrigated-green fields. I assumed that they were tomatoes, because Dixon processes a lot of them. On the right side, the fields were golden - what a distinct contrast. I hope that I was looking at wheat or alfalfa. But, being a gentleman farmer, I wasn’t sure. It was probably un-irrigated grassland. (An aside). After I returned, it bothered me to realize that I couldn’t positively identify the crops in the two areas. So, I called the Dixon City Hall, in hopes that they could help me. The lady, who answered the phone, didn’t have the foggiest idea. So, I called the Dixon Tribune. I asked the lady my same question, and she didn‘t know either! She told me that “I don’t get out there very often!”. So, I left it at that - not realizing that Dixon was so provincial.)
We passed the Dixon May Fair grounds. I remember going there, a few years back, to their May Fair. We moved from Vallejo to Fairfield, recently. For many years, a year doesn’t go by, when the Solano County Fair Board and the City of Vallejo, don’t talk about moving the Solano County Fair up-county. Their justification is that the property is too valuable to be used as a fairgrounds for only two weeks out of the year. The only catch, is that the deed reads that if the acreage is no longer used for the County Fair, the title would pass from Vallejo back to the county of Solano.
I remember the Dixon area for all their sheep. But now, it seems that there are fewer sheep and more cattle. Into Vacaville along a scenic route. I didn’t realize that there were so many upscale places in the Vacaville area - a very enticing setting. I would be concerned about grass fires, but that is the pessimist in me. Back on I-80 heading for downtown Vacaville. Could see the 505 cut-off with the Kaiser and Genetech complexes anchoring the area.
We stopped at the Yen King restaurant in Vacaville - on the other corner from the Nugget restaurant facility. I had a nice orange- chicken lunch. We rode through very nice residential area, and then onto the frontage road paralleling I-80, and home. Nearing the gate, Tony braked as we came around a curve, - to slow down and let a mother quail and her chicks waddle across the street in orderly -single file.- a reminder of what suggested the name of our Quail Creek Assisted -Living facility.
RCL - 6/10/08.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A SIGH OF RELIEF!
A SIGH OF RELIEF!
I sweated out last week! All my Kaiser- medical support people were on vacation. Dr. Alexander Reynoso, my primary care physician, was gone, as were my cardiologist, Dr. David Williams and Farshid Laghaei, my Heart- Case Manager.
I will have to ask Dr. Reynoso about how he spent his vacation. Farshid told me that Dr. Williams, and he, were going to hike between the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon. While the hiking doesn’t seem like a vacation to me, the two of them are experienced runners and hikers. (This is probably why I have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, with atrial fibrillation.) Farshid called me, after his return, He said their “walk” took them 13 hours - a very respectful time indeed.
It is good to have all of them back. I certainly don’t begrudge their recreating, but it is comforting to have my peace of mind once again.
I sweated out last week! All my Kaiser- medical support people were on vacation. Dr. Alexander Reynoso, my primary care physician, was gone, as were my cardiologist, Dr. David Williams and Farshid Laghaei, my Heart- Case Manager.
I will have to ask Dr. Reynoso about how he spent his vacation. Farshid told me that Dr. Williams, and he, were going to hike between the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon. While the hiking doesn’t seem like a vacation to me, the two of them are experienced runners and hikers. (This is probably why I have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, with atrial fibrillation.) Farshid called me, after his return, He said their “walk” took them 13 hours - a very respectful time indeed.
It is good to have all of them back. I certainly don’t begrudge their recreating, but it is comforting to have my peace of mind once again.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday Activity
WEDNESDAY ACTIVITY - May 28, 2008.
Today’s activity, for the Quail Creek residents, was a trip to San Francisco. Only five of us signed up for the trip. The excuse some had for not going was “I’ve been there before”. Such a response gives you a clue as to why they require “Assisted Living”. I have been there before, too - beaucoup times - too many to count - and yet I never tire of the beautiful city and it’s watery surrounding. I commuted from Vallejo to San Francisco for 13 and a half years via Greyhound bus. Yet, I never tired of the beauty and excitement of The City. I even looked forward to weekend visits. I would have liked to have lived on the Embarcadero, from where I could have walked to work. When I first started commuting in September 1969, the in- bound trip took about 30 minutes. The return-evening commute took about 45 minutes. When I retired on February 1, 1983, those times had doubled.
Tony drove our 20 passenger mini-bus, and Kelli our Activities Director, also escorted us . The bus is very luxurious - built on a Ford 350 chassis. A half hour uneventful ride to the Ferry building in Vallejo. A short wait, after we got our tickets ($12.50 round-trip for our Senior excursion rate, before we boarded.
The Baylink ferry backed out of it’s berth at - 10:05 - five minutes behind schedule. It is a cloudy-breezy day - about 55 degrees. We are cruising slowly on a Southern heading. The boat is restricted to 5 knots, to reduce the wash against the fragile easterly shoreline - containing many expensive homes. We clear the channel at 10:20, and the Captain pours the coal to the two large marine engines, and we hydroplane along at about 30 knots. This boat is one of the original ferries, and is about 20 years old. The newer ferries cruise along at about 35 knots and cut off about 10 minutes from the one way time.
The eastern portion of Mare Island is quiet. It is hard to believe that as many as 60,000 people worked at the Yard at peak employment during WWII. They built one battleship - the USS California. They built many submarines - many of them nuclear powered. One doesn’t realize how large the Island is (4500 acres) until they cruise along side. The former Sperry flour mill appears off to our left. It has been closed for a few years now. The property has been sold. The plans are to convert it into “pricey” housing.
We clear the channel at 10:20, and head out into the Bay for San Francisco. I can see the two Carrquinez bridges off the port side. Lots of kids om the ride. Either school’s out or “field trips”. Nothing like a lot of cell phones, ringing at the same time, as they text message back and forth.
It is a smooth ride as we cruise along - sitting only a few feet above the water line. I can see Mt. Tamalpaias straightt ahead. It is off to the starboard at 10:45. A short time later, we are passing beneath the Richmond-San Rafael bridge. The Larkspur Ferry is passing to our right - returning from the san Francisco Ferry Building. It is 10:55 and we are abreast of Angel Island. This is a resort spot today. On the Island are the remains of the old Immigration facility that was used to process primarily Chinese men, who were entering the U.S. to work on building the Western railroads.
Now, I can see the long- Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge at eleven o’clock, and the beautiful burnt- orange Golden Gate suspension bridge at two oclock. The famous San Francisco skyline is straight ahead. We tie up at the Ferry building - on time - at 11:05. We are there for about 10 minutes to off-load passengers, and to pick up new passengers headed back to Vallejo. Then, a 10 minute ride up to Pier 41, where we got off.
We walked South to the next pier #39. We awalked the length of the pier to the end, and had a nice lunch at Dumpa-Gumpa’s. Afterwards, we cheched out the beaucoup seals - lying, sparring, sleeping and barking! This attraction drew the most visitors. Some of us needed an ice cream
“fix”, so we stopped at Dreyer’s and got a cone. I never dreamed that I would live long enough to see a single dip cone priced at $3.50! Let alone - pay that much for one. During the Depression, I bought many larger scoops for 5 cents. If I felt wealthy and hungry, I would buy a triple-dipper (three different flavors) for 10 cents! While licking my cone fast, (because it was melting), a strange economic reality popped into my head! A gallon of regular gas is $3.50, and an ice cream cone is $3.50, which to choose? It depends on many factors.
By the time we walked back to Pier 41, it was time to line up to board our 3:10 departure - ferry. I rode back in the same front seating area, to get a good view of the opposite side of the Bay on the return trip.
Near the end of our return ride, I can see the Refinery of the California and Hawaiian Sugar Company, nestled below the Eastern span of the Carquinez bridge, off to our right. I spent seven years at the Refinery before transferring to the C and H Corporate office in San Francisco, where I spent another 14 years.
We arrived back at Quail Creek around 5:15 - tired but fulfilled.
Today’s activity, for the Quail Creek residents, was a trip to San Francisco. Only five of us signed up for the trip. The excuse some had for not going was “I’ve been there before”. Such a response gives you a clue as to why they require “Assisted Living”. I have been there before, too - beaucoup times - too many to count - and yet I never tire of the beautiful city and it’s watery surrounding. I commuted from Vallejo to San Francisco for 13 and a half years via Greyhound bus. Yet, I never tired of the beauty and excitement of The City. I even looked forward to weekend visits. I would have liked to have lived on the Embarcadero, from where I could have walked to work. When I first started commuting in September 1969, the in- bound trip took about 30 minutes. The return-evening commute took about 45 minutes. When I retired on February 1, 1983, those times had doubled.
Tony drove our 20 passenger mini-bus, and Kelli our Activities Director, also escorted us . The bus is very luxurious - built on a Ford 350 chassis. A half hour uneventful ride to the Ferry building in Vallejo. A short wait, after we got our tickets ($12.50 round-trip for our Senior excursion rate, before we boarded.
The Baylink ferry backed out of it’s berth at - 10:05 - five minutes behind schedule. It is a cloudy-breezy day - about 55 degrees. We are cruising slowly on a Southern heading. The boat is restricted to 5 knots, to reduce the wash against the fragile easterly shoreline - containing many expensive homes. We clear the channel at 10:20, and the Captain pours the coal to the two large marine engines, and we hydroplane along at about 30 knots. This boat is one of the original ferries, and is about 20 years old. The newer ferries cruise along at about 35 knots and cut off about 10 minutes from the one way time.
The eastern portion of Mare Island is quiet. It is hard to believe that as many as 60,000 people worked at the Yard at peak employment during WWII. They built one battleship - the USS California. They built many submarines - many of them nuclear powered. One doesn’t realize how large the Island is (4500 acres) until they cruise along side. The former Sperry flour mill appears off to our left. It has been closed for a few years now. The property has been sold. The plans are to convert it into “pricey” housing.
We clear the channel at 10:20, and head out into the Bay for San Francisco. I can see the two Carrquinez bridges off the port side. Lots of kids om the ride. Either school’s out or “field trips”. Nothing like a lot of cell phones, ringing at the same time, as they text message back and forth.
It is a smooth ride as we cruise along - sitting only a few feet above the water line. I can see Mt. Tamalpaias straightt ahead. It is off to the starboard at 10:45. A short time later, we are passing beneath the Richmond-San Rafael bridge. The Larkspur Ferry is passing to our right - returning from the san Francisco Ferry Building. It is 10:55 and we are abreast of Angel Island. This is a resort spot today. On the Island are the remains of the old Immigration facility that was used to process primarily Chinese men, who were entering the U.S. to work on building the Western railroads.
Now, I can see the long- Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge at eleven o’clock, and the beautiful burnt- orange Golden Gate suspension bridge at two oclock. The famous San Francisco skyline is straight ahead. We tie up at the Ferry building - on time - at 11:05. We are there for about 10 minutes to off-load passengers, and to pick up new passengers headed back to Vallejo. Then, a 10 minute ride up to Pier 41, where we got off.
We walked South to the next pier #39. We awalked the length of the pier to the end, and had a nice lunch at Dumpa-Gumpa’s. Afterwards, we cheched out the beaucoup seals - lying, sparring, sleeping and barking! This attraction drew the most visitors. Some of us needed an ice cream
“fix”, so we stopped at Dreyer’s and got a cone. I never dreamed that I would live long enough to see a single dip cone priced at $3.50! Let alone - pay that much for one. During the Depression, I bought many larger scoops for 5 cents. If I felt wealthy and hungry, I would buy a triple-dipper (three different flavors) for 10 cents! While licking my cone fast, (because it was melting), a strange economic reality popped into my head! A gallon of regular gas is $3.50, and an ice cream cone is $3.50, which to choose? It depends on many factors.
By the time we walked back to Pier 41, it was time to line up to board our 3:10 departure - ferry. I rode back in the same front seating area, to get a good view of the opposite side of the Bay on the return trip.
Near the end of our return ride, I can see the Refinery of the California and Hawaiian Sugar Company, nestled below the Eastern span of the Carquinez bridge, off to our right. I spent seven years at the Refinery before transferring to the C and H Corporate office in San Francisco, where I spent another 14 years.
We arrived back at Quail Creek around 5:15 - tired but fulfilled.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Mothers' Day.
MOTHERS’ Day
Today is May 11, 2008 - Mothers’ Day. Happy Mothers’ Day, Mom! She died almost 16 years ago, on May 27, i992. She would have been 100 on September 6th. I think of her almost every day, and I still miss her very much. We were so close, it is a wonder that I ever married.
She was of Irish stock. You can say what you want about the Irish, but they are great people. Most have a good sense of humor, And all have that zest for life. The Irish can laugh at themselves and their misfortunes. They are a hardy breed. I try to emulate her. While I have done fairly well - I come up short.
The first thing that I would do after school is to go home and check on her - to make sure that she was home and O.K. Only then, did I feel that it was O.K. to go out and play.
My Mom and Dad were supportive of me even though they never attended to watch me play high school football. They were there for my graduation from bombardier school at Victorville, California on October 31, 1942.My Mother wrote once or twice a week during the seven months that I was overseas. She flew out from Michigan to attend all five of our daughters weddings. She was 90 when she came out for Beth’s and Jack’s wedding on December 4, 1982 (our fourth wedding).
After my brother Bob’s death, she was not able to live alone. Marie suggested that I bring her with me to California, from Michigan, to live. So, I did. She made this transition in 1985 when she was 93 years old. This gave me a chance to re-pay her. I saw her nearly every day - at first at the Camino Alto residence Club - an assisted living facility, and the at the Vallejo Convalescent Hospital until she died on May 27, 1992. I looked on this close companionship as pay back time.
Today is May 11, 2008 - Mothers’ Day. Happy Mothers’ Day, Mom! She died almost 16 years ago, on May 27, i992. She would have been 100 on September 6th. I think of her almost every day, and I still miss her very much. We were so close, it is a wonder that I ever married.
She was of Irish stock. You can say what you want about the Irish, but they are great people. Most have a good sense of humor, And all have that zest for life. The Irish can laugh at themselves and their misfortunes. They are a hardy breed. I try to emulate her. While I have done fairly well - I come up short.
The first thing that I would do after school is to go home and check on her - to make sure that she was home and O.K. Only then, did I feel that it was O.K. to go out and play.
My Mom and Dad were supportive of me even though they never attended to watch me play high school football. They were there for my graduation from bombardier school at Victorville, California on October 31, 1942.My Mother wrote once or twice a week during the seven months that I was overseas. She flew out from Michigan to attend all five of our daughters weddings. She was 90 when she came out for Beth’s and Jack’s wedding on December 4, 1982 (our fourth wedding).
After my brother Bob’s death, she was not able to live alone. Marie suggested that I bring her with me to California, from Michigan, to live. So, I did. She made this transition in 1985 when she was 93 years old. This gave me a chance to re-pay her. I saw her nearly every day - at first at the Camino Alto residence Club - an assisted living facility, and the at the Vallejo Convalescent Hospital until she died on May 27, 1992. I looked on this close companionship as pay back time.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Halleluiah!
Halleluiah!
It is Saturday morning, May 10, 2008. My spirit has been uplifted! It is a beautiful sunny morning in Fairfield, California. Marie and I are sitting at a table for two in the Quail Creek comfortable and cozy dining room. Four residents are playing a game of tennis-doubles outside the window. Glenn Miller and his great orchestra, of the thirties and forties, is playing on the P.A. system - his theme song (Moonlight Serenade); Pennsylvania 6-5000 and In the Mood. On the table, are cloth napkins and table cloth, and fresh flowers. I am waiting to be served my pancake, bacon, egg, orange juice and milk! What a way to go!
A great stress-load has been lifted from my shoulders. I am very thankful and feel great. While I am not relieved of my responsibility for Marie and myself, I can cope with that, with all the assistance the staff provides. I am in a good place spiritually. I have inner calm. No more multi-tasking. I am living in the moment, and enjoying every bit of the experience. I am nearing my ninth decade, and I am comfortable with the sunset of my life. I can still recall most of the good memories on the way to getting here.
After breakfast, I met a lady from the “Big House” across the street. It is an Independent Living facility. She told me that she moved here from Santa Maria. I asked her how she heard of the facility, She said that someone researched retirement facilities for her and concluded that Paradise Valley was the best and nicest facility in the U.S. And, here she is. While this is quite a statement, I have no reason to doubt it.
It is Saturday morning, May 10, 2008. My spirit has been uplifted! It is a beautiful sunny morning in Fairfield, California. Marie and I are sitting at a table for two in the Quail Creek comfortable and cozy dining room. Four residents are playing a game of tennis-doubles outside the window. Glenn Miller and his great orchestra, of the thirties and forties, is playing on the P.A. system - his theme song (Moonlight Serenade); Pennsylvania 6-5000 and In the Mood. On the table, are cloth napkins and table cloth, and fresh flowers. I am waiting to be served my pancake, bacon, egg, orange juice and milk! What a way to go!
A great stress-load has been lifted from my shoulders. I am very thankful and feel great. While I am not relieved of my responsibility for Marie and myself, I can cope with that, with all the assistance the staff provides. I am in a good place spiritually. I have inner calm. No more multi-tasking. I am living in the moment, and enjoying every bit of the experience. I am nearing my ninth decade, and I am comfortable with the sunset of my life. I can still recall most of the good memories on the way to getting here.
After breakfast, I met a lady from the “Big House” across the street. It is an Independent Living facility. She told me that she moved here from Santa Maria. I asked her how she heard of the facility, She said that someone researched retirement facilities for her and concluded that Paradise Valley was the best and nicest facility in the U.S. And, here she is. While this is quite a statement, I have no reason to doubt it.
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