~ Months of the year ~
~ On the Road in 2024 ~
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The New Year of 2024 began without much fanfare. Liz and I wanted to mark our anniversary in some way, so we walked through Leo Ryan Park where we were married 11 years earlier. We stopped in the Marriot lounge for a remembrance, then walked across the court for coffee. In the afternoon we dropped by neighbor Lynn's house for a low-key celebration. I sat, talked, snacked a little and drank a few sips of wine. and so the year began. The next day, I got an email from Kevin Sneed informing me that the next sermon series would be on Colossians. It was short notice, but I was happy to plan for another Deep Dive into that great epistle. On Thursday morning I woke early for a Men's fraternity zoom. I'm ready to get back into it. I need the fellowship in my life. I continued my gym visits and on Saturday went to men's group at BurlPress. After meeting with those guys, I met Allen and Liz at Starbucks. Allen has gone through some surgeries, so my eyes had to adjust to his appearance. After church on Sunday, I headed to Prayer Mountain. Since it was the only overnight of the month, I planned for three nights. On the drive out I listened to the 49ers lose their last game of the regular season to the Rams - 21 to 20. My time in the woods was cold, rainy and dark. I did manage to get my requisite 10,000 steps each day, and the weather made for good sleeping. However, I did overindulge in the eating department. Alas, I began to stray over my 200-pound benchmark. I returned to San Mateo on Wednesday, swam the warm pool and cleaned up at CSM. On Thursday morning, I was up early for Men's Frat - Steve, Dan, and Dave were present. Then I went to my cardiologist in Redwood City, Dr. Felix. It was just a verbal consultation and all went well. I finally uploaded my 33 rolls of old 1973-74 negatives to Shoebox. Liz hasn't been feeling well and on Friday - January 12, she tested positive for Covid. And later in the evening, I tested positive as well! I felt lousy. Saturday was a "pajama day", my first since my broken leg era. I slept a lot and went down stairs just once. Sunday church was livestream and I lounged most of the day. I did manage to lead the Zoom Deep Dive, Colossians chapter 2. I stayed at home a few more days just going for short walks. I was hoping to go to Men's fraternity on Thursday, but I tested positive again on late Wednesday. Liz and I watched 49er's football at Round Table Pizza. Our 49s didn't play well on Saturday afternoon, but we squeaked by the Packers 24-21. Liz asserts that she caught Covid at church by sitting next to a cougher. She was reluctant to attend CPC in person, so we did a livestream once more. I was proved negative on Covid and led Table 1 at Men's Fraternity, walked with Ken Napier at the levee on Friday, and drove to BurlPess on Saturday morning. The days in January passed with rain and shopping. I cheered as the 49ers staged a come-back win the NFL Championship 36-33. I was working hard to overcome writer's block and complete Chapter 20: Mission Mates. The chapter included thoughts of The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. The final week of January was cool and rainy. After two months of laziness, I finally completed Chapter 20 of my novel. It's odd. I know the general flow of the story. Yet, I can never predict the details of the plot until my fingers actually hit the keyboard. After a December and January of limited travel, I prepared to fly a triangle East and my see my kids and grandkids once more. My triangle trip began early on Thursday morning, February first. I fixed coffee, dressed, collected my belongings, and met Jeff in the driveway at 5:45. Liz awoke in time to bid me goodbye. There were five in attendance at MF. The 90 minutes passed quickly, and soon I was off to SFO. After 5 hours of napping, scrabbling, and fast-forwarding through movies, I arrived at PIT. Zachary met me at the Hyatt lot. Zélie was thrilled to see me. Zoshi not so much - until I made friends with her 3 stuffies; little Yoda, little turtle, and busy bear. We went to Zach's place for a bit, ate some chili, and the girls were proud to show me their new bunk-beds. Zélie had enough energy to sing me a song from her new favorite musical - Matildia. I went to my Airbnb - a nearby loft at 706 Rebecca Street. Ruth claimed the neighborhood bad, but it was ok with me. And so, my Thursday ended with an early sleep time. On Friday morning, I walked to Z's in 15 minutes. Ruth worked, so Zach and I drove the kids to an art class at the Frick. The kids made cards, then we took a guided tour of the mansion seeing how folks lived around 1900. For lunch we went to Panera Bread, then to a park where the girls practiced their new scooters. Zélie had mastered the technique, but Zoshi was learning. I had been in conversation with Zachary about a July trip to Japan/Korea. He's all in, so five of us ate Japanese for dinner. The day was full with lots of driving and grand-girl time. My Airbnb loft space, up 2 flights if narrow stairs, provided a place to unwind. Saturday was another go-go day: to ballet lessons and a walk at a park. The temperature in the Pittsburgh area has been in the 30s and 40s. My big event of the day was a drive to Shanksville to see the Flight 93 National Memorial. The girls stayed with Ruth so Zach and I got time to talk - about my book, the Sunflower part about forgiveness, our planned trip to Japan, and our remembrance of 9/11. Was it really 23 years ago? The day grew late and I was dropped off at the loft at 8pm. Sunday was Airbnb check-out. Zach was running late. He picked me up along Pennwood Avenue, as I was pulling my suitcase. We drove to downtown Pittsburgh to attend morning mass at Church of the Epiphany. I found it odd that the church abutted Penguin Stadium. We drove to IKEA for a lunch and shopping combo. I enjoyed looking after my girls as Ruth and Zachary looked after furniture. We had some time before my hotel check-in, so we visited the Andy Warhol Museum. I can recognize pop art even if I can't appreciate it; too many faces and soup cans. The two girls made birthday cards for Lorenzo and Gia. About 3:30 we checked into the Airport Hyatt. In the hotel room, I shot the kids some cash with a "Money Gun". The girls had fun catching the flying bills. I sat at poolside while Zachary, Zélie, and Zoshi splashed in the water. Both girls are more confident swimmers, although assisted by various flotation devices. At 5pm I began my Deep Dive Zoom. Frank was present, with Jimmy, and Yvonne & Patrick. The giggly girls entered the hotel room to change out of suits and they greeted the Zoom class. My triangle was half way done. I relaxed in the spacious room and prepared my heart for part two. I got up early enough to consume a Hyatt breakfast. It was charged to room 401. I made my way down the escalated walkway to get my boarding pass and pass through security. The first leg of my flight brought me to Newark Airport. I reflected this was the start-place to the end-place at the Flight 73 memorial site. My New Jersey time was short and soon I was winging toward Florida. I purchased the super economy fare and ended up sitting in 35E- a middle seat. But the time passed quickly with a nap, a movie, and a game or two. Simon warned me he would be busy during my 4 days in West Palm Beach, and so he was. He picked me up at PBI between business calls. Lorenzo and Gia were in school so this visit to my second son was a slice of life with no agenda more than to observe and engage as opportunities present. Dilia and Simon have this arrangement in which each parent sees the two every day. Thus, I didn't see my grandkids until 7pm. I gave a hug to Lolo and a birthday hug to Gia, who had just turned 13. It was late; I was tired; so, I retired to Lolo's room for the night. Tuesday was early-busy and daytime-restful. I got up with the family at 5:55am. Simon makes his two a healthy breakfast-including a protein shake-then drops off Gia by 6:40 at East Olive for an hour bus ride to her Bak school. We drove Lorenzo to Suncoast high school about 12 miles north. I recorded the school routine for posterity. I loafed in the afternoon; resting, writing, and walking. Simon was really working from home - back-to-back calls, managing projects. I walked to pick up Lolo at 3:30 after his bus drop off. Gia came home later after soccer practice. Tuesday night was Si's evening/Dilia's overnight. I noted interacting with two teenagers is different than with two preschoolers. I just pop into Lolo's and Gia's worlds with a quick hug and a few words. I love them so much and am happy to just watch them as they grow and change. I am filled with gratitude toward God. We did watch some TV together and I helped Lolo with world-history homework- just up my alley- World War Two. Simon impressed me with a 7-mile run. That guy's amazing. I was still fatigued and closed my eyes at nine. Wednesday was a sleep-in because the kids were with Dilia. After a text leak by Zachary, Dilia found out about the Asia trip, but fortunately, she appeared to be all-in. I do hope that will pan out. With Simon immersed in work and the kids at school, I walked my steps to Dairy queen and edited my novel. During a time of no -meetings, our father-son project turned out to be fixing a flat tire on the Mazda. That proved unworkable, so instead we made an appointment for the next morning at the dealer. During a second walk, I videoed Simon jogging past me on his seven-mile run. Dilia dropped off the kids about 6:00. I decided to buy as birthday presents the items that were at the top of the grandkid's wish list: expensive sneakers from an online shop called Stockx.com. Thursday was a bit busier. After dropping off Gia and Lorenzo at school, I went with Simon to the Mazda Dealer to the west near the swamp. It took three hours for the whole process of tire replacement and tune-up. I walked, talked with Si, and my son kept to his busy schedule with any table top being his office. (I do hope he gets that raise he's seeking.) After that it was rest and relaxation. I did some novel revisions, some laundry, and watched some politics on YouTube. The stuff is crazy. Trump will either be in the Whitehouse or in prison, while Biden will be either re-elected or committed to a dementia facility. At six, we drove to meet Dilia, Lolo, and Gia at a place called Yami. It was good to be with the four of them. My ex-daughter-in-law says she does want to go to Japan with us. After the meal, we met at Si's place for a Lolo birthday cake. Zélie and Zoshie dropped in via Facetime. Later in the evening, I watched the Warriors game with my grandson. He loves basketball and especially Steff Curry. Then it was time to conclude my triangle. On Friday morning, I prayed with the three before heading out the door. I read from Acts 2 and encouraged Lorenzo and Gia to be baptized. We shall see. I then sat in the passenger seat as Gia hopped out of the car at East Olive school and Lorenzo exited at Suncoast. Simon dropped me off at PBI at 8:00 to catch my 9:30 flight. I flew to O'Hare with 3 seats to myself, then rushed from the A Concourse to the C Concourse to travel on to San Francisco and to squeeze into a tight middle seat. I finished an editing of chapters 17, 18, 19, and 20. Jeff picked me up at SFO about 4:00 and soon I was home once more. I showered (Liz calls it cootie abatement) and put stuff away. Liz told me about a visit with her mom and cousin, Jesse, and with Liz Quaday at Filoli. I did have enough energy to move some writing from the iPad to the desktop, but soon it was lights out and the triangle adventure was over. ~ end of triangle ~ Saturday was a day of recovery. I walked my 10,000 steps, corresponded with Z&S about our Asia trip, and curated my triangle photos. It's always good to relive the moments. On Sunday, Liz and I live-streamed the CPC service. She's still concerned about cooties. At 2:00 I did my final Zoom Deep Dive- covering the last chapter of Colossians and all ove Philemon. Good Stuff! Then came the Superbowl. Liz watched the game at Lianne's house. I just listened to the big game while updating Part Two of my book. It was a nail-biter for sure, but my Niners lost in overtime. So sad. On Monday I mailed out four parcels: a one-dollar bill to Lorenzo for the Niner's bet, to KP I sent my poop kit, my California primary ballot, and my application for a new passport. I needed that for my upcoming overseas trips. Lizzy and I do seem to be getting along better with little drama between us! Thank you, Lord. I had some lazy time in mid-February, writing my book, walking my steps with Audible, spending too much time engrossed in youtube shorts and podcasts. There was a lot of rain! Liz and I finally got to live church (as opposed to Livestream) on February 16. Zachary sent me videos of his girls practicing their Korean and Simon recorded the reactions of Lorenzo and Gia as they unboxed thier expensive sneakers - birthday gifts. I packed up my Prius Prime on the 21st for my road trip north then stopped off at the post office to send Korean caligraphy to my two sons.
I got up early on Thursday, loaded into my already-packed car, and headed out the door for Men's Fraternity. I did manage to give Liz a hug before take-off. Our new guy at the table - Mike - is a handful, but we manage. I pointed the Prius north and headed out: first on HW 92, then I 880, I 680, I 80, I 505, then finally hitting I 5. Since I acquired my plug-n Prius, I've stopping at Dunnigan for an hour of charge, a rest, and a walk. Then it was north on I5 again. The time passed by listening to an Aubible about A Patriot's History and by reviewing the 22 chapters of my own book with PDF AI voice. I got to Jimmy Walker's house in Grants Pass about 5:30. He was alone, Valerie being away with their son James. We ate out and shared a lot about Charlotte and what's going on with her. We talked to about ten. I hung out with Jim a bit in the morning and headed out about nine. I took my time traveling north and paused at Seven Feathers for a walk and a plug in. I got to Vancouver and Frank about 4pm. We walked around Salmon Pond then ate at Burgerville. We talked about our sisters, other family, CASA, and our upcoming trip to Grand Canyon. I've made it a habit to hang out with Frank when he goes to his 6:30 guy's group. It's mostly four men discussing cultural concerns. I spoke of the distinction between Theological and Anthropological heresy. About 10:00am we headed to Tabby's Adult Care to pick up Jeanne. We three then headed to Longview in my Prius allowing Lelia to drive up later. With four of us in Eileen's house, Lelia and Jim Francis showed up at the same time - about noon. The house was occupied by one fewer dog. Tootsi was gone, but Mitsy was still underfoot. We talked a lot, shared a meal of sandwiches and potato salad, and just listened to Jim Francis do his thing. Of course, he missed the presence of Char, but in some ways that freed him to linger - which he did, until 8:00pm. Frank and Lelia had left much earlier. Jim discussed the two car collisions one involving Shelley and one with him. We watched a fast-forward version of Psycho. Eileen and I talked until sleepy and turned in about 10:00. On Sunday I met Jim Francis at Calvary Chapel in Kelso at 8:45. Shelly met us at the door. Jim has just begun to re-attend church since Char left the house. We fellowshipped at his home on Academy. Shelley seemed to be doing well. I returned to Eileen's about 2:00, rested, walked in the rain, and talked with my sister. She is doing well. Shelley dropped by on Monday morning and Eileen drove her minivan to Vancouver to visit Charlotte in her care facility. Unfortunately, she was not successful at Tabby's with Jeanne and had been looked after at the Salmon Creek Medical Center for several days. She had a room to herself with 24-hour observation. Her mind wanders and sometimes betrays her. I Facetimed Jimmy so he could see his mom. Charlotte didn't say much, but Eileen did ask her "Are you happy?". She responded, "I choose to be happy." which I thought was a very appropriate response. After visiting Char, we went to Franks place. Shelly got the tour since she had never been there before. We then went to Billygan's Roadhouse for lunch. Had a burger and conversation. The day was cold and rainy but I had carried along my 49ers rainsuit, so I completed my 10,000 steps in a downpour. In the evening Eileen and watched the Man Who Invented Christmas about Dickens. Then it was time to retire for the night because of the next morning would come early. I left the house at 5am in order to avoid Portland traffic. I got to a far-side rest stop and took a nap in the back of my Prius. It was a bit cold, but the army blanket helped. I stopped at Seven Feathers again, and soon I was all the way to Red Bluff about 4pm. I spent a comfortable night at Days Inn asleep from 7pm to 7am. I guess I was pooped out. I traveled to Dunnigan to plug in the Prius. I walked, but my regular route was blocked by arial spraying. The last few hours zipped by and soon I arrived at the CSM gym. I swam in the pool and sorted stuff in the lot and was back home by three. Liz and I talked, I unloaded, rested, and soon it was lights out for an early next morning. It was a good trip - good to be a part of a great family. ~ end of roadtrip ~ All that was left of February was the bonus day - February 29th. After leading table 1, I came home, finished putting away my road gear, shopped at Safeway, washed the bug-specked car, and finally finished my taxes: $11k back from IRS and $2k back from state. I think I paid too much for 2023! March roared in like a lion with rain and storms. Liz was worried the electricity might fail. Simon sent me a message that Gia was injured in soccer match and went to urgent care. Nothing was broken and she is feeling better. I also received a video clip from Ruth with two little girls crawling all over their dad while he is engrossed in his gadget. I led the men's group on Saturday at BurlPress teaching from the Sunflower by Simon Weisenthal. It seemed to go well. The first week progressed with a walk with Steve, Men's Fraternity, a walk with Ken at Sawyer Camp Trail, and a lunch with Ryan. I have been writing a lot. I reconfigured my book away from formal chapters and into eight short stories in Part One and fourteen missions in part two. Mission 2002 is a challenge because that is the year I have the fictional Joy dying in a traffic accident - in a parallel to the actual Kim.
In the second week of March, I drove to San Lorenzo to Chan Family Dentistry. Dr. Chan laser-cleaned a few of my gums. It was a kind of surgery. I also received my new passport in the mail. My Prime went to Toyota 101 on Tuesday to program a second car key. (It took seven months for that to arrive). Often times I relaxed before turning off the lights with a snack of granola, a game of scrabble, and a tale of WW2. And on the 13th, I packed up the car for my road trip with Frank. It should be fun!
~ Thursday ~ My adventure began before daylight. With the Prime pre-packed, I headed out to Men's fraternity. Six sat around the round table: Me, Steve, Tom, Dan, Jeff, and Lindsey the mailman. I walked a few laps at Catamaran Park, then to my car which was charging 20 minutes away on Hillsdale Blvd. Then it was south in HW 101, to Gilroy, then East to I-5. I listened to Audible, hymns, Bach, my own book, and a few podcasts. After 170 miles, about 5pm, I pulled into Tehachapi, east of Bakersfield. The campsite at Brite Lake looked closed, but site 1 was open. It was cold at 5000ft. I set up my Walmart 3-man tent and prepared for the evening. I managed to start a fire and prepare Raman noodles. I bundled up with fleece pants and hoody, gloves and stocking cap, zipped into my sleeping bag with army blanket. But still it was cold. I think it got down to 25 degrees. ~ Friday ~ I stayed bundled in my sleeping bag until 8am. I couldn't ignite my fire. Both lighters were dead! The camp water pipe stopped. It was time to depart! I zoomed down HW 58, stopping off at a Loves Travel Stop for coffee. After an hour I stopped off at a tiny town called Yermo. I had noticed sculptures along I-15. This turned out to be Liberty Sculpture Park. It was a product of Chinese dissenters. I photographed a Wuhan Virus head and a Tiananmen square monument. It was odd to see such a park in the middle of nowhere, but where else could it be? I was able to get in lots of walking steps. It began to rain as I neared the Nevada state line. I stopped at Primm to walk and get gas. I pulled into the Railroad Pass hotel about 5pm. I was pooped, so I showered and napped and snacked and soon it was time to pick up Frank. His Southwest flight landed at 9:20. The traffic was difficult. There was a March madness tournament in progress. We caught up on news during the drive to our Henderson hotel. Frank showered and we turned out lights about 11pm. ~ Saturday ~ This was a long 20,000-step kind of day. It did start out with leisure in the hotel room. We ate the 2-egg special in the casino restaurant. Our day-time outing was to the Hoover Dam. It was only 20 miles to the east. We did two walks. The first was across a highway walkway. We took pictures looking down at the dam. Then we backtracked to drive across the dam itself and park on the Arizona side. We walked to the dam, crossing its expanse, looking at Lake Mead to the north and the Colorado river to the south. We also caught a glimpse of big-horn sheep. Zachary face-timed me when I was on the bridge, so I got to show my grand girls the scenery. Our next outing was to the Sphere, but that wasn't until six. To fill some time, we visited the Clark County museum and lunched at a White Castle. I found a charging station near the Sphere, so I plugged in the Prius. We then decided to do a recon of the area. That was a mistake. We checked out the outer Sphere and learned where to park. We then took a "shortcut" back. The return walk was grueling for two septuagenarians. When we got back to the charging car, we both rested in the front seats. We had event parking so we drove a few miles to lot M and stood in line for the Sphere. Entry was at seven, the program called Postcards from Earth started at eight. There were AI robots that answered questions to crowds of people, but I just stood on the sidelines. The projection on the sphere was outstanding-wrap-around sight and sound. The plot was cheesy new-age with earth being abandoned and an Adam-Eve couple terra-forming a distant planet. To remind them of their origin, they receive postcards of earth (stunning images of landscape, mountains, animals, people). But the plot was secondary to the haptic experience of sight, sound, shaking seats, wind in face, and scent. It cost $90, but was worth the experience. Here is Frank's take on the plot. The day was long. We had over 20,000 steps each as we drove the Prius to an overnight stop-over in Seligman, the Deluxe Inn on Route 66. We hit the room about 12:30 with a time change and I crashed for the day. ~ Sunday ~ In the morning, we walked around town gazing at the relics of a bygone (route 66) era. Then we headed east along I-40 to Williams, then north. We were at the Grand Canyon visitor center about noon. Some viewpoints were nearby, so we walked to them and shot lots of photos. A few pictures were of a munching Elk. Of course, the views were stupendous. We caught one sight-seeing bus and connected to a second. Frank and I partook in a rim walk of a few miles - snow afoot and puddles. First there were ominous clouds, then a burst of snow. Simon face-timed at just that moment and marveled that he caught me at such a scenic moment. His news wasn't good. He didn't get his anticipated raise so he opted out of the Japan vacation. I guess I'm going on a cruise with Zachary and family. Our time was great. Just as we were leaving the lot, it started to snow. And it continued. It was sticking to the roadway as we drove along the south rim at 7000 feet altitude. I was worried - no snow tires. But then we drove to lower elevations and the snow left us. We continued to HW 64 then north on 89. We paused in Cliff Dwellers where I ate a Ruben sandwich in honor of Saint Patrick's Day. We got to Jacob Lake Inn before dark. There was lots of snow around, but the roads were clear. This was on the north side of the Grand Canyon. The room was fine for $100- $50 each. I fell asleep early. The days were long and eyes tired.
~ Monday ~ The morning was leisurely. We headed north on HW 89a to Kanab, Utah. I did some laundry and washed the car. The pause was pleasant with McDonald's coffee. We arrived at the Bryce Canyon welcome center about 2pm. Inspiration Point at 8100 feet was cold with ground snow. Very gingerly I carefully baby-stepped up a snow path to the view point. I did not want to fall. It may have been a few hundred yards up and back. The viewing was great, but I didn't count it a success until I returned bodily intact. I told Frank, "No more snow walking for me." But the hoodoos were amazing and the air crisp. Our night stay was at Bryce Canyon Pines Inn. Again, cold and lots of ground snow. We ate dinner at a restaurant next door. It was good, as was the day at Bryce Canyon. ~ Tuesday ~ On HW 12 leaving Bryce Canyon Pines Inn, we stopped at the Red Canyon Tunnels that spanned the highway. Frank drove my car through a hole, then we found a footpath that led to the base of several hoodoos. More steps and more pictures followed. Going down HW 89, we turned west at HW 9, and soon we were entering Zion National Park. I couldn't believe how packed the place was! Spring break? The line for the shuttlebus was endless. I drove around the lot but couldn't find a place to park. I finally parked my plug-in at a charging station - lucky for me. But the day seemed late and the park crowded. Frank and I decided to return next day, but early. However, we did walk a trail called The Watchman. Of course we didn't make it to the top, but the views were other-worldly. Frank soaked his feet in a stream and took a photo of my smart watch when it celebrated 10,000 steps. (He thinks I'm obsessive about my steps.) We drove about 30 miles to Saint George for the night, eating at Taco Bell. We figured how to divide our costs. There were five hotels at about $110 per night plus two tickets for the Sphere at $100. We alternated meal paying and car gas. So, it cost us about $500 each. ~ Wednesday ~ We got up about 6am and got to the National Park about 7:30. This was day two at Zion. There was still a crowd, but no line for the shuttle. We left the Visitor Center then shuttled to the Grotto, Zion Lodge, and Court of the Patriarchs. Lots of great photo opportunities. Sometimes I wish I were younger so my legs could carry me more than a mile up those steep mountain sides. "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." We stopped at the History Museum then back to the Visitor Center. We left the park about noon. Frank was due at the airport at 4pm. On the drive to Las Vegas, we were listening to Part Two of my book as read by the PDF female voice. Frank made some good suggestions as in the passenger seat I took notes. The time passed quickly and soon we were in the city. We stopped at a park to bide our time for Frank's flight. While looking at ducks in a pond, we spoke by phone with Eileen then Jeanne. It's good to have family. Frank gathered his bags and I left him at 4:10. Then I was off for the long return trip to San Mateo. I drove nearly non-stop to Afton Camp Ground in the Mohave Desert. The last five miles were down a gravel-dirt road. I pulled in about sunset. It was warm - about 75 degrees - and remote. I built a fire and set up the pup tent, more efficiently this time since I had practice six days earlier. It was a tranquil setting -- at least until I returned Frank's frantic phone call. My brother had lost his wallet! I searched the car but couldn't find it. He did manage to get through security and get home, but what a hassle. I felt bad for him, thinking the item was lost at the duck pond. But night time passed like real camping! The wind blew the rain cover loose, so I removed it and gazed at the bright moon and shining stars. ~ Thursday ~ When I got going in the morning - in the daylight - I found Frank's wallet stuck beside the passenger seat! I phoned him. He was relieved. After boiling coffee for breakfast and a nice walk in the desert, I continued my trip home. I stopped in Barstow to mail the wallet to Frank -- 3 days at $30. I continued my long drive through Bakersfield to Middleton Lake near Fresno. I was disappointed. All the campsites were closed! (But the website said "year-round" open). Not knowing what to do, I located an Indian Casino 30 minutes north - - at Coarse Gold. Actually, it didn't turn out half bad. There was a gorgeous sunset. I boiled some Pad Thai noodles and used the tailgate tent. I was comfortable in the 55-degree weather and my eye mask. ~ Friday ~ In the morning, I walked some trails and got coffee at the trading center. I was feeling pretty good. It was about 3 1/2 hours home. I listened to Part Two of my book again, making mental notes of changes. I stopped at Los Banos at a charging station which recorded 1 hour of plug-in time. I was busy, sorting and repacking all my clothes and camping gear. Back in the car, then to San Mateo. Liz was at Filoli. That was good because it provided time for me to scurry around without her hovering over me. I went to pool for a wash-up and swim and when I returned home, there was my wife. We talked and played puzzles. I ate soup for dinner, then exhausted, it was off with the lights. The Brothers Adventure was over! ~ end of Road trip ~ Saturday was back to routine. In steady rain, I drove to BurlPress for the Men's Meeting. The sun did burst out and for a moment a rainbow arched over El Camino Bvld. This day-March 23, 2024- carried a touch of sadness. This day would have been the fiftieth wedding anniversary for Kim and me. The days seemed to rush to Easter on the last day of the month. With Liz I walked through Filoli on March 25. It was so pleasant I decided to become a member and so signed up at $94 for the year. I bought my ZipAir ticket for round-trip to Japan, got my 10,000-mile checkup at Toyota 101, and continued to monitor politics via YouTube after dark. (Will DJT really get re-elected in November?) I spent Friday afternoon at Half Moon Bay, walking down the beach avoiding the blue blobs of jellyfish. There was an unusual thunderstorm on Holy Saturday and on Sunday Liz and I attended BurlPres for a traditional Easter service. I spoke a few words to Liz's mom. The month was all lion and drew to a close as it began with wind and rain. On the day after Easter, I got Sunday photos of Zélie and Zoshie hunting outside for eggs. As a new member, I visited Filoli on Thursday, and on Friday I walked with Ken Napier at the levee. Saturday was a long day, starting with Men's group at BurlPres, then a walk and swim. I was preparing for the eclipse trip to Pittsburgh/Cleveland. It was part family visit and part event visit. Jeff picked me up at 10pm and I was off to SFO for an adventure.
~ Sunday ~ I wasn't able to sleep in seat 29d so the night was long. With the five-hour flight and three-hour time shift, I got to the PITT airport at 8am. Zachary soon met me at the Hyatt Hotel parking lot. We drove to his Catholic Church where I sat with Zachary, Ruth, Zélie, and Zoshie for a post-Easter mass. This church is really packed with young people and kids. It wasn't surprising to see the big fellowship after the service. I called it "Churchie Cheese", with all the kid's activity: games, ice cream, cooking making, and just running around. My grandgirls had a blast. I was really tired, so I napped in the basement suite for a few hours. Ruth had the girls at a party, so after my rest Zach and I went to Home Depot. He wanted to buy things to strip and re-furbish his back wooden deck. I interacted with the girls when they returned, but grew tired. I got to sleep early about 8:00. ~ Monday ~ Monday, April 8, 2024, was the big day of eclipse. It had been on my radar for about 3 years. I got an early morning walk, then returned to the house. I learned that Ruth wasn't going to join us (too much academia), but Mary -her mother- did accompany us. She sat in the back seat between Zélie and Zoshie. We left the house about 8:30 and drove straight through to Cleveland. We parked near the Great Lakes Science Center for the Total Eclipse Fest 2024. The totality was at 3:01pm. We were blessed. We were expecting cloudy skies or even rain, but the slight high clouds allowed for a bright sun and sharp shadows. We picked up some ketch like the eclipse glasses, backpack and even cookies. We walked through the NASA pavilion and ate a good burger lunch. We then found a grassy spot to lay claim to our viewing post. Zachary brought his fancy camera (but to no success). I walked with the girls to a soap bubble location where they were fully occupied. I was able to see the moon slowly eat up the sun - beginning at 2:00 nibbling at the south east corner. There was spontaneous applause an hour later when only the sun's corona shown in the sky like a jeweled ring. It grew noticeably cooler and darker. The street lights popped on. I thought it was awesome. Then slowly the darkness passed. We were nearly returned to the parking garage when the sun was again at full strength. For me it was literally a one-in-a-lifetime event. Ater an hour of driving we paused at a Wendy's where I consumed a dream-cycle shake. We drove on to Canton getting to the Hyatt around 5pm. Zachary took the girls to the pool for a few hours of splashing. After a brief nap, I relieved his lifeguard duty, and looked after the little swimmers. It was certainly a good and full day. I walked a few laps around the hotel premesis to get in my 10,000. ~ Tuesday ~ Zélie wanted a morning swim, so Zach as a good father sat in the poolside lounge chair. We enjoyed a hotel breakfast, then headed out. We stopped on the Ohio River at East Liverpool for lunch at a DQ. We then drove a backroad route to get Mary back home. That proved longer than anticipated and Zach was running late for his 2pm Eye Appointment. Does my son have glaucoma? I took the girls to the Monroeville Library where they were soon engrossed in coloring paper. Zachary and I got to talk about a lot of stuff. We nailed down our plans for the Princess Cruise of Japan in August. I put the $3800 on my charge card. We only had a short stop-over at the house because I was running late for my return flight. The traffic was bad getting into PITT, but we talked and as things turned out the United flight to SFO was running late. I sat in the same 29d passenger seat, rested, watched the cross-country map zoom the 4.5 hours back to California. Good old Jeff met me just as planned and I walked in the house at 11pm. Liz was asleep, so I was quiet. I didn't have any trouble falling asleep. ~ end of eclipse trip ~ Wednesday was a recovery day of puzzles with Liz, curating photos, walking and swimming. Thursday was back to Men's Fraternity. I recieved an eclipse compilation from Zachary. The week was hemmed between a domestic and international flight. It was an 8-day lull between two storms of activity. I hiked with Liz at Edgewood, our chance to view the Tidy Tips and showed the eclipse video clip at BurlPress. Much of my time was spent listening to an Audible called Byzantium, reading the comics, and walking at CSM. I got a video of Gia running hurdles and ZZZ posing with flowers. I finally worked my way through Mission 2003: Souls Gone Astray of my manuscript. Liz was anxious but I was excited to go on British Airlines to begin our circumnavigation cruise of Great Britian called Dreams of Britian.
~ April 19 to May 3, 2014 ~ April 19 - leaving the USA Friday was a propitious day so I slept in. I made a point not to drive my Prime. I did walk a ways through Lauralwood Park, knowing the second half of my day would be confined to an airplane. I rechecked my suitcase, took a long bath, slurped a lunch of chicken soup, and waited for Jeff. He came by at 1:45 and drove Liz and me to SFO. We checked our bags at the international terminal and went our separate ways; Liz to the premier lounge and me to the United lounge. After a bowl of chili, I walked the long terminals, compiling my 10000 steps just at boarding. Liz took her private 1st class pod ($7000) as I sat in row 38 around the corner from the loo ($900). We lifted off at 4pm, advancing 9 hours, it became Saturday. April 20 in London, England Two days merged into one. I watched a few movies and slept in snatches. I only brought along my head-band earphones and was not able to hear iPad audio. I tracked the progress of the flight on-screen from the US, across Canada/Hudson Bay, Greenland, Iceland/Atlantic, then to London. We touched down just after 10am, GMT. Of course, Liz and I were jet lagged. Passport controls were efficient and soon we were waiting in the cold for a Hoopa coach. It seemed long until we boarded for a short hop to the local Renaissance Hotel. We got an early check-in and were soon de-compressing from our travel. I bathed, snacked, and was soon in dreamland-at 4pm. April 21 in Southampton, England Sunday night was fretful with periods of deep sleep and wide awake. I dressed at 6:00 and went outside for a walk and a cup of coffee. There wasn't much to see so near the airport. I began listening to an Audible-Chimneys by Agatha Christie. We did rest further in the room, taxied back to LHR, and bought tickets for the coach ride to Southhampton. We stopped a few times along the way before our exit at terminus. The driver said the walk wasn't far to the Holiday Inn, so Liz and I pulled our luggage down several cobblestone streets to our inn near the shoreline. Southampton was an interesting city; launch point of both the pilgrims of America and the soldiers of D-Day. I strolled the medieval crumbling walls and walked through Mayflower Park. There was lots for me to see. I ate at Burger King for lunch and rested in the room. Liz laughed at a seagull perched on our windowsill. We walked some in the 40-degree sprinkles and shared a lasagna for dinner. Waves of fatigue overtook me and I was happy to turn out the lights at nine. April 22 - departure of cruise I strolled the streets again on Monday morning and drank a few cups of coffee. For breakfast, I snacked on treats left over from California. It wasn't a long distance but with luggage we took a taxi to where the Oceania cruise liner- Siena- was docked. We processed on board, leaving our bags to the porters. We turned in our passports and got our ID cards for room 6075. This cruise cost me $6951 (with excursions). Would it be worth it? It was odd but familiar to be back on a cruise liner. Our last voyage was pre-Covid, September 2019. I snatched some horizontal time on a poolside deck chair. I was puffy coat clad, waiting for our room to become available. I covered my legs and Lizzie's legs with a blanket. The cruise would be cold! We moved into our suite about 3 and at 6 the ship weighed anchor. Our room had a balcony, tight quarters, but clean and neat. We each showered in the tiny space and rested. I watched the emergency video then it was time for our formal dinner at Red Ginger. We sat with a couple from Florida-Bob and Linda. As usual, I ate beef while Liz enjoyed fish. Still feeling the effects of jet-lag, I was content to turn out the lights at 9:00. April 23 at sea Tuesday was a full day at sea, up the east coast of England to Scotland. The three meals are always a highlight of a cruise with excellent food and waiters falling over themselves to serve. The challenge is always not to over-eat. Liz and I kept to our routine of puzzles and tried to achieve that happy balance of together time and time apart. It can be a challenge. The weather was blustery - too cold for the on-deck spa or balcony. We sat to hear the string quartet and I did listen to my Audible and review/edit a chapter of my book. I got word from Simon that a school shooting occurred at Lolo's Suncoast school and a photo from Zachary showing his kids in childhood. (I doctored the photo.) April 24 at Edinburgh, Scotland The Siena pulled into Rosyth, the port of Edinburgh, at 9am on Wednesday. I had a few hours in the morning for an omelet and walk on the deck (13 laps = 1 mile). Then I listened and loafed. After a cheeseburger lunch, Liz and I boarded an excursion coach for CITY OF EDINBURGH & CASTLE. It turned out to be mostly coach-sitting a-gaze as the guide pointed to buildings and landmarks. We participated in a one-hour self-tour of Edinburgh castle. Liz went into the restroom and I lost track of her, so we meandered alone. I stood in line for the Scottish Crown Jewels and took pictures of the ancient ramparts and walls. I do like the history. Of course Liz scolded me for losing track of her. Alas, just another mis-hap. During the coach-ride back, there was more pausing and pointing out. I reminisced of my first visit to the Scottish capital, 57 years earlier during the summer of Sergeant Pepper (August 10, 1967). We got back to the ship just before it pulled away at 6pm. Then dinner, walking, laundry. To keep peace with Liz, I've kept to her sleeping regimen-8:30pm to 6am-too much sleep for me, but it keeps her happy. April 25 on the Orkneys, Scotland Thursday was a two-for-one day. After breakfast and walk, I visited the lounge to exchange my excursion ticket for a coach number. I signed off the ship just as it tied up at 10am, but I then boarded the wrong coach-a shuttle rather than tour coach. I didn't realize that fact until I got off in downtown Kirkwall. I didn't mind the misadventure really. I got to see Saint Magnus church and a pleasant tidy town. I bought a sipper thermos to hold my morning coffee. After an hour, I shuttled back to the ship. I was able to plead for mercy and get a ticket for the same excursion at 3pm. This was called: SOUTH ISLAND PANORAMIC. The tour guide was from London, a former violin player. I enjoyed the coach ride and the stops on this Orkney Island. We bussed around the Scapa Flow, an area once used to corral battle ships. I took photos at the Italian chapel, build by POWs in the 40s. The Italians were in this remote area to construct Churchill causeways to keep out German ships: interesting history and landscape. I got back on board just as the ship was pulling away at 7pm. After dinner and a string quartet, it was time for bed. April 26 on the Hebrides, Scotland During the night, the Siena steamed from the Orkney Islands over the top of Scotland to the Outer Hebrides. I was on the circular track when we touched land at 7am at Stornaway. After breakfast on Friday, I boarded an excursion coach and headed into the wilds. (Liz was not on an excursion, just the shuttle coach to town.) As we drove through the desolate landscape, I intoned to myself Fingal's Cave Overture-a score written by Mendelssohn but imbedded in my head by Loony Toons. Our panoramic coach ride was called BREATHTAKING HARRIS. We stopped at rugged locations to take pictures along they unspoiled Outer Hebrides landscape. The terrain appeared lunar, like Death Valley, but with patches of green. We passed through scenic villages, along sea cliffs, beaches, and heather uplands. It began to drizzle when we hopped off the coach at Horgabost Beach on the waters of Luskentyre Bay. On the return trip, the vehicle's heating system malfunctioned and I stripped down to my t-shirt. When I returned at 2pm, I was happy to step into the cool air. The remainder of Friday was restful as I enjoyed the amenities of the ship. April 27 in Glasgow, Scotland Saturday morning was bright and even a bit warm. I was able to avail use of the hot tub on the top deck. Our excursion didn't begin until 2pm and was called GLASGOW HIGHLIGHTS & KELVINGROVE. Our exit point was 30 minutes from Glasgow in a town called Greenock. We traveled by coach along the River Clyde, stopping off at George Square and Glasgow Cathedral. I do enjoy traipsing through ancient churches and snapping pictures. I try to move my being from the here and now to the then and there. What could it have been like when these foundation stones were first laid? Our excursion stayed 90 minutes at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. There was lots to see and stroll and wander. Again lots of pictures. Liz liked the impressionist art, me the old artifacts. There was more lecture and pointing out as the coach returned to the pier. My evening meals usually consist of a slice of beef surrounded by potatoes and vegetables. I choose a petite dessert not knowing exactly what it is. It was lights-out at 8:30 and I felt the ship shudder out of port about 10pm. April 28 in Belfast, Northern Ireland Sunday morning began about 6:30 with a walk to the cafe to fill my sipper cup with cappuchino. After a few laps around the track with Belfast in the background, I refilled for a second cup. Then to room 6075 for my daily reading in Greek. It was the 6 verses of the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11. I noted I had been eating more than my portion of 'daily bread'. At nine Liz and I began our excursion: A LEISURELY DRIVE THROUGH BEAUTIFUL BELFAST. This was a panoramic coach ride with a few stops along the way. The Titanic is a big deal in Belfast - its construction site - and its presence was all over the city. We saw a park commemorating C.S. Lewis and political murals harking to the time of the troubles. I told my joke to the guide: "Why did God allow whiskey to be distilled? - so the Irish wouldn’t take over the world". We walked the grounds of City Hall and the Northern Ireland parliament. We stopped off at a castle/estate taking pictures of flowers and cat representations. It was a good tour, though a bit drippy. After our return, we listened to a lounge speaker tell of our last 3 ports of call. Then it was off to Red Ginger; bass fish for Liz and Thai beef for me, and that brought us to the end of day seven of our cruise. The time is rushing past. April 29 in Dublin, Ireland The pace of a cruise day pivots on the timing of the excursion. On Monday we docked at 8am. The morning was un rushed- breakfast, pacing the deck, reading, writing, then lunch. Altogether too much eating. Liz and I enjoyed a tour of Ireland's capital city called A WALK THROUGH DUBLIN'S FAIR CITY. We boarded the coach about 1:30. The ride to the downtown was longer than expected. The deep sea had receded from the medieval city. We walked the streets, looking at buildings, homes, markets, and parks. There were a lot of steps and I welcomed the chance to sit on a bench inside Trinity College. I had hoped to view the Book of Kells, but that would have taken prior planning. We ended our tour at Kennedy Pub where I consumed a local beverage and posed near a sculpture of Oscar Wilde. I learned a trove of trivia: whisky in Ireland is spelled with an e like Whiskey while in Scotland it is not. We had just a short time for our 6:30 dinner at Tuscan Steak. The fillet minion was small but tasty. And so another day passed shipboard. April 30 in Holyhead, Wales Early on Tuesday I watched from the track surface as the Siena pulled into Holyhead, Wales. It was the most blustery day yet-not so cold but gale force winds. My excursion to CONWY CASTLE was supposed to exit at 8:30, but I sat in the fifth deck lounge until 9:30. There was difficulty on docking the ship because of the waves. Our coach excursion was shortened by an hour, so we only had time to visit CONWY castle-40 minutes there, 40 minutes back, and 90 minutes at the medieval castle. Our tour lady was pleasant, speaking to the driver in weird Welsh, the passengers in English. The Conway Castle was historically intriguing. I listened to the lady holding high the #2 lollypop part of the time and wandered on my own up the ramparts and along the walls. The old stones spoke to me. The arrow-slit windows and collapsed fireplaces stretched my mind to 1250 a.d. when Edward 1 constructed the stronghold. Wales was an enjoyable stop.
May 2024
The ship returned to the south of Ireland docking at a place called Cobh, but pronounced cove. (Note: Our orginal port of call was Waterford, Ireland.) After a leisurely Wednesday morning, Liz and I de-boarded for an excursion called PANORAMIC CORK & BLARNEY CASTLE. These words translate to mean "a long coach ride and site visit." During the 40 minutes through Cobh, Cork, and Blarney, the guide pointed out sights outside the windows. We arrived at Blarney Castle about 11:00am with 90 minutes to wander. Liz and I planned 3 steps: together for the Blarney Stone, on our own for the gardens, back together for the cafe and to redeem the coupon for the Irish Coffee. Liz said it was 113 steps to the roof to see the famous stone. We stood in line some, walked up stairs some, and finally pulled our way up a winding stone staircase utilizing hand-holds of rope. Liz said the tight space was claustrophobic. Finally on the roof, we passed the relic. One has to lie on one's back upon the hard surface to actually kiss the Blarney Stone, so I just blow a kiss in the stone's direction. The grounds were great for walking with moments of rain and of sunshine. I met Liz at the cafe and struggled down the coffee-whisky concoction. Then it was back to the ship. The 4 hours ashore were a time well spent and I was back on the Siena by 2:00. Like most onboard time, I then ate, walked, read, loafed, and wiled away time. May 2 in Plymouth, England Thursday was our last port of call. I always plan to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but can’t pass up the bacon and eggs. The track was windy and drizzly as I got a few thousand morning steps. Liz and I sat in the lounge waiting for our excursion: HISTORIC MARITIME PLYMOUTH WALKING TOUR. This was our first ship exit via a tender-ship to shore boat. It was wobbly getting on and off. Our walk was interesting. We were greeted by trumpets and drums as we walked to shore. The guide led us along a shore path viewing various markings, memorials, statues and plaques. Plymouth proved to be the launch point of the pilgrims, as well as Sir Francis Drake. We got a feel for the city after 5000 steps. Liz was disappointed the Elizabethan gardens were closed. Much of the city was rebuilt because of WWII bombing. I paused at a viewpoint where the Beatles once rested-yes, there was a marker. We tendered back in time for lunch. After, 1/2 hour in the hot tub, I packed the suitcase for the morning pickup. We listened to the string quartet for a last time then went to the lobby for a photo. My final dinner was spaghetti and meatballs. We left our suitcases outside the door just before we turned off the lights at 8:30. May 3 - the 32-hour-long day Both Liz and I had enjoyed both the excursions, as well as the time spent on the ship, but on Friday our time was complete! I got up early enough to hear the Siena dock at Southampton. It was 6am and we had just a few hours before our 11-day cruise came to an end. Liz and I walked circuits on the blue track, orbiting in contrary directions. I mentioned to her, "this is a metaphor of our life. We often travel in opposite directions, make regular encounters, and always keep an eye on each other." We left the ship about ten, picked up our yellow2-tagged bags and headed on a coach-ride to Heathrow. We endured a 4-hour wait at humongous airport, but I had a lounge pass with a meal so the time passed. Our departure was late and we were on our way about 5:20pm. Of course, it was a long ten hours and forty miutes. I sat in 34g but Liz in her first-class sleeping pod. I listened to a WWII audible, fast-forwarded through several movies, and stretched from time to time. We were served a meal, a snack, and something between the two. With the 8-hour time advance we landed at SFO at 8:00. U.S. customs was slow and we didn't drive off with Jeff until after nine. I was sleep-deprived, jet-lagged, and body-sore. I flopped into bed and thus concluded another cruise with my lovely and faithful Lizzie. Maybe I did dream of the British Isles.
~ end of cruise ~ Overcoming jet lag proved to be challenge. I wanted to go to BurlPres mens group on Saturday, but was zonked out. In addition, we experienced a major rainfall-odd for this time of year. Liz and I did manage church on Sunday morning, but that was fatiguing. I walked with Steve on Monday and got a much-needed haircut. On Thursday morning I took the podium and taught at Men's Fraternity about Temptations in the Homestretch of Life. I got some positive feedback. I've been parking my plug-in Prius at the Safeway lot so on Thursday mornings I get a jump on the day with 5000 steps. I did manage to make the Men's group on May 11. Sunday, May 12, was Mother's Day and Liz & I shared lunch with her mom at Sterling Court. It's hard to believe the woman is 93. On Monday I went to Prayer Mountain for two nights. The days were misty which kept the temperature down. I lounged, walked, watched a few down-loaded movies. Liz agrees. It's a vacation for me as a stay-cation for her.
I attended the final Men's Faternity of the year on Thursday morning, taking a group picture of 53 men and on Saturday made it to BurlPres. I like Tyce and the interaction. In anticipation of my trip to the Northwest, I was striving to complete the Mission 2024 chapter of the book. I'm pretty happy with it. I walked with Steve on Monday and coffee-ed with Charlie Gregory on Tuesday. I zoomed on Tuesday night to close out Men's Fraternity. I think I was appreciated.
I pointed my Prius Prime north on Thursday morning and headed out. There is always a double-check to make sure I have everything and I usually take along too much. My electric charge was 30 miles and my gas 340 miles. I drove straight to Dunnigan to escape the Bay Area traffic. There's a charge station there and a nice 4000-step walk along a farm road. I then drove to Weed for gas, then across the state line to visit my nephew, Jimmy. I was listening to Agatha Christie mysteries along the way. I drove to his house at 1883 Mistybrook Drive in Grant's Pass. About 6 we ate at Taprock Northwest Grill then walked down to Riverside Park to check on the Boatnik festival. We talked at his house until past ten. I left about 9am when Jim drove away tugging his audio equipment in a trailer. I proceeded to Canyonville for a walk around the casino - the plug-in didn't work. Then up to Eugene for a rest stop rest, then up to the Apple Store at Bridgeport Village near Tigard. My plan was to buy a new iPad and not pay the California Tax. I was there from about 4 to 5, charged $1600 but got a $400 trade-in. My new toy is lighter and thinner, but about the same foot print. I was surprised at the light traffic from Apple Store to Frank's place. There was still lots of sunlight so we went for a walk and then had dinner at Burgerville. So went my Friday. On Saturday, Frank and Lelia, and I went to Washington Park in Portland to visit the Rose Garden. I missed Liz. She would have loved it. Then we went next door to the Japanese Garden. It was huge. I can believe it's the best in the USA. I told Frank it was in preparation for my upcoming Japan cruise. Both of the gardens provided a pleasant way to pass the afternoon. After a rest in Vancouver, I headed north for an evening with Eileen. We talked and joked and enjoyed ourselves until ten. That's when her newly-acquired photo-display goes dark for the day. Our Sunday focus was on a visit to Charlotte in Lacey. Eileen was disappointed because we missed morning church. Instead, we shared our morning devotions; me the 6 verses of Luke 14 - Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and Eileen - from her Daily Bread. Eileen drove her van to the Francis house at 11 with me on board. We met up with Frank, Lelia, and Jeanne. Frank and I drove in Jim's new-ish car and the two women with Eileen. Lacey was about an hour's drive north. The Cottages of Lacey was Charlotte's new home and we six visited with her for a few hours. I never know when our 5-sibling get-together might be our last. The visit was worthwhile. Jim did a lot of talking, trying to entertain his wife. She seemed to be pretty deep into Alzheimer's. Jeanne and Eileen sang old songs, many from Ohio. After the visit, we shared a late lunch at Panda Express. From there, we all drove back to the Francis house. I stayed another night with Eileen. It is always good to sit and talk with my sister. She liked my ear-bud head-band and might order her own. We turned out the lights at ten. That was Sunday. Monday was Memorial Day. Eileen's flag was out front. I walked the neighborhood, to Ocean Beach Highway and down the side streets. I left for the Francis house at 10:00 stopping for gas and groceries. Eileen showed up a short time later, then Frank, Lelia, and Jeanne. We talked in the living room enjoying each other's company. Jim called luncheon Missionary Stew, slow-cooked roast beef. Jim gave us a walking tour of the property. After our get-together, I drove Jeanne to Tabby's Adult Care in Vancouver. She has physical issues, but her mind seemed pretty clear. I returned to Frank's house and talked until nine. I planned to leave early, so turned out the lights when glimmers of daylight still shone through the windows. After a morning coffee, I headed south on my return trip about 6:30. Traffic was not so bad and I made it to the Albany rest stop in 90 minutes. I rested and walked, then continued. On to Seven Feathers for gas, then Yreka for a break. My overnight was at Sims Flat campground. it was $7.50 with my senior discount. My dinner was a can of chili with pasta. Yum! I walked along the Sacramento River. The hatchback tent proved adequate as I stretched out in the back of the car. The glass roof allowed me to sleep under the stars and by 10pm the sky was filled with pinpoints of light. I packed up on Wednesday morning, boiled coffee, walked the trails, and departed about nine. I stopped for gas in a small I-5 town called Maxwell, a place which had seen better times. I walked the street of boarded-up store fronts. It warmed up to the eighties and I sipped lemonade along the way to rest at the Vallejo viewpoint. I arrived home and dropped of my stuff at 2:00, swam in the pool, and returned to Liz by 3:30. We talked a while, then I returned to my state of normalcy. ~ end of road trip ~ The final days of May were restful - shopping and washing the car. The month seemed long. Were we really in Ireland at month's start? June 2024 The month began on a Saturday. I drove to BurlPress for my men's group. I like the way Tyce handles the session - sharing, video, reflection. With school out, the CSM campus was empty and it's easier to plug in my Prius and walk. Sunday Church at CPC was a challenge for me and Liz. Kevin seemed to preach a double sermon and the serving of communion seemed distracting. We are considering a change. The news is about Trump and his 54 felonies. It's odd how he absorbs them and grows in the polls. My book is moving to Mission 2005-Constructing a Legacy. The weather is warm and on a Monday walk, a gopher snake stretched across my path at Lauralwood Park. At mid-week, I got a haircut and walked with Ken Napier at Filoli. He appreciated the old furniture most. I am preparing for a weekend at Ventura with Jeff Tuttle. I wonder how that will go. There are nine National Parks in California. Channel Islands will be my ninth. I'm looking forward to it. Road trip to Channel Islands National Park On Friday morning, I drove to the house of Jeffery Tuttle, 10 Serra Court in San Mateo. I wanted a travel buddy. Could Jeff fill that role? We headed south in my Prius for two nights at Motel 6 in Ventura and one night at Prayer Mountain. We stopped at Big Bear in Gilroy for a big breakfast then southward on Highway 101. We stopped at King City and Pizmo Beach for gas, stretch, and steps. We arrived at Ventura at 3:00pm as planned when the Motel 6 room became available. We switched drivers with Jeff doing most of the talking. I paid for two hotel rooms- Jeff being a big-time snorer this seemed a solution. After a bit of rest, we walked to Carl's Juniors across a field for dinner. Mine was a big burger. It was six and I was ready for some solitude and horizontal time. I finished off my 10,000 steps and viewed some of my YouTube subscriptions. I got to sleep sometime after ten. Saturday was the prime day. I obliged Jeff and we visited a Starbucks for coffee and pastry. We arrived at Island Packers at 8:00 am. We stood toward the end of the long line to board the two-hulled catamaran. About 130 people were aboard and our seats were in the back, near the restrooms. But as soon as we were underway, I began to walk the boat. It took about two hours to reach Painted Cave. Along the way, we saw multiple pods of dolphins and the shadows and humps of whales; Blue Whale, Pin Whale, Menke and Humpback, I was told. That was fun; to hold onto the railing and just gaze at the sea alive with creatures. The Painted Cave was a boat stop along the rugged shore line of Santa Cruz Island. The boat pushed itself in until only darkness shown ahead. We didn't deboard. We tnen boated another 40 minutes to the drop off on the island. A sign marked "Welcome to Channel Islands National Park" greeted us. Jeff and I did not have much of a plan for the next 2 1/2 hours. We walked up a trail, rested at some view points, and walked back to the pier area. We sat on a picnic table for a while, then walked a beach strewn with rocks and shells. The Marine Reservation was an interesting place, once home to ranchers and cattle, now a sanctuary for wildlife. The boat trip back seemed quicker. We did pause and circle for dolphins and a huge sunfish (Which was obscure to me). We got back to the car by 5:00, then to dinner. We looked for Chinese, but ended up at a Panda Express. I was ready for solitude and rest by the time we got back to Motel 6. The days are long; still light at 8pm. I was up a few hours, but fell asleep by nine. Part of our plan was to visit Neil Benson at Coastline Bible Church on Sunday morning. After Starbucks and an unanticipated walk (We got lost), we arrived at church by start time, 10am. We both thought well of the music and message. After a few words and pictures, we were in the Prius heading north. We stopped along the way, enjoying a pizza lunch in King City. We got to Prayer Mountain about 6pm. Jeff had never seen anything like it. Where nature meets scripture-run by one old Korean lady. We met with Luis who opened two little a-frame cabins for us. We went for an evening walk and nestled into the cabins about 8pm. After dark I plugged in the Prius. We could only hang out a bit on Monday morning. I did my 6 verses of Greek, walked, and packed up. Jeff and I left to Scotts Valley about 9am. He is a fan of Peet's Coffee so we lingered there before our 40-minute drive to Jeff's house. And so, the adventure ended when I pulled into my own driveway and unpacked. Liz was out on a hike. ~ end of Ventura trip ~ I had to leave Prayer Mountain early, because Liz had a dental appointment at 11:30, a root canal. I drove her to her endodontist on San Mateo Drive, sat in the car, sat in the office, walked, and ate at Jeffry's Burgers. I drove her home - somewhat sedated - and rested. It does seem I need more down-time these days to accommodate my limited up-time; mor horizontal to cope with the vertical. I snacked a little and got to bed - the room was hot after the 80-degree day. Mid-June was quiet for me. I wrote more fiction; now at Mission 2006: Joy of God. I celebrated Father's Day with a Facetime from my two sons, and semi-celebrated the new Federal holiday called Juneteenth. Zachary and Familiy flew down to Orlando for Simon's 47th birthday. As a BD present, I bought the seven of them tickets to something called Medieval Times, dinner and a tournament. They seemed to have liked it. Zachary did a bellyflop! I spent two nights at prayer mountain, resting, reading, walking and listening to audibles, oddly mostly about religion and war. On Friday morning I met with Adeline at the Senior Center in San Mateo. After speaking with her, I volunteered to teach a class in Memoir Writing. It looks like my class will begin at the new year. There are still hoops to jump through. It seemed to happen so fast. First, Jeanne's 89th birthday was canceled because she wasn't feeling well-a backache. Then on Sunday, June 23, Jeanne didn't want to get out of bed to go to church with Frank. That was not like her. Frank and Eileen visited her at Tabby's and reported that she looked terrible - in pain, lethargic, not wanting to eat, non-communiative, and a bit inchoherent. She had seemed okay a week earlier. Debbie, Sue, and Nancy came by and were shocked. Nancy said, "My mom's dying". Her doctor gave her pain meds. The family called in hospice who finally came by on Saturday, June 29, two days after her 89th birthday. After an examination, they said she had only hours to live. And it was so. Jeanne Louise Zelen died at 2:30pm today, June 29, 2024. I plan to attend her funeral next week and have prepared a memorial video for her. And now we are four! The month began with thoughts of my sister, Jeanne. I hardly seems real that she's gone. Nancy Jo is in charge of arrangements and I was waiting for her word before I booked tickets. On Monday, I walked with Steve, got a COVID shot on Tuesday, and walked inside the Hillsdale Shopping Center on Wednesday. I also bought pricy tickets for for my flight to Portland aboard Frontier. Midweek was a scortcher- up in the 90s. Thursday was the Fourth of July. It was another hot day. In the morning, I walked through Lauralwood Park, and in the afternoon I visited Filoli. I met Jeff at 1pm in the parking lot. Roosevelt, his friend, was supposed to join us but had locked himself from his apartment. Because of the heat, we spent the first part walking inside the big estate. It was Jeff’s first time and he seemed to enjoy it. After a stroll among the roses we parted ways. Jeff had challenges walking and I told him, "every year it seems the God puts one more rock in my rucksack." The booms at nightfall kept Liz awake, but I sleep well. On the fifth I visited Lifescan in San Bruno and provided my fingerprints. This was for a potential job at the senior center. Then I went for a haircut, then to the CSM pool. Jeanne Funeral in Vancouver On Saturday, Liz drove me to SFO at noon. It was a quick trip for Jeanne's funeral. I caught the Frontier flight to Portland. I had no 'carry on' luggage just a personal bag. I ended up sharing a room at the Airport Hyatt with Zachary. The day was hot, near 100. Frank came by for dinner at the IHOP next door as we talked about the funeral. Zach was pooped when he arrived at 10pm, so our exchange was brief. By coincidence, as I was arriving in Portland on Saturday, Simon, Lolo, and Gia, arrived in Denver to begin their summer road trip. The funeral was Sunday. I began the extremely hot day with an early walk and hotel coffee. Frank came by before 9am. He dropped off Zach at Holy Rosary, then we went to pick up Lelia for church drop-by. We then went to meet Zachary at Powell's book store. We then returned to a Vancouver funeral home. I began seeing family, mostly Jeanne's of course; Debra, Susan, Nancy, Nate and Ben; and their numerous offspring. Joshua showed up and Zachary spoke with him. I viewed the remained of my sister with sadness. That’s when it became real. I was sad as well when I figured this was the last time I would be greeting so many grand nieces and nephews. It was the last time I would look upon their faces. But such is life. The ceremony was about an hour. My 12-minute video first, Frank's eulogy, Kristina's song, then an open mike. At the last minute, Zachary was tasked with video recording/live-streaming the funeral. All seemed to go well. Finger food was provided afterward and I spoke with many (my last words) I anticipate. We returned to Frank's place, eight of us with Josh, Eileen, Laura, and Jim. We snacked and talked then Frank returned Z and me to the Airport Hyatt. It was a long day so we just rested, walked, and talked. My son and I hung around the hotel until Frank picked us up at 11:30. We visited a Catholic location called the Grotto founded by a sect called the Servites not too far from the hotel. It was a pleasant few hours, strolling and looking at statuary and fountains. After a pause at Burgerville, I arrived at PDX. Z would be borrowing Frank's truck for drive to see his Korean cousin, Sung-gyung. And it happened that my Frontier flight to SFO was cancelled! No help from that quarter, except a refund. Fortunately, I was able to fly into Oakland via Southwest losing $20 and 2 hours. I was bedraggled when transported home by Jeff. Liz was asleep at 9:00 so plopped into bed for a short night. Road Trip out West with Simon and Family My schedule was tight! I was up at 5:30 am on Tuesday. I packed a carry-on bag, showered, drank coffee, then it was time for Liz to drive me to SFO at 6:45. I hung out at the USO for a bit, then boarded a flight to Denver. The flight seemed quick, then a connecting flight to Grand Junction. It worked out pretty slick. Simon and the kids arrived to pick me up in a Grand Cherokee Jeep in about 20 minutes. It was great to join them for six days of their western adventure. After an hour of driving, we paused at a ghost town called Cisco and took a few photos of the dilapidation. Our first overnight stop was at Moab, Utah. Si and I talked along the way and made a few stops. The Moab KOA cabin was a deluxe, so I had my own air-conditioned room. That was great since the temperature hovered around 100 degrees. We went to eat in town and visited a park where Lolo could indulge his passion, shooting basketball hoops. There was a harmony plaza with an assortment of 20 xylophones. I lazed in my air-conditioned room, as the three swam and cavorted. We made a camp fire at night and Simon grilled hamburgers. And so ended a long Tuesday. I did some walking on Wednesday morning while the temperature sank near 90. We swam a bit in the pool, then headed toward Arches National Park. We stopped at Balancing Rock for some photos, then to Delicate Arch. We were too far from the famed arch to make it appear impressive. (I'll have to gaze at my computer desktop for an impressive picture.) We did more driving and pausing at various arches, then exited the park for a picnic lunch along the Colorado River. We then headed for our next destination, the Green River KOA. It was only 90 minutes away. The KOA had a nice pool, so we mitigated the 100-degree temperature with a few plunges. It was a joy to share in this slice of life with Simon, Lorenzo and Gia. The tiny air conditioner battled to keep the space cool. We all took an afternoon siesta, both because we were exhausted and because it was so hot. Therefore, we decided to partake in an night time activity. Simon had researched about starry skies and found that Goblin Valley State Park was an excellent location to view a dark sky. We traveled about an hour and got to the park just after eight. (The attendant was gone so that meant entrance was free). The goblins turned out to be miniature hoodoos - stone formations from 6 to 20 feet tall, something like statuary in a public park. I really enjoyed my time with family as we walked with flashlight between the goblins in the darkness. We actually got lost and stumbled our way back to the car lot. Once returned, Gia stated she had left behind Simon's headphones. Those two headed back while Lolo and I gazed at the Milky Way. It proved to be a false alarm when the lost item was discovered in the car back seat. We drove back to Green River after a really fun event. At 1:00am we turned out the lights. The three slept in on Thursday morning. By 9:00am it was already hot and I went for a morning swim. We packed up the car and headed out along I-70 about eleven. We turned south on HW 89 and encountered a sky full of smoke. We noted the billows rising to our right. We also noted a sign which read "homestead of Butch Cassidy". It was time for a stop and so we did. The kids were amused to see how humans eked an existence 130 years ago. Simon asked his AI assistant to tell the story of Butch Cassidy. We drove to the small town of Panguich and stayed in the Lamplight Lodge. Si and I stayed in one room while Lolo and Gia lodged next door. They had fun being on their own. So much so that Lolo broke a ceiling lamp with his basketball. About 4:00pm we headed out to Bryce Canyon. I was at the same Inspiration Point that I had viewed last March with Frank (but no snow). We walked along the rim looking at the array of hoodoos below. The two teenagers griped a little and feigned indifference, but they enjoyed each other's company. I enjoyed both the amazing views and their amazing antics. Ah, to be young again! We left the Park about nine and returned to Panguich for the night. On Friday morning, I wanted to go straight to Zion National Park, but Simon wanted some adventure for the kids. So, we backtracked a little, drove along the Virgin River, and pulled into an outfit called Zion Tubing. I almost didn't participate, but I'm glad I did. We each got an inner tube and were bussed to a drop off point. I put on lots of sun screen since the sun bore down at 100-degrees. The stream was shallow with lots of rocks. The lazy river ride was timed at 100 minutes. I had fun with Gia racing ahead, Lorenzo chasing, then me, then Simon looking after me and taking photos with splashing and crashing. I took pleasure in the way my two grandchildren interacted: laughing - playing - teasing - shouting - messing with one another. After tubing, we headed to Springdale for a late lunch, then went on to Zion National Park. My Senior Pass allowed the car into the park at no cost. We walked to the Bus Stop and stopped off at the Court of the Four Patriarchs for a walk and photo-op. On the way back, we stopped at Canyon Junction with river access. I returned to the welcome center, but Simon, Gia, and Lorenzo splashed and caught tadpoles. We then headed to the town of St. George staying at a Hyatt Place. Earlier, Simon had purchased two inflating mattresses at a Walmart. This was bedding for Lolo and Gia. July 12 was Zélie's seventh birthday, so we did a Facetime with our Pittsburgh family and sang to Zélie. We were eager to move on to Las Vegas and on Saturday headed south, passing through a corner of Arizona, then into Nevada. We were too early to enter Room 12-120 at Mandalay Bay, so we lounged in the pool area for a while. Entering the artificial world of Las Vegas construction proved such a contrast from the genuine wilderness of canyons. I did a few activities with the three, but they wanted to see more and I wanted to rest. I gave each grandchild $100 and they headed out about 5:00pm. As I was perusing my YouTube podcasts, I noticed an alert that Donald Trump had been shot in Pennsylvania. I followed that story for the rest of the evening. When Simon opened the hotel door about 8:00pm, I asked him, "So what do you think about the big news?" He hadn't heard so we turned on the TV. We talked politics for the remainder of Saturday. Lorenzo thumbed through his new basketball cards and Gia pasted on her new fingernails. Sunday was a bridge day in Las Vegas. We walked through four inter connecting hotel/casinos in the morning (Mandalay Bay, Lexar, Excalibur, and New York). The kids enjoyed the arcades and roller coaster. Gia won two stuffies - Manatees. It was hot, but be managed. We rested at mid-day and headed out again after lunch. We booked 4 passes for "The Original Immersive of Van Gough in Las Vegas" at the Crystal. I enjoyed the visuals, but I thought the show was kinda lame. From there we walked to the Sphere, stopping along the way and timing the journey to arrive at 7:00. We passed through the doors just as our group gained access. Lorenzo asked the AI robot a question, "Who's better Steph Curry or LaBron James?" The robot deferred, "I leave that decision up to you." It turned out the show was the same one I had watched in March: "Postcards from Earth." We sat mid-range and center. Again, the visuals were stunning, but the story line insipid: woke/climate alarmist/sci-fi. All four of us appreciated the one-of-a-kind experience. After the show, we walked toward the Bellagio where I took a taxi back to our hotel. The three went on to Circus Circus for arcade excitement. When I finally came to rest, I had registered 21,267 steps for Sunday. My feet were sore. Around midnight, the group returned with more booty from the Circus Circus arcade. That was a long day. My time with the Simon family was nearly over. I got up to pack and depart at 9:00am. Simon walked me down from the room to the taxi. The time in Las Vegas was great; I viewed a lot of unusual things, and traveled a long route. My United Airlines flight back to SFO was comfortable and Jeff picked me up at 1:00pm. I was home and resting before two, surprising Liz with my earliness. I unpacked, cleaned up, rested, and talked with Liz for the remainder of Monday. It was good to be home. End of Western Adventure with Simon The next eight days were an interlude between time with Simon's family in the West and time with Zachary's family in Japan. I did receive photos from Simon filling me in on his return roadtrip from Las Vegas back to Denver via Grand Canyon. I attended an orientation class at the Senior Center and am now set to teach Memoir Writing next year. Following the political news, Joe Biden stepped out of the presidential race and VP Harris stepped in. I walked with Steve on Monday and on Tuesday walked with Liz at Filoli. I completed Missions 2006 of my book so I could edit the text on the cruise. It is a jam-packed month. Cruise around Japan with Zachary and Family Thursday was a day of loafing and anticipation. After my morning routine, I walked 5000 steps and picked up a few things at Safeway. I got a note from Zachary that he was passing through Hawaii and would land in Japan five hours before me. Liz drove me to SFO at 2:00 and I sat at the USO for an hour before heading into the international terminal checking in at ZipAir. My flight was delayed and I didn't lift off until 6:00. ZipAir was different, modern, and the curry meal was good. It was also long, 11 hours before landing at Narita. A few crying babies kept me from sleeping. With the time change, it was now 8:00pm on Friday. I passed through passport and customs to the train station. I followed Zachary's directions, buying a seat on a Skyway train to downtown Tokyo, Ueno station. Z met me there and navigated the final legs to the Hyatt hotel in Yokohama. The air was hot and humid, even at 10pm. My son and I over-nighted in one room, while Ruth, Zélie, and Zofia, were next door. I was exhausted when the long double-day ended. Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Boarding the Diamond Princess I awoke early, being jet-lagged, and looked out my window on the port of Yokohama. My grand girls popped in the door and I was happy to see them giggling and rambunctious. We ate breakfast in the Hyatt hotel about noon the went for a tourist walk to explore Yokohama. It was a hot day-in the nineties. I wanted to see the site where Commodore Perry opened Japan to the World. Zach navigated us down the side streets using his cell phone to see the small plaza and commemoration to the Treaty of Amity signed in 1854. Here was the oldest Protestant church and Western-style building in Japan. We discovered the vending machines and availed ourselves of many cold drinks at 100 to 150 yen. We returned to the Hyatt and gathered our luggage. For about half a mile, Zélie scootered her bag and Zofia rode hers like a pony. The giant Princess cruise line came into view after 20 minutes. The boarding process was not difficult and soon Zachary and I were checked into room C-243/10th floor. I liked the little medallion button that gave access to everything on board. The girl's quarters were around the corner. We explored the giant ship; the restaurants, pools, shops, outside decks, and especially the free ice cream. We met the 3 muster requirements: watch the video, register at the location, and listen to the practice alert. We shared a dinner in the buffet, then I ran out of energy. The room was just cool enough to allow a comfortable sleep. Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Nagoya It was an odd morning. At 5am the ship's captain spoke over the room speaker informing us of smoke, but not fire. It was a non-alert alert. After breakfast, we de-boarded in Nagoya, Japan's 4th largest city. The five of us embarked on a long-hot-urban walk. Offboard we were greeted by traditional dancers. Ruth and I were not amused as we struggled block after block seeking shade and cold drinks. Finally, we took a short taxi ride to Nagoya castle. It was disappointing. The grounds were reconstructed ten years ago after WW2 destruction. We lined up to walk through a maze of fancy decorated rooms, but not impressive to me. We taxied back to the Princess. It was a 15000-step day, most of it in the heat. I recovered in the afternoon, eating too much, and splashing in the pool with the kids. I spent time in the room loafing and talking with Zachary. There was more pool time and lounging on the decks. My favorite drink was the pina colada sans alcohol. Monday, July 29, 2024 - At sea The day at sea was restful. I lounged too much in the room trying to keep cool. I explored the ship some and Liz wrote this note to me: "Hi Sweetie, Are you enjoying the cruise? Is it calm enough on the ship to get your steps? Do you like your room? Hope it is a fun adventure. Pretty boring here. Just reading, hiking, and going to Filoli. Tell me what you like best so far. ~The roaring puma" And this was my reply: "Hi sweetie, Yes, I'm enjoying myself, except I do miss YOU to hang out with. You are my dream boat and this is just a regular boat. I get so much joy when Zélie and Zoshie are clinging to each arm and calling me pap-pap It's similar to the time I spent with Lolo and Gia. Moments with grandkids tops my list of favorites. It's like most of life is a bland diet and they are the spice. In moderation--in the right proportion--their affection adds zest to my world. I am sharing a room with Zachary. It's good to be in his company. Ruth and girls are down the hall. The first thing the girls want to do in the morning is to run down the hall, bang on the door and give their grandpa a hug. I made my steps every day. It's been hot and humid, but I bear up with it. The Princess ship is like our Oceania, but 15 decks high and longer. I haven't seen a whole lot of sites yet, plenty of sprawling city, and bright lights. My 3 tours start in a few days. We will be stopping in Busan Korea in a few hours. We hired a guide for the 5 of us. Stay healthy and busy. Blow me a kiss from across the ocean, and when I feel a salty breeze on my cheek, I'll know it arrived. ~ Chris" Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - Busan, Korea Since we entered a different country, we had to pass through passport control and customs. Zachary hired a driver who we met near the exit. He had a big new car that easily accommodated us five. Ruth was amazed as it self-parked. It was odd to be back in Korea after 14 years. I thought a lot about my Yobo and how she would have loved to be along in her country with her grand kids. We went to a famous beach where I sat and watched the kids play and then spray off the sand. We then went to the huge Shinsege shopping market where we bought stuffies for the girls. On the return trip we paused at a viewpoint. Busan was surprisingly beautiful with skyscrapers, mountains, and sea. I am feeling the full 74 years of my age. I am sloth-like and shuffle along. I rest more often. Is there arthritis through my body that makes me unsteady and off balance? I do feel that old age creeping on. I told the girls I combine their ages--Zélie 7 and Sofia 4. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - At Sea I like the mixture of excursion days and sea days. I know I should get out of my room, but it's hot and I'm unsteady on my feet. I do enjoy watching Zélie and Zofia in the pool and sitting at meals with them. I did manage to do a little laundry. At the end of the day, Zach and I caught an Elvis tribute. Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Akita We were back in Japan and I was on my first official excursion called "Oga Peninsula: Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory & Namahage". I joined the tour in the Princess Lounge at 9:00 then exited the ship to board tour bus 11. The day seemed to be focused on Namahage--a demon-like creature. After a 50-minute drive to the Oga Peninsula, we went to a museum to see scores of Namahage creatures with clothes of straw and a frightful wooden mask. It seemed to be half Santa Claus (Are you naughty or nice?) and half boogie man (I'm gonna carry you away). I took lots of photos of the color and culture. We made another stop to view the giant figures of Hamanage. Japan appears to me as an odd place indeed. Back on the ship at 3:00, I hung out with family. As part of the cruise package, Zachary had unlimited digital photos. Over several days, the five us often stopped to pose for a random photographer. I heard Zélie may have ruptured an eardrum when Zofia jumped on her head in the pool. So sad, no more pool for them. We had a grand meal in the international dining hall (just one of several) and I walked throughout the ship to finish up my 10000 steps. Zach and I enjoyed a rock & roll tribute in the Princess auditorium. Friday, August 2, 2024 - Aomori Today was my second excursion. A man about my age led the way. We stopped at a Japanese garden whose main distinction was a structure built Japanese on the bottom and Western on the top. I did not think the garden was that splendid -- the one in BC appeared better. We visited Hiosaki Castle Park and a museum to view the construction of Neputa Festival Floats. I got into a conversation with our guide, born in 1950. He summed up his Shinto faith: "When I think of God, I think of my grandfather". This was a long tour and we didn’t get back until 5:00. In the evening, just before dark, the 5 of us walked off the ship to attend the Nabuta Festival. Zach had procured Japanese garb and joined in the parade of floats and drums. With Ruth and the kids, I stood among a large crowd lining the streets. We managed to squeeze in at the beginning turn. The floats were fantastical as they passed by our eyes and I did manage to get a fleeting picture of Zachary. However, the evening was warm and the walk was long, so as Zac danced with the paraders, we walked back to the Diamond Princess. Zachary returned to our room about 11pm with blistered feet, saying he had covered 25,000 steps. Saturday, August 3, 2024 - At Sea On this day, I rested, listened to audibles, and watched the sea pass by. I followed a rhythm of intermittent meals and steps. With our Princess App we can locate each other, so I tracked down Zac and Ruth on several occasions. The highlight of the day was Zachary participating in a ship sing-along. My son certainly squeezes the most out of life. I videoed him bouncing with his daughters as he sang country Road and Ob-la-Dee. In the evening, I wasn't feeling well and passed on my excursion ticket to Zac. Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Hitachinaka I was supposed to go on an excursion, but I was tired so Zachary got up at 8am and took my place. He said it was fun and he got to ride a bicycle through a park. I loafed on board, sat in a hot tub, and listened to audibles. When my son returned, we all exited the ship to view the Japanese greeters. I watched Zélie and Zofia pound on the big drums. My time on shore was about 30 minutes. Earlier in the cruise, Zachary and family posed for pictures in Korean hanbok. My son copied these pictures on video, since even the digital photos were expensive. I picked up official ship photos and packed my bag to leave outside the door. Monday, August 5, 2024 - Leave ship / depart to Disney It was sad to leave the Diamond Princess. Zélie thought we'd stay on board for months. After clearing the room, we consumed our last breakfast and picked up our luggage at 9:20. We passed through customs and wheeled our luggage 1/2 mile to the train station. I'm glad to let my son manage this transport. He's always looking at his phone, reading signs, and practicing his Japanese. We left Yokohama by train to Tokyo then to our stop at Tokyo Disney. Our hotel-Celebration Discovery- was a 20-minute shuttle from the front gate. We had to wait an hour for our room to become available. Our 5-bed room is okay, but a little noisy with 2 jumping little girls. About 4pm we headed to Disney. I had a 5-to-9 pass (for $35). For me it was too hot at 95 degrees, too crowded, too many steps. However, I did enjoy hanging out with my family. The quality of the re-creations is incredible; a volcano, mountains, various building facades. At my return I passed 18000 steps. The kids were tired, so my shared space with 2 adults and 2 kids was not too hard. Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - Tokyo Disney I saw Zachary, Ruth, Zélie, and Zofia onto their bus about 9:30. I stayed at the Celebration Discovery Hotel all day. My alone time was okay. The room was cool with plenty of horizontal time. I showered, walked in the heat/humidity, then took a second shower. I bought Zac a duffle bag, since the family acquired a lot since their voyage began - especially stuffies. The four of them love the Disney experience and I would not deprive them of their joy. I finally got the will to write a few lines of Story 7- Boy Soldier. I was listening to an WW2 Audible when at 9:00 the four appeared at the room door. The girls had acquired yet another stuffy. Their 12 hours of Disney would certainly have been an overdose for me. They got cleaned up, we talked some, and I wrote a little more until midnight. Zach shared photos of his Disney day. Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Tokyo Disney to Downtown Tokyo We packed luggage, carted our 9 bags downstairs, and left it with guest services. The four were again off to Disney by 9:00. I chilled in the room until 11:00-check-out time. Then I wiled my time in the lobby and on warm walks until the Disney fans returned around 4:30. We could have taken buses, but a single taxi was easier to our little hotel room in downtown Tokyo at a place called Reimi Mondo. There was a big thunderstorm. I enjoyed walking the neighborhood with an umbrella in a driving rain. The kids seemed to like the suite. Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Downtown Tokyo We ate breakfast together at a Denny's down the street. The restaurant was strangely familiar, yet weirdly odd. The four then went on to explore the giant metropolis while I chilled in our hotel room. Again, it was too hot, too packed with people, and too much walking for me. I did go for some local strolls, ate Romen noodles for lunch, and waited for the return of the tourists. They straggled back about 4:00pm. We ordered in for dinner and the kids watched some TV. I told Zachary that Japan and the USA were similar on the surface, but profoundly different in DNA. I suggested a term like "convergent evolution" like a shark and a dolphin. Soon it was lights out. Friday, August 9, 2024 - Arrive at SFO The jet trip to Japan stole a Friday from me. The trip home returned it. It was strange. We left the Narita International Airport on Friday at 9:15pm and arrived six hours earlier on Friday at 3:15pm. On this super-long day, the strategy was to sleep in late to prepare for the jet-lag journey. We ate a brunch at Denny's, returned to the room, and packed our bags. That's a big job with two kids. We rested until checkout time at 2:00pm and left our luggage in the hotel lobby to explore the city. First, we walked to the train station (Zachary as our guide) and traveled to the Ginza. We took pictures in front of the statue of Hachi, the famous and faithful Akita dog. We walked across the busiest intersection in Japan, then spent an hour at a six-story toy store. The kids loved it. Each floor had a theme toy universe. I bought some Snoopy gifts for Eileen on the Peanuts floor. We then headed back to our train stop and visited the Sunshine 60 Observatory. We zoomed to the top floor for the views and fun. Then we headed back to our hotel to pick up the 9 pieces of luggage. After a pause, we taxied to a train station, then transferred to the airport Skyliner. I loafed at a coffee shop for 90 minutes while Zachary and Ruth took the girls to a cat cafe. It seemed we were running a bit late. We rushed to catch the Skyliner to Narita getting our boarding passes about 8:00. Through security and customs, then the gate, we only had 30 minutes before boarding. It was okay. I sat in 33G on Zipair, behind Zachary and to the left of RZZ. I watched a few of the movies I had downloaded, listened to Audibles, and maybe slept a few hours. It was a ten-hour flight into SFO. The girls did okay, sleeping once the lights went out. We exited at 3:30, but the U.S. customs line was crazy long, maybe an hour of standing and shuffling. We finally retrieved our luggage and caught the shuttle bus to the SFO Hyatt Regency where the four spent the night. Jeffery picked me up about 4:30 and soon I was home. Liz greeted me with her Covid mask in place. I showered, unpacked, and was stretched out by 6:00. I reminded Liz of my 1992 road trip to Alaska with Zachary and Simon--a final journey before an empty nest. Perhaps I considered the two offspring journeys as bookend events--swan song journeys that I won't/can't make again. Who knows? It was a long day which required a long sleep. Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Hosting Zachary I slept in until 8:00am - 10 hours maybe. I walked the park, shopped at Safeway, and rested again. I met Zachary and family at 3:30 with my Prius Prime. (We were supposed to meet earlier, but they were exhausted.) We lunched at In&Out Burger, then went to Saint Dominic in SF. After the mass we still had a little time and visited the Golden Gate Bridge. I then bid farewell to the four back at the Hyatt and then my Japan adventure was officially over. Whew! End of Japan Adventure with Zachary I was still jet-lagged on Sunday so did a CPC livestream. I worked on curating the cruise photos and creating video clips. I received additional photos from Ruth. On Monday my fatigue continued and I posted this journal entry of the Japan adventure. I swam in the CSM pool and tried to regain a sense of normalcy. It was a challenge. After an action-packed six weeks of Portland-Utah-Nevada-Japan-Korea, time slowed down. The following 20 days--August 11 to 31--were routine. I did my best to write Story Seven in my book: now called Chaos in Congo. It was tough to find the motivation. I walked with Steve and visited the gym most every day, plugging in my Prius Prime and walking the 2000 steps to and from the pool. On the 19th I celebrated Lizzie's birthday with a balloon, flowers, and Subway sandwich. I filled a Saturday with a CPC men's event called the Huddle, and stayed two nights at Prayer Mountain. I also broke the routine by hiking at Half Moon Bay and Filoli. At my KP check up with Dr. Teng, I asking about the 3 H's: hands, heart, hip. I asked him about Jeanne's death certificate. He suggested my heart was under control, my blood pressure low, and kidneys well-functioning. Soon it was the end of the month and start of the Labor Day weekend. Summer was unofficially over. On the first day of the month, I went to CPC alone. Liz has issues with the manner in which communion is served, walking up the aisle and such. Monday was Labor Day and included a walk with Steve at Seal Point. On Tuesday I used my Golden Bear Senior Pass to park at Half Moon Bay State Park. (The card is good only from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day.) I cooked up two burgers and walked the sand. The days passed with routine; deer grazing in the neighborhood, Amazon packages, planning a cruse with Liz, a Zoom with Men's Fraternity leaders, and a happy birthday to Frank. I also continued my morning Greek study, now in Second Timothy as well the Saturday Men's meeting at BurlPres. I messaged Simon when I heard of an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in West Palm Beach. I spent a lot of effort trying to complete a chapter of my Rwanda book, Chaos in Congo. My goal was to get it done before my trip to the Northwest. Road Trip to the Northwest I squeezed in a six-day road trip between the two Thursdays of Men's Fraternity. The first meeting of the year happened on September 19th. There were seven at table 1: Me, Jeff, Steve, Dan, Joe Murray, Lindsay the mailman, and a new guy named Chris G. I took off north just after the meeting. After an hour, I stopped at the old homestead at 306 Ashton. It looked the same, but somehow different. I headed up HW 101 and stopped at a familiar overnight on the Mendocino coast called Westport-Union Landing State Beach. I made a fire, walked, and slept in my tent-like tail-gate cover. I wasn't too uncomfortable. That ended Thursday On Friday I headed up HW 1 and HW 101 pausing at a place--new to me-- called Meg-Sue State Park. It was about 20 miles north of Eureka and a pleasant place to rest and greet the ocean. I then drove through Crescent City and got to Jim Walker's place in Grants Pass about 5pm. We went to eat at Taprock Northwest Grill. We continued to converse into the evening, calling it quits about 10pm. Val was out with her grandchildren. On Saturday morning I drove north through Oregon, stopping along the way at Seven Feathers and various rest stops. I was in no hurry. I was listening to Podcasts of the pacific war as I approached Portland. I got to Frank's place about 4pm. We talked, then went out for dinner. I plugged in my Prius to charge all night. On Sunday, I went to church with Frank and Lelia. The topic was the hot-button issue of the upcoming election. (Remember, our primary allegiance is to Christ). We then drove to Kelso to the home of Jim Francis for Frank's Birthday/Retirement party. It was fun and we stayed late talking with Jim and reminiscing about the good old days. I stayed with night with Eileen visiting and catching up and turning out lights about nine. On Monday, I went for an early morning walk, then headed back to Jim's to travel to the Cottages at Lacey and a visit with Charlotte. Jim was in my car and Frank and Lelia with Eileen. It was about 90 minutes north. Jim talked as I drove. Both Jim and Charlotte are in the best place for each. Char needs 24-hour looking-after. She has difficulty walking so mostly gets around in a wheel-chair. We gathered in her room for the visit. Jim always brings ice cream and a bag of pictures to help Char remember and smile. We stayed with her about an hour. That was long enough. On the way back we stopped at Ramblin Jacks Rib Eye. I treated everyone to a steak dinner as a gift to Frank for his birthday. (Actually, I neglected to buy him something, so this worked out.) I drove back to Jim's house with my old buddy. We talked a while, then together we watched his new favorite sci-fi movie, something called PREY. It was good to spend time with him. He is going through a lot with Char. I returned to Eileen's by 10pm and got to bed quickly. To bypass the traffic in Portland I left Eileen at 5:25am. She was good enough to make coffee for me. I drove to the rest stop near Albany, then on and on. I paused at Seven Feathers. It was good for gas, groceries, a plug-in charge, a toilet break, a 5000-step walk, and a free cup of coffee. I was listening to Audibles, podcasts, and my own book to make edits. I crossed into California and was at my campsite - Sims Flat - by 5pm. It was hot, near 90 degrees, so I rested, parking the car in a shady spot and taking a nap. At dark I made a fire and boiled some Raman noodles for dinner. I wasn't too hungry since I had been snacking all day. The night was a little uncomfortable. I'll have to put more padding under the car mat. By nine I was off zooming south on I 5. I stopped along the route to walk, rest, and avail myself of facilities. I entered my home about 4:30. I unpacked, showered, and greeted the lovely Liz. I stayed up a bit entering my edits into the Congo chapter. Got to bed about 10:00, anticipating an early wake up. End of Northwest Road Trip After Men's Fraternity I hurried home to conduct a Zoom call with Dasha from Fuller. The funds seem to be doing well. As a matter of fact, my WF brokerage fund finally exceeded a million dollars; and this after all my numerous withdrawals for charity, a new car, and money to the sons. I my blessed for sure! On Friday morning, I was at Toyota 101 servicing a recall on the back hatch and on Saturday morning, I was at the men's group at BurlPres. On Sunday morning, Liz an I went to Capitola for a two-night mini-vacation. We stopped on the coast at Bean Hollow then at Wilder Rance for a sandwich lunch. We checked into the Marriot in downtown Capitola about 1pm and watched the 49ers win a game after two losses. For dinner we warmed up meals we had purchased at Safeway. On Monday morning we drove to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Aptos. I drove the Prius down a gravel road to George's Picnic area. Our 8000-step-walk was down a dirt trail to the park entrance and back. It was cool, dusty, and along a stream bank - pleasant. After the big hike, we drove to Seacliff State Beach. (I used my Golden Bear Senior Pass for the 3rd time in 24 hours.) We sat on a picnic table and watched the birds posing on the sunken ship. The evening started out well. I lounged in the hotel pool and hot tub while Liz walked the sidewalk to the coast. She returned with a twisted ankle. She said she had mis-stepped of a curb was in pain and I spent the rest of the evening trying to assist her. She tells me her foot hurt all night long. We got up early at the Marriot on Tuesday. It wasn't the best way to start the month. We left for home at 7am and I got her to Sutter Health Urgent Care by 8:30. We had to wait a while, but finally she was diagnosed with a bone fracture of the Talus. She received a boot and pair of crutches. Liz was not a happy camper. The day was extremely hot - over 100 degrees. Liz made a nest of her downstairs couch and I helped her as I could. On Tuesday, I drove her to the Senior Center where she picked up a knee scooter. She hates the crutches but likes the scooter. On Thursday, after MF, I drove her to the Palo Alto Sutter clinic for a podiatry exam. Liz was happy to learn it was not a weight-bearing injury. The big boot was required, but she could step with it. I think she's feeling better about the situation. We had a stretch of very hot days from October 2 through 9 - everyday over 90 and few over 100. Sleeping was difficult with my room up to 85 at night. I used two fans and a wet t-thirt to get through the swelter. I slept up stairs and Liz on the couch downstairs. The election seems to be heating up too. Is Trunp really going to win? Can't tell, but it seems he has the momentum. Zachary attended a rally in Butler PA to see Trump, Vance, and Musk. I facetime with him about politics and with Simon about hurricans Helene and Milton. I drove Liz places like to the clinic, grocery story, and manacure. It's OK. She's my girl! On October 12, we went to a Docent Event at Saratoga Springs. Liz earned an award for 15 years of service. I enjoyed a good meal and wandered the ground, meeting some of her fellow docents. My little granddaughter, Zoshie, celebrated her fifth birthday in Pittsburgh and of course I got pictures and shared the celebration via Facetime. As the month continued I wrote in drips and drabs. I inserted chapter three of my book called "The Great Necropolis". I felt the book needed a piece of the capital city. On October 15, I crossed the bridge into San Lorenzo to have a crown replaced at Dr. Chan dentristy. (I do need to brush better.) I escaped to Prayer Mountain for two nights, bringing two picture posters I had prepared for Pastor Choi. I plan to make one more called "Prayer mountain: where Scripture greets Nature." On Friday, I drove down the road to Felton to ride on the steam train. However, the ride was cancelled due to high winds - - the wind was indeed howling, blowing up dust and dropping redwood debris. I walked to far side of Roaring Camp into Henry Cowell State Park. It was a good stroll with big trees and a great trail. With the approach of Halloween and Election Day, a lot of excitment is in the air. Triangle flight to PIT and WPB
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