Friday, November 17, 2017

#41 Thoughts on life

So much in the news lately about sexual harassment.  Seems the men with power have been doing this for a long time.  Not to mention the ordinary guy, there's plenty of them around who also do it.  We seem to find it difficult to have a respect for other people.  I have been around a group of men and to hear their comments on women was very disrespectful.  It was one guy would tell a story then the next guy would try and top that story, and on and on.  I never took part in these conversations, and soon began to avoid such group conversations.  Men and women have such a different thought process.  I don't have any male close friends.  My brother who I call weekly, we talk about health issues and the weather.  I would say my close and best friend is my wife.  Over the years we have changed, she has began to understand me and I her.  She has a male friend and they talk almost daily.  Long conversations mostly by him.  I know him and consider him a friend but rarely have a conversation unless he comes to our home.  Some people are born with the gift of gab.  Not me.  I guess I would be considered quiet and reserved.  I am around people 3 days a week and rarely do I start a conversation.  Good or bad that's me.

Take care, tell someone you love that you love them.
Pappy1
    

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

# 40 New Things

Tomorrow is Nov. 1st.  This year has gone by rather quickly.  The weather is a little cooler in the mornings here.  Fall is here or right around the corner.  Not much change but for the temperature.  Some leaves are turning color but not like other regions in the country.  Still nice not to have to scrap frost from the windshield in the mornings.

New things.  We were driving a 10 year old pick up.  It was still in good shape but I was concerned with the reliability and some other items.  I have been looking on dealer web sites and comparing vehicles for sometime.  I wanted something like a Ford Escape.  Finally we went to the dealer to see how we fit and items we need to take to dialysis.  We were not happy with the storage area behind the 2nd seat.  So back home to do more research.  JP came into my room and said she liked the looks and price of a Honda HR-V.  She told me a local dealer had one in red and that is the color we wanted.  Friday we went down to look and try it for size.  I was sure this car was to small.  I was prepared not to like it.  The salesman brought it up and I liked the look.  Got into the front seat and was impressed with how roomy and comfortable.  Back inside we discussed our thoughts about the vehicle and decided we liked it.  We bought it, traded our pickup in.  They had some things to do on the new vehicle so we made arrangement to take delivery on Sunday.  So far I am still happy with the vehicle, but it has only been three days.

Take care be happy.
Pappy1
    

Sunday, October 22, 2017

# 39 Dreams

I not talking about dreams you have while sleeping.  Maybe I should call them aspirations.  The ability to visualize a project of some kind.  Building a cabinet for your house, or building a planter box.  I have been a dreamer most of my life.  The dreams didn't always come out the way I thought they would.  Some were successful others not so much.  The point being I took the chance to make my dream real.  As time has passed and I am older the dreams of building things has faded.  All I have left is the memories of those projects.  I have been recalling some of those projects lately.  They were not world changing, but made my work or life a little better.  They don't show much, but looking back I feel a sense of satisfaction for having fulfilled some of those dreams.

We have a 10 year old pickup which we bought new.  The mileage is low but the age of the hoses and wires have started to concern me.  It is our primary vehicle, because the Mustang is to low for me to get in and out.  I have been dreaming of a new small SUV something like a Ford Escape.  Something that size.  You get a new vehicle that fits our purpose now, and a warranty on the vehicle.  As of now I have not been able to convince my better half that this would be a good decision.  So I will let things be as they are.  Maybe she is correct.

Dreamers take a chance do something you have thought about.
Pappy1

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

# 38 Trip to World of Speed at Bonneville Salt Flats Wendover, UT

Drove from La Mirada, CA to Wendover, UT to watch the speed trials held in September.  Used Highway 93 from Las Vegas up thru Ely, NV then Alt. 93 to Wendover.  Lots of country, not very many people.  Cattle ranch's and some Indian Reservations.  Two lane road but desert scenery was very beautiful.  Stayed in a casino in Wendover, NV.  Played a few slot machines, but no winners.

Speed trails start at sunup I would get there about 8am and stay most of the day. You see some very interesting combinations trying to set records in their class.  One guy had installed and electric motor on a skateboard and was trying for a record in that class.  I saw the worlds fastest U-Haul trailer.  Pulled by a Modified roadster go 155 mph.  Then there are the stream liners.  What a sound they make at mile 5 as they exit the timed mile.  Awesome!!!!

From Bonneville I drove to West Valley, UT to visit Sandy, MT, and T.  Good trip.  Then home to La Mirada, CA.

Good time.
Pappy1

Monday, October 16, 2017

# 37 Nice weekend

Had a very pleasant weekend, good company with family.  The weather was a little warm but not too bad.  When Isabel comes up for the weekend her mother gets a chance to go to lunch without worrying about me.  Gives her a break and a chance to have good talks with her daughter.  Sunday morning Isabel and I had the truck washed and did a few other little things.  Always happy when she comes for a visit.  Just a pleasant feeling having her here for awhile.

Other news David's son is home from the hospital and is doing fine.  Family at Dixon is OK.  My sibling's and I are all in our seventies now and more concerned about our health and well being.  Just take one day at a time and live as best as can.

I have been wanting to get a new SUV for sometime now.  Our pickup is 10 years old.  Low mileage, runs well but rubber hoses and things are also 10 years old.  A new one would start with a 3 year warranty and give me some relief from worrying about reliability.  Had a vehicle in mind but based on more research decided it was not one I wanted.  JP is not in favor of a new vehicle.  Have not been able to convince her it is in our best interest.

Take care, have a wonderful and productive week.
Pappy1

Friday, September 15, 2017

# 36 Memories

As a kid we took trips back to OK to see my parents kinfolk.  We usually stayed with my Grand Mother, my Dad's Mom.  She lived in a small town called Summerfield.  One of my Dad's brothers lived with her.  Their lifestyle was very different.  You went to the well and drew water for the house.  Outdoor toilet, wood fired kitchen stove and one stove in the living room to heat the house.  We made the trip by car.  My Mother's brothers had newer cars most of the time my Mom's Dad and Mother.  They would drop us in Summerfield and then go stay with family.  My Uncle  drove a pickup so we were there without a car.  We depended on relatives to take us around to visit other family members or they came to Grandma's house.  I think my Dad wanted to move back to OK but Mom said no.  Dad bought a used 1952 Mercury and we drove back to OK, again with Mom's brothers but this time we had a car.  Still the trip was to visit family.  Our first solo trip (again in the Mercury) was in the summer, I don't remember the year.  The trips were to visit family.  As I compare those trips to my own family trips to Spain.  At age two Sandy traveled cross country and we boarded a flight to Barcelona.  My Father in law was a very outgoing person.  They met us at the airport in a tour bus from the company he worked for.  He worked as a tour guide for people visiting Barcelona.  What a contrast to my side of the family and Jo's side of the family.  In 2015 Jo and the girls traveled back to Barcelona so the girls could see the city Jo grew up in through adult eyes.  They had a wonderful time and now the girls have a memory to share with each other and their Mom.

Happy thoughts and good travel.
Pappy1
     

Thursday, September 7, 2017

# 35 Weather

Hurricane Harvey in Texas, hurricane Irma approaching Florida and Jose forming in the Atlantic is the next one.  There's also a Cat 1 in the west coast of Mexico.  Wild fires burning in the Western US.  News but all seems bad.  Mother Nature cares little for the things humans build.  She is a powerful force.  Is this her way of telling us we need to do things differently?  We have raped this land and tried to make it conform to our wisher's.  Maybe we need to step back and reassess our expectations as stewards of our planet.

Pappy1
 

Friday, September 1, 2017

# 34 Summer's end

Labor Day week end is here.  This year is flying by.  The first 4 months were good.  Middle of May I broke my hip and since then it has been a recovery mood.  Here's hoping the remainder of 2017 goes well.

Terrible storm in Texas and the gulf coast.  So much hardship for the people who live there.  Makes my trouble seem small.  Did you notice on the TV coverage how many pickup trucks are in the area?  Recovery will take some time.

We are in a heat wave here.  Pushing the 100 degree mark where we live.  Expect another week of this heat.  Glad I no longer have to work when it is so hot.

Take care.
Pappy1



Monday, August 14, 2017

# 33 ?????????????

Why do some people hear only  what they want to hear?  I heard the President speak about the terrible incident in VA.  I thought he made it clear about all extreme groups.  However a lot of people did not think that was enough.

People of the USA we must respect each other and be tolerant of the opinion of others.  There is no need to be violent.

Pappy1

Thursday, August 10, 2017

# 32 Considering

August 10th,well into this year.  There seem to be several problems with me, and my health.  Largest a broken hip.  I am about two and a half months since the incident.  The pressure this put on my wife was a lot.  As my recovery progressed I developed and infection in hip.  Another hospital stay.  More recovery and re-hab at home.  More stress on the wife.  She is coping with things but not the happy lady I married.  I suppose you could play the what if game.  But if people knew the things that will happen in their life, good and bad, would they embark on life's adventure?  For me life has been  adjusting to satiations that come up.  Some were correct others not.  The play book for life is very murky.  More like several guide lines.  How we each see those guide lines varies a lot.  We each have to chose our own path.  Sometimes this involves other people.  As we grow from childhood to adults, these guide lines change.  As a young adult I was happy to take chances, street racing at night and building hot rods.  After the Army tour (3 years) I was married and needed to make a living for my wife and myself.  This involved some business and hourly work.  Not a lot of money but a living.  At forty years old I went to work for wages.  I still had ideas and developed some to fit the work at the time.  I have been retired now for 14 years.  I have seen my world shirking to much smaller footprint.  As I look down the road of life I know it is getting closer to the end, but I can't see the end yet.  But there are several signs warning me that it is coming.  How do I deal with the physical and mental problems that are here and yet to come?  How do those around me that I love handle the burdens I place on them?  My wife and children have been the focus of my life.  I have tried to be a good husband and father.  There have been times I have failed.  There have also been successes.  Right now I don't feel I am in a successful mode.  I see myself as a drain on my wife and her happiness.  My attitude needs to change back to positive.  I know this but am having a difficult time making the change.

Pappy1
          

Sunday, July 30, 2017

# 31 Late night rambling

3am again can't sleep.  Pain in my right leg.  Took a pill for pain.  Wait awhile till it begins to work.

We have been having nice weather here in SoCal.  Mid to upper 80's cooling down to mid upper 60's at night.  Very muggy for the last week or so.  Pulling moisture from Mexico causing some thunder storms in the desert and mountain regions.  A few flash floods did some damage.  The fires are still burning but none close to were we live.

I am disappointed with our congressional lawmakers.  They go to Washington, DC to make laws to govern our country.  When they get in office they seem to forget they work for us.  Each promotes his point of view and refuses to listen to the opposing point and settling down to reach a comprise solution.  I think term limits for congressional office are the way to go.  There are people who have 40 years serving.  The pool numbers for congress are very low.  Yet they collect their checks, write books, make speeches and do busy work.  Each one has a staff who get s government check.  A very nice social club I think.

State government isn't any better.  In California we pay high taxes.  Yet the state has setup and office and millions of dollars to defend illegal emigrants.  Los Angeles has done the same.  When will they see the light?  The rich are leaving California and so are companies.  High taxes, excess regulation are making it hard to do have a business here.  Nevada and Texas will soon be eating California's lunch.

Red Red Hot Head is thinking about not writing in her blog.   Came as disappoint because I enjoyed reading the blog.

Take care.
Pappy1

Sunday, July 9, 2017

# 30 Home town

Most people have a home town they may be proud or not of this place.  I know some people who are very proud of their home town.  I was born in OK but left their with my parents at the age of 6 years.  We moved to a small town in CA.  A farming community called Dixon.  I still have family living there.  By all accounts that is my home town.  I do have some good memories growing up there.  Do I have a desire to move there and live now?  I think not.  But you never know for sure what lies down the road.  I lived for a few years in Jerome, Id.  Been back a few times to see how the town changed.  Not home either.  Burley, ID the same.  Back a few times but not home.  Then to La Mirada, CA in southern CA Los Angeles area.  Been here 32 years in the same location.  I think this is home.  People ask where are you from, my reply is born in OK live in Southern CA now.  Yes I am home.

Pappy1

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

# 29 Random

Dialysis today hit me hard.  It has taken me about 4 hours to get back to OK.  Some days are like this.  The last couple of hours at dialysis was hard.  Then to top things off, when I was ready to leave my arm started bleeding.  So more time while they replaced to bandage's.  The day didn't start very well.  I arrived a little early, but my chair was still occupied.  They must have got a late start on that patient.  So I was late getting hooked up, all things considered not a great day.

On the good side my hip is feeling better and I am walking easier.  Still have to sleep on my back, but more comfortable than at the start.

Take care.
Pappy1

Sunday, June 25, 2017

# 28 Dogs

I was setting on the swing in our back yard yesterday evening.  Our dog LuLu was around.  Then she came over to sit by me.  As I petted her and told her what a pretty puppy she was.  These questions came to mind.  So do dogs show love or is it affection, devotion?  Why do we talk to dogs?  I consider LuLu a friend and companion.  When I get home from the Center she always greets me with joy.  Watching TV she is always close by.  When JP goes out shopping or just to pick up some fast food, LuLu  will wait for her return.  If I am in another room she will excitably run to me to alert me that her other human is home.  She gives so much and asks so little.  I am happy to have LuLu in my life.  She gives me comfort and joy.

Take care.
Pappy1
  

Sunday, June 18, 2017

# 27 Fathers Day 2017

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there.  I myself am a proud father of two wonderful daughters.  The youngest is here to spend the weekend with me and her Mom.  The oldest lives in another state and was unable to travel here because of some business matters.  I have been very blessed to have such lovely girls.  They were wonderful growing up and have become great adults.  So many memories when they were small.  Due to the work I was doing at that time, I was able to share their growing up.  Sports, 4-H dog training, and dog shows.  Cooking for them as their Mom took night college classes.  Thursday night was pizza at Pizza Hut.  Pork topping.  Talking and enjoying each other's company.  High school basketball games.  Tennis matches, volley ball.  When the oldest moved to UT there were NBA games to watch from the company suite.  Soccer matches our Grandson was in.  Basketball games in which he played.  Library trips for him to check out books.  Poetry readings from the youngest.  I am astounded by her use of words, to string them together to create a mood.  Paint a picture with words.  When they come to visit it is a very comfortable feeling.  I enjoy being with my girls.  They make my heart swell with pride.  They have brought me much joy and happiness over the years.  I love them dearly.  I feel their love for me when ever I talk to them on the phone or in person.  Some times they ask what do I want as a gift.  Girls you have been giving me the greatest gift of my life.  The joy and happiness to be your Dad.

Love you.
Pappy1
 

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

#26 Change is good

Tomorrow will mark one month since I broke my hip.  I am recovering and all seems to be going well.  Using a walker, trying to learn how to walk normal.

Today was a beautiful SoCal day.  A hint of summer weather.

How are other teams in the NBA going to compete with Golden State?  How well KG worked with the existing players of that team.  The objective was to win the title.  Shut down one player there were others left open.  I was rooting for Cleveland but you have to admire the skills of the Warriors.

Have a good night.
Pappy1

Saturday, June 3, 2017

# 25 What is going on?

Hello to all.  Some things just make me go "What"?  The photo of the lady holding the severed head resembling President Trump.  What was she thinking when the photo shoot was planned.  A desperate person seeking attention, or someone so unhappy with her own life she wanted to spread that unhappiness to others.  Sure we have free speech and the right to protest events and people we don't agree with.  But come on what about common sense.  Now she claims she is the victim in this case.  She is the victim by her own actions.  Stupidity. 

Out rage by the main stream media over the Paris Agreement.  Again free speech and all.  How much longer will we call them main stream media.  I think soon they will become tabloid journals.  How could they call themselves journalist the way they report events.  Most are just telling a story from their point of view.  That's not a journalist but a pundit.  Give them a subject and they become hypothetical in their response.  Example:  " The driver crashed his car into a school yard at 2:40 AM.  He was arrested for suspicion of DUI."  Is this the end of the story? No.  "There could have been deaths and injury to dozens if children had been present."  Duh.  And my father could have been born half horse half man but he wasn't.  Come on people be straight with the public.  Issue a disclaimer before you start talking.  Accountant's lie but numbers don't.  Journalists have become "What if" this happens.

Cable news shows. Headline " MSNBC ratings are up from last year."  But Fox News still won the week.  A liberal media will headline for a liberal network, buried in the story some where will be the truth.  How many people go beyond the headline?  The main stream media is dumbing down the USA.  We all get a participation trophy for just being here.  We once had individual thought in this country.  Lately that has seemed to slowly disappear.

Take care.
Pappy1
         

Monday, May 29, 2017

#24 Recovering from hip surgery

On May 15, 2017 I broke my hip.  Didn't fall but a slight  of the upper torso and not by the lower torso, I heard the bone snap.  Something that  had concerned me for sometime.  Now I am home in recovery mode.  PT and time is the order of the day.  Walking with a walker, slow and easy.  No sudden change of direction, think before making a move.  One of the things that trouble me is the extra burden I am putting on my wonderful wife.  She is very supportive and under standing of the situation.  But still it's extra work for her.  Thanks honey.

Thank you family for your love and support.

Take care, tell the one's you love that you care.
Pappy1
      

Monday, May 15, 2017

#23 Mule Train

I have been working since January on a twenty mule team hauling borate from Death Valley to Mojave.  I ride the 2nd wagon as a brakeman.  Also help with the mules morning and night.  The weather out here can vary a lot.  Wind, rain, and some snow.  Can get hot and dry.  Watering and feeding the mules is very important.  Our food is usually fat back and beans.  Maybe a tin of peaches once in awhile.  The mule driver doesn't talk very much, and I am inclined that way.  Camp is quite as we each take care of our chores.  In Mojave we have one night free.  I try to get a good meal of beef or pork, fried chicken if possible.  Fresh vegetables are hard to come by.  Maybe a couple of beers, just to be around people and hear them talk.  I could get a bed in a hotel but I save my money and sleep in the wagon yard.  They say it is going to be summer soon and it will get really hot.  I have heard talk about work in Los Angeles in the fruit orchards.  I will keep that possibility in mind. 

I have learned a lot about mules and their ways.  Each one of them has some quirk going.  Like only being hooked up a certain way or just seeming not to want to co-operate with the others.  But once we get them all hooked up and the driver gives the go ahead they all work together. 

The country we travel through all seemed the same on my first couple of trips.  Now I notice how it changes and how much life is out here.  The rain brought out lots of flowers, bees, birds, and other small creatures.  A few weeks ago we came on a fellow with burro searching for gold.  He camped with us that night.  He was quite a talker.  Told us many yarns about Death Valley and adventures.  Said he doesn't see may people and he' s told all his tails to the burro so it doesn't listen anymore.  Made for a pleasant camp.  Gave me things to think about for a couple of days.

We should be getting into Mojave tomorrow night.  We will be staying over for three days while the wagons get repaired.  Give me chance to see more of Mojave and get to know the area a little.
         

Monday, April 3, 2017

# 22 Random

I 'am so blue spent my hold day thinking of you

summer time is coming and I have nothing to look forward to

oh to be in your arms in the summer's hue

I shall have to wait for the fall to be near you

Had lunch today at five guys.  Very tasty.  My honey and me together in a sit down fast food place after my doctor visit.  Question "Can a beef burger be well done and still juicy?".  The fries looked bad but were tasty. 

April is my birth month.  I will be getting questions about what I want.  Very seldom do I have an answer.  I have been blessed with a lovely family and am very content with their love.  I guess my b-day wish is to be healthy and sane for a few more years.  I will be happy with a card from those I love.

We are waiting for delivery of our table top planter.  JP has plans to have some home grown veggies and other things.  She has some lovely flowers in the garden.  Curb appeal of our house is very high.  I hope she takes a photo and post it in her blog.

Take care,  walk on the good side.
Pappy1
 

Sunday, March 19, 2017

# 21 Troubled Mind

Hello readers, having trouble getting to sleep tonight.  My day was fine, feeling good.  Just so many thoughts running through my mind tonight.  You ever have a night where sleep just doesn't seem to ease the worry you feel?  I had several when I was working.  Now it seems I have them a couple of times each month.  There is not much going on in my life, just normal daily activity.  Concern about others.  Our country the divide and hard feeling between our people.  Some choices younger members of my family have made.  As a young man out of high school, out of work my Grand Mother used to ride me pretty hard.  I know she meant well but it rubbed me the wrong way.  I try to be supportive without being overbearing.  Times are different now than when I was young.  I guess I need to be there when they need me, but relax and let them find their own path.  There are many ways to live life.  We each have to find out what life means to us.  We are here on this earth for a very short period of time in the big scheme of things.  Each of us have to find our own way. 

Enjoy life, family, and friends.
Pappy1
   

Monday, February 20, 2017

#20 Anniversary and More

Yesterday my wife and I celebrated being married 52 years.  We had a joyful yet non eventful day.  Memories kept coming to mind.  My wife is and immigrant from Spain.  We met in Spain, had a courtship there.  On Christmas Day I asked her father for her hand in marriage.  I bring this up because she will always call Spain her home country.  Some customs and holidays mean more to her Spanish side.  Her home country now is the USA.  We built a life here, had children here and raised them here.  We have all been back to Spain to visit and enjoy what that country offers.  I respect her love of her home country and share some fond memories. 

We have two daughter who we love very much.  They grew up to be outstanding adults.  They have different views on politics than we do.  I applaud and respect those views. 

Take care hug someone you love.  Be kind and respectful to others.
Pappy1