#11 West Valley, Ut

We have been planning a trip to West Valley for about four months.  Given my medical needs thre were several things that need advanced preparation.  As these things came together I became more excited about the trip.  I used to drive to UT and spend two or three weeks with Sandy, MT, and T.  Drove T to school, pick him and sometimes a friend after school.  Make them a snack.  All the things I enjoyed doing with my Grandson.  T and I developed quite a bond.  We had fun, enjoyed each others company.  To me he is such a joy.  As he grew older we made several road trips from WVC to La Mirada.  A couple in my SSR.  We had fun and talked a lot.  I have such great memories of those times. 

Now we were going for his graduation from high school.  Going for one week.  Can't drive that far anymore, so need to take a airplane.  With help form JP and Isa we left on the great adventure, for me.  I had many questions in my mind regarding my ability to do this.  With their help and help from the airline the first stage was complete.  A good flight and great welcome at the airport by ST.  My emulations were overflowing when I saw ST with a sign welcoming us.  I have always felt in control but now I don't have that feeling.  I have to depend on others for so much.  I am thankful I have a family that will give me that support.  We went to ST home and again the emotions overflowed.  I thought I would never again be able to visit her home.  It was good to be there.  There was such a great feeling of love and happiness.  My family has always been important to me.  Proud of our to daughters and the lives they lead.  I don't have the words to express how important this trip was for me.  I will say I am very thankful for the people who made it happen. 

Graduation Day was awesome.  ST did a wonderful  job of planning.  As our driver Isa did a great job of getting us where we needed to be.  Such a great help to me.  Complete faith and trust in her ability. 

We did several things and I enjoyed them all.  The fact that I was able to be there and share that time with my family is the most important and rewarding.  Love you all.
Pappy1
      

#10 Story from the past

New Year's Day 1884.  Here in Mojave, California celebrations are every where.  I am not in such a joyful mood.  Nineteen years old.  Down to just a few dollars in my pocket, and no prospects. Just arrive here a few days ago, money goes fast.  As I walk around town there's not much going on.  I find myself down by the rail yard.  I see some men unloading two huge wagons, which contain a white powdery cargo.  I ask a fellow what was going on?  That's borax from Death Valley.  Having grown up in Ohio I had no idea what borax was.  He gave me a little history lesson on the subject and some of the things it was used for.  How do they get the wagons here I asked?  They use a team of twenty mules to pull the wagons he replied.  As I was about to find out more a fellow called to him and they went off to salon.  I approached a man who seemed to be the boss of the operation.  I said I was looking for work.  He paused looked me up and down.  Now I am about five foot ten inches, weigh about one eighty.  He said what kind of work?  I 'am not choosey I replied.  He chewed on his tobacco spit at a lizard, looked at me out of the squinted corner of his eyes.  Well my swampier quit on me this morning.  Can you handle mules?  Good as the next man I replied.  We will be heading out at first light tomorrow, go over to that office over there and sign up.  Get your things and come to the wagon yard by two o'clock today.  We have to load up on supplies for the return trip.  What is the destination of this return trip?  The Harmony Borax mine in Death Valley, he replied.

So began my adventure with Death Valley.
Pappy1
    

# 10 2016 I like my town

Sunday mornings I go shopping for groceries.  My route is pretty well planed, first to one market to pick up a few items.  Then to the do-nut shop to get a roll that Jo likes' for her breakfast.  Next is a stop at a market for the majority of the items we need for the week.  As I walk around the store I more or less plan what we will have for the week.  This complete I head for the gas station to fill the gas tank.  Then maybe to a fast food diner for some breakfast for me.  Today I decided to cook at home.  I had already bought some things so I was set.  After filling up the truck with gas, I took a scenic route home.  The time was about 9:45 am, not much traffic.  A few clouds in the sky but still sunny.  The trees along the street were a very pretty green, leaves fluttering in a lite breeze.  I was taken back by how lovely it all looked.  I thought to myself "What a nice place to live." 

Thirty years ago if you had told me I was going to live in Los Angeles area, I would have said no way.  We have been living here for 30 + years.  I say now this is pretty good.  Our home is located in a quiet neighborhood, good neighbors.  Well kept front yards. 

I must say SoCal has been good. 

Take care, smile and be happy.
Pappy1

   

#9 2016 One year Older

Today was my 76th Birthday.  Got a call from my grandson he asked me if I felt different.  Not really.  Just gratified for the acknowledgment of the day from family and friends.  Very gratifying to know you are loved by family, and friends take the time to note your B-Day.

We have been having nice weather.  Our tomatoes are growing and have several tomatoes that are the size of a hard ball.  The first tomato from the garden has such a wonderful taste.

Take care.  Enjoy life.
Pappy1
 

# 8 Some changes made

Hello all,
Do you like the new background?  The picture was taken in Death Valley, CA.  Jo and I went there as part of my 70th Birthday.  This steam powered tractor was used to haul borax from Death Valley to a processing plant.  I don't remember were the plant was located.  The tractor was not in service very long.  Prior to the tractor the borax was hauled out using a team of 20 mules.  The team pulled two wagons loaded with borax, a water wagon foe the mules, and a feed wagon.  These were also on display.  I have pictures of them.  The wagons are very large.  As freight hauler myself I was very impressed.  If you get the chance Death Valley is a interesting place to visit.  From Death Valley we went on to Las Vegas, NV with a couple of side trips on the way.  We met up with family in Las Vegas and all had a good time.  My 70th stands out in my memory because of the things we did and the family that attended. 

Things have been going fairly well.  Our SoCal weather has been good at our place.  We got tomatoes in early.  Some of the fruit is golf ball size and many flowers have set.  Looking forward to some good home grown fruit this year.

Sandy and Isabel were here last Sunday.  It always makes me happy when our girls come for a visit no matter how short.  I so enjoy seeing them and hearing in person how life is treating them.

Until we get together again be kind, polite, and understanding.
Pappy1
                         

#7 History

History is what has happened in the past.  We often think of history as things that happened long ago.  What happened yesterday is history.  Everyone has a hand in history.  Some are deemed more important.  When I was 18 years old, I had a 1957 Ford Ranchero.  That is part of my history.  Every thing I have done since I was born is my history.  We don't know what our future will hold, but we all know our history.  Are you proud of your history?  Did you do some things you are not so proud of?  Own your history.  Learn from the mistakes you made.  Be a better human.  Do your part to make the world a better place.  You will be remembered for the history you made, not what you might have done in the future.

I wish you all a pleasant and happy February.  Go forth and make history.
Pappy1
  

#6 Does time fly?

Woke up this morning and the month of January 2016 is  almost over.  What happened?  What have I done?  Overheard a conversation at the center about how time seems to go by fast as you get older.  I remember siting in class in the sixth grade and thinking how long the school day was.  When you are young it seems time moves slowly.  Now it seems like only yesterday I was holding our first daughter.  She will be 50 this year.  You kidding me?  Where did those years go?  How did so much time go by so fast?  One of the jets came lose in the hot tub.  Our friend came by and said he would find a new one.  He asked how old was the hot tub, we replied about four or five years.  Then we began to remember and came up with fifteen.  What?  My gosh it does not seem possible.  We have been in this house for 30 years.  Seems like only yesterday we moved in.

I think we need to make the most out of the time we have.  You can not save time.  The second hand just keeps on moving.  You maybe be able to be more efficient but time goes on.  Enjoy the time we have.  There are many things we do that can bring us joy, bring us to a happy place.

Look for that happy place, enjoy the time you have.
Pappy1