#15 Misc.

Trouble falling to sleep tonight.  Random thoughts running through my mind.  Enjoy reading blogs from RedRed Hot Head, Meeting Grace, and KinderWorld.  They are recalling a trip they took together a year ago.  A trip to Barcelona, Spain.  They have a memory they can share.  Reading about the things they did, and saw.  I can share this trip with them.  I am happy they had this time together. 

Good night.  Pleasant dreams.
Pappy1

#14 My incounter with automation

Today I had some checks to deposit.  The bank I use closed the one close to us.  They opened a new branch in a mini-mall not very fare away.  I had not been to the new location since it opened.  I pulled parked and checked out the ATM.  There was a slot for check deposit.  I inserted my  my card and flowed the instructions on the screen.  Slid the checks into the slot, photo copied each check (4) and printed them on my receipt.  WOW!!!!!  That machine was slick.  Very pleased.

I was at my computer the other day and felt someone put their arms around me and gave me a hug.  But there was no one around.  I was puzzled.  Later I read a comment from my last post, S had sent me a virtual hug.  Thanks I felt the hug.

Take care, tell some one you love "love you".
Pappy1

# 13 Fall just around the corner

This morning there was a hint of Fall in the air.  Here in SoCal we don't really have seasons.  Winter and summer.  But every once in a while there will be just a small hint of the change in seasons.  Fall is very appealing.  Hot summer days are gone.  Milder temps make it more fun to be out side.  Prime TV returns.  Football season gets underway.  Should be interesting in the AFC West this year. 

How has your summer treated you?  I have had a good summer.  Trip to SD to see L's house before she moved.    Trip to UT to watch T;s graduation from High school.  Visit here from T.  ST and L come up for the weekend. (ST was visiting L in SD in her new apartment.)  JP and I have been out to lunch several times tis summer,  My Brother and Sister's are well. 

I hope you all have had a pleasant summer.

Take care and hug someone you love.
Pappy1

#12 Welcome visit from T

T arrived Thursday evening.  We picked him up at the LB Airport.  Good to see him, he was a little tired from work, partying, and traveling.  A quick stop at our local In & Out Burger emporium perked him up some.  Home and some small talk then he went to bed.  Rather early for him.  He is quite grown up now, although I saw him in June at his HS graduation.  He seems older.  Friday we went to Panda Inn for lunch.  It was good as usual.  He took Grammy's Mustang out Friday night to explore our town.  Saturday I was at he Center, so he and Grammy had a few hours together.  That was good for both of them.  Sunday was my day with T.  We took the Mustang to the car wash, then the gas station,  From there we went to the Brea Mall.  It has been somewhat of a tradition that when T and I get together we (he) goes shopping for something he wants.  That something has changed over the years, but we still go.  I must say it has been several years since I was in a big shopping mall.  Sunday is not the best day to go.  The parking lot was very full.  He dropped me off at one of the entrances and proceed to find a parking spot.  Then we had to locate the store he wanted to check out.  Now I don't walk as well as I used to so it was a bit of a struggle.  We found the store he went in while I waited out side in a comfortable chair.  I always set a limit on the amount I want to spend and he try's to stay within that limit.  Not always successful but usually pretty close.  After he made his selections he come and got me, I went in and paid.  (side note; the mall was very busy and crowed)  Then we needed to find the way out.  Not so simple.  Any way we were finally on our way home. 

I enjoy these little shopping trips with T.  It is something we have been doing for many years.  He is always thankful and appreciative.  We are not just family, we like each other.

Take care, help make this a better world.  Be kind and respectful.
Pappy1
          

#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