I was born in Ontario and lived there from 1937 until 1946, when we moved to Calgary Alberta. In Ontario we first lived In Toronto, where I was born. We then were moved by The Salvation Army to Peterborough and then London. Robertson Davies was the Editor of the Peterborough Examiner when we lived there. I returned to Ontario in 1953 from Vancouver, British Columbia along with my parents. My brother David was being married that Fall so stayed in Vancouver along with my sister who was in the wedding. Carol moved to Toronto in the late fall. I lived in Toronto until 1964 when Ken and I moved to Texas. I lived in Ontario almost twenty years, yet if you ask me where I was brought up I will always say Vancouver. This is interesting to me. Perhaps Vancouver is a more interesting place or I lived there at an impressionable age, but really, Toronto is my home town. I met Ken there. I went to school and College there and I married there, but I was happy to move to Texas from Toronto in 1964.
We still have friends and Family in Ontario, so on Friday we are flying to Ontario for two weeks and we will enjoy the place. It is ten years since we spent any time up north near Parry Sound, which is Ken's home town and five years since we visited Dave and Irene in their new home. Our plan was to book two different time shares, one up near Parry Sound in the Muskoka Lake area and one on Lake Simcoe just out side Barrie which is an hour north of Toronto. We have made arrangement for friends and relatives to visit with us while we are in our own places so we will have a happy and busy time up there. The Spring can be difficult because the black flies but the weather will still be cool so perhaps we will be lucky. We both love all the rocks in the Muskoka area but we hate the traffic on Highway 400. Our stay in Ontario will be lovely I am sure, but I bet we will be ready to head south and go home to Bethesda.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Parking.
We are almost there. Two more good ideas surfaced from two different agents over night which we will incorporate into our plan. The staff and Managers met this morning and made suggestions too. Betty wrote the new plan up, and this afternoon I spoke to about ten agents to take a look at our proposal and to give suggestions. May 12 the Agent's Council will meet for final approval, with June 1 the start date. The plan still requires full co-operation from the agents.
Here is the plan: 1. Five slots designated for clients. 2. Fifteen minutes only for agents. 3. One slot the duty agent for their two hours. 4. Every month we will hold a parking raffle. The agent may put five dollars in the pot and at the end of the month we draw the name at the Sales Meeting. That agent can park each month in our lot. The funds to be donated to Bethesda Cares. 5. For three hundred dollars each month, with cheques made out to Bethesda Gateway Long and Foster, the agent may park all day in our lot.
Now this is a good plan and we will have some fun with it. Now we await the results. Thanks to Mario and Brad and Merlin for the good ideas. Many brains are always better than just a few.
Here is the plan: 1. Five slots designated for clients. 2. Fifteen minutes only for agents. 3. One slot the duty agent for their two hours. 4. Every month we will hold a parking raffle. The agent may put five dollars in the pot and at the end of the month we draw the name at the Sales Meeting. That agent can park each month in our lot. The funds to be donated to Bethesda Cares. 5. For three hundred dollars each month, with cheques made out to Bethesda Gateway Long and Foster, the agent may park all day in our lot.
Now this is a good plan and we will have some fun with it. Now we await the results. Thanks to Mario and Brad and Merlin for the good ideas. Many brains are always better than just a few.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Parking.
Regina is about to blow up the parking lot. Of course, we all want Regina to be happy, so today at the end of Sales Meeting, we held a short discussion about our parking policy. On the surface, the parking lot is a great blessing to both agents and clients but in actual practice, Regina has been left to police the parking lot. She does not like to do that so we decided to have a full blown discussion of the issue. Normally our Agent Council makes decisions but our system is not working.
Mr Foster bought the building for us, which includes a 16 place parking lot. Directly behind us is a huge multi-level parking lot which is owned by the County. In addition, about a third of the agents have designated parking in adjacent private lots. At first we hired a young man to monitor our own parking lot and we actually allowed the agents to double park, while Jack would move the cars. This system worked fine, except for two things. No parking spots were left for clients and the Fire Department said we were not allowed to double park in the fire lane. The next plan was to allow the agents a two hour time period in our own lot before moving, and then to make it one hour, in order to allow parking for clients. The Company pays for half of the agents who have chosen to park in private lots, and we reimburse each agents fifty dollars a month for public parking, so every agent has access to parking in Bethesda. We also terminated our parking attendant three years ago, as a cost saving venture.
Two years ago, the Agent Council decided that too many agents were staying too long in our own lot, so the fifteen minute rule was put in play. Our own lot was to be used for any agent when they had to drop off a contract or settlement sheet, but not for long time period. This seemed to work, as we always had spots for clients but the agents could just stop quickly for the fifteen minutes. The problem is that some folks abuse the system. They don't intend to, but they come into the office for just a few moments and then get caught on the phone and forget where they left their car. Next thing you know, the lot is full and no spaces are available for the client who is just ready to go out to look at houses. That is the situation right up to the minute.
Our discussion was lively and spirited and we did find out several things. I will meet the staff tomorrow to formulate our plan. The office philosophy is important. We developed this office for the benefit of the agents, who in turn can help Buyers and Sellers, so we have a history of working everything out to the benefit of the agent, and I am sure we will accomplish our task this time. But it is interesting, how something that is so valuable becomes a bone of contention with both agent and staff. I think it is a hoot!!
Mr Foster bought the building for us, which includes a 16 place parking lot. Directly behind us is a huge multi-level parking lot which is owned by the County. In addition, about a third of the agents have designated parking in adjacent private lots. At first we hired a young man to monitor our own parking lot and we actually allowed the agents to double park, while Jack would move the cars. This system worked fine, except for two things. No parking spots were left for clients and the Fire Department said we were not allowed to double park in the fire lane. The next plan was to allow the agents a two hour time period in our own lot before moving, and then to make it one hour, in order to allow parking for clients. The Company pays for half of the agents who have chosen to park in private lots, and we reimburse each agents fifty dollars a month for public parking, so every agent has access to parking in Bethesda. We also terminated our parking attendant three years ago, as a cost saving venture.
Two years ago, the Agent Council decided that too many agents were staying too long in our own lot, so the fifteen minute rule was put in play. Our own lot was to be used for any agent when they had to drop off a contract or settlement sheet, but not for long time period. This seemed to work, as we always had spots for clients but the agents could just stop quickly for the fifteen minutes. The problem is that some folks abuse the system. They don't intend to, but they come into the office for just a few moments and then get caught on the phone and forget where they left their car. Next thing you know, the lot is full and no spaces are available for the client who is just ready to go out to look at houses. That is the situation right up to the minute.
Our discussion was lively and spirited and we did find out several things. I will meet the staff tomorrow to formulate our plan. The office philosophy is important. We developed this office for the benefit of the agents, who in turn can help Buyers and Sellers, so we have a history of working everything out to the benefit of the agent, and I am sure we will accomplish our task this time. But it is interesting, how something that is so valuable becomes a bone of contention with both agent and staff. I think it is a hoot!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Dogwood Trees.
Once again you forget from one year to the next, and every year you are struck with the beauty that is Washington in the Spring. The warm weather this weekend has brought out all the blossoms on the dogwood trees, both white and coral, and they are at their peak right now. The azaleas are just coming out too, so this place is ablaze with color. In every direction you can see dogwood trees all in full bloom and the azalea bushes right behind. I often complain about the gardeners in this area, because the Spring is glorious with it's color, but you must wait until the Fall when the crepe myrtles come out for any more color in the gardens. But I tell you, the Spring colors are unbelievably beautiful. In Nova Scotia, the plants are in bloom all summer, but not here. Now I know the summer heat kills all but the hardiest bushes, so I have learned to enjoy the Spring and wait for the Fall, and go to Nova Scotia in the summer.
Sometimes I act really stupid. My dear daughter-in-law, who is married to Andrew, has a birthday April 23, three days before Andrew They have been married for almost fourteen years, and would you know, I forgot her birthday. I even talked with her through the week, and for some stupid reason I forgot all about it. I have known this information , but somehow or other I just forgot. How could this have happened? It certainly keeps me humble. I did send a large basket of flowers to them both and the next time we are visiting them we will take them out for dinner for their birthdays, but my goodness, sometimes I act really stupid.
I have a new little computer and will take it on my next trip. I had been using Ken's computer here at home, which was inconvenient for Ken. He hooked up an old lap top on my desk, which I have been using the last four weeks or so. Now I have a new fast system right on my desk. I am happy.
Sometimes I act really stupid. My dear daughter-in-law, who is married to Andrew, has a birthday April 23, three days before Andrew They have been married for almost fourteen years, and would you know, I forgot her birthday. I even talked with her through the week, and for some stupid reason I forgot all about it. I have known this information , but somehow or other I just forgot. How could this have happened? It certainly keeps me humble. I did send a large basket of flowers to them both and the next time we are visiting them we will take them out for dinner for their birthdays, but my goodness, sometimes I act really stupid.
I have a new little computer and will take it on my next trip. I had been using Ken's computer here at home, which was inconvenient for Ken. He hooked up an old lap top on my desk, which I have been using the last four weeks or so. Now I have a new fast system right on my desk. I am happy.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 26, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Andrew.s Birthday
Today on this date, 41 years ago, Andrew was born. It was a glorious occasion. He was big and he yelled when he was born. Ken and I were thrilled. He was born in John Sealy Hospital, at the Medical Center of The University of Texas in Galveston, the same place where Ken was working and where I had worked. My room, which was a large suite, became party central, with everyone coming by to give congratulations and having a bloody mary from the bar which was in my suite. When I came home from the hospital my Mother came down to help and of course we visited friends when she was there. The upshot was that it took me six months to recover from the birth of Andrew, but we all had a great time celebrating his birth. We still are celebrating his birth today.
The farm this weekend was glorious. I always forget that our woods are full of wild cherry trees. These spindly trees are covered with white blossoms as far as you can see in every direction of the farm. The look is almost ethereal. They certainly are beautiful. The temperature was warm, so the leaves seem to come out as you were watching. The red bud was out in force along the roads, especially the old roads. Again, unless you see these trees at just the right moment you would not expect this beauty. Again I needed Phyllis, as I could hear many bird sounds but I was unable to identify them. There were tree swallows in abundance. And the geese are sitting on their eggs, in the same place beside the pond. I am hoping these goslings can be raised. Two more calves to be born. The fields were fertilized two weeks ago, and it shows. The fields are very green. Since we were there last, four inches of rain fell, so between the fertilizer and the rain and the cattle, the farm looks wonderful. The Jay's told us today that the price they are being paid for their milk is exactly half what it was one year ago, and as the milk money is the main cash for Tammy and Bryan, this is not a good thing. It is always the way for the farmers. When a crop is plentiful, the prices go down and right now,in the country there are more milk cows than there were one year ago. It is hard to win as a small farmer. I love the farm, but I certainly would not want to be making my living on the far. In fact, I am sure we could not do it!!
The farm this weekend was glorious. I always forget that our woods are full of wild cherry trees. These spindly trees are covered with white blossoms as far as you can see in every direction of the farm. The look is almost ethereal. They certainly are beautiful. The temperature was warm, so the leaves seem to come out as you were watching. The red bud was out in force along the roads, especially the old roads. Again, unless you see these trees at just the right moment you would not expect this beauty. Again I needed Phyllis, as I could hear many bird sounds but I was unable to identify them. There were tree swallows in abundance. And the geese are sitting on their eggs, in the same place beside the pond. I am hoping these goslings can be raised. Two more calves to be born. The fields were fertilized two weeks ago, and it shows. The fields are very green. Since we were there last, four inches of rain fell, so between the fertilizer and the rain and the cattle, the farm looks wonderful. The Jay's told us today that the price they are being paid for their milk is exactly half what it was one year ago, and as the milk money is the main cash for Tammy and Bryan, this is not a good thing. It is always the way for the farmers. When a crop is plentiful, the prices go down and right now,in the country there are more milk cows than there were one year ago. It is hard to win as a small farmer. I love the farm, but I certainly would not want to be making my living on the far. In fact, I am sure we could not do it!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24, 2009., Bethesda, Md. To Do Lists.
I have lived my life with to-do lists. They have allowed me to function at high efficiency. I figured out early in my life that thinking is hard but doing is easy, so once I figured out what needed to be done, I was able to get things done. I have lived my life hostage to my lists. One of the joys of living at our place in Mexico is that we have no lists. No tasks need to be done other than eating and laundry. For two weeks this is glorious. This last time was the first time we spent three weeks by ourselves in Mexico and by the Monday of week three both Ken and I agreed to try to change our tickets and visit our Texas family right now. It was time to get back to the real world of having a to-do list. Of course, we were not able to change our plans, so we just lazed around a few more days before heading home. When planning the trip we talked about the three weeks and decided that we would try it out. Now we know. Two weeks are fine. Three weeks became boring.
Every morning at every job I have held I think about what I want done that day. I write down my list and check it off through the day. I write a list of people I need to call along with phone numbers, plus address the envelopes I must write notes today. The same is true at the beginning of each week and each month. I think first and then divide up the individual tasks. When all that is done, life becomes easier and I have a great sense of accomplishment. It has worked for me all these years and it is clear that I can only give that up in two week sessions.
Every morning at every job I have held I think about what I want done that day. I write down my list and check it off through the day. I write a list of people I need to call along with phone numbers, plus address the envelopes I must write notes today. The same is true at the beginning of each week and each month. I think first and then divide up the individual tasks. When all that is done, life becomes easier and I have a great sense of accomplishment. It has worked for me all these years and it is clear that I can only give that up in two week sessions.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Pleasant Evenings.
Last evening we had dinner in the home of Fred and Phyllis. As always, our food was wonderful, cooked by Fred. He likes to cook and cares about cooking, which shows in his meals. The bouillabaisse we ate last night was delicious. They sent us home with a container for tonight's dinner, which was even better. But the best part of the evening was the conversation. They winter in Florida and they summer in Switzerland, so although we are good friends, our times here in Maryland do not overlap very often. The more time they spend in Florida the better they like it. Sometime soon they will probably turn Florida into their permanent residence and sell their house in Potomac. Last evening we discussed the pros and cons of living in Florida. It is complicated, but it seems to me that as Florida has no income tax, they are better off to call Florida home. They pay out of state property tax already, which is higher for residents. However home owner's insurances and health insurance and car insurance are more expensive than in Maryland. They would probably buy a condo here. It was a lovely evening with good friends.
Sunday evening we dined at the home of Wendy and Claussen. The big excitement was the new pup, to be picked up on Thursday in Syracuse, N.Y. The picture of the three little pups are just darling. They are just like little bears. Wendy has amazing ability to train animals. Her dogs have all been champions in both show and obedience. She has rescued two greyhounds and now has the new pup to train. It will be fun to watch the dog grow up. She started out riding horses with her Father, but when they moved to Bethesda and then had three children, riding regularly was impossible, so she started to train dogs. Once again, our evening was spirited and fun. Claussen grilled salmon, so along with boiled new potatoes and salad, our meal was wonderful. This summer, for the first time ever, they will spend all of August and two weeks of September in Nova Scotia. It is just lovely to have your friends just along the path along the shore, living besdide us. We are very fortunate.
Sunday evening we dined at the home of Wendy and Claussen. The big excitement was the new pup, to be picked up on Thursday in Syracuse, N.Y. The picture of the three little pups are just darling. They are just like little bears. Wendy has amazing ability to train animals. Her dogs have all been champions in both show and obedience. She has rescued two greyhounds and now has the new pup to train. It will be fun to watch the dog grow up. She started out riding horses with her Father, but when they moved to Bethesda and then had three children, riding regularly was impossible, so she started to train dogs. Once again, our evening was spirited and fun. Claussen grilled salmon, so along with boiled new potatoes and salad, our meal was wonderful. This summer, for the first time ever, they will spend all of August and two weeks of September in Nova Scotia. It is just lovely to have your friends just along the path along the shore, living besdide us. We are very fortunate.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. GPS.
The GPS is a wonderful piece of technology, but like everything else in life, you have to keep your brain in gear at all times. An educated mind regarding the area is what is really needed to make the best use of the GPS. Of course, it is when you do not know the area that you most need the GPS. When we were in Jackson, Miss. along with our rental car came a GPS. We had no map with us, nor was there a map in the car. Ken put the hotel address into the GPS, and we started out. All went well until we came to a place in the road with a barrier across the road. We could see the other side of the road, but we could not get there from where we were. We tried three times to follow the directions, assuming we had missed a turn or two. Finally we had to look up the sheet of paper with directions given to us from the hotel so we arrived safely. But we learned our lesson, to always have a map in the car, along with the GPS.
Tonight we went to our friend Phyllis and Fred's house, and just for fun Ken plugged their address into our GPS. Their directions would have us go onto the Belt and up 270 to Montrose, back to Seven Locks Road down to Fontaine, then their house. The trouble with that route is that the time was 5:45 and the Belt and 270 were jammed with traffic, so it would have taken us an hour to get there. Coming home, Ken realized that he has two Homes in the system, so the directions were sending us heading north rather than towards our home. Now we know that a map must accompany every journey, and that the GPS works best with an educated mind. But it really is a wonderful piece of technology, despite it's drawbacks.
Tonight we went to our friend Phyllis and Fred's house, and just for fun Ken plugged their address into our GPS. Their directions would have us go onto the Belt and up 270 to Montrose, back to Seven Locks Road down to Fontaine, then their house. The trouble with that route is that the time was 5:45 and the Belt and 270 were jammed with traffic, so it would have taken us an hour to get there. Coming home, Ken realized that he has two Homes in the system, so the directions were sending us heading north rather than towards our home. Now we know that a map must accompany every journey, and that the GPS works best with an educated mind. But it really is a wonderful piece of technology, despite it's drawbacks.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Dentists Galore.
I expected to be there one hour. Of course, I did not ask how long it would take to stick in my permanent front crowns. I just decided that one hour should do it. I am always optimistic. At 1:30 I had an appointment with my Dentist to check my two implants. All went well with that inspection and in four months the next phase will be done, so I am pleased about that. My real Dentist, the one who has the house down the shore from us in Nova Scotia, was finishing up my crowns at 2:00. I was all set to get done quickly so I could go back to work. I finally got back to the Office at 5:00. Actually, I am not quite perfect. My Dentist did not like a tiny gap at the top of my two front teeth, and wanted to put by temporary crowns back in my mouth and send the new ones back to be redone. I refused to do it. I said that I did not intend to be perfect, just modern, so we proceeded to install the four crowns. They were installed very carefully. I just wanted it to be done so I could leave. Now I have no appointments with any dentist until the end of July. This is a great blessing.
On a whim, I decided to use my funds from my annual bonus to make my teeth modern. Fortunately, due to two cancellations, I was able that very week to get the two teeth repairs started. Of course, I had previously discussed the issue with Ken, and he agreed that it was a good idea. He was unwilling to make his own teeth modern, due to the expense. If a week or two had elapsed prior to the appointments, I would have changed my mind and talked myself out of it. It has taken so many hours of my time, let alone the hassle with the mouth. Now that is all over, and I can sail ahead with my very modern mouth. If you had asked me two months ago about these two changes with my teeth I would have laughed at you, but on a whim I made the decision, and just did it. Now I am pleased but poor.
On a whim, I decided to use my funds from my annual bonus to make my teeth modern. Fortunately, due to two cancellations, I was able that very week to get the two teeth repairs started. Of course, I had previously discussed the issue with Ken, and he agreed that it was a good idea. He was unwilling to make his own teeth modern, due to the expense. If a week or two had elapsed prior to the appointments, I would have changed my mind and talked myself out of it. It has taken so many hours of my time, let alone the hassle with the mouth. Now that is all over, and I can sail ahead with my very modern mouth. If you had asked me two months ago about these two changes with my teeth I would have laughed at you, but on a whim I made the decision, and just did it. Now I am pleased but poor.
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Pleasure.
It gives me great pleasure to see the success of the agents. I love to watch them gain expertise and competence, followed by confidence, then watch as their life expands as their income grows. It is one of the great pleasures of my life to watch their evolution. Tonight we had dinner in the new home of one of our agents and her husband. They moved in just one week ago, so boxes are still unpacked, but the furniture is in place and the kitchen and master bedroom are set up, and for the next few months they will shape that lovely older home into top shape. They both have great taste in decorating, so it will be fun to watch it take shape. This is the third home they have purchased since she became an agent. In each instance, they have purchased a home that had very little charm and character, and turned those homes into a show case. The last time we were at their party just before Christmas, Ken commented to our hosts that it was a great party, but perhaps it was time to buy a bigger house, because all the projects are completed!! So that is what they did. It took a strong stomach in this day and age, to buy their new home and then sell their old one, but they did it. Now they are thrilled, and I am thrilled for them. It is a great pleasure for me in my life as a Manager to watch the success of the agents.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Solutions..
Everyone roared when the announcement was given on the plane. By now the same people had been together since six o'clock and as it was now twelve thirty these same people had bonded and were not happy, so they roared out NO. Instructions were told to us. No flights were leaving that night, so we could line up at the counter outside the gate, where one one person would help, or go to the Continental Service Desk for help or phone Continental Airlines. Ken and I had already seen the lines at the Service Centers as flights had been cancelled all afternoon and the line outside the gate already had twenty people waiting patiently, so we opted to phone the Continental Airline Representative. Within five minutes we had booked our flight home, leaving Houston at 9:30, again travelling first class. On our way out of the airport we passed several Service Desks. Each one had long lines waiting to speak to a representative in person. I believe that every person in line also had a cell phone, so why were they waiting in line? It crossed my mind to go over to the good folks who were in line to tell them to call Continental, but I was so weary myself that I could only think about myself.
The next task was to decide where to spend the night. One option was to stay at the airport and many people chose that option. The bars were still going strong when we walked out of the Terminal. We decided that we were too old to spend the night in the airport. Actually, we have never had that experience and we did not want to start now. We walked down to the baggage claim area thinking there would be a list of local hotels, but there were at least fifty folks waiting to use those phones, so we decided to just get on one of the hotel shuttle buses. The first young man we spoke to asked us if we had a reservation. Of course we did not which we readily admitted, but he took pity on us and took us into his little bus which turned out to be the Best Western. On the way back with the full bus, he called the personal cell phone of the desk clerk to save us a room, which she did. Within thirty minutes of being told that the plane was not flying, Ken and I were in our hotel room and grateful to be there. Evidently, the hotels were not answering there phones at all, just giving the rooms to who ever came in the door, so the young driver of the bus did us a real favor. The next morning, at 6:45, the shuttle took us back to the airport, ready for our 9:30 flight home. Of course, the plane was delayed until 10:30 but at least it left for home.
One man we spoke to did a clever thing. He went directly to the car rental booths, and rented a car and drove to a non-airport hotel. That was smart. Ken and I discussed that option and rejected it, as the night was late, the rain was falling very hard and we are old. The next morning we overheard many sad tales of folks who were not able to book flights home, except as a stand-by. Getting in long lines is always a bad idea, at least we don't like them. Other options are always available. And that is the story of being stranded in Houston.
The next task was to decide where to spend the night. One option was to stay at the airport and many people chose that option. The bars were still going strong when we walked out of the Terminal. We decided that we were too old to spend the night in the airport. Actually, we have never had that experience and we did not want to start now. We walked down to the baggage claim area thinking there would be a list of local hotels, but there were at least fifty folks waiting to use those phones, so we decided to just get on one of the hotel shuttle buses. The first young man we spoke to asked us if we had a reservation. Of course we did not which we readily admitted, but he took pity on us and took us into his little bus which turned out to be the Best Western. On the way back with the full bus, he called the personal cell phone of the desk clerk to save us a room, which she did. Within thirty minutes of being told that the plane was not flying, Ken and I were in our hotel room and grateful to be there. Evidently, the hotels were not answering there phones at all, just giving the rooms to who ever came in the door, so the young driver of the bus did us a real favor. The next morning, at 6:45, the shuttle took us back to the airport, ready for our 9:30 flight home. Of course, the plane was delayed until 10:30 but at least it left for home.
One man we spoke to did a clever thing. He went directly to the car rental booths, and rented a car and drove to a non-airport hotel. That was smart. Ken and I discussed that option and rejected it, as the night was late, the rain was falling very hard and we are old. The next morning we overheard many sad tales of folks who were not able to book flights home, except as a stand-by. Getting in long lines is always a bad idea, at least we don't like them. Other options are always available. And that is the story of being stranded in Houston.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
April 18, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Travel Hell.
Every several years it occurs in the life of anyone who travels, and yesterday was one of those times. The day started out just fine. Organizing our clothes and shoes into the locker was done efficiently and checking out from our apartment was no problem. The Stromboli's at the airport were delicious. We were to leave Mexico at 2:52 for Houston, with an hour and a half layover, departing for National airport at 8:30. The metro was our choice of travel to Bethesda where we planned to pick up my car at work. All plans in place, all neat and tidy. But the Houston weather interfered.
Today we arrived in Washington, arriving one day late at 2:30 afternoon. The Metro and my car was a breeze. It was getting out of Houston that was the problem. First off the plane was late leaving Peurto Vallarta and of course late arriving in Houston. We cleared customs easily and discovered our flight to DC had been delayed until 8:30. Then it was to be 9:30, but at another gate in another terminal. That plane developed mechanical problems, so another airplane was assigned to us, but back on the other terminal. Finally the crew arrived and we boarded and pulled out from the gate. It was 11:45 pm. As we were travelling first class, I drank a gin and tonic. By now many planes were trying to leave Houston so we were in a line to take off, only to be told that the crew were now over the time allowed for them to work that day, so we pulled back to the gate to find another crew, while we waited on the plane. Finally, at 12:30, they cancelled the flight and we were left to our own devices.
It was high wind and rain and lightning that caused us to land at MacAllam and re-fuel, before finally going over to Houston. It was quite a remarkable day but we all survived.
Today we arrived in Washington, arriving one day late at 2:30 afternoon. The Metro and my car was a breeze. It was getting out of Houston that was the problem. First off the plane was late leaving Peurto Vallarta and of course late arriving in Houston. We cleared customs easily and discovered our flight to DC had been delayed until 8:30. Then it was to be 9:30, but at another gate in another terminal. That plane developed mechanical problems, so another airplane was assigned to us, but back on the other terminal. Finally the crew arrived and we boarded and pulled out from the gate. It was 11:45 pm. As we were travelling first class, I drank a gin and tonic. By now many planes were trying to leave Houston so we were in a line to take off, only to be told that the crew were now over the time allowed for them to work that day, so we pulled back to the gate to find another crew, while we waited on the plane. Finally, at 12:30, they cancelled the flight and we were left to our own devices.
It was high wind and rain and lightning that caused us to land at MacAllam and re-fuel, before finally going over to Houston. It was quite a remarkable day but we all survived.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16, 2009. Mexico. Birds.
Six feet away from us and fishing for his dinner, a great blue heron missed his meal several times in a row. The big fellow could not see us or he would have flown away I am sure, but there he was, the last time going right into the water after the fish, but still coming up empty. We finally left him to his failures. I spotted him on the other shore while we were walking by the marina, when all of a sudden he flew right over to our shore right to the other side of the hibiscus bushes where we were spying on him. The heron was big enough, but he must have been young. Surely no adult heron would be so unsuccessful so many times in a row.
The other day we watched a pair of Great Kiskadees. I spotted the one first, sitting on a branch ten feet from the sidewalk, in an empty lot. The yellow breast is so very bright that you can't miss them. Very soon the mate appeared even closer to us, so we watched them for about ten minutes before they finally flew off. The Great Kiskadee is a spectacular bird and we were pleased to see these two so very close to us. In the morning a new bird landed on the railing of our balcony. It had orange on his back and almost red on his head, with brownish wings. He was the size of an oriole. The Mexican bird book told me that I was looking at an Orange Oriole, not a bird we have at home and not a bird we have ever seen before. On my balcony he was a beautiful bird. At the same time as we were seeing the Great Kiskadee in the empty lot I saw another Orange Oriole quite close by, and soon along came the mate, much duller orange breast but for sure the same type of bird. They twittered around a bit before flying off. We were hoping to find their nest so we could come and see them again.
And to top it off, we found a half dozen quails scratching around on the ground in the bushes. We watched carefully, but were never able to see their markings very well, so were never able to identify the birds. The good thing is that those empty lots hold a lot of birds. The bad thing is that every time we come, more lots are filling in with big buildings. Only one area along the shore has been kept as a natural area and that is probably not enough for the birds. The golf course is full of birds so perhaps they will move over there.
Now we muct organize our stull, because we leave for home.
The other day we watched a pair of Great Kiskadees. I spotted the one first, sitting on a branch ten feet from the sidewalk, in an empty lot. The yellow breast is so very bright that you can't miss them. Very soon the mate appeared even closer to us, so we watched them for about ten minutes before they finally flew off. The Great Kiskadee is a spectacular bird and we were pleased to see these two so very close to us. In the morning a new bird landed on the railing of our balcony. It had orange on his back and almost red on his head, with brownish wings. He was the size of an oriole. The Mexican bird book told me that I was looking at an Orange Oriole, not a bird we have at home and not a bird we have ever seen before. On my balcony he was a beautiful bird. At the same time as we were seeing the Great Kiskadee in the empty lot I saw another Orange Oriole quite close by, and soon along came the mate, much duller orange breast but for sure the same type of bird. They twittered around a bit before flying off. We were hoping to find their nest so we could come and see them again.
And to top it off, we found a half dozen quails scratching around on the ground in the bushes. We watched carefully, but were never able to see their markings very well, so were never able to identify the birds. The good thing is that those empty lots hold a lot of birds. The bad thing is that every time we come, more lots are filling in with big buildings. Only one area along the shore has been kept as a natural area and that is probably not enough for the birds. The golf course is full of birds so perhaps they will move over there.
Now we muct organize our stull, because we leave for home.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009. Mexico. Exercise.
There is no doubt about it. We get more exercise here in Mexico than we do at home in Bethesda. Just today we worked out over the noon time at the gym for about an hour, then after reading for the rest of the afternoon we walked over to the Mall to get my hair cut. It is a bit over a quarter mile walk. We decided to wander down to the bar at the hotel, which is another quarter mile, and then we sauntered back home along the shore, for a total of something over a mile, in addition to our work out. This is a good thing I think. Monday evening we decided that two weeks here was enough time here, so we decided to cut our trip short and spend a few days with the children in Texas, but the changes were just too expensive so we decided to stay where we are. I really think that Easter without family or friends around seemed too boring. Next time we will plan a better schedule. We have an exercise plan for when we get home. Now we just must execute our plan.
While sitting at the bar at the hotel I was impressed with how well all the ladies looked in their bathing suits and cover-ups. The whole picture was coordinated and they looked great. I tried to figure out why I look so bad at the beach and getting to and fro from the pool. Everyone else seems to have made a real effort to look good, while I look as if the cat dragged me through the yard. I have no answer for why I pay no attention to how I look at the beach or getting to the beach. I do know that I wear old T shirts to cover up my bathing suits and that I buy my bathing suits from catalogues, which I wear whether or not the suit fits me well. If the bottoms are too long I just cut them off. The Texas children think that is the funniest thing in the world, to wear a bathing suit that has just cut the bottom off. And I wear only two suits at a time at each place, until those bathing suits fall apart, which takes about eight years. Once my friends Gill and Ann and Mary threw my old suit in the trash because all the elastic had stretched. I am sure my attitude about bathing suits is a character flaw, but maybe it is an asset. Everyone who sees me through the day by the pool has something to talk about at dinner.
While sitting at the bar at the hotel I was impressed with how well all the ladies looked in their bathing suits and cover-ups. The whole picture was coordinated and they looked great. I tried to figure out why I look so bad at the beach and getting to and fro from the pool. Everyone else seems to have made a real effort to look good, while I look as if the cat dragged me through the yard. I have no answer for why I pay no attention to how I look at the beach or getting to the beach. I do know that I wear old T shirts to cover up my bathing suits and that I buy my bathing suits from catalogues, which I wear whether or not the suit fits me well. If the bottoms are too long I just cut them off. The Texas children think that is the funniest thing in the world, to wear a bathing suit that has just cut the bottom off. And I wear only two suits at a time at each place, until those bathing suits fall apart, which takes about eight years. Once my friends Gill and Ann and Mary threw my old suit in the trash because all the elastic had stretched. I am sure my attitude about bathing suits is a character flaw, but maybe it is an asset. Everyone who sees me through the day by the pool has something to talk about at dinner.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13, 2009. Mexico. Reading.
In every stage of my life, reading has been important to me. It would be very difficult for me not to be able to read. My memory of learning to read is non existent and no one in my family recalls whether I read early or late, but I do know that as a child I always had my nose in a book. When I was in the sixth grade at Edith Cavell School in Vancouver, I had the good fortune to have the Library as my home room, so each morning I would take a book from the shelf just behind my chair. I was in front of the G shelf as I recall. I took that new book with me throughout the day, and read when things got boring in the classes, returning the book to the shelf at the end of the day for our final check of the day. Mostly I was finished the book at the end of the day. At church we had a Library, so each Sunday I checked out a book or two, then read all through morning service of course with a Bible covering the book. I am sure my Mother knew what I was doing, but probably was happy to have me quiet. Books have always been my great salvation and my entertainment. I am fortunate to have come from a long line of readers so books were always hanging around our house.
Now I have just completed another Biography, this one called 'American Lion: Andrew Jackson", by Jon Meacham. It is new but I was especially interested to read this book after Truman referred to President Jackson so often in the Truman Biography. I have studied American History both in Canada and the US but have never had a good grasp on President Jackson. Now I am up to date with all his strengths and weaknesses. Now I am about half through 'Infidel' by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She is the woman who made the short film where the co-producer was killed. The author was living in Holland and was kept under guard, finally was deported, and now lives in the US. The question I have asked for a long time has to do with the American Feminists. Why are they not helping or even discussing the life of women in Muslim society? This book is horrifying. I feel so fortunate to have been brought up in Canada, and now live in the US where women have options.
Now I have a problem. I have only one book on my Kindle and that is a short one. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Beauty and the Damned". Must be time to go home where I still have a stack of book waiting to be read. Such joy in the anticipation!!
Now I have just completed another Biography, this one called 'American Lion: Andrew Jackson", by Jon Meacham. It is new but I was especially interested to read this book after Truman referred to President Jackson so often in the Truman Biography. I have studied American History both in Canada and the US but have never had a good grasp on President Jackson. Now I am up to date with all his strengths and weaknesses. Now I am about half through 'Infidel' by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She is the woman who made the short film where the co-producer was killed. The author was living in Holland and was kept under guard, finally was deported, and now lives in the US. The question I have asked for a long time has to do with the American Feminists. Why are they not helping or even discussing the life of women in Muslim society? This book is horrifying. I feel so fortunate to have been brought up in Canada, and now live in the US where women have options.
Now I have a problem. I have only one book on my Kindle and that is a short one. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Beauty and the Damned". Must be time to go home where I still have a stack of book waiting to be read. Such joy in the anticipation!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
April 12, 2009. Mexico. Dining Out.
It is one of the great pleasures of life to dine out in a fine restaurant. It is an even greater joy when you come upon an excellent restaurant in an unexpected location. We knew that The Four Seasons hotel in Punta Mita would have had a good restaurant, but we were not inclined to go there. From folks that have gone there they have reported a tone of snobbishness, so we declined to go. Instead we walked the beach, expecting to have lunch in a typical Mexican restaurant right on the shore, serving good food, but not fancy food. When we first arrived down at the shore, we saw a small hotel and restaurant called 'Cafe des Artistes". Now years ago, on one of Bertie's trips, we all dined at a restaurant of that name in Puerto Vallarta. The restaurant was just new and the chef had just come to town from Paris. The restaurant was wonderful, both in decor and food, so much so that both Ken and I remembered the name. We walked the length of the board walk, and I was intent on choosing one of the local types, but Ken held out for returning to the 'Cafe des Artistes'. The lunch was wonderful.
We drank those drinks beginning with M all afternoon, while we watched the scenes unfold before our eyes. First course, complements of the chef, were goat cheese spring rolls in Mango sauce. Next up, one dozen fresh oysters, followed by a fresh green salad. For the main course Ken ate tuna tartar and I ate marlin enchiladas. Ice cream for dessert. It all took almost three hours, but the time just flew by. The waiter who spoke good English was leaving soon for a new job in British Columbia, so he wanted to ask us all about it. He was an excellent waiter too. The restaurant in Punta Mita will miss him. The same chef now owns three restaurants in the area, and is active in bringing more fine chefs here. We met him just as we were leaving. It was a wonderful meal, and made even better by the surprise of finding it there in Punta Mita. As I said before, dining out is one of the great pleasures of life, at least for Ken and me.
We drank those drinks beginning with M all afternoon, while we watched the scenes unfold before our eyes. First course, complements of the chef, were goat cheese spring rolls in Mango sauce. Next up, one dozen fresh oysters, followed by a fresh green salad. For the main course Ken ate tuna tartar and I ate marlin enchiladas. Ice cream for dessert. It all took almost three hours, but the time just flew by. The waiter who spoke good English was leaving soon for a new job in British Columbia, so he wanted to ask us all about it. He was an excellent waiter too. The restaurant in Punta Mita will miss him. The same chef now owns three restaurants in the area, and is active in bringing more fine chefs here. We met him just as we were leaving. It was a wonderful meal, and made even better by the surprise of finding it there in Punta Mita. As I said before, dining out is one of the great pleasures of life, at least for Ken and me.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11, 2009. Mexico. The Beach.
When we first arrived at Punta Mita the beaches were crowded. During the three hours we were there, the people poured down the little lanes and alleys to find their spot on the beach. It was quite a sight. Whole families and extended families arrived all together, bringing everything but the kitchen sink. They brought chairs and large beach umbrellas. They brought coolers. They brought pots full of food and every type of beach toys under the sun, all to spend the whole day at the beach. From young children to grandparents and everything in between, everyone wanted to be at the beach. Victor tells us that this is the tradition in Mexico. If you are not working this Easter weekend, to the beach you go.
We dined at the Cafe des Artistes in Punta Mita, a very elegant restaurant. While we ate and drank, we were able to watch the action on the beach and a very happy group they were. One group of four couples of young adults arrived with all their stuff, and set up their space just to our right. I noticed then because they were all in their 20's but they had no children. While they were all in their beach covers, the dining fly was installed along with their eight chairs. It was all very efficiently done, with the instructions given by one of the women, who obviously knew how it was done. So no fuss or muss. Then the women took everything off except their bikini's, where they stretched out in the sun. The men stayed fully clothes, including hats, and stayed under the shade, drinking beer and talking and sitting in the chairs.
Next three couples arrived with two children and they chose their spot on the beach right in front of the restaurant. The two Mothers with children sat on the wall while they waited for the three men and one women erected the dining fly for shade. Fortunately they were a very congenial group of people, and good natured too, because they had no idea how to install this fancy shade. The box was opened and all parts dumped out on the sand. Two of the young men started to put the pieces together but it was not working properly so they tried a second method. It also failed except now they have two people holding up two sides. We can not hear what they were saying, but you could kind of guess. Finally, someone suggested that instructions should have been in the box, and low and behold, there it was. The four of them all laughed and one man wore the instructions as a hat. The lady who had no children finally got the instructions, and started to give out the directions, and finally a kind man walking along the beach gave a critical suggestion, which allowed them to put the whole thing up and functioning well. This took them an hour to install this cover. When it was finally in place, the Policeman came along and told them that they could not keep it there, because the view from the fancy restaurant was being occluded. They laughed and cheerfully picked it up and moved to another spot on the beach. By the end of the day, I bet a lot of burned people would be headed home, all happy as clams.
We dined at the Cafe des Artistes in Punta Mita, a very elegant restaurant. While we ate and drank, we were able to watch the action on the beach and a very happy group they were. One group of four couples of young adults arrived with all their stuff, and set up their space just to our right. I noticed then because they were all in their 20's but they had no children. While they were all in their beach covers, the dining fly was installed along with their eight chairs. It was all very efficiently done, with the instructions given by one of the women, who obviously knew how it was done. So no fuss or muss. Then the women took everything off except their bikini's, where they stretched out in the sun. The men stayed fully clothes, including hats, and stayed under the shade, drinking beer and talking and sitting in the chairs.
Next three couples arrived with two children and they chose their spot on the beach right in front of the restaurant. The two Mothers with children sat on the wall while they waited for the three men and one women erected the dining fly for shade. Fortunately they were a very congenial group of people, and good natured too, because they had no idea how to install this fancy shade. The box was opened and all parts dumped out on the sand. Two of the young men started to put the pieces together but it was not working properly so they tried a second method. It also failed except now they have two people holding up two sides. We can not hear what they were saying, but you could kind of guess. Finally, someone suggested that instructions should have been in the box, and low and behold, there it was. The four of them all laughed and one man wore the instructions as a hat. The lady who had no children finally got the instructions, and started to give out the directions, and finally a kind man walking along the beach gave a critical suggestion, which allowed them to put the whole thing up and functioning well. This took them an hour to install this cover. When it was finally in place, the Policeman came along and told them that they could not keep it there, because the view from the fancy restaurant was being occluded. They laughed and cheerfully picked it up and moved to another spot on the beach. By the end of the day, I bet a lot of burned people would be headed home, all happy as clams.
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The Bus Ride.
Curva Peligro!! Curva Peligro!! I could read what it meant by the dangerous curves we were rounding at great speed, but obviously the bus driver could not read. I thought for sure we were going to end up in the ditch or down the mountain, but in the course of time, we arrived all in one piece at our destination, Punta Mita. Now when you get out your map you will find Punta Mita right at the point of Bandara's Bay just north of us. Years ago when we were first in Puerto Vallarta with Bernie's trip we took a trip to Punta Mita, just when The Four Season's resort was opening. The golf course was open and running, as was the hotel, and we could walk all around the place. We even looked at some lots that were for sale. At that time, it was the most expensive place in the whole area, with lots selling for a million or more US Dollars. Now you can not get into the resort, unless you have a reservation for lunch, but a whole town has grown up around what was once a sleepy little fishing village. Ken and I decided to take the bus to Punta Mita.
First we took a bus right in front of our resort, heading out to the highway, where we got off. In order to get our next bus to Punta Mita, we were required to cross the main highway, which we did, but not easily. Our next bus driver saw us trying to get across the road, and that kind soul waited for us to get across. I was waiting for a good clear space, and finally Ken hollered for me to "Run now", so I did. If I had known that the bus driver could not or would not pay attention to the signs I would have waited for the next bus. The trip was interesting, through several towns and many ranches and resorts. The beaches were loaded with people, all beaches were full of people, all along the road. Our journey ran parallel to the shore all the way. This was Good Friday, and evidently in Mexico the custom is to go to the beach. On our journey back home, the driver drove more carefully, but as we sat in the front seat and Ken could see the road ahead of us, Ken's developed a headache half way home. The total cost of our trip was under five Dollars on the bus rides both out and back, but I bet we both have more gray hair!!
First we took a bus right in front of our resort, heading out to the highway, where we got off. In order to get our next bus to Punta Mita, we were required to cross the main highway, which we did, but not easily. Our next bus driver saw us trying to get across the road, and that kind soul waited for us to get across. I was waiting for a good clear space, and finally Ken hollered for me to "Run now", so I did. If I had known that the bus driver could not or would not pay attention to the signs I would have waited for the next bus. The trip was interesting, through several towns and many ranches and resorts. The beaches were loaded with people, all beaches were full of people, all along the road. Our journey ran parallel to the shore all the way. This was Good Friday, and evidently in Mexico the custom is to go to the beach. On our journey back home, the driver drove more carefully, but as we sat in the front seat and Ken could see the road ahead of us, Ken's developed a headache half way home. The total cost of our trip was under five Dollars on the bus rides both out and back, but I bet we both have more gray hair!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9, 2009. Mexico. World of Our Own.
Our life here in Mexico is unusual, at least it certainly is the most unusual life we have ever experienced. Ken and I have our own life, living in our little cocoon in Mexico. For over fifty years we have lived together, surrounded by our work and our friends and our family, in addition to our groups and our entertaining. For most of the time, we spent very little time together. Both of us worked all day, and when at home, Ken worked outside in the yard while I kept busy in the house. Even now in Nova Scotia or in Texas, when I am away from work, we are surrounded by people and activities, and certainly at home in Bethesda, I leave for work at eight o'clock and get home about six-thirty, while Ken does his work in his office in the apartment. But here in Mexico, especially when we have no company, we are together all day every day, and the surprising thing is we enjoy each others company.
If you were to actually track our activities you would see that Ken works on the computer several hours each day. He checks the news and balances our accounts, then checks to see what travel tickets are needed. Yesterday we spent an hour resolving and deciding our dates for the rest of the year so today he booked our tickets to Nova Scotia, and to David Wu's wedding in July. We are staying in the Inter-Continental Hotel, very close to the Massey College Chapel. Ken also is trying to learn Spanish, so uses a program on the computer one hour each day on the computer. In the apartment I read my Kindle. We walk every day together, and we work out together at the Sport's Center. We watch the sunset every night from our balcony. We have all our meals together. I am sure this would not be a good idea for the long haul, but for these few weeks, we are enjoying our cocoon.
If you were to actually track our activities you would see that Ken works on the computer several hours each day. He checks the news and balances our accounts, then checks to see what travel tickets are needed. Yesterday we spent an hour resolving and deciding our dates for the rest of the year so today he booked our tickets to Nova Scotia, and to David Wu's wedding in July. We are staying in the Inter-Continental Hotel, very close to the Massey College Chapel. Ken also is trying to learn Spanish, so uses a program on the computer one hour each day on the computer. In the apartment I read my Kindle. We walk every day together, and we work out together at the Sport's Center. We watch the sunset every night from our balcony. We have all our meals together. I am sure this would not be a good idea for the long haul, but for these few weeks, we are enjoying our cocoon.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8, 2009. Mexico. Old Friend.
As you know, I have just read biographies of Harry Truman and Flannery O'Connor. While reading the Truman book, I was immersed in the politics of Missouri, specifically the Democratic Party of Missouri. Before reading that book, I knew very little of the topic, but the book raised a lot of questions in my mind. Now, I said to myself, "I need to talk to my old friend Ed Quick". Ed came to Washington right out of graduate school (of course with an M.A. in Political Science) to work with the Junior Senator from Missouri, Sen. Eagleton, and Ed was with the Senator the whole time of the Senator's career, then Ed worked as a Postal Director until Ed's retirement.
Ed knows a lot about the past and present of the Democratic Party in Missouri and he remains interested in politics in general. Just three years ago they moved from Washington, well really Bethesda, to Lawrence, Kansas just a little outside Kansas City, Kansas which is right across the river from Kansas, Missouri, not far from Independence, Missouri, President Truman's hometown. So I do need to talk to Ed.
Next I read the Flannery O'Connor book. For at least thirty years, I belonged to a very good Book Club with Colleen Quick, Ed's wife. They lived two blocks away from us when we moved to Bethesda in 1970. We met at a park close to our homes, where our very active sons needed activity. Teddy was about the same as Andrew, so the three boys played together while the Mothers talked books. The Quick family had also just arrived in Bethesda. Colleen invited me to book club, and we have been friends ever since, although since our children grew up and then we all worked very hard, getting together was impossible, especially since I stopped attending Book Club. Years ago, we read Southern Writers then several years later we read Southern Women Writers, so Coleen and I have been through several discussions concerning Flannery O'Connor. Once again, just a few days apart, I said to my self "I neen to speak to Coleen Quick".
Ken tracked down the phone number, and Coleen and I had a much needed and long overdue conversation. I told her of my need to talk to Ed. She also agreed with me that he knows much past and present about Missouri politics, and that he actually enjoys talking about it. Coleen has no interest and never has other than the fact that it has paid their bills all those years. The next step was for me to invite them to Nova Scotia this summer where the conversations can flow. It was lovely to talk with Coleen on the phone, now I hope they make the journey north.
Ed knows a lot about the past and present of the Democratic Party in Missouri and he remains interested in politics in general. Just three years ago they moved from Washington, well really Bethesda, to Lawrence, Kansas just a little outside Kansas City, Kansas which is right across the river from Kansas, Missouri, not far from Independence, Missouri, President Truman's hometown. So I do need to talk to Ed.
Next I read the Flannery O'Connor book. For at least thirty years, I belonged to a very good Book Club with Colleen Quick, Ed's wife. They lived two blocks away from us when we moved to Bethesda in 1970. We met at a park close to our homes, where our very active sons needed activity. Teddy was about the same as Andrew, so the three boys played together while the Mothers talked books. The Quick family had also just arrived in Bethesda. Colleen invited me to book club, and we have been friends ever since, although since our children grew up and then we all worked very hard, getting together was impossible, especially since I stopped attending Book Club. Years ago, we read Southern Writers then several years later we read Southern Women Writers, so Coleen and I have been through several discussions concerning Flannery O'Connor. Once again, just a few days apart, I said to my self "I neen to speak to Coleen Quick".
Ken tracked down the phone number, and Coleen and I had a much needed and long overdue conversation. I told her of my need to talk to Ed. She also agreed with me that he knows much past and present about Missouri politics, and that he actually enjoys talking about it. Coleen has no interest and never has other than the fact that it has paid their bills all those years. The next step was for me to invite them to Nova Scotia this summer where the conversations can flow. It was lovely to talk with Coleen on the phone, now I hope they make the journey north.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Books.
I lived through much of the time period, so perhaps that kept me so interested. Or perhaps the author was skillful, but for me, the biography of President Truman was a worthwhile book to read. David McCullough was the author and 'Truman' was the book, published in 1995. I was slow in the reading when it was first published, but I enjoyed it thoroughly now. Politically we are not on the same side of the line, but his work ethic and his refusal to pay attention to anything except what he thought was the right thing is something I admire. Finally and more recently now, the scholars are treating his presidency with great regard,even though he was thought of with disdain when he was President. His lack of arrogance is refreshing in the modern era of politics, also his very hard work as the President. Kindle did it's work. The Truman book was the first book I read on my Kindle. It saved me dragging this large book with me on the plane, in fact, I would never have brought it, as the pages are many and the book is a hard backed book.
Now I am almost through the biography of Flannery O'Connor. Again, I have read everything she wrote and have known quite a lot about her life, from my discussions at my book club, but one thing clear to me when reading her biography is that she was a very smart lady and was a very smart child, so different than most children and adults. It was not until our discussions at
book club all those years ago that I knew that she was a Catholic writer, with a capitol C. Brad Gooch wrote the book, which was published just recently. I have always felt that truly talented people have a much harder time in life than the rest of us who are just hard working and somewhat bright. I put myself in that category. My next book will be a biography of Andrew Jackson, who definitely was not in my era. But Flannery O'Connor was a wonderful writer and I am enjoying reading all about her life.
Now I am almost through the biography of Flannery O'Connor. Again, I have read everything she wrote and have known quite a lot about her life, from my discussions at my book club, but one thing clear to me when reading her biography is that she was a very smart lady and was a very smart child, so different than most children and adults. It was not until our discussions at
book club all those years ago that I knew that she was a Catholic writer, with a capitol C. Brad Gooch wrote the book, which was published just recently. I have always felt that truly talented people have a much harder time in life than the rest of us who are just hard working and somewhat bright. I put myself in that category. My next book will be a biography of Andrew Jackson, who definitely was not in my era. But Flannery O'Connor was a wonderful writer and I am enjoying reading all about her life.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
April 5, 2009. Mexico. The Beach.
Children love to be on the beach. So much activity, everything moving and changing. friends and relatives along to play, kids just love the beach. Sandcastles, Frisbees, pails, shovels, footballs. The toys are endless. The waves are the best, always changing and always coming, wave after wave. Today the beach was full of people. In both directions you could see people both big and small. For the first time since we arrived, today we walked on the beach, and I loved it. I do not really like to walk on the beach, because of the angle of the beach. My hips hurt after a mile or so. But today the tide was out so we were able to walk in the very wet hard flat sand, which was pleasing to me. Then after our walk we sat at a restaurant right in front of our resort and ate lunch and watched the people.
I think this is a familiar story. A man with two children came down to the beach and quickly chose a hut for shade along with several beach chairs. The children dropped their towels and shirts and shoes and raced down to the water. I am guessing that the children, a girl and boy were 7 and 9. The Father pulled up a lounge chair to the top of the slope and sat down to watch the children, who were by then in the water up to their knees. Mother arrived carrying a sleeping baby, noticed the Father sitting a long way from the children and hollered in Spanish to the husband and quickly raced down to the edge of the water, with the Father right after her. They had a discussion. She brought the sleeping baby up to the carriage, while the Father went into the water with the children, where he stayed. It is certainly true, that Mothers are more protective than Fathers, and I watched this carried out, right before my eyes.
I think this is a familiar story. A man with two children came down to the beach and quickly chose a hut for shade along with several beach chairs. The children dropped their towels and shirts and shoes and raced down to the water. I am guessing that the children, a girl and boy were 7 and 9. The Father pulled up a lounge chair to the top of the slope and sat down to watch the children, who were by then in the water up to their knees. Mother arrived carrying a sleeping baby, noticed the Father sitting a long way from the children and hollered in Spanish to the husband and quickly raced down to the edge of the water, with the Father right after her. They had a discussion. She brought the sleeping baby up to the carriage, while the Father went into the water with the children, where he stayed. It is certainly true, that Mothers are more protective than Fathers, and I watched this carried out, right before my eyes.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 4, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Learning from Elders.
It was painful to watch but humorous too. We got to watch during our whole lunch time. A wedding was to be held on the beach just in front of our favorite restaurant at the Hotel. When we walked up, forty chairs were set up on the beach in proper order, along with a long table in front of the chairs that looked out at sea. Soon two men arrived with a cart full of white cloth and they got busy. One man was thin and young and one man was heavy and older, but the main difference was quickly obvious in addition to the age and size. The older man had done it all before, while the young man was learning.. First task was the white cloth and skirt on the table. They worked together on that job. Next was to cover the chairs with white linen. The older man showed how it was done, and he started on the right side and the young man started on the left, with twenty seats on each side. Soon the older man is over helping with the other side. The hardest part came next. A white ribbon was to be tied around the chair, with a pretty bow tied at the back, all perky and proper. The older man showed the young man how to tie the bow, and the older man started on his side. Soon he was done. The poor young man, even though he twice went over for another lesson was never able to tie the bow properly. His bows looked terrible, and he knew it. Finally he went and asked the older man to tie his bows, so it was done. Finally, an orange ribbon was added to the bow to complete the look.
I felt sorry for the young man, because I can not tie a flat bow either. My Mother tied all my bows and she did such a good job that I never learned. My Sister also can tie a flat bow, so the backs of little girls dresses look so cute. My friend Mary too. But not me, and not that young man at Paradise Village. Perhaps he will practice, so at the next wedding he can do his fair share of the work. It kept me amused through the whole lunch.
I felt sorry for the young man, because I can not tie a flat bow either. My Mother tied all my bows and she did such a good job that I never learned. My Sister also can tie a flat bow, so the backs of little girls dresses look so cute. My friend Mary too. But not me, and not that young man at Paradise Village. Perhaps he will practice, so at the next wedding he can do his fair share of the work. It kept me amused through the whole lunch.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Van Ride.
The vans are always white and always have a sign posted on the front on the dashboard. While waiting for the bus by the Market, we see these white vans stopping to pick up and discharging passengers. These white vans are not part of the official bus system which are big and new, but seem to be privately owned and run. These vans arrive and depart frequently. We asked Victor, our shuttle driver and our source of all things important, what these vans were all about. He told us that anyone can ride for a fee, and the driver will stop anywhere you want him to stop, of course based on the town listed on the front. San Juan or Vallee were most often seen. Ken and I decided to take one of those white vans, to which ever van arrived first. That was how we visited San Juan yesterday. It was a most interesting ride.
We got on at the market, along with several others. I thought the van was full. Two school girls wearing school uniforms were sitting right in front of us chattering away to each other in Spanish and looking like all teen aged girls at home. One girl removed her school earrings and put on three inch bright ping hoops. Now I thought the van was full, but we stopped for two very overweight old ladies who got on the van and sat on two jump seats who had been pulled out by a young man. I did not dream these ladies would get into the van, yet alone sit down, but they did. The van is old and well worn and the bus stops a lot, so to make up speed, the driver speeds along between stops, then suddenly stops when signalled by passengers. It was quite a ride. Of course, no air conditioning. People use these vans to cover distances short and long. One man of about twenty five carrying a baby got on the van and then got off in five blocks. During that time, the people sitting on that row played with the baby the whole time. It was very sweet. Now, when the people get off, they reach their money in the open window of the passenger seat and give the driver the fare. Sometimes they know the fare and sometimes they ask, but every one did the same thing. They reach across the two people sitting in the front seat to give the money to the driver. Everyone was polite and everyone was quiet. I wondered if anyone ever failed to pay their fare? I guess if they did not pay, next time they could not ride. It is a great system, heading up the valley to these little towns and stopping all along the way. Of course, there are no official bus stop, you just signal the driver and he will stop. The driver stopped us right outside our door at the Playa Royale. It doesn't get much better than that.
We got on at the market, along with several others. I thought the van was full. Two school girls wearing school uniforms were sitting right in front of us chattering away to each other in Spanish and looking like all teen aged girls at home. One girl removed her school earrings and put on three inch bright ping hoops. Now I thought the van was full, but we stopped for two very overweight old ladies who got on the van and sat on two jump seats who had been pulled out by a young man. I did not dream these ladies would get into the van, yet alone sit down, but they did. The van is old and well worn and the bus stops a lot, so to make up speed, the driver speeds along between stops, then suddenly stops when signalled by passengers. It was quite a ride. Of course, no air conditioning. People use these vans to cover distances short and long. One man of about twenty five carrying a baby got on the van and then got off in five blocks. During that time, the people sitting on that row played with the baby the whole time. It was very sweet. Now, when the people get off, they reach their money in the open window of the passenger seat and give the driver the fare. Sometimes they know the fare and sometimes they ask, but every one did the same thing. They reach across the two people sitting in the front seat to give the money to the driver. Everyone was polite and everyone was quiet. I wondered if anyone ever failed to pay their fare? I guess if they did not pay, next time they could not ride. It is a great system, heading up the valley to these little towns and stopping all along the way. Of course, there are no official bus stop, you just signal the driver and he will stop. The driver stopped us right outside our door at the Playa Royale. It doesn't get much better than that.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009. Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. San Juan de Abajo.
She was the most elegant lady, about fifty years old, short modern stylishly cut streaked hair, fancy clothes covered with an apron, and she was serving us lunch at her tiny restaurant in San Juan. We looked like country bumpkins along side of her. The place had four tables while she cooked at the back. The place was clean as a whistle. While wandering around town, we stopped it a small fruit store, mainly to talk to the young man and he referred us to this little restaurant, which he said was very economical and with good Mexican food, both of which were true. But this very elegant lady serving us our meal came as a surprise. I guess I thought the cook would be old or fat or frumpy and perhaps all three, but no, the owner was cool and pleasant and happy. She could also cook. Now she spoke no English, so she went to the store next door and returned with a man who lived in Boise, Idaho and who helped us to determine what to eat. Of course, she had no menu. Each day she cooks something to eat and you have two choices, making it easy to choose. Ken ordered the weird new choice and I had the try'd and true enchiladas, both of which were excellent.
Of course, I should have known better because the children are very well dressed in their school uniforms, and clothes were drying all over town on the outside clothes lines. You see these clothes lines everywhere, on top of the buildings and in the center courtyards, so cleanliness is important to the people of San Juan. Of course, I looked into every door that was open to me, so I spied into all the houses both tiny and large. But this lady was a surprise to me. She certainly made me feel frumpy!!
Of course, I should have known better because the children are very well dressed in their school uniforms, and clothes were drying all over town on the outside clothes lines. You see these clothes lines everywhere, on top of the buildings and in the center courtyards, so cleanliness is important to the people of San Juan. Of course, I looked into every door that was open to me, so I spied into all the houses both tiny and large. But this lady was a surprise to me. She certainly made me feel frumpy!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009. Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Schedule.
It started with a warm blanket on my back and ended with three clear rings of a bell. In between was sheer delight. Warm aromatic oils throughout the whole massage made me think I was living in Roman times. It is my guess that massages have been used since we were people. I for one think they are just wonderful. A lot of the experience has nothing to do with any therapy but all together the experience is delightful. I arrived early so I could shower and hot tub then rewarded myself with eighty minutes of a massage, followed by a sauna and another shower. By the time I arrived home at noon I was totally relaxed. Of course I was relaxed when I left this morning too. For some reason I could not recall the first time I had a massage. On the table today I was trying to recall when I was introduced to massages, but I could not remember. It certainly was not when I was young because I would have had no money, but I do know that I have had a massage on almost every vacation since I stopped being poor. I have no clue if they are good for you or not, but I know that they make you feel good so I intend to continue the practice.
This afternoon we started back to the gym. Our exercise has been on the back burner but no more. We intend to go to the sport's center three times each week. The place was almost empty when we arrived at three o'clock, so we have decided to start going there regularly in the afternoon from now on, as the mornings are busy in the gym. Our schedule is now set. Every week we will take a bus to a little town up in the mountains, starting tomorrow. No way to avoid planning ahead in this Family.
This afternoon we started back to the gym. Our exercise has been on the back burner but no more. We intend to go to the sport's center three times each week. The place was almost empty when we arrived at three o'clock, so we have decided to start going there regularly in the afternoon from now on, as the mornings are busy in the gym. Our schedule is now set. Every week we will take a bus to a little town up in the mountains, starting tomorrow. No way to avoid planning ahead in this Family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)