I am still trying to make the print smaller. It looks smaller, but then when I hit the "post" sign Yup you
guessed it same old big type that makes it look like I am yelling at everyone. Trust me I'm not.
Anyways, A while back my favorite change girl at the Emerald Island asked me if I liked Dr. Phil. I said
I did and she said good, we sent for tickets to see his show. Sounded like fun, and then promptly
forgot about it. Then a couple of weeks ago she e-mailed me all the information and it seemed like we
would be expected there on Tues. Aug 26 (yesterday)
Shelley (my friend) and her 25 yr old daughter Tiffany and I were going to see Dr. Phil. We decided
to take my car. Shelley has a truck and Tiff's car is being worked on. Tiff has two little girls 7 and 4.
Monday was the older girls first day of school, so we waited until school started and then would be
on our way to HOLLYWEIRD scuz me HOLLYWOOD. We were supposed to be at Paramount Studio
at 7 am on Tues. Shelley made the arrangements for our overnight stay. Seeing as both my traveling
companions smoke, I wanted my own personal room. No one smoked in the car, but I said I was
willing to stop anytime they needed a smoke break. Shelley did the driving. All went well. We
made it into LA in about 4 1/2 hrs, stopping in Barstow for lunch.
We would be staying at the Hollywood Downtowner motel, which Shelley said had high ratings for
a motel in that price range ($95 a night) We would be close to places to sight see. Grauman's
Chinese Theater, the Hollywood "walk of Fame" and not far from where they would be filming
Dr. Phil.
We arrived at the Opium Den, I mean the Downtowner, and I had this feeling I don't like this one
bit. The homeless people hanging around outside , the sleazy neighborhood and the 98cent store.
the bars on the windows of the surrounding buildings--well you get the picture. Anyhow the
"madam" who checked us in was Pakistanian or Indian or something with a ruby in the middle of
her forehead and incense burning in the office. She had only reserved one room for the three of
us, but needless to say she had another room available. The room I had was not bad. Seemed
clean enough. But I knew once I got in there, no way was I going out at night. Shelley and Tiff
said they would do some sightseeing, but would be home before dark. They walked some and
then took a bus to Graumans and walked back down the walk of fame. They called when they
were just a couple of blocks from the motel and picked me up a cheeseburger from Tommy's.
We had picked up beer earlier. There was a small frig in the room as well as a microwave and
a coffee pot.
the bathroom was brand new. The door wasn't even painted or varnished yet. they had nice
tile and a walk in shower. the only thing wrong was the toilet was on the north wall while the
tp was on the south wall. Makes sense to me. I watched the convention for a while and then
fell asleep. About 1 am I woke up, the damn smoke alarm was chirping--every 16 seconds--
until 2:30 am and then it stopped. Hard to get back to sleep after that. Got up at 4:30, showered
and was ready to go at 6 pm so we could grab some breakfast and off to see Dr. Phil.
Went back to Tommy's for brkfst and no one there spoke English. A truck full of Chollos (spelling)
were just leaving and they really gave me the creeps. We finally got our breakfast. Took forever
we were the only people in there and there were 3 people working there-you figure. Oops, forgot
to tell you the coffee pot in the room did not work. Finally arrived at Paramount and S & T dropped
me off to stand in line while they parked. Ended up parking in the Jewish Cemetary (I think it is
called "Hollywood, Forever) where they had you park along the curbs just like for a real funeral
and charged you $10 per car.
Stood and sat in line for almost two hours. If you don't read the rules they e mail you and bring
your camera and/or cell phone, they confiscate yours and you can retrieve them after the taping.
Takes forever to get thru that part, and then you walk thru this thing like at the airport and you
are finally allowed into the lot. They do have benches and everyonce in a while they let a bunch
of people in and everyone moves up. That's the upper level. Then they say "last call for the rest
room" and the Exodus begins., Thank God I didn't need to use it. Then it's down to the lower
level, more benches, but no restroom calls. Finally into the studio. Every seat is a good one
unless the cameraman decides to stand in front of you. I am sorry, but I was not impressed. The
subject for the day was its ok for and older man to date a younger woman but taboo for an older
woman to date a much younger man. Who would want to do that anyhow, man you'd have to
train him. Anyway this first womand who was 58 but said she was 48 dated over 300 men on
the internet and would have them send her an airline ticket and go to visit them She traveled
all over the world oveer 250 thousand miles and even dated the Prince of Monaco once. Her
daughter was concerned because she thought it was dangerous. Dr P said she should stop dating
for a while and look at her life. She was coming across as desperate. He never did convince her.
very boring and no free gifts for the audience.
they asked if we wanted to stay for the 2nd taping and Tiff and I said No. We went back to the
den of Iniquity, checked out and headed home. Lots of road construction but we got to my
place about 4:30 AND I was sure glad to get home. Tired and looking to sleep in my own bed,
no chain on the door and the smoke alarm has new batteries.
I did forget to mention that on the way down we ran into a horrendous thunder storm and
hard rain. Thru that I could see smoke (we were in the Cajon Pass heading into LA) and
when the sun came out the side of the mountain was on fire, on our left near the summit and
a borate bomber flew over dropping the borate on the fire. I think it was probably started by
Lightning. One the way home the next day we could see where it had burned right down to
the highway. There were still some emergency vehicles on the site checking it out. Alls
well that ends well.
Until my next adventure.....................
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
A TRIP TO THE RETIREMENT MANSION
OR DINING WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS
Yesterday we had a board meeting and we were invited to have our meeting and lunch at the home of Sandy
and Bob Miller, the former governor of the state of Nevada. Sandy is one of our board members and a really
gracious lady. We had done this once before but I do believe I was so intimidated I barely noticed my
surroundings. Sandy takes great care to make you feel at home so I really got a chance to look around.
Sandy and Bob have a beautiful home in Sun City Anthem, the Country Club Estates. As you approach
you have to be cleared at the gate house and given a pass. We were expected so, no problems there.
As you approach their home, there is a beautiful driveway, creative design of different colored rocks and
pebbles tiled off leading to the steps to the front door, which. except for the frame is made entirely of
beveled glass (crystal?, who knows) On either side of the driveway. facing each other., are two, two
car garages. Upon entering the house we were greeted by the aroma of food cooking. We entered
the kitchen, which has two dishwashers, two fridges, all paneled so they just look like walls. A long
curved counter (bar) (granite in a speckled brown color) A container with a few potted miniature rose
bushes, and a vase of georgous summer flowers. (more about the flowers later) Drinks, you name it
and it was there., Copper buckets with ice and cold drinks. Pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, water,
and a bucket of exotic Lunch beers. I don't remember all the names but one was a peach beer. It
was not yet 11 am and I chose water. adjacent to the kitchen is the family room. One whole wall
is and aquarium (built in), a lounge chair big enough for two, great for cuddling and a sofa (giant)
Another wall has a large screen televison with two smaller sets above it. I guess so you can watch
all the channels for election results. The other wall is all glass facing out to the huge patio, high on a
hill overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. One section of this wall just out forming a glassed in breakfast
nook.
Going into the dining room, with another view of the skyline was a formal dining table, set for 14, would
have extended for possibly another 10 if needed, witha damask gold table cloth embossed with white.
Down the center were at least 12 small vases with fresh flowers interspursed with glass (crystal) containers
holding florist clay with small purple flowers surrounding off white roses. real napkins and glasses with
ice and lemon already in them. Lunch was served buffet style, we helped ourselves to a salad made
with spinach leaves, fresh as paragus and walnuts with an italian styled dressing a cold pasta salad,
hot vegetable dish, marinated shrimp and skewered beef, and chicken (tempura coated) with a sauce
for the beef and a sauce for the chicken. What a feast. 3 forks, ohmygosh everyone started with a
different one. I started with the one on the outside. The silverware was, of course real silver with pure
gold trimming) Did anyone drip on the tablecloth, Sandy did and when she served dessert, Strawberry
shortcake with real whipped cream, she dripped on the carpen and also on her skirt. Did she Care. NOPE
The dining room was adjacent to the living room, with another huge couch in it. The whole on wall from the
family room, breakfast nook, dining room and living room, and master bedroom, is glace overlooking the
patio, swimming pool and the city of Las Vegas in the distance. For those of you who do now know,
Sun City Anthem is in Henderson, near Eastern Avenue and lake Mead Parkway. It would be shortly
after you get off the I 15 at the Henderson turnoff.
I had occasion to use the bathroom. A simple room with only the potty and a sink. Beautiful fixtures,
good sized room and beautifully decorated BUT the only towels were personal ones, use it and then
throw it in the hamper. Wow the only time I ever did this was with PAPER towels, not real turkish one.
I looked in the hamper which stood open, very decorative, and sure enough those before me had discarded
the towels. OMG at home I use one towel and then when that corner gets ugly I refold it so a clean corner
showes up. You get the picture. I know I used the restroom the last time I was here, but I did not remember
this part. Maybe I just used my shirt tail, or waved my hands in the air til they dried. I'm not sure but
this time I felt, When in Rome do as the Romans do. So i dried my hands and put my nose up in the air
and tossed that dirty towel in the hamper with nary a backward look.
We had a DVD which we planned to watch, but ther tv in the family room wouldn't accept it, so Sandy said
oh, we can go down to the basement and use that tv, but please don't look at my dirty carpet in the
basement. Will I ever have a basement, probably not, Will I ever have a basement with a carpet, No
Will I ever say Pardon my dirty carpet in the basement. LOL
We did go down to the basement, which not only was carpeted, it too had an L shaped couch. One
section was probably 8 feet long and the second one was 6 feet long and that only took up half the room.
the other half was a built in bar, fridge, pin ball machines and games. the kind of room you could really
enjoy during a tornado. BUT, that tv would not accept the dvd either so on to the computer room.
Off the computer room was the laundry room and I could see three of the largest washer and dryers I have
ever seen. Not your ordinary run of the mill white enamel kind either, these were bronze with lots of
chrome. I guess if you can only dry your hands once on a towel, you would have a lot of laundry.
Did I mention Rosa? Rosa helped get the lunch ready and while Sandy cleared the table, Rosa silently
cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Sandy introduced her to all of us. Sandy is truly a lady
with lots of class and a great sense of humor. She is very active in community efforts and sometimes
her efforts have an adverse affect on her husband. Not in a bad way but he is more straight laced and
sometimes gets roped into things. One time they participated in the opening of something and she
agreed that she and Bob would serve the people. SoBob was serving pastries, and some unsuspecting
customer came in and said "didn"t you used to be the governor and he said Yes" Sort of like "oh how
the mighty have falllen:
I did say I would tell you about the flowers. Sandy had bought all these flowers for our lunch and when
Bob saw them He figured he'd better send flowers too, just in case he forgot something.
It was a delightful day. thank you Sandy.
Yesterday we had a board meeting and we were invited to have our meeting and lunch at the home of Sandy
and Bob Miller, the former governor of the state of Nevada. Sandy is one of our board members and a really
gracious lady. We had done this once before but I do believe I was so intimidated I barely noticed my
surroundings. Sandy takes great care to make you feel at home so I really got a chance to look around.
Sandy and Bob have a beautiful home in Sun City Anthem, the Country Club Estates. As you approach
you have to be cleared at the gate house and given a pass. We were expected so, no problems there.
As you approach their home, there is a beautiful driveway, creative design of different colored rocks and
pebbles tiled off leading to the steps to the front door, which. except for the frame is made entirely of
beveled glass (crystal?, who knows) On either side of the driveway. facing each other., are two, two
car garages. Upon entering the house we were greeted by the aroma of food cooking. We entered
the kitchen, which has two dishwashers, two fridges, all paneled so they just look like walls. A long
curved counter (bar) (granite in a speckled brown color) A container with a few potted miniature rose
bushes, and a vase of georgous summer flowers. (more about the flowers later) Drinks, you name it
and it was there., Copper buckets with ice and cold drinks. Pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, water,
and a bucket of exotic Lunch beers. I don't remember all the names but one was a peach beer. It
was not yet 11 am and I chose water. adjacent to the kitchen is the family room. One whole wall
is and aquarium (built in), a lounge chair big enough for two, great for cuddling and a sofa (giant)
Another wall has a large screen televison with two smaller sets above it. I guess so you can watch
all the channels for election results. The other wall is all glass facing out to the huge patio, high on a
hill overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. One section of this wall just out forming a glassed in breakfast
nook.
Going into the dining room, with another view of the skyline was a formal dining table, set for 14, would
have extended for possibly another 10 if needed, witha damask gold table cloth embossed with white.
Down the center were at least 12 small vases with fresh flowers interspursed with glass (crystal) containers
holding florist clay with small purple flowers surrounding off white roses. real napkins and glasses with
ice and lemon already in them. Lunch was served buffet style, we helped ourselves to a salad made
with spinach leaves, fresh as paragus and walnuts with an italian styled dressing a cold pasta salad,
hot vegetable dish, marinated shrimp and skewered beef, and chicken (tempura coated) with a sauce
for the beef and a sauce for the chicken. What a feast. 3 forks, ohmygosh everyone started with a
different one. I started with the one on the outside. The silverware was, of course real silver with pure
gold trimming) Did anyone drip on the tablecloth, Sandy did and when she served dessert, Strawberry
shortcake with real whipped cream, she dripped on the carpen and also on her skirt. Did she Care. NOPE
The dining room was adjacent to the living room, with another huge couch in it. The whole on wall from the
family room, breakfast nook, dining room and living room, and master bedroom, is glace overlooking the
patio, swimming pool and the city of Las Vegas in the distance. For those of you who do now know,
Sun City Anthem is in Henderson, near Eastern Avenue and lake Mead Parkway. It would be shortly
after you get off the I 15 at the Henderson turnoff.
I had occasion to use the bathroom. A simple room with only the potty and a sink. Beautiful fixtures,
good sized room and beautifully decorated BUT the only towels were personal ones, use it and then
throw it in the hamper. Wow the only time I ever did this was with PAPER towels, not real turkish one.
I looked in the hamper which stood open, very decorative, and sure enough those before me had discarded
the towels. OMG at home I use one towel and then when that corner gets ugly I refold it so a clean corner
showes up. You get the picture. I know I used the restroom the last time I was here, but I did not remember
this part. Maybe I just used my shirt tail, or waved my hands in the air til they dried. I'm not sure but
this time I felt, When in Rome do as the Romans do. So i dried my hands and put my nose up in the air
and tossed that dirty towel in the hamper with nary a backward look.
We had a DVD which we planned to watch, but ther tv in the family room wouldn't accept it, so Sandy said
oh, we can go down to the basement and use that tv, but please don't look at my dirty carpet in the
basement. Will I ever have a basement, probably not, Will I ever have a basement with a carpet, No
Will I ever say Pardon my dirty carpet in the basement. LOL
We did go down to the basement, which not only was carpeted, it too had an L shaped couch. One
section was probably 8 feet long and the second one was 6 feet long and that only took up half the room.
the other half was a built in bar, fridge, pin ball machines and games. the kind of room you could really
enjoy during a tornado. BUT, that tv would not accept the dvd either so on to the computer room.
Off the computer room was the laundry room and I could see three of the largest washer and dryers I have
ever seen. Not your ordinary run of the mill white enamel kind either, these were bronze with lots of
chrome. I guess if you can only dry your hands once on a towel, you would have a lot of laundry.
Did I mention Rosa? Rosa helped get the lunch ready and while Sandy cleared the table, Rosa silently
cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Sandy introduced her to all of us. Sandy is truly a lady
with lots of class and a great sense of humor. She is very active in community efforts and sometimes
her efforts have an adverse affect on her husband. Not in a bad way but he is more straight laced and
sometimes gets roped into things. One time they participated in the opening of something and she
agreed that she and Bob would serve the people. SoBob was serving pastries, and some unsuspecting
customer came in and said "didn"t you used to be the governor and he said Yes" Sort of like "oh how
the mighty have falllen:
I did say I would tell you about the flowers. Sandy had bought all these flowers for our lunch and when
Bob saw them He figured he'd better send flowers too, just in case he forgot something.
It was a delightful day. thank you Sandy.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
THE TRIP, PART 2
DAY 4 6/20
First of all, let me digress just a little. This past week they moved the Caboose from the
playground at McCaw Elementary school to the campus of McCaw School of Mines, a
distance of approximately half the length of a football field. It was an awesome sight
seeing the caboose hoisted up into the air by a crane and then set down safely in its new
home. Awesome indeed, second only to the sight a few years ago of a hoist lifting a
port-a-potty and dangling it over the Henderson City Hall. No s__t!
Day 4--It was approximately 11 pm when Bob and I arrived at Lori's. Defintely worn
out, having had nothing to eat or drink since about 2:30 that afternoon. Not hungry,
but a beer (actually 2) really sounded good and a short visit with Lori, and then off to
bed. Slept good that night.
Day 5 6/21. Got up about 8 am and Lori and I decided to go for breakfast and then to
the store to do some shopping for groceries. It was Ryan's (vi"s newphew and Lori's
cousin) birthday. We were invited to his home for Brats and then the plan was to go
to some catholic church's Fiesta. First we were invited to Sherri's as her brother
and Erma and Don would all be there. Sounds like a jam packed day to me. I begged
off the Meyerpeter (Vi's cousin) visit and also backed out of the Fiesta. I am getting
way too old to keep up that pace. I still hadn't recovered from the car,train,bus thing
yet. No problem, they all understood. Still had to put kisses in the party favors I made
for Ruth and Ed's anniversary party tomorrow. We did go to Ryan's and had bratz
and a fun evening. Ryan is kind of like Billy, funny things come out of his mouth. His
cell phone rang while we were there and he said he couldn't talk long, because he wanted
to be a good "guest" I thought we were his "guests" Oh well, only in Milwaukee.
Lori took me back to her house and they all went to the festival.
Day 6 6/21 Sunday dawned bright an early and it was time to get ready to go to
Ruth and Ed's (my cousin) 60th wedding anniversary. I had lost the invitation, I
couldn't figure out where it had gone, I knew it was in the house somewhere, but
didn't know if I was supposed to be there at 12 or 12:30. Oh well, remember what
I said about the best laid plans. I got there just about 12:30 and looked around and
didn't know who all those "old people" were. I finally spotted Bruce (Ruth and Ed's
oldest, so I knew I was in the right place. Found out I was seated at table #1 as I
was a member of the wedding party. There were about 100 people there, of which
I probably knew 25 or 30. Seated at our table, besides Ruth and Ed, were Ed's
brother Herb and his wife. He was best man and I probably have not seen himsince
the wedding. Ruth and Jerry Lawonn and their daughter Carol, Ruth was the soloist
at our wedding. Wally and Rosie, Ruth's brother and my cousin, our old choir director
Paul Jungkuntz ( we used to play Sheepeshead with him). Ruth's childhood friend
Audrey Molitor, she was our neighbor on 23rd street. Lois Dietz, her father was our
pastor, who baptized and confirmed me and Helen Koschman, whose father was my
7th grade teacher (he had to be hospitalized after our class moved on to 8th grade.
He also is the teacher who went to slap Melvin Goldsmith one time and Melvin ducked
and Audrey got it. Helen and my cousin Ruth used to walk me to grade school when
I was little. Also met my "first love" Bill Jahrman. When I was about 7 or 8 Billy and
I went sledding behind the billboard on Teutonia and Burleigh and the sled overturned
and billy kissed me. I was in love. He was our neighbor and and also belonged to the
same church our family did. His parents and mine were friends and he was a member
of our wedding party and then became my brother-in-law when he married my sister
Darlene. It was such fun seeing all these people again and reminiscing over old time.
They then passed out choir music and and the choir director had a portable piano
brought in and we sang the afternoon away, in parts, mind you. I wont say we were
good but after the first couple of songs the choir director reminded us when church
services were and where we should meet for choir practise. What a great afternoon.
I was sorry to see it end. But all good things must come to an end and so did this
afternoon.
Wally and Rosie gave me a ride back to Lori's. That evening Lori had to take some
things over to her brother Bob's for the 4th of July bash, so we arranged to meet
at a mexican restaurant for dinner (was I hungry after the big dinner of steak and
chicken at the anniversay party, no, but I tried not to be a party pooper either) I
ate about half my enchiladas and took the rest home. Kim (Bob's daughter) met us
for dinner and while we were there Robert (Bob's son) invited us to his girlfriend's
house to visit. He is engaged to Brittany and they have a daughter Payton who will
be two in September. They are living at Brittany"s mother's house.
Another jam packed day. Looking forward to Monday, so far no plans! Oops, almost
forgot. Went to Pic'nSave and picked up beer. GOT CARDED Only in Wisconsin!
TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
First of all, let me digress just a little. This past week they moved the Caboose from the
playground at McCaw Elementary school to the campus of McCaw School of Mines, a
distance of approximately half the length of a football field. It was an awesome sight
seeing the caboose hoisted up into the air by a crane and then set down safely in its new
home. Awesome indeed, second only to the sight a few years ago of a hoist lifting a
port-a-potty and dangling it over the Henderson City Hall. No s__t!
Day 4--It was approximately 11 pm when Bob and I arrived at Lori's. Defintely worn
out, having had nothing to eat or drink since about 2:30 that afternoon. Not hungry,
but a beer (actually 2) really sounded good and a short visit with Lori, and then off to
bed. Slept good that night.
Day 5 6/21. Got up about 8 am and Lori and I decided to go for breakfast and then to
the store to do some shopping for groceries. It was Ryan's (vi"s newphew and Lori's
cousin) birthday. We were invited to his home for Brats and then the plan was to go
to some catholic church's Fiesta. First we were invited to Sherri's as her brother
and Erma and Don would all be there. Sounds like a jam packed day to me. I begged
off the Meyerpeter (Vi's cousin) visit and also backed out of the Fiesta. I am getting
way too old to keep up that pace. I still hadn't recovered from the car,train,bus thing
yet. No problem, they all understood. Still had to put kisses in the party favors I made
for Ruth and Ed's anniversary party tomorrow. We did go to Ryan's and had bratz
and a fun evening. Ryan is kind of like Billy, funny things come out of his mouth. His
cell phone rang while we were there and he said he couldn't talk long, because he wanted
to be a good "guest" I thought we were his "guests" Oh well, only in Milwaukee.
Lori took me back to her house and they all went to the festival.
Day 6 6/21 Sunday dawned bright an early and it was time to get ready to go to
Ruth and Ed's (my cousin) 60th wedding anniversary. I had lost the invitation, I
couldn't figure out where it had gone, I knew it was in the house somewhere, but
didn't know if I was supposed to be there at 12 or 12:30. Oh well, remember what
I said about the best laid plans. I got there just about 12:30 and looked around and
didn't know who all those "old people" were. I finally spotted Bruce (Ruth and Ed's
oldest, so I knew I was in the right place. Found out I was seated at table #1 as I
was a member of the wedding party. There were about 100 people there, of which
I probably knew 25 or 30. Seated at our table, besides Ruth and Ed, were Ed's
brother Herb and his wife. He was best man and I probably have not seen himsince
the wedding. Ruth and Jerry Lawonn and their daughter Carol, Ruth was the soloist
at our wedding. Wally and Rosie, Ruth's brother and my cousin, our old choir director
Paul Jungkuntz ( we used to play Sheepeshead with him). Ruth's childhood friend
Audrey Molitor, she was our neighbor on 23rd street. Lois Dietz, her father was our
pastor, who baptized and confirmed me and Helen Koschman, whose father was my
7th grade teacher (he had to be hospitalized after our class moved on to 8th grade.
He also is the teacher who went to slap Melvin Goldsmith one time and Melvin ducked
and Audrey got it. Helen and my cousin Ruth used to walk me to grade school when
I was little. Also met my "first love" Bill Jahrman. When I was about 7 or 8 Billy and
I went sledding behind the billboard on Teutonia and Burleigh and the sled overturned
and billy kissed me. I was in love. He was our neighbor and and also belonged to the
same church our family did. His parents and mine were friends and he was a member
of our wedding party and then became my brother-in-law when he married my sister
Darlene. It was such fun seeing all these people again and reminiscing over old time.
They then passed out choir music and and the choir director had a portable piano
brought in and we sang the afternoon away, in parts, mind you. I wont say we were
good but after the first couple of songs the choir director reminded us when church
services were and where we should meet for choir practise. What a great afternoon.
I was sorry to see it end. But all good things must come to an end and so did this
afternoon.
Wally and Rosie gave me a ride back to Lori's. That evening Lori had to take some
things over to her brother Bob's for the 4th of July bash, so we arranged to meet
at a mexican restaurant for dinner (was I hungry after the big dinner of steak and
chicken at the anniversay party, no, but I tried not to be a party pooper either) I
ate about half my enchiladas and took the rest home. Kim (Bob's daughter) met us
for dinner and while we were there Robert (Bob's son) invited us to his girlfriend's
house to visit. He is engaged to Brittany and they have a daughter Payton who will
be two in September. They are living at Brittany"s mother's house.
Another jam packed day. Looking forward to Monday, so far no plans! Oops, almost
forgot. Went to Pic'nSave and picked up beer. GOT CARDED Only in Wisconsin!
TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Friday, July 25, 2008
THE TRIP
DAY ONE
I was so looking forward to this trip to Wisconsin by train as all of you know, but somehow
the best laid plans, etc etc etc, any way here is a step by step saga about my adventure.
Tues. 6/17----started of with a bang. I planned to leave my apartment about 9 am to
drive to So. Cal, where I would catch the train on 6/18 in Fullerton, leaving my car with
Beth while I was gone. Really good thinking on my part, because if I chose to let Amtrak
make all of my plans, they would either bus me to Los Angeles, or Barstow, where I would
catch the train about 2 am. Who wants to be in Barstow in the middle of the night.
I really did get away by 9 am, the temperature was already 102 degrees. Gaswas $4.31
per gallon. I stopped at McDonald's and got their breakfast chicken sandwich (save your
money, I threw it away in La Habra) and was on my way. All went well until leaving
the State Line and entering Calif. Maybe 15 minutes later the traffic was completely
stopped as far as the eye could see (and you could see all the way up that hill) It was
way too hot to stop the engine and broil under the sun and no one knew what was going
on. I sat there about 30 minutes and decided to give it another 15 minutes and then
heading back to the state line or maybe even going home and starting out early on Wed.
morning. Looking back, this could have been a omen! Oh well, about 10 minutes later
the traffic started moving and we were once again on our way. What caused traffic
to stop, no one had a clue.
Needless to say I didn't get to La Habra until about 3 pm. I had planned to go to
Fullerton and send my big suitcase on 24 hrs ahead of me so it would make the connection
to Chicago (past train experience taught me this) but I had to go to the bathroom so
bad I decided to stop at Beth's and when she came home from work we could go to
the depot and then to dinner.
Having used the Sepulveda facilities, i no sooner exited the little room and there was
knocking at the door. I opened it to see Luke, Gavin, Maggie and Melanie there to greet
me. We had a great visit and when Beth came home we took the suitcase to the station,
sent it on it's way got my ticket and watched a few trains come thru the station, much
to the delight of the boys. Then we went to dinner and back to Beth's house.
Day Two, 6/18, had the whole day to relax, as my train didn't leave until 7:3o that
evening. Turned out to be a good thing. Had dinner that evening with Beth and Tony
and then went to the depot about 6:30 where we learned that Amtrak had tried calling
me (my home phone, and I was in Cal.) they then faxed me at the station stating that
due to the flooding in Iowa the train was unable to cross the Mississippi River, so we
would detrain at Kansas City, Mo and travel by bus to Gaylesburg and then board
another train for Chicago. Well, so much for 39 uninterrupted hours of relaxation on
the Southwest Chief, but I could live with that. After all, I was only inconvenience,
think of all the trauma the people who lived along the river were going thru.
Well, the train was two hours late to begin with. It only started in L.A. so much for
being on time the whole trip. (that's why I sent my suitcase ahead of me) finally
about 9:30 it pulled into the station and I was finally aboard. Thought I would go
to the lounge car and get a much needed beer, only to find out the attendant was
taking a break. Give me a break, he was only enroute for about 30 miles and I am
sure I needed that beer much more than he needed that break. Oh, the heck with
it, make up my bed and I will go to sleep, by now it is 10 pm.
Day 3 6/19 I had the schedule of the route the train would take and much to my
delight we would be going thru Alb where Mike and Alyson and Carter had moved to
the previous Sunday. I called them (yes, I had good cell service all the way to Chicago)
The Gilles' were able to meet me at the station where we had a short visit, about 15
minutes, while the train refueled and had some work done on it. (the restrooms in
one of the cars was not working) Mine was fine tho. Sleepers had first choice on
reservations for lunch and dinner (breakfast was first come first served) I skipped
lunch because I wanted to visit with the kids, so I really enjoyed my dinner. the whole
time I was on the train, I didn't open one page of my book, I just thoroughly enjoyed
the trip. However this dark cloud was hanging over everyone's head, not knowing
exactly what the scoop was. Even the crew was not happy because they did not know
what was ahead of them. Take nervous passengers and an uptight crew, decided to
go to bed and let tomorrow take care of itself.
Day 4--6/20. Diner opened at 6 am, decided to have breakfast and then gather my
belongings . We were due to get into KC at 9:30 am (still 2 hrs behind schedule)
We went outside the station to see about 6 buses lined up with no one to tell us which
was which. We had all been told we would go to Gaylesburg, but the crabby bus
drivers (they were told we would arrive at 7;30) said they were instructed to take
us all the way to Chicago. Where were the Amtrak reps. We loaded our luggage
(carry-ons ) under the bus ourselves, no room to keep it with us and were told
it would be a 10 hour trip with an hour stop for lunch. The first bus driver was a
dip s__t who was either talking on her cell phone, eating or playing her loud music
the whole way to East St. Louis. Had our lunch break, new driver who also had an
attitude and let some woman put a DVD on about Bumble bees and Honey and then
Cheaper by the Dozen, at the loudest volume you could bear, because they made
families with kids sit in the back so as not to disturb the drivers. Anyway we got
to Chicago at 8 pm Friday night. I went to the ticket desk and she said the last train
to Milwaukee leaves i8n 2minutes, you wont make it. I walked further into the
station and saw an attendant at the info center and asked him what I could do. He
said I could make it and I told him I was too friggin old to run after any damn train.
He said give me your suitcase, and grabbed his radio and called the engineer and
said HOLD THAT TRAIN, and miracle of all miracles, they held that train. I arrived
in Milwaukee at 9:45 that night, a mere 3 hours later than originally scheduled.
My brother me and drove me out to Lori's
TO BE CONTINUED..............................
I was so looking forward to this trip to Wisconsin by train as all of you know, but somehow
the best laid plans, etc etc etc, any way here is a step by step saga about my adventure.
Tues. 6/17----started of with a bang. I planned to leave my apartment about 9 am to
drive to So. Cal, where I would catch the train on 6/18 in Fullerton, leaving my car with
Beth while I was gone. Really good thinking on my part, because if I chose to let Amtrak
make all of my plans, they would either bus me to Los Angeles, or Barstow, where I would
catch the train about 2 am. Who wants to be in Barstow in the middle of the night.
I really did get away by 9 am, the temperature was already 102 degrees. Gaswas $4.31
per gallon. I stopped at McDonald's and got their breakfast chicken sandwich (save your
money, I threw it away in La Habra) and was on my way. All went well until leaving
the State Line and entering Calif. Maybe 15 minutes later the traffic was completely
stopped as far as the eye could see (and you could see all the way up that hill) It was
way too hot to stop the engine and broil under the sun and no one knew what was going
on. I sat there about 30 minutes and decided to give it another 15 minutes and then
heading back to the state line or maybe even going home and starting out early on Wed.
morning. Looking back, this could have been a omen! Oh well, about 10 minutes later
the traffic started moving and we were once again on our way. What caused traffic
to stop, no one had a clue.
Needless to say I didn't get to La Habra until about 3 pm. I had planned to go to
Fullerton and send my big suitcase on 24 hrs ahead of me so it would make the connection
to Chicago (past train experience taught me this) but I had to go to the bathroom so
bad I decided to stop at Beth's and when she came home from work we could go to
the depot and then to dinner.
Having used the Sepulveda facilities, i no sooner exited the little room and there was
knocking at the door. I opened it to see Luke, Gavin, Maggie and Melanie there to greet
me. We had a great visit and when Beth came home we took the suitcase to the station,
sent it on it's way got my ticket and watched a few trains come thru the station, much
to the delight of the boys. Then we went to dinner and back to Beth's house.
Day Two, 6/18, had the whole day to relax, as my train didn't leave until 7:3o that
evening. Turned out to be a good thing. Had dinner that evening with Beth and Tony
and then went to the depot about 6:30 where we learned that Amtrak had tried calling
me (my home phone, and I was in Cal.) they then faxed me at the station stating that
due to the flooding in Iowa the train was unable to cross the Mississippi River, so we
would detrain at Kansas City, Mo and travel by bus to Gaylesburg and then board
another train for Chicago. Well, so much for 39 uninterrupted hours of relaxation on
the Southwest Chief, but I could live with that. After all, I was only inconvenience,
think of all the trauma the people who lived along the river were going thru.
Well, the train was two hours late to begin with. It only started in L.A. so much for
being on time the whole trip. (that's why I sent my suitcase ahead of me) finally
about 9:30 it pulled into the station and I was finally aboard. Thought I would go
to the lounge car and get a much needed beer, only to find out the attendant was
taking a break. Give me a break, he was only enroute for about 30 miles and I am
sure I needed that beer much more than he needed that break. Oh, the heck with
it, make up my bed and I will go to sleep, by now it is 10 pm.
Day 3 6/19 I had the schedule of the route the train would take and much to my
delight we would be going thru Alb where Mike and Alyson and Carter had moved to
the previous Sunday. I called them (yes, I had good cell service all the way to Chicago)
The Gilles' were able to meet me at the station where we had a short visit, about 15
minutes, while the train refueled and had some work done on it. (the restrooms in
one of the cars was not working) Mine was fine tho. Sleepers had first choice on
reservations for lunch and dinner (breakfast was first come first served) I skipped
lunch because I wanted to visit with the kids, so I really enjoyed my dinner. the whole
time I was on the train, I didn't open one page of my book, I just thoroughly enjoyed
the trip. However this dark cloud was hanging over everyone's head, not knowing
exactly what the scoop was. Even the crew was not happy because they did not know
what was ahead of them. Take nervous passengers and an uptight crew, decided to
go to bed and let tomorrow take care of itself.
Day 4--6/20. Diner opened at 6 am, decided to have breakfast and then gather my
belongings . We were due to get into KC at 9:30 am (still 2 hrs behind schedule)
We went outside the station to see about 6 buses lined up with no one to tell us which
was which. We had all been told we would go to Gaylesburg, but the crabby bus
drivers (they were told we would arrive at 7;30) said they were instructed to take
us all the way to Chicago. Where were the Amtrak reps. We loaded our luggage
(carry-ons ) under the bus ourselves, no room to keep it with us and were told
it would be a 10 hour trip with an hour stop for lunch. The first bus driver was a
dip s__t who was either talking on her cell phone, eating or playing her loud music
the whole way to East St. Louis. Had our lunch break, new driver who also had an
attitude and let some woman put a DVD on about Bumble bees and Honey and then
Cheaper by the Dozen, at the loudest volume you could bear, because they made
families with kids sit in the back so as not to disturb the drivers. Anyway we got
to Chicago at 8 pm Friday night. I went to the ticket desk and she said the last train
to Milwaukee leaves i8n 2minutes, you wont make it. I walked further into the
station and saw an attendant at the info center and asked him what I could do. He
said I could make it and I told him I was too friggin old to run after any damn train.
He said give me your suitcase, and grabbed his radio and called the engineer and
said HOLD THAT TRAIN, and miracle of all miracles, they held that train. I arrived
in Milwaukee at 9:45 that night, a mere 3 hours later than originally scheduled.
My brother me and drove me out to Lori's
TO BE CONTINUED..............................
Monday, June 9, 2008
MY VACATION
You all know how much I have been looking forward to this trip to Milwaukee for my 60th high school
reunion and my cousin's 60 th wedding celebration. It's coming soon. I will be driving to Calif and
catching the Super Chief train in Fullerton on Wed. 6/18 (my dad's birthday) and will arrive in Milwaukee
on Friday the 20th. I have a roomette and plan on fully enjoying the whole experience. I call it a
"land cruise". I have contacted many old friends and family members to see whether we can get
together and share some memories. So far, this has been a positive adventure, but that ended today.
My friend Shirley had not responded to my e mail, altho she usually does and I know how cyberspace
can take the best intended message, and lose it. You know, like boarding passes, etc. Ok, I didn't
hear from Audrey either, but when I called her, she said ohmygosh, didn't I answer your e mail. No
she hadn't, but it's ok and we will spend several days together when I am there. Audrey and I met
in the 6th grade and BFF takes on a whole new meaning when it spans over 60 years.
I met Shirley in high school and we became good friends. Her cousin Dianne I had known since
Kindergarten, but Shirl was a new friend in High School. One summer when my dad's union had
their annual picnic I had invited Shirley to go along with us, and it was at this picnic that Shirley
met her future husband, Dick Kureck. The summer after graduation Dick and Shirley married and
somehow or another, we kind of lost touch, even tho I was a member of her wedding party. Our
lives just took different paths.
One year when I was vacationing in Wisconsin, I was thinking about her and looked her up in the
phone book. I found a number and called it. How excited we both were to resume contact with
each other. Dick had passed away as Wayne had. We would meet for lunch or dinner whenever
I was in town, and the last reunion we had that I attended I went home with Shirley and spent the
night there. We kept in touch via e mail.
I tried calling Shirley tonight, only to have the operator state that number is no longer in service.
You know that creepy feeling you get when 2 and 2 does not equal 4, well, I called information
and tried to get a new number. No such luck. They said they had two Kureck's, one name did
not register with me, but the second one did. Wallace Kureck. That was Shirl's father-in-laws
name. I got his number, now I know he would be over 100, but I did remember he had a son by
the same name. I called him, identified myself and he remembered me. After all, I was Art Steffen's
daughter and the Kurecks, were members of the same union my dad was president of. He told me
Shirley had just passed away, having suffered thru pancreatic cancer and was buried on the 1st of
June. I am numb.
To my friend, i will miss you. I was so looking forward to our reunion in a couple of weeks, but
will smile thru my tears knowing that you are safe in the arms of Jesus. How I wish we could have
gotten together this one last time, but know that I loved you and am looking forward to the reunion
of all reunions. Rest easy my friend, you have fought the good fight. You have been a good friend
to me and my friends have made me who I am. I love you!
As Alyson's friend Kelli said, a blog is a good place to vent.
To the gilles's and the bruner's travel safely. I will be back on line after the 15th of July.
Love to all
reunion and my cousin's 60 th wedding celebration. It's coming soon. I will be driving to Calif and
catching the Super Chief train in Fullerton on Wed. 6/18 (my dad's birthday) and will arrive in Milwaukee
on Friday the 20th. I have a roomette and plan on fully enjoying the whole experience. I call it a
"land cruise". I have contacted many old friends and family members to see whether we can get
together and share some memories. So far, this has been a positive adventure, but that ended today.
My friend Shirley had not responded to my e mail, altho she usually does and I know how cyberspace
can take the best intended message, and lose it. You know, like boarding passes, etc. Ok, I didn't
hear from Audrey either, but when I called her, she said ohmygosh, didn't I answer your e mail. No
she hadn't, but it's ok and we will spend several days together when I am there. Audrey and I met
in the 6th grade and BFF takes on a whole new meaning when it spans over 60 years.
I met Shirley in high school and we became good friends. Her cousin Dianne I had known since
Kindergarten, but Shirl was a new friend in High School. One summer when my dad's union had
their annual picnic I had invited Shirley to go along with us, and it was at this picnic that Shirley
met her future husband, Dick Kureck. The summer after graduation Dick and Shirley married and
somehow or another, we kind of lost touch, even tho I was a member of her wedding party. Our
lives just took different paths.
One year when I was vacationing in Wisconsin, I was thinking about her and looked her up in the
phone book. I found a number and called it. How excited we both were to resume contact with
each other. Dick had passed away as Wayne had. We would meet for lunch or dinner whenever
I was in town, and the last reunion we had that I attended I went home with Shirley and spent the
night there. We kept in touch via e mail.
I tried calling Shirley tonight, only to have the operator state that number is no longer in service.
You know that creepy feeling you get when 2 and 2 does not equal 4, well, I called information
and tried to get a new number. No such luck. They said they had two Kureck's, one name did
not register with me, but the second one did. Wallace Kureck. That was Shirl's father-in-laws
name. I got his number, now I know he would be over 100, but I did remember he had a son by
the same name. I called him, identified myself and he remembered me. After all, I was Art Steffen's
daughter and the Kurecks, were members of the same union my dad was president of. He told me
Shirley had just passed away, having suffered thru pancreatic cancer and was buried on the 1st of
June. I am numb.
To my friend, i will miss you. I was so looking forward to our reunion in a couple of weeks, but
will smile thru my tears knowing that you are safe in the arms of Jesus. How I wish we could have
gotten together this one last time, but know that I loved you and am looking forward to the reunion
of all reunions. Rest easy my friend, you have fought the good fight. You have been a good friend
to me and my friends have made me who I am. I love you!
As Alyson's friend Kelli said, a blog is a good place to vent.
To the gilles's and the bruner's travel safely. I will be back on line after the 15th of July.
Love to all
Friday, May 30, 2008
TALK ABOUT CRYING
there is good crying and not so good crying. writing this blog always makes me cry. It takes me down
memory lane,, thinking of things gone by, never to be captured again, makes me think of loved ones
already gone and, the ones that are here, and the ones that will be coming soon.
BUT Sunday was something else. Maybe being Memorial Day weekend had something to do
with it, maybe being in touch with people I haven't heard from in a long time--who knows and does
it really matter--it just happened.
I really was trying to come up with some excuse to stay home from church, but I had missed the
week before and I really didn't have a good excuse, except I was tired and achy from being on
my feet for a couple of hours on Saturday, serving cake and Irish Coffee at the Emerald Island
Casino, celebrating their 5th anniversary. I have come to the conclusion I am getting too old for
some of this stuff, so I will have to come up with something else to help the people I love.
Anyway, the good Lord kept nudging me one way and the devil the other and the good Lord won
this round. I went to church, very small attendance and horror of all horrors Pastor Diane was
preaching. Now, don't get me wrong, I love her, but her sermons usually end with me not knowing
what she was talking about. She gets sidetracked so easily and then forgets where she is. She does
a wonderful funeral and is really great ministering to the sick, but sermons are not her big thing.
This too is not only my opinion, but the feelings of many..
This Sunday was different. We started out singing PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY THE
KING OF CREATION. OH MY SOUL PRAISE HIM FOR HE IS MY HELP AND SALVATION. Off to
a good uplifting start. I can do this. The theme for the morning was "worry", ie, we shouldn't
as we should cast all our cares on Him. Yeah, sure, easier said than done. I don't consider myself
a chronic worrier, but I do worry about lots of things sometimes. Pastor Diane started out by
telling us about 18 years ago that very day she gave birth to her first child. Paul. Everything
seemed fine at first, but then he was dx'd with Downs Syndrome and the usual health problems
that come with that. Not only was this a worry, but her mother had just been diagnosed with
cancer. It's hard not to worry about these "little things" I know, I know, let go and let God.
The past 18 years had produced many "worries" kidney failure, pneumonia, her mother passed
away, but thanks be to God, today was Paul's 18th birthday. I don't believe there was a dry
eye in the house. Oh, let me back up a moment. The reason she was preaching that day was
because the flu had run rampant thru their house the previous week, one person at a time,
and Sat. night Pastor David had woke her up in the middle of the night and said You have to
do Sunday, I have the bug. Another worry is Pastor David's parents have moved in with them
and his mother is very fragile, and they worried she would catch whatever everyone else had.
Well, seems the organist/pianist also got the bug, so we had a substitute. He sang during the
Offering and guess what - you know it - HOW GREAT THOU ART. Ohmygosh, is every ganging
up on me.
The closing Hymn was DAY BE DAY. I knew the melody, but the words were new to me. It
said that day by day we should give our concerns to our Heavenly Father and just live each
day preparing for that final day when He will gather us to Him. Sorry, that did it.
I am not a pretty crier. My nose runs, my eyes get red--you get the picture, so I fumbled in
my purse for my keys etc, until everyone had cleared out of the sanctuary (as I said small
attendance, finally one thing in my favor) and Pastor Diane was greeting people, and she
took one look at me and gave me a big hug (she is not normally a hugger) and Bonnie our
secretary pulled me on the side and said "You can tell me"
Talk about crying--well trust me it was a soul cleansing cry, which touched more than me.
So enjoy your cries and then get on with the business of daily living. Worrying doesn't
change anything. love you all.
memory lane,, thinking of things gone by, never to be captured again, makes me think of loved ones
already gone and, the ones that are here, and the ones that will be coming soon.
BUT Sunday was something else. Maybe being Memorial Day weekend had something to do
with it, maybe being in touch with people I haven't heard from in a long time--who knows and does
it really matter--it just happened.
I really was trying to come up with some excuse to stay home from church, but I had missed the
week before and I really didn't have a good excuse, except I was tired and achy from being on
my feet for a couple of hours on Saturday, serving cake and Irish Coffee at the Emerald Island
Casino, celebrating their 5th anniversary. I have come to the conclusion I am getting too old for
some of this stuff, so I will have to come up with something else to help the people I love.
Anyway, the good Lord kept nudging me one way and the devil the other and the good Lord won
this round. I went to church, very small attendance and horror of all horrors Pastor Diane was
preaching. Now, don't get me wrong, I love her, but her sermons usually end with me not knowing
what she was talking about. She gets sidetracked so easily and then forgets where she is. She does
a wonderful funeral and is really great ministering to the sick, but sermons are not her big thing.
This too is not only my opinion, but the feelings of many..
This Sunday was different. We started out singing PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY THE
KING OF CREATION. OH MY SOUL PRAISE HIM FOR HE IS MY HELP AND SALVATION. Off to
a good uplifting start. I can do this. The theme for the morning was "worry", ie, we shouldn't
as we should cast all our cares on Him. Yeah, sure, easier said than done. I don't consider myself
a chronic worrier, but I do worry about lots of things sometimes. Pastor Diane started out by
telling us about 18 years ago that very day she gave birth to her first child. Paul. Everything
seemed fine at first, but then he was dx'd with Downs Syndrome and the usual health problems
that come with that. Not only was this a worry, but her mother had just been diagnosed with
cancer. It's hard not to worry about these "little things" I know, I know, let go and let God.
The past 18 years had produced many "worries" kidney failure, pneumonia, her mother passed
away, but thanks be to God, today was Paul's 18th birthday. I don't believe there was a dry
eye in the house. Oh, let me back up a moment. The reason she was preaching that day was
because the flu had run rampant thru their house the previous week, one person at a time,
and Sat. night Pastor David had woke her up in the middle of the night and said You have to
do Sunday, I have the bug. Another worry is Pastor David's parents have moved in with them
and his mother is very fragile, and they worried she would catch whatever everyone else had.
Well, seems the organist/pianist also got the bug, so we had a substitute. He sang during the
Offering and guess what - you know it - HOW GREAT THOU ART. Ohmygosh, is every ganging
up on me.
The closing Hymn was DAY BE DAY. I knew the melody, but the words were new to me. It
said that day by day we should give our concerns to our Heavenly Father and just live each
day preparing for that final day when He will gather us to Him. Sorry, that did it.
I am not a pretty crier. My nose runs, my eyes get red--you get the picture, so I fumbled in
my purse for my keys etc, until everyone had cleared out of the sanctuary (as I said small
attendance, finally one thing in my favor) and Pastor Diane was greeting people, and she
took one look at me and gave me a big hug (she is not normally a hugger) and Bonnie our
secretary pulled me on the side and said "You can tell me"
Talk about crying--well trust me it was a soul cleansing cry, which touched more than me.
So enjoy your cries and then get on with the business of daily living. Worrying doesn't
change anything. love you all.
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