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Our Trip Across America Part 7

22 Nov

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

 The next morning we headed West again, this time on I-8 across the desert, thru Yuma and El Centro.  It was so hot, even with the car A/C on full blast, we still had to continually suck on ice cubes to try to stay cool, and we were still hot.   I kept expecting the engine to overheat, but luckily it didn’t, and we finally came out of that desert heat into the cool of San Diego, California.  Wow, what a relief that was after several days of blistering heat!

 

 

 

 

DiVoran and I were married there while I was in the Navy, and we lived our first eight months there before I was shipped out to Japan for a six month cruise of the Far East.

We visited DiVoran’s brother David and his family who lived in Bonita, which was just south of San Diego, almost on the Mexican border.  He had a Mexican housekeeper named Angelica who hadn’t been in the U.S. very long.   She had come from a rich family in Mexico and didn’t know the first thing about house cleaning, but boy could she cook!  She made the best Chili Rellanos I ever ate.  David’s house was so close to the border that he said he could sometimes see the Mexican illegals walking thru his back yard on their way to town to look for work.

 

                    

Our next stop was up the coast about 125 miles to the city of Inglewood, where I went to college and to show our kids the hospital where they were born.  And, of course, the donut shop where I had my breakfast most mornings during my college years.

 

 

          

 

We also looked for the three houses in town that we lived in during the 8 years we were there, but could only find two still standing.  Boy, had that area changed!  Somewhere in the Los Angeles area, our A/C fan belt broke and I was so glad it hadn’t happened while were crossing the desert.  Here again, things worked out, as the spare fan belts were in the tool box and I was able to change it myself without too much delay.

 

 

From there we went out to Diamond Bar, a suburb of Los Angeles, to visit Terry and Mary, some of our friends from Titusville.  I had worked with Terry, and our kids had grown up together.  They took us to one of their favorite restaurants called Pinnacle Pete’s, where we were treated to wonderful Mesquite grilled steaks in a very relaxed atmosphere.  When we walked into the dining area, we were surprised to see the ceiling covered with ties.  I asked “what’s with all the ties?” and was told that it was a tradition to bring unsuspecting friends there for dinner, after which the waitress would bring your check and a big pair of scissors and cut the tie off of anyone wearing one.  It would then be stapled wherever there was an open space.  What a hoot that was!

 

        

 

 

—To Be Continued—

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Nature’s Thanksgiving

21 Nov
A Few Thoughts

 

Patricia Franklin

 

 

English: Fall leaves in Eugene, Oregon

English: Fall leaves in Eugene, Oregon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

Sitting in my backyard near the Rocky Mountains on a quiet Sunday morning, trying to absorb the waning rays of the Autumn sun, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the peace and quiet of nature around me.  Even the birds were silent.  “This is God’s creation in silent and awesome worship,” I thought to myself.  The bare branches of the trees and bushes, a single flower, and even the browning grasses are reaching quietly to the heavens in praise. 

 

 

The many words and songs that we think are essential in our Sunday worship were absent, and blessedly so.  The awesome silence made the beauty of nature stand out in its simple, beautiful thanks and praise to God.  A quiet breeze comes up and whispers its praise.  Suddenly the cry of a bluejay pierces the stillness in a heartfelt “Alleluia” to its Creator. Even a little yellow butterfly (In November?) comes fluttering around and about and then it is gone. … maybe searching for its Maker?  

 

 

We are a blessed, yet thankless generation rushing along, worrying and searching for what…. the gifts of the Creator?  They are all around us, but humankind passes by unaware, living in a noisy, self-absorbent little world of its own making.  Yet nature itself is crying out in silent praise and thanksgiving to God.

 

 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Creation that never forgets your Goodness, and cries out to you in its quiet, simple and humble way.

 

 

Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves (Photo credit: MSVG)

 

 

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Adventure

19 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

 

Some sail the seven seas,

Others find it on their knees

They say, “God bless you,” when you sneeze.

How about a tropical breeze?

Should I climb mountains

Or scale high rocks?

Or run a-pulling up my socks.

Or go down in caves spelunking for free

What adventures are waiting for me

Where do I go and what do I wear?

Thank goodness I have some pretty good hair.

Will someone go with me

Or do I go alone

Incommunicado or take my cell phone

If I could ride horses in meadows so sweet

Or eat just the veggies eschewing all meat

If I got tea and scones with Devonshire cream

If silk saris and music were part of the dream

If I slept on soft sheets and read novels all day

Now that’s an adventure

I really might stay

So what do you think an adventure might be

For a little ole, stay at home lady like me?

 

 

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San Jose

18 Nov

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Will

 

Do you know the way to San Jose…………

 

My husband had just completed his basic military training in San Antonio, Texas, and was assigned to San Jose State College for one year of meteorology training.  We were both excited about the prospect of living in California for that year.  I, personally, had only been to California a couple of times, and looked forward to the time.  We had visited my brother and his wife in Inglewood the Christmas before we married.  But that was a LONG time ago.

We drove with our belongings to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a visit with my parents, then on to Colorado Springs where my husband’s youngest sister was getting married.  From there we drove to northern California, and San Jose.

We were able to acquire a small one-bedroom apartment near the college.  That was a good thing – Fred wouldn’t have to drive to the campus, fight to find a non-existent parking spot, and then find his way to classes.  He could just walk to class.  The city public library was nearby as well – and I walked there at least once each week.

We had a little time before he was to begin his summer classes, so we began exploring.  We found Mount Hamilton – not too far away – and it had an observatory on top of the hill.  It was fascinating to us to look over the valley – and sometimes see a light plane soaring by – below where we stood!

 

 

We drove down to Monterey to see that beautiful Pebble Beach Golf Course on the ocean front.  Gorgeous!

 

 

One of the most wonderful aspects of San Jose was the climate.  After growing up in dry New Mexico, hot and humid Texas was barely tolerated.  San Jose had nearly the same humidity level as Albuquerque – nice and dry.  However, just a short drive over the mountains – and you found yourself at the Pacific Ocean!!  What a treat!  For someone who never grew up around water, the ocean was fascinating.

We often drove to Muir Woods for a day of exploration.

 

 

 

We took another couple from the meteorology class with us to Half Moon Bay for a picnic on the beach.  Someone had purchased a $1.50 paper kite and string – and we played it out at least a mile-and-a-half!  Such fun!  Except when it was time to retrieve it.  We should have just cut the string and let it float away.  But we took turns reeling it in – took us an hour and a half!  Whew!

We found that, after living in New Mexico, where the mountain peaks top out at 10,678′ the mountains in that part of northern California were just glorified hills.  But that was okay – it was better than flat-land Texas.

Fred’s classes were intense during that summer session.  When it was finished, and before he began his Fall semester, for relaxation he built our first stereo system.  He did a masterful job.

California will always hold a special place in our hearts.  Not sure we would want to live there anymore, but we hope to go back for a visit at some point.  I’m trying to twist his arm into letting us take a cruise up the west coast – from San Diego all the way up to Seattle, Washington.  I would love that!

 

California, here I come……

 

 

 

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How Do You Like Your Change?

15 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Change is one of those words that can be both positive and negative. Some people are not happy with change in any form. They like knowing exactly how to do something or exactly what to expect. This doesn’t mean they like what is happening, but they are comfortable with where they are.

On the other side of the spectrum are the ones who chase after each new idea or fad that comes along. For them change is exciting and the status quo is boring. They always know the cool places to go, the latest trends and seem to be very happy to “ride the wave of change” wherever it takes them.

I fall right in the middle. I love technology.  When I visited Walt Disney World in the 1970’s, The Carousel of Progresswas one of my favorite rides.

English: Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress in...

English: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida, United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I used to dream about instant communication and now I have not one, but multiple options for it.  I enjoy trying new foods and especially like trying new restaurants. I am always on board for a road trip or a cruise, but don’t expect me to get on an airplane, not happening.

On the other hand, I am not fond of the ethical changes I see around me. Truth is considered situational as is obeying rules and cheating. I could try to explain this with all kinds of theories but in the simplest form I believe it all boils down to too much “I”.  Change ME, might be the best change of all.

If you would like to read my daughter’s take on change, click the link on the right for Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Philippians 2:3-4 The Message

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Our Trip Across America – Part 6

14 Nov


A Slice of Life

 Bill Lites

                                   

        

We stayed on US-285 North thru Roswell till we were able to picked up I-40 (Old Route 66) West into Albuquerque.  The visit with my family and friends in Albuquerque was great. It was a restful time in familiar surroundings with my mother, aunt and grandmother who were thrilled to see us and our kids.  I was able to show the kids the houses where my DiVoran and I grew up and the schools we attended.

 

 

We took them to “Old Town” and had dinner in one of the restaurants on the original 250+ year old town square.  After dinner, we walked around the square, checking out the sidewalk Indian jewelry displays and visiting many of the shops that carried beautiful handmade Indian jewelry, crafts and artwork.

I was able to have short visits with two of my childhood friends who still lived in Albuquerque and catch up on how the years had been treating them.

 

 

 

 

 

We replenished our food and water supplies before heading West on I-40 (Old Route 66) thru Grants, over the Continental Divide, and thru Gallup into the Arizona desert.  We stopped in the Petrified Forest National Park long enough to get a good look at those age old wonders.

 Then it was on West into the Arizona mountains thru Holbrook and Winslow toward Flagstaff to visit high school friends.  It was the slow going in the mountains on the way to Flagstaff that the station wagon engine got so hot the transmission oil boiled over.  The oil ran down on the exhaust system and when I saw this huge cloud of white smoke in my rear view mirror, thought “oh no, we’ve burned up the engine, out here in the middle of nowhere.  What are we going to do now?”

 As it turned out, we were just coming up on a rest stop, and were able to pull in to let the engine cool off.  This is where that extra transmission fluid I had brought along came in handy.  After the engine and transmission had cooled, I was able to replenish the missing fluid and we were on our way again.

When we finally got to Flagstaff, we had a wonderful time reminiscing with our friends about our high school days, Charlene and DiVoran’s time in beauty school together, Jim and my chance meeting in Japan while in the Navy, and  how fast our kids were growing up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, the next morning, after that great visit, I discovered we had a flat on our station wagon.  It was Sunday and there were no tire repair places open.  So, the repair entailed disconnecting the camper, and unloading everything in the rear of the station wagon to get at the spare tire and jack.  This was not in my plans for the day’s travel and got us off to a late start toward our next destination.

Our friends had told up about this wonderful Sonora Desert Museum that was a must see, so we headed South on I-17 to Tucson.  They were right!

It was a very unusual museum in that many of the exhibits were cutaway underground burrows showing how the desert animals survived the harsh environment they normally lived in.  There was an interesting temperature farm that showed air temp, surface temp, and the temperature every 6” underground.  It is amazing how fast the temperature drops the further under the surface of the desert you go.  The day we were there it was 120 degrees F in the shade with 140 degree F surface temp.

I can’t imagine how hot the asphalt walkways between the underground exhibits were, but it almost melted our tennis shoes.  We literally had to run between the underground exhibits, and then take our shoes off to let our feet cool.

   When we got back to the campground that afternoon, it was still so hot that we jumped in the pool and were enjoying ourselves, when all of a sudden the wind came up so strong we were afraid it would blow the camper over.

That was the most miserable night of our whole trip, trying to sleep in all that heat.

  

 

—–to Be Continued—–

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Same-o, Same-o

12 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Do you ever-read self-help books, and inspirational literature that tells you to get out of your rut, go a different way to work every day, take a risk, change the way you think and dress? I read them and sometimes I try the suggestions, but there’s a lot to be said for routine, as well.

A famous writer once said that if you take a walk in the same place every day things will become familiar so that when they change slightly you’ll know right away. The woods where I walk are so beautiful and natural I can’t think of a reason to go anywhere else, but occasionally I go down to the river with a friend and her sweet golden retriever. I enjoy that very much, but I love my woods the best. So does she, I think, but her dog refuses to go there any more, we don’t know why. Hi, AnnaB

How about daily habits such as making coffee, flossing and brushing teeth, putting on make-up? Do those things automatically and you can think other more interesting thoughts while you’re doing them. Don’t worry, though. We can choose happy thoughts. If you look for a new route to work every day doesn’t that take away from more important matters such as planning a date or a painting? Oh, yes, pay attention to your driving. I say stick with what you know works and focus on the new things that are going to happen all around you every day whether you go looking for them or not.

Psalm 118:24

 

See the bee?

 

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OUR FIRST CRUISE

11 Nov

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

 

                                                   

Have you ever been on a cruise?  It’s one of the delights of our life…..now.

I thought I would NEVER get Fred on a cruise.  You see, when his family was moving from California to Japan in the 1950’s, they traveled on a troop ship, and it took 21 days to get there, which included three long stops at islands along the way.  Not only was it a long trip, but Fred was unable to stay with his family – not enough room in the staterooms.  So he had to bunk with the sailors.  He slept on the top bunk of a three-tier set of bunks, with his face only inches away from the ceiling.  He also had to do some of the “chores” that the sailors had to do – polishing the brass, swabbing the decks, etc.  It was NOT a fun trip for him!

And so, whenever the subject of a cruise came up, he was almost violently opposed to the idea!  The rest of his siblings – and his parents – had been on many cruises and raved about how much fun they had.  Fred wouldn’t even consider it.

As his parents began to age, they decided to take two more major trips, and invited the children to join them.  The first was a trip to England/Scotland.  We jumped at the chance, since we had lived in Europe for six years, and hadn’t been back.  And England is one of our favorite places to visit.

The second trip was a cruise to Alaska.  As it turned out, it was a three-day cruise, with the remainder of the trip being by bendy-bus (articulated bus) and train.  With my womanly wiles, I cajoled him:  It’s only THREE DAYS CRUISING…..it will give you a “taste” of what cruising is like….. It’s only THREE DAYS CRUISING…..we’ve always wanted to go to Alaska, and this is a great chance to go with family……It’s only THREE DAYS CRUISING……it’s in the summer…. It’s only THREE DAYS CRUISING …..etc.

I was finally able to win him over with those reasonings, and we signed up.

We had a grand time.  Both of Fred’s sisters and their husbands were able to sail with us, as well as our oldest daughter and her husband – 10 of us all together.  The cruising was so much fun – for land-lubbers like us, it was a wonderful experience.  I wished we could have sailed more than just those three days.

But for just a “taste” of cruising – we both were sold.  We’ve been able to go on a cruise nearly every year since then.  And Fred is always asking…would you like to sail to Alaska again?  In a heartbeat!

 

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MORE THAN AN AIR SHOW

10 Nov
A Few Thoughts

Patricia Franklin
 
I’m sitting on the deck at my son’s house on the prairie near the air force base.  I am enthralled watching the “air show,” as I call it, when I am with my grandchildren.  The four air force jets are doing their “touch-and-go routine” and flying in loops above and around us as I thrill at the sight of their take-offs, landings and spiraling into the sky, a sight I never tire of every time I visit.  My grandchildren just shake their heads and try to figure out why I am so excited. It is commonplace to them and they are so used to it that they do not even notice or hear the sound of the thunderbirds above them as they play below in the safety and security of their back yard.
I have always loved, appreciated and felt very humbled by our military.  I lived through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. I remember when I was young and watched newsreels at the movie theater before there was TV,  and saw our troops fighting under unbelievable conditions. I remember when I was young sitting on the porch for hours and watching a huge convoy of military vehicles passing by on their way to practice maneuvers for defense of our country, protecting our freedoms and making us safe. Even now when I am home sitting in my own backyard, and when the wind is right, I can occasionally hear the sound of guns firing on the army base 20 miles away and I feel safe.
One of my greatest thrills was right after 9-11 when my daughter and I were driving up past the air force base to visit my son. As we drove past the runway, we could see one of the jets coming in for a landing. As it approached the end of the runway for the landing, it was very low and we were right underneath it.  My daughter looked up and she said “Mom, the plane is loaded!”  She could see that it was loaded with bombs underneath and ready to fire if necessary (whether they were live or not we did not know), but it was a very thrilling and impressive sight. Neither one of us felt at all threatened, but very secure and safe with the military on the job. 
I do not understand those who complain about the noise of the jets over their homes or land, or the traffic congestion when following a convoy along a busy road, or the NIMBY mentality that you hear about today.  All I can think of is that I am very grateful, appreciative and feel almost a reverence for these wonderful men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives for our safety. I can sometimes feel tears in my eyes as my knees buckle at the sight of a military parade or uniform. I am  proud and yet humbled thinking of the hard work, discipline, commitment, and their willingness to brave anything for their love of country that leads these men and women to make the selfless decision to join the military and be prepared to fight and die for us and our freedoms.
May God Always Bless Our Military and the United States of America!
Air Show...

Air Show… (Photo credit: naathas)

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Snow!

9 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Friday my husband, our daughter and myself drove from Florida to the mountains of North Carolina. I read on Facebook that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park had a large snowfall during Hurricane Sandy and I couldn’t wait to check it out. The highest point in the park is Clingman’s dome and the road up to it is closed during the winter beginning December first, so this would be a rare opportunity to visit it covered in snow.

Saturday we picked up our two grandchildren and loaded the car up with an assortment of jackets, plastic sleds and picnic supplies. When we arrived at Clingman’s Dome the parking lot was jam-packed. Jumping out of the car we were hit by a cold wind and hurriedly pulled on jackets, scarves, hats and gloves. It was at least twenty degrees colder up there! Due to the ice and our fear for our old bones we didn’t make it to the top but the grandkids still had a blast.

Next we drove to Newfound Gap and had an unconventional picnic before moving on to the area we affectionately call “sled hill”. The children are sledding pros and quickly owned the hill. Rebekah took several rides down the hill as well. As for me, I did take one ride and loved it, but bowed to prudence and gave up my sled.

Seeing our grandchildren having fun was worth the trip but something else made it really special. We ended up having two sleds not in use. As families came to watch we offered the use of them. Some families accepted, some didn’t. One little guy was with his grandpa and had been begging to go sledding. He was quite brave and bold as he came down the hill laughing. Best of all was a group of young men in their twenties. From their appearance and accent, I think they may have been from India. I got the impression they might be seeing snow for the first time. They tentatively picked up some snow, rolled it around in their hands and made a snowball. Watching them, I noticed how their eyes followed the sledders. I decided to be bold and ask them if they would like to sled. It was interesting to see their internal struggle, should they or should they not. For a second or two I was afraid my offer may have offended their sense of dignity, then decided what the heck. I offered again in a teasing voice, “come on, you know you want to try it, just do it”. Their eyes dashed from one to another until one of the more mature appearing men stepped forward and held out his hand. What fun they had! They all took turns.

During the time we were there we shared the sleds with children, adults and differing races and nationalities. It was one of those rare perfect days. I wish it could have lasted all week.

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