A Game for All of You World Travelers - Real or Dreaming

Here is a great game for those of you who travel a lot OR for those of you who would like to travel a lot OR for those of you who just like to test your knowledge of the locations of cities around the world. Go to "Games" and click on Virtual Pilot by Lufthansa. Enjoy!

The Reunion Was Fantastic!

When people who've been together at a significant time in their lives (i.e. college and a sorority) meet for a reunion, something very special happens: the years fall away and the connections take up almost where they left off. The conversation hum is loud and joyous. The smiles and the laughter bring to mind times long past and create unique new moments to remember. It was absolutely a not-to-be missed, wondrous occasion. And, I have the pictures and the brand new memories to prove it.

Pictures Say It Without Words

As I'm getting ready for a reunion, I'm organizing pictures to show with copies to share. They recall times from other years with people we all know. They capture moments not to be repeated and they're priceless. I smile when I turn through the albums. Good times, good friends - unbeatable.

The "To Do" of Going On A Trip

Have you ever noticed how the fact that you're leaving on a trip causes the things you ABSOLUTELY need to do to multiply exponentially? But, another fact is that I enjoy time away much more IF I don't have a full "TO DO LIST" just waiting for me when I get home. So, I'm working like crazy to get ready to go see old friends. Can't wait!

The Theater in LA

One of the neatest things about living in Claremont is the access to such a wide variety of entertainment venues. Today I went with friends to the Ahmanson Theatre to see "Ain't Misbehavin'," featuring both the toe-tapping and insightful music of "Fats" Waller. We had lunch first at Cafe Pinot "with its unique view of the urban skyline and romantic garden ambience." It was a delightful day of good friends, good conversation, and good entertainment.

Staying Connected With Former Colleagues & Friends

Today the "Old Bats & Buzzards" group that is composed of retired staff members from Allen Avenue Elementary School in the Bonita Unified School District met for our monthly lunch. It's a "come if you can" event, and today there were 9 of us. Pictures of family - usually grandchildren - are shown, news - both good and painful to hear - is shared, and reminiscing and updates are given. There is an easy camaraderie among those who've worked together for years and have become like "family." The caring is always evident and the support is ever present and almost tangible. Those of you who've worked in a similar environment know what I mean. It's special, it's heartwarming, it's inspiring, and it's unbeatable. This group also has begun an annual luncheon that is held on the first day of the school year. It's called: "They're In School And We're Not!" We look forward to our 3rd celebration this next August.

Voting

Today was a day to go to the polls to vote on measures affecting the state budget and the issues surrounding the budget and the various allocations, especially those affecting education, plus other items depending on where one lives. The TV ads were confusing, the newspaper positions were confusing, the mailers were confusing, and it left voters in a quandary. Did you vote? How did you decide what to do? To whom did you listen? The turnout was light at our poling place. So, once again, a small percentage of the voters will decide what happens with regard to matters that affect a lot of people. The right to vote in our country is a wonderful privilege. It's unfortunate that so few choose to participate.