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.

Getting Organized

Recently I decided that it was time for me to get better organized. This was prompted in part by an upcoming trip to a reunion. As I went through pictures to take, I realized how nice it was that I had put the photos in albums right after an earlier reunion. Of course, one album was too full, so I never completed that set. But I did this time. Now, back to organizing. My family would probably say, "What do you mean 'better'?" But that's their problem. So, I set about sorting through all the special things I've been saving. It's amazing what I found. Hmm. Will I put it in an "organized" place/file where I can find it easily? That, as savers everywhere well know, remains to be seen.

Sunday Night Suppers

Each Sunday evening when possible - and fortunately, it usually is - Maria, Eric, and the kids come over for dinner. Often this involves a bike ride for Butch & Zac, or a trip to the park for everyone, or time to play in the sandbox, or a new video with multi-generational appeal IF you're really into things about animals with amazing powers or Walt Disney flicks or talking cars or lovable monsters or princesses, or just watching a new grandchild seem to grow by the minute. It's drawing and coloring and bathing and visiting. It's multigenerational family time and it's unbeatable. What would make it better? If ALL of our family could come each time.