Riding the Train for Gramma's Birthday

Papa took Gramma all the way across the country so that she could see her 2nd cousin, Susan Sharbaugh. Susan's husband, Harry works for the Green Mountain Railroad that travels a 20 mile route North from SouthEastern Vermont.
There were other people on the train that day but Conductor Harry gave Gramma special attention to make sure she would not fall. Because of Gramma's knees and Susan's broken ankle, they sat side by side and put their hurt parts on the seats opposite them. Watching out the windows we saw Rivers, Islands and Trees, Bridges with covers next to the track We saw green fields and trees with colorful leaves. And we turned around at the restored old station with the new signs. The whole trip only took a couple of hours. What a fun way to spend a birthday.
Footnote:
In early October, '08, we visited Mom's second cousin, Susan Sharborugh and her husband Harry living in Erving, MA. which is in the northwest corner of Massachusetts near the border with Vermont Among Harry's retirement activities is working as a conductor on the Green Mountain Railroad in VT. He took us up there for a ride into the Fall Vermont foliage. It was very enjoyable. Try Google Green Mountain Train. It is famous in those parts. Harry bought Becca a Green Mountain hat, which made them both happy. Becca was ready to go on this newer train.

Surf City -- Here we come!

( See Santa Catalina Island in the background of this shot)

Last Thursday we went to Huntington Beach (the famous "Surf City" of the 50's & 60's) to have lunch with Mike Callahan.
The sun was dancing on the water.
Mike and I were ADG fraternity brothers at Loyola . Some of you may be familiar with that chapter in my life. Mike and I "pledged" in the same class and became good friends. He played an important role in Mom and my wedding in 1965 at Lake Arrowhead. We had forgotten the marriage license in LA. It was discovered when the wedding was supposed to begin in 2 hours.Round trip drive would take 4 hours. We called Mike, who was to be part of the wedding, from Arrowhead. He was still in LA and agreed to swing by your Mom's apartment and bring the license. Long story--but without that piece of paper the wedding would have been postponed. Anyway Mike lives in Huntington and we went down to the famous pier.

At the end of the pier is Ruby's, a 50's style surf cafe. Mom walked the entire half mile round trip (hooray!). Even the seagulls stopped to watch. We had a good time on a beautiful clear SoCal day.

Becca Rides Again!

Saturday before last Becca and I stopped by the horse stables here in Bonnelli Park. We drive by it each time we come to the RV Park and she wanted to pet the horses. Two nice ladies, who were working with a horse, brought it over to the fence so Becca could reach it. They told us that Saturday mornings they have a beginners walk around the corral on a horse. Becca wanted to go. Yesterday we went. Becca rode a little black horse named Billie. She had a ball. Becca never wavered from her desire to ride a black horse like Ranger Walker.

But it was touch and go when she had to swing up into the saddle. She had trouble trusting all of her weight to her left foot in the stirrup. I was right there to help her but she was still hesitant. I asked, "Do you want to ride Billie?" "Yes" she replied. "Then you must get on". The equestrian lady was right there too and was very patient. Finally the three of us got her on board ol' Billie and Becca rode around the corral for the full 45 minutes. Good fun for her.

East Shore RV Park

Our awning is up, shielding against the CA sun. Note our George Foreman BBQ (used the last two nights-in compliance with CA ordinance requiring grilling on the patio at least twice a week) is up next to our picnic table.
Primarily we like this park because it is just a few (frantic) freeway minutes from Auntie Pat and Chrissy. We like the nice nearby community of San Dimas and Glendora. It has a Walgreens, and a Costco-our fav lunch cafe, among other stores. The park is upscale as RV parks go. The sites are paved with full hookups, including cable TV, which allows Becca to have control of her TV, a big plus for her. There is a lot of grass, and so many trees it resembles a park. Area “E” from the hill behind us.
There are two swimming pools. And during this time of year we especially like the weather. Just two weeks ago, Bigfoot had icicles hanging from the eves and all of his external hoses were stiff and frozen, creating function difficulties.
Today, it’s almost embarrassing to report, the temp was 83°. I wore shorts and sandals. Our heavy coats have hung unused since we got here. Tomorrow we go to the beach. A college friend, Mike Callahan lives in Huntington Beach. We are going to have lunch with him and look at the Pacific Ocean for the first time since Nov ’07.
Remember hibiscus flowers? Snow topped Mt Baldy in the distant bg

Report from SoCal

Here is Mom watering our Norfolk Pine Christmas trees at our picnic table. Note the absence of snow.

The Auswanderers left Springville, Utah on December 31st and traveled 600 miles over three days, across four states and two time zones, losing the vision of snow banked beside the highways and gaining 40 degrees of temperature (from 17 in UT to 57 in CA) to land in San Dimas, California in the East Shore RV Park, near Puddingstone Lake in the Frank Bonelli Regional Park. Our primary purpose is to spend January near Auntie Pat and the SoCal family. We were able to make a month's reservation for site E-18. This is a blessing because “long term” sites are usually all booked at this very popular Snow Bird park. Yesterday under clear skies with 70 degree weather, we washed the snow mud and salt scum off of the vehicles. (Cue the sigh)
The Girlies in Sunday attire at Site E-18