Papa's Reunion

50 years ago, in June of 1961, I graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, CA. Gramma also graduated that year, but at a different school, Eisenhower High School in Rialto, CA. Several months ago I began getting information about a reunion of our graduating class and the graduating class of St. Bernardines High School. That school was the Catholic school for girls. Aquinas was the school for the Catholic boys. Shortly after our graduations, the two schools were merged. The place of the reunion was this modest hotel in San Diego.

On Friday night 9/23 and on Saturday 9/24 we had three eatin' meetin's in this large room on the 5th floor. The flash below makes it difficult to read the message about our event.

It is not a surprise that most of work to organize and bring-off this two day celebration was done by the St B women, many of which also attended the 1-8 grade school, St. Anne's. So this group had forged friendships over 12 years. They were kind enough to also invite the men from Aquinas

My personal hope was that two of my closest friends would be in attendance. I wasn't disappointed.

Below is Mike Kjolsrud. He became one of my closest friends in high school and college. The summer between my sophomore and junior year, Mike got me a place as a Junior Counselor at a Catholic boys' summer camp in Estes Park Colorado. It sits in one of the most beautiful places in the Rockies. What an experience.

Mike and I roomed together as freshman at Loyola. We had fun, too much fun. I should write about it, but not now. I have so many memories of Mike. When Gramma and I got married he was my best man.

In this photo Mike sits beside Paula, a wonderful lady. I think of her as the eye of the storm. Mike is the storm.

Below is Wayne Hubert. He had a deep impact on my young adult years. Below are some of the our interactions.

I came to the 9-12 Aquinas, as a 10th grader. I had gone to Rialto Jr. High 7-9. Most of my friends there including Gramma went to the public high school, Eisenhower.

So when I went to Aquinas, I knew no one. Wayne was one of the first boys to extend a hand of friendship. After I turned 16, I went to work at the A&W root-beer stand, owned by Wayne's dad. Both of Wayne's parent were good people. I spent many nights hanging out at their house. Wayne and I played baseball together for the Aquinas team. When we went off to college, we went to separate schools. Me to Loyola in LA, Wayne to University of San Francisco. But in our junior year Wayne came down to Loyola and we were roommates on campus. The next year we moved off campus and with 2 other guys we rented a small apartment. And when Gramma and I got married, Wayne was one of the men in my wedding party.

Toward the end of the Saturday event, they got us together for photos. These are the Aquinas class of 61 in attendance.

Most of these guys I haven't seen since the night we graduated from high school. It was nice to renew these friendships. But the highlight for me was reconnecting with Mike and Wayne.

This was her Birthday Cake,

It didn't last too long! Hey!!

Happy 38th Gramma

Becca and the boys

An interesting (I think) sidebar story to our weekend class of 61 reunion, was Becca's effort to make friends in a gathering of strangers. She quickly sensed that we were in a safe environment as I greeted and was greeted by friends from back in the day. This is her outside of the Holiday Inn, Bayside in San Diego

It is not a surprise to those of us who know Becca, her preference has always been guys. Her Mom will tell you that as a baby at church, Becca resisted going to the ladies, but would readily go to a friendly guy. As she grew up, as we attended church, Becca chose to go to priesthood meeting rather than Relief Society. So at the reunion, as Becca made friends, she would ask for a photo. On Friday night she met Alan Stancliff, who she referred to as Santa Claus.

By Saturday night her shyness receded as she began to recognize people (read guys). Here she is with Mike Kjolsrud, an important old friend of mine.

Here she is with two of her newest friends, who actively enjoyed visiting with her. Was it a coincidence that Rick Nickel, on the left, and Gary Mucho, on the right were among the most handsome old guys in the room? Incidentally, Rick is a childhood friend of Marv Ericson.

This last photo was Gary's idea. He had been seated to Becca's left at the formal dinner. Gary was amazed and touched by Becca's happy spirit all evening. Becca as always relates to people on a spiritual level. She sensed that Gary was a kind person.

Did Becca enjoy herself? Just look at her expression.

(PS on the way home, Becca mentioned Eric Reynolds, her Idaho good friend)

San Diego

744 miles from East Bay and 125 miles south of East Shore we arrived at Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego on Wednesday 9/21. Gramma researched RV parks in the vicinity of the hotel where our reunion will take place.

At the park entrance what should greet us? A yellow hibiscus -- Hawaii's official flower. Certainly a welcoming sign

The park is OK. It is flat but with way too much asphalt for our liking.

What it makes it a "resort" is the water. It is on a peninsula. On our west (seen through the fence) is Mission Bay

To our east is another portion of Mission Bay called De Anza Cove. Here is Becca at the cove enjoying her first Pacific Ocean beach experience in a long time. Our park is in the bg.

We drove around yesterday and we enjoyed the dozens of names given to various bodies of water we passed by and over--San Diego River, Fisherman's Channel, Grand Caribe CSWY, etc

Now, below my blogger reposted some of my photos. Maybe Gramma will teach me how to get them off. Until then, enjoy them twice.

Lucky Nails

We are near Auntie Pat in Azusa, CA. When we asked her where to take Becca for a "mani & a pedi," she directed us to where she goes, "Lucky Nails".

This young lady, named Lily, for whom English is a distant second language, directed Becca to sit here and pull up her pant legs.

But Lily is fluent in doing these procedures. She had her tool box near and worked quickly, taking care of the nails and calluses.

Becca, always a lady who knows what she wants, told me before we entered the store, "I want orange". Orange?? Where did that come from? But here she is rocking orange toes with blue flowered slippas. Kalaheo colors. And Boise State colors.

Her mani ended with a clear coat. Here she show them off. Note in bg she's wearing her Walker Texas Rangers shirt, that Amanda and Eric gave her several years ago. She loves this shirt.