A fast six day trip with so much crammed into it that I can't remember half! I rented a small car and traveled south out of the Ontario Airport on Haven and headed for dairy country - home! I was totally astonished at how many houses had tarps on roofs (no one is going to fix anything that is going to be bulldozed for new construction - when the economy picks up in So Cal). I saw that 'our house' was still there - but it looks so different from the clean white with dark green trim that Papa kept up. My neighbors' houses are still there too...but definitely not the clean, neat dairy country of my youth. After driving around a bit I headed to Inland Home. I made a quick visit with the mother of a first grade classmate. She still recognized me (my stature is pretty much a give-away)! I visited with a dear friend who was my rock and support when Mama and Papa were in Inland - she is now in the Alzheimer's wing and she is only 65. We sang some hymns together. The words are embedded in the brain - both hers and mine. I drove to Ontario and stopped to see a high school classmate and had dinner with her - what a joy to visit with her. I stayed with Evelyn in her lovely Upland home, we visited, and remembered the past together...especially Case.
I drove to Hemet and couldn't figure out where my cousins live because I printed out the Mapquest map with the wrong address. Thank goodness for cell phones - but Donald must think I am a complete idiot. We had a great time catching up quickly. We did take a quick trip to the hospital to see Cousin Joyce as her husband was in surgery. Elaine put on a great spread for lunch. I called friend Joyce (another high school classmate and long time friend) and got directions from cousins' to her new home...and I found that easily. Joyce and I played catch-up in all too short a time - I had seen her last in San Diego at least 5 or 6 years ago. Very quickly it was time to head south to San Diego and the Swimming Workshop...which was the purpose of the trip anyway.
Picture is of Betty, Cousin Joyce (the little ones in the family) and Cousin Donald and his wife Elaine. I'm the kid in the group. The three of them are 80ish.
San Diego was beautiful at this time of the year. Everything was in bloom. We stayed in a beautiful hotel that overlooks the bay and ocean. We socialized with USA Swimming friends and attended a workshop. Saturday we were bussed downtown to a training center. It was a very good workshop and training. Two friends and I were dropped off at the harbor area and decided to tour the USS Midway. Although we arrived rather late in the afternoon we were still able to see most of the carrier. The audio tour gave us lots of historical information. The evening meal at the Red Marlin was superb. Watching the sunset over the water was magnificent. An early morning walk to Belmont Park brought back memories of a high school band trip that included time in Belmont Park. After a couple hours of unstructured workshop I was on my way to La Quinta.
It has been MANY years since I have been in the California desert and I was looking forward to both the drive and the visit. Neither disappointed. The drive through San Gorgonio pass was incredible...watching 3200+ windmills churning and generating electricity for 1000s of people. Why can't Nebraska harness all of our wind? Trying to find Julia in La Quinta took a few phone calls and directions. Again I had a wrong address and printed out wrong maps. But we found her in a lovely home in a gated community in La Quinta. We spent lots of time catching up. She took me to a great spot for a quick, reasonable meal - the Cliff House at the bar! Best fries ever! We relaxed, walked, did a little shopping, enjoyed the wonderful warm weather (not too hot yet). We enjoyed another meal together at the Cliff House and I got on the road heading back to Upland and Evelyn.
Now I knew where I was going...right! Julia mentioned taking the 210 (I have normally traveled the 60) and which exit I should get off and I heard Carnelian and Campus. I thought Carnelian as I needed gas. I got off, got gas, and headed 'east' as I thought I was 'west' of Euclid and Evelyn's home and pretty soon I was at Archibald. WHAAAAT! Where the h... am I? OK, stupid. Remember that you used to take Carnelian to get to Joyce's when she lived in Alta Loma? Carnelian is EAST of Euclid! Am I lost? Not really. Just delayed a bit and at Evelyn's a little later than I wanted to be. We visited a bit and both headed to bed as I had a very early flight (0 dark 30), and E was facing surgery on Thursday.
Trip home was uneventful...early flight left on time, arrived on time in Denver. I made my connections and arrived in Omaha on time. The drive home was uneventful - but long. I was very glad to be home.
I have a love-hate relationship with traveling. I love to go and visit with friends and family and see new places and things. I hate to be away from home. My psyche is much more grounded when I am within the confines of home.
But going 'home' after being away most of the last 50 years is still a wonderful experience, especially when one can rekindle past close relationships with family and friends.
