Another overcast day in Manhattan Beach!
The plans for Whistler are firming up. Heather has a wonderful souvenir for each of us, a mug with Bri's design of Manu Forte.
As I understand so far:
Jane , Andrew, John and Nancy are arriving by car from Nelson sometime on Friday, 16th.
Duncan Tracy and their four kids will also drive, arriving sometime Friday.
Heather, Todd, Brianne and Maddox and dog will arrive sometime Friday from Seattle by car, probably with Daisy and her two kids.
Wendy, Michel, Alex and Matthew Trevor and Valerie will be flying in from various places.
Andrew Mack, Ian and David are as yet unsure of their arrival plans.
This means we are pretty much on our own for dinner that evening.
We have not booked the Peak to Peak dinner but since Andrew Mack cannot be there before Sunday it might be best have it then so we can include him.
There will be a final conference room dinner where we can all feast together in honor of Robin on the last night, which hopefully everyone can attend.
My suite, which I share with Wendy and Michel will host all the other evening get togethers. I envision a Happy Hour sort of thing with heavy hors d'oeuvres starting about 5:30 or 6:00. Kids welcome, but we might have a movie corner somewhere for them. After that people can go back to their respective suites, and eat some more or stay with us till dawn! Trevor, Wendy, Michel, and I are not heavy eaters so that will be dinner for us I imagine.
The baby pictures should be in by next week if you can. We want one baby picture of each of you (under one year preferably) and a fairly recent picture. They will be doctored to black and white or sepia to disguise age! There will be voting sheets and a box into which you put you guesses. The babies will be lettered. Baby A, baby B etc. and the older pictures will be numbered. All you have to do is mark which baby goes with which older person. Winner(s) get prize!
When we are all together we can decide on entertainment for everyone at the suites. There is a pool and exercise room. Trev will bring some movies on a thumb drive. Duncan and Tracey will bring games. Matthew will put on a magic show, or juggle, or do fantastic things with a deck of cards. Alex might be prevailed upon to put on an origami demonstration. Todd, Jane, John, Michel might be coaxed into a little music. Heather has offered to do a half hour quilt making session for those interested. We will have a bulletin board for each day's activities. Of course we want to hear all about you day's adventures at the Happy Hour.
I don't want this to be a financial hardship for anyone, so parking fees, gas, air fare etc. will be covered if you need it. Robin's vision was to get our far flung family together and find out about each other. Family is precious, but sometimes in our busy lives we forget. Hope you will all make an effort to get to know each other better, make connections (as Jane would say) and be there for each other. Daisy, Tracey, Todd, David, Michel, Andrew, you are all precious members of the Mackay clan. You hear that, Daisy? Looking forward to seeing you all, Love, Val
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
More June gloom this morning.
Got a call from Heather last night about T shirts with a Bri design for the reunion. I was a bit negative on T shirts as I'm not sure everyone would want one. She was suggesting Bri's bear design, which Robin greatly admired. We also have a Manu Forte design by Bri. We talked about hats and scarves. Input please.
Revision on the snacks. Trevor feels we should at least try to get everyone together at the end of each day, and food is a secondary consideration. I tend to agree. Since Trevor and I don't snack, and usually skip lunch, we may be a little biased on the food. We are not there to eat, but to meet relatives.
We are expecting everyone to show up on Friday, some driving, some flying. Everyone except Ian, Mack and David. Their plans are uncertain.
The Peak to Peak dinner at the top is available for Saturday and Sunday. I think it is a great idea and will see if we can make reservations. Hopefully they will be flexible for a poor sailor who has been called to duty overseas!
Yesterday Trevor took me to the Hermosa Beach fair where we manned a Republican booth for a few hours. The interest is growing!
Today Trevor and I tiger into bills, etc. and THROWING AWAY STUFF! Its endless.
Love to you all, Val
Got a call from Heather last night about T shirts with a Bri design for the reunion. I was a bit negative on T shirts as I'm not sure everyone would want one. She was suggesting Bri's bear design, which Robin greatly admired. We also have a Manu Forte design by Bri. We talked about hats and scarves. Input please.
Revision on the snacks. Trevor feels we should at least try to get everyone together at the end of each day, and food is a secondary consideration. I tend to agree. Since Trevor and I don't snack, and usually skip lunch, we may be a little biased on the food. We are not there to eat, but to meet relatives.
We are expecting everyone to show up on Friday, some driving, some flying. Everyone except Ian, Mack and David. Their plans are uncertain.
The Peak to Peak dinner at the top is available for Saturday and Sunday. I think it is a great idea and will see if we can make reservations. Hopefully they will be flexible for a poor sailor who has been called to duty overseas!
Yesterday Trevor took me to the Hermosa Beach fair where we manned a Republican booth for a few hours. The interest is growing!
Today Trevor and I tiger into bills, etc. and THROWING AWAY STUFF! Its endless.
Love to you all, Val
Monday, May 29, 2017
Monday, May 29, 2017
Memorial Day. Foggy again in Manhattan Beach.
The five fire trucks that were in front of our neighbor's house were the result of a call from their neighbors on the other side. Apparently the Goldbergs had gone for a walk and left something on the stove, which burned and set off smoke which their neighbor saw. Isn't it nice to live next to someone who leaves things burning?
But all is well. Had a delightful dinner at the club last night, a special BBQ arranged by friends of ours with all the people I really like. Jack drove so that was good too.
Had a long talk with Jane. We discussed the reunion and made a few changes, which will have to be gone over with Trev, Heather and Wendy, and John and Nancy's family.
A very good Memorial Day to all, Love Val
The five fire trucks that were in front of our neighbor's house were the result of a call from their neighbors on the other side. Apparently the Goldbergs had gone for a walk and left something on the stove, which burned and set off smoke which their neighbor saw. Isn't it nice to live next to someone who leaves things burning?
But all is well. Had a delightful dinner at the club last night, a special BBQ arranged by friends of ours with all the people I really like. Jack drove so that was good too.
Had a long talk with Jane. We discussed the reunion and made a few changes, which will have to be gone over with Trev, Heather and Wendy, and John and Nancy's family.
A very good Memorial Day to all, Love Val
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Sunday, May 28, 2017
All kinds of excitement about 7:30 here last night. A HUUUGE fire truck pulled up whooping then stopped just across Highland at 31st. Then THREE very large fire trucks came down from higher up on 31st. One pulled up in front of our next door neighbors', the Goldbergs. Four or five firemen, in full regalia, rushed round. One got out a ladder, then put it away. Another got something that looked like a fan on wheels, and there was a sound of some machinery being turned on. A thin trickle of liquid was running down the sidewalk from the house. After about half an hour it was all over, whatever it was. I will find out today.
I am having dinner with Jack and Marilyn at the club tonight. They will pick me up as I don't like driving at night. Should be fun.
Heard from Wendy yesterday morning and also Brianne in the afternoon. She is coping with a baby while husband is at work and mother gone home. Ive been there! Hang in, Bri!
Love to all, Val
'
I am having dinner with Jack and Marilyn at the club tonight. They will pick me up as I don't like driving at night. Should be fun.
Heard from Wendy yesterday morning and also Brianne in the afternoon. She is coping with a baby while husband is at work and mother gone home. Ive been there! Hang in, Bri!
Love to all, Val
'
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Trevor drove us back to Manhattan Beach, unloaded my stuff and took off for his place. It was a good trip.
The weather is sunny here today and tomorrow. I like sun.
Wendy called in on her way to the Metro this morning. Matthew left this morning for Boston, to see his brother and get some stuff. He will fly to Seattle tomorrow. Alex arrives in Paris this weekend for his job with an architect.
Mack is going to help some friends with their internet this weekend.
Heather has offered to teach a quilting class (15 minutes to half an hour) to make a small quilt. Jane is very enthusiastic. Wendy also would like to attend. Haven't head from anyone else, so speak up if you are interested.
Music department. Jane, are you or your Dad bringing any instruments? Michel and Todd play guitar. Lots of talent here! Harmonica of course.
Alex could do a session on Origami.
Matthew can juggle, do magic and cardistry. We won't have a dull moment!
Correction! Maddox is four weeks, not four months.
Love you all, Val
The weather is sunny here today and tomorrow. I like sun.
Wendy called in on her way to the Metro this morning. Matthew left this morning for Boston, to see his brother and get some stuff. He will fly to Seattle tomorrow. Alex arrives in Paris this weekend for his job with an architect.
Mack is going to help some friends with their internet this weekend.
Heather has offered to teach a quilting class (15 minutes to half an hour) to make a small quilt. Jane is very enthusiastic. Wendy also would like to attend. Haven't head from anyone else, so speak up if you are interested.
Music department. Jane, are you or your Dad bringing any instruments? Michel and Todd play guitar. Lots of talent here! Harmonica of course.
Alex could do a session on Origami.
Matthew can juggle, do magic and cardistry. We won't have a dull moment!
Correction! Maddox is four weeks, not four months.
Love you all, Val
Friday, May 26, 2017
Friday, Ma 26, 2017
Trevor is sleeping in this morning after an intensive two days of private lessons on the firing range.
We will leave, whenever. It has been a good trip for me. Very relaxing by the pool.
Heather has been coping with snails in her garden. I have heard that a saucer of beer will attract them, and they can be disposed of all at once. Anybody tried it?
Andrew Mack called and we were in the middle of lively conversation when he interrupted to say Ian was on the phone. He will no doubt report today on Ian's news, which I will relay in tomorrow's blog.
Maddox is gaining weight rapidly. At his four month pediatric check he weighs 11 lbs 4oz and is 22 1/4 inches long!
Wendy took the day off for her birthday. They went to see the swan family. Still just one cygnet. They are black swans, so the little one is sort of a grey color.
I have been thinking a bit about the reunion. Baby pictures of course, and how about a talent show? Matthew could do cardistry, which is his passion right now. Jane and Wendy could sing. Guitar, harmonica ??? Richard, could you do something? We will take the gondola ride from peak to peak. Hiking, bicycling ???? I will bring some craft materials. Fun!
Comments welcome, Love to all, Val
We will leave, whenever. It has been a good trip for me. Very relaxing by the pool.
Heather has been coping with snails in her garden. I have heard that a saucer of beer will attract them, and they can be disposed of all at once. Anybody tried it?
Andrew Mack called and we were in the middle of lively conversation when he interrupted to say Ian was on the phone. He will no doubt report today on Ian's news, which I will relay in tomorrow's blog.
Maddox is gaining weight rapidly. At his four month pediatric check he weighs 11 lbs 4oz and is 22 1/4 inches long!
Wendy took the day off for her birthday. They went to see the swan family. Still just one cygnet. They are black swans, so the little one is sort of a grey color.
I have been thinking a bit about the reunion. Baby pictures of course, and how about a talent show? Matthew could do cardistry, which is his passion right now. Jane and Wendy could sing. Guitar, harmonica ??? Richard, could you do something? We will take the gondola ride from peak to peak. Hiking, bicycling ???? I will bring some craft materials. Fun!
Comments welcome, Love to all, Val
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Thursday, May25, 2017
Daisy has been working hard to get a passport for the trip to Whistler. Talked to Richard and he says he has lots of friends coming over to play on the new gym set Ian set up in their yard.
Trevor had a good day at the firing range with his friend, Tom. We all had dinner together at a local restaurant with good food, and very unique cowboy country decorations. You know you're not in California in Pahrump.
After that Trev and I went to the jacuzzi and talked to a retired guy whose passion is mining! He has laid claims on several pieces of land, and knows all about mining gold and other minerals. Since this is another one of Trevor's interests, the conversation was lively. He was from Arizona. At a nearby table were 4 very loud Canadians! Earlier in the day, as I sat by the pool, a kid was learning to swim with his dad. Two more Canadians, from Toronto, gave him a 'noodle' to play with. There are no deserts in Canada so Nevada is an exotic destination I guess.
Talked to Bri about the latest on Maddox. He is growing rapidly and will soon be out of 3 month size clothes. Every day he does something new. Babies are such fun for new parents.
The desert air is agreeing with me, and my cough is getting better and better.
Hope you are all well, Love Val
Trevor had a good day at the firing range with his friend, Tom. We all had dinner together at a local restaurant with good food, and very unique cowboy country decorations. You know you're not in California in Pahrump.
After that Trev and I went to the jacuzzi and talked to a retired guy whose passion is mining! He has laid claims on several pieces of land, and knows all about mining gold and other minerals. Since this is another one of Trevor's interests, the conversation was lively. He was from Arizona. At a nearby table were 4 very loud Canadians! Earlier in the day, as I sat by the pool, a kid was learning to swim with his dad. Two more Canadians, from Toronto, gave him a 'noodle' to play with. There are no deserts in Canada so Nevada is an exotic destination I guess.
Talked to Bri about the latest on Maddox. He is growing rapidly and will soon be out of 3 month size clothes. Every day he does something new. Babies are such fun for new parents.
The desert air is agreeing with me, and my cough is getting better and better.
Hope you are all well, Love Val
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Wenesday, May 24, 2017
Here I am in the great state of Nevada. We had a pleasant drive in the Tesla, with Trevor carefully plotting the charge stations along the way. We are staying at the Saddle West, the same motel that Robin and I stayed at when we came a couple of years ago, for the hand gun class at Front Sight. It all looks very familiar. Nice pool and, of course, casino. We had an early breakfast, Trevor drove off to his class - a private class with one other person, his friend Tom. I will see him about six tonight. Trevor and Tom and I had a great Japanese dinner in Pahrump. Tom is a naturalized citizen from Berlin originally, and a good conversationalist.
No call from Bri last night because she lost her cell phone and waited for David to come home so she could find it. It was just as well, because I had put mine on charge before we left for dinner, and didn't have it on me - a very rare event.
The desert on this side is magnificently wild and sculpted. We stopped to look at an obsidian vein near the highway.Trevor scrambled out and mined a few hunks. Very few signs of human habitation for miles and miles. You can carry a weapon here!
Now I will go out exploring, before it gets too hot.
Love, to all, Val
No call from Bri last night because she lost her cell phone and waited for David to come home so she could find it. It was just as well, because I had put mine on charge before we left for dinner, and didn't have it on me - a very rare event.
The desert on this side is magnificently wild and sculpted. We stopped to look at an obsidian vein near the highway.Trevor scrambled out and mined a few hunks. Very few signs of human habitation for miles and miles. You can carry a weapon here!
Now I will go out exploring, before it gets too hot.
Love, to all, Val
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Tuesday,May 23, 2017
This morning I am off to Nevada with Trevor for his firearms class.
Window washers never came!!
Another grey day in Manhattan Beach, I will be glad to get some desert sun.
Love to all, Val
Window washers never came!!
Another grey day in Manhattan Beach, I will be glad to get some desert sun.
Love to all, Val
Monday, May 22, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
On May 22, 1954 Robin and I were married in Divinity Hall, McGill. We had met on October 28, 1950 in Kingston, Ontario so we always celebrated both anniversaries.
Tomorrow Trevor and I are going to a place near Las Vegas. He will take a private class at Front Sight, a range and training center for all sorts of firearms. I took a four day class there a couple of years ago with Robin in hand gun use and safety. I will goof off. while Trev takes the class.
I got a blog comment from Tracy yesterday, and hope to get more as you become familiar with the format. Trevor and I booked our flights to Vancouver and the shuttle to Whistler yesterday, and confirmed that the hotel rooms will be ready for us. It is important to know that you are reading this, because it a way of communicating with you all at once, without innumerable back-and-forth emails,
Don't forget to send Trevor a baby picture of yourself (under 1 year old), and a current picture which he will, if necessary convert to black and white. I will post them at the Reunion and you will guess who goes with which baby picture. Prizes for the winners!
Daisy reported one of the koi fish died. Since Ian is away, she is having to cope with everything by herself. But she is a strong lady.
Love to you all, Val
Tomorrow Trevor and I are going to a place near Las Vegas. He will take a private class at Front Sight, a range and training center for all sorts of firearms. I took a four day class there a couple of years ago with Robin in hand gun use and safety. I will goof off. while Trev takes the class.
I got a blog comment from Tracy yesterday, and hope to get more as you become familiar with the format. Trevor and I booked our flights to Vancouver and the shuttle to Whistler yesterday, and confirmed that the hotel rooms will be ready for us. It is important to know that you are reading this, because it a way of communicating with you all at once, without innumerable back-and-forth emails,
Don't forget to send Trevor a baby picture of yourself (under 1 year old), and a current picture which he will, if necessary convert to black and white. I will post them at the Reunion and you will guess who goes with which baby picture. Prizes for the winners!
Daisy reported one of the koi fish died. Since Ian is away, she is having to cope with everything by herself. But she is a strong lady.
Love to you all, Val
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Just got my morning call from Wendy. It is 5:00 pm there and she is about to leave the Chateau. Lots of people enjoyed the Santa machine. Matthew is with them today.
Last night I was taken to a hotel in El Segundo where the Jolson Festival is being held. It is a four day event, held in different cities every year. They had a good dinner and an excellent 5 piece band. One star singer who was really talented and some back up singers doing all the old Jolson favorites. A very professional show. They even had Jolson family there (great granddaughter?) and her two little children. One just a baby, so he was serenaded with "Mighty Like a Rose". Wonderful evening. Certainly not something I would have ever gone to by myself.
Bri sent more pictures of Maddox. He is growing fast.
Hope Trevor is feeling better today. Haven't heard from him yet. He was resting up yesterday from the cough and sinus infection that seems to have hit so many of us. I am OK, but still taking it easy.
The windows will get washed tomorrow. Yay!
Last night I was taken to a hotel in El Segundo where the Jolson Festival is being held. It is a four day event, held in different cities every year. They had a good dinner and an excellent 5 piece band. One star singer who was really talented and some back up singers doing all the old Jolson favorites. A very professional show. They even had Jolson family there (great granddaughter?) and her two little children. One just a baby, so he was serenaded with "Mighty Like a Rose". Wonderful evening. Certainly not something I would have ever gone to by myself.
Bri sent more pictures of Maddox. He is growing fast.
Hope Trevor is feeling better today. Haven't heard from him yet. He was resting up yesterday from the cough and sinus infection that seems to have hit so many of us. I am OK, but still taking it easy.
The windows will get washed tomorrow. Yay!
Love to you all, Val
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Saturday May 20, 2017
Warm, beautiful sunny day.
Trevor called about 9:00 yesterday sounding terrible. We cancelled the work day so he could get some sleep. He took something to knock out the cough, but it made him drowsy and upset his stomach. Talked to him later and he sounded a little better. Haven't heard today from him. (8:30am)
My cough seems to be loosening without the aid of Robutussin. Wendy is still coughing a bit too, so as she says, it has a long tail. Talked to Wendy from Paris at 7:00 am this morning. She was at the Chateau, demonstrating the 'Santa Machine' which little by little I am beginning to understand. As today is Saturday, families are showing up instead of classes of schoolchildren. They stand around looking at the machine, and if someone is standing in the right place Santa imitates their every movement.This is fun, but wait! Suddenly a staircase appears, which Santa begins happily to climb. If the person Santa is imitating makes the 'wrong' move, Santa looks sad and moves down the stair. If the right move is made, he looks happy and moves up. At the top is a lever, so when the person gets him there Santa pulls the lever. Then 'The Machine" cranks into action, with all sorts of things happening Rube Goldberg fashion. This is the favorite exhibit in the Chateau Museum!
Heard from Mack as he was driving home. He is fine, and enjoying his new status.
Brianne called about 8:00 pm. This is her quiet time, to feed Maddox and put the day in perspective. They got the house loan, so there is just the appraisal to be done, and sometime near the end of August they will move in! David is enjoying his new job in Olympia, further from where they live now, but much closer to the new house. He gained the distinction of becoming a real man yesterday, when he changed a diaper for the first time!
Daisy, with Ian gone, is battling home ownership by herself, and doing a good job I would say. She will have to feed Richard lots of vitamins, so he can grow big and strong, now that he is 'the man of the house'. Hear that, Richard?
Tonight I am going with friends to a dinner and show honoring Al Jolson. Report on that tomorrow.
Heather is the best blog contributor so far. Lets hear from all you guys. Jonathan and Sue are excused because the are, I think, in England now. Jane, where are you? Tracy too.
Love to you all, Val
Trevor called about 9:00 yesterday sounding terrible. We cancelled the work day so he could get some sleep. He took something to knock out the cough, but it made him drowsy and upset his stomach. Talked to him later and he sounded a little better. Haven't heard today from him. (8:30am)
My cough seems to be loosening without the aid of Robutussin. Wendy is still coughing a bit too, so as she says, it has a long tail. Talked to Wendy from Paris at 7:00 am this morning. She was at the Chateau, demonstrating the 'Santa Machine' which little by little I am beginning to understand. As today is Saturday, families are showing up instead of classes of schoolchildren. They stand around looking at the machine, and if someone is standing in the right place Santa imitates their every movement.This is fun, but wait! Suddenly a staircase appears, which Santa begins happily to climb. If the person Santa is imitating makes the 'wrong' move, Santa looks sad and moves down the stair. If the right move is made, he looks happy and moves up. At the top is a lever, so when the person gets him there Santa pulls the lever. Then 'The Machine" cranks into action, with all sorts of things happening Rube Goldberg fashion. This is the favorite exhibit in the Chateau Museum!
Heard from Mack as he was driving home. He is fine, and enjoying his new status.
Brianne called about 8:00 pm. This is her quiet time, to feed Maddox and put the day in perspective. They got the house loan, so there is just the appraisal to be done, and sometime near the end of August they will move in! David is enjoying his new job in Olympia, further from where they live now, but much closer to the new house. He gained the distinction of becoming a real man yesterday, when he changed a diaper for the first time!
Daisy, with Ian gone, is battling home ownership by herself, and doing a good job I would say. She will have to feed Richard lots of vitamins, so he can grow big and strong, now that he is 'the man of the house'. Hear that, Richard?
Tonight I am going with friends to a dinner and show honoring Al Jolson. Report on that tomorrow.
Heather is the best blog contributor so far. Lets hear from all you guys. Jonathan and Sue are excused because the are, I think, in England now. Jane, where are you? Tracy too.
Love to you all, Val
Friday, May 19, 2017
Friday May 19, 2017
The cleaning crew did a great job. Next, the windows.
My friend picked me up at 6:30 and drove us to the Disney Center. I had been there before to a wedding on the garden terrace, but never to a concert. We had a front row balcony seat. Gustavo Dudamel was conducting. Mahler songs bracketed by two Schubert Symphonies. The concert hall is boldly architected. An enormous pipe organ spreads out behind the central stage. (They play silent movies sometimes.) There is seating behind the orchestra. An interesting experience. Hope I get to go again.
Leda and I had a glass of wine before the performance and looked through the beautiful gift shop, but like the Huntington Library gift shop, I was not tempted to buy anything. I have too much stuff!
Today, more paperwork. Trevor is amazing! My right hand!
Hope your day is happy. Love to all, Val
My friend picked me up at 6:30 and drove us to the Disney Center. I had been there before to a wedding on the garden terrace, but never to a concert. We had a front row balcony seat. Gustavo Dudamel was conducting. Mahler songs bracketed by two Schubert Symphonies. The concert hall is boldly architected. An enormous pipe organ spreads out behind the central stage. (They play silent movies sometimes.) There is seating behind the orchestra. An interesting experience. Hope I get to go again.
Leda and I had a glass of wine before the performance and looked through the beautiful gift shop, but like the Huntington Library gift shop, I was not tempted to buy anything. I have too much stuff!
Today, more paperwork. Trevor is amazing! My right hand!
Hope your day is happy. Love to all, Val
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Thursday May 18, 2017
I have a new cleaning service coming today. Hope it works out.
Spoke to Wendy. She has a fun weekend ahead doing research at a beautiful French Chateau. The research, which I don't quite understand, is for visitors to interact with a 'machine' featuring Santa. Visitors attempt to get him to pull a lever which brings on all sorts of interesting Rube Goldberg type consequences. Their gestures are imitated by Santa and in some subtle way the behavior is 'shaped' toward the desired result. At least that is what I got. Since Wendy does not read my blog (too busy) I do not fear her wrath if I misrepresented this.
Trevor and I tore into bills, papers, etc. for hours yesterday. There is still lots to be done. He took me out to the Big Wok for dinner, which was a delightful end to the day.
Disney Hall concert tonight!
love to all, Val
Spoke to Wendy. She has a fun weekend ahead doing research at a beautiful French Chateau. The research, which I don't quite understand, is for visitors to interact with a 'machine' featuring Santa. Visitors attempt to get him to pull a lever which brings on all sorts of interesting Rube Goldberg type consequences. Their gestures are imitated by Santa and in some subtle way the behavior is 'shaped' toward the desired result. At least that is what I got. Since Wendy does not read my blog (too busy) I do not fear her wrath if I misrepresented this.
Trevor and I tore into bills, papers, etc. for hours yesterday. There is still lots to be done. He took me out to the Big Wok for dinner, which was a delightful end to the day.
Disney Hall concert tonight!
love to all, Val
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Heather went to Bri and David's house yesterday for the inspection, and posted the following information here for everyone to see.
Spoke to Wendy again this morning. They are working on a very interesting project involving interactions with Santa Claus (Pere Noel) window displays.
They won't get to the park to see the swans until the weekend.
Mack is working on 'Fusion' a project involving his area of UCSD, making available, not just to students but members of the community, all sorts of neat classes - rock climbing, ballet etc.
Bri called but somehow I missed it. Trevor and Jack and Marilyn and I went to our favorite MB restaurant, El Fornios. Perhaps I was out of phone range there.
My friend down the street has invited me to a concert at Disney Hall tomorrow! I have never been there but hear the acoustic are amazing.
I have a new cleaning service! They were recommended by John Mason and come for the first time tomorrow. After the blitz cleaning by Sue Wilde, Daisy, Wendy and the big guys when you were all here, it is starting to get a little dusty again. John is very pleased with them so we will see.
Lets hear your comments and news and see your pictures.
Love to all, Val
Spoke to Wendy again this morning. They are working on a very interesting project involving interactions with Santa Claus (Pere Noel) window displays.
They won't get to the park to see the swans until the weekend.
Mack is working on 'Fusion' a project involving his area of UCSD, making available, not just to students but members of the community, all sorts of neat classes - rock climbing, ballet etc.
Bri called but somehow I missed it. Trevor and Jack and Marilyn and I went to our favorite MB restaurant, El Fornios. Perhaps I was out of phone range there.
My friend down the street has invited me to a concert at Disney Hall tomorrow! I have never been there but hear the acoustic are amazing.
I have a new cleaning service! They were recommended by John Mason and come for the first time tomorrow. After the blitz cleaning by Sue Wilde, Daisy, Wendy and the big guys when you were all here, it is starting to get a little dusty again. John is very pleased with them so we will see.
Lets hear your comments and news and see your pictures.
Love to all, Val
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Yesterday was a work day. Trevor and I went over to our friends at Chase Bank and got all kinds of papers squared away.
Wendy called faithfully at 8:00am from Paris. The swans, Julef and Juliette are down to one cygnet, but Michel thinks the other one, who had a bad foot, is at the vet bing fixed. No names for the babies yet.
Ian called and I talked to Richard, Cassie and Daisy.
Then Mack called from San Diego. He is involved in a stupendous new product called 'Fusion' . More later.
Finally in the evening Brianne called and I 'communicated' a bit with baby Maddox. He has grown out of his clothes already! Heather leaves tomorrow for Yuba City. She will be greatly missed.
I have heard from some of you on the blog page, but hope everyone chimes in soon.
Thank you for your support and love. Love, Val
Wendy called faithfully at 8:00am from Paris. The swans, Julef and Juliette are down to one cygnet, but Michel thinks the other one, who had a bad foot, is at the vet bing fixed. No names for the babies yet.
Ian called and I talked to Richard, Cassie and Daisy.
Then Mack called from San Diego. He is involved in a stupendous new product called 'Fusion' . More later.
Finally in the evening Brianne called and I 'communicated' a bit with baby Maddox. He has grown out of his clothes already! Heather leaves tomorrow for Yuba City. She will be greatly missed.
I have heard from some of you on the blog page, but hope everyone chimes in soon.
Thank you for your support and love. Love, Val
Monday, May 15, 2017
Monday May 15,2017
Good morning from sunny Manhattan Beach.
Huntington Library has expanded since I was last there. Trevor and I walked from the entrance to the Children's Garden, some of it in a greenhouse with HUGE white orchid blooms. Very well done. Then on to the Chinese garden where we had a delicious Chinese lunch (lichi lemonade!) and mushroom spring rolls for me. We walked through the 'Garden of Fragrance' which really was, and on to the Japanese bonsai section and Japanese Garden beyond. I felt I was back in Asia.
Then we went to the Australian Gardens where a lot of the flora familiar to Southern Californians was in evidence - Melaluca, Acacia, Eucalyptus trees. Then the Desert Garden with huge perfect cacti of every imaginable size and shape. Trev took pictures and will post them for you.
Then back through the Palm Garden, the Jungle and Lily Pond and to the exhibition building where there is a marvelous collection of old books including the Gutenberg Bible.
Then on to the main residence where the paintings The Blue Boy and Pinky were displayed.
A great experience and a place we will take you to if you come to visit LA.
Huntington Library has expanded since I was last there. Trevor and I walked from the entrance to the Children's Garden, some of it in a greenhouse with HUGE white orchid blooms. Very well done. Then on to the Chinese garden where we had a delicious Chinese lunch (lichi lemonade!) and mushroom spring rolls for me. We walked through the 'Garden of Fragrance' which really was, and on to the Japanese bonsai section and Japanese Garden beyond. I felt I was back in Asia.
Then we went to the Australian Gardens where a lot of the flora familiar to Southern Californians was in evidence - Melaluca, Acacia, Eucalyptus trees. Then the Desert Garden with huge perfect cacti of every imaginable size and shape. Trev took pictures and will post them for you.
Then back through the Palm Garden, the Jungle and Lily Pond and to the exhibition building where there is a marvelous collection of old books including the Gutenberg Bible.
Then on to the main residence where the paintings The Blue Boy and Pinky were displayed.
A great experience and a place we will take you to if you come to visit LA.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Mother's Day May 14,2017
Ok everybody! You all got the link to this. Read the latest blog, which I will try to do every day. Then say "Read it" and your name. This way I will know that the family news is being received by everyone. Of course you can say more if you want to. This should be the go-to place for news about the reunion.
Yesterday Bri, David, Heather and Maddox went to see Daisy and Ian's new house. While Ian was busy assembling a climbing gym in the yard, the rest planted blueberry bushes, strawberries, and veggies. Ian has been called out of the country on Navy duty for about a month, but hopes to be back for some of the reunion. His birthday is coming right up, so wish him a happy one.
I got a nice long email from Tracy. She has a grandmother who is almost 94! Monday is her husband Duncan's birthday, Wish him a happy one too. They are all fine, (though Tracy had the flu for awhile), and are looking forward to the reunion.
I have had a call from Wendy every single day. Today she and Michel were walking in the "English Park" to see how the swan family is doing. There are two baby cygnets which park goers have been watching since they were, well, eggs! I should get a full report on them tomorrow. Matthew has arrived in Paris and will stay with parents for three weeks, with a side trip to Brussels for a Cardistry gathering. Matthew is very talented with sleight-of-hand card moves. Matthew, how about some links?
Trevor is taking me to Huntington Library today. I am looking forward to it. Love to all, Val
T
Yesterday Bri, David, Heather and Maddox went to see Daisy and Ian's new house. While Ian was busy assembling a climbing gym in the yard, the rest planted blueberry bushes, strawberries, and veggies. Ian has been called out of the country on Navy duty for about a month, but hopes to be back for some of the reunion. His birthday is coming right up, so wish him a happy one.
I got a nice long email from Tracy. She has a grandmother who is almost 94! Monday is her husband Duncan's birthday, Wish him a happy one too. They are all fine, (though Tracy had the flu for awhile), and are looking forward to the reunion.
I have had a call from Wendy every single day. Today she and Michel were walking in the "English Park" to see how the swan family is doing. There are two baby cygnets which park goers have been watching since they were, well, eggs! I should get a full report on them tomorrow. Matthew has arrived in Paris and will stay with parents for three weeks, with a side trip to Brussels for a Cardistry gathering. Matthew is very talented with sleight-of-hand card moves. Matthew, how about some links?
Trevor is taking me to Huntington Library today. I am looking forward to it. Love to all, Val
T
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Wednesday morning
Another grey, cloudy day.
Family news. Brianne and David had their offer accepted for a very nice house on the Hood Canal, nearest big town, Olympia. They are very pleased as it has almost four bedrooms and a greenhouse! New kitchen appliances and lots of land for growing things.
Trevor came down with the cough from hell but is feeling much better this morning. We talk to the Estate Lawyer today, Kate Crane. I think we have all the requisite papers. The government sure knows how to screw you up!
Wendy is in the 3rd day of her Chi Conference in Denver. This morning she went swimming in the hotel pool.
Andrew Mack was awarded a nice bonus for his good work at UCSD. He not only knows how to install cutting edge internet stuff in my house, which he can adjust from a distance, but tore into my plugged sink and made it like new again! Amazing family.
Jon and Sue are leaving for England in a few days.
Alex has a job in Paris for the summer so is looking forward to seeing up old friends, and baguette places. He will stay with Wendy and Michel. His brother, as I may have mentioned, will be with Microsoft in Seattle for the summer.
Ian may have to miss some of the reunion because he has been called to fill in for a sailor whose wife is expecting triplets, and is not doing too well. The sailor is far, far away.
Richard is busy naming the koi fish and one goldfish. He calls every day, and is very enthusiastic about everything. This year he 'graduates' from elementary school and will attend middle school next year, grade 6.
Haven't heard from Jane or her parents
Hope everyone is reading this. Love, Val
Another grey, cloudy day.
Family news. Brianne and David had their offer accepted for a very nice house on the Hood Canal, nearest big town, Olympia. They are very pleased as it has almost four bedrooms and a greenhouse! New kitchen appliances and lots of land for growing things.
Trevor came down with the cough from hell but is feeling much better this morning. We talk to the Estate Lawyer today, Kate Crane. I think we have all the requisite papers. The government sure knows how to screw you up!
Wendy is in the 3rd day of her Chi Conference in Denver. This morning she went swimming in the hotel pool.
Andrew Mack was awarded a nice bonus for his good work at UCSD. He not only knows how to install cutting edge internet stuff in my house, which he can adjust from a distance, but tore into my plugged sink and made it like new again! Amazing family.
Jon and Sue are leaving for England in a few days.
Alex has a job in Paris for the summer so is looking forward to seeing up old friends, and baguette places. He will stay with Wendy and Michel. His brother, as I may have mentioned, will be with Microsoft in Seattle for the summer.
Ian may have to miss some of the reunion because he has been called to fill in for a sailor whose wife is expecting triplets, and is not doing too well. The sailor is far, far away.
Richard is busy naming the koi fish and one goldfish. He calls every day, and is very enthusiastic about everything. This year he 'graduates' from elementary school and will attend middle school next year, grade 6.
Haven't heard from Jane or her parents
Hope everyone is reading this. Love, Val
Monday, May 8, 2017
Monday morning in sunnyManhattan Beach
Yesterday Mack left for San Diego and got caught in a rain squall. Only light rain here yesterday.
News of the day! Bri and David are putting in an offer on a very good house on the Hood Canal. They should know by tomorrow morning.
Wendy is tiger-ing into the Chi conference, meeting old friends and preparing presentations. Her father's daughter.
Trevor is fighting the cough from hell that has afflicted some of us to varying degrees. We have an appointment with the bank this afternoon to square away paperwork. Ugh. Wed. Trev and I meet with Kate Krane to square away estate stuff. Gotta be done.
Keep those phone calls and emails coming. Love to all, Val
Yesterday Mack left for San Diego and got caught in a rain squall. Only light rain here yesterday.
News of the day! Bri and David are putting in an offer on a very good house on the Hood Canal. They should know by tomorrow morning.
Wendy is tiger-ing into the Chi conference, meeting old friends and preparing presentations. Her father's daughter.
Trevor is fighting the cough from hell that has afflicted some of us to varying degrees. We have an appointment with the bank this afternoon to square away paperwork. Ugh. Wed. Trev and I meet with Kate Krane to square away estate stuff. Gotta be done.
Keep those phone calls and emails coming. Love to all, Val
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Andrew Mack visited this weekend!
Andrew drove up yesterday from San Diego, arriving right after 1:00 as promised. He immediately set to work installing a much neater internet system which I don't understand, but the wire tangle is definitely reduced. He can fix it at a distance, so hopefully I won't have alarms going off in the middle of the night. We did have an alarm go off, but Trevor rushed over and disconnected it. Ah, technology! Now Mack is on his way back to San Diego. He will soon have four students and two paid assistants under him.
Wendy called at 8:00. This is her first day of 'work' at Chi. Yesterday she and Michel walked all over the place and had bagels. Denver is a nice city.
Missed a call from Richard, not sure why, but got his message. He was trying.
My cough hangs on and the weather has been gloomy and rainy for two days. Otherwise all is well.
Hope to hear from some of you on the blog site. Love, Val
Wendy called at 8:00. This is her first day of 'work' at Chi. Yesterday she and Michel walked all over the place and had bagels. Denver is a nice city.
Missed a call from Richard, not sure why, but got his message. He was trying.
My cough hangs on and the weather has been gloomy and rainy for two days. Otherwise all is well.
Hope to hear from some of you on the blog site. Love, Val
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Good Morning
Now I have my blog page back, here is the day's news. Bri and David are looking to buy a house in Washington on the Hood Canal. More details as the deal gets closer.
Wendy and Michel are in Denver at the Chi Conference. They have a beautiful view of the mountains from the 22nd floor. They return to France on Thursday. Alex has a job in Paris till August with an architectural firm. Matthew will intern with Microsoft in Seattle for the summer.
Richard has been very faithful about calling me after school. He is learning the names of all the instruments. Ian has been getting dirty, cleaning out the koi pond and waterfall. They are finding snakes on the property, but nothing harmful. Still......
Jon and Sue are leaving for a trip to England in about two weeks.
Val and Trevor are slogging it out with death certificates, house appraisals, and other legal matters.
We meet with the estate lawyer on May 10.
Friends and family have been wonderful about calling. Trevor has been my anchor.
Love to all, Val
Wendy and Michel are in Denver at the Chi Conference. They have a beautiful view of the mountains from the 22nd floor. They return to France on Thursday. Alex has a job in Paris till August with an architectural firm. Matthew will intern with Microsoft in Seattle for the summer.
Richard has been very faithful about calling me after school. He is learning the names of all the instruments. Ian has been getting dirty, cleaning out the koi pond and waterfall. They are finding snakes on the property, but nothing harmful. Still......
Jon and Sue are leaving for a trip to England in about two weeks.
Val and Trevor are slogging it out with death certificates, house appraisals, and other legal matters.
We meet with the estate lawyer on May 10.
Friends and family have been wonderful about calling. Trevor has been my anchor.
Love to all, Val
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Something New!
Val has her own blog site which you are all invited to contribute to. Trev has kindly set it up for me and this is my first exposure to the great new world of communication possibilities.
All for now. Val
All for now. Val
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