Six Month Leave ...continued
We were on an Empress ship, the Empress of Canada most probably. We took a train across north America, stopping in Long Beach for a few days. We stayed in a high rise hotel, with lush tropical vegetation surrounding an azure pool. I had never seen anything like this before, and it left an indelible memory. My mother had a friend who lived in the area, so we went to visit her house. I think she might have been my godmother, the Mrs. Rich who sent me wonderful Christmas and birthday presents. One day we got into a car with a rumble seat where I sat with my mother, (my father up front with the driver,) and we drove through miles of orange groves to the Hollywood Bowl.
The Bowl at that time had no electronic enhancements, but the acoustics were extraordinary.
We took the train to San Francisco where we stayed in a hotel overlooking a courtyard that had a pigeon's nest I could look down on. There were babies in the nest. We saw the Golden Gate Bridge, just a few years old at that time. My father read me "Heidi". I celebrated my 7th birthday.
We stopped at the Grand Canyon, looking out over the rim. I also remember stopping at a place called Medicine Hat, because the name delighted me. Then miles and miles of prairie on the four day train trip across the continent. I remember the black porter, making up the berth at night, and climbing up the ladder to my cosy little retreat. I must also have slept in a lower berth with a window, because in the middle of the night, looking out, the vastness of the land awed and frightened me.
In the morning we would hdve breakfast in the dining car, returning to find our berths had been magically transformed by the porter into regular train seats. We sat and watched the endless spaces of the West go by.
Alas, when we got to Montreal we learned there was no passage for civilians across the Atlantic. We could not visit my grandmother, or my mother's brother, Norman Parry, and his wife, Cora and daughter, Susan. My father had family in England as well. Two sisters, Bess and Belle, and a brother Leyland, whose son, David, was the first in the family to go to university. I never met them, though we corresponded, and later sent them 'care packages' since their meat, sugar, and other food items were rationed.
So we went back to Vancouver, and my mother and I settled in a little apartment in English Bay. My father, wanderlust unabated, was able to get passage on the Orangi to Australia and back, while my mother sat on the beach and I played happily with newfound friends. We made airplanes consisting of three pieces of driftwood bound together. My mother made a pinwheel of stiff paper which, when attached to the front of the plane, spun rapidly as we ran along the beach, diving and banking our fighter planes. Although Nevil Chamberlain had declared 'peace in our time' it was not to be.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Japan Story 6
The Six Month Leave.
My father worked as a passenger agent for the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company. Every five years he was allowed to take his family on an extended vacation and free first class passage on any Canadian Pacific or other reciprocating transportation companies, anywhere in the world.
I do not remember the first trip the three of us took, since I was twenty months old. We must have stopped in Hawaii, since there is a photograph of me running towards my father on the deck of a big ship. I am wearing a lei. We traveled on to England to visit my grandmother, who by that time was a widow. We visited her near a beach, Ainsley, I seem to remember.
Five years later my parents had planned to visit her again. It was the summer of 1940 and I was turning seven. I loved any kind of travel, big ships being my favorite. I slept on an upper berth, and read my Shirley Temple book about how she studied her lines for the next day's movie shoot. The gong would sound outside the cabin door announcing dinner, and my parents, dressed elegantly, would bid me goodnight and head out for an evening of dining and dancing.
Every morning in the little hammock by my berth there would be a doll, a Norah Welling character doll sold as a set of six. I have one of the originals left. Crossing the Pacific took ten days, and I loved every moment. I would sit on the window seat in the first class lounge and watch the enormous waves as the ship heaved and tossed. I do not every remember being seasick. I would hang over the rail on calmer days and watch the wake boiling aft, and the endless empty horizon.
My mother was no stranger to long ocean passages, having worked as Lizzy Mint for two years, on the passenger ship The Mauretania. A Lizzy Mint was the nickname for the Captain's personal secretary, a coveted position, which required multiple skills. She could type at astonishing speed, take dictation using Pitman shorthand, could keep books and was never, ever caught in a spelling mistake. The daughter of a literary man, the Chief Librarian of the Liverpool Library, she was possessed of a deep understanding of grammar and syntax, and like most educated British, an enormous vocabulary which I was able to absorb. She also had beautiful handwriting. She dined with the Captain every night, and met the likes of Charlie Chaplain, and other famous people who were invited to his table.
to be continued.....
The Six Month Leave.
My father worked as a passenger agent for the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company. Every five years he was allowed to take his family on an extended vacation and free first class passage on any Canadian Pacific or other reciprocating transportation companies, anywhere in the world.
I do not remember the first trip the three of us took, since I was twenty months old. We must have stopped in Hawaii, since there is a photograph of me running towards my father on the deck of a big ship. I am wearing a lei. We traveled on to England to visit my grandmother, who by that time was a widow. We visited her near a beach, Ainsley, I seem to remember.
Five years later my parents had planned to visit her again. It was the summer of 1940 and I was turning seven. I loved any kind of travel, big ships being my favorite. I slept on an upper berth, and read my Shirley Temple book about how she studied her lines for the next day's movie shoot. The gong would sound outside the cabin door announcing dinner, and my parents, dressed elegantly, would bid me goodnight and head out for an evening of dining and dancing.
Every morning in the little hammock by my berth there would be a doll, a Norah Welling character doll sold as a set of six. I have one of the originals left. Crossing the Pacific took ten days, and I loved every moment. I would sit on the window seat in the first class lounge and watch the enormous waves as the ship heaved and tossed. I do not every remember being seasick. I would hang over the rail on calmer days and watch the wake boiling aft, and the endless empty horizon.
My mother was no stranger to long ocean passages, having worked as Lizzy Mint for two years, on the passenger ship The Mauretania. A Lizzy Mint was the nickname for the Captain's personal secretary, a coveted position, which required multiple skills. She could type at astonishing speed, take dictation using Pitman shorthand, could keep books and was never, ever caught in a spelling mistake. The daughter of a literary man, the Chief Librarian of the Liverpool Library, she was possessed of a deep understanding of grammar and syntax, and like most educated British, an enormous vocabulary which I was able to absorb. She also had beautiful handwriting. She dined with the Captain every night, and met the likes of Charlie Chaplain, and other famous people who were invited to his table.
to be continued.....
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Beautiful sunny day in the mountains.
I got a lengthy response from Jane and all her doings. She went to Fiddle Camp and a writing session and she and Andrew are now back to the lake and looking forward to a host of grandchildren.
I have been lax with the Japan stories, and today I have coffee at 9:00 with the 'girls' and then on to Cast Off for some volunteer time. Then I plan to try a new route walking home.
After that a bit of time by the pool, a bite to eat, and the Felici Trio Chamber Music concert.
Sometime in there I will have to write another Japan story.
Love to all, Val
I got a lengthy response from Jane and all her doings. She went to Fiddle Camp and a writing session and she and Andrew are now back to the lake and looking forward to a host of grandchildren.
I have been lax with the Japan stories, and today I have coffee at 9:00 with the 'girls' and then on to Cast Off for some volunteer time. Then I plan to try a new route walking home.
After that a bit of time by the pool, a bite to eat, and the Felici Trio Chamber Music concert.
Sometime in there I will have to write another Japan story.
Love to all, Val
Monday, July 24, 2017
Monday, July 24, 2017
Saturday I attended two concerts at the High School in Mammoth. The first was a piano recital by the Felici Trio pianist, Steven at 10:00 am then another in the evening with the whole trio and guest artists, all world class and giving an absolutely marvelous performance.
Sunday morning I took the bus down to the High School and listened to two hours of really excellent sound, produced by the Sierra Academy of Music kids who come from all over for a two week music camp. Only outstanding young musicians make the cut. This year they were about one third American, one third Chinese, and the rest from Canada. Vancouver is fast becoming the largest Chinese populated city in North America I am told, and so the SAM group were two thirds Asian and one third Caucasian! Boy, were they good. Ages were ten, to seventeen.
Monday I figured a new easy way to meet the girls for coffee at the Looney Bean. There is a bus stop right in front of the Westin! In the afternoon I took the summer trolley to the Mammoth lakes, yes, there a quite a few, and went past Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie, and Pokenobe, but not Lake Geogre. Its fun to spend a jolly hour on the trolley and I was dropped off right near the hotel.
After that, what better way to spend the afternoon than lounging by the pool? I did exercises in the hot tub, then read an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot novel that I got second hand at the local bookstore. It was written in 1931 and is still very current in her observations on human nature.
I am entertaining two couples tonight who have not yet had the 'Westin condo experience'! We will have a drink upstairs, then go down and BBQ near the pool. Depending on conditions, we will either eat down there or come back up to the room. The skies have been dramatically cloudy all day, with prospects of rain. We certainly need rain as the fires near Yosemite are impacting tourism, and causing a state of emergency with residential areas like Mariposa which are under evacuation watch.
I will try to do another Japan story tomorrow.
Trevor is heading back to Manhattan Beach from St. George today.
Love to you all,
Val
Sunday morning I took the bus down to the High School and listened to two hours of really excellent sound, produced by the Sierra Academy of Music kids who come from all over for a two week music camp. Only outstanding young musicians make the cut. This year they were about one third American, one third Chinese, and the rest from Canada. Vancouver is fast becoming the largest Chinese populated city in North America I am told, and so the SAM group were two thirds Asian and one third Caucasian! Boy, were they good. Ages were ten, to seventeen.
Monday I figured a new easy way to meet the girls for coffee at the Looney Bean. There is a bus stop right in front of the Westin! In the afternoon I took the summer trolley to the Mammoth lakes, yes, there a quite a few, and went past Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie, and Pokenobe, but not Lake Geogre. Its fun to spend a jolly hour on the trolley and I was dropped off right near the hotel.
After that, what better way to spend the afternoon than lounging by the pool? I did exercises in the hot tub, then read an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot novel that I got second hand at the local bookstore. It was written in 1931 and is still very current in her observations on human nature.
I am entertaining two couples tonight who have not yet had the 'Westin condo experience'! We will have a drink upstairs, then go down and BBQ near the pool. Depending on conditions, we will either eat down there or come back up to the room. The skies have been dramatically cloudy all day, with prospects of rain. We certainly need rain as the fires near Yosemite are impacting tourism, and causing a state of emergency with residential areas like Mariposa which are under evacuation watch.
I will try to do another Japan story tomorrow.
Trevor is heading back to Manhattan Beach from St. George today.
Love to you all,
Val
Friday, July 21, 2017
Friday, July 21, 2017
I was driven to the Felici Trio concert last night which was something I could not have done myself. No car. The concert series is being held at the High School this year as the regular Community College hall is under reconstruction. They did Bach's Brandenberg Concerto, nine people on stage, almost an orchestral sound. Then two marvelous guitar solos by Celino Romero, then Boccherini's Fandango played with guitar, two violins, viola and cello, and finally a Brahms quintet in F Minor, beautifully performed, but rather sad. Lots of people I knew. Lots of widows and a few widowers.
It was good to see the Thursday Cast Off folks. That was my regular day while Robin was at Rotary, and I knew them all.
Trevor made it to St. George and texted to that effect. Had a great talk with Andrew Mack. He is interviewing students for jobs in his department. Long talk with Wendy too. And I hear often from Brianne. Thank you all for taking such good care of me.
Japan Story 5
My rabbit had yellow feet. His name, I think, was "Bun". My friend's older brother had built him a beautiful cage, outside by the side of the house, which was spacious and gave him lots of room to hop around. It was raised on a stand so you could easily open the cage door to feed or pet him. We put lots of straw in to make him comfortable. He was fed carrots and lettuce.
I do not know how it happened, but one day my rabbit escaped! I was outside and saw him hopping down the hill to the stream that ran past the property. I chased him down, but to my horror he went into the water! He struggled against the current, and I ....SCREAMED...and SCREAMED! My mother came running down the hill, certain that her daughter was being dismembered. When she saw the situation she waded into the stream, shoes and all, and rescued my poor rabbit. I considered her a heroine after that.
Shortly after my birthday party my rabbit fell ill and died. It may have been from over petting at the birthday party as he was very popular with the children. But that was the last time my parents saw fit to give me any pet other than a cat.
It was good to see the Thursday Cast Off folks. That was my regular day while Robin was at Rotary, and I knew them all.
Trevor made it to St. George and texted to that effect. Had a great talk with Andrew Mack. He is interviewing students for jobs in his department. Long talk with Wendy too. And I hear often from Brianne. Thank you all for taking such good care of me.
Japan Story 5
My rabbit had yellow feet. His name, I think, was "Bun". My friend's older brother had built him a beautiful cage, outside by the side of the house, which was spacious and gave him lots of room to hop around. It was raised on a stand so you could easily open the cage door to feed or pet him. We put lots of straw in to make him comfortable. He was fed carrots and lettuce.
I do not know how it happened, but one day my rabbit escaped! I was outside and saw him hopping down the hill to the stream that ran past the property. I chased him down, but to my horror he went into the water! He struggled against the current, and I ....SCREAMED...and SCREAMED! My mother came running down the hill, certain that her daughter was being dismembered. When she saw the situation she waded into the stream, shoes and all, and rescued my poor rabbit. I considered her a heroine after that.
Shortly after my birthday party my rabbit fell ill and died. It may have been from over petting at the birthday party as he was very popular with the children. But that was the last time my parents saw fit to give me any pet other than a cat.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Thursday, July 20. 2017
Wendy says the swans are back, one baby only. Maddox is getting really cute. He 'talks' now and when I say "Hi, Maddox, its VAL" he says "ah" quite appropriately!
Trevor is driving the Tesla to St. George, Utah, today to visit a friend. He has been so helpful in getting ll my papers in order for La Costa Glen. I will see a nurse practitioner at Dr. Armato's office when I return, and hopefully she will certify me sane and in good physical shape. The TB test came out negative, but TB is coming back I hear.
Japan 4
Yokohama is hot in the summer, so it was de rigeur for the foreigners to go to Karuizawa in the Japanese Alps. The men would swelter during the week, but take the train up every weekend to be with their families and enjoy the cool mountain air.
The summer I turned 5 we had rented a typical Japanese house, with matting on the floors and sliding shoji doors, with opaque white paper panes. My mother cooked lamb chops on the built in hibachi in the kitchen. I slept on the floor, Japanese style, within a mosquito tent. Before I went to sleep my father would come round with the 'flit gun' and spray the room for mosquitoes which were a serious concern. We had a koi pond in the garden and our cat, Brownie, fell in once, trying to catch a fish. I had a rabbit which lived in a cage made by my friend's older brother, Peter Jackson. It was all very exotic for a four year old.
On July 31 that summer my parents gave me a birthday party. I remember the guests sitting around a table in the garden, with a large cake in front of me, and blowing out five candles. The sound of those voices singing "Happy Birthday dear Valerie, " was quite thrilling and I remember that moment vividly.
There was also a pony hired to give the children rides. The pony's name was Asama.
Asama was named after a nearby volcano, which was intermittently active that summer, and would shower ash from time to time. At the party my friend Linda Jackson fell off the pony! I remember that very well too!
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
I have been busy since I came to Mammoth. More friends to do things with.
Last night I entertained another couple and widowed friend with a BBQ. They came up to the condo for a drink, then we all went down to the pool and lighted the gas BBQ they have for guests. It was windy, so when the steaks were cooked we took them upstairs and ate at the dining table, then sat around and chatted. Today I am going to a picnic at Lake George. They are always fun as you get to meet new people, and see old ones. I am finding out that a lot of people I know are either in La Costa Glen or living nearby, so I am expanding my circle of connections.
Saturday the Felici Trio concerts begin. They are shortened this year due to construction at their usual venue. They are so good I wouldn't want to miss them.
Trevor is back in MB taking care of my affairs, and his. Then he plans to go to St. George, Utah, to visit an old friend possibly taking Robyn with him.
Hope everyone is well and happy. Another Japan story tomorrow.
Love, Val
Last night I entertained another couple and widowed friend with a BBQ. They came up to the condo for a drink, then we all went down to the pool and lighted the gas BBQ they have for guests. It was windy, so when the steaks were cooked we took them upstairs and ate at the dining table, then sat around and chatted. Today I am going to a picnic at Lake George. They are always fun as you get to meet new people, and see old ones. I am finding out that a lot of people I know are either in La Costa Glen or living nearby, so I am expanding my circle of connections.
Saturday the Felici Trio concerts begin. They are shortened this year due to construction at their usual venue. They are so good I wouldn't want to miss them.
Trevor is back in MB taking care of my affairs, and his. Then he plans to go to St. George, Utah, to visit an old friend possibly taking Robyn with him.
Hope everyone is well and happy. Another Japan story tomorrow.
Love, Val
Friday, July 14, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
Trevor got us safely to Mammoth yesterday, and we unpacked and relaxed in beautiful Mammoth mountain scenery. The snow is almost gone and the summer tourists are filling the lobby coming and going. There is a car rally of some sort, with McLarens lined up in front of the hotel. They are even faster than Teslas!
I talked with Mack in the afternoon yesterday. He had to work late on Wednesday, but as he was just about to call he got an urgent message from his house mate that his car had been totaled! Fortunately his friend was all right, but Mack was busy for the rest of the evening getting him home and comforted.
Mack will join us for dinner at La Costa Glen when we go back there August 15. We are staying two nights. I have to be interviewed by the nurse, and hand in my doctor's affirmation that I am in good shape. If all that goes well, then it is just a matter of how soon they find the right vacant place.
Japan Story 3
The Yokohama Country and Athletic Club was the center for much of our social life. They put on a "fancy dress" party for the children every Christmas. I first entered in the dress parade was when I was five. I was Little Bo Peep, complete with bonnet and crook. We marched around a dazzling Christmas tree, and prizes were awarded for the best costumes. When someone shouted, "Santa is coming" and we all rushed to the window to see him rolling over the grassy hill towards us. He had a sack, but no sleigh or reindeer. There was no snow that year in Yokohama.
The next year, my mother, who loved to sew, surprised me with a beautiful fairy costume. It had a pink tulle tutu, and came with pink ballet slippers and a star tipped silver wand. Artfully attached were two wired gauze wings which fluttered when I moved. It was my favorite possession, and I wore it at every possible opportunity.
Alas,by the time the next Christmas party rolled around the pink outfit was too small, and I had worn it to shreds.So my mother made me another, white instead of pink, white tutu, white ballet slippers, silver wand and wings. This time I won a prize! I have that prize to this day. It is a little chest of drawers. It was not a child's toy. I liked it better for that reason. It sits on my dresser, and has been in almost constant use for 79 years.
I talked with Mack in the afternoon yesterday. He had to work late on Wednesday, but as he was just about to call he got an urgent message from his house mate that his car had been totaled! Fortunately his friend was all right, but Mack was busy for the rest of the evening getting him home and comforted.
Mack will join us for dinner at La Costa Glen when we go back there August 15. We are staying two nights. I have to be interviewed by the nurse, and hand in my doctor's affirmation that I am in good shape. If all that goes well, then it is just a matter of how soon they find the right vacant place.
Japan Story 3
The Yokohama Country and Athletic Club was the center for much of our social life. They put on a "fancy dress" party for the children every Christmas. I first entered in the dress parade was when I was five. I was Little Bo Peep, complete with bonnet and crook. We marched around a dazzling Christmas tree, and prizes were awarded for the best costumes. When someone shouted, "Santa is coming" and we all rushed to the window to see him rolling over the grassy hill towards us. He had a sack, but no sleigh or reindeer. There was no snow that year in Yokohama.
The next year, my mother, who loved to sew, surprised me with a beautiful fairy costume. It had a pink tulle tutu, and came with pink ballet slippers and a star tipped silver wand. Artfully attached were two wired gauze wings which fluttered when I moved. It was my favorite possession, and I wore it at every possible opportunity.
Alas,by the time the next Christmas party rolled around the pink outfit was too small, and I had worn it to shreds.So my mother made me another, white instead of pink, white tutu, white ballet slippers, silver wand and wings. This time I won a prize! I have that prize to this day. It is a little chest of drawers. It was not a child's toy. I liked it better for that reason. It sits on my dresser, and has been in almost constant use for 79 years.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
MUMMY PLEASE SLOW DOWN
When I was very young my mother had a bedtime ritual that included tooth brushing. While brushing my teeth she would say,
"...so she went into the garden...to cut a cabbage leaf...to make an apple pie. The rest of the story was delivered more rapidly.
"andatthesametimeagreatshebear...coming down the street...poppeditsheadintothe shopandsaid,"what..no soap? so he died..andsheveryimprudentlymarriedthebarber...andtherewerepresentthePicalillies theJobalilliestheGaralillies...and the GREAT PANJANDERUM himself, withalittleroundbuttononthe top...andtheyallplayedthegameof 'catch as catch can' tilthegunpowderranoutoftheHEELS OF THEIR BOOTS!
With my mouth full of toothbrush I would desperately implore her to slow down, so she would begin again.
"So...she...went...into...the..GARDENTOCUTACABBAGELEAF etc.
When I was very young my mother had a bedtime ritual that included tooth brushing. While brushing my teeth she would say,
"...so she went into the garden...to cut a cabbage leaf...to make an apple pie. The rest of the story was delivered more rapidly.
"andatthesametimeagreatshebear...coming down the street...poppeditsheadintothe shopandsaid,"what..no soap? so he died..andsheveryimprudentlymarriedthebarber...andtherewerepresentthePicalillies theJobalilliestheGaralillies...and the GREAT PANJANDERUM himself, withalittleroundbuttononthe top...andtheyallplayedthegameof 'catch as catch can' tilthegunpowderranoutoftheHEELS OF THEIR BOOTS!
With my mouth full of toothbrush I would desperately implore her to slow down, so she would begin again.
"So...she...went...into...the..GARDENTOCUTACABBAGELEAF etc.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
We are driving down to Carlsbad today so this will be short.
Jonathan's wife Sue is recovering from hip surgery. She sent a cheerful email last night, so all is well.
From Sue, the hipster...
Feeling great...plugged into all kinds of stuff...eehaw...So you are really moving you rolling stone! Sounds fab! Thanks for your support. Back to rest. Ha!
Jonathan's wife Sue is recovering from hip surgery. She sent a cheerful email last night, so all is well.
From Sue, the hipster...
Feeling great...plugged into all kinds of stuff...eehaw...So you are really moving you rolling stone! Sounds fab! Thanks for your support. Back to rest. Ha!
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
I am in!! Yesterday Carolynn called from La Costa Glen to to ask what unit I would like and when I would like to move in. She had called me Friday but called the wrong number!
Now I will have to get busy! She is sending a big book of stuff that I will have to sign, sending it Fed X one day delivery since we are leaving for Mammoth on Thursday.
Love, Val
At Wendy's persuasion I am going to write about Japan. Since the best way is to just plunge in, here we go.
POOR BABES IN THE WOODS
There was in Yokohama, at that time, (1937), a number of British, Canadian, and US ex-pats, variously employed in shipping, oil, and other business the Japanese encouraged. Since all foreign currency was valued much higher than the Japanese yen, the English speaking foreigners lived high on the hog.
My father worked for the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company. We lived in a bungalow in the gaijin area of Yokohama on the Bluff Road. We had two servants, a Japanese married couple, who lived in a small matted room in the back.
With their circle of friends from the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club they entertained at home quite frequently. It was customary for children to 'perform' in front of guests before being hustled off to bed. I was required to memorize a poem suitable for the occasion. In my Liberty print dress (and pants to match) I would stand before the audience and dutifully recite this dreadful poem!
My dear, do you know how a long time ago
Two poor little children, whos names I don't know
Were stolen away on a fine summer's day
And left in a wood, as I've head people say.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
Oh, don't you remember the babes in the wood?
And when t was night, so sad was their plight
For the sun it went down, and the moon gave no light
And they sobbed and they sighed, and they bitterly cried
And the poor little things, they lay down and died.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
Oh don't you remember the babes in the wood?
And when they were dead, the robins so red
Brought strawberry leaves and over them spread
And all the night long, the branches among
They mournfully whistled, and this was their song.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
(and this last line, my father told me later, I galloped through with a smile on my face)
OHDONTYOUREMEMBERTHE BABESINTHE WOOD?
Then I was to curtsey, say "Goodnight all" and leave. For some reason, I felt, at age four, that it was terribly wrong to say "goodnight ALL". Why not just "goodnight "and be done with this hideous nonsense? That poem is etched in my brain, and will be the last thing I forget should I lose my memory.
Now I will have to get busy! She is sending a big book of stuff that I will have to sign, sending it Fed X one day delivery since we are leaving for Mammoth on Thursday.
Love, Val
At Wendy's persuasion I am going to write about Japan. Since the best way is to just plunge in, here we go.
POOR BABES IN THE WOODS
There was in Yokohama, at that time, (1937), a number of British, Canadian, and US ex-pats, variously employed in shipping, oil, and other business the Japanese encouraged. Since all foreign currency was valued much higher than the Japanese yen, the English speaking foreigners lived high on the hog.
My father worked for the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company. We lived in a bungalow in the gaijin area of Yokohama on the Bluff Road. We had two servants, a Japanese married couple, who lived in a small matted room in the back.
With their circle of friends from the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club they entertained at home quite frequently. It was customary for children to 'perform' in front of guests before being hustled off to bed. I was required to memorize a poem suitable for the occasion. In my Liberty print dress (and pants to match) I would stand before the audience and dutifully recite this dreadful poem!
My dear, do you know how a long time ago
Two poor little children, whos names I don't know
Were stolen away on a fine summer's day
And left in a wood, as I've head people say.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
Oh, don't you remember the babes in the wood?
And when t was night, so sad was their plight
For the sun it went down, and the moon gave no light
And they sobbed and they sighed, and they bitterly cried
And the poor little things, they lay down and died.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
Oh don't you remember the babes in the wood?
And when they were dead, the robins so red
Brought strawberry leaves and over them spread
And all the night long, the branches among
They mournfully whistled, and this was their song.
Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood
(and this last line, my father told me later, I galloped through with a smile on my face)
OHDONTYOUREMEMBERTHE BABESINTHE WOOD?
Then I was to curtsey, say "Goodnight all" and leave. For some reason, I felt, at age four, that it was terribly wrong to say "goodnight ALL". Why not just "goodnight "and be done with this hideous nonsense? That poem is etched in my brain, and will be the last thing I forget should I lose my memory.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
Have you seen Daisy's blog? She has posted pictures of Whistler. Very nice blog. Jane, you will have to keep your beautiful blog page up. Are you back from Victoria yet? Wendy went to the ballet Saturday evening with Michel. They have the best seats in the house!
Hot here in Manhattan Beach. I love it, but the fires are getting bad in parts of the state.
Today Trevor and I are going to talk to Larry who will make me new light blocking blinds for the bedroom, formerly Robin's study. This will make it more comfortable for overnight guests.
Bri sends me lots of pictures of Maddox. He is getting huge.
Love to you all, Val
Hot here in Manhattan Beach. I love it, but the fires are getting bad in parts of the state.
Today Trevor and I are going to talk to Larry who will make me new light blocking blinds for the bedroom, formerly Robin's study. This will make it more comfortable for overnight guests.
Bri sends me lots of pictures of Maddox. He is getting huge.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Here is the long awaited video of the Anaheim fireworks. Trevor put his camera on the ground pointing up, with spectacular results. Be sure to watch it on full screen, and turn up the sound! Thanks Trev. Love to all, Val
Friday, July 7, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Late post today.
I walked to Chase Bank to meet with Lauren Cavanagh, my investment guru. I told her I wanted to send in the application to La Costa Glen but needed some help with my financial disclosures. She tigered right in and after nearly two hours of hard work we had the application ready to go. I wrote the necessary check, she copied everything, then sent it off Federal Express for me. Now THAT is service. Thank you, J.P. Morgan! Thank you, Lauren.
So I have done it! I have sent in a fully refundable deposit and a non-refundable processing fee to establish my serious intent to purchase a place at La Costa. Now I am a member of the Future Resident's Club which entitles me to all kinds of good things. Invitations to special events, opportunities to participate in resident activities, free overnight stays at a guest suite, and more. I am excited.
People are asking will I sell the Manhattan Beach house. Not until I know I like it there. I have 90 days with full refund, so the question is, do I rent or sell after that? Property values are going up fast in Manhattan Beach. To be decided. I will keep the Mammoth condo.
Heather is back after a stint with Daisy's kids. She did major work on the garden and porch. Daisy is back from Texas. Andrew Mack is hard at work after a day off for the 4th. He went to a park in Carlsbad near LegoLand. Bri is enjoying being a Mom, and from the picture David is enjoying being a Dad. Jane is 'reconnecting' with childhood friends in Victoria. Wendy is working hard at the things she loves. She says no two days are the same. Trevor is clearing out his life time collections of THINGS. Very hard. Robyyn has a job, so cannot come to Mammoth on the 13th.
Love to you all, Val
I walked to Chase Bank to meet with Lauren Cavanagh, my investment guru. I told her I wanted to send in the application to La Costa Glen but needed some help with my financial disclosures. She tigered right in and after nearly two hours of hard work we had the application ready to go. I wrote the necessary check, she copied everything, then sent it off Federal Express for me. Now THAT is service. Thank you, J.P. Morgan! Thank you, Lauren.
So I have done it! I have sent in a fully refundable deposit and a non-refundable processing fee to establish my serious intent to purchase a place at La Costa. Now I am a member of the Future Resident's Club which entitles me to all kinds of good things. Invitations to special events, opportunities to participate in resident activities, free overnight stays at a guest suite, and more. I am excited.
People are asking will I sell the Manhattan Beach house. Not until I know I like it there. I have 90 days with full refund, so the question is, do I rent or sell after that? Property values are going up fast in Manhattan Beach. To be decided. I will keep the Mammoth condo.
Heather is back after a stint with Daisy's kids. She did major work on the garden and porch. Daisy is back from Texas. Andrew Mack is hard at work after a day off for the 4th. He went to a park in Carlsbad near LegoLand. Bri is enjoying being a Mom, and from the picture David is enjoying being a Dad. Jane is 'reconnecting' with childhood friends in Victoria. Wendy is working hard at the things she loves. She says no two days are the same. Trevor is clearing out his life time collections of THINGS. Very hard. Robyyn has a job, so cannot come to Mammoth on the 13th.
Love to you all, Val
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Wednesday,July 5, 2017
Summer has officially begun ! Sunshine in Manhattan Beach.
Rather desperate for something to do on America's birthday, I made a reservation for the 4th of July buffet at KHYC. "For how many?",asked the club manager. "One" I said.
Since Trev was doing another fireworks shoot, this time in Anaheim, I cajoled him into taking me again. It was much more fun than a buffet, though a long day, which began with a 6:45 am pickup, and got me home after 11:00. I had some of Trev's chili and some salad, and a glass of wine to unwind, and got to bed at 1:30. This was a more expensive display, with many five inch diameter tubes that hold explosives that soar up to 50 feet. Trevor also took a time-lapse of the set-up and video of the show itself. Stay tuned.
But that was not all. This time Trevor tried out his new solar oven and baked brownies and
cornbread to serve with the BBQ chicken Ed had provided. I contributed some of my porch grown tomatoes. Chatted with an English friend of one of the crew. He wants to become an American! He has been to Dubai and Oman so I told him about our wadi-bashing with Jonathan and Sue. Wadi-bashing is driving up a dry river bed and emerging, if you are lucky, on the other side of the mountains, where an armed guard greets you. You must say, "Allah, akbar". My brother said the right words and off we went unscathed.
Today I am going to the First Mates luncheon at the club.
Janie and her family are going to Karl Monk's funeral in Victoria. They just got back from Andrew's mother's 88th birthday celebration. Lots of reunions!
Hope everyone had a good weekend, both Canada Day and Fourth of July celebrants.
Love to you all, Val
Rather desperate for something to do on America's birthday, I made a reservation for the 4th of July buffet at KHYC. "For how many?",asked the club manager. "One" I said.
Since Trev was doing another fireworks shoot, this time in Anaheim, I cajoled him into taking me again. It was much more fun than a buffet, though a long day, which began with a 6:45 am pickup, and got me home after 11:00. I had some of Trev's chili and some salad, and a glass of wine to unwind, and got to bed at 1:30. This was a more expensive display, with many five inch diameter tubes that hold explosives that soar up to 50 feet. Trevor also took a time-lapse of the set-up and video of the show itself. Stay tuned.
But that was not all. This time Trevor tried out his new solar oven and baked brownies and
cornbread to serve with the BBQ chicken Ed had provided. I contributed some of my porch grown tomatoes. Chatted with an English friend of one of the crew. He wants to become an American! He has been to Dubai and Oman so I told him about our wadi-bashing with Jonathan and Sue. Wadi-bashing is driving up a dry river bed and emerging, if you are lucky, on the other side of the mountains, where an armed guard greets you. You must say, "Allah, akbar". My brother said the right words and off we went unscathed.
Today I am going to the First Mates luncheon at the club.
Janie and her family are going to Karl Monk's funeral in Victoria. They just got back from Andrew's mother's 88th birthday celebration. Lots of reunions!
Hope everyone had a good weekend, both Canada Day and Fourth of July celebrants.
Love to you all, Val
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
Pyrotechnics Up Close.I am in Ayala Park, Chico, completely surrounded by a 10' fence. We are in an abandoned putting green, with weeds growing through the fake grass, and ground squirrel holes everywhere. No one unauthorized is allowed in.I am watching Trevor and a crew of about 15 people busily setting up the evening's fireworks display. It is a complex business involving specially constructed crates filled with tubes into which an appropriately numbered 'cake' is placed. Each cake must be wired to a control board placed nearby, one board for each crate. All the control boards are wired to trace back to a master station set far back from the explosive area. Each must be correctly numbered, wired and traced. No mistakes. This takes most of the morning, but it is a beautiful sunny day, and after awhile I walk around the perimeter of the fence to watch several girl's baseball teams. One team has a red knee socks on the right legs, blue on the left. They do various exercises, sound off the team cheer, and then take turns at batting practice. They are GOOD!When I go back to the canopy where my deck chair is waiting, Ed, the boss, in a bright orange tee shirt, is bringing on lunch. He has cooked some BBQ pork in a slow cooker, and serves it with baked beans, macaroni and potato salads, and lots of fruit. We are all invited to dig in. It is delicious.By about 2:00 PM everything is wired, inspected and ready to go. The crew comes and goes, to their trucks or vans, or home if they live close by. One crew member has come from Arizona. She shows us a beautiful beetle, blue and green iridescence, that is hanging out on her hat. The trained crew are a mix of young and old, male and female, with interesting backgrounds. One man, who had worked at Disneyland for several years, regaled us with some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. We stroll over to the other side of the fence where the fair goers have come by the hundreds to enjoy family BBQs, kiddie rides, and a live band.At dusk it begins to cool. Fortunately Trev had brought me his leather jacket. At about 7:30 things get serious. Two beautiful young women show up in uniform. They are the Fire Marshals! The Marshals are fed some BBQ pork and inspect the array.At about 8:35 things get serious. We gather behind the master station, standing, in case we have to run. We wear hard hats, safety goggles and flame resistant clothing. The master panel is numbered and has been wired for 350 individual launches to be fired in sequence at the command from the fairground director on the other side of the fence. A voice comes through the speaker, '20 seconds to start'. Then on a signal, No 1 is fired. Then No 2. and steadily on through the sequence. The crowd can hear synchronized music with the bursts. We can only hear the instructions...No 266, No 267.... to the grand finale.The experience is like no other. You are right in it, with the sweep of sky above your head filled with colored stars falling down on you like fairy dust. At the end, plumes of dazzling white light fill the sky. The crowd screams. It is a complete success!Then the clean-up. The area must be checked for smouldering patches to be extinguished. A metal detector is rolled over the ground, the crates are disassembled and residue thrown away in safe containers. The astro turf is carefully raked. In about an hour the field has been restored to its former state, and everything has been loaded onto Ed's van. We can go home.Thank you, Trev, it was incredible!
Sunday, July 2, 2017
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