Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Christmas has begun in earnest at La Costa Glen.



This is the gingerbread house I decorated yesterday.  Our efforts will be part of a grand 'village' of houses, some done by professional pastry chefs.  I will send a picture when they are displayed in the main clubhouse.

Love to you all,  Val

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Last time we chronicled Andrew Mack's doings at UCSD.  Today we hear about Matthew.

Matthew has landed a dream job for the summer!  Most people would agree that turning down a fabulous summer job with Microsoft takes some doing, but Matthew has decided that working with drones will be much more interesting.  In his own words, “I finally pulled the proverbial trigger and signed with Skydio.” He modestly attributes this possibility to his connections afforded by Olin.  Again in  his words, “Its one thing to get a job with Microsoft out of Sophomore year of college, but its an entire other thing to be able to turn down a return offer for something even better…the founder went to Olin, someone in my class is spending the semester working there, they know how Oliners work and they hire for that.”  Skydio is currently in stealth mode, but they should be making news before the end of the year.  Stay tuned!

Off for my Lagoon walk this morning under sunny skies.  

Love to you all,  Val

Saturday, November 25, 2017

 Thanksgiving at La Costa Glen

Trevor and Robyn arrived on Thursday after enduring an excruciatingly slow drive down the San Diego freeway.  Mack arrived shortly after.  Since the dining rooms at La Costa Glen closed at 3:00 for the holiday we all walked over at 5:30 to the shopping center and feasted on turkey and trimmings at Buca di Beppo. 

Mack told us what he is up to.  He is an information systems manager at UCSD.  He is responsible for the smooth operation of computer systems used by the recreation and intercollegiate athletics departments.  The work done for these departments is varied and paid for by different budgets.  For example state funded operations are paid for by the state of California, student contributions pay for student funded work and so on.  There are over 12 different funds.  Many different classifications of work/time have to be calculated.  For example, hourly pay during regular work hours, but also overtime, night shift, holidays.  The time worked formerly had to be recorded on paper time sheets on site.  It required three full time employees 10 hours every other week to calculate the distribution of pay for all of the bi-weekly employees.

Mack saw a need to make this system more efficient.  He built from scratch a web-based time keeping application that records time worked across all the departments and makes it possible for people to record their time wherever they may be with their cell phones or computers.  Employees can now submit information about work they have done, reporting job description and category, and have it reviewed by a supervisor without even going on campus.  It has reduced the man hours of calculation from 30 to 1.5 in a two week period, a dramatic reduction!  

We suspect he is a rising star in the organization.  Next blog I will tell you of Matthew's amazing summer plans.

This morning Trevor and Robyn decorated the lighted Christmas tree on my patio.    It was wonderful to have them for so long.  They are heading home as I write this.

Now full speed ahead to Christmas!

Love to you all,   Val

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American relatives, and to all the rest, I think we are very fortunate to live in such times, and places.  I am delving into the history of the British Isles and it was not very nice there for much of recorded history.  Wars, famine, plague.  

The sun is shining here, the temperature going into the 80's and life is good.

Love to you all, Val

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

It was a wonderful weekend!

Eight of us got together for dinner last night!  Ian and family, Mack, Trevor, Robyn and myself.  

Ian had been wonderfully helpful in the morning putting up pictures, moving heavy stuff etc. and when Trevor came we all drove to Costco and bought a small TV set for the kitchen which Trevor mounted.  Daisy had gone with kids to visit old friends in San Diego, and Mack, when he got off work drove them back here.  The kids busied themselves with  drawing and music-making on the keyboard, and Daisy and Robyn got reacquainted.  Trevor played some YouTube videos of his latest passion, paramotoring, and Ian and Mack watched intently.  

Since Ian had to leave early today, the party broke up shortly after we got back to the villa from dinner.  Trevor and Robyn drove back to the South Bay, and Mack left for his place, and all was quiet again.

Thank you all for coming.

Today people here are leaving with suitcases, but I am glad I am not traveling over Thanksgiving weekend.  Mack and Trevor and Robyn are coming here for Thanksgiving dinner, and we will call and say hello to the gathering at Brianne's house in Washington. Then, full speed ahead to Christmas!

I am thinking of compiling a cookbook with contributions from family members, quite a number of whom like to cook.  Do you have a favorite recipe to share?  Stay tuned!

Love to you all,  Val

Monday, November 20, 2017

Yesterday Andrew Mack showed up at my place around 10:30 and at 12:30 Ian and family arrived.  After a tour of the grounds we all went into the dining room for a buffet brunch.  We walked it off by exploring the other half of the campus, where the reflecting pond full of koi gives the name to the Lakeside Clubhouse.  We saw the waterfall from the bottom and from the top.  Then Cassie and Richard and I walked the maze.  

Back to the villa and an inspection of the back patio to marvel at my lemon tree, tomato plant, strawberries and herbs.Then Mack found a video about paramotoring which was of great interest to Ian.  Cassie drew pictures of the day's events including the waterfall. Richard put earphones on so as not to disturb us, and played the keyboard.

Tomorrow Trevor will drive down from Manhattan Beach, and Daisy will take the kids to see some old friends from their Point Loma days in the Navy. Trevor and Ian and I will spend some time hanging pictures and deciding if there is anything Ian wants to take back in the car.  Mack, of course, will be back to work. They leave from the motel early tomorrow for the long drive back.

It is wonderful to have them visit, and I hope they come again.  In January I am expecting Bri and Maddox to come here, also Jonathan and Sue, and Wendy and Michel.  Better get your reservations in fast!!

Love to all,  Val

Friday, November 17, 2017

Yesterday I had a 'fitness test'.  They baseline your physical capabilities, then prescribe exercises that will, hopefully, improve them.  There were several other residents there, and the three members of the Fitness Department, Zy, Alison and Patti who were checking us out.  We did things like marching in place for 2 minutes , lifting knees (but not too high), standing up from a chair as many times as possible in 30 seconds, and weight lifting and stretching.  They will send me a report within a week and make recommendations for classes and exercises to do at home.

Today I go to the Apple store nearby, to take a class in computers.  I will bring my iPad.

Had dinner with two neighbors last night, then watched the Tesla truck unveiling.  Don't say anything negative about Musk in my presence!

Ian and Daisy and the kids come on Sunday, and so will Andrew Mack.
Trevor will come for the day on Monday, and Ian will leave early Tuesday morning to drive back.  It will be great to see them all together.  We will go swimming, and watch the model sailboats in the lake.  And eat by the waterfall.

Love to you all,  Val

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Back "home" after two nights in a very empty Manhattan Beach house.  The time was spent packing and sorting the (almost) last load to La Costa Glen.  We also met with the Chase Bank representative to give  Trevor access to the Westin account.  We also made an appointment to see a new trust lawyer who was recommended by my longtime tax accountant, Pat Weinstein.  We will see him December 14.

After a morning of moving stuff downstairs, I had lunch with Hazel Shindo, a very old friend from the Yacht Club, and dinner with Jack and Marilyn and Trevor at the Big Wok.  

Trev and I left yesterday and made it to La Costa in an hour and a half.  We had a fabulous lunch under the waterfall, with the best baby back ribs you can imagine.  Also very good tortilla soup.  Then we got to work unloading the car into the living room.  Then to Ortho Mattress to purchasea Beautyrest mattress which will be delivered to the door tomorrow. Stopped at Crate and Barrel, but they don't have big furniture.  I want to buy another bed and put the foam mattress from Manhattan Beach on it for the guest room.  Trevor says the pull out sofa bed is not comfortable, and I must have nothing but the best for my guests! I cannot give it to the Marines, but they said Salvation Army would take it.

I have an appointment with Alison today for a 'fitness evaluation'.  Then dinner with two neighbors, and back to watch the unveiling of the new Tesla truck!  

When I got back from shopping this morning there was the shovel ordered from Amazon yesterday, right at my door.  The system works!

Wendy calls me faithfully every morning from Paris (my morning, her evening) and Andrew Mack is a very faithful caller on his way home from work.  Bri does a fantastic job of sending pictures of 'superbaby' and calls a lot too.  Thank you so much, it is really appreciated.  Of course without Trevor's devotion none of what has been accomplished in the past three months would have been possible.  Trevor, you are amazing.

Ian and family arrive on Sunday and will stay in a nearby motel, leaving Tuesday.  It will be so good to see them. Andrew Mack may come on Sunday, and Trevor on Monday to see them.

Mack and Trevor and possibly Robin are coming here for the Thanksgiving feast so we will be thinking of you all slaving over a hot oven!!

Love to all,  Val

Monday, November 13, 2017

Rosalie decided not to come yesterday, but will come around ten and drive me back in the afternoon.  I have been here one month today!



Maddox loves plums!  A bit messy, but oh, so good!

Jonathan called last night and reported a below freezing cold snap.  Not for me!
Sue's father is settling into his new retirement home living, so that must be a relief for the family.

I planted freezias, purple and white, to come up next spring.  Also some garlic cloves and chives.  I will pot some more paperwhites to bloom after the others are finished flowering.  My lemon tree and tomato plant like their new quarters.

Ian and family come on Sunday.  It will be great to see them.  Then Trevor and I have to get busy putting up curtains, getting a new bed, and the sofa bed to the Marines in Camp Pendleton.  Yesterday, as part of a La Costa Glen project, I wrote five Christmas cards to overseas military personnel who will be away for the holidays.  They mail them for us. Nice idea.

Be good, and lets hear your news, 

Love,  Val

Sunday, November 12, 2017

This is what its all about.  On November 8 I think, there were 4 answers to my blog!  Everyone can communicate family news.  Do it guys!

Yesterday I went to the Veteran's Memorial service.  I took some video of everybody singing the Navy song, but they sang all the service songs.  There was a WAC there in full uniform that I remember from childhood.  Great ladies.

Took the car out in the afternoon and bought a tomato plant, and some veggie plants, chives lettuce, onions etc.  Also bulbs.  My friend comes from Manhattan Beach today to spend the night in the James Dean room.  Tomorrow I drive back with her to get some more stuff sorted at 3020 Highland Ave.  Hope everybody got back from David's Mom's event.

Jane reports her mom made cookies!  Nancy must be improving fast!

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Veterans Day is big here.  There is a group of WW11 vets from La Costa Glen that were recently honored in a special ceremony in Washington.  When they returned to San Diego the airport was filled with cheering fans, some children.  These vets are now people in their 90's.

My neighbor's husband, now deceased 5 years, was a bomber pilot and did 51 missions. 

I did some more exploring yesterday.  There were only two people signed up to go shopping, so we went in one of their cars instead of the 30 passenger bus to a huge mall in downtown Carlrsbad,  that has been recently refurbished and is still undergoing construction.  There is a very popular new Cheesecake Factory, and a Macy's, J.C.Penny's, and Sears.  A lot of it seemed to cater to young people, perhaps military from Camp Pendleton.  The other passenger was a Japanese lady who is taking her family to Japan on Thursday.  She has a lot of family there.

Got back in time to catch the last half hour of the Town Hall meeting.  To entice people to participate they give you a raffle ticket as you enter.  Prizes were bottles of wine.  The new staff are introduced, and various departments like Safety, Transportation and Food were reported on and took questions.  The residents are given a portable mike so the questions and not just the answers can be heard.  The questions were well handled I thought, and the staff amazingly cooperative and competent.

Let me know if you are reading this stuff,  Love to all,  Val

Friday, November 10, 2017

My friend Rosalie is coming down to spend the night at La Costa Glen Sunday. We will do some sightseeing then I will drive back with her to MB on Monday.

Yesterday I had a long talk with Wendy in Paris, while walking along the strand in Carlsbad Beach.  She is making interesting soups, quiches and other French culinary marvels.  She will soon be decorating gingerbread houses with some of her students!  

Trevor's back is steadily improving.  He is off Advil!

Yesterday at 4:00 I was escorted by two neighbors, the co-reps for the Garden Villas, to a mixer party for newcomers.  We were offered calamari and wine, and two new staff members were introduced.  The Executive Director was there and introduced himself.  The Marketing rep who got me into the villa of my dreams was there, as were many others I am starting to get to know.  La Costa Glen takes its welcoming of new residents very seriously.  I had dinner later with Antoinette, who is not quite as new as I am, and were joined by another couple.  You never have to dine alone here.

Today there is a Town Hall meeting open to all.  I will drop by and see what it is all about.  

Beautiful warm sunny day here.  Cold snap coming in the East.  C'mon visit me!

Love to all,  Val 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Yesterday was a very good day.  Started quietly, but at 10:00 I went to the Brentwood Theatre, which was well filled, and listened to a presentation from the Day Tripper Tours.  They have nothing to do with the travel club, but people at La Costa Glen love to travel so any opportunity is eagerly embraced.  The Day Trippers specialize in door to door trips that get you back to your bed at night.  They can extend to an overnight, but mostly, as the name implies, come back the same day.



They advertise some exhilarating options.    Salton Sea and Saint Andreas Fault Experience....Getty Villa... NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena...Parade of Lights Cruise in San Diego Bay...Master Chorale at Disney Hall...Infinity Mirror Exhibition...Yuletide at Yosemite...two day Rose Parade experience, go the day before and watch the floats being decorated, then listen to a Big Band concert and get up early to watch the parade.  Fabulous!!

Then the cleaning lady, who comes every second week, cleaned my little villa from stem to stern.  Then I Ieft for the Garden Villa neighborhood party and brought my 'treasure' to share.  The theme of the party is bring something that is of great sentimental value to you and talk about it.  I brought my mug from 234E the Bluff Road in Yokohama, and told the story of how I got to connect with the house I lived in just before I left Japan.  A gentleman sitting next to me had been stationed in Japan, could speak fairly fluent Japanese and was married to a Japanese wife.  We were instant friends!

There gets to be an embarrassment of riches.  What do you choose to do?  You can't do it all.  Today the beach walk.  Later a mixer for  newcomers. I will report tomorrow.


lThe Superkid is standing all by himself! Not yet seven months.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

The Batiquitos Lagoon 8:15 am



Brianne's husband has been dealt a blow!  His mother died suddenly, and he and his brothers are gathering to attend the funeral and celebrate her life.  Bri and David are setting off to pick up one brother, drop off Bri's dog with Heather,  and hopefully see Mack who will be at Heather and Todd's at that time.  I am not clear on the details, but it sounds like a hectic time for all.  Been there.  Done that.

This afternoon I attended a lecture from Scripps Encinitas doctor.  They are the nearest hospital and they are where the emergency patients from here are sent.  The lecture was a little hokey.  Mind, soul body healing...we all go into a trance sort of thing.  Not my thing.

The lagoon walk was pretty good.  I had no one to walk with this time, so turned around when the clock said to do so.  There was one Japanese lady who outpaced me.  Otherwise I was the fastest walker.  There are five species of herons, and many other birds.  The Carlsbaddians take their nature very seriously, and all the species are documented along the path.  There were many people enjoying the path besides us.  Couples running with baby strollers,  people running with dogs, all California fit and athletic, at all ages.

Trevor I have not heard from today.  He is nursing a bad back, but driving Robyn to her grandmother's place in Bakersfield to talk to a probate lawyer.

Mack I have heard from today.  He is on his way to an 'appreciation  party' for his good work on the fusion project he recently completed!  Good to know he is appreciated.  He certainly is by me.

Jane reads my blog, and even more amazing, tell me about it!  Nancy is improving and all seems to be well there.

Much love to you all,  Val

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Lagoon walk this morning, at 8:00 am, so I have to hurry.  A Scripps lecture this afternoon on the mind and body.  

Trevor is driving Robyn to Bakersfield today to help her with the legacy her grandmother reportedly left her.  His back is slowly improving and should be fine unless he has an impact, which could break a weakened bruised bone!

Tomorrow there is a Garden Villa party given by a close neighbor.  I am invited to bring a 'treasure' and share the story about it with everyone.  

Hope you are all well.  Love,  Val

Monday, November 6, 2017

Yesterday Andrew Mack came to visit.  He was a little late, because his housemate had sprained his ankle, and Andrew very kindly drove him to the doctor and the drug store.

We did the Sunday Brunch again.  They had a different menu.  Really excellent turkey with cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing!  And tons of other stuff.

After that I showed Mack how to walk to the far shopping center, and access, through a hole in the fence, the nature trail that runs along just outside the La Costa Glen property.  The trail, I suspect, was put in by the two towns, Carlsbad and Encinitas, before the shopping centers were built.  It kinda comes and goes, in and out of the main streets crossing it.

We came back to Lemonberry and Mack mounted my white board behind the desk in the living room.  This is my "office" where I now sit and write blogs on the desktop computer.

He also mounted my magnetic knife rack, and admired the professional way I had mounted the hat rack in the front hall, salvaged from the Mammoth house. (Daisy, you would be proud of me. ) 

Then Brianne called, and Mack and Maddox and Brianne and I had a long conversation.  Sadly, this morning, Bri emailed that her husband's mother had died, they aren't sure yet of the cause.  I will tell you more as I hear it.

Love to all,  Val

Sunday, November 5, 2017

The Jazz concert last night was really good.  They had 17 musicians, plus a vocalist who did one sone, "Just in Time".  They started with Glen Miller "In the Mood" which set the tone.  The musicians were, I gather a group of enthusiasts who do other things but like to perform at a very professional level.  One soloist, the husband of the announcer, was a lawyer.  Only two were really young, that is, under fifty.  The pianist, a woman, was excellent.  The music was not over amplified, the whole event was videotaped and shown on the two big screens, to be replayed for those who missed the concert.  This is their tenth year, and I can see why they are invited back.

I took the tram over, and back.  I wore a dress for the first time since I've been here.  Nice to dress up once in awhile.

Mack is coming today, but he texted that he is taking his friend to the doctor for a sprained ankle.  When he is clear of that we will go to the big brunch.

I have been putting up hooks and hanging pictures and organizing the kitchen so far this morning.  Little by little its looking like home.

Clouding over.  We might get rain.

Love to you all,  Val

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Yesterday I took the bus to Vons, mostly to find out where it was.  The bus driver again carried my purchases to the door.  Some people have lightweight wheeled carts.  I will have to get one.

Then an appointment with Alison, the Fitness Manager.  We scheduled a fitness assessment to see what my goals were, and the most appropriate classes, and use of gym equipment.  

This morning I put in my check for the staff Christmas annual tip.  We are not allowed to tip at any other time.  The money is divided up and presented publicly to the staff at a ceremony near Christmas.

I watched the beginning lectures of a 16 week session at the Brentwood Theater this morning  The sound and video is excellent, and the topic was well presented, "The Story of Medieval England" from the departure of the Romans to Renaissance.  The PhD scholar of English (British) history knows her subject well and I look forward to the follow on lectures each Saturday morning.

I got my desk tidied, and some sort of a schedule put together.  They throw paper at you like confetti, inviting you to this event and that.  My  new white board magnetic calendar will be put to good use.

This afternoon I walked the two mile loop around the campus.

Tonight I am meeting Antoinette at the shuttle to go to Catalina Hall to hear a Big Band Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra.  That should be enough for one day!

Friday, November 3, 2017

Here are some pics of the La Costa Glen Halloween event.

Today I got an email from Brianne saying it snowed there!

Maddox is not quite sure...

Life at La Costa Glen continues on apace.  Yesterday I attended the annual Resident's Association meeting, where the new slate of twelve representatives were approved.  They are the liaison between La Costa management and residents and comprise the movers and shakers of this community.  I have two council members as close neighbors, and am awed by their dedication and community spirit.  It truly is the best retirement community in the area and possibly in the country!

In the morning I went with a busload of people to the beach walk, and met some more enthusiasts.  After we got back I attended a fitness class, stretching and balance.  It was excellent.

At 4:00 pm I joined a group to walk over to the Forum shopping center for a glass of wine and conviviality.  I walked back with a lady who has been here six weeks, (I only three) so we decided to have dinner in the Monterey dining room.  I showed her my villa, and we met a very vivacious Italian resident afterwards in the lobby.

This morning I did laundry, went shopping by bus to Von's, had lunch at the villa, then went to a fitness orientation with Manager Alison.   

This afternoon I plan to walk to Office Depot to try to buy a white board.  Then I will have to figure out how to mount it.

Trevor hurt his back, but it is getting better, thank goodness.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

The Halloween Party at La Costa Glen was a sight to behold!   There were resident tap dancers, all in costume, some zombies dancing, and the parade of costumes, some very original.  There were prizes for the best and most original costumes, and a good time was had by all!  Rum punch, wine, beer and soft drinks were available for everyone, free.  I will post pictures tomorrow.