Fashion and Fun

 

Job's Daughters International is an organization of young women with members in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines and Brazil.  Charlene's mother is a Past Honored Queen and was instrumental in starting Bethel 2 in Albuquerque.  The Bethel is open to young ladies from age 10 to 20.

One of the activities of Jobs Daughters is Fund Raisers, and on Saturday 11 April 2015, the group teamed with Chico's and Silk Road Connection to do just that.  "Spring Into Fashion" featured six girls and one mother as the corps of models, and Bonnie and I learned quite a bit about Spring Fashions for 2015, and how to accessorize them.  Buddha bags are in!

50 Years Out and Sailing Home

Goldilocks and the Silver Fox headed for Annapolis, Maryland (is there any other?) in late October, and once again I received two validations:  1) USNA Classmates are close forever, and 2) Bonnie is a trooper and a great partner in Life, 4th Quarter.
Non-stop flight ABQ-BWI on Tuesday brought us to the Country Inn and Suites that evening.  After unpacking, we headed out in the dark to parts unknown, and neon lights drew us in to Buddy's Crabs and Ribs, a second story seafood place in downtown Annapolis that had ribs for the non-seafood Bonnie - and yes, it was named for his best friend Buddy.
Wednesday was ours to spend as we wished, heading toward dinner that night with brother Pete and friend Little Bear at The Chart House in Alexandria.  I thought it best to locate the Chart House first, in the harsh light of morning.  We headed for Alexandria, unfortunately I programmed in One Commerce Street when Chart House is at One Cameron Street - so we undertook a nice walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. On our return long walk to One Commerce Street, we stopped at La Madeleine's, one of a chain started in Texas by a Frenchman who befriended either Neimann or Marcus.  Set up as a French Bistro, once you figure out the routine it is a great place!   I had a bowl of hot soup, and we split a hot pasta and turkey sandwich plus a tart or two, relaxed and used the facilities.
Back in our rented Toyota Camry, we headed for Pete's Place, which is at the far end of the Metro, Yellow Line - but we had to call him to find out that although you can walk to it from his condo, to drive to it takes a little more doing:  more on Huntington than South 1st.  Very nice Metro folks helped re-familiarize me with buying two passes, $8.45 each, for round-trip to WWII memorial on the Mall near Smithsonian stop.
 Switched to Blue Line at L'Enfant Plaza, and got off at Smithsonian, to realize just how big the Mall is - so how did they close this place to the Vets?  Long walk to WW II, and the volunteers at the Info booth confirmed that there are no shuttle buses for the Mall area.  We started walking to the Martin Luther King memorial to catch a cab, but ended up back on the Metro, near the Dept of Agriculture (nice display of real corn and squash growing outside!  Farmer's Market every Friday morning!).
Meanwhile, Pete had asked to move up our dinner date from 6 pm to 5 pm - but hey, it was only 4 pm now, so why not stop by Arlington Cemetery and visit my parents' graves?  Not a well-thought out plan ... turns out Arlington is closed to vehicles now, and Section 23, Bonnie finds out, means it is ~23 miles from the entry point.  Turns out the Paris Boots Bonnie has been wearing for this day are not great after all for long walks - we had already walked all over Old Town Alexandria, the Mall, and now Arlington ... Bonnie had to take her socks off, then her boots, and traipsed barefoot across soldiers and sailors all the way to Section 23.  Even worse, I had not asked for a map of where Blackledge, Allan D was buried because, of course, I should be able to find it again, right?  Wrong!  Bonnie actually was a tad upset that I had pushed her on this Death March to Section 23, and had no idea where the marker was.  If I had a smart phone ... I could have called up this photo by David McInturrf on FindAGrave.com - see the marker for Dorothy in the background? Allan is on the obverse! And just 3 rows back from Sigbees Road!  See the Maine Mast peeking through the tree? See the dang tree?  Easy to find!   However, at least we had a fun Korean family accompany us out, and (even though Bonnie hid in a large bunch of kids) re-found us on the way back.

I had to call Pete to tell him we were wandering through Section 23, it was already 5 pm, and we were an hour out from Chart House.  However, wandering back to the entry and towards the Metro, and ducking Koreans, I had the thought, why not take a cab?  But then we had to walk from the last cab in the line up to the first - it's protocol - to get our cab.  The cabbie was living the real American dream, old school - he was from Ghana and had three sons, two daughters, was helping his younger daughter with her homework, this was the second of two jobs, and he showed us the text book he was studying in the cab for his next test as a bus mechanic.  Wow!  And Pete and Little Bear were surprised that we made it by 5:30 pm!  Pete even bought dinner for us!  Great day!
Oh yeah, the Reunion?  See next Blog!
   -  Silver Fox

Easter at Bonnie's

Can a snow storm disrupt Easter festivities?   No, snow comes a few days early, then the visitors, and the table is ready for all. 

Florida Escapades

Bonnie and Mike’s 2012 trip to Florida

Lonely Bachelor On The Beach with Loyal Dog Tyson:  Patrick AFB, FL

Bonnie and I are still basking in memories of our enjoyable, informative, and productive trip to Florida for one week near the end of March 2012.  Both our visit with my sister Barbara and her new husband Bob and my niece Debbie, and our journey across the state to visit my son Doug, worked out great.  We flew into Fort Myers on Tuesday evening, and flew out of Orlando on the following Monday afternoon. 

We started on the Gulf Coast to visit Barbara and Bob Andersen, and Debbie, all in Tower Pointe in Naples.     The Tuesday night we arrived, I was especially pleased that the three of them stayed up to welcome us to Florida.   The first evening, where we sat around talking for awhile, set the tone for our entire visit – which was capped by our dinner at Anthony’s Trattoria in Bonita Springs on our final night, Thursday.  Good choice!   Our waiter was right out of type-casting as an Italian waiter –  he felt he had to keep moving quickly, and only near the end of our meal could we talk with him a little.

Debbie allowed us the use of her condo – complete with breakfast sweetrolls, cookies, lake and orchids!  We have a photo of the orchid that was growing on a tree right outside Debbie’s patio area.  Quite a pleasant surprise for us desert dwellers!    

On Wednesday we had lunch in Naples at Brio’s with Mike’s elementary school and high school classmate, Tom and wife Carmen – similar restaurant to Bravo’s in ABQ Uptown.  Then that evening, we dined at The Colonnades at Arbor Trace as the guests of Barbara, Bob, and Debbie.  The following day, Barbara and Bonnie went to a Fashion Show at The Colonnades and Mike was allowed to use the Wi-Fi in the Library. 

The use of Bob Andersen’s trusty Florida map worked well for us, as it got us across Alligator Alley without a single alligator snipping at Bonnie’s ankles.  Continuing North got us to my son Doug’s new home on Merritt Island, FL.  That drive across the Sunshine State took a little less than five hours, and could probably be done in four.  Bonnie had us up and on the road by 6:30 am, and we stopped in Boca Raton for a fun breakfast, arriving at Doug's around 12:30 pm (Bonnie had actually planned for us to leave by 6 am and arrive by noon!  Pretty close!).

     Now that Doug is again living in the States, I’m hoping we will all see a great deal more of him.  We found his new home in Merritt Island (close to Patrick Air Force Base) to be quite inviting – especially after Bonnie did her magic for the 2 ½ days we were out there!  His salt water swimming pool is quite inviting, and Bonnie made sure we at least had one dip in it during our stay – see photo for proof.  Salt water pools are lower maintenance than the 'standard' chlorine-chemicalled pools, according to HGTV and Doug's Pool Boy "Oscar."  For the next couple of weeks, it will be quite filled with Doug's salty friends from Germany.

 Bonnie really ‘turned to’ at Doug’s house to prepare at least five of his rooms for his visitors who were expected to arrive shortly after we left.  Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) we did not take any 'before' photos of Doug's place, so you cannot determine the starting point, only the result of Bonnie's applying the lessons of HGTV to a bachelor pad.  You will just have to visit Florida to take a look at Debbie's orchids and Doug's digs!  We took several of the 'after' photos so you can get an idea of Doug’s house – you can see his ‘pool room’ through the window from his living room and kitchen area.  I always thought a ‘pool room’ was a billiards hall, but I have learned in Florida it is a screen-in outside area for the swimming pool – very nice.  One thing that surprised me during this trip to Doug’s newly adopted state is that there were no bugs around – I thought we would be attacked by bugs, but perhaps the geckos keep the population down.

 

   Doug’s dog Tyson turned out to be quite friendly as well – still a puppy at almost two years of age.  Doug has set up cameras throughout the house so while Doug is at work, he can keep some tabs on Tyson, make sure he is not destroying the furniture.

Doug's Powder Room (1/2 bath)

   Also shown here are some photos of the "after Bonnie" views of Doug's sitting room (aka "The African Room") and the small powder room off the kitchen.  Bonnie wanted us to show some photos of the kitchen itself, but those will have to wait.

Doug's African Room (aka sitting room)

   Thanks to all our family for all their assistance and hospitality – we really had a fun time and are looking forward to our next visit (whenever that might be!).

Adventure in Albuquerque

Adventure in Albuquerque

It is not everyday that kids from Pennsylvania travel to Albuquerque in the middle of the school fall semester.  Is there anything educational to do?

French Horn Lesson:   Marcey arranged for Mr. Heeter to provide a half-hour French Horn lesson for Maggie - and Mr. Heeter had even arranged for Maggie to borrow an instrument for the visit.  Maggie showed us a couple of things she had learned, like how to change from high notes to low notes, just with the way you blow into the mouthpiece. 

Auntie Beth and the Transport Unit:   It’s not every kid that has an Aunt working in the Police Department.   Beth’s office is great, however of more interest was a quick tour through the Prisoner Transport Unit.  (in a typical month, the PTU handles 1500 prisoners, most of which are soon transported to the Metro Detention Center - the Sgt explained, when the van fills up, it goes - no one stays over 2 hours here, as no eating/feeding facilities, medicine, etc.)  Prisoners were being brought in while we were there, and the kids saw the holding cells.  Since the stay time is expected to be less than two hours, these cells are minimal in their furnishings:  a wrap-around aluminum bench is about it.  The ICE people also share some of this facility.

BioPark:  Beautiful day for a walk in the park - and the aquarium.  The BioPark had a Creepy Crawly Critters special exhibit still set up, through Nov 7 - did you know that Madagascar roaches are good eating?  That the West African black scorpion is not that aggressive?  Did you want to know that?

PageOne:  This is perhaps the largest book store in New Mexico.  Everyone was allowed to pick out one book to take home.  Alan took an extra one for his Dad.

Animal Humane Society:  On Virginia SE, one can find clean facilities manned by caring volunteers for the Kittery and for the Doggie area.  This was a side trip requested by Maggie, who is thinking someday she may get into the Animal Rescue business.   Many of the cats seemed to like her, and one dog licked Alan.  All were requested to wash their hands after handling/petting the kitten in the separate "get acquainted" room.

Summary:  Yes, this was an educational trip, and one enjoyed by all. 

Shipmates Stand Together

Shipmates Stand Together

As long-time readers of this column know, after a long and not-so-arduous courtship, Mike and Bonnie  were finally united in marriage.  To validate the event, an Open House was held at Bonnie's, and all were delighted that Lou and Jo Ann drove down for the event.

Although the Open House announcement specifically stated, "No Gifts," apparently jarheads have difficulty either reading or following instructions.  Thus it was that Lou and Jo Ann graciously invited Mike and Bonnie up for a glorious 3-day weekend in God's (or perhaps Air Force's) country.  Excitement started on Thursday evening in Trinidad with dinner at Rino's Restaurant, where the food is not only the best Italian cooking around (except perhaps for Jo Ann's), but also the waiters and waitresses all sing opera or better.  On Friday, the foursome headed up to the Simpleman's mountain "cabin" (see photo above with flag) outside Aguilar and nestled within the Spanish Peaks, where we were treated to a great meal by Jo Ann, plus a tour of the wildlife nearby - turkeys and deer specifically.

Saturday was off to the Air Force - Navy game at Colorado Springs.  Not one of Navy's best football showings, however it was not for lack of proper attire and cheering by our group.  That evening our lodging was at the Distinguished Visitors quarters at Ft Carson, which Lou had wangled through a close working relationship with the Base Commander.  We went out to Outback that evening (see photo), and the next day ended the festivities at Patti's Restaurant in Pueblo (next photo).

A great time was had by all - even though we never saw all the elk copulating which apparently entertained Harry and Doris after the Mini-Reunion back in October 2005.   Thanks, Jo Ann and Lou!  True friends, shipmates, and companymates.  Our marriage is well launched.

Guide for Forwarding Political E-mail

Recently, a friend of mine was berated for forwarding an email criticizing the President for his apparently lack of respect to the flag. The berater cited TruthOrFiction.com to delineate the falsehood.

My friend was chagrined. He stated: "Sorry! I realize I'm often too gullible, and I'm not prone to check authenticity. Best I just stop forwarding anything derogatory about anyone, or even praising anyone, unless I know first hand it is true."

This a problem we all face: what to do with all the e-mail we receive, some of which resonates so strongly that we want to send it on RIGHT NOW!!!

Here's an easy guide that I try to follow re forwarding politically oriented e-mail:

If the message is about me, and it's laudatory, I forward it to everyone I know.

If it is about Joe Biden, and it seems ridiculous, I always forward to Sarah Palin so she will be cheered. E.g.: Did you hear that Iraq will be considered one of the great achievements of this Administration?

If it is about Nancy Pelosi, I forward it to Harry Reid and Joe Biden so they will feel better about themselves.

If it is about President Obama, I weep quietly for a few minutes, then check the calendar to gauge the time until the next national election cycle.

I find that I am beginning to understand the hard-over positions of the "Bush-haters" from just a year or two ago. Immediately following the election, I was hopeful for the country. Now when I hear Obama say, "I am not an Ideologue" it resonates in my head with Nixon saying "I am not a Crook."

Now I find myself grateful that the Democrats hold a strong majority in both Houses plus hold the Presidency to clarify the source of the actual achievements - i.e., the abject failures and deficits of this administration. I am so grateful that this President inherited Pelosi and Reid - I shudder to consider how much farther down this path we would be if Obama had competent leaders in the House and Senate, e.g., a Steny Hoyer and a Tom Daschle.

If not grateful for, I am at least amazed at the cold partisanship of Pelosi ("We won, we write the bill") and the divisiveness of someone elected to be President of all the people ("...waving their little teabags...").

Excuse me, I'm going to go check my calendar again. Every day it looks better.