A Week in the Land of Enchantment

On Tuesday, October 6th, I took a very early morning flight to Albuquerque. I landed around 9:40 AM and took an 11:45 shuttle to Santa Fe. The shuttle took me to the railroad station by Tomato’s, where I had lunch. Since the old RR station is now a Visitor’s Center, I asked for things to see since I had several hours to wait before Erik would be able to pick me up. They suggested a walking tour to the Plaza and several historical churches nearby. I had my luggage with me and after walking several blocks, I passed by a hotel and was greeted by a bellman. I took a few steps and then backed up, asking if I could check my luggage for a few hours. This was a very smart move as the Plaza was crowded and trying to move through there pulling my luggage would not have been fun, plus, I might have looked a little bit ridiculous!

Erik and Jeffrey picked me up around 3:45 and we went to Gracie’s volleyball game, which was being played in Santa Fe. After the game, the three of us went to Panda Express. Kadin and Gracie were with their mother.

Jeffrey and I hung out on Wednesday. Erik picked us up at 3:30 to go to Kadin’s volleyball game. We stayed through the JV and Varsity games. Since I’m taking up volleyball, it helped me to see the game played competitively.

Thursday was another day with Jeffrey. I had brought him a set of “Funny Gears” which are similar to Legos but with gears which cause them to move. Besides the gears, we built a lego space shuttle which Erik had bought J for his birthday, which was Oct. 5.

Saw these deer early one morning

Friday was a volleyball day as the girls had no school and Gracie’s 8th grade team played in a tournament which lasted all day. Gracie played a great final game but her team come up short, winning second place.

Saturday morning we headed to Albuquerque as Kadin was playing volleyball at 11. Her team won handily and Kadin did a fine job as setter in both games. After the game, we headed to our hotel where we met Nick, Sarah and Taylor, who had driven up from AZ for the week-end. We stayed in a Hampton Inn just a few blocks from Sarah’s father. Because of the Balloon Fiesta, I had trouble getting rooms but we were very happy with our suites. We went to the Fiesta Saturday night for a few hours. Everyone enjoyed seeing the colorful and different shaped balloons.

Sunday, I awakened at 5:30, couldn’t get back to sleep, so decided to head over to the Fiesta to see the 7 AM Mass Ascension of the balloons. No one else wanted to get up so I was by myself. I watched the launching for about 90 minutes and then headed back to the hotel to join the family for breakfast.

Early Morning Selfie

Sunday afternoon, Nick went with Sarah to meet her family. Erik, Kadin, Jeffrey and I went hiking through Petroglyph National Monument. Taylor stayed at the hotel to watch his football games while Gracie just hung out in our room. Sunday night, all eight of us went to LoneStar for dinner.

Monday morning we had breakfast together before a shuttle picked me up for the airport. My flight left at 12:40. I had a 2 hour layover in Dallas and arrived Orlando at 9:07. Arne was waiting for me. Nice ending to a great week!

Trip to the Midwest

On Saturday, August 15, Arne and I flew to St. Louis where we had a great three days. We stayed with niece Amy, Dan and their cute 3 year old, Hunter. Arne's brother, "Chef" Carl, brought homemade beef stew for dinner on Saturday. Sunday night we all went out for dinner and were joined by nephew Gunnar and his friend, Lori. On Monday, Arne and I spent several hours with Carl before driving up to Peoria, Illinois. Along the way, we made a side trip to Springfield for a very quick tour of the Abraham Lincoln Museum.

On Tuesday, Arne and I set out to do some research for the family tree. We went to a cemetery in Metamora where my great-great grandparents were supposed to be buried. After much searching we didn't find them. I had three more cemeteries I wanted to visit but changed plans after no success at the first one. Instead, we drove to the county courthouse in Eureka, IL. I was able to get a copy of my paternal grandmother's birth certificate, her marriage certificate, and a copy of my great great grandfather's death certificate. I was disappointed I was unable to get more documents since I have so many relatives who were born, married and died in that county. I was told that back in the 1800's these events didn't always get filed.

Ronald Reagan went to Eureka College. The college has a small museum in which we spent over an hour looking at Reagan memorabalia. From there, we drove back to Peoria and went to Parkview Cemetery where we found the burial site of my paternal great grandparents.

That evening we met niece Megan, Kayley and Ryan for dinner at Olive Garden. We then followed them to Megan and Andy's beautiful new home where we were given a tour. It is a big house on a wooded lot and should suit them for decades.

Wednesday, we drove up to Woodstock to spend the night with Larry and Ann Dille. Larry and Arne worked together for UARCO and we have been friends for over 40 years.

Thursday afternoon we drove from Woodstock to Naperville where we would be spending the night with Larry and Lori Wright, friends for over 50 years. Unfortunately, I didn't think about Chicago rush hour and our 1 1/2 hour trip took 2 1/2 hours. And much of that was on toll roads! Paying to move at 5-10 MPH!!

Friday morning we headed for downtown Chicago. We dropped our lugage off at the hotel where Arne and I would be staying for the next three nights. We drove by Lane Tech High School from which Arne graduated in 1959. Then we were off to Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. Arne had been waiting all summer to go to a game and watch his "new" Cubs. We got there three hours before the game so Arne had plenty of time to check everything out.

On a beautiful Saturday, Arne and I went for a long walk through downtown Chicago. We went to One North Wacker where he used to work. The building had been replaced by another in the 1980's, after we had moved to Arizona. At 3 PM, we went on the Architecture Foundation Cruise on the Chicago River. For 90 minutes we heard about the different types of architecture in Chicago's skyline as well as Chicago history. The tour came highly recommended and was very much worth the time and money.

Know some of my friends will enjoy this pic of Trump Tower.

My favorite building, built on curve of Chicago River, shows reflection of other side.

Sunday, we walked to the Art Institute where we spent two hours. From there, we walked through Millenium Park, listening to a concert, viewing the "Bean, and eating a Chicago hot dog. More walking to Navy Pier, which is over half a mile long. Another 1 1/2 mile walk back to our hotel for a total of over 8 miles. When we got back to our hotel, I questioned why we didn't take a bus back…our feet and legs were hurting!. After a rest at our hotel, we walked a few blocks to Portillio's for Italian Beef sandwiches.

Monday brought an end to our time in Chicago. It was great visiting family and friends, seeing the sights. 

Reflection from the Bean.

Grandkids Visit

On July 24th, we picked up 14 year old granddaughter, Kadin, who had flown alone from Albuquerque. I had a great week with her. Besides going to the Fitness Center and practicing pickleball, Kadin attended Camp Villages…Cooking with the Chefs, Air Guns, Scrapbooking and Dragon Boats. I did dragon boats with her which was lots of fun. Some pictures of our week together:

Silver Medal Winner

On July 31st we picked up Erik, Gracie and Jeffrey who joined us for Kadin’s second week.  On Sunday, Aug. 2, we all went to Universal. It was a long but fun day.

Riding the train from Hogsmead back to London in Harry's Potter World

 On Tuesday, Aug. 4, I picked up Aaron/Moondog who flew in to join the family gathering. We visited each of the Town Squares, on each night.  On Thursday night, we went to the Japanese Steak House, a favorite with the kids. We were celebrating three summer birthdays, Gracie on July 18, Arne on August 3 and Erik’s upcoming on August 10.

Friday evening, Erik and kids flew back to Albuquerque. They didn’t get to Albuquerque until after midnight so spent the night in a hotel. Aaron stayed with us for three more days, flying to Greensboro, NC, on Monday, August 9. He called this his “summer tour” as he had some performances lined up in Greensboro. I’m glad he’s expanding his musical horizons.

More Pics from National Senior Games 2015

East Coast Bouncers - Fourth Place

Michigan Spirits - Gold  They beat us 30-28

Texas Ball Hawgs - Silver  Three 3-point shooters. We beat them Friday when I scored 22 and they beat us the next when I only scored 6, taking us out of the tournament. :-(

Three Shades of Grey - Dining on last night with teammates.

Rest of the team...

 

National Senior Games

On Tuesday, July 7, the East Coast Bouncers basketball team met in Minneapolis for participation in the Senior Games. After registering for the games and checking in to our hotel, the Hilton Minneapolis, we drove to our venue for a practice session. Since I had rented the Chevy Traverse and had the most experience driving in big city traffic, I was driver for the week.

Tuesday night, upon returning to our hotel after dinner, I heard someone calling my name. I kept looking around and finally spotted Phyliss and Sharon Stark sitting in Jody's car. Jody, whom I've known since I was 5 years old, was inside registering as they had driven up from Iowa to surprise me and watch our Wednesday games. And I was surprised!! I was also very tired as we had gotten up at 3:30 am to catch our flight. I didn't feel like I could go to bed too early since they had driven all that way AND spent $300 to stay in the same hotel. I took them to the bar in the hotel for a drink and food. We had almost two hours together before I began fading quickly.

My former teammates at the venue where we played basketball. Beautiful campus!!

Wednesday we played North Carolina Shooting 70's and Connecticut High Fives and won both games. My former high school teammates loved it and said they had a good time They headed back to Iowa around 4:30.

Thursday we played San Diego and a second game with the Shooting 70's. We won both games and finished pool play at 4-0. Today our cheerleaders were my sister, Jan, niece Brittany and two of her teenage daughters as well as niece Marla. They enjoyed watching the old ladies play and my nieces felt the need to get in shape. They all wanted to get out there and play.

Friday was the start of medal play. Cheering section today consisted of Jan, niece Marla, nephew Stan, his wife and four little kids, as well as some Village people. Our first game was against Texas Ball Hawgs. They have three 3-point shooters while we have very little outside shooting, which would be our downfall. This game I had 22 points, several hookshots, and my teammate, Julie, had 19. The last few minutes they sank some threes but we were able to hang on for the win. We starters played all 30 minutes of this game.

Edna shooting free throw against Ball Hawgs in Championship game.

Our second game was against Michigan Spirits, who had beat us for gold in Utah last October. We did a good job holding down "Big Edna"  but lost 30-28. Played all 30 minutes of this game also. I missed a layup in the last minute. Needless to say, I thought about that shot over and over. For the fifth night in a row, I did not sleep well.

Since it's double elimination, we played on Saturday. First game was a 9:00 against New Mexico Foxtrotters, a team we lost to in Utah. We beat them this time and that put us up against the Ball Hawgs again at 11:00.

After scoring 22 against this team the day before, I only got 6 points. I did block a couple 3 point attempts but I was so tired. My legs felt like rubber and I couldn't get my offense going. Plus they were putting all three of the players across the key and we had no one to pull them out. I got so frustrated with one of the players hanging on my arm as I moved across the lane that I swung my shoulder around and told her to get off me. The official felt I was too aggressive and  gave me a technical. My first one ever! I wish I'd swung as hard as I could to make the foul worthwhile! We lost the game and we were now out of the tournament, one game short of getting at least a bronze medal. Instead, we came home with another ribbon for fourth place.

Notice how I'm leaning against the wall. I was TIRED! And here I thought I was in great shape.

As I reflect on our four days of competition, I realize there is more to this than a medal, which is what I really wanted! I received many compliments on my play, many people thought we'd be in the championship game. We also inspired the younger people who watched and were in awe that someone could play that level of ball in their 70's. I hope they will work to keep themselves in shape. Anyone can start participating in senior games at age 50. I wish I had known about them at least 10 years earlier. There are presently 19 sports but I'm sure they'll be adding soccer in the future.

On Sunday, I dropped my teammates off at the airport and I drove to Osakis to spend a couple days with sister Jan and her family. That evening we all gathered at nephew Stan's home for a BBQ. About the time we were going to eat, the sky became very dark and the tornado sirens began. We headed for the basement carrying our plates. Nephew Ron is a volunteer fireman so he had access to a radio which kept him in contact with other first responders. While it got windy, there was no tornado and Osakis was spared.

Monday, Jan took me on a tour. First stop was her church, which is out in the country. They had done lots of remodeling and it's a very nice country church. From there, we went back into Osakis and had lunch at Just Like Grandma's. It was so nice, we decided to eat outside. From Osakis, we drove to Alexandria. Two of Jan's four children and their families live there. She took me by all of their schools, including the brand new high school. A stop at Fleet Farm to say hello to Jan's husband, Don, and her daughter, Brittany, both of whom have worked here for years. A drive by her children's homes, a stop at DQ where her granddaughter served our cones, and a stop by son-in-law Tom's work so I could greet him. That evening, we were back at Stan's for shishkabob. Delicious!

The weather for my week in Minnesota was very comfortable for me. I had a great visit and it was fun spending time with so many family members.

Tuesday, July 14, I left Osakis at 9:15. Dropped off the rental at 11:45 and headed in to wait for my 2:40 flight. While eating lunch, I got a message that my flight was delayed to 3:35. I headed for the gate and said I wouldn't be able to make my 4:55 connection in Milwaukee. I was told that flight is also running late so I should make it. Seems there was a glitch or weather issue at LaGuardia and many flights were delayed as a result. I made my connection with 90 minutes to go. After a shuttle ride from Orlalndo, I arrived home around midnight. LONG day and three days later, I'm still tired!

Iowa Family and Friends, May 29-June 5, 2015

Brother Kevin's youngest daughter, Sarah, got married May 30. I spent three nights on the farm with family and three nights at Lake Panorama with high school friends. It was a fun week but much cooler than I like. I only took one pair of long pants and wore them 5 out of 7 days.

Jan, Larry, Sharon, Marla, Kevin at the wedding.

Boating with high school friends. Where's the sunshine?

We three "ran around" together in high school.

I arrived home at 2:20 AM Friday morning and these beautiful flowers were waiting for me!

 Thank you, Arne!

Spring Fling in NM and AZ - April 9-21, 2015

Erik and his buddy, Jeffrey/Lil E

Jeffrey at the Skate Park

Jeffrey with Sisters and Their Friends

Hiking with a teenager. Next time, no phone. :-)

Proud Grandma

Beautiful colors on one of my walks.

From Los Alamos, I traveled to Phoenix and spent a week with sister Marla. We hiked several days, went to Terravita one day, and made a trip to Jerome. We were lucky enough to hear Moondog play for a couple hours. We spent the night at the hotel above the Spirit Room and enjoyed a nice breakfast with him before driving back to Phoenix.