Sunday 4/30

Today is Jeanne's birthday and I think she had a really nice day as did we all!  I prepared her favorite breakfast and then we went gaming.  We took the back roads into San Diego County to Casino Pauma, a smaller casino that still has a 'tent' appearance, no hotel, and the least amount of walking for dad. My sister Maureen will be proud of me that I finally found a machine for dad that he could have fun playing and not lose $20 in 5 minutes...he could play for an hour or so and win enough to last awhile! Zeus was the name of the slot game. We played for 2 1/2 - 3 hours and then went to dinner at Shamrock, the Irish pub I spoke about earlier in this blog, for a wonderful dinner with live entertainment playing 70's and 80's music while celebrating Jeanne's birthday with her downing the appropriate 2 shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey while listening to her new heartthrob, Larry, play Joe Cocker songs along with music of other artists! Dad finished his day with a piece of cheese cake sent to the birthday girl and he's fast asleep with his last words before he closed his eyes, "today was a good day". It was a great day!

Yesterday on Saturday, I took dad to urgent care with a very minor UTI and he's now on antibiotics and is doing great!  We drove by my former home this afternoon and although I wish I had the house, I don't miss the environment I was in one bit. I have many memories and mixed feelings driving through the area. No regrets though.

 

   

Thursday's photos...

Here are the pictures that somehow didn't make it to Thursday's post - Jeanne's back yard, Jeanne and dad and our night of TV which is old news by now.

 

  

Friday 4/28

What a gorgeous day it was today!  The sun shined all day and the temperature hovered in the low to mid 80's. We did got to French Valley airport cafe for breakfast before taking a drive down the back roads to Pechanga and then another 5 miles to Pala Casino Resort and Spa...where I used to work. We didn't go in either casino, but both have new RV parks that are very nice. I saw a former co-worker, Felicia, who helps to manage the RV park at Pechanga. I haven't seen her, except on Facebook, for 15 years or so.  

We then took the nice drive to Oceanside and saw a very active ocean with a rip tide and no swimming allowed in the area we were. Dad was mesmerized by the sea and he loved just sitting in the car facing the warm sun watching a few novice surfers attempting to fight the sideways moving tide. After about an hour of gazing, we drove through Carlsbad and to Encinitas where we stopped for a few minutes at Moonlight Beach.  We then drove through Encinitas and Ranch Santa Fe, up the Del Dios Highway by Lake Hodges and connected to the 15 Freeway North in Escondido to head back to Jeanne's. When we got back into Temecula and stuck in traffic, we drove by a house on a hill that had a batting cage and dad remembered that he and mom had a former neighbor in Aurora who moved to the Temecula area.  This guy, Dan, used to be a pilot for UPS but was also a baseball pitching coach. Well, we stopped and yes, it was Dan's house but he was at a high school baseball game where he's the pitching coach for one of the teams. Dad hopes to connect with Dan while we're here even though he hasn't seen him since the mid 1980's. It's a small world sometimes!  The adventure continues...

 

    

Thursday 4/27

Well, there hasn't been a lot to share the last couple of days as we've pretty much been slugs laying around the house catching up on sleep, laughs and life.  Yesterday, we did make it to the grocery store and today, Snicker (one of Jeanne's Cocker Spaniels...the other is Bailey), had to have an ultrasound on her liver so she was at the vet most of the day.  Thankfully, nothing serious, but she'll sleep well tonight.

We've spent an hour or so the last two afternoons on the back patio with a glass of wine before dinner and it's been very pleasurable in the 70's with a slight breeze. 

Tomorrow we're out and about again heading the French Valley Airport restaurant for breakfast. Leo flew into that airport a couple times years ago. That was the last time I flew with him. Then we're going to the coast..probably Oceanside and south from there to Carlsbad and maybe Del Mar and La Jolla.  We'll head back to Murrieta to hopefully get dad to 5:00 Mass and then maybe dinner at Shamrock's, an Irish pub in town that we went to the last time mom and dad were out here  6 - 7 years ago when I still lived here.  We were actually some of the first patrons of Shamrock's as they had just opened and we loved it then and have heard that it's gotten even better!

Below you'll see Jeanne and dad on the patio in the beautiful back yard and then our exciting evening of TV. 🏈

 

  

Tuesday 4/25 House of Brunsvold

Dad and I arrived at Jeanne's last night around 6:00 p.m., and what a nice feeling to be here! We received a loving welcome from Jeanne and visiting from Las Vegas, Shirley, and of course lots of dog love and kisses from Snicker and Bailey! We had a simple Taco Bell dinner, visited for awhile and went to bed for a great sleep. It's now 2:00 p.m. and Shirley left to return to Vegas, but Jeanne, dad and I are still sitting around relaxing, and yes, we're still in our pajamas! We probably won't put on real clothes now until tomorrow.  Dad and I needed a day like today along the way...it's cool and breezy outside and warm, cozy and relaxing inside.

We left Bakersfield yesterday between 10 and 11 a.m. heading up to Lake Isabella northeast of Bakersfield. We drove up the grade with the rapidly flowing Kern River on one side and huge rocks on the other side of the two lane road. It was beautiful and again we were in Sequoia National Forest. After reaching the top, I took a wrong turn and we took an hour or so detour truly in the back country of California along a road with no cell service, very few cars and even fewer people....so we turned around. Whew!  Dad wanted me to still prove that there was a lake up there somewhere and I finally found Lake Isabella.  We drove alongside the shoreline of the lake for several miles and once we left Sequoia, we were in the high desert with high winds and cactus for the next 100 miles or more. We drove along the northern edge of Edwards AFB where many Space Shuttles landed in their day.  The only thing we were really able to see was what appeared to be a pre-graveyard for 747s. There were at least 100 of them with many different logos but we were too far away to read them. 

Driving along highway 58, off in the distance, there was a strange sight to the north of the highway. From miles away, it appeared to me to be a huge structure shrouded in stark white powder. I even suggested to dad that it might be a giant alien spaceship!  Well, as we got closer, I decided to take the exit, which is called Rocket Road and the exit before is 20 Mule Team Road.  Rocket Road was to the south, but the spaceship was to the north...so we went north.  It wasn't too long before we were on the property of the manufacturing plant that makes Borax in Boron, CA. It was a strange experience because we didn't see any cars (until we were leaving along the far side of the plant) and the only people we saw were the drivers of semis coming and going. Dad finally saw someone in a red hard hat and I asked if he was green with antennas in his head!  They do have a visitor center at the top of a huge hill along a dirt road.  We didn't go there. Look at the pictures below and note the speed limit signs. Not sure if it's their sense of humor, or if there's a reason for the 1/2...Anyway, I went to their website and the Borax Boron Mine is the largest open pit mine in the world. The mining operation extracts thousands of tons of borates daily. Borate is the "special sauce" used in so many products: it's a micronutrient in agriculture, in ceramic finish, in fiberglass, flame retardant and wood treatments.  Borates are also essential in the heat resistance of computer and TV flat screens. Some may remember the 20 Mule Team Borax commercials as it's also used as a laundry detergent booster.

Along the drive to Murrieta, we stopped for much needed nutrients...a scoop of ice cream for me and a strawberry malt for dad!  More tomorrow...

    

More Sequoia Sunday photos

     

Photos of Sequoia Sunday

I don't think I mentioned it, but when driving to, and through, the National Park yesterday as we climbed into the clouds, I felt like I was looking into a land of fairytales a few times.  I may not explain it well, but there were so many different shades of green and there were the clouds moving and all the different foliage...it reminded me of a fairy tale...not sure which one, but it should be minimized and placed in my sister Maureen's Fairy Garden...the one she used to have anyway.

     

Sequoia Sunday 4/23

Following an hour wait inside Jack in the Box for a breakfast sandwich this morning in Fresno after checking out of the Taj Mahal priced Day's Inn, we were finally on the road heading east.  By the way, I'm so convinced that drive through customers receive much faster and better service than dining inside the brick and mortar building. In EVERY case on this trip, when we've gone inside, we've had to wait forever compared to those in the drive through. Not a scientific study, but very annoying. Going forward, think we'll go inside to pee, and drive through for food or dad's sweet chocolate shake  fix...of course, most of the time the bathrooms are disgusting also.  Okay, enough of my rant and on to the gorgeous parts of the day.
We entered Sequoia National Park just east of Fresno on highway 180 at nearly sea level and drove to nearly 8000 feet after getting on 198 to Giant Sequoia National Monument. It was so cool because we were actually driving through the clouds for miles off and on, and then the sun would shine through these beautiful giant trees. With only 2 or 3 quick stops for photo opportunities, we landed at the bottom of the forest abut 40 miles outside of Visalia 4 hours after beginning the ascent. What a great experience.
We decided to drive on to Bakersfield where I found a very nice Courtyard by Marriott for 1/3 the price of last night's stay and we went to Benji's for dinner. Years ago, when I was working for Banfield, the Pet Hospital, Bakersfield was part of my territory and the teams from both hospitals got together and we all went to dinner at a Basque restaurant and I have fond memories of that dinner (with the only exception being the pickled tongue. I'm sure I turned green when I was bribed to try it). So, Benji's is a different restaurant than the one I was at years ago, but it is a French Basque Restaurant. They serve food family style, and a lot of it.  It was delicious even though we couldn't bring with us what we couldn't finish because we have no means of storing it. To give you an idea of the volume of food, they start you off with a basket of bread and butter, then bring cabbage soup and home cooked pinto beans.  Then they serve salad and a plate of fresh sliced tomatoes with chopped red onions in a delicious vinegary sauce. Finally your entree arrives-dad ordered grilled salmon and I had a shrimp and steak kabob over brown rice.  Oh yea, there was also a plate of pickled tongue...a staple in the Basque food world apparently. It was all very tasty and prepared perfectly and 1/4 mile from the hotel.
Dad is sleeping soundly now...I think he had a pretty good day! Tomorrow we're headed up to Lake Isabella and then will drive through the desert over the Cajon Pass and land at my friend Jeanne's where we'll be at our 'home base' and make day trips as we choose. She has a lovely home so I'm certain we'll just hang out many days too. She loves dad and he and mom stayed there before and I think he feels very at home with her and her two cockers.
Unfortunately, my pictures haven't loaded yet, so I'll post those from today, when I can.

On the road again!  We had a delicious breakfast with Uncle Albert and Jane at Village Corner on our way out of Carmel. What a great time we had for the week we were there. The location, the views, the hospitality, the food and being with family was all wonderful! Thanks to dad's baby brother and his wife for showing us such a great time!  I think we even brought Jane some luck as she won $4 at bridge!
We took off to the east toward Salinas going through San Juan Bautista, Los Banos and Chowchilla before turning south.  When we reached Madera, about 20 miles north of Fresno, I began calling to attempt to find someplace for the night. Who knew that the Future Farmers of America (FFA) would have a Convention in Fresno this weekend?  I made nearly 20 calls to places in Madera, Fresno, Clovis and Visalia before finding handicap accessible accommodations at a Days Inn in Fresno for $260 for the night. Really? $260 at a noisy Days Inn with no water pressure. Oh well, the bed is a bed with clean sheets and dad should sleep well because he had a pretty bad night last night and he's tired...so am I.
The drive wasn't a lot of miles or time; but much of it was a two-lane state highway through farming country.  It was actually quite beautiful and we saw many different crops including strawberries, mandarin and other oranges, kale, almonds, grapes, lettuce and some crops we couldn't identify.

We went to 5:00 Mass at St. Paul, directly across the street from the Fresno State Bulldog football stadium and then had a small, simple dinner at IHop.  Our plan tomorrow is to go east to Southern Yosemite and/or Sequoia National park(s).  Don't know where we'll end up or how far into the parks we can get into, but it should be an adventurous day! The weather certainly warmed up as we came inland from the ocean, but Fresno has a warm breeze tonight and is in the high 70's.

One final word about my aunt and uncle.  Uncle Albert began needle pointing over 40 years ago and both is and Jane's work is stunning! They have made many, many rugs, pillows and wall hangings over the years!  Although I don't have any, there are many I would love! Hint, hint, Uncle Albert, you promised to put me in your will. I'll take what your kids don't want, remember? All kidding aside, their work is gorgeous.

Saturday morning 4/22

Well, we'll hit the road today, probably this morning sometime. We know we're going east, but beyond that, don't know what our destination for the day will be.  Dad wants to stop and get a more detailed road map as we get closer to Sequoia. Not sure how far we can go into the park as many roads stay closed due to snow and even if the roads are open, I'm not sure I want to be driving in snow and I'm not prepared to be in cold, snowy weather with the clothes I brought.
Yesterday, Friday, was another beautiful day in Carmel. Uncle Albert, dad and I had lunch at Edgars, the restaurant at Quail Lodge & Golf Club.  It's a gorgeous golf course nestled in the hills and trees of Carmel Valley. Patty, one of Jane's friends has played there and said it's not a very challenging course, but up the hill on the 16th hole is where Doris Day lives.
After lunch, dad and I took a drive along the beach and stopped a couple times to simply enjoy the scenery, watch the surfers and take in the sea air and sunshine. Steve says the negative ions at the ocean are very good for you. Later, we met Vivian and a friend, Patty, at Anton & Michel restaurant for drinks and bar food.  This is a regular Friday night event for Uncle Albert, Jane, Vivian and Patty and they allowed us a one-time pass to join their "club"!  It was the final birthday celebration for Uncle Albert's 82nd birthday. He said he hated the celebrations, but we all know he really loved them, especially being the center of attention!  They have been great hosts and can't thank them enough for their hospitality this week!

4/20 Uncle Albert's birthday

I've had a couple questions about Uncle Albert. Dad's youngest brother's name is Albert Bruce Schuster.  He's always been called Bruce but my grandmother wanted to name him after her sister Alberta...thus Albert.  Then they wanted his middle name to be as close to Bernice as possible...thus Bruce.  It sounds to me as though they really, really wanted and expected a girl! He said that he hadn't  really ever been called Albert until he turned 65 when all his legal documents said Albert Bruce and so his doctors call him Albert. I've heard him answer the phone several times since being here and he'll say, "Yes, this is Albert."  So I figured why not?  He's now Uncle Albert!  Here he is with one of his many silly faces today on his 82nd birthday.

Today was more laid back with a light lunch at the club restaurant. Uncle Albert and I went into Monterrey for his doctor appointment this afternoon. Jane's sister Vivian, who also lives in Carmel
joined us for dinner at The Mission Ranch where we had a lovely dinner outside on the patio to with the sun setting.  It was a bit cool out, but we were prepared with jackets and the restaurant has the propane heaters. The Mission Ranch is owned by Clint Eastwood as is much of the property in Carmel. The locals say he's been a great citizen of this community in the preservation of the land and other natural resources.  Remember when he was the mayor of Carmel? The Mission Ranch is a sheep ranch where tourists can stay and enjoy the beauty of the expansive green belt that extends west for the sheep to graze. It's quite beautiful!  I ran into a former colleague from Pala Casino where I worked in Southern California...small world.
Dad and I will likely leave here Saturday. Dad mentioned tonight that he'd like to go to Yosemite so we will likely be heading due east from here before heading south. So one more full day to enjoy in this beautiful area before heading to the next beautiful area!

Q

Wednesday, 4/19 Big Sur

What a perfect weather day it was today for a drive along the coast south from Carmel to Big Sur!  The ocean was relatively calm and the sky was cloudless with temperature between 65-70 degrees.  The rains in California caused a bridge to collapse in Big Sur on highway 1 so we could only go south about 26 miles before we were forced to turn around. Another bridge closure during the rains caused the residents of Big Sur to be trapped for days and supplies had to be brought in by helicopter.  The southern route is now open though so residents can get in and out. But if they need to head north, they have a very long detour.
We intended to stop at Rocky Point restaurant for lunch, but they were closed so we went to the overflow Highlands Inn - a Hyatt property and ate at their Pacific Edge restaurant.  The food was delicious with a view to die for!
When we returned from lunch, the old people (said with much affection) napped and I went for a long walk on the beach in Carmel. So good for the soul! We then had soup for dinner from the clubhouse where Uncle Albert (formerly Bruce) and Aunt Jane live.
I spent some time this morning viewing photo albums here from when my cousins and siblings and our respective parents were much younger. It brought back many fond memories from growing up with our big extended family...all great memories! We even Skypewith cousin Chris tonight who lives and works in Vietnam and has for years. He's very handsome like all the Schuster / Young boys and he's got a great sense of humor!
Dad was feeling a bit punky today, but I think we've got him all fixed up to feel much better tomorrow. Thank you Steve, for always being their to calm me and help me through these times to help dad and solve issues.

4/18 Pebble Beach

The weather finally cooperated following our attempt to drive inland and changed plans on the fly and went to Monterrey where it wasn't raining and the sun was shining. Had a nice drive from Monterrey south, all along the coast. Drove the 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach area.  The 2 - 40 million dollar homes are amazing!  Aunt Jane's parents moved to this area in 1939 before the war began, but because of the imminent war in Europe. They moved from California after Pearl Harbor was bombed because of their fear that California would be the center of the war.  However, when they lived in California, this is the area they lived in and loved. It is very easy to love this area!

We had lunch at Sticks at the Spanish Bay Golf Club and a nice salad at home for dinner. Tomorrow, we're headed down the coast to Rocky Point. Dad is doing well and having a good time. He can remove his oxygen for an hour or so when he's stationary or eating a meal due to being at sea level. He said it's a bit scary not to have it on, but it's never far away.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful weather day...it will be great despite the weather! Here are a few photos from our day.

Monday - Uncle Bruce and Aunt Jane

We had a great seafood dinner at "The Grill" in Carmel.  Oh yea, as you can see, some had dessert as well! Great times!