It's been so long since I've written that I hardly know where to begin. In fact it's why the past couple of days I come to this page, sign and go somewhere else...to mindlessly look at facebook or play solitaire ha ha. I went on my trip to upstate NY and came home, then immediately caught whatever half the people I see have contracted. (expats only- the Mexicans all seem fine) Not too many details but diarreha so that no matter what I ate, out it came- well at least I wasn't throwing up, right? After one day of no exercise coming back from my trip I was back at it- and exhuasted by it. Got weaker for 3 days until I finally agreed to go to the doctor- so cheap that why the hell not?? Well as my sister says.....I can go to the doctor and be better in a week, or not go and be better in 7 days....ha ha right??
But yesterday I woke up feeling great- no weakness, so I think I'm back. Luckily I exercised almost every day in NY- not weights but my cardio zumba routine- out in my sister's front yard...not as weird as it sounds since not too many cars go by- mostly trucks with big trees on them and every one of them flying past, so I wasn't all that noticeable. Ok gotta grab my little notebook I carry everywhere to tell you about upstate New York- which by the way was amazing! Oh and pls know: Anywhere that is not New York City, is upstate New York! It was soooo green and lush- everywhere! Everywhere was rolling hills, greenery, different shades of green in the trees, the bushes, the flowers, the gardens- oh the gardens people had! I just saw no dirt, no sand- yeah completely the oppisite of here ha ha!! Oh yeah and no ocean, but lots of meandering streams, a river or two, lakes...so lots of water and lots of boats, so that seemed familiar.
Ok so about my trip. Ha ha first ya get across the border, so it was my first time walking across at Tijuana, and I did not like it one bit. Well I shouldn't be so dismal about it, because as it turned out I crossed pretty quickly, and if I could always do that, then I am ok with it. And quite possible it does work that way. We didn't get to Tijuana until about 10am, and of course, as we always do...we went the wrong way more than once before going the right way to get close to the border. I don't like the chaos there, not sure why...maybe I'm nervous that maybe there are more bad people there ready to fleece the naive tourist? But I am always there with my Mexican husband, I've never seen anything bad there..so why do I worry? Hmmm gonna have to let that one go....When you finally get near the border it's a zoo! It's like 6 lanes across of cars all waiting and line goes on forever. People everywhere, and so noisy. We parked in the same lot that Everardo did when he picked me up last time and he knew right where to go, so we started walking. I didn't see where the end of the line was and was sure we'd be in it all day! I was already ready to pay Tim the $70 for gas to get a ride thru Tecate, which I did the first time when it took us 6 minutes to cross. The problem there is, there are no services on the other side, so if Everardo was simply dropping me off I'd have no way to get to San Ysidro/San Diego and it's about a 20 minute drive or more. Ok so we are walking and a guy says he I can drive you across- but he want $65 or $75! Yeah no thanks. Then another guy says hey $5 and I get you to the front of the line. I would have kept walking but Everardo talked to him and we said ok. They brought me this white van stuffed full with people and I kissed Poppi goodbye and jumped in. Crazy but I thought -shit! Will I ever see him again? Am I headed for the middle of the desert? Ridiculous thought since we were at the Tijuana border....how would we just turn and drive away? Well next to me in the van were some Asian people who I asked if they spoke English or Spanish and they answered "little bit" and I figured out they also paid $5...but I didn't feel any better. After what was probly only 7 or 8 minutes but I thought forever, they packed a couple of more people - Mexicans this time and took off....and they brought us to the front of the line!! He told us where to stand and wait to be motioned in. We stood there maybe about another 10-15 minutes and then were waved thru. So before 11:30 am I had crossed. Like I said, if those guys are always there...then no problem.
Ok so I got on the trolley and was off. I found out I could jump off and on as long as it was the same direction, so I did that and went to AT&T for a sim chip for my phone and the bank for some cash. I only had my suitcase and a small backpack since my laptop was getting it's screen fixed & my sister had one I could borrow while I was there. Ha ha google kept out of this account from her laptop and then proudly sent me an email to tell me! But I guess that's a good thing right? Ok so I do my business and ride the trolley to where I can catch the bus for the airport. It is so easy to get from the border to the airport! And cheap...like $2.25 for each. I decided to have lunch since it was so early- my flight wasn't until 9pm! I got to the airport before 3pm; I had decided to just go there and read my new book and people watch since I didn't know anyone in San Diego..but ran into trouble. They wouldn't take my suitcase until 4 hours before my flight- so I had to sit outside security for about 2 hours...doesn't sound that bad- but out there...it's freezing!! The ac is on full blast, the floors are linoleum, and the chairs are plastic and metal. I was miserable. I did get a jacket out and changed into the pajama type pants I had planned to fly in since it was a red eye (overnite) flight. But I was cold. Ok so I read and got in at 5pm and headed right for a coffee place to get warmed up. I bought 2 bananas and the lady said they were $1 each! Ouch...then she looked around and said- nobody's gonna buy them tonite so take 2 for $1...thank you! Then I found $1 on the ground. So things were lookin' up. I packed a peanut butter sandwich, an apple and some almonds for my dinner so I didn't eat airport food...or be tempted to blow my new eating style with fast food right at the start of my trip and so a couple hours later, warm and cozy, I had that. Besides the trip was long long long, I didn't sleep all that great- man they have managed to make the space on the planes even smaller- but the next morning after only one plane change, in NY, I landed in Albany and my sister and her hubby were waiting for me!! We were all so happy to see each other! Let the adventure begin! Oh yeah I did get to see an idiot, who was late for his flight, open the door to head for his place after the people had all gotten on the plan and the airline folks had already left. That was waiting for my connection. A big alarm went off...he jumped in the air.....we all laughed...but I tell ya- NO SECURITY PEOPLE CAME!! Hmmmm. Finally someone came and turned off the alarm but the guy had already stomped off. Ha ha .
Ok- so my first day was very hot and that was good. Shorts and tees all day. Karen and I, and Emmy the dog walked all over her property and it is so beautiful. It must be like 10 acres...I don't actually know but there were hills and little open areas, a big area above the house on the hill they call the soccer field, little areas where there were benches or picnic tables, little paths, a little stone walkway that Karen made by digging up stones that had been there forever. A couple of really old out buildings that the wood had vines or algae (what is it called?) on it...like an old photograph or an old movie. So much character! She had a garden, with big plans for how she would change it for next year- something was eating her veges, but her green bean plant had bravely fought off the bugs and that day had pushed out one lone bean, but a couple of days later I think there were 3!
There were pretty flowers everywhere, some had been coming back yearly and some she had added. The white farmhouse sits close to the road- it seemed like all the houses were like that- ok wait- many houses, not all because the next door neighbor- their friends, the house was set back. But there's was right off the road, but has this beautiful expanse of green grass all around it, then groves of trees and/or bushes...lots of places for deer, squirrels, chipmunks and bunny rabbits to hide and play. Oh and I think-even a bear...there might have been bear poop evident one morning when Karen was out walking Emmy. Emmy is this cutie pie little dog- their first dog, and in my opinion....just what they needed! I think her breed is mixed, but at least part Pappion...ok I never heard of a Pappion, but they must be cute. She can only weigh about 7 or 8 lbs, black and white, long hair and these tall furry ears! Karen laughed about a facebook post I had put up with this dog who see his shadow and says "Holy cow I'm Batman!" Yeah she has batman ears! She is so sweet and she runs like the wind. We bonded right away and I told her all about her cousins Sam & Hazel. Now Hazel doesn't seem that small to me any more....her body is about the same size as Emmy, but her legs are long so she's much taller. Hazel looks like a german shepard who was in the movie Honey I Shrunk The Kids..an exact replica only tiny ha ha. So anyway back to Emmy. They have this huge property, but the house is close to the road...and Emmy goes nuts when a big truck or a motorcycle goes by. Uh oh.
They figured out the perfect solution! They put this really long line from the house up the hill on the ground, then attached by a pulley another line that is not attached to the ground, but the first line so it goes out to the sides. That way Emmy can run up and down the hill, and side to side. She has a huge area, and in some places she can get into the front of the bushes, but not entangled. There's also a third line and her leash, so Emmy has the run of the property! Well a big huge square anyway. And she takes her job of protecting her property and her people very seriously (ha ha) From in the house she monitors she windows for trucks or animals. There was these woodchucks that were across the street and oh how she struggled and shivered and barked at the windows for us to let her out to get them! (remember this: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood??- He'd chuck all the wood that a wood chuck could, if a wood chuck could chuck wood) But I've never seen a woodchuck before! I guess they are not a Calif animal? They kinda looked like a big fat beaver from my vantage point. There's also beavers, raccons...oh and geese! Across the street was a big pond and really early in the morning these geese would fly in, making all this noise. I think they were already flying south for the winter. So Emmy has lots to occupy her time, along with going everywhere with us.
My bedroom (and the master) was upstairs and my window looked out across the road to that pond. I woke up every morning at first light (then went back to sleep) but watched the gray light slowly start to get brighter, some mornings with misty fog swirling...and I could only partially see the pond thru the trees...it was mystical, magical. It was a beautiful moment each morning for me. I watched for a few minutes each morning, complimented and thanked the universe...for it's beauty, for letting participate, for my sister and brother in law, for my little Emmy, for my life, for life. Then I snuggled back down in my comfy covers and floated back off. The house was so...quaint. I mean it looked exactly like I thought it would as I came to each room. I mean I really liked how they had it decorated, furniture bought from county auction and barn sales, funky artwork. My sister is an artist and I love her taste. I had a big soft bed, a slanted roof (& yes I did hit my head but only once ha ha). All the rooms had so much light! And my bedroom had a window that was at floor level...really funky...all the rooms looked out to beautiful green rolling hills and trees as far as you could see. Of course it was summer- in another week or so the colors will begin to change- in fact I think it's starting but not yet in full swing- and then the snow will come and stays a long long time ha ha. They will leave and head down to Florida for the winter- snowbirds I guess they are called, right? But their neighbors will stay, so their house will be safe. They bought the property from a neighbor couple who have become their good friends. I met them and was instantly at ease with them- the nicest couple.
The kitchen was our main room for congregating although we got together at nite in the little "office" to watch movies- there's a comfy couch in there, too, but I also sat in the living room to read and they had a fireplace which we enjoyed one nite.
So we went to these little towns that are all over the place. We went to an auction that is every Tuesday nite (there's also one on Thurs nites at another location) and I bid with a paddle on some stuff!! First time I ever did that- with the auctioneer calling out from up on a stage! I only bid on things I knew I'd be out bid on ha ha! Karen said the prior year she got some great deals on some of their furniture, and you never know what they will have. Farm tools, old bicycles, toys, old costume jewelry, all kinds of furniture...it was really fun; and they sell hot dogs and other food, drinks, it was a family run business and they were all there from the old guy who was running the auction down to a granddaughter running items out to the lucky buyers who's bid was the highest.
We went to a street fair and a car show, oh and the dump every Saturday...and ha ha it's pretty busy with all the neighboring houses/farms bring their garbage...no pickup. Sunday we went to another friend's potluck, which was also a jam session, they were awesome!! Also awesome was the garden the guy's girlfriend created where she mixes flowers and vegetables. She gave us a tour and Karen asked lots of questions about what was with what and getting ideas for her own garden creation. We ate and danced and laughed. The next day we went back over to help bring chairs and things back up to the house- yeah the party was outside in a beautiful setting- green of course ha ha- and got to see the guy's workshop. My sister's close friends are very cool. (I want to say awesome but awsome seems to be my only adjective in this post ha ha). His name is Jeff and he makes "stretchers". Not for people going in an ambulance....but the wood frame that an art canvas is "stretched" across that a painter will then paint on. He had an amazing story of how he fell into the business....a friend he was working for when he first got out of college and was bumming around, asked what he was doing with his life....then suggested he take a look behind a painting when her was in a gallery...the guy did something where Jeff delivered things to art galleries for him (see I forget what it was), but anyway Jeff did it. He saw these beautiful works of art, these expensive pieces of art, created on these shabbily put together pieces of wood. His friend asked if he could do better- Jeff said- Hell yes! And so it began. He designed his first stretchers, and with his friend whispering in a couple of ears to give his buddy Jeff a chance...became wildly successful! Such a cools story eh? He told me he basically had no competition for like 25 or 30 years! He has some now, but he is never short of work orders. He's been a friend of my sister and hubby for more than 30 years...and I'm glad they have such a good friend. He's a super nice guy. He plays guitar, seems to like boats, since he had a yard full of these long canoes, a "cottage" that is a house boat...and if he is close with my sister- then he must have met them boating somewhere since they have lived on one boat or another for the last 40 years or so.....yeah this is their first house. In Florida they live on a little houseboat so they are not total landlubbers ha ha! It's funny, they finally moved back to the United States and I move out!
We have a funny cycle. In 1988 I think it was, we both moved to southern Calif and didn't know each other was coming. It was a nice year. My daughter Drewy was 3/4 and she got to spend alot of time with them that year. They were in Long Beach and me and Drewy were in Anaheim. Yep right next to Disneyland- I would see the top of the Materhorn every morning on my way to work! They always lived on a boat, a sailboat, a barge, now a houseboat...I traveled for work to other countries but they were almost always in Europe & I was going to places in Asia.
Anyway, my trip was...wait for it...awesome. We went to nearby Cooperstown where the Baseball Hall of Fame is- I took a photo as we drove by...none of us care about baseball ha ha. But I had a fabulous (see different word) cheeseburger in a little diner, and a horrible Rueben sandwich in another. (I was told I had to have a Rueben in NY..ugh wasn't missing anything). We went to an orchard and picked apples and berries, went to an apple cider farm...they weren't making cider that day but they had a nice layout, lots of "fall" knickknacks for sale...we bought some wonderful sharp cheddar cheese from them. We went to a farmer's market on a rainy day out in the country- ok everything was out in the country ha ha- and bought more fresh cheese and some great bread, that day we went home and got some hot chocolate on the way so had a feast in the cozy kitchen when we got home. Wednesday nite we had a Mexican dinner party and invited the 3 couple who they are close friends with, sadly one couple couldn't make because their dog was really sick...but we had alot of fun with the other 2 couples. We went to a couple of different museums and art exhibits and "visited" the sculture they bought but agreed to leave until the exhibit/show was over. I fell in love with a piece myself and am still kicking myself for not buying it on impulse! I took a picture of it, and still can see it exactly where it should be sitting in my house! (my husband never reads my blog so it's ok if I say this ha ha). I hesitated and did not spend the money because it was enough $ that I should have discussed it with him first- so I did. But he does not look at art the way I do. I tried to show him examples of the few nice things I do have, and what they mean to me, but he didn't understand. That's what I mean about I kinda wish I had just gone for it. I mean he wouldn't have stayed mad forever....(I think ha ha). My sister had said...in a year will the money won't seem like much, but if you are looking at something you love....she was right. They had chosen a sculpture that was/is really cool, and it was fun to see how much she loved it. The sculptures were all created out of old things- alot of old farming equipment, tools, that sort of thing. You could see faces in them all. After that day I started seeing faces everywhere. At the apple cider place they had old farm tools hanging along the inside of the big barn we were in and I started taking pictures of them all because I could see faces in them all!
So I had a wonderful, awesome, fantastic time. We did alot, and yet, not. We also spent time watching movies or curled up reading. I exercised almost every morning, and Karen bought tickets to a zumba class we tried out. It wasn't the best...girl had no Latin bones in her skinny bod ha ha! But we had fun anyway. We all did good with eating- they are healthy eaters already so except for the ice cream we bought for the dinner party, there was no sneaky bad foods calling to me from the cupboards. I didn't put on any weight, stayed the same and I'm soooo happy about that. The time with them flew by. I was so sad to leave. Everardo heard it in my voice and asked if I wanted to stay longer. I did of course, but isn't that the right time to leave? And after the first few days it started to get cold and rainy anyway... and man when it got cold- it got cold....for me of course after living in sunny hot Mexico for the last 2.5 years.
I went to see them because I missed them. I had started to worry about my brother in law after talking/emailing with my sister, and then found out I had enough frequent flyer miles for a free ticket- so I went. Barry is my brother in law, but I've known him longer than anyone in my life except my brother and my 2 sisters. Maybe 40 years, maybe more. He's older than my sister, but has had some fucked up medical problems over the years, including open heart surgery, cancer, ect. His poor body is tired out, and now he's having some crazy issues where it seems like his brain can't get the message out sometimes to other body parts that it was just talkin' to. Sad and scary. But it's still him. They are still them. It's so touching how much they care for each other and how much my sister loves him. It's hard though, to become the one who kinda has to caretake the other, and I'm sure hard to be the one who can't do everything you did just not that long ago. That's another reason I love those friends and neighbors. The couple next door has a similar (but diff of course) problem, where the husband had brain cancer 7 years ago and the doctor said go home and get your affairs in order...but he beat it! But it took his toll, and little by little he has started to deteriorate. So the two women can commiserate and when they can laugh they can see their 2 gimps. And I suspect when they need to cry they have each others shoulders, hugs and unconditional support and love. I got to spend some one on one time with my sister and we talked and talked. About our mom, our family, ourselves...her family and mine, which of course when all is said and done, is the same family. Am I blessed or what? Love you sissy.
Wow! So this was such a long post that I think I am done...oh except to say on the way home I did come across the perfect zip up sweatshirt for only $20 in the airport (yep $20!) that says Upstate New York on it....and when I tried to catch that trolley back to the border, I missed it and had to wait almost an hour because they don't run as often on Sunday...but I missed it because the ticket machine would not give me a ticket- but it did spit a whole bunch of quarters at me...they just kept coming out of the machine! I found in the pile one of those new gold dollars that are just slightly bigger than a quarter and I bet it got stuck in the machine...so I made out with a couple of extra bucks on that deal. I walked back across the border and into the arms of my darling husband...and THAT is the end of my trip to upstate New York story! Viva y buenas noches!
But yesterday I woke up feeling great- no weakness, so I think I'm back. Luckily I exercised almost every day in NY- not weights but my cardio zumba routine- out in my sister's front yard...not as weird as it sounds since not too many cars go by- mostly trucks with big trees on them and every one of them flying past, so I wasn't all that noticeable. Ok gotta grab my little notebook I carry everywhere to tell you about upstate New York- which by the way was amazing! Oh and pls know: Anywhere that is not New York City, is upstate New York! It was soooo green and lush- everywhere! Everywhere was rolling hills, greenery, different shades of green in the trees, the bushes, the flowers, the gardens- oh the gardens people had! I just saw no dirt, no sand- yeah completely the oppisite of here ha ha!! Oh yeah and no ocean, but lots of meandering streams, a river or two, lakes...so lots of water and lots of boats, so that seemed familiar.
Ok so about my trip. Ha ha first ya get across the border, so it was my first time walking across at Tijuana, and I did not like it one bit. Well I shouldn't be so dismal about it, because as it turned out I crossed pretty quickly, and if I could always do that, then I am ok with it. And quite possible it does work that way. We didn't get to Tijuana until about 10am, and of course, as we always do...we went the wrong way more than once before going the right way to get close to the border. I don't like the chaos there, not sure why...maybe I'm nervous that maybe there are more bad people there ready to fleece the naive tourist? But I am always there with my Mexican husband, I've never seen anything bad there..so why do I worry? Hmmm gonna have to let that one go....When you finally get near the border it's a zoo! It's like 6 lanes across of cars all waiting and line goes on forever. People everywhere, and so noisy. We parked in the same lot that Everardo did when he picked me up last time and he knew right where to go, so we started walking. I didn't see where the end of the line was and was sure we'd be in it all day! I was already ready to pay Tim the $70 for gas to get a ride thru Tecate, which I did the first time when it took us 6 minutes to cross. The problem there is, there are no services on the other side, so if Everardo was simply dropping me off I'd have no way to get to San Ysidro/San Diego and it's about a 20 minute drive or more. Ok so we are walking and a guy says he I can drive you across- but he want $65 or $75! Yeah no thanks. Then another guy says hey $5 and I get you to the front of the line. I would have kept walking but Everardo talked to him and we said ok. They brought me this white van stuffed full with people and I kissed Poppi goodbye and jumped in. Crazy but I thought -shit! Will I ever see him again? Am I headed for the middle of the desert? Ridiculous thought since we were at the Tijuana border....how would we just turn and drive away? Well next to me in the van were some Asian people who I asked if they spoke English or Spanish and they answered "little bit" and I figured out they also paid $5...but I didn't feel any better. After what was probly only 7 or 8 minutes but I thought forever, they packed a couple of more people - Mexicans this time and took off....and they brought us to the front of the line!! He told us where to stand and wait to be motioned in. We stood there maybe about another 10-15 minutes and then were waved thru. So before 11:30 am I had crossed. Like I said, if those guys are always there...then no problem.
Ok so I got on the trolley and was off. I found out I could jump off and on as long as it was the same direction, so I did that and went to AT&T for a sim chip for my phone and the bank for some cash. I only had my suitcase and a small backpack since my laptop was getting it's screen fixed & my sister had one I could borrow while I was there. Ha ha google kept out of this account from her laptop and then proudly sent me an email to tell me! But I guess that's a good thing right? Ok so I do my business and ride the trolley to where I can catch the bus for the airport. It is so easy to get from the border to the airport! And cheap...like $2.25 for each. I decided to have lunch since it was so early- my flight wasn't until 9pm! I got to the airport before 3pm; I had decided to just go there and read my new book and people watch since I didn't know anyone in San Diego..but ran into trouble. They wouldn't take my suitcase until 4 hours before my flight- so I had to sit outside security for about 2 hours...doesn't sound that bad- but out there...it's freezing!! The ac is on full blast, the floors are linoleum, and the chairs are plastic and metal. I was miserable. I did get a jacket out and changed into the pajama type pants I had planned to fly in since it was a red eye (overnite) flight. But I was cold. Ok so I read and got in at 5pm and headed right for a coffee place to get warmed up. I bought 2 bananas and the lady said they were $1 each! Ouch...then she looked around and said- nobody's gonna buy them tonite so take 2 for $1...thank you! Then I found $1 on the ground. So things were lookin' up. I packed a peanut butter sandwich, an apple and some almonds for my dinner so I didn't eat airport food...or be tempted to blow my new eating style with fast food right at the start of my trip and so a couple hours later, warm and cozy, I had that. Besides the trip was long long long, I didn't sleep all that great- man they have managed to make the space on the planes even smaller- but the next morning after only one plane change, in NY, I landed in Albany and my sister and her hubby were waiting for me!! We were all so happy to see each other! Let the adventure begin! Oh yeah I did get to see an idiot, who was late for his flight, open the door to head for his place after the people had all gotten on the plan and the airline folks had already left. That was waiting for my connection. A big alarm went off...he jumped in the air.....we all laughed...but I tell ya- NO SECURITY PEOPLE CAME!! Hmmmm. Finally someone came and turned off the alarm but the guy had already stomped off. Ha ha .
Ok- so my first day was very hot and that was good. Shorts and tees all day. Karen and I, and Emmy the dog walked all over her property and it is so beautiful. It must be like 10 acres...I don't actually know but there were hills and little open areas, a big area above the house on the hill they call the soccer field, little areas where there were benches or picnic tables, little paths, a little stone walkway that Karen made by digging up stones that had been there forever. A couple of really old out buildings that the wood had vines or algae (what is it called?) on it...like an old photograph or an old movie. So much character! She had a garden, with big plans for how she would change it for next year- something was eating her veges, but her green bean plant had bravely fought off the bugs and that day had pushed out one lone bean, but a couple of days later I think there were 3!
There were pretty flowers everywhere, some had been coming back yearly and some she had added. The white farmhouse sits close to the road- it seemed like all the houses were like that- ok wait- many houses, not all because the next door neighbor- their friends, the house was set back. But there's was right off the road, but has this beautiful expanse of green grass all around it, then groves of trees and/or bushes...lots of places for deer, squirrels, chipmunks and bunny rabbits to hide and play. Oh and I think-even a bear...there might have been bear poop evident one morning when Karen was out walking Emmy. Emmy is this cutie pie little dog- their first dog, and in my opinion....just what they needed! I think her breed is mixed, but at least part Pappion...ok I never heard of a Pappion, but they must be cute. She can only weigh about 7 or 8 lbs, black and white, long hair and these tall furry ears! Karen laughed about a facebook post I had put up with this dog who see his shadow and says "Holy cow I'm Batman!" Yeah she has batman ears! She is so sweet and she runs like the wind. We bonded right away and I told her all about her cousins Sam & Hazel. Now Hazel doesn't seem that small to me any more....her body is about the same size as Emmy, but her legs are long so she's much taller. Hazel looks like a german shepard who was in the movie Honey I Shrunk The Kids..an exact replica only tiny ha ha. So anyway back to Emmy. They have this huge property, but the house is close to the road...and Emmy goes nuts when a big truck or a motorcycle goes by. Uh oh.
They figured out the perfect solution! They put this really long line from the house up the hill on the ground, then attached by a pulley another line that is not attached to the ground, but the first line so it goes out to the sides. That way Emmy can run up and down the hill, and side to side. She has a huge area, and in some places she can get into the front of the bushes, but not entangled. There's also a third line and her leash, so Emmy has the run of the property! Well a big huge square anyway. And she takes her job of protecting her property and her people very seriously (ha ha) From in the house she monitors she windows for trucks or animals. There was these woodchucks that were across the street and oh how she struggled and shivered and barked at the windows for us to let her out to get them! (remember this: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood??- He'd chuck all the wood that a wood chuck could, if a wood chuck could chuck wood) But I've never seen a woodchuck before! I guess they are not a Calif animal? They kinda looked like a big fat beaver from my vantage point. There's also beavers, raccons...oh and geese! Across the street was a big pond and really early in the morning these geese would fly in, making all this noise. I think they were already flying south for the winter. So Emmy has lots to occupy her time, along with going everywhere with us.
My bedroom (and the master) was upstairs and my window looked out across the road to that pond. I woke up every morning at first light (then went back to sleep) but watched the gray light slowly start to get brighter, some mornings with misty fog swirling...and I could only partially see the pond thru the trees...it was mystical, magical. It was a beautiful moment each morning for me. I watched for a few minutes each morning, complimented and thanked the universe...for it's beauty, for letting participate, for my sister and brother in law, for my little Emmy, for my life, for life. Then I snuggled back down in my comfy covers and floated back off. The house was so...quaint. I mean it looked exactly like I thought it would as I came to each room. I mean I really liked how they had it decorated, furniture bought from county auction and barn sales, funky artwork. My sister is an artist and I love her taste. I had a big soft bed, a slanted roof (& yes I did hit my head but only once ha ha). All the rooms had so much light! And my bedroom had a window that was at floor level...really funky...all the rooms looked out to beautiful green rolling hills and trees as far as you could see. Of course it was summer- in another week or so the colors will begin to change- in fact I think it's starting but not yet in full swing- and then the snow will come and stays a long long time ha ha. They will leave and head down to Florida for the winter- snowbirds I guess they are called, right? But their neighbors will stay, so their house will be safe. They bought the property from a neighbor couple who have become their good friends. I met them and was instantly at ease with them- the nicest couple.
The kitchen was our main room for congregating although we got together at nite in the little "office" to watch movies- there's a comfy couch in there, too, but I also sat in the living room to read and they had a fireplace which we enjoyed one nite.
So we went to these little towns that are all over the place. We went to an auction that is every Tuesday nite (there's also one on Thurs nites at another location) and I bid with a paddle on some stuff!! First time I ever did that- with the auctioneer calling out from up on a stage! I only bid on things I knew I'd be out bid on ha ha! Karen said the prior year she got some great deals on some of their furniture, and you never know what they will have. Farm tools, old bicycles, toys, old costume jewelry, all kinds of furniture...it was really fun; and they sell hot dogs and other food, drinks, it was a family run business and they were all there from the old guy who was running the auction down to a granddaughter running items out to the lucky buyers who's bid was the highest.
We went to a street fair and a car show, oh and the dump every Saturday...and ha ha it's pretty busy with all the neighboring houses/farms bring their garbage...no pickup. Sunday we went to another friend's potluck, which was also a jam session, they were awesome!! Also awesome was the garden the guy's girlfriend created where she mixes flowers and vegetables. She gave us a tour and Karen asked lots of questions about what was with what and getting ideas for her own garden creation. We ate and danced and laughed. The next day we went back over to help bring chairs and things back up to the house- yeah the party was outside in a beautiful setting- green of course ha ha- and got to see the guy's workshop. My sister's close friends are very cool. (I want to say awesome but awsome seems to be my only adjective in this post ha ha). His name is Jeff and he makes "stretchers". Not for people going in an ambulance....but the wood frame that an art canvas is "stretched" across that a painter will then paint on. He had an amazing story of how he fell into the business....a friend he was working for when he first got out of college and was bumming around, asked what he was doing with his life....then suggested he take a look behind a painting when her was in a gallery...the guy did something where Jeff delivered things to art galleries for him (see I forget what it was), but anyway Jeff did it. He saw these beautiful works of art, these expensive pieces of art, created on these shabbily put together pieces of wood. His friend asked if he could do better- Jeff said- Hell yes! And so it began. He designed his first stretchers, and with his friend whispering in a couple of ears to give his buddy Jeff a chance...became wildly successful! Such a cools story eh? He told me he basically had no competition for like 25 or 30 years! He has some now, but he is never short of work orders. He's been a friend of my sister and hubby for more than 30 years...and I'm glad they have such a good friend. He's a super nice guy. He plays guitar, seems to like boats, since he had a yard full of these long canoes, a "cottage" that is a house boat...and if he is close with my sister- then he must have met them boating somewhere since they have lived on one boat or another for the last 40 years or so.....yeah this is their first house. In Florida they live on a little houseboat so they are not total landlubbers ha ha! It's funny, they finally moved back to the United States and I move out!
We have a funny cycle. In 1988 I think it was, we both moved to southern Calif and didn't know each other was coming. It was a nice year. My daughter Drewy was 3/4 and she got to spend alot of time with them that year. They were in Long Beach and me and Drewy were in Anaheim. Yep right next to Disneyland- I would see the top of the Materhorn every morning on my way to work! They always lived on a boat, a sailboat, a barge, now a houseboat...I traveled for work to other countries but they were almost always in Europe & I was going to places in Asia.
Anyway, my trip was...wait for it...awesome. We went to nearby Cooperstown where the Baseball Hall of Fame is- I took a photo as we drove by...none of us care about baseball ha ha. But I had a fabulous (see different word) cheeseburger in a little diner, and a horrible Rueben sandwich in another. (I was told I had to have a Rueben in NY..ugh wasn't missing anything). We went to an orchard and picked apples and berries, went to an apple cider farm...they weren't making cider that day but they had a nice layout, lots of "fall" knickknacks for sale...we bought some wonderful sharp cheddar cheese from them. We went to a farmer's market on a rainy day out in the country- ok everything was out in the country ha ha- and bought more fresh cheese and some great bread, that day we went home and got some hot chocolate on the way so had a feast in the cozy kitchen when we got home. Wednesday nite we had a Mexican dinner party and invited the 3 couple who they are close friends with, sadly one couple couldn't make because their dog was really sick...but we had alot of fun with the other 2 couples. We went to a couple of different museums and art exhibits and "visited" the sculture they bought but agreed to leave until the exhibit/show was over. I fell in love with a piece myself and am still kicking myself for not buying it on impulse! I took a picture of it, and still can see it exactly where it should be sitting in my house! (my husband never reads my blog so it's ok if I say this ha ha). I hesitated and did not spend the money because it was enough $ that I should have discussed it with him first- so I did. But he does not look at art the way I do. I tried to show him examples of the few nice things I do have, and what they mean to me, but he didn't understand. That's what I mean about I kinda wish I had just gone for it. I mean he wouldn't have stayed mad forever....(I think ha ha). My sister had said...in a year will the money won't seem like much, but if you are looking at something you love....she was right. They had chosen a sculpture that was/is really cool, and it was fun to see how much she loved it. The sculptures were all created out of old things- alot of old farming equipment, tools, that sort of thing. You could see faces in them all. After that day I started seeing faces everywhere. At the apple cider place they had old farm tools hanging along the inside of the big barn we were in and I started taking pictures of them all because I could see faces in them all!
So I had a wonderful, awesome, fantastic time. We did alot, and yet, not. We also spent time watching movies or curled up reading. I exercised almost every morning, and Karen bought tickets to a zumba class we tried out. It wasn't the best...girl had no Latin bones in her skinny bod ha ha! But we had fun anyway. We all did good with eating- they are healthy eaters already so except for the ice cream we bought for the dinner party, there was no sneaky bad foods calling to me from the cupboards. I didn't put on any weight, stayed the same and I'm soooo happy about that. The time with them flew by. I was so sad to leave. Everardo heard it in my voice and asked if I wanted to stay longer. I did of course, but isn't that the right time to leave? And after the first few days it started to get cold and rainy anyway... and man when it got cold- it got cold....for me of course after living in sunny hot Mexico for the last 2.5 years.
I went to see them because I missed them. I had started to worry about my brother in law after talking/emailing with my sister, and then found out I had enough frequent flyer miles for a free ticket- so I went. Barry is my brother in law, but I've known him longer than anyone in my life except my brother and my 2 sisters. Maybe 40 years, maybe more. He's older than my sister, but has had some fucked up medical problems over the years, including open heart surgery, cancer, ect. His poor body is tired out, and now he's having some crazy issues where it seems like his brain can't get the message out sometimes to other body parts that it was just talkin' to. Sad and scary. But it's still him. They are still them. It's so touching how much they care for each other and how much my sister loves him. It's hard though, to become the one who kinda has to caretake the other, and I'm sure hard to be the one who can't do everything you did just not that long ago. That's another reason I love those friends and neighbors. The couple next door has a similar (but diff of course) problem, where the husband had brain cancer 7 years ago and the doctor said go home and get your affairs in order...but he beat it! But it took his toll, and little by little he has started to deteriorate. So the two women can commiserate and when they can laugh they can see their 2 gimps. And I suspect when they need to cry they have each others shoulders, hugs and unconditional support and love. I got to spend some one on one time with my sister and we talked and talked. About our mom, our family, ourselves...her family and mine, which of course when all is said and done, is the same family. Am I blessed or what? Love you sissy.
Wow! So this was such a long post that I think I am done...oh except to say on the way home I did come across the perfect zip up sweatshirt for only $20 in the airport (yep $20!) that says Upstate New York on it....and when I tried to catch that trolley back to the border, I missed it and had to wait almost an hour because they don't run as often on Sunday...but I missed it because the ticket machine would not give me a ticket- but it did spit a whole bunch of quarters at me...they just kept coming out of the machine! I found in the pile one of those new gold dollars that are just slightly bigger than a quarter and I bet it got stuck in the machine...so I made out with a couple of extra bucks on that deal. I walked back across the border and into the arms of my darling husband...and THAT is the end of my trip to upstate New York story! Viva y buenas noches!
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