Constructing Your Neighbors June 2015-November 2016

  When we moved in one of the attractions was the big empty lot next door. For a time it functioned as Chempsey Field, home of wind blown whiffle balls and thick tree stumps that prevented any serious running. Yet it was kind of cool except at night when it was kind of empty and spooky.  The construction of the Firehouse and Emergency Response Center began several months later and it's finally getting close to the completion of the external structures, at least.  Most of the work days have been M-F, 7am-3pm. Other than about a total of two weeks of drilling, shaking and rocking, it's been a tolerable experience...other than those two weeks.

What was

through a rain stained window, getting ready for concrete

Al's Dog, Al's Arm, Al's Bro, Not Al's Home, Alameda To Be

You know we ended up with a cuddly dog. We don't believe that she got nearly as much comfort as she needed in the shelter (as good of a shelter as it is!). She really enjoys sitting on us, and laying her head on our knees, and being wrapped up in a blanket.

Al broke his arm when the tallest kid in school, being a goofball ran and then turned backwards, stumbled and landed on the kid who now has an honest excuse to be even lazier. It's healing and we are grateful.

Thank you to the good people of Oakland's Kaiser, Dr. Doug but everyone has been very helpful and caring

Al and his brother, with Hunter Pence hair.

the house I grew up in, in San Francisco finally has a new coat of paint

Sometimes where we live now, as quiet as it is, is a pretty place to be

Traci At The Academy

 
    Hey! Traci came to town to visit, with her fiance, Nick meeting some of his family from LA way, Julie and brother Ryan, and their three cool kids.  Kevin, Jen, Hingee and Wayne, plus us met them at the Academy of Sciences. I've only been there recently to see Dennis and Courtney but not in the years since my Dad died.  I do remember fondly how he found a sense of wonder there and enjoyed the large fish tanks especially.  After Dexter finished a round of college exam tests, he showed up for lunch at Park Chow in the Sunset.  It was a relaxed morning-afternoon, and we like this new extension.  See you all in Michigan next year.

 

Traci telling stories to anyone who will listen

impressed with how much my sister got into this role playing (see hand)

 

Cai Moves Away

   Cailin and Mike (+Bogart, Posey and Angel) moved out of Hyde Street to Portland, OR, a big change for everyone.  It is easy to acknowledge how much the distance is felt, but we this is a good fit for them. Portland is a fine community, laid back as any big city with much to do.  I don't think anyone over 50 exists there but just the same, a real cool place to live. Not so sure about the effect the abundance of rain may take, or the shorter amount of day light in winter- but without those considerations, everyone might live here. As the area becomes more  populated, it may lose some of its charm but we are not there yet. Portland reminds me of the nicest areas of Winnipeg, but offered in a magnitude of 10.

    I was delighted to be able to accomplish the 10 hour ride with just one 30 minute break, and by packing healthy snacks that didn't tire me out, bringing a thermos of coffee and having music to inspire, I left Alameda at 8:30am and arrived at their place at 7pm. The three of us, with Mike's reunion with his vehicle did some exploring of the area, and I was very happy to follow.  Tuesday morning I wandered about on my own. I think they will be happy up here.

the grocery store across the street

Bogart

Angel

their apartment building

Posey

                               

I liked this place. Also another in the St.John's neighborhood

And one will be President

a couple of blocks from Powell's

free afternoon local beer at the hotel. As well as bikes to ride. I enjoyed both!

so many food options, most places supporting local products

 
     No doubt we will miss them. This is their journey, their path. They are taking it and I couldn't feel better
     about this.  Kathy has a funny line; "Being a parent is screwed; when you do a good job, they go away".