August 23rd: Completed August 17th post

  NOTE: I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE AUG 17TH  BLOG TO LOAD COMPLETELY. HERE IS THE COMPLETE POST

I flew to Cleveland August 3rd and arrived late enough that I just stayed near the airport. Wednesday morning Scott and Terri picked me up and drove me to my rental car location. I rented off site from the airport because the cost was less than double the cost at the airport. Fortunately, I made the reservation a couple months ago, just in case I couldn't get in to Canada. The rental agent remarked that my cost was a real bargain as current rental rates were more than double my rate! 

Everything went smoothly and we arrived at Julie's late morning. My cousin Marialice also joined us for a great outdoor lunch at Scotty's. Then we went to the Slovenian Rehab Center to celebrate Julie and Jim's 80th birthdays. We gathered outside and had a great visit, including strawberry cake and ice cream.

After visiting Jim we went for a walk along the lake. The new entrance to a walking path at the end of the street is wonderful. We had considered going to the Western Reserve Historical Society Museum in Cleveland but it was closed on Wednesday.

My plan was to stay with Julie Thursday night and then go to the farm Friday night. Saturday I would join Terri and Scott and drive to Dayton for the anniversary party. As it turned out, I received a text Wednesday afternoon from Andy that the party was postponed due to COVID. 

My sister Julie and brother-
in-law Scott in back

New plan. Terri, Scott, Julie and I went to the Western Reserve Historical Society Thursday. It has been significantly expanded since the last time I was there. A major addition was the Euclid Beach Park Carousel. We had fun reliving our youth by riding the carousel and reading about the history of Euclid Beach Amusement Park.

My sister Terri

First amphibian mail carrier

There were many old vehicles and planes downstairs. All were in excellent condition. Here are just a few.

Very old motor home with a push out

And there was also this unique "space age" motorcycle that was built as a prototype just for fun. Read the description Top speed theoretically 300 mph!

There are numerous fun exhibits and a very detailed history of Cleveland. The wooden model of the terminal tower is quite impressive. 

It's also amazing to see the small sailboat Manry sailed across the ocean. Truly amazing he made it. Robert Manry's Trip

 

Robert Manry's 13.5 foot sailboat

More info about the Western Reserve Historical Society. History

Raspberry bushes in the center

I had asked Julie if she had any projects I could help with while I was in Cleveland. She said she'd like to get the "Jungle" in her back yard under control.

Raspberry bushes and small trees removed

The raspberry bushes were quite overgrown and not producing much. They were in the center and clearly the toughest job. There were also numerous small oak trees and numerous morning glory vines that had started growing. We started with the raspberry bushes and the oak trees. We cleared them out Friday morning and decided that was enough for the day.

Julie was leaving to visit Jim and told me the lawn mowers would be coming that afternoon. Hmmm! Lawn mowers have good equipment. I talked to them and had them whack down the rest of the weeds and undesired plants. Much easier than Julie and me doing it! She has daffodils and peonies that will come up in the spring and plans to plant wild flowers. It looks a lot better.

Project completed

After I returned home, Julie sent me a picture she took one morning. It appears the deer also like the jungle being trimmed!

I neglected to take a picture of the poppy seed pastries Julie provided from the Slovenian Bakery, twice! They are very good and dangerously addictive! 

Julie, Jim and I go down the street to watch the sunset whenever I am there. There were beautiful sunsets and even the deer came to enjoy the view! (Deer not in the picture)

Given I wasn't going to Dayton, I went to the farm in Loudonville Friday afternoon so I could hike the Mohican forest. The park is very beautiful and the geology is unique. The glaciers carved it out. I took a couple pictures of displays explaining the geology but I missed part of one sign. You can still get most of the ideas.

 

I enjoyed a fairly strenuous, up and down, 3.5 mile hike.

Lyons Falls (Just a trickle in the summer)

My hike began at the top of the dam and went down along the river below. Of course that meant I needed to get back to the top of the dam where my car was. About 200 steps to the top!

200 plus steps to the top of the dam

I also made arrangements to meet friends in Loudonville on Sunday. It worked out very well. We played cards and as usual Sue tried to pick on me, but I won anyway! Bob and Sue are good people and fun friends who grew up with Linda. We always get together when we are in Loudonville or there will be  hell to pay! Sue thoughtfully invited Elaine and Bob, also high school friends I've gotten to know, to join us. They also are a lot of fun  It was so nice to be able to get back together again in person!

One of Tom's peach trees

Tom's peach trees are having the best year ever. One tree was so full that Linda's brother Warren used boards to prop up the branches. The peaches are delicious. 

Monday, Linda's brother Pat, his wife Becky and her mom Donna, Dick, Linda's youngest brother, my cousin Marialice, Bob and Sue gathered at the farm for dinner. I made barbecued spare ribs and everyone brought more food than we could possibly eat. Warren stopped over later even though he had just driven back from Chicago to visit his son Matt and his family. I went back to Cleveland Monday night to spend a a little more time with Julie before flying to St. Louis Wednesday.

August 17th: Planning flexibility required

 NOTE: I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THIS BLOG TO LOAD COMPLETELY. I WILL MAKE ADDITIONS CORRECTIONS LATER.

I flew to Cleveland August 3rd and arrived late enough that I just stayed near the airport. Wednesday morning Scott and Terri picked me up and drove me to my rental car location. I rented off site from the airport because the cost was less than double the cost at the airport. Fortunately, I made the reservation a couple months ago, just in case I couldn't get in to Canada. The rental agent remarked that my cost was a real bargain as current rental rates were more than double my rate! 

Everything went smoothly and we arrived at Julie's late morning. My cousin Marialice also joined us for a great outdoor lunch at Scotty's. Then we went to the Slovenian Rehab Center to celebrate Julie and Jim's 80th birthdays. We gathered outside and had a great visit, including strawberry cake and ice cream.

After visiting Jim we went for a walk along the lake. The new entrance to a walking path at the end of the street is wonderful. We had considered going to the Western Reserve Historical Society Museum in Cleveland but it was closed on Wednesday.

My plan was to stay with Julie Thursday night and then go to the farm Friday night. Saturday I would join Terri and Scott and drive to Dayton for the anniversary party. As it turned out, I received a text Wednesday afternoon from Andy that the party was postponed due to COVID. 

New plan. Terri, Scott, Julie and I went to the Western Reserve Historical Society Thursday. It has been significantly expanded since the last time I was there. A major addition was the Euclid Beach Park Carousel. We had fun reliving our youth by riding the carousel and reading about the history of Euclid Beach Amusement Park.

There are numerous fun exhibits and a detailed history of Cleveland. The wooden model of the terminal tower is very impressive. 

It's also amazing to see the small sailboat Manley sailed across the ocean. Truly amazing he made it. Robert Manry's Trip

 

Robert Manry's 13.5 foot sailboat

More info about the Western Reserve Historical Society. History

Raspberry bushes in the center

I had asked Julie if she had any projects I could help with while I was in Cleveland. She said she'd like to get the "Jungle" in her back yard under control.

Raspberry bushes and small trees removed

The raspberry bushes were quite overgrown and not producing much. They were in the center and clearly the toughest job. There were also numerous small oak trees and numerous morning glory vines that had started growing. We started with the raspberry bushes and the oak trees. We cleared them out Friday morning and decided that was enough for the day.

Julie was leaving to visit Jim and told me the lawn mowers would be coming that afternoon. Hmmm! Lawn mowers have good equipment. I talked to them and had them whack down the rest of the weeds and undesired plants. Much easier than Julie and me doing it! She has daffodils and peonies that will come up in the spring and plans to plant wild flowers. It looks a lot better.

Project completed

Given I wasn't going to Dayton I made arrangements to meet friends in Loudonville on Sunday. It worked out very well. Tom's peach trees are having the best year ever. One tree was so full that Linda's brother Warren used boards to prop up the branches. The peaches are delicious. Monday the Drouhard group, Marialice and Donna, (Becky's mother) gathered at the farm for dinner. I made barbecued spare ribs and everyone brought more food than we could possibly eat. Warren even stopped over later even though he had just driven back from Chicago to visit Matt's family. Then I went back to Cleveland Monday night to spend a a little more time with Julie before flying to St. Louis Wednesday.

August 3rd: Laguna Art Festival, more hiking and getting ready to go to Ohio

Karen and Craig invited me to attend the annual Laguna Arts Festival. There are multiple venues with a variety of expertise and art mediums. Unfortunately for the most part I was not allowed to take pictures, which I certainly understand. 

Karen and Craig taking a break

There is a roof over the exhibits but the walls are very open. It made for very comfortable viewing as we walked around seemingly outside.

California Seascape by Loretta Alvarado

The artist allowed me to take this picture of her fabric sculpture. The sculpture hanging on the wall is about 4 feet tall. Her background is interesting. She was working as an engineer when a friend asked her if she could make him a full sized fabric moose head to put on the wall. Her attempt was so successful she started doing more fabric art. She is now a very successful artist. Her work is unique, very interesting and quite costly. Some of her pieces are listed at tens of thousands of dollars. The link shows how she works.

California Seascape Artist

Another artist who intrigued me is Susan Marosz. Her pictures are made completely in glass. She uses a patented process. You can see some of her work and a little about her at this link. Susan Marosz Glass Artist

After walking around the art exhibits for about 5 hours we stopped at the Chinese restaurant for an excellent takeout dinner. Then Craig had a good idea. Since we couldn't go to Canada on Guppy why not watch a show about Canadian cottage makeovers. The show was entertaining but didn't quite fill our Canada visit gap! After watching only one episode we were all ready for bed. 

Laguna Beach Seaview trail mansions

The next morning, Craig and I as usual, went for another hike. This time we walked along the Seaview Trail. It runs along a cliff just below numerous mansions. The cliff drops off almost straight down 800 feet. 

The Badlands Park is west of the trail. There is a nice plaque that explains the geography and ma's affect on it!

It continues to amaze me that there are so many people with the money to build/buy these mansions. Also makes me wonder why. They are so huge it's incredible. I did a quick search and found currently some are listed for sale from the 10s of millions up to $50 million dollars. I know some are even more expensive.

The view should have been spectacular but we were pretty well fogged in. The sea fog made for a very comfortable hike, but not very good for pictures of the ocean view. I decided to take a video of the ocean fog! Craig and I want to return sometime to see the views. Once in a while we could get a glimpse. There are many places where the cliff drops almost straight down close to the ocean beach below.

One of the mansions caught my attention. I told Craig it reminded me of the House of Dracula or maybe the Munsters' house. Very unusual architecture and colors. Also very dark.

Well camouflaged Road Runner

When we were almost back to the starting point, I spotted a Road Runner. It was very well camouflaged, but I could spot it when it moved. I was pleased when it moved to a place I could get a good picture. We didn't hear any "Beep, Beep!"

Road Runner

Karen's new tomato crop

Before I left San Juan Capistrano I had to check out Karen's new cherry tomato crop. Once again the plants are out of control. The tomatoes are delicious. 

Chicken Marsala

Karen generously sent some home with me. I decided to make Chicken Marsala from Linda's mom's recipe. It turned out great and I'm certain the fresh tomatoes made a big difference. 

Craig and I were still lamenting our not being able to go to Canada. We decided to plan a trip during my stay with them in San Juan Capistrano to compensate for "No Canada". I considered Lake Tahoe after seeing the pictures Matt and Wendy sent. It looks spectacular and I'd never been there. The Rahns had. 

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Matt and Wendy had recently been to Big Bear Lake and highly recommended it. The Rahns had been to Big Bear Lake also so we had a lot of first hand knowledge. After some consultations we decided Big Bear Lake had a great deal to offer. It is considerably closer than Lake Tahoe and we are able to rent a very nice rental house for four days from a friend of the Rahns. Here are some pictures of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake photos

Tuesday I head to Ohio. My family will be celebrating both my sister Julie's (August 5th) and brother-in law Jim's (August 2nd) 80th birthdays. The party actually started a little early because the Torack family, my niece Christi's family was in town, as well as my cousin Marialice, and sister and brother-in-law Terri and Scott. I vicariously really enjoyed seeing people actually be able to celebrate in person. Of course we'll celebrate again when I get there.

Will, Kaitlyn, Julie, Christie and JP

Fortunately I will get to see the Toracks and spend time with them in St. Louis. Christi suggested I stop on my way back to California and spend time with the family at their Lake house. They have a boat!!!!! Easy decision, the boat is secondary, but an added bonus. 

It has been so long since I have seen Kaitlyn and JP it's ridiculous. We had a lot of fun together in Marathon Florida. The Toracks are always entertaining! I thought I'd put one memorable picture on and couldn't stop!

A few days ago someone asked, "How are you doing?" I appreciate the support and direct question. I had to think about it. It was Linda's and my 50th anniversary this year July 10th. Still can't get used to her not being here in person. After 50 years my thoughts automatically include her quite often. A friend told me "I know you are not ready to "Move On", and you might never choose to "Move On". But it is good to see you "Moving forward". For whatever reason that resonated with me. Moving forward includes going to Ohio, celebrating Julie and Jim's 80th birthdays, getting together with the Drouhard family, and finally getting together with the Franko Family at Andy and Helen's 50th anniversary party. In addition, I'll enjoy St. Louis with the Toracks, Big Bear Lake with the Rahns in September, and I'm going to New England to tour a little of Maine with Terri and Scott and then spend a week with the Scott family in Burlington. The Rahns plan to spend time in November with me in Florida on Yesterday's Dream. In January I will travel to Mexico to spend time with Randy and Cindy.

I've come to the conclusion that after having travelled on a boat with Linda for 12 years, and waiting out COVID for a year in Encinitas, "sitting still" is just not in my nature. I know I'm very fortunate to have what I have and to be where I am. I wouldn't trade the time I've spent with Matt, Wendy, Rebecca, London and Trevi for the world. People had told me I should stay busy so I wouldn't be thinking about Linda. I certainly wish she were still here with me, but I know thinking about her is helpful to me. Linda and I would have spent the last year here together if she hadn't passed away.  We would have spent a lot of our time planning our next adventures. I include her thinking in my planning and often hear her suggestions for moving forward. Moving forward for me means I need to continue to explore, meet new friends, spend time with long time good friends and family. Perhaps it doesn't need to include a boat, but, I'm not ready to change that part of my life for the predictable future.