Greg Zoe and me were eating breakfast at Carl's Jr. and a couple came to our table asking for a handout...
they were showing pictures of a little boy, who they say was their nephew (4 yrs. old) who died during surgery to repair a hole in his heart...I told her about Zoe and she said, "please do not get surgery for her, we wish we had not for him..."
they needed the money for funeral expenses...I gave whatever I had in my pocket...
Greg being who he is, questioned me on how true did I think it was...I said, that I couldn't really help it...if it was made up. they went to a fair amount of trouble with the kid's picture, etc...not sure where you do draw the line...
but, me being me, I always have and always will root for the underdog but, also saying that I don't know when it is real and when it is not...
if I were in that position, would want someone to help me out...and that is the final word...I help when I can and don't when I can't...
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
wrong car
today after Target, stopped by Starbucks for Tim to get a non coffee...he took Zoe in with him...I could see them in the rear view mirror coming out to the car...little did I notice that there was another white car also parked in the handicapped spot...
need I say what happened next???
OK, to spell it out, Zoe went around to one side and tried the car door and in Tim's defense he saw her error before his hand actually touched the door...
the lady sitting in the driver's seat was not pleased with us...even when we apologized and waved...
it happened to us one time when we were out shopping, came out and there was an old man sitting in our passenger seat...he was confused and we felt sorry for him...
my sister in Texas did the same thing...she came out of the .99 store and went out to her friend's car and sat down...only it wasn't her friend's car, and the owner was extremely mad at her...she of course cried.................................................
need I say what happened next???
OK, to spell it out, Zoe went around to one side and tried the car door and in Tim's defense he saw her error before his hand actually touched the door...
the lady sitting in the driver's seat was not pleased with us...even when we apologized and waved...
it happened to us one time when we were out shopping, came out and there was an old man sitting in our passenger seat...he was confused and we felt sorry for him...
my sister in Texas did the same thing...she came out of the .99 store and went out to her friend's car and sat down...only it wasn't her friend's car, and the owner was extremely mad at her...she of course cried.................................................
Saturday, March 13, 2010
closer as a family...
when we took Zoe out of public school to home school her, there were other families that did the same thing...one giri I had always really liked and I saw her in Ralph's today...
she was happy to see Zoe and said that Zoe had really grown since she had seen her last...
we talked about home school...
she said, "this is the best thing I have ever done in my life, and I wish I had done it before...(how cool is that???) this has brought our family closer together than ever before and I love every minute of it...."
totally admire her and am somewhat envious of what she has...
she was happy to see Zoe and said that Zoe had really grown since she had seen her last...
we talked about home school...
she said, "this is the best thing I have ever done in my life, and I wish I had done it before...(how cool is that???) this has brought our family closer together than ever before and I love every minute of it...."
totally admire her and am somewhat envious of what she has...
potty time
on Thursday, when Greg and I went to Coco's for dinner, at the next table was a mother, grandmother and a little boy...the little boy was very well behaved...the mom got up to go to the bathroom and asked the little boy if he needed to go also...he said no, but she kept asking...so, she finally went by herself...she came back and they picked up to go and then the little boy said, "mom, I have to go potty..." I laughed, cause I knew all along that was going to happen...
a couple of days later once again Greg and I were out eating, this time at Golden Ox...this wasn't the first time I had noticed this cute little family...mom, dad, the grandparents, a little boy of about 3, a little boy maybe 1 1/2 and a new baby girl...the parents asked the "3 year old" several times if he needed "to go..." he kept saying "no." they get all the kids buckled into their car seats, the parents get in, buckle, start the car and then stop the car...you guessed...the dad got out, got the little boy out, they come half way in, and then leave again...the dad goes to the back of the SUV and take out a pair of pants...do I have to spell out what happened...I laughed...
a couple of days later once again Greg and I were out eating, this time at Golden Ox...this wasn't the first time I had noticed this cute little family...mom, dad, the grandparents, a little boy of about 3, a little boy maybe 1 1/2 and a new baby girl...the parents asked the "3 year old" several times if he needed "to go..." he kept saying "no." they get all the kids buckled into their car seats, the parents get in, buckle, start the car and then stop the car...you guessed...the dad got out, got the little boy out, they come half way in, and then leave again...the dad goes to the back of the SUV and take out a pair of pants...do I have to spell out what happened...I laughed...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
calamity jane
that is her name, the person who's story this is about...she said her aunt thought she was ornery as a baby as so named her...
Zoe and I take a lot of walks, usually nightly and we normally go to Rite Aid or Ralph's...I take my scooter and since she has learned to ride her bike, she will ride that...
weird story...the other day, when we went for a walk to Goodwill with Sian and Sam, Zoe almost got hit by a police car and I would have gotten in trouble, cause she didn't have a helmet on...the police just waved at us...
so tonight we took a walk and it was dark and we are coming around the bend towards Ralph's and there is a little old lady pushing her walker that is covered in groceries...she smiled and said hi to Zoe and then asked me about my scooter and I told her all about it, how it collapses etc. and then she tells me how much she needs one, and I tell her to get a prescription from her doctor and Social Security will pay for it...she tells Zoe and me all about her life and how lonely she is...I told her that with the scooter I have more freedom and she said she has absolutely no freedom, and she only gets out of her house 4x a year and that is to take the bus up to Ralph's and get a few groceries...she buys tons of sardines in mustard sauce to last her...
she said that it was destined that we meet tonight and would I mind exchanging phone numbers with her??? I did, and am hoping I did the right thing... she gave me a hug and started crying she was crying as she walked away...
she was having a hard time breathing (she said from asthma...)
she said she has no family and no friends and where she lives the neighbors are mean to her and push her off her walker...
you cannot help but feel for her, just hope I don't regret giving out my phone number...
we saw her again in Rite Aid, buying the sardines and the girl behind the counter said that she appears to be a nice old lady when I voiced my concerns...
Zoe and I take a lot of walks, usually nightly and we normally go to Rite Aid or Ralph's...I take my scooter and since she has learned to ride her bike, she will ride that...
weird story...the other day, when we went for a walk to Goodwill with Sian and Sam, Zoe almost got hit by a police car and I would have gotten in trouble, cause she didn't have a helmet on...the police just waved at us...
so tonight we took a walk and it was dark and we are coming around the bend towards Ralph's and there is a little old lady pushing her walker that is covered in groceries...she smiled and said hi to Zoe and then asked me about my scooter and I told her all about it, how it collapses etc. and then she tells me how much she needs one, and I tell her to get a prescription from her doctor and Social Security will pay for it...she tells Zoe and me all about her life and how lonely she is...I told her that with the scooter I have more freedom and she said she has absolutely no freedom, and she only gets out of her house 4x a year and that is to take the bus up to Ralph's and get a few groceries...she buys tons of sardines in mustard sauce to last her...
she said that it was destined that we meet tonight and would I mind exchanging phone numbers with her??? I did, and am hoping I did the right thing... she gave me a hug and started crying she was crying as she walked away...
she was having a hard time breathing (she said from asthma...)
she said she has no family and no friends and where she lives the neighbors are mean to her and push her off her walker...
you cannot help but feel for her, just hope I don't regret giving out my phone number...
we saw her again in Rite Aid, buying the sardines and the girl behind the counter said that she appears to be a nice old lady when I voiced my concerns...
Friday, March 5, 2010
layoffs and teachers
everyone that knows us, knows that we took Zoe out of public school this year, and put her in the home school curriculum from a charter school and it has been working out good...she also goes to a church for a Christian based socializing program, this is once a week...
because I really liked some of the teachers at the public school. I have still gone back and helped these teachers and therefore, been priviy to what is happening at the school...we at one time really liked the school when Zoe attented...we put her on home school mainly for her health
problems...
through rumor mill, I had heard that 10 teachers at this particular school, got "pink" slips...today I learned that several that were my favorites are on the list to leave...
without giving any names===a certain teacher was hired last year to teach first grade and at that time, I was volunteering in the school library...this teacher always went out of his way to engage me in conversation, when other teachers would ignore me...I was a no body to them...I learned from him, that after getting hired, he and his wife bought a new house and settled in with their 2 year old... he showed me pictures of his little boy and would tell me cute things that he did...in the 2 years since he has been at this particular school, passing he would always speak to me...
fast forward to this year, and they moved him to teach 3rd grade and OMGosh would I have loved him to teach Zoe this year, but we had been informed last year that we could not request a teacher for 3rd grade and in fact I did not end up with him...this year, however while on home
school curriculum, I several times went to him to see his teachings to make sure we were doing right for Zoe...he would give me tons of photocopied materials to take home... (he didn't have to
do that...)
so today, I asked about him and I had remembered that his wife was pregnant...they knew the new baby was a little girl, named her, and finished the nursery...the day the baby died, he received his "pink" slip...am I the only one that sees something wrong with this...
I am sad...is this all that education means to the district and to the state of California???
I sure hope he and his family will be OK...
btw...I wrestled with the problem of whether I should post this or not...but, it came down to me telling myself that not every story is a happy one and if I am doing a blog on people's lives, it should be reality and we all know that life in general is not perfect all the way...there are ups and downs and how we handle the ups and downs is what defines us as a person, a Christian...
because I really liked some of the teachers at the public school. I have still gone back and helped these teachers and therefore, been priviy to what is happening at the school...we at one time really liked the school when Zoe attented...we put her on home school mainly for her health
problems...
through rumor mill, I had heard that 10 teachers at this particular school, got "pink" slips...today I learned that several that were my favorites are on the list to leave...
without giving any names===a certain teacher was hired last year to teach first grade and at that time, I was volunteering in the school library...this teacher always went out of his way to engage me in conversation, when other teachers would ignore me...I was a no body to them...I learned from him, that after getting hired, he and his wife bought a new house and settled in with their 2 year old... he showed me pictures of his little boy and would tell me cute things that he did...in the 2 years since he has been at this particular school, passing he would always speak to me...
fast forward to this year, and they moved him to teach 3rd grade and OMGosh would I have loved him to teach Zoe this year, but we had been informed last year that we could not request a teacher for 3rd grade and in fact I did not end up with him...this year, however while on home
school curriculum, I several times went to him to see his teachings to make sure we were doing right for Zoe...he would give me tons of photocopied materials to take home... (he didn't have to
do that...)
so today, I asked about him and I had remembered that his wife was pregnant...they knew the new baby was a little girl, named her, and finished the nursery...the day the baby died, he received his "pink" slip...am I the only one that sees something wrong with this...
I am sad...is this all that education means to the district and to the state of California???
I sure hope he and his family will be OK...
btw...I wrestled with the problem of whether I should post this or not...but, it came down to me telling myself that not every story is a happy one and if I am doing a blog on people's lives, it should be reality and we all know that life in general is not perfect all the way...there are ups and downs and how we handle the ups and downs is what defines us as a person, a Christian...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
whether at home or on a trip I love hearing people's stories and everyone has a story...think this stems from my difficult childhood...to mentally get away I loved taking walks at night by myself...why night??? cause I could glance in people's windows as I walked...I started making up stories aboutwho lived there...and of course according to me, everyone had a much better life that I did (especially the made up stories...)I mostly liked the young families, the ones with children...this has carried over to me as an adult...I could sit and talk to anyone (even tho I am basically shy) and I don't consider myself a "people's person..." but tell me a good story and I will listen indefinetly...I also consider myself a champion for the underdog, andGreg is always telling me that I cannot change the world...I really feel for the homeless and the underprivileged (cause I have been there and done that)...Greg will sometimes tell me that I am staring at someone...I don't realize that I am doing it...I get to looking at someone I think is interesting and then I sort of dream what kind of life I think they have...
so, saying that on this trip I have listened to so many people and I did not want to forget them...here are a few of their stories...
a couple of weeks ago, my brother in law died (in Feb.) my sister and he had divorced a few years ago, and I had not seen him in maybe 6 or 7 years??? I remember the good times, tho...he was always nice to me...last weekend we drove past his house and my mind flooded with memories of the good times...he made a mean stuffing at Thanksgiving (get this, his was with olives, corn and hamburger) and ohhhhhhh was it good...loved a good beer and his pool table...I am sorry that he died and even tho, we have not been close, especially lately, I will miss him...
today March 02, 2010, we went to Disneyland with Tim and Zoe...they went ahead of us, as we are usually pretty slow with the scooters, etc...sitting on the tram, was a nice couple next to us, holding a little boy, probably CJ's age (2 or maybe a little younger,) very cute, but, I thought maybe the baby looked tired or something...so Greg starts the conversation and the couple was very sweet trying to make the baby talk to us...I said to the woman, "aren't grandkids just the greatest?" and she wholeheartedly agreed with me and hugged and hugged the little boy...she told me her story...they (the older couple) actually live in Portland Oregon, have a nice big house there...but, when her son and daughter in law had the little boy, they were going to either put him in child care or hire a nanny and the grandparents just couldn't bear the thought of their only grand child being in child care, so they came to LA, and are renting a 1 bedroom condo, so that they are the primary care givers during the day...I am amazed at the caring and selflessness of the grand parents towards this little boy...that they would leave their nice big house, their friends, their lives for this baby...she said that their friends think they are absolutely crazy...I told her I did not think that...I talked to her about my grand kids...turns out "her" baby has a heart condition, like Zoe, only he has 2 holes in his heart...the tram came to our destination, and I was sad that I could not continue talking to her...my final words to her were that with a heart problem, I would not have let him go to child care, either...
in Kissimee waiting for the shuttle to take us to Magic Kingdom, there was a family of 3 people...there was an older couple, I guessed maybe in theirlate 70's, very early 80's...with them they had their daughter who must have been about our age...they were from Montreal...it was the daughter's birthday and they were seeing Disney for the very first time...the daughter was more excited than anyone I have ever seen...at one point talking aboutit, she jumped up and down in excitement...Greg took a picture of the 3 of them together and the gratitude was overwhelming from them to us...really super nice family...I had hoped that we would see them in the park and witness once more the excitement that they felt...
once again at Magic Kingdom...Greg and I had gotten in the little vehicle ride at the Pirate's...and there was really room for 3 in each car...an older lady got in with us and sat in the middle of us...very nice lady...her story was wonderful and after we got off the ride, I kicked myself that I did notask her to join us for the day or just for lunch, whatever...she was by herself at Disney...she was from Minnesota...she had been married for a longtime, had 5 children, numerous grandchildren and also 5 great grandchildren...her husband died and she had really loved him, thought that they wouldhave had a much longer time together but,they did not... she picked herself up and eventually married again...she loved him and also his family and took his children and grandchildren as her own...tragically he also died only after a few years...so, each year she snowbirds to Florida by herself and enjoys Disney by herself, in the winter...another time every spring she will bring various grandchildren with her...we never saw her again in the park...
in Canastota, new York, we stayed at the Day's Inn and I already blogged that it was like family there...the first morning when Greg went out for breakfast,a woman said, "hi, Greg..." well only family calls him Greg and he was shocked that anyone would know him, turns out when Greg was a little boy, thisperson had lived across from his family and then as they were talking, the young kid behind the counter, hearing them talk, said he knew the name Noto(Greg's mom's side of the family) and it turns out his mom lived and still lives next door to great grandma...the family atmosphere continued...the housekeepers (2 of them) were so nice...on the Sunday morning after we returned from church, they were just getting to our room...well we had known thatthe hotel the night before had completely filled up with college kids there for a wedding...there are over 200 rooms filled to capacity with party typekids and the rooms reflected their behavior...the rooms were completely trashed...we said, "don't worry about our room..." they were so grateful and Italked a little bit to them...both older ladies (a little younger than us) and I asked how they can do this??? they said, that it is really hard butit is work...later that day I witnessed them having to take all and I mean ALL of the trash from the hotel quite aways to a dumpster and it was absolutelyfreezing outside...they had told me that on work days, they do nothing once they get home, just sit and veg with a hot cup of coffee...I have never lefttips for housekeeping before but I did them...they made me very grateful that because of Greg I have never had to work as a housekeeper...
on the shuttle to Magic Kingdom, there was a really nice lady with a little 5 year old boy...they love in New York but, her being a 3rd grade teacher,she and hubby were on spring break and at the spur of the moment decided to drive to Florida...trying to pack it all in in 3 days...been to Universal, andtoday was Disney...they had never been to Disney before and so when she knew we went to Disneyland a lot, I pulled out the map I had gotten to Magic Kingdom and we sat there and planned her day...I showed her the busy spots and what to avoid when, etc...her little boy, Nicholas was very cute but, boy, could he talk...I hope they had a nice time...
at Disney, at the end of the day, we were getting ready to leave and suddenly discovered we forgot to get the hats for Sian, Zoe and the baby embroideredand so we went to this hat store and the guy behind the counter (older than us) was extremely patient and at one point reached across the counter,took my hands into his and said, "you are a very special person..." have no idea why this transpired...
Greg's Aunt Bev...OMGoodness...everyone that knows me, knows that my mind is gone, has been for awhile...I sort of remember Bev when we took Sam as a baby to New York (30+ years ago) and then she and Uncle Jerry had come out to Calif many years ago...but, I guess I really never had a chance to sit andtalk to her...her mind and therefore her memory is much much better than mine and the stories that she can tell and the love she feels for Greg and hisfamily is amazing...she married into the Guy family at only 19, she is only 14 years older than Greg...when she had her first daughter, at 19, no onetold her anything about what to expect in childbirth, imagine??? and the stories just got better and better each time she told us something...she remembers things about when Greg was little that he doesn't remember...I don't believe she ever met anyone that she didn't like...she can';t have asingle enemy...her life through her stories was amazing...she lost a grandson at age 11 when on a very nice day outside the family was talking, havingfun, bbq'ing and a very short thunder and lightening storm appeared, struck the little boy and killed him...she prayed the whole way to the hospital, "Lord, please don't let him be burned where it will show too bad..." in the hurry to get to the hospital, she put on her husband's slippers instead ofher own...when she and Uncle Jerry got to the hospital, her daughter Mary said, "how am I going to bury him?" she tried arguing with Mary that he wasnot dead...when it finally sunk in, she said that she swore and then only realized that a priest was standing there should the family need him...she collapsed and when she felt a little better, she apologized to the priest for swearing and he said that it was all right....she said that as terrible asthat was, losing a sweet little boy, it sort of prepared her for when her own son, Tom was diagnosed with brain cancer...she took him home to die, andnursed him the whole time...I cannot even imagine the pain...she is so gracious and hospitable...did not even care that we appeared without calling...treated me so much like family (& I have never really had thatkind of family before...) it was so great seeing her and her kids, Nick, Glenn and of course Mary...one story that I have to comment about is...she was a strict catholic but, very young and kept having kids one after the other, but they did not have alot of money...she went to her preist and asked if she could use birth control, she had so many (ended up with 7) kids and was having trouble feeding themand just putting shoes on them...his comment that day was to make an appointment to meet at her house...she didn't know why he was coming over...OH YEAhI did not write that to make a little extra money she also babysat other children and she was very pregnant with her 6th baby...she had the kids hers andthe ones she was watching all cleaned up and warned them to sit very quietly on the sofa when he came...so, he came and said he was there to take a tourof the house...she was a little surprised, she didn't know...so, he toured and came back out and said, "in each bedroom (there were 3 bedrooms) I see lotsof room for more cribs..." she was astounded...she was crying and he decided to bless her and the house with "water" and one of the little girls told him not to get water on the floor, it would make her mom mad and he left...she had her answer...Aunt Bev and Uncle Jerry left the Catholic church shortlyafter that incident...after Greg had enlisted in the Marines, he knew that with 7 children, the holidays were going to be slim with them...Greg sent them his paycheck disguised as a bonus (or Bev would not have taken it)...she was so grateful she said that she was crying...she called Greg's mom and told her that the money belongedto his mom instead of her...she said that she never forgot the nice Christmas they had because of Greg...that story makes me cry...what was sad was that she said even the little kids knew Greg was going to a bad place (Vietnam) and when he was home on leave and in NY, he stayed with them and the kids lovedhim being there...he would get the kids out of bed by picking them up and throwing them in the pool...he took them shopping and the youngest had astuffed animal he had bought her for a long time...if I lived near Aunt Bev, I would love it so...she might get sick of me, cause I would be over there a lot, just listening to anything she had to say...she also had a few racy stories that just had Greg (& me) blushing and just shaking our heads...
in the outskirts of Flagstaff, on our way home we stop at a Pilot's (one of my new favorites) truck stops and I go in to use the restroom and there is a table set up with 2 little girl scouts selling cookies...cutest little girls and they just see me start to walk up and get all excited, "ohhh maybeshe will buy..." so, I did...I usually don't buy girl scout cookies but, how could I resist...they were both 5 and their names were Auna and Anya...I toldthem I was taking them home to my own 2 little grand daughters...too cute...the grandpa was with Auna (Indian) and the mother was with Anya with a baby...
in Holbrook Arizona, we stopped at a truck stop for breakfast...I really wanted Mc Donalds, but could not find one anywhere...our waitress, could not havebeen more than 19-20 and she was 8 months pregnant...cute girl but, you could tell she dind't have a lot of money...she was so excited about the babycoming...she said that she loves kids and cannot wait for this baby...very sweet girl...everything was, "yes mam, no mam..." "yes sir, no sir..."I gave her a sizable tip and told her to buy something nice for the baby...I told her that she was so cute and I liked her...she was so excited that she jumped up and down and said thank you a million times then she gave me a hug...I thought about her all day...oh yeah, she was naming the baby Matthew Vern Burke...
in Toledo, the morning we were leaving we go to a Fkying J gas station, it is also a truck stop and the touristy me, I was buying post cards and the girl behind the counter asked where I was from...cute girl...I said, "California..." she said, "what on earth are you here for, I would much rather be in Ca."then she calls her boss over and says, "Vern you need to find someone to take my shift." and he says, "why?" "well," she says..."don't you always say thecustomer is always right?" he says, "yes..." she said, "well this nice lady says I can go with her to Ca. and I am leaving now..." and he said, "heck,you aren't going, I am..."thought the conversation was cute...
in Myrtle Beach at the souvenior shop as we were leaving, the guy that owned the shop was originally from Temecula...small world???
in Colorado Springs, near our hotel not a lot of restaurants so we went to a Subway and sat there and ate our sandwiches...a tall really good looking, tanguy in shorts and a tank top that said, "LAPD" on it...the girl behind the counter asked if he was really from LA and he answered that he was...leaving with his sandwich, Greg stopped him and said that we were from riverside...the guy knew exactly where Riverside is...he was stationed in the ciValencia area, near Magic Mtn...Greg and he talked for quite awhile...he has been in Colorado Springs for 15 years...he thought it was neat that we weretraveling like we were and asked for tips as he has always wanted to do that with his wife and 2 sons...another small world...
on the monorail on the way back from Magic Kingdom to the parking lot...a really cute young couple was riding back also...she was born and raised in Puerto Rico, came here,met her husband and they married...they had recently moved from Mass. to Orlando...they had twins, boy and girl, in seperate strollers...I asked how oldthe little boy was, he was big, built like a football player, huge and the little girl was so tiny and petite...when she told us that they were twins,we could not believe it...the babies were so different but, she said that she gets that a lot...I asked her if was getting easier now that they were 2 and they both answered that it was still hard as the babies still get up every 2 hours...very cute family...they had just bought season passes (700.00a piece) so that the babies could really grow up knowing Disney...
so, saying that on this trip I have listened to so many people and I did not want to forget them...here are a few of their stories...
a couple of weeks ago, my brother in law died (in Feb.) my sister and he had divorced a few years ago, and I had not seen him in maybe 6 or 7 years??? I remember the good times, tho...he was always nice to me...last weekend we drove past his house and my mind flooded with memories of the good times...he made a mean stuffing at Thanksgiving (get this, his was with olives, corn and hamburger) and ohhhhhhh was it good...loved a good beer and his pool table...I am sorry that he died and even tho, we have not been close, especially lately, I will miss him...
today March 02, 2010, we went to Disneyland with Tim and Zoe...they went ahead of us, as we are usually pretty slow with the scooters, etc...sitting on the tram, was a nice couple next to us, holding a little boy, probably CJ's age (2 or maybe a little younger,) very cute, but, I thought maybe the baby looked tired or something...so Greg starts the conversation and the couple was very sweet trying to make the baby talk to us...I said to the woman, "aren't grandkids just the greatest?" and she wholeheartedly agreed with me and hugged and hugged the little boy...she told me her story...they (the older couple) actually live in Portland Oregon, have a nice big house there...but, when her son and daughter in law had the little boy, they were going to either put him in child care or hire a nanny and the grandparents just couldn't bear the thought of their only grand child being in child care, so they came to LA, and are renting a 1 bedroom condo, so that they are the primary care givers during the day...I am amazed at the caring and selflessness of the grand parents towards this little boy...that they would leave their nice big house, their friends, their lives for this baby...she said that their friends think they are absolutely crazy...I told her I did not think that...I talked to her about my grand kids...turns out "her" baby has a heart condition, like Zoe, only he has 2 holes in his heart...the tram came to our destination, and I was sad that I could not continue talking to her...my final words to her were that with a heart problem, I would not have let him go to child care, either...
in Kissimee waiting for the shuttle to take us to Magic Kingdom, there was a family of 3 people...there was an older couple, I guessed maybe in theirlate 70's, very early 80's...with them they had their daughter who must have been about our age...they were from Montreal...it was the daughter's birthday and they were seeing Disney for the very first time...the daughter was more excited than anyone I have ever seen...at one point talking aboutit, she jumped up and down in excitement...Greg took a picture of the 3 of them together and the gratitude was overwhelming from them to us...really super nice family...I had hoped that we would see them in the park and witness once more the excitement that they felt...
once again at Magic Kingdom...Greg and I had gotten in the little vehicle ride at the Pirate's...and there was really room for 3 in each car...an older lady got in with us and sat in the middle of us...very nice lady...her story was wonderful and after we got off the ride, I kicked myself that I did notask her to join us for the day or just for lunch, whatever...she was by herself at Disney...she was from Minnesota...she had been married for a longtime, had 5 children, numerous grandchildren and also 5 great grandchildren...her husband died and she had really loved him, thought that they wouldhave had a much longer time together but,they did not... she picked herself up and eventually married again...she loved him and also his family and took his children and grandchildren as her own...tragically he also died only after a few years...so, each year she snowbirds to Florida by herself and enjoys Disney by herself, in the winter...another time every spring she will bring various grandchildren with her...we never saw her again in the park...
in Canastota, new York, we stayed at the Day's Inn and I already blogged that it was like family there...the first morning when Greg went out for breakfast,a woman said, "hi, Greg..." well only family calls him Greg and he was shocked that anyone would know him, turns out when Greg was a little boy, thisperson had lived across from his family and then as they were talking, the young kid behind the counter, hearing them talk, said he knew the name Noto(Greg's mom's side of the family) and it turns out his mom lived and still lives next door to great grandma...the family atmosphere continued...the housekeepers (2 of them) were so nice...on the Sunday morning after we returned from church, they were just getting to our room...well we had known thatthe hotel the night before had completely filled up with college kids there for a wedding...there are over 200 rooms filled to capacity with party typekids and the rooms reflected their behavior...the rooms were completely trashed...we said, "don't worry about our room..." they were so grateful and Italked a little bit to them...both older ladies (a little younger than us) and I asked how they can do this??? they said, that it is really hard butit is work...later that day I witnessed them having to take all and I mean ALL of the trash from the hotel quite aways to a dumpster and it was absolutelyfreezing outside...they had told me that on work days, they do nothing once they get home, just sit and veg with a hot cup of coffee...I have never lefttips for housekeeping before but I did them...they made me very grateful that because of Greg I have never had to work as a housekeeper...
on the shuttle to Magic Kingdom, there was a really nice lady with a little 5 year old boy...they love in New York but, her being a 3rd grade teacher,she and hubby were on spring break and at the spur of the moment decided to drive to Florida...trying to pack it all in in 3 days...been to Universal, andtoday was Disney...they had never been to Disney before and so when she knew we went to Disneyland a lot, I pulled out the map I had gotten to Magic Kingdom and we sat there and planned her day...I showed her the busy spots and what to avoid when, etc...her little boy, Nicholas was very cute but, boy, could he talk...I hope they had a nice time...
at Disney, at the end of the day, we were getting ready to leave and suddenly discovered we forgot to get the hats for Sian, Zoe and the baby embroideredand so we went to this hat store and the guy behind the counter (older than us) was extremely patient and at one point reached across the counter,took my hands into his and said, "you are a very special person..." have no idea why this transpired...
Greg's Aunt Bev...OMGoodness...everyone that knows me, knows that my mind is gone, has been for awhile...I sort of remember Bev when we took Sam as a baby to New York (30+ years ago) and then she and Uncle Jerry had come out to Calif many years ago...but, I guess I really never had a chance to sit andtalk to her...her mind and therefore her memory is much much better than mine and the stories that she can tell and the love she feels for Greg and hisfamily is amazing...she married into the Guy family at only 19, she is only 14 years older than Greg...when she had her first daughter, at 19, no onetold her anything about what to expect in childbirth, imagine??? and the stories just got better and better each time she told us something...she remembers things about when Greg was little that he doesn't remember...I don't believe she ever met anyone that she didn't like...she can';t have asingle enemy...her life through her stories was amazing...she lost a grandson at age 11 when on a very nice day outside the family was talking, havingfun, bbq'ing and a very short thunder and lightening storm appeared, struck the little boy and killed him...she prayed the whole way to the hospital, "Lord, please don't let him be burned where it will show too bad..." in the hurry to get to the hospital, she put on her husband's slippers instead ofher own...when she and Uncle Jerry got to the hospital, her daughter Mary said, "how am I going to bury him?" she tried arguing with Mary that he wasnot dead...when it finally sunk in, she said that she swore and then only realized that a priest was standing there should the family need him...she collapsed and when she felt a little better, she apologized to the priest for swearing and he said that it was all right....she said that as terrible asthat was, losing a sweet little boy, it sort of prepared her for when her own son, Tom was diagnosed with brain cancer...she took him home to die, andnursed him the whole time...I cannot even imagine the pain...she is so gracious and hospitable...did not even care that we appeared without calling...treated me so much like family (& I have never really had thatkind of family before...) it was so great seeing her and her kids, Nick, Glenn and of course Mary...one story that I have to comment about is...she was a strict catholic but, very young and kept having kids one after the other, but they did not have alot of money...she went to her preist and asked if she could use birth control, she had so many (ended up with 7) kids and was having trouble feeding themand just putting shoes on them...his comment that day was to make an appointment to meet at her house...she didn't know why he was coming over...OH YEAhI did not write that to make a little extra money she also babysat other children and she was very pregnant with her 6th baby...she had the kids hers andthe ones she was watching all cleaned up and warned them to sit very quietly on the sofa when he came...so, he came and said he was there to take a tourof the house...she was a little surprised, she didn't know...so, he toured and came back out and said, "in each bedroom (there were 3 bedrooms) I see lotsof room for more cribs..." she was astounded...she was crying and he decided to bless her and the house with "water" and one of the little girls told him not to get water on the floor, it would make her mom mad and he left...she had her answer...Aunt Bev and Uncle Jerry left the Catholic church shortlyafter that incident...after Greg had enlisted in the Marines, he knew that with 7 children, the holidays were going to be slim with them...Greg sent them his paycheck disguised as a bonus (or Bev would not have taken it)...she was so grateful she said that she was crying...she called Greg's mom and told her that the money belongedto his mom instead of her...she said that she never forgot the nice Christmas they had because of Greg...that story makes me cry...what was sad was that she said even the little kids knew Greg was going to a bad place (Vietnam) and when he was home on leave and in NY, he stayed with them and the kids lovedhim being there...he would get the kids out of bed by picking them up and throwing them in the pool...he took them shopping and the youngest had astuffed animal he had bought her for a long time...if I lived near Aunt Bev, I would love it so...she might get sick of me, cause I would be over there a lot, just listening to anything she had to say...she also had a few racy stories that just had Greg (& me) blushing and just shaking our heads...
in the outskirts of Flagstaff, on our way home we stop at a Pilot's (one of my new favorites) truck stops and I go in to use the restroom and there is a table set up with 2 little girl scouts selling cookies...cutest little girls and they just see me start to walk up and get all excited, "ohhh maybeshe will buy..." so, I did...I usually don't buy girl scout cookies but, how could I resist...they were both 5 and their names were Auna and Anya...I toldthem I was taking them home to my own 2 little grand daughters...too cute...the grandpa was with Auna (Indian) and the mother was with Anya with a baby...
in Holbrook Arizona, we stopped at a truck stop for breakfast...I really wanted Mc Donalds, but could not find one anywhere...our waitress, could not havebeen more than 19-20 and she was 8 months pregnant...cute girl but, you could tell she dind't have a lot of money...she was so excited about the babycoming...she said that she loves kids and cannot wait for this baby...very sweet girl...everything was, "yes mam, no mam..." "yes sir, no sir..."I gave her a sizable tip and told her to buy something nice for the baby...I told her that she was so cute and I liked her...she was so excited that she jumped up and down and said thank you a million times then she gave me a hug...I thought about her all day...oh yeah, she was naming the baby Matthew Vern Burke...
in Toledo, the morning we were leaving we go to a Fkying J gas station, it is also a truck stop and the touristy me, I was buying post cards and the girl behind the counter asked where I was from...cute girl...I said, "California..." she said, "what on earth are you here for, I would much rather be in Ca."then she calls her boss over and says, "Vern you need to find someone to take my shift." and he says, "why?" "well," she says..."don't you always say thecustomer is always right?" he says, "yes..." she said, "well this nice lady says I can go with her to Ca. and I am leaving now..." and he said, "heck,you aren't going, I am..."thought the conversation was cute...
in Myrtle Beach at the souvenior shop as we were leaving, the guy that owned the shop was originally from Temecula...small world???
in Colorado Springs, near our hotel not a lot of restaurants so we went to a Subway and sat there and ate our sandwiches...a tall really good looking, tanguy in shorts and a tank top that said, "LAPD" on it...the girl behind the counter asked if he was really from LA and he answered that he was...leaving with his sandwich, Greg stopped him and said that we were from riverside...the guy knew exactly where Riverside is...he was stationed in the ciValencia area, near Magic Mtn...Greg and he talked for quite awhile...he has been in Colorado Springs for 15 years...he thought it was neat that we weretraveling like we were and asked for tips as he has always wanted to do that with his wife and 2 sons...another small world...
on the monorail on the way back from Magic Kingdom to the parking lot...a really cute young couple was riding back also...she was born and raised in Puerto Rico, came here,met her husband and they married...they had recently moved from Mass. to Orlando...they had twins, boy and girl, in seperate strollers...I asked how oldthe little boy was, he was big, built like a football player, huge and the little girl was so tiny and petite...when she told us that they were twins,we could not believe it...the babies were so different but, she said that she gets that a lot...I asked her if was getting easier now that they were 2 and they both answered that it was still hard as the babies still get up every 2 hours...very cute family...they had just bought season passes (700.00a piece) so that the babies could really grow up knowing Disney...
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