You know when Jay got out of the Navy after World War II housing was in very short supply. Even renting was a problem for newly weds. We found a furnished apartment before we married. I believe I may have written about that. New Housing was part of the Post War boom and we were like others who looked forward to the GI Bill that would help us get into a home of our own. The first of the areas to really open up were farther out of town than we were use to living, but the only place where there was enough land to accomodate the vast Tracts of Housing that were going to be needed. Norwalk was such a place. Formerly it had been Dairy country and Farm lands. Now these acreages were being bought up and sub-divided into house hold lots. I am not sure now how Jay found out about where we looked, but the houses were priced right, we could get in for $1,000.00 down payment and have payments that included the taxes which were well within our budget. Jay had decided before he got married that he didn't want his wife working, especially after Paul was born. So I became a 'stay at home Mom', and he took over the responsibility of 'bringing in the bacon'.
Our home was on Gard Avenue. A two bedroom with one bath, a living room and kitchen/eating area. There was a small 'utility porch' where I had a wringer washer. We put up clothes lines in the back yard, and I hung the close outs. I am not sure if there were dryers at that time. I know there were no Automatic Washers available. My folks loaned us the $1,000.00 for the down payment and we had to quickly find furnishings.
They weren't first rate, but they were enough to make our home comfortable. The bedroom furniture was some that my Grand Parents had left. We bought a mattress and box springs. In Pauls Room was a Crib and small dresser with lots of room left over. There were hardwood floors and no rugs. In the kitchen we bought a range and table and chairs. My folks had bought a new Fridge so we inherited their old one which met our needs just fine.
This was our first, but unfortunately not our last experience with crooked Contractors. We were faithful in making our payments and felt we were doing fine. One day we found out that the payments had not been put to the proper account - we were going to lose the house. After a lenghty bit of bargaining we learned that if we would sacrifice, the Loan Company would be able to save the other home owners, one of which was one of our best friends who we had talked into joining us in the Tract. The Veterans Administration was quick to admit they had not followed up on this particular Contractor, so they didn't charge the loan against Jay. In fact they went out of their way to find another home, in another area, they were willing to give us a loan on. That is how we ended up on Cord Avenue in Rivera. Some time after we moved there the name of the area was changed to Pico Rivera.
This particular Tract of houses was in an Orange Grove. Every house had at least one Orange Tree left on the property. Ours was rather a sad example, but it was an Orange Tree. Again a two bedroom, one bath living room and kitchen. There was no Laundry Porch, the washer was next to a laundry tub in the two car garage. On the Norwalk home all we had was a car port. No garage. I guess the trade off of a laundry porch was a better deal. Things went well here at this house. We lived in this 'flat topped' home until we moved to Taft, California in 1965.
Paul was a Senior in High School and Dawn was in the 6th grade. Which ment she was ready to start in Junior High School when we made this move. (As I have covered this in Pauls History, I will not go into again here.) Work had become difficult in Southern California for Jay, who by now had gone into business for himself with an 8 yard Transit Mixer (Cement Truck). He and a group of 'Bandits' (what the independent drivers were called), went North to find work for their trucks.
Jay and Uncle Mack McCann found a place in Taft (which I believe I have covered elsewhere), which ment we would have to move. Jay found a home on Irene Street that had been bought by a Minister, but before the house was finished he decided not to take the position in Taft and so the house needed a new buyer. Jay heard about it and put in his bid, which was accepted. Now to sell Cord Avenue. Which at the time was to be a bit of a problem. Not many people were buying older homes with so many new ones available. Apparently the Lord wanted us to move to Taft. One day in the midst of my sorting, and packing a women walked up on the front porch and asked if it was true we were going to sell. I assured her that was true. We hadn't listed the house at that time. She had a realtor who was looking for her. The house was listed, she made her bid, we accepted it and that is the name of that tune!
We lived on Irene Street until Dawn graduated from Taft High. Again work had become lean and Jay was looking back in the Southern California Area. He found a new broker who needed more 'Bandits'. Jay moved to Orange County and I was back to sorting, packing and getting ready to move. Dawn had been hired at the Telephone Company and was well pleased with her job. She would live in the house until we could sell it, so that would be taken care of. Pauls 'bride-to-be' offered to move in with Dawn, so we felt pretty safe with leaving.
What about another home? Well Jay and I looked, you could not believe what was being offered. Well, if you have looked, maybe you do know. Anyway, a clean and ready to move in was finally found. We made a bid and it was accepted. This place was on Alvy St. in Anaheim, California close to Disney Land. Again a two car garage, three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen and combined living and dining room. With a small laundry room seperate from the garage. There was a covered patio on
two sides of the house. By now I had a Automatic washer and dryer, but the covered porch made a keen place to hang out things when the weather was nice. The only problem was the fireworks from Disney Land had a fall out from the fireworks that made a mess if you had clothes on the line overnight. We lived here for 13 years. It was close to the Ward House and so I was happy. Jay did a lot of work out of town, so I spent a great deal of time alone here. When Jay decided to retire, we thought we might like to live closer to Dawn, Greg and the Grand Children. It was a debateable issue with Jay. He was not sure he wanted to take on another house, especially with all the work it would mean in getting it the way he wanted it. When Shayla was born, I went up to be there as back-up while Dawn got on her feet. It was while I was there I found the property and was able to decided on a floor plan of a house to be built, if I could convince Jay it was to our advantage. My Mother had passed away and left me enough money to pay cash for the property. Selling Alvy Street would give us the money to build the house. Finally Jay was ready to say yes to the move. In the mean time we found a Realtor who came to give us information on the saleability of our property. It wasn't good news. There hadn't been a house in the neighborhood sold for 6 months, and on our particular tract - little to no interest. She asked Jay what he wanted for the house. When he quoted her the price, she shook her head and said: 'no way'. Jay said he had some things he waned to do to the house. He was not working, and had the time to do it. She accepted the house for sale and set the date for April. In the mean time Jay painted the outside, and did some upgrading he had in mind. When she came to put the sign up on April 15th she found she had the wrong stake. She asked if it made any difference if she waited until the next day. Jay didn't care, so she said she would be back before the 'walk through' for the other Realtors took place in the afternoon. Jay kept himself busy out of the house. I was still working at the time. When we arrived home at a little after 5 pm all the Realtors were standing in the Street talking. Our lady came and asked if we could leave for another hour or so, there was one Realtor who wanted to go through it again. We changed and went out for dinner. When we came back, everyone was gone. At 9 pm we got a call from our lady and she asked if we might concider applying for the loan through another source. The buyer wanted to use their own loan company. We had no argument, so the 'unsaleable house' was sold in 12 hours from the time the sign was posted. With, I might add $1000.00 more than the asking price. I guess you never say never!
The house in Paso Robles was not under construction yet, so we had to rent an apartment up on Olive Sreet for the time we were under construction. As it turned out Dawn and Greg were building out in Paradise Valley at the same time, so Jay was kept pretty busy, while I worked.
Now here is the interesting part. Prior to Jay selling his truck, he talked to one of the Contractors he knew and was told: "if you are building and paying for it as you go, make sure you get 'lean releases' on each phase. So that is what Jay did. Fortunately for us, we were the only house in this
new Tract that did so, because we were paying cash as we went. Again we had run into a crooked Contractor. He was using our name to get supplies for his ventures. Taking money he was given to buy airplanes and do some other fun things. When it came down to the finish, some of the people who bought through regular lenders were stuck with paying double for some of their construction. If Jay hadn't have learned how to go about a cash as you build, we might not have had this house. The Lord provides!
This is our House History. There have been 5 in total with the renting of three apartments. One when we first got married, one while we waited for the house to be finished on Irene Street and one while we waited for the final on this house in Paso Robles.
None of this may be of interest to anyone other than myself, but I felt it was worthy of the time it has taken to make note of it. You pay as you go and hopefully learn in the process. I don't believe I would care to buy again. Especially without Jay around to guide me through the ordeal!
Written this 6th day of January 2012.
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Friday, January 6, 2012
Say! What was that?
It was late at night. Jay and I had been out for the evening, I can't remember where or for what reason. Paul, who was about 6 months old, as I recall, was asleep in my lap. (Again years before seat belts or car seats were mandatory in cars.) We were in our 1940 Black Two Door Chevrolet Sedan. The same car that Jay had bought and taken me on our first date. The year would have been 1948 as I recall. We were living in Norwalk, California, in our first home.
This is rural country. One of the first Tract of Houses that had been built after World War II. Things were looking pretty good for us - or so we had believed at the time - I will tell you more about that at another time. First on with this bit of 'rambling'.
We had turned off the main road onto the dark side street that took us back into the tract of houses in which we lived . As we started down the road, we both saw something flash by, some distance in front of us, very quickly, and exclaimed: "what was that?" It was too dark to see even in the head lights. It had been far enough ahead of us that we could not make out just what was going on. Jay had slowed down, and we were both trying to see what was ahead. It was a clear night, so there was no trouble at seeing. Just about the time we came along side the first building to our left, there was a flash from the right. We did not have time to stop, or realize just what was happening. To our shock and amazement a hugh horse tried to jump the moving car. The front legs came down on the cross bar in the windshield - with the car moving even slowly it caused the horse to be thrown to the side of the car and slam into the back panel caving it in. The horse was stunned and went off back, from where it had come.
How greatful we were that the legs of the horse had not crashed through the windshield. It would have killed both Paul and myself trying to free itself from being caught. The car was badly damaged, and the horse was in a pretty shaken state, but not seriously injured. We had no idea how it had escaped its corral. The owner was a bit upset with us for hitting his 'jumper', but of course we had no idea that the horse was loose nor that it would be returning and try to jump a moving car.
Amazing how many auto accidents I have been in. Not one being less serious than another - yet in each instance I have come out, as did Paul
in two of them.
The car was repaired. Jay had it painted a 'baby blue', I think he regretted it afterwards, but then one has a way of making poor choices when such unexpected things happen. I learned to drive in that car. It had a 'stick shift' but I would learn to drive a 'floor shift' as well. Very important to know how, even though there are not many of them left on the road these days. Automatics are the way to go, but the old way of driving with a 'clutch' is still a good way to learn if you have the chance.
Moral - I guess we could say, if you are driving in the country it does pay to keep an eye out for the horses, they can come upon you suddenly and with the new windshields being what they are, the outcome might prove a great deal different than what we experienced. Way back then!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
This is rural country. One of the first Tract of Houses that had been built after World War II. Things were looking pretty good for us - or so we had believed at the time - I will tell you more about that at another time. First on with this bit of 'rambling'.
We had turned off the main road onto the dark side street that took us back into the tract of houses in which we lived . As we started down the road, we both saw something flash by, some distance in front of us, very quickly, and exclaimed: "what was that?" It was too dark to see even in the head lights. It had been far enough ahead of us that we could not make out just what was going on. Jay had slowed down, and we were both trying to see what was ahead. It was a clear night, so there was no trouble at seeing. Just about the time we came along side the first building to our left, there was a flash from the right. We did not have time to stop, or realize just what was happening. To our shock and amazement a hugh horse tried to jump the moving car. The front legs came down on the cross bar in the windshield - with the car moving even slowly it caused the horse to be thrown to the side of the car and slam into the back panel caving it in. The horse was stunned and went off back, from where it had come.
How greatful we were that the legs of the horse had not crashed through the windshield. It would have killed both Paul and myself trying to free itself from being caught. The car was badly damaged, and the horse was in a pretty shaken state, but not seriously injured. We had no idea how it had escaped its corral. The owner was a bit upset with us for hitting his 'jumper', but of course we had no idea that the horse was loose nor that it would be returning and try to jump a moving car.
Amazing how many auto accidents I have been in. Not one being less serious than another - yet in each instance I have come out, as did Paul
in two of them.
The car was repaired. Jay had it painted a 'baby blue', I think he regretted it afterwards, but then one has a way of making poor choices when such unexpected things happen. I learned to drive in that car. It had a 'stick shift' but I would learn to drive a 'floor shift' as well. Very important to know how, even though there are not many of them left on the road these days. Automatics are the way to go, but the old way of driving with a 'clutch' is still a good way to learn if you have the chance.
Moral - I guess we could say, if you are driving in the country it does pay to keep an eye out for the horses, they can come upon you suddenly and with the new windshields being what they are, the outcome might prove a great deal different than what we experienced. Way back then!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Teaching 'Granny' to Drive
In other blogs I have related, I believe, how my Mother was left a widow when she was in her early 50's. She had never learned to drive. As I believe I have mentioned in many of the other blogs that we did a lot of walking, driving at the time was not a key issue. In fact Dad didn't drive all that much either. The car was usually at home during the day, as he rode the bus to work. So . . . when Mom was left alone, she did need to learn to drive.
It wasn't until she had married 'Slim' that she took advantage of a car. He had the car all tuned up for her, and I was willing, or should I say, I took on the project of helping her to learn to drive. We had gone out any number of times. She was doing so well, and was just about to take her test when, on one day we were doing her last driving lesson. Little did either of us know just how that day would end up.
I decided to take her out on some narrow streets so learn how to execute left hand turns. She was not the least bit nervous, but anxious to get this under her belt. She had to finish practicing her parking as well, and this was a perfect time to do that as well. We were in South Gate, as I recall.
I said: "make a left at the next side street". As she did, the car jerked forward at an excellerated speed and before she could get the wheels straight we jumped the curb, missed a tree, shot across the lawn of a house and slammed into the steps of a house which sent us airborne. The car fortunately was high enough in the air that it landed on top a picket fence. The motor was still churning at a high speed. Fortunately the car could not go any further with the front wheel suspended in air the back wheels I believe were stopped by the steps we had hit.
Mother had been slammed into the arm rest of the door. I had been thrown across the car and hit the steering wheel with quite a hard stop. (This was years before 'seat belts' mind you!) I was finally able to reach and turn off the ignition. I don't remember now just how we got out of the elevated car. I am not, at this writting, sure who came and got us, or how we were taken care of. I know that Mom was x-rayed and her injuries evaluated. I got her home and into bed then I went to pick up Jay at work. He had let me have the car to go to Moms' that day. My car had been left in the driveway on Belgrave Avenue.
I had been on the move for some time, so was not really aware that I was hurt, except that my upper left arm hurt. It was bruised badly, but I knew it was not broken. When I walked into the shop where Jay was working, he took one look at me, realized there was something wrong, and got to me just as I began to sink to the ground. I guess the relief at seeing him, I just let go. He took me directly to the Dr. and we were told that I had sustained some pretty serious internal injuries and should go to the Hospital. I was serious about not doing such a thing, knowing if Mom thought she had hurt me worse than she was, she would never finish her driving. It was a big chance I was taking, according to my Dr., but I would not allow them to take me to the Hospital.
Mom had 9 of her 13 ribes broken and some other injuries that kept her down for some time. My left lung had been bruised and my spleen was damaged. They said it was the blood filter that was most necessary prior to birth, but of little use, to medical knowledge, after birth. It was serious because if it ruputred, due to damage, one could bleed to death before proper surgical help could stop the flow of blood. There is much more to this story, but it would not add to the story by going into it, suffice it to say, that though the spleen became very enlarged, it opened and drained some time later, and all ended quite well. (I need to insert here, that the Elders had administered to me - which I am certain had a great deal to do with the outcome.)
Jay took me back and forth to visit Mom, she never guess that I was not feeling well. We just let her believe I was stiff and sore from the bump I had taken. She took quite a long time to get over her injuries, but did finish her driving, got her licence and drove until she was 83 years old. Even making a number of trips from her home in Huntington Park to Santa Cruz to visit with Aunt Ila. Each trip, she came and went by herself, and took Ila many places while she was there. She was quite a gal. (Both Mom and Aunt Ila - who incidentally lived to be 100 years old.)
About the car - we learned when they had given the car a going over before Mom started her driving lessons - it was a red Mercury - there had been a problem with the carburator - something had become stuck in it, that was what made it excellerate as Mom made that left hand turn. She did not do anything wrong. It was a malfunction. We were greatful for two things. One - the people who had been sitting on the porch just a few minutes before we came charging at it - had left to go inside. Two - the picket fence was there - without it, we have no idea what might have happened with the car moving at the speed it was. Greatful were we, that we didn't hit a tree, the house, or something else solid that could have made this story a great deal different. Maybe there wouldn't have been anyone to tell it even? (It is the 'small things' which give us pause to stop and give thanks.)
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
It wasn't until she had married 'Slim' that she took advantage of a car. He had the car all tuned up for her, and I was willing, or should I say, I took on the project of helping her to learn to drive. We had gone out any number of times. She was doing so well, and was just about to take her test when, on one day we were doing her last driving lesson. Little did either of us know just how that day would end up.
I decided to take her out on some narrow streets so learn how to execute left hand turns. She was not the least bit nervous, but anxious to get this under her belt. She had to finish practicing her parking as well, and this was a perfect time to do that as well. We were in South Gate, as I recall.
I said: "make a left at the next side street". As she did, the car jerked forward at an excellerated speed and before she could get the wheels straight we jumped the curb, missed a tree, shot across the lawn of a house and slammed into the steps of a house which sent us airborne. The car fortunately was high enough in the air that it landed on top a picket fence. The motor was still churning at a high speed. Fortunately the car could not go any further with the front wheel suspended in air the back wheels I believe were stopped by the steps we had hit.
Mother had been slammed into the arm rest of the door. I had been thrown across the car and hit the steering wheel with quite a hard stop. (This was years before 'seat belts' mind you!) I was finally able to reach and turn off the ignition. I don't remember now just how we got out of the elevated car. I am not, at this writting, sure who came and got us, or how we were taken care of. I know that Mom was x-rayed and her injuries evaluated. I got her home and into bed then I went to pick up Jay at work. He had let me have the car to go to Moms' that day. My car had been left in the driveway on Belgrave Avenue.
I had been on the move for some time, so was not really aware that I was hurt, except that my upper left arm hurt. It was bruised badly, but I knew it was not broken. When I walked into the shop where Jay was working, he took one look at me, realized there was something wrong, and got to me just as I began to sink to the ground. I guess the relief at seeing him, I just let go. He took me directly to the Dr. and we were told that I had sustained some pretty serious internal injuries and should go to the Hospital. I was serious about not doing such a thing, knowing if Mom thought she had hurt me worse than she was, she would never finish her driving. It was a big chance I was taking, according to my Dr., but I would not allow them to take me to the Hospital.
Mom had 9 of her 13 ribes broken and some other injuries that kept her down for some time. My left lung had been bruised and my spleen was damaged. They said it was the blood filter that was most necessary prior to birth, but of little use, to medical knowledge, after birth. It was serious because if it ruputred, due to damage, one could bleed to death before proper surgical help could stop the flow of blood. There is much more to this story, but it would not add to the story by going into it, suffice it to say, that though the spleen became very enlarged, it opened and drained some time later, and all ended quite well. (I need to insert here, that the Elders had administered to me - which I am certain had a great deal to do with the outcome.)
Jay took me back and forth to visit Mom, she never guess that I was not feeling well. We just let her believe I was stiff and sore from the bump I had taken. She took quite a long time to get over her injuries, but did finish her driving, got her licence and drove until she was 83 years old. Even making a number of trips from her home in Huntington Park to Santa Cruz to visit with Aunt Ila. Each trip, she came and went by herself, and took Ila many places while she was there. She was quite a gal. (Both Mom and Aunt Ila - who incidentally lived to be 100 years old.)
About the car - we learned when they had given the car a going over before Mom started her driving lessons - it was a red Mercury - there had been a problem with the carburator - something had become stuck in it, that was what made it excellerate as Mom made that left hand turn. She did not do anything wrong. It was a malfunction. We were greatful for two things. One - the people who had been sitting on the porch just a few minutes before we came charging at it - had left to go inside. Two - the picket fence was there - without it, we have no idea what might have happened with the car moving at the speed it was. Greatful were we, that we didn't hit a tree, the house, or something else solid that could have made this story a great deal different. Maybe there wouldn't have been anyone to tell it even? (It is the 'small things' which give us pause to stop and give thanks.)
Written this 6th day of January 2012
by: Eileen Rosenberg
I've Learned: "it's the little things!"
Well here we are into another year - 2012 - and I guess I had best start it off with some tid bit of my life. Not that I haven't been on line with a great many other tid bits that is! Having said that, I will sprint forward with another of my 'ramblings'.
Over the years it has been quite obvious that the 'big things' do matter, but it is the 'little things' that seem to bring the greatest shock, or happiness. I have no idea why that is, but it is a known fact. Purhaps it is because when they come, they always leave such lasting impressions on ones mind. Those small gestures that were not expected, but some how just seemed to jump out at you when you least expected it, or purhaps needed it the very most. They may come form someone in the family, or at times they may be recieved by some friend, or even a person not so well known, but who came forward at just the right time. I am not sure I can come up with any particularly exciting instances at this writting, but I know they have happened in my long life, and when they did, I have been profoundly greatful for each and every one.
I am sure as you read through this little 'rambling' you too can think of a time or two when something just 'wonderful' happened, when you needed it or least expected it. Times when your day has been 'sparked' by that 'little something'. In fact I think one of the times that most sticks out in my mind is not what happened to me, but a time, when my Visiting Teaching Partner and I were given a Family who had just moved into our Ward in Pico Rivera. My partner had 6 children. I believe at the time there were only 2 in school. I had 2 with only 1 in school. We stopped by, just after this family had just moved in. Things weren't in a settled way, but with, as I remember it, 4 children in the house that wasn't much of a surprise. After a short visit, and the children getting to know each other, we found out the oldest, a girl, was having a Birthday and was a bit upset because she didn't know anyone to have a Party with.
My partner, after we got into the car, suggested we plan and give a 'surprise party' for the little girl. Why not, I thought, we have a built in party list in our two families with what was in the home, it would be fun!
And so it was. Mary Lou (my partmer) baked a cake, decorated it, and we were set to go. The gifts as I recall weren't all that fancy, but that was not the point of the whole thing, now was it? We put all the kids in the Station Wagon - that filled the bill, but was certainly not the newest, or greatest. I believe our kids were so much more excited than the little girl was when she saw us. (Oh, I believe our family brought the ice cream), and the Party was on. You know it wasn't what we had done that made it all come together, but the fun the kids had, and the total appreciation of a Mother who was tired from the move, and at a loss to know how she could make the girl happy, as well as make her chiildren feel welcome in their new home. Well when the next Primay Day came (you have to remember this was years before the 3 hour block schedule) there were a bunch of new friends who were happy to see each other in Primary . It wasn't much of a stretch to put something together on such short notice. It wasn't even a bother, but it turned out to leave a lasting impression on some children who, I venture to say, have never forgotten it!
Another time when Visiting Teaching struck such a cord was when I had the chance through the Relief Society to set up a 'move in dinner' for a family I heard was coming into the Paso Robles area. I happened to work with the Sisters Son. He alerted me to this, and I talked it over with some of the other Sisters who lived close to where this new family was moving in. As the trucks drove into the drive-way, here set two other cars with everything needed for a set down spagetti dinner. Hot and ready to enjoy. A table was quickly set up, chairs for those who were moving and those who were helping with the move. It wasn't fancy, it was just good, hot food. Everyone took their seats and enjoyed a rest and some quick exchange with those they were meeting for the first time. After the meal was finished. We picked up all the mess, saw the food that was left was ready to be stored in the Fridge when it was hooked up and we were on our way. Those who had made the long drive from Los Angeles felt refreshed, fed and ready to unload. You know I have never forgotten that day, nor have the people envolved in joining us in Paso Robles. We have been friends, and enjoyed many sweet experiences together since. Lets see, that was about 20 years ago, as I recall.
Yes it is the 'little things' that we appreciate, and remember. Whether they were recieved, or given, it matters not. The thing is that as we give a little we seem to receive so much more in return. Purhaps that is because in giving we receive the 'better part'. A loving heart and a spirit, I like to think, is much closer to the Savior than any other experience produces.
So in life, learn to accept the 'little things'; be quick to give 'little things'. Notice when things are given and relish the pleasure in giving. It may not be much, but we may never know how very greatful a small thoughtful-ness may mean to someone else!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
Over the years it has been quite obvious that the 'big things' do matter, but it is the 'little things' that seem to bring the greatest shock, or happiness. I have no idea why that is, but it is a known fact. Purhaps it is because when they come, they always leave such lasting impressions on ones mind. Those small gestures that were not expected, but some how just seemed to jump out at you when you least expected it, or purhaps needed it the very most. They may come form someone in the family, or at times they may be recieved by some friend, or even a person not so well known, but who came forward at just the right time. I am not sure I can come up with any particularly exciting instances at this writting, but I know they have happened in my long life, and when they did, I have been profoundly greatful for each and every one.
I am sure as you read through this little 'rambling' you too can think of a time or two when something just 'wonderful' happened, when you needed it or least expected it. Times when your day has been 'sparked' by that 'little something'. In fact I think one of the times that most sticks out in my mind is not what happened to me, but a time, when my Visiting Teaching Partner and I were given a Family who had just moved into our Ward in Pico Rivera. My partner had 6 children. I believe at the time there were only 2 in school. I had 2 with only 1 in school. We stopped by, just after this family had just moved in. Things weren't in a settled way, but with, as I remember it, 4 children in the house that wasn't much of a surprise. After a short visit, and the children getting to know each other, we found out the oldest, a girl, was having a Birthday and was a bit upset because she didn't know anyone to have a Party with.
My partner, after we got into the car, suggested we plan and give a 'surprise party' for the little girl. Why not, I thought, we have a built in party list in our two families with what was in the home, it would be fun!
And so it was. Mary Lou (my partmer) baked a cake, decorated it, and we were set to go. The gifts as I recall weren't all that fancy, but that was not the point of the whole thing, now was it? We put all the kids in the Station Wagon - that filled the bill, but was certainly not the newest, or greatest. I believe our kids were so much more excited than the little girl was when she saw us. (Oh, I believe our family brought the ice cream), and the Party was on. You know it wasn't what we had done that made it all come together, but the fun the kids had, and the total appreciation of a Mother who was tired from the move, and at a loss to know how she could make the girl happy, as well as make her chiildren feel welcome in their new home. Well when the next Primay Day came (you have to remember this was years before the 3 hour block schedule) there were a bunch of new friends who were happy to see each other in Primary . It wasn't much of a stretch to put something together on such short notice. It wasn't even a bother, but it turned out to leave a lasting impression on some children who, I venture to say, have never forgotten it!
Another time when Visiting Teaching struck such a cord was when I had the chance through the Relief Society to set up a 'move in dinner' for a family I heard was coming into the Paso Robles area. I happened to work with the Sisters Son. He alerted me to this, and I talked it over with some of the other Sisters who lived close to where this new family was moving in. As the trucks drove into the drive-way, here set two other cars with everything needed for a set down spagetti dinner. Hot and ready to enjoy. A table was quickly set up, chairs for those who were moving and those who were helping with the move. It wasn't fancy, it was just good, hot food. Everyone took their seats and enjoyed a rest and some quick exchange with those they were meeting for the first time. After the meal was finished. We picked up all the mess, saw the food that was left was ready to be stored in the Fridge when it was hooked up and we were on our way. Those who had made the long drive from Los Angeles felt refreshed, fed and ready to unload. You know I have never forgotten that day, nor have the people envolved in joining us in Paso Robles. We have been friends, and enjoyed many sweet experiences together since. Lets see, that was about 20 years ago, as I recall.
Yes it is the 'little things' that we appreciate, and remember. Whether they were recieved, or given, it matters not. The thing is that as we give a little we seem to receive so much more in return. Purhaps that is because in giving we receive the 'better part'. A loving heart and a spirit, I like to think, is much closer to the Savior than any other experience produces.
So in life, learn to accept the 'little things'; be quick to give 'little things'. Notice when things are given and relish the pleasure in giving. It may not be much, but we may never know how very greatful a small thoughtful-ness may mean to someone else!
Written this 6th day of January 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?
We have come to the end of another year, and as I signed in to see if there had been any 'updates', I find Nemiha has been the only one who has been keeping the screen active with photos and conversation. Where have all the rest of the family gone? Purhaps it is a good time to set down and make at least one worthwhile New Years Resolution - Blog! I know there are any number of things that have happened that make for interesting news for the family. Well, at least for this Olde Grandma anyway.
Nothing new happening here a the Paso Homestead. Been cold, frosty and a bit foggy, other than that, I faired through the Holiday hussle and bussle pretty darn well.
The Tree went up and came down in surprisingly good shape and I had the great good fortune to have the Home Teachers boys come and put the lights up outside for me again this year. Greg had been able to get the others boxes, etc. down from the attic while he was here working on the yard, so I was looking pretty festive right after Thanksgiving as I like to do.
When Christmas was over, I took down the trees, but left the lights up. Will get them down and stored for the year I believe tomorrow, which is New Years Eve. Time to return to the normal way of looking around here. I am pleased that most of the neighbors had lights up, and many even had those new inflatables or other yard decor. We were doing our best to show that Hogan Place is pretty spiffy during the Holiday Season.
I avoided the stores pretty much this year. Got my shopping done early, and then felt the 1/2 price sales wouldn't hold all that much interest. I did stop in yesterday to pick up some milk and bread at WalMart and was able to find a couple of year end things that I look for - like the ornaments that will adorn the trees next year for the Great Grand Children. Got a pretty mid-night blue this year. I don't think we have had that color before. So now I will have to get them printed with the year and ID for each of the kids. I always enjoy doing that. I hope they enjoy them as much as I do?
All in all I believe we faired pretty well this year. Not that I was able to do as much as I like. I have pretty well made up my mind that I will do some volunteer work this next year. I think I need to get out more and be with other people, so that I don't get 'rusty'. They tell me there are all kinds of needs in the area, and so I believe it would do me good to find out where I might spend some of the time I have on hand to do something a bit more useful than just setting around.
I have had a wonderful time learning more from reading. Something I have always enjoyed doing, but not getting too envolved beyond what I needed for my various teaching assignments. Since I am getting too old to do that kind of thing anymore, I discovered an Author who writes about English History in Romance Novels. Stumbled on them quite by accident, but have really learned a lot about the time when my Grand Parents and Great Grand Parents lived in England. Though the Author deals mostly with those who were Nobleman and Women, the color of the stories she tells are so full of History, and her characters are so well defined that I can read one of Her paperbacks in about 4 or 5 hours. Been through over 100 of them so far. Won't run out of stories soon. She wrote over 700 books. When she died in her ninties, she left over 160 unpublished. I have read one of those, and it was the most humourous of any so far. They say she wrote 4 books a month. Most are only 7 Chapters long, but so enjoyable. Greatful that they are available so cheap that I can afford them. Who is she you ask? Barbara Cartland by name. The Library in town did not have but one of her books, but fortunately it had 5 books in between its' hard covers. I have since bought a copy for .99 cents and added 3 more plus about 5 volumes that have 3 books between their soft covers. Same price. Oh, I believe some of the paper backs I have bought I paid a penny for. Cheap reading, and most enjoyable way to spend some time in the afternoon, or evening. Always loved history, and who can pass up a well written romance - especially when it is not sleezy.
Well that about tells it all for what has been happening here in my little domain. Lets hear about what the rest of you have been doing - and those of you who are so much more savey about this 'one eyed monster' could add a picture or two to let me know how you look when I am not around you. School, Church and of course Sports happenings are always of interest to this old Grandma.
Hope the next time I sign on, I can see some of your handy work and a few smiling faces to cheer and brighten my day. Love you and hope to see and hear from you soon!
Written this 30th day of December 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Nothing new happening here a the Paso Homestead. Been cold, frosty and a bit foggy, other than that, I faired through the Holiday hussle and bussle pretty darn well.
The Tree went up and came down in surprisingly good shape and I had the great good fortune to have the Home Teachers boys come and put the lights up outside for me again this year. Greg had been able to get the others boxes, etc. down from the attic while he was here working on the yard, so I was looking pretty festive right after Thanksgiving as I like to do.
When Christmas was over, I took down the trees, but left the lights up. Will get them down and stored for the year I believe tomorrow, which is New Years Eve. Time to return to the normal way of looking around here. I am pleased that most of the neighbors had lights up, and many even had those new inflatables or other yard decor. We were doing our best to show that Hogan Place is pretty spiffy during the Holiday Season.
I avoided the stores pretty much this year. Got my shopping done early, and then felt the 1/2 price sales wouldn't hold all that much interest. I did stop in yesterday to pick up some milk and bread at WalMart and was able to find a couple of year end things that I look for - like the ornaments that will adorn the trees next year for the Great Grand Children. Got a pretty mid-night blue this year. I don't think we have had that color before. So now I will have to get them printed with the year and ID for each of the kids. I always enjoy doing that. I hope they enjoy them as much as I do?
All in all I believe we faired pretty well this year. Not that I was able to do as much as I like. I have pretty well made up my mind that I will do some volunteer work this next year. I think I need to get out more and be with other people, so that I don't get 'rusty'. They tell me there are all kinds of needs in the area, and so I believe it would do me good to find out where I might spend some of the time I have on hand to do something a bit more useful than just setting around.
I have had a wonderful time learning more from reading. Something I have always enjoyed doing, but not getting too envolved beyond what I needed for my various teaching assignments. Since I am getting too old to do that kind of thing anymore, I discovered an Author who writes about English History in Romance Novels. Stumbled on them quite by accident, but have really learned a lot about the time when my Grand Parents and Great Grand Parents lived in England. Though the Author deals mostly with those who were Nobleman and Women, the color of the stories she tells are so full of History, and her characters are so well defined that I can read one of Her paperbacks in about 4 or 5 hours. Been through over 100 of them so far. Won't run out of stories soon. She wrote over 700 books. When she died in her ninties, she left over 160 unpublished. I have read one of those, and it was the most humourous of any so far. They say she wrote 4 books a month. Most are only 7 Chapters long, but so enjoyable. Greatful that they are available so cheap that I can afford them. Who is she you ask? Barbara Cartland by name. The Library in town did not have but one of her books, but fortunately it had 5 books in between its' hard covers. I have since bought a copy for .99 cents and added 3 more plus about 5 volumes that have 3 books between their soft covers. Same price. Oh, I believe some of the paper backs I have bought I paid a penny for. Cheap reading, and most enjoyable way to spend some time in the afternoon, or evening. Always loved history, and who can pass up a well written romance - especially when it is not sleezy.
Well that about tells it all for what has been happening here in my little domain. Lets hear about what the rest of you have been doing - and those of you who are so much more savey about this 'one eyed monster' could add a picture or two to let me know how you look when I am not around you. School, Church and of course Sports happenings are always of interest to this old Grandma.
Hope the next time I sign on, I can see some of your handy work and a few smiling faces to cheer and brighten my day. Love you and hope to see and hear from you soon!
Written this 30th day of December 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sometimes I Wonder!
Before I begin this stroll through my thoughts, I guess I should say it was inspired thinking about my parents. They both had such unhappy youths
and childhoods. My Dad was left by his mother to be raised by his pateranl grandmother and my Mom was abandoned by her father along with her 8 siblings and their mother. Dad was in England and Mom was
in Ohio. They met on a blind date when Mom was only 18 years old, Dad was 22. Being interested in genealogy has brought my focus into a very peculiar channel of thinking. Family does not appear as mere names on a line of a pedigree chart or family group sheet - they appear real - flesh and blood people. Thus comes the realization these people had feelings and were working their way through life, at their time, and leaving behind both good and bad memories and examples. Who were they really, and what made them do and become who and what they were? I really have no idea what the answer to that question might be, but I do know a bit about the effects they had on the lives of the parents that I love so dearly, even to this day.
My materal grandmother was left to raise her family without any help except what here children could give her. She had, what appears to me, a great distrust of men, which was to be deepened in her hate for foreign men in particular - which of course included my Dad. Now I find that a very difficult thing to understand, because my Dad had to be just about the greatest guy I ever knew. He was overly protective of my Mom and he was ever mindful of my grandmother. Could it have been that Mom being the baby of the family, she, my grandmother resented my Dad taking Mom from her? It is, of course a possiblity. One wonders what effects the way people set their hearts and minds, and into what patterns!
Of course with such a background, Mom was never really trusting of men in general - I sometimes wondered how Dad was able to win her over? Possibly his gentleness or maybe by his ability to be charming. They were a great pair, and certainly good examples for what made a good marriage. Dad never allowed us kids to ever talk back or mistreat Mom in anyway. I remember one time when the boys and I were in some kind of an argument - Mom was not able to get us past what ever the difficulty was and she wasn't feeling well so she just left the house and said she was never coming back. Needless to say we all perked up with that and spent a very reflective afternoon trying to figure out how we were going to explain Mom leaving when Dad came home. I was a little more alert than either of the boys and saw Moms watch laying on the table. She never went anywhere without that watch on her wrist. That gave me hope that she might return, but I wondered if it would be before Dad got home. None of us wanted to face him and explain what had caused her to leave. You know to this day I can't recall when she came back or what really happened with Dad. I just know we never put up that kind of a fuss after that. We learned, you don't push Mom too far. I believe that is why it was gratifying to find I had married a man who had those same kind of ideals when we had our family. A husband that didn't like to leave the corrections to be done "when he came home", or have the kids back talk or be irreverent "to your mother".
So I can't help but wonder - what makes us develope the ideals that we have in our homes? Is it because we have seen what we like or dislike, or do we just follow suit when we get older? I have been aware that not one of us kids drive any different than Dad. He had something to say about everyones performance on the road. I observed over the years before I could drive, my brothers followed that pattern, and of course anyone that has driven with me, realizes that I am very verbal about what is going on around me as I chug along the highway. Are we just what we have observed, or do we have power to be what we want to be? I don't know! Is growing up in society today merely following what we have observed, or is it a carefully decided choice?
You know since I learned the truth about how my Mothers father leaving the family, taking all the money, with them in such hard times, how I marvel how they were able to keep their heads above water. Yet I realize they worked hard and made do with little, but they all grew up to be pretty respectable people. When I learned about my wayward grand father and the family he had in Canada, things were financially better on the surface, but the kids were not really all that much better off. So it is a real mystery to me how all those kids, too, turned out with such wonderful families. Go figure! Possibly there is a great lesson to be learned in all of it, but I have found it difficult to find it in my work of gathering information on them.
If it is true -from our first estate, we chose who our families would be here in this life; why did we pick the ones we did? What was the great desire we had, or the friendships there that made being together here so desirable? Another question, at this time, I have no answer for, is if there is one, how fortunate we must be to have the families we have, and yet how mystifying what brought about those connections we have made. Makes me think! Life just doesn't happen. It is a continual progress in motion that gives us reason to reflect on what our part is, and how well we are accomplishing what is needed.
You know I have never been alone before. I started out with my parents and two brothers. This was followed by a husband and then my own children. As our children got older and left home to go about their own lives, I still had a husband. Now I am a widow and live on in my home.
Amazing how memories help pass the time and how the normal everyday responsiblities keep things moving along. We are a fortunate lot, and I am not sure we take time to really appreciate what we have. For some I am sure life seems hard, and it some cases it might be, but we are all responsible for what life is on a day to day basis. We all wake up, and have things that NEED to be done. We all have days when we just DON'T want to deal with things as they come up, but life does go on and with or without us, it will continue to do so. If I an unhappy I have to remember what Mom used to always say: "Well if you are unhappy, you have the same dirty shirt to get happy in". So I guess I can find the happiness no matter in what I am dressed. It all depends on me. No one is going to come around with a cart full of happiness and ask me how much I need today. There was another saying I am not sure just how it went, but I believe it was something like: "Laugh and world laughs with you - cry and cry alone". What ever the truth is that we are here to do the best we can, and to leave with as much accomplished as we are able to do. Never say die, though die we must!
Written this 22 day of October 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
and childhoods. My Dad was left by his mother to be raised by his pateranl grandmother and my Mom was abandoned by her father along with her 8 siblings and their mother. Dad was in England and Mom was
in Ohio. They met on a blind date when Mom was only 18 years old, Dad was 22. Being interested in genealogy has brought my focus into a very peculiar channel of thinking. Family does not appear as mere names on a line of a pedigree chart or family group sheet - they appear real - flesh and blood people. Thus comes the realization these people had feelings and were working their way through life, at their time, and leaving behind both good and bad memories and examples. Who were they really, and what made them do and become who and what they were? I really have no idea what the answer to that question might be, but I do know a bit about the effects they had on the lives of the parents that I love so dearly, even to this day.
My materal grandmother was left to raise her family without any help except what here children could give her. She had, what appears to me, a great distrust of men, which was to be deepened in her hate for foreign men in particular - which of course included my Dad. Now I find that a very difficult thing to understand, because my Dad had to be just about the greatest guy I ever knew. He was overly protective of my Mom and he was ever mindful of my grandmother. Could it have been that Mom being the baby of the family, she, my grandmother resented my Dad taking Mom from her? It is, of course a possiblity. One wonders what effects the way people set their hearts and minds, and into what patterns!
Of course with such a background, Mom was never really trusting of men in general - I sometimes wondered how Dad was able to win her over? Possibly his gentleness or maybe by his ability to be charming. They were a great pair, and certainly good examples for what made a good marriage. Dad never allowed us kids to ever talk back or mistreat Mom in anyway. I remember one time when the boys and I were in some kind of an argument - Mom was not able to get us past what ever the difficulty was and she wasn't feeling well so she just left the house and said she was never coming back. Needless to say we all perked up with that and spent a very reflective afternoon trying to figure out how we were going to explain Mom leaving when Dad came home. I was a little more alert than either of the boys and saw Moms watch laying on the table. She never went anywhere without that watch on her wrist. That gave me hope that she might return, but I wondered if it would be before Dad got home. None of us wanted to face him and explain what had caused her to leave. You know to this day I can't recall when she came back or what really happened with Dad. I just know we never put up that kind of a fuss after that. We learned, you don't push Mom too far. I believe that is why it was gratifying to find I had married a man who had those same kind of ideals when we had our family. A husband that didn't like to leave the corrections to be done "when he came home", or have the kids back talk or be irreverent "to your mother".
So I can't help but wonder - what makes us develope the ideals that we have in our homes? Is it because we have seen what we like or dislike, or do we just follow suit when we get older? I have been aware that not one of us kids drive any different than Dad. He had something to say about everyones performance on the road. I observed over the years before I could drive, my brothers followed that pattern, and of course anyone that has driven with me, realizes that I am very verbal about what is going on around me as I chug along the highway. Are we just what we have observed, or do we have power to be what we want to be? I don't know! Is growing up in society today merely following what we have observed, or is it a carefully decided choice?
You know since I learned the truth about how my Mothers father leaving the family, taking all the money, with them in such hard times, how I marvel how they were able to keep their heads above water. Yet I realize they worked hard and made do with little, but they all grew up to be pretty respectable people. When I learned about my wayward grand father and the family he had in Canada, things were financially better on the surface, but the kids were not really all that much better off. So it is a real mystery to me how all those kids, too, turned out with such wonderful families. Go figure! Possibly there is a great lesson to be learned in all of it, but I have found it difficult to find it in my work of gathering information on them.
If it is true -from our first estate, we chose who our families would be here in this life; why did we pick the ones we did? What was the great desire we had, or the friendships there that made being together here so desirable? Another question, at this time, I have no answer for, is if there is one, how fortunate we must be to have the families we have, and yet how mystifying what brought about those connections we have made. Makes me think! Life just doesn't happen. It is a continual progress in motion that gives us reason to reflect on what our part is, and how well we are accomplishing what is needed.
You know I have never been alone before. I started out with my parents and two brothers. This was followed by a husband and then my own children. As our children got older and left home to go about their own lives, I still had a husband. Now I am a widow and live on in my home.
Amazing how memories help pass the time and how the normal everyday responsiblities keep things moving along. We are a fortunate lot, and I am not sure we take time to really appreciate what we have. For some I am sure life seems hard, and it some cases it might be, but we are all responsible for what life is on a day to day basis. We all wake up, and have things that NEED to be done. We all have days when we just DON'T want to deal with things as they come up, but life does go on and with or without us, it will continue to do so. If I an unhappy I have to remember what Mom used to always say: "Well if you are unhappy, you have the same dirty shirt to get happy in". So I guess I can find the happiness no matter in what I am dressed. It all depends on me. No one is going to come around with a cart full of happiness and ask me how much I need today. There was another saying I am not sure just how it went, but I believe it was something like: "Laugh and world laughs with you - cry and cry alone". What ever the truth is that we are here to do the best we can, and to leave with as much accomplished as we are able to do. Never say die, though die we must!
Written this 22 day of October 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, October 8, 2011
I Love the Train
You know now that driving distances has been limited to me for at least a year, I have to find a way to get away from time to time. When my Grand Niece was getting married in September of 2011 I had to make arrangements to get to Oregon for the ceremony. What else, call and see how I could get to Redmond, Oregon on the Train. The arrangements were simple. Call AmTrac and talk to an agent about the best price and time as well as station to leave from.
Paso Robles has a Train Station, so I picked that. They only leave once a day, and that would be in the afternoon. No problem. I then had to find out what would be my best price. Realizing that I would be on the Train over night, I opted for a Roomette. This would give me a nice bed for the night and of course included all my meals, plus I was close to the rest rooms and showers. In case I wanted to take one that is. Which I did not.
They do furnish the towels and so that is great - if you were interested.
When I left would make a difference in what price I had to pay. I did not care when I left, so I worked it out with the Agent as to what day I would book, gave them my Credit Card, and was set. Now to get ready!
I found getting to the Station on the day picked, I had a number of options. My Visiting Teacher was happy to drop me off, so that was taken care of. I had some things to take up with me, so I was quick to fashion my suitcases into a piggy back pair that one set of wheels would move along very successfully. It took me a couple trips to places to get bolts long enough with washers and nuts to fasten them to the 'pegs' or feet on the cases. Now placing them so that the wheel ends were opposite, I could use the straps at the top of each suitcase to wrap around the bolts and secure them together so that they would not slip arround. Of course to see they really were secure, I went to WalMart and bought a luggage strap that was long enough to go around the two cases, and then they were really secure. Neither of them had all that much in them, but I had
left a few things when I was at my Brothers place earlier in the year, so I needed room to bring that back. Worked both ways, and I felt pretty proud of myself to be able to work this out. A chip off the old block - my Dad could have done better, I am sure, but with what I had learned from him, I was able to manage pretty darn good, even if I do say so myself!
Because we left at about 3:30 in the afternoon, I could enjoy the scenery going that I would not see returning because we left Chamult, Oregon at night on the return trip. While I arrived at around 9 am on my way up. Really makes it nice. Oregon is pretty much a change of scenery quickly after you leave California because of all the Trees. Of course you have all the open country as well. With the changes it is exciting to have them tell you over the inter-com what will be coming up along the side of the Train and giving you time to look for it, whether on your side or the side across the isle. I think the one thing I remember best was the Root Beer Falls, I can't remember whether they came up before or after Klamath Falls, Oregon. They said the color of the water was due to Chemicals in the water. They did look like Root Beer. Once or twice, of course they had some fun things they announced. Didn't take me long to figure out they had a great sence of humor. The Steward from the Dining Car came through making reservations for the various meals. I didn't have to bother when he came by, as my Room Steward came to take my order when I was ready and brought my meals to me. It was nice. There is one set of menus going and one set coming back. That way you have a great choice, just in case you have to repeat because of the time you are on the Train. They have a Parlor Car which has a different Menu and you are welcome to eat there if you are in a Sleeper Car, but I was not able to walk to get to it, due to the movement of the Train. Then of course they had a Snack Bar that was open most of the day and evening hours. They were constantly announcing the 'goodies' that were available. There is no smoking on any Train, so they would remind the passangers when they were coming to a smoking stop so those interested could get off and grab a "couple of puffs". There were some of these stops that they could only exit from one specific car, so there was a scrample at times to get to where they could make their way to be able to accomodate their habit.
The first time I went on the Train, the Stop, and that is all it is in Chamult was pretty bad. It had snowed, there was a wooden deck with a ramp that went to the parking lot where the Bus picked me up for the 2 hour drive into Redmond. Back then, we had to be picked up in Bend, but now they have the Bus that goes all the way into the Redmond Airport. Well getting off that first time was pretty hazardous, but now they have reworked the Stop and there is a nice Cemented Area with Benches and a Roof. As we have to get on at around 8 o'clock a night, it is nice to have it so well lite
and a great ramp as well as stairs to get down to the Parking Area or up to the Train. Usually there is time for a Snack Stop before we board the Train, but on this return trip, we were held up by a road working crew that ate up time, so we barely had time to get up from the Parking Lot to catch our Train. I was surprised the same Bus Driver that took me up to Redmond was the same one who picked me up for my return trip. I guess he appreciated the fact I was the only one to tip him on the first trip and to repeat it on the way back that he took my luggage all the way to the top for me, I guess because we were late, and he remembered I didn't move all that fast. Certainly was a blessing for me. The Conductor who got off
the Train when they stopped jumped off called my name and told me to get on he would take care of my luggage. The Room Steward was there to give me a hand getting on, so I made it in good time, and didn't hold things up. The stop in Chamult is pretty short, so they don't let anyone get off. They usually have to move the train for admitting the Sleeper Car passengers and then stop again for those who are in the Chair Cars.
When I got on, my bed was made up and I was able to get myself ready for bed, and comfortable for the return trip. It was fun because when I left to go up a couple from England got on a few stops after I had and we had a nice visit. When I returned the Roomette across from me was another couple from England who were ending their trip by visiting their Son in San Francisco. They were pleasant and we had a nice chat before we all said Good-night and turned out our lights. They got off shortly after breakfast the next morning. I of course didn't leave the Train until after I had lunch. I wouldn't advise you order the Vegi-burger. It was lovely except when they made it, they included too much hot spice, I could only eat half of it. I had a glass of milk, so I managed, but it is a shame that so much of the food anymore is seasoned with so much hot spices that it makes it miserable for me. If I know, I avoid it, but who would have guessed a Vegi-burger would be spiced HOT?
Well after a lovely 18 day visit with Ronald and his family, I rolled back into Paso Robles and found things here at home not changed very much. The rain they were expecting in Redmond, Oregon on Monday finally made its way down to Paso by Thursday and Friday. It was a nice rain and I did believe it was the begining of Fall, but that lastest but a short time when we were told a heat spell was coming this next week, so we have to leave the bathing suits out and the snow caps and umbrellas will still have to stay in the closet. Purhaps there will not be any frost on the pumpkins for Halloween this year? With or without it we are breezing into the Holiday Season pretty quickly. Will have to decide what I will be doing this year - all by myself. Haven't ever done this before. May prove a great experience. What ever - I just wanted to share this fun time and tell you that traveling on the Train is great, and I will certainly look forward to doing it again when the opportunity arises.
Written this 8th day of October 2011
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Paso Robles has a Train Station, so I picked that. They only leave once a day, and that would be in the afternoon. No problem. I then had to find out what would be my best price. Realizing that I would be on the Train over night, I opted for a Roomette. This would give me a nice bed for the night and of course included all my meals, plus I was close to the rest rooms and showers. In case I wanted to take one that is. Which I did not.
They do furnish the towels and so that is great - if you were interested.
When I left would make a difference in what price I had to pay. I did not care when I left, so I worked it out with the Agent as to what day I would book, gave them my Credit Card, and was set. Now to get ready!
I found getting to the Station on the day picked, I had a number of options. My Visiting Teacher was happy to drop me off, so that was taken care of. I had some things to take up with me, so I was quick to fashion my suitcases into a piggy back pair that one set of wheels would move along very successfully. It took me a couple trips to places to get bolts long enough with washers and nuts to fasten them to the 'pegs' or feet on the cases. Now placing them so that the wheel ends were opposite, I could use the straps at the top of each suitcase to wrap around the bolts and secure them together so that they would not slip arround. Of course to see they really were secure, I went to WalMart and bought a luggage strap that was long enough to go around the two cases, and then they were really secure. Neither of them had all that much in them, but I had
left a few things when I was at my Brothers place earlier in the year, so I needed room to bring that back. Worked both ways, and I felt pretty proud of myself to be able to work this out. A chip off the old block - my Dad could have done better, I am sure, but with what I had learned from him, I was able to manage pretty darn good, even if I do say so myself!
Because we left at about 3:30 in the afternoon, I could enjoy the scenery going that I would not see returning because we left Chamult, Oregon at night on the return trip. While I arrived at around 9 am on my way up. Really makes it nice. Oregon is pretty much a change of scenery quickly after you leave California because of all the Trees. Of course you have all the open country as well. With the changes it is exciting to have them tell you over the inter-com what will be coming up along the side of the Train and giving you time to look for it, whether on your side or the side across the isle. I think the one thing I remember best was the Root Beer Falls, I can't remember whether they came up before or after Klamath Falls, Oregon. They said the color of the water was due to Chemicals in the water. They did look like Root Beer. Once or twice, of course they had some fun things they announced. Didn't take me long to figure out they had a great sence of humor. The Steward from the Dining Car came through making reservations for the various meals. I didn't have to bother when he came by, as my Room Steward came to take my order when I was ready and brought my meals to me. It was nice. There is one set of menus going and one set coming back. That way you have a great choice, just in case you have to repeat because of the time you are on the Train. They have a Parlor Car which has a different Menu and you are welcome to eat there if you are in a Sleeper Car, but I was not able to walk to get to it, due to the movement of the Train. Then of course they had a Snack Bar that was open most of the day and evening hours. They were constantly announcing the 'goodies' that were available. There is no smoking on any Train, so they would remind the passangers when they were coming to a smoking stop so those interested could get off and grab a "couple of puffs". There were some of these stops that they could only exit from one specific car, so there was a scrample at times to get to where they could make their way to be able to accomodate their habit.
The first time I went on the Train, the Stop, and that is all it is in Chamult was pretty bad. It had snowed, there was a wooden deck with a ramp that went to the parking lot where the Bus picked me up for the 2 hour drive into Redmond. Back then, we had to be picked up in Bend, but now they have the Bus that goes all the way into the Redmond Airport. Well getting off that first time was pretty hazardous, but now they have reworked the Stop and there is a nice Cemented Area with Benches and a Roof. As we have to get on at around 8 o'clock a night, it is nice to have it so well lite
and a great ramp as well as stairs to get down to the Parking Area or up to the Train. Usually there is time for a Snack Stop before we board the Train, but on this return trip, we were held up by a road working crew that ate up time, so we barely had time to get up from the Parking Lot to catch our Train. I was surprised the same Bus Driver that took me up to Redmond was the same one who picked me up for my return trip. I guess he appreciated the fact I was the only one to tip him on the first trip and to repeat it on the way back that he took my luggage all the way to the top for me, I guess because we were late, and he remembered I didn't move all that fast. Certainly was a blessing for me. The Conductor who got off
the Train when they stopped jumped off called my name and told me to get on he would take care of my luggage. The Room Steward was there to give me a hand getting on, so I made it in good time, and didn't hold things up. The stop in Chamult is pretty short, so they don't let anyone get off. They usually have to move the train for admitting the Sleeper Car passengers and then stop again for those who are in the Chair Cars.
When I got on, my bed was made up and I was able to get myself ready for bed, and comfortable for the return trip. It was fun because when I left to go up a couple from England got on a few stops after I had and we had a nice visit. When I returned the Roomette across from me was another couple from England who were ending their trip by visiting their Son in San Francisco. They were pleasant and we had a nice chat before we all said Good-night and turned out our lights. They got off shortly after breakfast the next morning. I of course didn't leave the Train until after I had lunch. I wouldn't advise you order the Vegi-burger. It was lovely except when they made it, they included too much hot spice, I could only eat half of it. I had a glass of milk, so I managed, but it is a shame that so much of the food anymore is seasoned with so much hot spices that it makes it miserable for me. If I know, I avoid it, but who would have guessed a Vegi-burger would be spiced HOT?
Well after a lovely 18 day visit with Ronald and his family, I rolled back into Paso Robles and found things here at home not changed very much. The rain they were expecting in Redmond, Oregon on Monday finally made its way down to Paso by Thursday and Friday. It was a nice rain and I did believe it was the begining of Fall, but that lastest but a short time when we were told a heat spell was coming this next week, so we have to leave the bathing suits out and the snow caps and umbrellas will still have to stay in the closet. Purhaps there will not be any frost on the pumpkins for Halloween this year? With or without it we are breezing into the Holiday Season pretty quickly. Will have to decide what I will be doing this year - all by myself. Haven't ever done this before. May prove a great experience. What ever - I just wanted to share this fun time and tell you that traveling on the Train is great, and I will certainly look forward to doing it again when the opportunity arises.
Written this 8th day of October 2011
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
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