Elephant Ride

This was taken for Miles as he wanted to see the elephant I'm sure. Lechimeez was her name and she yelped a little when she got hit with the club. I didn't think this was the right work for these female elephants but it was the only way up to the Amber Palace of the Kuchchawa rulers. The forts in India were amazing with walls similar to the Great Wall here and there. We also enjoyed the Tiger Reserve for a day's stay but we saw no tigers. It was just nice to be away from all the people and we had a jeep safari to look at peacocks and deer.

Since I had no photographer with me there are no photos of the trip. Good thing there were photos for sale almost everywhere if they caught you touring. I love the fact that you have your computer in China. Keep sending email. I am home in my pajamas.

The Taj

We got on our bus at 5:30 a.m. to get the sunrise view. It is beautiful but the hawkers and crippled kids outside the place made me a little nauseous. There are 21 on our bus and so far we are learning much about the country and seeing much poverty and garbage. I think you will be pleased with your trip to China.

Our trip to India took over 30 hours because we had stops in Hong Kong and Singapore. We stayed one night in Delhi and then arrived in Agra yesterday. The hotels we are staying in are the best. They remind me of the safari hotels in Africa. Anyway they are quite the contrast to the rest of the country.

Last night we went out to dinner and watched a dancer for the evening. The lights kept flickering as I think the generator outside was giving out. I know India is becoming a world power but I'm not sure about these little things they need to improve first.

We like the Chico folks as there is a group from Carmel as well. I hope you find a friendly bunch for your China trip. Most of these tourists with us have done the China tour also. They are carrying huge suitcases with lovely new outfits each day while I'm still working out of my small, green duffle bag. I hope I have room for my sari on the way home. Betty's load was lightened this morning when someone cut the strap of her camera. Send email or comments.

How to Have a Good Time

This clearing out of Leslie’s Seaside beach house would have been right up your alley so I’m sorry you missed it. Nancy, Leslie and I spent several hours over two days searching IKEA for the proper furniture and décor items for a beach house. When we left the store we had a table tied on to the roof rack of Nancy’s new car and only a small space for each of us to squash into inside the car. It was most fun to buy all the things while Leslie paid.

In only one long day we were able to prep the knotty pine and paint over it, paint the walls of the living room, throw out old carpets and furniture, hang new pictures, assemble a new dining set and all the while critiquing the placement of furniture, sofa pillows and window treatments. Nancy was the decorator who made all the good decisions after all our collective input of course. If you were here we could schedule a floor tiling job.

This is the month we both hook up with the Chico Chamber of Commerce for their travel programs. I am ready to leave for India on Saturday and soon after you’ll be at the same SFO departure on your way to China. I’m wondering how many days between our flights? I’ve been working on acquiring dollar bills in good condition. I hate when my money looks too raggedy and can’t be spent. What’s even worse is getting worn out local currency in change and then not being able to spend it.

The Memorial Day menu is complete, Leslie is the Cruise director, shirts are ordered, 40th Reunion commemorative cake is scheduled, so it looks like a do not miss weekend. Cruise director has leaked a few surprises-Bounce Castle, Treasure Hunt, Volley Ball Tournament and we cannot forget the traditional lounging while discussing politics, where to have MD the following year, families, children, pets, and also recalling all the fun incidents from past reunions.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip. Just don’t talk about Tibet or get in any discussions regarding boycotting the Olympics.

Alberta's Days

Last week I was fussing about the place she lives because she always asks if I will drive her to her home. It bothers me as I assume she hates it there and misses her own home. Wednesday I met with the social worker at Riverview Terrace as it is a large place that many people have recommended. I was disappointed when I saw the rooms as they went along corridors and the entire place reminded me of a hospital. They do have dogs, cats, birds and many plants to provide enjoyment for the residents however it is near downtown about 20 minutes from my house.

Most days I try to see my mom and take the newspaper that she likes to read she says. She asks, “Are you my daughter, Arla?” sometimes but other days she’s just pleased to have a visitor. She is nearly always sitting in the living room area in front of the television with several other women. She has a next door neighbor she tries to care for and helps her find her way at times. It is very nice of my mom as she enjoys being helpful.

One day last week Winnie, another resident, asked me if I’ve seen her suitcase as she lost it on her trip. I then learned from the staff that she always is looking for her suitcase and imagines she’s been on a trip. Other times she’s trying to call the bank because she thinks she’s missing checks. The troublesome part of these conversations is replaying them over and over until everyone is exhausted. Though my mom repeats herself constantly she is less anxious and enjoys other people around her.

I’m learning things too so when she says, “Are you going home to fix your husband lunch?” I answer yes rather than try to explain exactly what the situation is like I used to do. She reminds me a little of Grandpa Johanson and it’s hard to imagine how much she’s changed the past few years. Her life is down to eating and sleeping and the frightening part is that might be close to my daily activities with the addition of messing around on the computer. (Note to Brett and Cyd-take my computer with me when you drive me to my special care facility)

I’m taking it along to Leslie’s this weekend so her brain can help get the Memorial Day menu and activities listing down on paper and out to the family. Did I mention that Jill forwarded this job as she was headed to Mexico? This planning, organizing, discussing, critiquing part is much of the reunion fun. Are you in charge of the reunion shirts?