In the past week I’ve watched helicopters hovering over the South Bay practicing rescues over and over. Two choppers took turns getting as close to the water as possible and when one of the crew jumped into the bay they would gain a little altitude and do something mysterious to me from my observation point. It seemed the operation involved lowering a rope and then gaining possession of the man in the water and pulling him back up to the safety of the aircraft. Over and over. Noisy to say the least. For a few hours one afternoon I shivered for the guy in the water and watched him pulled back into the helicopter. Then the next helicopter would fly in as the first one pulled away; helicopter number two did a repeat of what just went on. Over and over. Practice makes perfect is how it says. Actually practice makes permanent. Whatever is practiced is retained whether or not it is correct; it is permanent. I hope these crew people were practicing the correct way. Go Navy!
I’ve detected an issue with the SAAB. Slowly over the past 2 months, or longer. The power has decreased; noticed only during acceleration. The engine light is on as well. It seems, the light that is, to light at random though. (My attitude toward the engine light is much like my attitude toward a nervous companion; there may be something there but usually not.) My visit to Paul Vail in Ramona earlier revealed a engine light code consistent with a deteriorating ‘air mass meter’ or AMM. This situation causes a loss in performance noticed during acceleration (thank you, Google). Good job, Engine Light! Paul’s mechanic “Tony” replaced said AMM with a used one borrowed from a SAAB on the hill on this desert mountain. I took the car for a try and ‘zoom’ it was again super fast off the line. Wish I could do that for myself.
I’ve met a few times with son Mark. We seem to enjoy the times together. Poco a poco se va lejo. There is much for us to repair. Just being present with each other is a giant leap. The processing is hidden in the salutations and partings. We have another bridge – dinner with the family on Friday. Little by little we go far.
There are more visits in California before I leave for the Pacific Northwest. Sirago shipmate Bill Shampan in Bakersfield and Basque food at his favorite clubs. I look forward to that as well. Then there is Brad Frisius in Woodlake for a coffee and then a stay with Ed Birdsong in Soledad. I will edge out of the state through the north country. I want to see the redwoods and the coast in Humboldt County. Trinidad and Patrick Point State Park interest me. There are others in California I would like to connect with but timing/opportunity sometimes don’t cooperate. Toby Laverty is moving from Oakland to Seattle so I may see him later. I prefer to respond to invitations rather than inviting myself.
I returned the library book to Temecula yesterday. It is a long drive but I thought I’d get a chance to visit with Neeley in Riverside later. Temecula to Riverside is a long trip as well. As it turned out Neeley had her day filled with work situations so that was not possible. Maybe we will connect one last time as I exit SoCal. Maybe.
I am shocked by the price of a gallon of gasoline here in San Diego area. On the Navy base the price is $3.99. Generally out in town the price is $4.35. One gas station in Coronado has it at $4.99!. When I mentioned this to Paul Vail he said, “Don’t get me started!” Apparently the state tax masters are balancing the budget on the backs of the working people. Well, don’t get me started!
The food in this part of the country is excellent. I have been focusing on Nunzi’s but there are plenty of other places. I wish I had time and money to go to La Valencia in La Jolla (if it’s still there!). (I just checked; it is! http://www.lavalencia.com/sip-savor/sip-savor.htm
I’ve been to Bino’s as well. Bino’s is a bistro and creperie right across the street from Nunzi’s. I’ve had the Caesar salad there and the Nicoise salad as well. Speaking of Caesar salad I will try to get to Caesar’s in Tijuana during the next few days. http://www.caesarstijuana.com/ To enjoy the original is truly a treat.
I had lunch with Ana yesterday at Bino’s. What a treat to see her. All the qualities I fantasize for myself I see in her. She is so bright, wicked smaht!, beautiful, positive, energetic. Everyone should have a friend like Ana. By the way I love her. Ana is my constant connection to wanting to learn Spanish. I don’t see enough of her.
Oh, by the way. Two days ago the Seal teams were practicing blowing up shit and firing automatic weapons at each other across the highway from the RV park where I am living in a tent made of light fabric. I only notice I am lying in a shelter made of light fabric when I hear bomb blasts and automatic weapon fire. My ass puckers and I sense I am biting small holes in my shorts.
Well, I hope everyone is getting to see more sun and warmer temps back home in Boothbay. I miss you guys very much. Another month and I will be closing in on New England.
Love and Peace to all.
SIPPING COFFEE IN THE SUN
Sitting outside “The Castle”,
Soaking up heat mid April,
My body folds open,
Maximizing the rays of the sun,
I turn slowly,
Keeping myself facing
The warm,
My long sleeved jersey
Helps,
My morning companion,
The potted oxalis
Placed table-center,
It too adjusts to
The heat and bright,
Its leaves and blossoms in
Delightful harmony turn, fold,
Twist ‘neath the parallel
Rays.
Each leaf adjusts
Downward to reduce the beams
Pouring through its cellular self,
Not me!
Give me sun today,
I’ll take all I can get.
G.M. Goodwin
April 15, 2013
Playing Fair and Being Kind 