Pete Seeger

Last night listening to story about the life of Pete Seeger made me think. So many of the songs became part of our lives. They were written as protest songs but without an angry tone. Without the anger the songs became part of the next generation and were sung by schoolchildren. I think his legacy is that protest can be delivered in a gentle tone.

Have to Laugh

One of my caregivers, Elisa, has 5 boys and the youngest is 3. When she gives me a shower she especially cleans between my toes and behind my ears. My feet love it, but should I tell her I have not been playing in a sandbox or digging in the dirt?

Birthday thoughts

Dave would have turned 70 today. Funny that I don't think of him as old. Before he got sick he was working with a trainer and really proud of how strong he had become. In my mind's eye I see him that way or on the boat. In the boat image he is looking at something off to port. Sailing changed us as we learned to slow down and live in the moment and see the many small wonders of our world. We never regretted choosing to spend the time aboard. As health issues changed our lives we could look back and say we did it. Dave became vehement when telling people to follow their dreams. His DO IT NOW could often be heard. We did it and have the wonderful memories. Happy Birthday Dave.

getting started

Starting out the year right I finally had the van oil changed and a good looking over from a friend of Todds. One of the things he mentioned was the battery was low. This was on Thursday. Why I did not get a new one on Friday or Saturday is beyond me. Sunday morning the van would not start. One call and Todd to the rescue. Only a little late to church. After church caregiver Yukie started the engine before opening the ramp. Did not have a problem. I knew we would not have time on Monday to get a new one. Yukie does not back up our steep driveway so Cindy put the van away with no problem. Tuesday morning I did not even think about starting the engine before operating the ramp. Once again Todd to the rescue. Then off to Les Schwab. Getting the battery was just like their commercials. We drove in and someone came to the car to see what we needed. When Cindy said we needed a battery he said come right here. Looked at battery and proceeded to go get one and put it in. I think it took as long to pay as getting the battery.

Traditons

New Year's Day is full of traditions for both Dave and me. As kids growing up in Southern California the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl were big events. We watched the parade on television and I remember taking a ladder and going to watch the end of the parade. I don't remember if we did that often but do remember going to see the floats where they were parked. Dave's memories were about seeing the parade in person. They started with people passing kids to the front to sit on the blue line. (a line painted on street about width of parking strip. People can move out to that line at midnight.) Many years they put out a bench the afternoon before and moved it out at midnight. Then they discovered that a bottle of booze could entice someone to move the bench for them. There is nothing that can portray the beauty of the floats. Remember every inch of the floats must be covered by plant material. Following the parade was the Rose Bowl. During our early years it the only bowl game. Some years the outcome mattered to us. Other years we just wanted a good game. It was always part of the day Fast forward past marriage, babies and several moves. After hearing all the stories it was time for the kids to experience a night and day on Colorado Blvd. (Cindy Haven do you remember what year that was?) The big difference was Dave's parents RV parked on a side street. It was very nice to have a bathroom and hot breakfast. We still had to find a spot on the curb in the afternoon. Watching cars cruising up and down the street and crowds on the sidewalk contributed to the festive atmosphere. Then midnight came and everybody moved to the street. Very gradually things settled down some. Even wrapped in a sleeping bag it is difficult to sleep on a busy street.. We " let " the kids have the privilege. We then stayed home on New Years. The new tradition changed to a big pot of chile simmering on the stove. Crispy rolls and fresh fruit finished out a eat when you are hungry day.