THE RANCH AND THE TORNADO

    We have dear friends who have a wonderful ranch in Montana.  They raise buffalo to whom they give names of family members and friends.  The buffalo and the people are so proud to have the honor bestowed upon them.  Whenever I go to the ranch I get the feeling of calm and relief from stress that wide open spaces can bring about.
     One summer, our hostess, a friend and I (all city girls) drove the jeep into the small farm town to buy decorations and food for a neighbor's baby shower.  It was about a 45 minute drive, and we looked forward to the outing.  The moment we got there, we sensed there was something wrong.  There was a stillness in the air, and little pieces of paper were twirling around in a little circle.  Odd?  We thought so, too.  But it didn't stop us.  It was 3:00 PM on a Saturday, and some of the stores were closed.  Why? Did they know something we didn't know?
     We got some of the errands done, and when we exited the store we looked up and saw a pitch black sky.  It started to get windy.  We realized that it was a tornado, and we had a long drive ahead of us.  A tornado?  We don't have those in New York City or Los Angeles.  What do we do, hide from it? Drive right through it?  We were speeding down the road and the black funnel cloud was following us.  Then it started to hail.  Believe me when I tell you that the hail was as big as baseballs; and they made big dents in the car.  The only building we saw on the road was an abandoned gas station, and there was no place to take shelter, so we pressed on.
     We got back to the ranch in time to avoid being swallowed up by the storm, but there were others who were not so lucky.  The storm went on through the night.  We saw on TV that there were tornado warnings, but we couldn't see anything out the window but blackness and lightning.  We were glad to be on our way home the next day, but at the Billings Airport there were tornado warning sirens going off.  My thought?  Get me outta here!
     Of course, we returned to the ranch several more times, always with the anticipation of a wonderful few days with friends, living a much different life than we do at home.

ARLO

     Saturday night we went to our "annual" Arlo Guthrie Concert at UCLA.
     We love his folksy humor and wonderful songs.  Last year it wasn't so good; he didn't do his old music, but tried out new compositions.  That wasn't what the audience came for.  He did "Alice's Restaurant" and "City of New Orleans," but not much more that was recognizable.
     THIS YEAR he redeemed himself.  He did a lot of Woody's known and unknown songs as well as his own known selections.  What made it so much more fun was that it was was The Guthrie Family in all its glory. The picture is old, and doesn't have all the players, but there were lots of them.  He even had his granddaughters (ages 7 down to 2) on stage; and they can sing, play instruments, and hog the mikes.  His daughters, son, and other family members perfectly complemented Arlo, and were marvelous on their own.  It was really a triumph.  Imagine having so many talented family members all touring together.  It must be a madhouse on those tour busses.

ROAD TRIP!

COULD HAVE BEEN US IN THE 1970'S  

I found a website that really appeals to me (www.roadtripamerica.com).  It's full of information about wonderful back roads, destinations, articles, etc., that relate to car or RV travel throughout the USA.
   I don't know what the American version of the Anglophile is, but my husband and I fit into that category.  We have travelled throughout the world, and have seen many wonderful places that fill us with treasured memories.
   Sightseeing by car, with Howard driving in unfamiliar territory, has been a "trip" all its own, no matter what country we're in.  I think I may do some blogs about some of the predicaments in which we have found ourselves.  Car travel can be lots of fun; there are lots of things to discover when you are on your own.  If we were to rate our travel experiences, we would have to rate traversing America by car right on top. ( See "Teton Reflections")
   We have a Road Trip coming up.  We plan to explore the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 in Northern California.  We went to the "Mother Lode Country" years ago, and don't expect it to be any different this time, at least we hope not.  The little towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills are charming and historic; we are very excited.
    As a finishing touch, we will spend 4 days in Sacramento at the "Dixieland Jazz Festival."  We haven't done that in quite a few years, and are really looking forward to visiting venues around the city and listening to that spirited and sometimes soulful music.

THE EARTH MOVES UNDER MY FEET!

 NORTHRIDGE QUAKE 1994

   Well, we just experienced an earthquake. The epicenter was near Mexicali, Mexico, about 120 miles south of where we live.  It was a huge one; 7.2 magnitude.  We felt it here near Santa Monica, but we in California are all too used to feeling earthquakes.  We speculate as to their magnitude, can describe the type of motion, and if it is a big one, like Northridge, experience damage to our homes.  I have been near the epicenters of Northridge, Landers, Whittier Narrows, and a few others.  Boy, it's exciting.  Water sloshes out of swimming pools, items fall off of shelves,  and chandeliers sway.  However, if it is a big one, its no joke! Houses slide off of their foundations, walls come tumbling down, power poles come down, precious items break, and human life is in danger.
   After the Northridge Quake I carried first aid, water, and sneakers in the trunk of my car for about a year.  Little by little I cleaned out the trunk, and the Quake Kit fell by the wayside. 
The big one today reminded me of how prepared we should be, because the earth will shake again.  (Now where did I put that first aid backpack?)

iPAD MADNESS

     I want to buy an iPad.  I don't need an iPad.  In fact, I recently bought a netbook, which is terrible; it crashes all the time, it really was a mistake.  My son told me to wait for the iPad, that the netbooks were toys compared to it.  But I didn't listen.  I'm so impulsive/compulsive that the iPad continually pops up in my mind. I watch demos, and really think it is the machine for me.  But I can't do it.  It seems morally decadent.  How many computers, kindles, etc. does one person need?  I'm not even working.  I will wait until it has been out for a year, and then I will consider it.  Oh, I hope I can wait.

DISABLED ACCESS? I DON'T THINK SO.

     When I graduated from Law School I wanted to be a champion for the disabled.  I accomplished that to some degree, but I, myself, was an able-bodied person.  I had empathy for my clients, but could I REALLY understand what they were going through?  I thought so, but maybe not.

     Over the years I developed all kinds of orthopedic problems, making long distance walking and some other endeavors painful and difficult, if not impossible.  I heartily approved of the "American's with Disabilities Act," which required, among many other things, handicapped bathroom facilities in most establishments, and wheelchair ramps carved into the street corners. There have been lots of wonderful accommodations over the years.

    Now, however, I am temporarily unable to be weight-bearing on my left leg..  I am either pushed in a wheelchair or self-ambulatory on a "knee scooter, " an adorable, fantastic invention.  (Not me in the photo).  But I can only get off of it on the right side.  We have a two story home, so navigating the stairs is a major issue, only done when absolutely necessary; like to LEAVE THE HOUSE!  For the next three months I have canceled all unnecessary plans, because of the logistics of getting me out of here over to "there." 

    Now I realize that all ventures from the house require careful planning, calling ahead, etc.  Last night we went to a lovely, accessible restaurant for my birthday.  So far, so good.  The bathroom area was busy, and I didn't know the layout.  Since I was in a wheelchair that needed pushing, I didn't want my husband to halt all traffic while he helped me negotiate the project.  

   I was planning to attend a bridal shower next week, at someone's home.  "Oh, don't worry, it's all one level." said my friend.  But what about the sidewalk?  The walkway to the house; are there steps?  Is there a step down living room?  Are they having it outside?  How do you get to the yard?  Is the bathroom a) big enough for my scooter, and b) laid out so I can get off the scooter on the right side?  Is the bathroom in the restaurant really accessible?  Can I even open the door to get in?  All of these problems can be solved by asking for information, but for a "newbie" like me, there is still lots of insecurity.

    I knew a woman who had MS and was in a wheelchair.  As her condition deteriorated, her world became smaller.  A permanent caregiver, lots of shopping from home, restaurants that made her feel comfortable, chefs who would cut up the food in the kitchen, and lots of calling ahead to check out the accommodations.  

    Needing help (and asking for it) with personal grooming, mobility, meals, etc., is very difficult for me.  It must be more so for many people with permanent disabilities.  I give a lot of credit to people who have dealt with their issues and accomplished great things.  I also give a lot of credit to those who face the issues every day, and struggle to maneuver through a society that caters to those who physically are able to make it on their own.

    

TETON REFLECTIONS

I was searching through photos and came across one that I took of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming.I really like it. It is a very calm scene, but taken on a journey that much the opposite of calm.

Our children were 9, 5, and 2 (still in diapers). We took all three plus a 15' Field and Stream trailer on a National Park Tour. We were on the road for three weeks. This was many years ago, but the pain lingers on.

I CALL IT THE TRIP FROM HELL!

I started the trip recording my thoughts into a tape recorder every day, and by the end of the trip I was crying into the mike. What were we thinking?  Who did we think we were, pioneers? We slept in our cramped "covered wagon" and ate all of our meals outside.

I swear this is true: The kids were sitting at a picnic table under the pines, drinking chicken rice soup. Stuff that looked like big pieces of rice started falling from the trees.....they were maggots. That was when I began to crumble.

    
In spite of the discomfort, we continued on, undaunted, determined to visit the glorious parks, and introduce our children to the beauty of nature (only the oldest one remembers the trip). The reason I feel comfortable recounting the horrors of the trip, is that it served its purpose.
    
Of course Howard and I repeated the trip several times over the years, but what pleased us most was that we have been able to share our love for the beauty of this country with the kids as they grew. We tent camped with them in Yosemite year after year. When they reached young adulthood, we all switched to backpacking. It was an adventure I was "dragged" into, but once I got going, I enjoyed it. I have a few stories about backpacking as well, but I'll save them for another day.

WHITEWATER WIPEOUTS

     I picked the photo for this posting  because of the sheer joy, and extreme panic that goes along with whitewater rafting.  No, that's not me in the photo, but it might as well be.  Howard and I have rafted many rivers, including the very dangerous Tuolomne (pictured) and the glorious, sometimes terrifying Colorado.

     The Tuolomne was our first rafting experience; it is an advanced class IV-V river, not one for novices, but we took someone else's place.  It was kind of a "sure, why not" response.  I looked up a class V.  "Whitewater, large waves, possible large rocks and hazards, possible large drop, requires precice maneuvering, skill level Advanced whitewater experience."  A class VI is so dangerous as to risk death.  We had "all of the above."  The river was WILD as it ran 18 miles of intense rapids, interspersed with gorgeous scenery and a feeling of solitude at calm stretches.  It was so rough at certain places that the oarsmen had to portage the rafts to safer spots; we hiked the route.

     You would think "never again."  But it's like having a baby, you forget the "pain" and remember the joy.  We did 8 days on the Colorado River as part of a group of friends who were photographing a catalog for their outdoor equipment.  They did 13 days, ending up in Lake Mead.  We got out half way, as planned, at Phantom Ranch.  We put on our packs, and lots of water, and hiked 1 mile straight up the canyon trail in 104 degree heat.  Slept overnight on picnic tables close to the rim.  It was awful.  I don't even want to relive it.

     But the RAFTING on the Colorado was phenomenal.  You float down, down, down, through time to the base of the canyon.  We had an oarswoman who was exceptionally knowledgeable about history and geology, so we enjoyed it all the way. The rapids were again a class IV -V.  But we were in a 3 person rubber raft with an experienced oarswoman.  Nevertheless, the screaming was intense.  The rapids were treacherous, but it was a great adventure.

LAZY DAY

     I'm sitting here this lovely Sunday playing with the blog settings, and listening to Jerry Lee Lewis on a honkey-tonk radio station.  There has been one classic after another: Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette, Willie, etc.  So nice.  I did a little watercolor painting this morning, and now I am going to play solitaire.  I don't even feel guilty for my idleness.  I just rationalize it by looking at the huge air-cast on my leg, and say what the hell..I deserve to baby myself.

EUREKA! I FOUND IT

     Well, I went to the orthopedist this morning for a re-check of my broken ankle.  I'm progressing normally, but still have 10 more weeks of non-weight bearing.  With my infinite time to search the Web, as well as my superb skills, I found and purchased a plate/shelf that screws onto a crutch.  It is made to allow the user to put his weight on the bad leg, just below the knee, and use the crutch-leg as a "walking leg."  I used it to get back upstairs.  It takes practice; learning to put all my weight on that leg, but I did it....it's great to know I can do it again from time to time.  IT WILL GET ME DOWNSTAIRS AND GIVE ME A DIFFERENT VIEW FOR A CHANGE.
 

OSCAR HANGOVER

     So, the Oscars are over.  "Oscar Sunday" is one of my favorite TV experiences. At 3 PM I put on my robe, and luxuriate in my leather lounge chair, ready for hours of silliness.

     I love to watch the female stars pose, sideways to the camera, one shoulder up, looking over shoulder to the camera. (sexy expression required).  Except for the very young, almost without exception, they all do it.  I heard last night that their stylists coach them in "posing."

    Was it really about the films?  Of course that is what it comes down to in the end.  Generally, I was happy with the results, except for Meryl Streep.  I loved Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side, but Meryl transformed herself into Julia Child, and I think it was a better acting job.

    Anyway, I really enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.  The scene with them in their "snuggies" on the couch was very funny.  I still miss Billy Crystal!  

    So, it's Monday, and it's gonna be a great day!!!!!

COMPUTER-ATTACHED

     Just so you know, I am in the throes of a compulsion, even as I write.  I should be in bed with my leg elevated, but I can't seem to tear myself away.  Once I can get my Mac to work on the wireless, I can take it with me.  Then What?

"Bad Break"- So to Speak

UNBELIEVABLE!
On Saturday night I slipped and fell in the bathroom; isn't that where most household accidents happen? The result was immediately obvious from the swelling and the pain....I broke my ankle.
I went to see Phillip Kwong MD at Kerlan Jobe. He specializes in feet and ankles. I DO have a broken ankle bone, a vertical crack on the Fibula. He put me in a humongous heavy removable boot (good for showering), that I have to wear all the time with a lighter one for sleep. THIS WILL TAKE 3 MONTHS TO HEAL....NON-WEIGHT BEARING ON THAT LEG.
This is requiring a lot of shifts in routine and attitude. I am relegated to the upstairs because of the difficulty of getting upstairs once I get down. I've hired wonderful help, Jennifer, who cared for both of us when we had joint replacements. She can come 3 days and Howard will take 4 days.
I have had to cancel all of the enjoyable activities of my life. My watercolor class, my therapy group (not always enjoyable, but good for me), a small vacation, and other important things. I am stressed out because I don't see how I will be able to get my hair colored and cut in a month, and my nails cut and manicured in two weeks. Not a big deal to many, but important to me.
I have ordered a steering knee scooter...like a kid's scooter with knee pads to rest the leg on while I scoot with the other leg and steer with handle bars. Cool.
I think the worst thing is negativity and depression. Today I can only think of what I cannot do.....I know I will come up with something fun and productive.