Darlene and Jackie - 43 Years Later

My phone rang this morning, and on the other end of the line was Jackie Hastings. Jackie left OLPH after 5th grade. We have been keeping in contact since we reconnected. She and her husband were coming to the area and she asked if it was ok to stop by this afternoon. I said sure. It was so nice to see her, talk, and look at photos. What a nice surprise and a wonderful afternoon with a wonderful Classmate and friend.

Nisa and the Cricket

Today I called Nisa. We were talking when suddenly there it was, the cricket that kept her awake last night, in plain site. She hit it a couple of times. She got it, finally. No more chirping at night. No more dustpan in Nisa's hand as she walks around her house in the middle of the night looking for this creature. It is dead, or is it. Nisa suddenly says, one leg is moving and she took care of that. Congratulations Nisa, and our condolences to the cricket's uncle, Jiminy Cricket, from Darlene and Dan.

Happy Mother's Day to All

Our 40th Anniversary Celebration Continues

Our Class is having a Summer Gathering to continue celebrating the 40th Anniversary of our Graduation. Classmates, family and friends will gather in July to have a summer celebration. What a fun 40th year Anniversary we are having. The reconnections and connections of many of our Classmates has been the best.

FOR VAL

ONE MONTH AGO!

BLOWN AWAY

On March 27th - I finally got to see Darlene - she emailed me the night before - she wanted me to take a picture before I left my house - so this is it - THE DRIVEWAY! It was a pleasant drive to Elk Grove - I stopped once for a blended mocha - and as I got closer to my destination - I wondered how the visit would go - I had not seen Darlene since 1969 - We have had a good many phone calls with alot of laughs - we became instant friends - well when she opened her door it was just like a email or a phone call - we started talking right away and didn't stop! She had lunch ready to be warmed - we had pasta with chicken and garlic bread - and I had some red wine!
Wayne emailed through our visit - to see how everything was going - and I had some more wine!

Darlene shared so many pictures from her past and she had the best music playing - so many good songs all day long - I would say "I love that song" she would say "So do I" she had such a variety of music - from Rod Stewart to Carol King - The Beatles - The Beach Boys - songs I have never heard before from 7th Heaven and Irish melodies - before we knew it her husband Dan came home from work - and the party continued - all I can tell you is I felt their love for each other - they will celebrate their 30th anniversary in May! The way they talked about their life - their experiences - their son Erik - their cat George and their former King of Cats "Rocky"-

As the day went on - we took pictures and Dan burned CD's for me to take home and of course we didn't stop talking!

Five hours passed and this is what happens when you mix red and white wine and great hospitality!

I have two forever friends in Darlene and Dan - They are the sweetest couple - they made me feel right at home and we didn't want to part but I eventually had to leave and travel a short distance across town to my sister Jennifer's house to celebrate my Niece - Brianna's 8th birthday!

I had a wonderful visit with Darlene and Dan -

They give from the heart!

I was blown away by their kindness!!!!!!!!!!!

Chill'in

My last great adventure this time around was a Wednesday trip to Sattui Castle in Napa Valley (Castello di Amorosa). My sister Theresa (whom we affectionately call Tweater) picked out the destination and we thought we'd check it out. As you can see it has an authentic look. Upon entering we went to the cashier and purchased our wine tasting tickets. We got both a regular set and a set for tasting their reserve. The three of us shared those tastes since I was only taking a few tastes. There are also tours you can get for $25 each, but you can wander yourselves in areas that are not roped off. If anyone knows the Bascoms you know we made a beeline for the cellar area where the wine tasting takes place. The people there were very helpful and pulled out a table and chair for my mother to use while my sister and I bellied up to the bar. Although I only tasted a few wines I did taste one white reserve that I loved, so I bought a bottle for Thursday consumption. (Please be advised if you call me on this day there are no guarantees I will be able to maintain a linear conversation as I have no other plans). This winery does not sell their wines in any retail outlet. All wines are sold locally or shipped from online or mail sales. We were also able to visit the chapel, the ball room, and some wine storage areas. The dungeon, tunnels, and some upper areas were off limits except for tours. Supposedly, 2/3rds of the castle spaces are below ground. We completed the entire visit in just a few hours and then had dinner outside Napa. I'd recommend a visit if you are near Calistoga (It is just short of Calistoga on Highway 29 after St. Helena).