This is a message from us to your home
Sent to you in the form of a poem.
Didn’t have time before the end
Of the old year, this greeting to send.
2019 has just slipped away.
2020 is what’s here today.
Seems like a good year to see things clearly
Focus on everything we hold dearly.
We will look back ‘cause that’s what this’s for.
It might be too long, but the contents won’t bore.
Lots of pictures to move you along
Think of it as a long story-song.
A small dose of politics, I must insist
Especially since, who can resist?
Then a little review of the family.
Some of the news was sad, you’ll see.
A few reviews of movies we’ve seen
And some of our travels, the places we’ve been.
Some words this year bring nothing but hate:
For many they are “Boeing 737 Max 8”.
On the 29th of October of 2018
12 minutes into flight and then never again seen
Lion Air 610 crashed with 189 and crew
Then on March 17th, Boeing 737, brand new
Ethiopian Air 6 minutes then down
All 157 and crew to the ground.
Since so similar, other pilots and black boxes told
What the regulators and Boeing knew, did in fact unfold
That there were some safety problems that needed correction
Without which was coming foreseen destruction.
Our FAA gave regulations and oversight
To the airlines themselves. Do you think that is right?
Like asking the Pope or the Archbishops to be
Monitors for child abuse and pornography.
Another story that has causes known
That still breaks our hearts when the obvious is shown.
An Aussie shooter into two mosques did go
Gunned down during Friday prayers, 80 he did not know.
Fifty died, others were wounded bad
The worst mass murder New Zealand has had.
Prime Minister Ardern immediately changed gun laws
As part of the problem and half the main cause.
With white supremacist verbiage on the rise
Even Trump’s words were condemned. No surprise
They think only some people are good enough.
And when all don’t agree with them, they become tough.
Their bullets kill children, husbands and wives.
With hatred and no thought of innocent lives.
In a place called Christchurch, such an irony.
What a human and international tragedy!
People say capitalism makes some people rich
While others who labor have no right to bitch
‘cause they have a job bosses pay them to do
And that should be just fine, so don’t dare poo-poo
The way things are set up, Just tow the line
And those with the know-how and money do fine
The poor, however, have to be appeased.
The middle class folks are only half-pleased
Not enough to rebel or call for big change.
Instead they want other things and try to rearrange
The way things are set up in the capitalistic way,
It only works when the workers have their say.
The government must be there as part of the solution
To regulate each free enterprise institution.
What pisses me off is the cockiness Trump shows
And how his nastiness and stubbornness grows
How is it every bad personality trait
Enters one person and fills him with hate?
Hard to imagine chronic lying, fear-mongering
Corruption, racism, sexism, philandering
But Trump has them all - call it, Inclusion
As goes the Mueller Report: “No collusion.”
But that’s not all the report finally said.
Trump thinks he’s clean and impeachment is dead.
Mueller, however, left his fate to Congress
The House and the Senate should’ve figured out the mess.
To unearth the real truth ‘bout the Russians and our nation.
If Trump obstructed justice to impede the investigation.
11 possible instances, the report has cited
Those close to him, bout 30 were indicted
Trump gave the orders, but some aides refused
Saving his ass, while the system he abused.
Follow this story. On this you can bet.
My money’s on Congress. It isn’t over yet. [written before the impeachment hearings]
Others surrounding him are questionable types.
They’re as clean as a bunch of used sanitized wipes.
Keep your hopes high; some are now in jail
Trump sees himself as “Caesar, all hail!”.
He’s the guy who definitely believes to his bones
A man is judged by what he owns.
He’s really not interested in equity,
what poor people need or diversity,
Keep out all migrants from our national shores
Close the borders; get a gun; lock your doors.
The climate’s just fine, the more carbon in the air
Is not a problem. To Trump, all is fair.
According to him keep those coal mines producing
We don’t want the country’s economy reducing.
Profits for the oil companies should never go down.
Yet climate effects are obvious all around.
We have to endure him for one more year.
Chin up, folks, Don’t show a tear.
Bring sane ideas back; the people’ll do plenty.
And the Dems will triumph in 2020.
January (2019) when the new year began
Your executive decrees that produced the budget freeze
Caused daily problems - a terrible impasse
For many they are “Boeing 737 Max 8”.
On the 29th of October of 2018
12 minutes into flight and then never again seen
Lion Air 610 crashed with 189 and crew
Then on March 17th, Boeing 737, brand new
Ethiopian Air 6 minutes then down
All 157 and crew to the ground.
Since so similar, other pilots and black boxes told
What the regulators and Boeing knew, did in fact unfold
That there were some safety problems that needed correction
Without which was coming foreseen destruction.
Our FAA gave regulations and oversight
To the airlines themselves. Do you think that is right?
Like asking the Pope or the Archbishops to be
Monitors for child abuse and pornography.
Another story that has causes known
That still breaks our hearts when the obvious is shown.
An Aussie shooter into two mosques did go
Gunned down during Friday prayers, 80 he did not know.
Fifty died, others were wounded bad
The worst mass murder New Zealand has had.
Prime Minister Ardern immediately changed gun laws
As part of the problem and half the main cause.
With white supremacist verbiage on the rise
Even Trump’s words were condemned. No surprise
They think only some people are good enough.
And when all don’t agree with them, they become tough.
Their bullets kill children, husbands and wives.
With hatred and no thought of innocent lives.
In a place called Christchurch, such an irony.
What a human and international tragedy!
People say capitalism makes some people rich
While others who labor have no right to bitch
‘cause they have a job bosses pay them to do
And that should be just fine, so don’t dare poo-poo
The way things are set up, Just tow the line
And those with the know-how and money do fine
The poor, however, have to be appeased.
The middle class folks are only half-pleased
Not enough to rebel or call for big change.
Instead they want other things and try to rearrange
The way things are set up in the capitalistic way,
It only works when the workers have their say.
The government must be there as part of the solution
To regulate each free enterprise institution.
What pisses me off is the cockiness Trump shows
And how his nastiness and stubbornness grows
How is it every bad personality trait
Enters one person and fills him with hate?
Hard to imagine chronic lying, fear-mongering
Corruption, racism, sexism, philandering
But Trump has them all - call it, Inclusion
As goes the Mueller Report: “No collusion.”
But that’s not all the report finally said.
Trump thinks he’s clean and impeachment is dead.
Mueller, however, left his fate to Congress
The House and the Senate should’ve figured out the mess.
To unearth the real truth ‘bout the Russians and our nation.
If Trump obstructed justice to impede the investigation.
11 possible instances, the report has cited
Those close to him, bout 30 were indicted
Trump gave the orders, but some aides refused
Saving his ass, while the system he abused.
Follow this story. On this you can bet.
My money’s on Congress. It isn’t over yet. [written before the impeachment hearings]
Others surrounding him are questionable types.
They’re as clean as a bunch of used sanitized wipes.
Keep your hopes high; some are now in jail
Trump sees himself as “Caesar, all hail!”.
He’s the guy who definitely believes to his bones
A man is judged by what he owns.
He’s really not interested in equity,
what poor people need or diversity,
Keep out all migrants from our national shores
Close the borders; get a gun; lock your doors.
The climate’s just fine, the more carbon in the air
Is not a problem. To Trump, all is fair.
According to him keep those coal mines producing
We don’t want the country’s economy reducing.
Profits for the oil companies should never go down.
Yet climate effects are obvious all around.
We have to endure him for one more year.
Chin up, folks, Don’t show a tear.
Bring sane ideas back; the people’ll do plenty.
And the Dems will triumph in 2020.
January (2019) when the new year began
We - every woman, child, and man,
Looked forward to good things, each city, county, town,
Certainly NOT to have the government shut down.
Yet Trump was determined to get his wall.
The Dems in charge of the House said, “Not at all.
Your executive decrees that produced the budget freeze
Caused daily problems - a terrible impasse
Leaving Federal employees out on their ass.
Trump’s stubborn insistence on his 5.7 billion wall
Blamed “Border Security” saying this was his call.
The Dreamers are being used like game-board pieces
The Dreamers are being used like game-board pieces
And all the while, anxiety increases.
NO solutions, NO paychecks, NO immigration reform
NO solutions, NO paychecks, NO immigration reform
And more nasty Trump tweets each evening and morn.
Senator Schumer and Nancy Pelosi
Have met with Trump but obviously
Have met with Trump but obviously
We could not expect an easy resolution
They’re at a stalemate with no solution.
In the meantime Mueller was working for the nation
In his thorough, special prosecutor’s investigation
Of the connection between Russia and Trump
It’s time to do it, the President to dump.
Our fake U.S. President - a blowhard with hair
Who never learned how to play any game fair [ly].
For the 2020 election it’s evident
We need to oust this fake President
Impeach, impeach, it’s tied to Ukraine
He’s given us nothing but lies and pain.
All the while the Dems have added to their lists
With so many candidates lifting their fists
DONALD J. TRUMP would be challenged by whom
Choose Elizabeth, Bernie, Biden, Bloomberg or you’re doomed.
Vote for decency, justice, truth, equality,
freedom and ideals for our democracy.
We don’t have the perfect candidates for sure
But what we’ve got now is far far from what’s pure.
Babies taken from moms. Children put in cages.
Sounds like torture from the Middle Ages.
Taxes slashed for corporations and the rich.
Working folks are fooled, blindly trusting this pitch.
Frigid cold, the weather patterns form
Earth movements, landslides, many-a winter storm.
Excruciatingly hot, three digits in some places.
Polar vortex in the Midwest. What happened to stasis?
Climate change is here and very real.
Trump backed out of the agreed-on deal.
The world agrees with the Paris accord
Lack of compliance we cannot afford.
The consequences cause havoc. No good can result.
His opinions are childlike. We need an adult.
Healthcare he’s sabotaged. Many now cannot get
Gutted ObamaCare. No national plan yet.
Attacked the free press. Thinks it's the enemy.
He’s the news problem. He tweets constantly.
Babies taken from moms. Children put in cages.
Sounds like torture from the Middle Ages.
Taxes slashed for corporations and the rich.
Working folks are fooled, blindly trusting this pitch.
Frigid cold, the weather patterns form
Earth movements, landslides, many-a winter storm.
Excruciatingly hot, three digits in some places.
Polar vortex in the Midwest. What happened to stasis?
Climate change is here and very real.
Trump backed out of the agreed-on deal.
The world agrees with the Paris accord
Lack of compliance we cannot afford.
The consequences cause havoc. No good can result.
His opinions are childlike. We need an adult.
Healthcare he’s sabotaged. Many now cannot get
Gutted ObamaCare. No national plan yet.
Attacked the free press. Thinks it's the enemy.
He’s the news problem. He tweets constantly.
New Year's Eve (2018) was great for DAVE
About that evening I must rave.
Cold and windy, DAVE and SALLY
waited for KEVIN SMITH in the alley
outside the Hollywood Improv place.
Finally a meeting, face to face.
In DAVE's book, "Huge Congrats" KEVIN wrote,
that he'd tweet it up. Thumbs up was his vote.
One more thing in his Babble-On show,
KEVIN called DAVE to the stage, and you know?
hugged him, praised him, and DAVE said, "Go look"
On Amazon, buy it, A KEVIN SMITH SCRAPBOOK.
In the meantime there were movies to see,
To be ready for SAG and the Academy.
THE BEAUTIFUL BOY was a tough one because
When drugs mix with family life and then the laws
It’s so hard to separate the story from real life
We sure could relate to the pain and the strife.
A part of our country’s history made clear
THE GREEN BOOK, a list of from there to here
Where Blacks could stay or go out to eat
As they traveled the U.S. in cold or heat.
Mahershala Ali played pianist Don Shirley,
Who hired Tony his white driver, temporarily,
to stay with him for reasons of danger and racism.
played by extraordinary Viggo Mortensen
Good performances and a fun movie, too
Very satisfying, from my point of view.
THE FAVOURITE, a movie beautifully shot
The costumes and settings, not to be forgot.
The story, however, ‘bout England’s Queen Anne
And the Dauphine and Abigail and which of them can
Make the other a kinky pair.
Enough said. See it if you care.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS was of interest to me
‘cause of our recent trip to see
Scotland and learn about its queen
And the tragic end, played out on the screen.
That was real history the actresses brought to life,
For Mary, James’ mother, Henry’s poor young wife.
Was beheaded by Elizabeth and her loyal men
Who conspired so England would rule Scotland again.
I loved the film, MARY POPPINS RETURNS. Why?
It’s Disney and Broadway and the London sky.
With songs and story about repossession.
The whole thing is like one frightening obsession.
For those who think it’s for children alone.
I beg to differ; it’s got the right tone.
Lin Manuel Miranda is Jack; Emily Blunt is Mary
It’s a good movie, happy, sad, and scary.
Things get resolved; it does not fail.
There is a happy ending like in every fairy tale.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY,the title of a movie,
Brings us back to the 70’s when all was groovy.
‘bout the British Rock Band, by the name of Queen
Great hits like “We Will Rock You”, the 70s and 80s scene.
“We are the Champions” and a concert Live Aid
A Freddie Mercury biopic, Brian Singer made.
Freddie got HIV and from AIDS he did die
Rami Malek played the part, terrific as this guy.
CRAZY RICH ASIANS, that I saw it, I’m glad,
True love with money a story that had
Chinese culture, family contacts and more
ABC meets wealth, set in Singapore.
BLACK K KLANSMAN is an undercover cop
Whose job enthusiasm doesn’t let him stop
From infiltrating the KKK, does it with his partner, a Jew
Manages to get his colleague to
join with the anti-Semitic, anti-black Klan
And each of the members is a scary man
They never meet Ron Stallworth for real
Even David Duke gets fooled by his appeal.
Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER from a land in Africa
Came as T’Challa, King of Wakanda.
Vibranium weapons and the magic herb
Brought him back to life. OK somewhat absurd.
Erik from the U.S. is really his cousin
They fight once for the throne, or maybe ’twas a dozen.
Erik dies, T’Challa wins - spoiler alert
The ending, like a hot fudge sundae dessert.
Made tons of dough, this superhero flick
But I have to say, not my favorite pick.
Dick Chaney was the VICE under George W. Bush
In charge of the Iraq War, the kill-Sadam push.
Somehow this drunken gun-totin’, power-hungry man
was allowed to do whatever one can.
Lots of doc footage interspersed with the story
The idea of seeing Lynn and him, in their glory
Made it more real yet we can always find
Despicable subject matter, Adam McKay had in mind.
I must give credit to Christian Bale who played the part
Believably done. But this movie is not art.
THE LEISURE SEEKER was a film from last year
I somehow missed it yet what is quite clear
That two of the finest actors can be
In a not-so-great, small, fiction movie.
Helen Mirren as Ella, Donald Sutherland, John,
Go on a road trip, but their daughter and son
Are worried like crazy cause he more than she
Has Alzheimers and is losing his memory.
She, on the other hand, thinks they’ll relive
Times from the past and for certain can give
Meaning to both of them in their last years
The ending is tragic and worthy of tears.
If not so close to our own reality,
This would have been a better movie.
THE LIGHT OF THE MOON was gritty and raw
Bonnie was raped, and the consequences we saw.
Her boyfriend, job, friends, and mom all affected
The police, the doctors, the lawyer, all connected
to what had happened. No end to the pain,
And everyone hopes it won’t happen again.
The actors made it real, at least as they played it.
Stephanie Beatriz and Michael Stahl-David.
BLINDSPOTTING is a term in psych:
The obvious is not apparent, not exactly, like
Life in Oakland, rough for its residents
And what goes on might not be evidence.
Good friends Miles is white and Collin is black.
They’re movers and usually have each other’s back.
Probation, fights, guns, family, hip hop,
Tension, excitement, encounter with a cop.
The film shows a lot of both ugly and pretty,
A good portrayal of our sister city.
Suffice it to say, I don’t plan to do
A poetic critique of all that we viewed.
ROMA, a Mexican “criada” maid’s tale
A STAR IS BORN - drugs and songs still prevail
THE WIFE. A writer false honors were given
Men must learn how to give credit to women.
We feel so lucky for a five-dollar bill
Tuesdays at the Cinearts, our desires are fulfilled.
For a first-run flick, just take your seat,
Like the good ol’ days, it’s a weekly treat.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD,
A re-write of history, could that be good?
When done by director Quentin Tarantino,
A cowboy and his stuntman in this scenario
do the Manson story in their own strange way
Brad Pit and DiCaprio with the audience play.
Friday, the 12th of April drove we
About six hours to TEHACHAPI,
Romantic, some folks say railroads are
Have only imagined them from afar.
Try sleeping near where in town they go by.
Their whistles preventing our getting shuteye.
But MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE was great.
Siri said to KELSO DEPOT road take.
At the Visitors’ Center a movie we saw
‘bout all the features both man-made and raw.
Walked to the dunes - cream-colored and sandy
Wild primrose blooming - views: desert candy.
Sweet to the eye - yuccas in bloom,
Cholla, sage, boulders and small birds that croon.
Along a dirt road took a sunset walk,
Shot photos and had a meaningful talk.
We set up camp in the group camping grounds.
Then when the ranger was making his rounds,
Told us to the other campsite to move,
Testing to see our camp skills to prove
That in the dark we could find a site
And put up our tent to stay for the night.
FERI complained about the cold.
Wanted to leave but I said, “Be bold.
Stick out the night, whatever you think.”
I, however, didn’t sleep a wink.
The next day was great, we did the Rings Trail
Joined Ranger Barb; these guides never fail
To inform and entertain and do Q & A s
Learned of herders history, Native pictographs and ways
Barrel cactus, wild flowers, towering rocky things,
Tested our own strength by conquering the rings.
After that, in a California State Park
I soloed MITCHELL CAVERNS into the dark.
Stalagmites, stalactites - a guided tour.
Not my first cave, but beauty quite pure.
Worth the time insides the caves.
I really can only review it with raves.
In Victorville, at the Fairfield we stayed.
Thanks to Tony the family price paid.
Then to L.A. our little excursion done
Quality time spent with DAVE, DAN, and MOM.
On Saturday the 20th, just a week later
We had our own little Passover Seder.
Stopped in OXNARD just to see
NICK GYÓRE, FRANK's friend from Hungary.
A lifetime friendship, when two, they met.
Always keep in touch, old times n'er forget.
Of course FRANK also saw GEORGE SOLOKI
his best friend from high school in Hungary.
Down Highway 101, Nature’s floral show
Visited LARRY MERKLE in SAN LUIS OBISPO.
In SANTA MARIA very close where we stayed
Then Blueberry pancakes our breakfast he made.
Downtown was charming, stopped in the Apple store
The highlights were the Mission and my friend from the Peace Corps.
Friday, the 12th of April drove we
About six hours to TEHACHAPI,
Romantic, some folks say railroads are
Have only imagined them from afar.
Try sleeping near where in town they go by.
Their whistles preventing our getting shuteye.
But MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE was great.
Siri said to KELSO DEPOT road take.
At the Visitors’ Center a movie we saw
‘bout all the features both man-made and raw.
Walked to the dunes - cream-colored and sandy
Wild primrose blooming - views: desert candy.
Sweet to the eye - yuccas in bloom,
Cholla, sage, boulders and small birds that croon.
Along a dirt road took a sunset walk,
Shot photos and had a meaningful talk.
We set up camp in the group camping grounds.
Then when the ranger was making his rounds,
Told us to the other campsite to move,
Testing to see our camp skills to prove
That in the dark we could find a site
And put up our tent to stay for the night.
FERI complained about the cold.
Wanted to leave but I said, “Be bold.
Stick out the night, whatever you think.”
I, however, didn’t sleep a wink.
The next day was great, we did the Rings Trail
Joined Ranger Barb; these guides never fail
To inform and entertain and do Q & A s
Learned of herders history, Native pictographs and ways
Barrel cactus, wild flowers, towering rocky things,
Tested our own strength by conquering the rings.
I soloed MITCHELL CAVERNS into the dark.
Stalagmites, stalactites - a guided tour.
Not my first cave, but beauty quite pure.
Worth the time insides the caves.
I really can only review it with raves.
In Victorville, at the Fairfield we stayed.
Thanks to Tony the family price paid.
Then to L.A. our little excursion done
Quality time spent with DAVE, DAN, and MOM.
On Saturday the 20th, just a week later
We had our own little Passover Seder.
Stopped in OXNARD just to see
NICK GYÓRE, FRANK's friend from Hungary.
A lifetime friendship, when two, they met.
Always keep in touch, old times n'er forget.
Of course FRANK also saw GEORGE SOLOKI
his best friend from high school in Hungary.
Down Highway 101, Nature’s floral show
Visited LARRY MERKLE in SAN LUIS OBISPO.
In SANTA MARIA very close where we stayed
Then Blueberry pancakes our breakfast he made.
Downtown was charming, stopped in the Apple store
The highlights were the Mission and my friend from the Peace Corps.
 |
| Sue Merin Oglove |
 |
| Sue Lansing, Leona Walden, Sandra Shur and me (friends going back to Horace Mann Elementary School) |
A big decision in June to drive
Down to LA to see who’s still alive.
No joke, I tell you, at our age.
Every day that we live is a brand new page,
And we count our blessings (as you all should do)
My high school’s 60th reunion, went with Sue
Merin Oglove, my neighbor and friend.
Sue and I decided to spend
A Saturday eve at the Del Ray Yacht Club
Definitely was a very nice hub
Where alumni of Beverly Hills High
Gathered to reminisce and also say, “Hi”
To people we knew, way back when,
To play “Who are you?” And reacquaint again.
Hard, however, to recognize each one,
But that was, definitely part of the fun.
For me, it was seeing my elementary mates
From my best friends to my very first dates.
Sioux Lansing was there with her husband J.D.
And Leona Walden, with her Toby.
A big crowd with spouses, a sort of forced event,
And we were among those that the invites were sent.
Memorials pictured, sad for all to see,
And a tribute performance by an “Elvis Presley”.
The evening was like a Twilight Zone affair
Mixing with folks I’d never see but there.
Did shoot some photos and videos.
Perhaps I’ll edit them. Then again, who knows?
Our plans were to go to Mt. Palomar,
After driving a while, realized ’twas too far,
So stopped in a site called Lake Elsinore.
Nice place for one day to stop and explore.
Walked in a park, was pretty tame.
As a vacation spot. . .we’d call it lame.
Bar-B-Qs, picnics, there on the grass,
On the lake water-boarders, being pulled fast.
CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST, we drove through,
A mountainous passage quite hard to do,
But Dave did a good job, knew where to go.
We stayed at the Fairfield, MISSION VIEJO.
Passed Laguna Beach on “art”, we remarked,
And onto coastal, CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK.
Beautiful day, cloudless blue sky,
Walked on the sand, got an afternoon high.
Kids making castles in the smooth sand,
Low waves for bodysurfing. Now ain’t that grand!
Frisbee and football toss, tide pooling, too.
Leisurely living is what all can do.
We took a long walk, in the foam on the beach
What a pleasant lesson the outdoors does teach!
Gulls and an egret along the waterside,
They’re comfortable here; It’s where they abide.
Looking for small crabs as the water recedes.
Knowing that this is the place where each feeds.
A couple of hours we loved spending there.
Brought Mexican food, with SHIRLEY to share.
A trip is a fun thing to do, but it’s hard,
Especially when planning a short trip by car.
Frank was insistent we’d take two days to
Drive down the Pacific coast to see the view.
Tony got a family plan, two nights Springhill Suites,
We had a place to sleep with breakfast eats.
Monday, the 19th of August I had
To register for CCSF and was glad.
On Beach St. I’m taking a ceramics class.
It’s fun and social. I’m sure to pass.
I made a first project. (Nothing I’d show.)
But learned some techniques then, off we did go.
Drove inland four hours, down 101
Weather was nice in the California sun.
Realized though I’d forgot my cable
Without it then I was unable
To recharge my phone, in trouble, oh boy!
So had to stop at Best Buy in Gilroy.
El Compadre Café in ATASCADERO
Mexican dinner, a wet burrito.
Albondigas soup is what Feri had.
Mexican food is never bad.
Even our second night at the Taste of Mexico,
Each of us had a wet burrito
The highlight, however, was a walk we took
Around LAKE ATASCADERO to look
At the scenery on this beautiful lake
And of course some memorable photos to take.
Flocks of flamingos were there at the zoo
Though closed we could see from the gates we looked through.
The walkers so friendly they all said, “Hello.”
And the dogs that get walked were all quite mellow.
The colors were gorgeous, Monet-like selections,
Birds, ducks and huge trees and sunset reflections.
 |
| Crystal Cove State Park |
After driving a while, realized ’twas too far,
So stopped in a site called Lake Elsinore.
Nice place for one day to stop and explore.
Walked in a park, was pretty tame.
As a vacation spot. . .we’d call it lame.
Bar-B-Qs, picnics, there on the grass,
On the lake water-boarders, being pulled fast.
CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST, we drove through,
A mountainous passage quite hard to do,
But Dave did a good job, knew where to go.
We stayed at the Fairfield, MISSION VIEJO.
Passed Laguna Beach on “art”, we remarked,
And onto coastal, CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK.
Beautiful day, cloudless blue sky,
Walked on the sand, got an afternoon high.
Kids making castles in the smooth sand,
Low waves for bodysurfing. Now ain’t that grand!
Frisbee and football toss, tide pooling, too.
Leisurely living is what all can do.
We took a long walk, in the foam on the beach
What a pleasant lesson the outdoors does teach!
Gulls and an egret along the waterside,
They’re comfortable here; It’s where they abide.
Looking for small crabs as the water recedes.
Knowing that this is the place where each feeds.
A couple of hours we loved spending there.
Brought Mexican food, with SHIRLEY to share.
A trip is a fun thing to do, but it’s hard,
Especially when planning a short trip by car.
Frank was insistent we’d take two days to
Drive down the Pacific coast to see the view.
Tony got a family plan, two nights Springhill Suites,
We had a place to sleep with breakfast eats.
Monday, the 19th of August I had
To register for CCSF and was glad.
On Beach St. I’m taking a ceramics class.
It’s fun and social. I’m sure to pass.
I made a first project. (Nothing I’d show.)
But learned some techniques then, off we did go.
Drove inland four hours, down 101
Weather was nice in the California sun.
Realized though I’d forgot my cable
Without it then I was unable
To recharge my phone, in trouble, oh boy!
So had to stop at Best Buy in Gilroy.
El Compadre Café in ATASCADERO
Mexican dinner, a wet burrito.
Albondigas soup is what Feri had.
Mexican food is never bad.
Even our second night at the Taste of Mexico,
Each of us had a wet burrito
The highlight, however, was a walk we took
Around LAKE ATASCADERO to look
At the scenery on this beautiful lake
And of course some memorable photos to take.
Flocks of flamingos were there at the zoo
Though closed we could see from the gates we looked through.
The walkers so friendly they all said, “Hello.”
And the dogs that get walked were all quite mellow.
The colors were gorgeous, Monet-like selections,
Birds, ducks and huge trees and sunset reflections.
 |
| Lake Atascadero |
Our second day out to CAMBRIA on the coast,
A small western town and tourists do boast
‘bout the quaintness and all of its artsy appeal,
Made a short stop there, to get the feel.
Then took a wonderful walk - MOONSTONE BEACH,
A boardwalk back made it easy to reach.
The water and sand one way, a mile plus,
Driftwood, colored stones, tide pools - fun for us.
A small western town and tourists do boast
‘bout the quaintness and all of its artsy appeal,
Made a short stop there, to get the feel.
Then took a wonderful walk - MOONSTONE BEACH,
A boardwalk back made it easy to reach.
The water and sand one way, a mile plus,
Driftwood, colored stones, tide pools - fun for us.
 |
| Moonstone Beach |
Drove to CAYUCOS, another coastal town
El Camino Real, Highway 1 we went down.
Frank had clam chowder, walked on the pier,
A quite charming place and very near
Drove and found parking at the famous MORRO ROCK
Where we decided to take a short walk
On a path, to the big rock’s back side
And up over boulders - no falls, so take pride
In getting to an area quite close to the sea
Over quarried rocks, crashing waves, and wild dill weed.
Even saw close to shore in the blue waters
Two adorable swimming sea otters.
El Camino Real, Highway 1 we went down.
Frank had clam chowder, walked on the pier,
A quite charming place and very near
Drove and found parking at the famous MORRO ROCK
Where we decided to take a short walk
On a path, to the big rock’s back side
And up over boulders - no falls, so take pride
In getting to an area quite close to the sea
Over quarried rocks, crashing waves, and wild dill weed.
Even saw close to shore in the blue waters
Two adorable swimming sea otters.
FRANK and I went to NICK’s in OXNARD
before we got to LA, ’twas not hard
‘cause it was near the Pacific Highway
And these old friends could meet up for that day.
He also saw GEORGE one day in the VALLEY
But the real coup happened for DAVE and SALLY
We went to KEVIN SMITH’s house, you say, “Who?’
Stayed there for two hours, did an interview
Of this director DAVE’s book is about
It was just super and I have no doubt
That this will convince a potential publisher
To do a print version - It’s almost for sure.
before we got to LA, ’twas not hard
‘cause it was near the Pacific Highway
And these old friends could meet up for that day.
He also saw GEORGE one day in the VALLEY
But the real coup happened for DAVE and SALLY
We went to KEVIN SMITH’s house, you say, “Who?’
Stayed there for two hours, did an interview
Of this director DAVE’s book is about
It was just super and I have no doubt
That this will convince a potential publisher
To do a print version - It’s almost for sure.
FRANK stays at DAVE’s when we’re in LA.
I stay with SHIRLEY when we’re away.
The big event was really quite fine
On August 25th, SHIRL was 99.
We had a pizza ’n salad affair
in the main room friends and family were there.
WALTER HUSTON clips DAVE helped us see
And I pulled an anecdote from SHOIL, the movie.
ALAN GUMERUS played some songs on his guitar,
And SHIRLEY felt good as she was the star.
ANDREA and MARC, MICHAEL, SUSIE, Yay!
DEBBIE, STEVE, JOSH, BRITTANY - his fiancée.
Three of their kids came with STEVE and JONI,
Plus RYAN, MICHELLE, BARBARA, LEN, and MARY.
ALVIN, DAN, DAVE, FRANK, and friend MARIA,
JANET, JUDY, KRISTINE, RON, LETICIA.
It was a really nice birthday afternoon.
Like all reunions, it ended too soon.
I stay with SHIRLEY when we’re away.
The big event was really quite fine
On August 25th, SHIRL was 99.
We had a pizza ’n salad affair
in the main room friends and family were there.
WALTER HUSTON clips DAVE helped us see
And I pulled an anecdote from SHOIL, the movie.
ALAN GUMERUS played some songs on his guitar,
And SHIRLEY felt good as she was the star.
ANDREA and MARC, MICHAEL, SUSIE, Yay!
DEBBIE, STEVE, JOSH, BRITTANY - his fiancée.
Three of their kids came with STEVE and JONI,
Plus RYAN, MICHELLE, BARBARA, LEN, and MARY.
ALVIN, DAN, DAVE, FRANK, and friend MARIA,
JANET, JUDY, KRISTINE, RON, LETICIA.
It was a really nice birthday afternoon.
Like all reunions, it ended too soon.
The COASTAL TRAIL that hugs the shore
at Land's End opens Nature's door.
There are some old and stately trees
with a fabulous view and a constant breeze,
A path we've done before, still fun,
especially when there's a setting sun.
You can see as far as the Golden Gate Bridge,
the bay from above the overlooking ridge.
A special outing and a nice memory
ours, for our 47th anniversary.
DAN, 74, and still full of knowledge
Works with Molly Barnes at West LA College.
Art exhibits need a watchful eye,
And he’s a helpful and dependable guy.
Also involved with Alanon,
Leads these meetings weekly, more than one.
Still arranging his airport space
Paintings and stuff, he has to face.
We both learned our lesson ‘bout hoarding much stuff
Yet, so far we can’t say, “Enough is enough.”
Works with Molly Barnes at West LA College.
Art exhibits need a watchful eye,
And he’s a helpful and dependable guy.
Also involved with Alanon,
Leads these meetings weekly, more than one.
Still arranging his airport space
Paintings and stuff, he has to face.
We both learned our lesson ‘bout hoarding much stuff
Yet, so far we can’t say, “Enough is enough.”
 |
| Laci and David |
 |
| Atti, David, Gabi, Szabolcs Kovacs |
Works for the Testing Group, is a QC.
Checks tons of films and TV shows.
He’s reliable and efficient and good at what he knows.
Took a vacation, to Prague and Hungary.
Terezin, Czech Republic and then the family.
In Budapest ZSUZSI, GABI, and LACI
In Miskolc, GABI and Uncle ATTI.
In Mezökövesd, got the grand tour.
SZABOLCS and MARIA, folklore for sure.
Good food, the Erkel, and horses galore
For the last big day on Heroes Square.
FRANK 81, loves his classes each week,
Especially with Audrey, ideas they seek
to make their writing more interesting
Memoirs and sci fi, dialogues they bring
From imagination to real life drama,
Mundane memories to outright trauma.
He watches replays of chess players’ games;
Plays chess online with all those with no names.
Watches police shows as well as Fox News
Supports our President. At this I'm confused.
Spends time on YouTube and posts on Facebook
Keeps close to Hungary. They all "like" and look.
Especially with Audrey, ideas they seek
to make their writing more interesting
Memoirs and sci fi, dialogues they bring
From imagination to real life drama,
Mundane memories to outright trauma.
He watches replays of chess players’ games;
Plays chess online with all those with no names.
Watches police shows as well as Fox News
Supports our President. At this I'm confused.
Spends time on YouTube and posts on Facebook
Keeps close to Hungary. They all "like" and look.
SALLY 78 who wrote this iambic rhyme
Seems to be busy, most of the time.
Took on ceramics, throwing pots on the wheel.
It’s not so easy, but she loves the feel
Of malleable clay from a cone to a bowl,
Paint, glaze and fire what then becomes a whole,
A work of art, no matter the flaws,
She gets enjoyment to admire and pause
To see what she and others can do,
A great deal of fun in an hour or two.
Really gets pleasure, watching our birds,
Scrub Jays and sparrows, You may think it absurd,
but every day waiting, to feed them and find
Something quite different, it boggles the mind,
How two distinct species can somehow relate
Where doors might be closed, we open the gate.
I wrote funny anecdotes of course in rhyme
And “My Great Backyard” won, for the first time.
Seems to be busy, most of the time.
Took on ceramics, throwing pots on the wheel.
It’s not so easy, but she loves the feel
Of malleable clay from a cone to a bowl,
Paint, glaze and fire what then becomes a whole,
A work of art, no matter the flaws,
She gets enjoyment to admire and pause
To see what she and others can do,
A great deal of fun in an hour or two.
Really gets pleasure, watching our birds,
Scrub Jays and sparrows, You may think it absurd,
but every day waiting, to feed them and find
Something quite different, it boggles the mind,
How two distinct species can somehow relate
Where doors might be closed, we open the gate.
I wrote funny anecdotes of course in rhyme
And “My Great Backyard” won, for the first time.
LANA, TONY, and RILEY in Plano, Texas live.
An overview of their lives here in summary give:
TONY, a manager for Marriott’s Fairfield Inn
LANA also works in sales, a new hotel to begin.
RILEY is 17, soon to graduate,
Thinking of college, and how it’ll be great.
Was his high school’s Homecoming King.
Hardly can wait to do his own thing.
Acted in plays. In drama, he’ll go far.
Got his license; now drives a car.
Works part-time in an ice cream store
Graduates high school in June for sure.
For Christmas, they came from Texas to see
MATT BAUTISTA and GRANDPA FRANKIE.
Stayed at the Ritz Carlton, quite a treat,
Slept well and had good meals to eat.
Went to Muir Woods, enjoyed the big trees.
Nature in the raw, outdoors it does please.
An overview of their lives here in summary give:
TONY, a manager for Marriott’s Fairfield Inn
LANA also works in sales, a new hotel to begin.
RILEY is 17, soon to graduate,
Thinking of college, and how it’ll be great.
Was his high school’s Homecoming King.
Hardly can wait to do his own thing.
Acted in plays. In drama, he’ll go far.
Got his license; now drives a car.
Works part-time in an ice cream store
Graduates high school in June for sure.
For Christmas, they came from Texas to see
MATT BAUTISTA and GRANDPA FRANKIE.
Stayed at the Ritz Carlton, quite a treat,
Slept well and had good meals to eat.
Went to Muir Woods, enjoyed the big trees.
Nature in the raw, outdoors it does please.
Our Thanksgiving trip to LA was insane
Bad things happened, so let me explain.
Planned and hoped for a great holiday
But things this time didn’t go that way.
First we saw KALEB, ALAN, STEPHANIE & TROY
In RIVERBED. CA, two hours away.
The kids still don’t know who we are,
Mysterious twosome who arrive in their car.
She’s FRANK’s granddaughter, and great-grandkids, two
ZOLI’s her father; some day they’ll know who.
We stayed in Bakersfield just over night
Got to LA, but FRANK felt not right.
His stomach’s his sore place whenever he’s sick
So off to Kaiser, the ER’s his pick
For health care at the emergency
Hoping they’d “fix” him 1-2-3.
Turned out a kidney infection he had
And every possible test! It was bad!
Abnormal troponin, they thought it his heart
But after a stress test, they said not a part
Of the treatment for his UTI,
take antibiotics, bade the hospital “Good-bye”.
But he was there for Thanksgiving and I
With MOM, DAVE, and DAN, we had a stir-fry.
What kind of Thanksgiving is it minus one?
With FRANKIE in the hospital. That was no fun.
Bad things happened, so let me explain.
Planned and hoped for a great holiday
But things this time didn’t go that way.
First we saw KALEB, ALAN, STEPHANIE & TROY
In RIVERBED. CA, two hours away.
The kids still don’t know who we are,
Mysterious twosome who arrive in their car.
She’s FRANK’s granddaughter, and great-grandkids, two
ZOLI’s her father; some day they’ll know who.
We stayed in Bakersfield just over night
Got to LA, but FRANK felt not right.
His stomach’s his sore place whenever he’s sick
So off to Kaiser, the ER’s his pick
For health care at the emergency
Hoping they’d “fix” him 1-2-3.
Turned out a kidney infection he had
And every possible test! It was bad!
Abnormal troponin, they thought it his heart
But after a stress test, they said not a part
Of the treatment for his UTI,
take antibiotics, bade the hospital “Good-bye”.
But he was there for Thanksgiving and I
With MOM, DAVE, and DAN, we had a stir-fry.
What kind of Thanksgiving is it minus one?
With FRANKIE in the hospital. That was no fun.
The Tuesday before this, I took my mom
To the doctor, for a check-up, she had no problem.
Then the Benedict Canyon house we drove there
The new bridge finished and built with care.
SHIRLEY seemed tired and somewhat blue
And never gave more than that as a clue
Sunday evening, her pain was a ten
So much we called 911. It was then
Our only solution so to Kaiser went
By ambulance Culver City, they sent.
Tests and the doctor and surgeon said she
Must in the morning have surgery.
The results were no good, seems she had cancer
Dead intestines, and no good liver.
kept her alive over night breathing tube
And in the morning, in the ICU
DAN and I kissed our sweet mom good-bye
And felt oh so sad as we watched her die.
It came to an end so quickly that we
Still have a hard time, but then she
Did live a great and long life, we must note
99 years acted, taught, and she wrote
Wonderful stories, was a mentor and friend,
Not passive or accepting, was principled to the end.
A positive person with a sense of humor, funny
Fast with a joke about sex, food, or money
Was liberal, progressive, politically astute.
For nonsense and BS, she didn’t give a hoot.
She lived a good life, doesn’t mean all went well,
Loved by the men for whom she fell.
Sam, my father; Henry Cordon, husbands two,
Lester and George, and Robert, just a few
Strother Martin, Michael Granger, Marvin Kaplan.
A rabbi, a violinist, a vaudevillian.
Ahead of her times, a woman she was
Divorced our dad in the 50s because
She wanted to work as an actress, was trained,
In radio and stage, so could not be restrained.
A founding member of Stage Society
A great group of friends and actors that she
Kept close to over the years and did plays
Got good reviews in the good old days.
One of the first in the Screen Actors’ Guild
TV, film, commercials, her resumé built.
Legitimate theater she loved the best
On radio with Reagan she started. Then the rest.
Got her AA degree at LA Trade Tech
In Culinary Arts, she finished by heck.
An expert in cooking, a new career
worked for Litton Industries, microwave ovens here.
Way before anyone knew what these were.
Tested them and they were pleased with her
In the executive dining room, she lunches aborted.
Quit on principle, they, Vietnam War supported.
Worked for Corning Glass, designing pots
An expert in microwave cooking and lots
Of demonstrating the art of this new
Way of cooking. She knew what to do.
Started her own cooking school and store
Microwave Oven Workshop, taught more
People who were interested to learn
And from this business, a living to earn.
Also taught kids, called it Pots and Plans
Kitchen accessories, gimmicks, and pans.
Also tried but didn’t succeed
With her Aunt Winnie’s WizHerbs, great idea indeed!
Wrote a newspaper column and a newsletter,
She was the expert. No one knew better.
With Tom Hall on radio KABC
Loved this great gig, a celebrity.
Politically active, I’ll never forget
The Progressive Party, Henry Wallace got her bet
As a possible president of the U.S.A.
she worked for him day after day.
He lost but then Shirl was on the picket line
For the Rosenbergs, and not the last time
Supporting the causes that she stood behind.
I follow in her footsteps, even now I remind
All of you wishy-washy political types.
Stand and be counted. Put down all hypes.
Not to forget Little Tokyo
The only white resident there, but oh,
How they loved her, made lasting friendships
Spent time together, learned great cooking tips.
In 1992, she moved in to be
The very first manager of this Menorah facility.
“Not my type of job,” so said she.
“But I can live here as long as can be.”
27 years, a long time to stay
In one place, but up to this day
She made good friends, socialized, joined in games -
Too many here to list all the names.
Family was important - mother TILLIE, LEO, dad
LENORA, her sister, is all she had.
Until with SAM, she had me
And DAN, my brother, the CYTRON family.
My dad took her maiden name, so she did boast,
A liberated woman, she was before most.
Her grandson DAVID, a soulmate for sure
and son-in-law FRANKIE, respect and love endure.
Not to forget, LANA,TONY, RILEY -
All a part of FRANK’s family.
Connected through SAM, ANDREA and MARC,
Rays of sunshine, lighten up the dark.
Very close, too, LEN, MIKE, ROBERT, DEBBIE
Along with their spouses, MARY, STEVE, & TRECI,
And SIDNEY’s side - JONI and STEVEN, their clan.
Of BARBARA and MICHELLE, SHIRL was a fan.
ALVIN MILLER, our family extended
From Tillie’s mom/s sister, BERTHA descended.
To movies and plays and concerts together
The perfect partner and everybody’s mother.
Life's not all good - things are loving and hateful.
But SHIRLEY said it all when she wrote GRATEFUL.
Her family loved her. Her friends did too.
She touched us all. How did she touch you?
To the doctor, for a check-up, she had no problem.
Then the Benedict Canyon house we drove there
The new bridge finished and built with care.
SHIRLEY seemed tired and somewhat blue
And never gave more than that as a clue
Sunday evening, her pain was a ten
So much we called 911. It was then
Our only solution so to Kaiser went
By ambulance Culver City, they sent.
Tests and the doctor and surgeon said she
Must in the morning have surgery.
The results were no good, seems she had cancer
Dead intestines, and no good liver.
kept her alive over night breathing tube
And in the morning, in the ICU
DAN and I kissed our sweet mom good-bye
And felt oh so sad as we watched her die.
It came to an end so quickly that we
Still have a hard time, but then she
Did live a great and long life, we must note
99 years acted, taught, and she wrote
Wonderful stories, was a mentor and friend,
Not passive or accepting, was principled to the end.
A positive person with a sense of humor, funny
Fast with a joke about sex, food, or money
Was liberal, progressive, politically astute.
For nonsense and BS, she didn’t give a hoot.
She lived a good life, doesn’t mean all went well,
Loved by the men for whom she fell.
Sam, my father; Henry Cordon, husbands two,
Lester and George, and Robert, just a few
Strother Martin, Michael Granger, Marvin Kaplan.
A rabbi, a violinist, a vaudevillian.
Ahead of her times, a woman she was
Divorced our dad in the 50s because
She wanted to work as an actress, was trained,
In radio and stage, so could not be restrained.
A founding member of Stage Society
A great group of friends and actors that she
Kept close to over the years and did plays
Got good reviews in the good old days.
One of the first in the Screen Actors’ Guild
TV, film, commercials, her resumé built.
Legitimate theater she loved the best
On radio with Reagan she started. Then the rest.
Got her AA degree at LA Trade Tech
In Culinary Arts, she finished by heck.
An expert in cooking, a new career
worked for Litton Industries, microwave ovens here.
Way before anyone knew what these were.
Tested them and they were pleased with her
In the executive dining room, she lunches aborted.
Quit on principle, they, Vietnam War supported.
Worked for Corning Glass, designing pots
An expert in microwave cooking and lots
Of demonstrating the art of this new
Way of cooking. She knew what to do.
Started her own cooking school and store
Microwave Oven Workshop, taught more
People who were interested to learn
And from this business, a living to earn.
Also taught kids, called it Pots and Plans
Kitchen accessories, gimmicks, and pans.
Also tried but didn’t succeed
With her Aunt Winnie’s WizHerbs, great idea indeed!
Wrote a newspaper column and a newsletter,
She was the expert. No one knew better.
With Tom Hall on radio KABC
Loved this great gig, a celebrity.
Politically active, I’ll never forget
The Progressive Party, Henry Wallace got her bet
As a possible president of the U.S.A.
she worked for him day after day.
He lost but then Shirl was on the picket line
For the Rosenbergs, and not the last time
Supporting the causes that she stood behind.
I follow in her footsteps, even now I remind
All of you wishy-washy political types.
Stand and be counted. Put down all hypes.
Not to forget Little Tokyo
The only white resident there, but oh,
How they loved her, made lasting friendships
Spent time together, learned great cooking tips.
In 1992, she moved in to be
The very first manager of this Menorah facility.
“Not my type of job,” so said she.
“But I can live here as long as can be.”
27 years, a long time to stay
In one place, but up to this day
She made good friends, socialized, joined in games -
Too many here to list all the names.
Family was important - mother TILLIE, LEO, dad
LENORA, her sister, is all she had.
Until with SAM, she had me
And DAN, my brother, the CYTRON family.
My dad took her maiden name, so she did boast,
A liberated woman, she was before most.
Her grandson DAVID, a soulmate for sure
and son-in-law FRANKIE, respect and love endure.
Not to forget, LANA,TONY, RILEY -
All a part of FRANK’s family.
Connected through SAM, ANDREA and MARC,
Rays of sunshine, lighten up the dark.
Very close, too, LEN, MIKE, ROBERT, DEBBIE
Along with their spouses, MARY, STEVE, & TRECI,
And SIDNEY’s side - JONI and STEVEN, their clan.
Of BARBARA and MICHELLE, SHIRL was a fan.
ALVIN MILLER, our family extended
From Tillie’s mom/s sister, BERTHA descended.
To movies and plays and concerts together
The perfect partner and everybody’s mother.
Life's not all good - things are loving and hateful.
But SHIRLEY said it all when she wrote GRATEFUL.
Her family loved her. Her friends did too.
She touched us all. How did she touch you?
We celebrated her life with friends and family.
Carol Polo came as did Peg Shirley.
Showed a movie I made, entitled SHOIL
She narrated it, starting off as a girl.
We lit the candles for Chanukah
Sang the blessing and ate baklava.
Kristine a lemon bundt cake made to please.
And everyone took something that was Shirley’s.
Carol Polo came as did Peg Shirley.
Showed a movie I made, entitled SHOIL
She narrated it, starting off as a girl.
We lit the candles for Chanukah
Sang the blessing and ate baklava.
Kristine a lemon bundt cake made to please.
And everyone took something that was Shirley’s.
 |
| Alvin Miller, Allen Gumerus, Alejandra Lanos, Ati, Andrea Goldberg, Judy Leonard, and Dan |
 |
| Kristine and Ron Henshaw |
Furniture, clothes, ‘zines, books, records, CDs
Kitchen stuff, linens, travel tchotchkes,
Family memorabilia, paintings on the wall,
Framed pictures, recipes - memories all.
Dan, Dave and I, “clear out-clean up” crew
Mom’s small apartment had enough to do.
To David’s garage back and forth we went
A U-Haul truck helped, for this we paid rent.
From early morning to nights very late
A 14-day deadline, we couldn’t meet the date
So not till the 27th, did we give the key
To the HUD manager and then we were free.
Craig’s list, a thrift store, and to neighbors we gave
Whatever we couldn’t keep in boxes at Dave’s.
Mom’s marble table, antique mirror, Baker chairs,
The chrome chair, filing cabinet, some cooking wares.
Everything’s stuffed in boxes out of the way
We’ll revisit contents in the future some day.
Kitchen stuff, linens, travel tchotchkes,
Family memorabilia, paintings on the wall,
Framed pictures, recipes - memories all.
Dan, Dave and I, “clear out-clean up” crew
Mom’s small apartment had enough to do.
To David’s garage back and forth we went
A U-Haul truck helped, for this we paid rent.
From early morning to nights very late
A 14-day deadline, we couldn’t meet the date
So not till the 27th, did we give the key
To the HUD manager and then we were free.
Craig’s list, a thrift store, and to neighbors we gave
Whatever we couldn’t keep in boxes at Dave’s.
Mom’s marble table, antique mirror, Baker chairs,
The chrome chair, filing cabinet, some cooking wares.
Everything’s stuffed in boxes out of the way
We’ll revisit contents in the future some day.
Blue’s not been seen for a month or more
Instead the two babies come looking for
Peanuts just as did both Fluffy and he
Would beg and take the food right from me.
They are a bit shyer, but beg from the tree.
Frank and I throw the nuts and quickly,
They take what they want and fly back again.
We miss Blue and Fluffy, but have our “new” friends.
Somehow the end of the year passed so fast.
No time to connect as in the past.
Seems like the first of the year serves well, too
For sending our poem and our greetings to you.
From Frank and me, please keep in touch
This we really would like very much.
frankgati@hotmail.com or text
sallygati@sbcglobal.net
415-530-8947 Frank’s cell
415-900-6484 Sal answers this bell.
This we really would like very much.
frankgati@hotmail.com or text
sallygati@sbcglobal.net
415-530-8947 Frank’s cell
415-900-6484 Sal answers this bell.
Already bad world news that surfaced here.
Starting off what seemed a peaceful new year.
Still we can hope for some social dialogue
That brings up the sunshine and buries the fog.
We wish you calm and health -- hugs 'n kisses-a-plenty.
And from us to you,
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