Walk Down Memory Lane 46 Years Ago...

... to this intersection.This was the last place we lived in Burbank before moving to Santa Clarita. And here's the house at 2108 Lamer St.
As soon as I came around the corner, the first thing I saw was the eucalyptus tree in the front. I couldn't believe it was still there! I remember patting the trunk before climbing into the station wagon as we pulled out of the driveway for the last time. I was 7 years old. I always remembered the smell of the leaves and picking up the gum nuts. Only now the trunk was so much thicker and it was obvious that it had been trimmed down at the top. There was another tree closer to the front door that I remember climbing in and thinking I was sooooo high. In reality I was level with the roof but for a little girl, it felt like the top of the Empire Sate Building.

On the left you can see a white picket fence. It's hard for me to imagine it was the original but that's what we had. In fact that was the exact spot that Becky (with the silent accomplice, myself), played a prank on a neighborhood boy leading him to believe that we were burying alive our dog, Pansy. Becky, you can fill in the details.

There used to be some small bushes at the side of the house near the picket fence. It's hard for me to imagine that they are now that huge bushy thing in the front but maybe. The bush played prominently in my recurring childhood nightmare that involved that bush and Godzilla. That's all I'm sayin' about that...
I drove down the street to our duplex. I saw what I immediately recalled as it. Mom thought it was further down but Toni made a comment about where she thought it was and I think I was right. It was strange how the minute I saw it I thought, "that's it". Memories of playing there were strong. I'll make another trip with Mom (and Toni? Gordon? Bueller?) and get more pictures. Oh, and I also drove past McCambridge Park, home of many Cubscout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire Girl outings. Couldn't take a picture while I was driving however ;0(

But here's the next place I easily drove to: George Washington Elementary School. It was white when we attended it. I can still clearly remember walking home from here after it was announced that President Kennedy had been shot. The school closed and we were sent home early.

Behind the white marquee is the kindergarten playground. April and I both remember this fondly. We had a metal jungle gym then (oh, and we also walked to school in the snow).

As soon as I saw the drive below I recalled that this was the drive on the side of the school that Gordon (then known as Keith or Keithy) rode his bike down and took it in the neck, as in a chain strung across the drive wasn't seen and he took it on. Chain 1, Keith 0.
Strange how memories can stay so strong yet dormant but with a smell, a sense, a vision suddenly unleashing them. Like scattered black and whites, I come back here from time to time

Otto Von Risser and his Easter Bone

Easter dinner with Jeff and Michele was fun as usual.  I have pictures to post but need to turn my attention to wrapping up my taxes instead.  Soon. 

Until then, here's a picture of Otto and his ham bone.  Jeff caught him as he was trying to sneak upstairs to their bedroom.  The bone is almost as big as him.  Sorry for the poor quality but what do you expect from a cell phone camera and a moving dog?!?

Blessing of the Animals 2009

This year Gordon organized the outing for for the Blessing of the Animals on Olvera Street. Gordon, Mom, Jeremy, Kristy and the girls boarded the train in Santa Clarita and rode to Union Station downtown where I met them.  We strolled, ate, petted, bought and watched our way through the pueblo.  A quick stroll through Chinatown then back to the train.  It was a pleasure having them join me.  

One scary moment occurred while we were sitting on the curb waiting for Cardinal Mahoney to make his procession down to the staging area.   A path was cordoned off with police tape from the merchant area to the stage so the Cardinal can walk down.  Out of nowhere a spooked and riderless horse came charging up the path toward the crowd.  It ran past us and we could hear people screaming and see some scattering of people.  I was sure I was going to have to pull out some of my first aide skills but to my relief no one was hurt and someone was able to grab the horses reins.

On a side note... Gordon seemed obsessed with Mexican Wrestling masks and whips.... I won't tell you the theme he kept returning to when asked  ;-0 

All-in-all another fine day in L.A.

Buckling up for her first pony ride... EVER!!!

Making a friend at the petting zoo...

Has anyone seen my chariot?

A very happy Grandpa  (or Poppy as I believe the girls call him)

Wearing their finest are some of the daughters from Olvera Street Merchent families;  they lead the procession....

Here are just a few of the guests of honor...

How can you resist that face????

This little colt was just 17 days old.

Wearing her finest bunny ears... Miss Piglet.

And finally, a little video of what the girls bought on Olvera Street.  For those of you who can't tell, Sade bought a snapping parrot head.

All in all a pretty nice Easter Eve day....

Easter Eve

On my evening stroll I came across this Easter Bush.  Just thought it was sweet.  Nothing else.

Just Another Day in Paradise

The evening sunset from the park. Pictures really don't do it justice.

Earth Day: March 28, 2009

A friend sent this to me and I rather like the idea.  Here's a link to the movie:  

http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjWD8pbK5t8

Whether or not you think it makes a difference, I think the act of solidarity and respect for our resources is a positive act in and of itself.  I hope you'll join me Saturday, March 28 @ 8:30.

One More Picture

This picture was left out of the last blog entry and I absolutely had to include it.  Nyah and Sade are holding the  beautiful cards they made me complete with decoration, drawings, cutouts and flowers- very creative girls.   I'm wearing a lovely crown that Nyah made me.  If you enlarge the pix you may be able to see the small green diamond that she cut out and glued on to embellish the crown.  But the piece de resistance is the small red gun she cut out of foam complete with a small heart shaped bullet in the barrel (that's what I'm holding in my right hand).  Oh, and a small drawn cartridge of bullets ( I mean, come on...one doesn't want to be caught unprepared ;-)  Don't mess with this old lady princess because her young niece is making sure she's packing heat!  

One more thing... in case you haven't seen Nena's blog,  Nathan and Susanne Fairbanks have started a blog.  I've added a link to it from ours.  Check to the right.

Good Times: Sunday, March 22, 2009

Today Mom threw a birthday celebration for Gordon and me.  Besides the usual cast of characters that we love- Jeff and troups, Jeremy, Kristy and kids- we had the added pleasure of GK and Susanne who brought Van the Man for us to meet (that kid has the most beautiful blue peepers).  Then to complete the mix, Kayla came up from Temecula.

A happy cake with crayon candles... how apropos is that?!?!

Our combined hot air made quick work of Operation Candle Blowout!

Madison and Devon take a rest from all the excitment.

Great Grandma VaNile with Gordon, Cherrly and most of their Grandkids... we just needed Matix.

Jeff and Logan talk to Sydney while she's holding Cali.

Jeffry, Logan, Lil'Sydney, Big Sydney, Devon, Mom, Madison.

Sade, Jeremy, Kristy Cali and Nyah.

Susanne, GK, Van the Man, Kayla

Cali with her Great Grandmother VaNile

I stopped by to see Mom after the Solvang Century (or Half Century in my case).  Jeremy and Kristy were stopping by Gordon's so Mom and I invited ourselves over to meet Cali.  She's a keeper.

Economics 101

Hey Campers! 

 Confused by all the depressing economic news?  Wondering what it all means?  Toxic assets?  Spread sheets?  Nationalization of the banks?  Bail out of the banks?  Looking for something to preoccupy you until Jeremy has time to post a picture of his newest little Bundle of Joy?  Then I've got the solution for you!

Last week on This American Life they did a piece called Bad Banks to help explain the current economic mess and possible solutions.  I just listened to it while cleaning house and it truly is Economics made easy.  To some degree it will terrify you and yet at the same time perhaps offer some glimmer of hope.  No matter how you feel I strongly encourage a listen.  

The program can be podcasted (is that a word?) as well.  The link is:  www.thisamericanlife.org/        This week it will be available on the home page.  If you want to listen later just search it on the website.  To further your economic savvy I would strongly suggest listening to two other shows done by TAL: Giant Pool of Money; and Another Frightening Show About The Economy.  

A client who has her MBA and works for a large prestigious law firm advising them on financial issues told me she  listened to these programs as well and sent an email out to employees of the firm advising them to listen to the episodes.   

So don't be afraid.  Give it a listen.    All the cool kids are doin' it.....

Paul Fairbanks

Hey kids, check out Nena's blog.  Last I heard they kept him overnight for observation.  Toni told me it involved the right atrium of the heart.  Prayers and good wishes appreciated I'm sure.

What's with the branches of the Risser Clan lately?  Can we all just simmer down and settle into dull health news?  BTW- Grandma is doing much better.  For those of you who don't know, it became apparent she has shingles.... yeah that after staying overnight in the hospital and them missing the obvious.  Increases confidences doesn't it?

Grandma Risser's status

As some of you may know, Grandma's not been feeling well the past few days.  She was taken to ER this morning by her home teacher.  Gordon had tried to take her the night before but she deferred (so mom).  They've decided to keep her over night for further observations as her blood pressure was low and her electrolytes are off.  I just spoke to her by phone and she told me she's feeling much better.  

I'm home sick as well but Toni, Michele, Jeff and Gordon all arrived at the hospital to be with her; Becky and April stayed in touch by phone.   Michele was the first to arrive and apparently when Mom tried to stand she passed out and Michele had to catch her (good catch Michele!!!).  I'm so grateful for my family to jump in to help without hesitation.  Big love and hugs to you all.  And I'm sure Grandma would appreciate your prayers ( and you can toss one in for me also).  For now, best to contact your parents to find out her current status.  With the size of this ever growing clan, she'd be fielding phone calls all day and still not get to all of us.  

As an aside, I was reading the March 09  issue of Real Simple and ironically they had a piece on visits to the ER.  It gave some good thoughts but also talked about about how everyone should carry a medical information card with them.  They had a link to the magazine that you could go to download it.  They also had one for children.  Toni, April and I all have subscriptions so I'm sure all of us would be happy to download a copy and send one to you if you'd like it.  Love to all and be well.

Nick Zemp Fast

Hi Family!  I don't know how many of you have followed the Nick Zemp blog (for some reason I couldn't get the link to post for me on our blog).  Anyhow, he's going to be transferred to a rehab center near University of Utah.  They are proposing a family fast this Sunday.  Thought I'd put it out there for anyone who wanted to participate.  For more info, scroll down to the link in my January 12th post.  

Amazing Country, Amazing Moment

Well my dear family, I've debated in my head about making a comment about today's historic events.  I know we have different political points of view but isn't it truly amazing and a statement on our country and our most sacred constitution that is still works and we all get a say?  And even more impressive that we can have a smooth, safe and expected transfer of power? That it happens without a hitch?  Despite our differing of opinions I think I can say with all assurance that we all love this country and want it not just to survive but to thrive and be an example to the world of hope, freedom, integrity and inclusion.  

I've Tivo'd the events and plan on watching it all tonight, but at work we brought up the Presidential swearing in on the computer at the front desk.   One by one patients began to squeeze in to watch until no one was in the gym or treatment area regardless of political belief. You could feel the respect for the moment

I'm moved, excited, realistic of the challenges ahead  but move forward with hope.   I hope we can all embrace the sprit of civic pride and pitch in when and where we can. 

For those of my dear family in the military service, I love you all, I thank you all,  I'm grateful for your willingness to serve  and pray for your safety always.  I would also want to assure you that it's very possible to be pro-troops and anti-war.   I don't find them mutually exclusive.  

So here's to a strong and gracious America.  We have some work to do but as Susanna said... let's get to work!

Nick- Aunt Cheryl Diane's son

Hi All.  Mom just sent me an email from Megan re: her youngest brother, Nick.  Last week he took 15-20 foot fall from a balcony in Asheville, North Carolina.  He suffered vertebral fractures at C5/6 and spinal cord damage.  Cheryl and her oldest son, JT are back there now trying to help manage his care.  JT set up a blog to help get info out on Nick's status.  If you would like to check it out, here's the link:     http://nickluvrs.tumblr.com/  I'm sure the family would appreciate all prayers, love and best wishes in this matter.  I'm going to add this link to the blog listings on our family site so you can check in often.

Merry Christmas to All...

Hoping to stimulate some posts on family blogs from other weary eyed Santa's helpers, I'm going to post myself with more to come later when I have a bit more time.  Two are from our Christmas Eve celebration at Jeff and Michele.  As usual, it was a fun evening full of love and Christmas spirit.  The third is from April and Don's celebration.  I'll let them (ahem.... Aimee) tell you about it in more detail on their blog but the Santa is Gordon and I think you all know the festive little elf.

A California Christmas

This was the sight at Jeff and Michelle's house today- just another sunny day in paradise... NOT!  A California White Christmas.

Will the real brunette...

...please stand up?  Toni?  Apparently April and I have decided to join the brunette ranks.  As April says, "Can't afford a facelift".  Here's my new look.  April needs to post her own update.  Aimee?  Can you help?   When you don't have kids, the biggest news you can give regards haircolor.  This is what I've been reduced to... help me.

FYI...

Sara and Jacob have posted more picture of Elliott on their blog.  Be sure to check it out.  He's a keeper!