Visit to Lynchburg, Virginia (and events recorded until late 2006)

In September 30th 2000, flew out of Winnipeg to visit Michael. After a two week visit it was arranged that I would go on to Gordon in Yankee Hill, California. It was a long flight but I was met at the Lynchburg Regional Airport by Michael who drove us back to the house an hour away.

After a nice hot meal for which I was particularly grateful, since very little food was provided on the various planes. Michael's house, which was allotted him, was delightfully comfortable and fully furnished. This building, of which I have taken a photograph, is apparently reserved for visiting professors reminded me of the B & B in Toronto. The entire area is very scenic with an art museum nearby.

We were invited by Bill and Margaret Quilliare to an opera called The Elixir of Love The following day we did some shopping and I was able to bake some bread for us. On Friday 6th the Maier Museum of Art just across the road put on a show featuring "Rene Marie" a Grammy Award winning Jazz vocalist. Several hundred people were there.

The next day Jewel and Toni Eic took us on a 7-hour trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the fringe of Virginia. We enjoyed a very scenic drive finishing up with a meal at a restaurant in the woods I enjoyed a dish of Lasagna Alfredo.

On Sunday 8th October 2000, we were invited to Ray Luck's home and enjoyed a very pleasant evening there. The next day we visited Karim and Robin Spencer to meet a group of friends from Senegal, Africa. Karim is the official computer webmaster for the institution here. Robin is a Guyanese from Buxton.

Angela and her son Sacha are expected on a weekend visit from Bermuda. My departure date for California is Saturday 14th. I was taken to the airport by a French teacher from Martinique. I arrived at Sacramento and instead of spending the night at the Host hotel as pre-arranged, Gordon and Arna met me and drove me home to Yankee Hill.

Life at Yankee Hill had not changed much. The fruit frees in the orchard have practically all stopped bearing except for the persimmons. And so life goes on at the usual pace.

The three of us left Yankee Hill on Sunday for Blythe where Gordon would be working. It was a twelve-hour drive and quite an experience for a ninety-four year old.

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Arna's mother, Chris, was 94 on October 27th and they held a special church service at the Adventist church, entirely organized and delivered by the children. Later on there was a dinner and singing at their home.

Soon after, I considered returning to Canada in spite of adverse weather there. Arna had to return to Yankee Hill, so I returned with her. Once back, I contacted the airline and found it was possible to book a return flight for November 8th, which I did.

That Saturday, there was a four-hour church meeting, another record attained for my age. Sunday was a good day which we spent at Cobblestone Farms owned and operated by Linda and Duane McConnell. They have a beautiful home with lots of brickwork, stone pathways and turreted sections in a garden arrangement, and a fast running stream along the back portion. With a snow-covered mountain in the background, it was truly a sight to behold!

When we arrived, we were met by a horse-drawn carriage with liveried driver. We were taken over the entire farm which included a splendid meal consisting of the farm's produce.

On Monday 6th November 2000, Marsha called to say that there was a terrific snowstorm which made travel impossible. Reluctantly, I cancelled my flight. The airline agreed to let me use my ticket within a year, so I would be going back to Blythe and spending the winter there. Gordon returned to Yankee Hill and we drove back together. It would be Spring before I can consider returning to Canada.

Lucia arrived in time to attend a family wedding which Gordon and I did not attend, but from all reports, was quite an elaborate affair. I was later introduced to the English SDA church which was a lot easier to follow. After church, we went to Dr Linds home for an enjoyable lunch. He is a colleague of Gordon's at the prison hospital. Lucia left for Michigan the next day.

At this time, I made a decision to distribute my savings between my four children, and see them enjoy this while I am still capable of seeing them do so. At age 94 plus there was hardly a lot of time remaining to enjoy their company, hence the urge to do this at this time. While the usual thing was to leave a Will, I considered this more practical.

On December 10th 2000, Gordon and Arna took me to visit a friend of theirs, Dr Loraine Day, an orthopedic trauma surgeon, and a Seventh Day Adventist. Her home was truly delightful and the surrounds were elegant, with water spraying the well-groomed grounds all around the house.
Life in Blythe continued to be one of solitude, with Gordon going off to work early in the morning and returning at the close of day. Arna was mostly at her mother's house taking care of her, sometimes spending the night there as well. Her mother had had several strokes and needed constant care. With this situation it might have been advisable to make other arrangements for this winter period.

It was decided to spend the Christmas holidays with Mark and Barbara and Aidan in Santa Barbara, so we left Blythe for La Crescents where friends of Gordon and Arna, whom they knew in Peru, lived. It was a welcome break. We spent a few days there and then continued the journey arriving on Christmas Eve in Santa Barbara. The weather was gorgeous and Mark was able to accommodate all of us.

The following day was Christmas Day and we celebrated all the birthdays, Gordon's, Mark's, and Jesus'. We had a good time but Gordon had to return to Blythe to resume work at Ironwood Prison.

On Monday 28th December, 2000 Mark took us all on a long drive to the top of a mountain range overlooking the Pacific, with the islands of Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Pedro and San Miguel, just visible in the distance. The scene at the top of the mountain was rugged, steep but picturesque.

Aidan enjoyed climbing along the rocks where we had a picnic lunch. On our return in the late afternoon we stopped at the Mandarin Restaurant and had a Chinese supper.

Friday 29th, we went to the Santa Barbara Zoo which was located quite near to the ocean front, with lots of the usual animals including flamingos, lab bas, lemurs, monkeys etc. Barbara, Joan and I went to the Santa Barbara Symphony Concert which featured a sixty-five piece orchestra. They played classical music as well as opera and tap dancing. We were well entertained in a packed building, I estimated that there were well over a thousand people in the audience. It was a splendid end to a long leap year.

January 1st 2001, Michael and family went to the top of the mountain to view the spectacular sights from there. The weather was very good. Joan and Michael returned to Lynchburg on 4th January and I went back to Blythe on 7th. Mark took me to meet Gordon in Loma Linda, so the journey was split by having two drivers. Once there, we all had lunch at the cafeteria, then visited the new additions to the campus since I had last worked there - about 30 years ago. After another 3 hours we returned to Dr Stiles' house in Blythe.

Although there was a difference in temperatures between Blythe and Brandon, 70F in Blythe and - 15C in Brandon, I still miss Canada where so many of my friends and family live. Back in Blythe it rained for several days, but nothing like the five inches of rain which fell in Santa Barbara.

On Sunday 14th January my return flight was confirmed for 22nd February. The next day was Martin Luther King Day, so Gordon took us to the Living Desert, a wildlife and botanical park located in Palm Desert, California. This region, often thought of as lifeless wasteland, is actually an intricate and fragile ecosystem, containing a variety of animal and plant life. Many of which are extremely rare and seldom seen. It attracts 275,000 visitors annually, and so is one of the top tourist attractions. Thursday, 18th January I made a really good batch of bread and later took some exercise in the form of a walk along the sandy soil, using Gordon's exerstrider. Over the weekend I was taken to the Spanish Adventist church then to Lisa's for lunch. During the evening we looked at slides of Costa Rica where Efren has a plot of land.

On Sunday, three of us went for a two-day visit to San Diego. First day was spent at Mario's home. He is a retired preacher. We slept there and the next day we went to see Yvonne Harris, Arna's cousin who lived on an attractive hilltop.

The next Sunday we had an outdoor lunch on the patio, with metagee, buffet style. On Monday 12th we visited Quartzsite in Arizona, reputed to be the world's largest car park. In reality, it is a giant open-air market where one can buy just about anything.  On Saturday 17th, my last attendance at the SDA church there was an Ecuadorian pastor and afterwards, lunch at Lisa's.

We left Monday 19th at Yankee Hill at 8.pm. It was a 12 hour car ride. The last 4 hours was in heavy rain, so Arna did the driving. When we arrived, we found we had left the door key back in Blythe. Not finding a locksmith locally, we forced the side-door of the garage and got in that way.

During the months I spent in California, I visited the Loma Linda University where I had worked for 6-7 years and was able to visit some former colleagues, Bill Robinson and Alf Dennis, pharmacists with whom I worked. Another old friend I visited was Dr. Sven Neilsen. He and I had lunch at the cafeteria. Within two days, I was on my way back to Canada, leaving in the afternoon of 21" February and arriving in Winnipeg the next night. Aubrey and Marsha met me there and took me home around 10 pm.

I was surprised and pleased to see that renovations had been done to the 9th Street house during my absence. I called Gordon to let him know I had arrived safely. The weather was good, but there was a lot of snow in heaps on the roadsides.

Michael called to say that he was going to Barbados and that Joan would be returning to the U.K. They are also making a great effort to re-establish a home in St. Lucia. March 9th 2001, it was good to resume the afternoon dances held at the Community Centre and I am looking forward to attending the spring supper dance at the Canadian Legion. Unfortunately, I developed a touch of bronchitis and decided not to go. The snows are melting now and spring is on the way.

My 95th birthday in June 8th 2001 is soon here, so we try to get the scattered members of my widespread family together here for a little celebration. Maureen and Paul come over from the U.K;

Michael pops in from the Caribbean area, and Gordon and Arna drop in from Yankee Hill, California. So we put on a little party, and many of our Canadian friends join in. At this point I seem to remember that the worst thing about getting old is being denied the privilege of attaining it.

I keep trying to remain healthy by continuing my usual garden work. This year I cultivate the patch in front of and around the side of the house with gladioli plants, and by a surround of colour like petunias etc. In the back garden, I put in beets, carrots and tomatoes, from which I got a really bumper crop. What with a good bit of grass mowing, tree-trimming and general outdoor activities, I developed a rather painful hip-joint, and I was examined by my favourite Doctor, Colin McFarlane.

By virtue of a little Tachycardia I was kept in hospital for a while and given all sorts of tests - bone scan, ultrasound, etc, but nothing seemed to be too wrong with the old boy. I returned to normal life and started to think about the approaching winter.

It is now the 9th December 2001, and we are now considering the approach of the Christmas holidays. Maureen and Paul are seriously thinking of emigrating to Canada, and so we are now in the process of looking at the prices and accommodations available in the area of Brandon. With the sale of their London house, there would be enough money to buy one in Canada. After looking at a few houses for sale, we chose one that we hoped would be suitable. As Maureen and Paul have decided to spend two weeks with us this winter, it would be a good opportunity to see what it was like and make definite decisions about living here. So the house was purchased with Gordon's help.

Since the September 11th terrorist attack in the USA, immigration has really tightened up and we are making every effort to get Maureen and Paul into Canada, but it seems to be taking some time for Paul's processing to be finalized. Paul and Maureen arrive here and stay in the new house for the two weeks so that it would be occupied. With the Christmas and New Year holidays already with us, the matter has to stay put for a while.

It was finally decided that since immigration was taking longer than expected, Marsha and Aubrey decided to sell their place on 9th street and move into the new house in Cornwallis Crescent, themselves. In a short while, the 9th Street house was sold in March 2002. We are now fully installed in the other. This is the first time I am going to experience a full size Canadian winter, and it certainly was a cold one.

There are now signs of spring approaching. Gordon should be here soon to complete his investment with the new property. We do look forward to seeing him as he became ill and could not travel for Christmas. He arrived on 4th April and will return to California on the 9th April 2002.

Spring is now here and we are considering putting in a small garden, but it is still too cold to begin. Richie completed his two-year course at the Assiniboine College and is now qualified to do computer repairs. Gordon has decided to come to Canada in September and it is arranged for me to go back with him. I will probably spend the winter in Yankee Hill, since the cold seems to affect me a lot more than before. I guess the ageing body just rebels...

We do try to establish a little flower garden both in the front and back of the new home in Cornwallis Crescent, but it is really uphill work. Thanks to Mary Hotel, I was able to secure a good rose plant - "Adelaide Hoodless", which we place in the centre of the front lawn.

Gordon and I went back to Yankee Hill in September 2002, since with occasional attacks of`tachycardia" it was considered better for me to be away in a warmer climate. During the five odd months I spent in America, I stayed at many different places such as Yankee Hill, Blythe, at both Lisa's and Efren's home, as well as a couple of motels on the journey there. The longest stay was at Lisa's house, for three months. The weather in Blythe was just the opposite to that in Brandon.  Gordon took on a temporary job there for a short period then returned to Yankee Hill in February 2003.

My return trip to Canada was booked for March 5th and once more Gordon will accompany me back to Brandon.

At this stage Michael and Joan were hoping to resettle in Guyana. Due to adverse conditions in that country, this was quite impossible so it was decided to set up home in Barbados. I telephoned Mark today, 19th February 2003 to get some information about Michael and Joan, not having heard from them for quite some time. I was delighted to learn that they are now settled in Barbados in a pleasant area, selected and purchased with the help of Kai who is involved in the real estate and brokerage business now. I have been invited to go over and spend some time with them in Barbados to which I look forward.

Maureen is making some progress with the sale of her home in the U.K. Paul has received his immigration papers and is ready to take up residence in Canada. Hopefully they can both leave at the same time.

On returning to Canada, March 2003, I was surprised to find that winter was still very evident. There was still lots of snow on the ground, with more to come. My exercise program had to be performed under cover, in the Mall.

This very month, Aubrey retired from MacArthur's and he is asked to fill in whenever the owner is away.

2nd May 2003, Paul and Maureen have just arrived and are staying with us in Cornwallis Crescent. Maureen's house was sold and with the proceeds, plans to buy one here, nearby. Paul will be sponsoring her after he has worked here for a year, which are the requirements for permanent residency for her.

With the arrival of summer, Maureen and I joined the Shuffleboard club nearby. We can walk there in a few minutes. A bungalow in the area was purchased and they will be moving in August. In the meantime their household effects which were shipped from England arrived after a couple of months of their landing. This was a great relief when they finally arrived.

My tachycardia symptoms returned which required hospitalization on a couple of occasions. Towards the end of October we all made a trip to Winnipeg to get my Permanent Resident's card which is now required for travellers. Since the September 11th bombings in the U.S.A. security has been stepped up considerably, hence the need for extra identification.

At the end of October 2003, Maureen and I went to visit Michael and Joan in Barbados, for three weeks. Unfortunately, I developed a persistent cough. Other than this, the heat and the humidity, not to mention the mosquitoes, it was so good to see the family.

Michael met us at the airport and drove us to their home which is in a protected and gated area. There are 30 - 40 houses in this complex. Their house was bi-level with well kept surrounds and lots of fruit trees. There was a swimming pool just a short distance from the house. The roads on the island however, were narrow and winding making driving quite a task. In general, the trip was quite a break from normal activities, with several stopovers on the flights there and back, the Miami Hotel being the best one.

Towards the end of 2003, it was quite a busy time, what with birthdays and anniversaries and Christmas and with the usual activities. The family in Canada has grown quite a bit now and number 13 in all, Leighton, the most recent addition, Richie's third child, now one year old. During the month of January 2004, I tried out my ability to dance by taking Aubrey, Marsha and
Maureen to the Canadian Legion's Club, where we did a few one-steps, waltzes etc. for about a couple of hours. A very enjoyable evening!

Winter this year is proving to be quite severe but on the better days we still manage to go for walks.  As long as we dress quite warmly, it is quite possible to do this. The temperature is around 30-40 degrees C.

The next day, March 23rd, Richie went to Victoria for a long-awaited heart surgery procedure. It took many hours, but was well worth it and he is now able to function normally. On the other hand, Shelley, who accompanied her husband, came back with a badly injured knee which eventually took surgery to fix.

In May 2004, Maureen needed to leave and re-enter Canada once again as her Visitor's Visa was about to expire. I was planning to go to Gordon and Arna's with her, but felt inhibited by my physical condition. So I arranged for Marsha to go with her instead. The trip was for two weeks at the end of which they surprised me by returning accompanied by Gordon and Arna. It was also arranged secretly for Michael to join us here in Brandon as a surprise for my birthday.
There was a celebration at the curling club with many friends there. By virtue of my age (98) this was the biggest birthday party I have ever had, and I certainly enjoyed it! By this time Paul was successful in obtaining a new permanent job and will soon be able to sponsor his mother.
Christmas Day 2004 was spent at Maureen's house where we had Christmas Lunch and watched videos. Boxing day was celebrated at Cornwallis Crescent. Richie and family and Paul and Laura and her two sons joined us for a great meal which was most pleasant.
February 22nd 2005, Maureen's birthday was a double celebration as her new extended Visitor's Visa, allowing her to stay for another full year had arrived. We had a buffet meal with family, friends, and neighbours at her place. A month before, we had celebrated Paul's 40th birthday in a similar manner.
The following month, March, 2005 my appointment with the dermatologist, revealed nothing new - except for different medication. It helped for a while, but didn't cure the itch. So I decided that I would be careful and try to live as sensibly as possible. At this time, I arranged to have my hearing aid upgraded with Dr Stokes, an audiologist here in Brandon. It took some adjusting to the new device which cost around $1,400. With Spring on the way now, I should be able to enjoy all the sounds around me.
May 2005 Michael and Joan's 50th Anniversary. They went to Guyana to celebrate this. He is also involved in a new project which requires that he raises funds for it.

June 8th 2005. My 99th Birthday. Michael and Gordon came for the celebration which was a luncheon at Kam Lung, a Chinese Restaurant and buffet. The weather was wet but a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all, and the food was good. We visited the Hotels, my good friends on the way home. That evening, they came by for some of my birthday cake along with Richie, Shelley, the children and Shelley's mother, Linda.

In July this year, I resumed swimming at the Sportsplex. I used to go regularly years ago and quite enjoy the exercise. However the pool has now closed for renovation.

Paul has now purchased a house in Central Brandon, not too many minutes away. It is an older home, with the kind of charm that appeals to him.

Presently, I have developed a serious, irritating itch on my upper body. My regular doctor suspects an allergy and has referred me to an allergist. Now, having seen the allergist, I was referred to a dermatologist. While waiting for the appointment, I saw a naturopath, a Chinese acupuncturist and a reflexologist. Michael's suggestion to try saunas was also used without any real relief. To date, there has been very temporary relief, at best.

A Telehealth conference with Dr Hirst, a Winnipeg specialist, was arranged and took place at Brandon General Hospital. The examination was performed by cameras as we could see each other and answer questions. There was still no diagnosis made. Sometime after this I experienced hallucinations and some physical weakness and was admitted to the Assiniboine Centre on Christmas night 2005.

I was given medications which were designed to help my condition. I was able to return home after three weeks. It was arranged for Home Care to assist me with bathing and dressing as I had problems with balance as well. I was also provided with a male companion, Danny, who took me swimming at the local swimming pool once a week. I looked forward to these times immensely as swimming was my favourite form of exercise.

I also started attending the Fairview Club which was at the Fairview Personal Care Home. A taxi was provided for transportation there and back. There, games and light meals were also provided suitable for seniors with diminished mobility.

A visit to my favourite optician, Dr. Caswell disclosed that I have developed Macular Degeneration, thus providing me with yet another problem. Of course this gives me something more to worry about…….something more to worry about………………..

Gordon and Arna's trip to Loma Linda (2000)

The next couple of weeks proved to be very active. Both Gordon and Arna had to take part in various activities such as Alumni post-graduate course for Gordon and modern health practices studies for Arna. As this entailed being away from Yankee Hill for ten days, the question arose as to what to do with me over this period. I suggested taking care of myself, staying on alone at Yankee Hill, but this was not considered wise. So, after a great deal of thought, we got in touch with Mark and Barbara who live in Santa Barbara and, after explaining the situation, they readily agreed to have me stay with them until Gordon and Arna's sojourn in Loma Linda was over. They could drive me over (8-hour trip) and collect me when their convention was over. I was truly grateful. It enabled me not only to spend some time with my latest great-grandson, Aidan, now an active and very delightful year and a half-old kid, but also to have Joan, my favourite daughter-in-law as company as well.

Santa Barbara is a truly delightful part of California, on the Pacific coast, and bordered by lofty mountains. The weather too is milder, and Mark's place is located in an area where the Spanish element is very visible. It was certainly a welcome break from the drab outlook of Yankee Hill. Mark is very well placed in an important classified job and Barbara is also a leading director in the region of exchange students to various parts of the world, and as a fluent speaker of Spanish is mostly involved in placing students in countries like Mexico, Spain, Chile etc. - She actually spent four days in Mexico, while I was staying at her home, so as to attend to a disturbance which occurred at a university there.

Joan and I were able to visit places like the Museum of Natural History and the shopping area as well. We even attended a movie during a certain afternoon show, as well as going for several exercise walks around the home.

Returning to Yankee Hill. I checked the weather conditions in Canada and decided it was time to end my stay in Yankee Hill. I then booked my return trip to Marsha for the 4th April 2000. The flight from Sacramento was quite uneventful, and I got into Minneapolis on time and at Winnipeg, Aubrey and Marsha were there to meet me. I was quite tired and decided to rest up a bit. I was surprised to find the weather quite good. However, it did snow a few days later. To make up for my long absence from active living, I promptly booked for the spring supper dance at the Canadian Legion's Hall for Sunday April 16th. We invited Dori Chambers to join us, and together with a lot of my personal friends, we really had a wonderful time, getting home at 8.00 pm. We had danced from 4 to 6 pm, dined at 6 to 7 pm and danced again until departure time.

The weather in Brandon is quite good and as a result, I have commenced raking the several lawns around the house in preparation for mowing.

The Riverview Club, which is just 'around the corner' from home, is used for several sports. During the winter season, 'curling' is done there. In spring, it is used as a 'floor shuffleboard rink', and occasionally, it is also used as a 'dog racing' arena, where pedigree animals such as Dobermans, Greyhounds etc. perform. I enjoy playing floor shuffleboard there and the season is just about starting again (May 10th 2000).

We plan to spend a short holiday in Toronto, one of Canada's largest and most populated cities. I have never visited this city, and except for just passing through, I just don't know it at all.  Maureen and Paul are coming over from the U.K. and will meet us in Toronto where we will try to see as much of this city as we can in three days. I will fly from Winnipeg to Toronto and a free 'Air Miles' ticket, Marsha and Aubrey will drive from Brandon to Toronto in their Mini van, where they will collect both Maureen and Paul and myself. Then go sight-seeing as a joint group. I will do the return trip to Brandon On my air-ticket, and Aubrey, Marsha, Maureen and Paul will return by the Mini-van. It is quite a long car ride, hence my decision to fly both ways.

The Blythe Sojourn (1998 - 2000)

As practising Seventh-Day Adventists, and total vegetarians as well, life in Blythe is somewhat different to that of Marsha's home in Canada. Here, there is a complete absence of meat of any kind which includes beef, chicken, fish, pork etc. Eggs and cows milk are not used, but analogues are substituted, such as flavoured gluten from flour, a chicken substitute made from soy and cleverly prepared to look like and taste like chicken meat -called "Wham", also produced from soy, and pleasantly flavoured There are also several varieties to represent and replace meat and fish spreads, and a milk-like product is made to replace cows' milk
Great emphasis is placed on the use of fruit, vegetables and all natural products, and even the timing of meals is somewhat different; larger meals being preferred as the first meal, and smaller ones in the late evening. In view of the recent furore about "Mad Cow Disease", there is a great deal of regard about the food one eats, and a lot of people are now looking at their food intake much more seriously.
It does, however, take some adjusting to, but there is no doubt that the benefits derived from a vegetarian diet could be very helpful.
Life in Blythe is rather quiet. It is a new area of California in which Gordon and Arna are now living, and as a result, there are just a few friends. ' The area is a new one, and the houses are all newly built. The town was originally an agricultural one, in this low desert area, but with a large prison now erected here, most of the residents are in some way connected with it. By virtue of being low desert, the daytime temperature rises to around 100-120 in the summer, and during the winter, it stays at about 70°F, which makes it a pleasant place to spend the fall, winter and early spring.
I spent a few days here, just a couple of years ago, and I could see the vast improvement which has taken place in just a short time. There are all the regular amenities of a town, with lots of churches, government buildings, public library, supermarket etc., and the streets are nice and wide with proper paved sidewalks.
The main activities of this city are due to the fact that the prison is situated here. There are several thousands of inmates, and apart from what little agriculture there is, everything just revolves around the prison. There is not a great deal of social life, and an extrovert like me could be quite bored. And so I returned to Canada on May 3rd 1998.
On my return to Brandon, I quickly realized I would have to reconstruct a completely new lifestyle. So I joined the Brandon Y.M.C.A. and the nearby Riverview Club. At the ivy,, I recommenced swimming, which I am hoping will help my hip which, for well over a year now has been quite painful. Gordon suggests using the back stroke will be of great benefit to the condition. I combine it with an excellent steam room and "Whirlpool" bath. At the Riverview Club, I do "Floor Shuffle Board" which is a rather mild form of light exercise. I certainly have no intention of ending my life rusting out in a swivel recliner chair, watching T.V.
My latest 'project' is to pre-pay my funeral expenses, and I have already had an interview with the local funeral director concerning this.
During October 1998, a one week's visit was planned with Maureen and Paul from the U.K. to visit Ritchie and family in Edmonton, Alberta.
The bottom flat of 1759, 9th Street was nicely remodelled and looks real good, providing excellent accommodation for both Maureen and Paul in two separate rooms.  Maureen and I traveled by air - (one-way only for Maureen) while Paul, Aubrey and Marsha drove up to Edmonton by van. I however, did the entire trip by plane. While in Alberta we had Agnes' daughter, Ellen over to our hotel and spent a good three hours or so with her.
Paul was a little indisposed and had to be treated, before returning to the U.K.  We enjoyed a reasonable 4-5 days during our stay there and I took the entire family to a good oriental restaurant, chatted over the phone with Ed Jarvis, who had recently lost Jackie his wife, and I condoled with him.
This year, 1998, we had a long fall season. No snow appeared until some time in November, and temperatures were quite pleasant.
As I record this, it is now January 1999, and the temperature goes as low as -30°C. There are intermittent snowfalls, and one has to keep the driveway clear for obvious reasons. I seldom spend the winters here in Brandon, and so I am doing my best to adjust. However, I may yet go to Gordon in California before too long.

During this period, just after I got back from our trip to Saskatoon, Gordon seemed anxious to have me once more at his house in Blythe Ca. As I already had one more return trip available on my Senior coupon with NorthWest Airlines, I decided to make use of it before it expired in March 1999. So, once more, I set fly to Blythe Ca. on January 27the 1999. Marsha induced Aubrey to take a week's leave from his job and go along with me. Yet another late winter visit to Gordon and Arna. This is probably the last time I will visit this area, since Gordon has now been promoted to oversee the Susanville Correctional Institution as C.M.O. (chief medical officer) and is now at the top position there. You may recall that he once worked there.
As a result, he and Arna will be moving home again in a short time, and are about to sell their property in Blythe. Since arriving here with Aubrey, Arna is still employed by the local hospital as a nurse in the obstetrics department. She works 2-3 days a week, and is on call as well.
When Aubrey and I arrived in California, we landed at the ultra modern Ontario Airport, and the weather was just delightful. The surrounding mountains were glistening with snow at the top, with the sun shining on them. A truly picturesque sight!! Arna met us at the airport, and joining a shuttle service we drove through beautiful Palm Springs to a point where Arna's sister Zeta met us, following which we proceeded on the 2-3 hour drive to Blythe, with Aubrey taking over the driving. We stopped at Lisa's home and enjoyed an excellent supper there (all vegetarian). With Gordon arranging to set up his house and work-place in Susanville, and Arna at her job at the hospital in Blythe, it was arranged to use Arna's car, after Aubrey had taken her to the hospital. So, on the day following our arrival, we did some shopping at "Albertson", the only supermarket in town.
As Aubrey was spending just one week with us, it was decided to make a pleasure trip to see the London Bridge at Lake Havasu in the state of Arizona. It was a three-hour ride by car and Aubrey drove all the way and back. Here is a short description of the London Bridge at Lake Havasu in the State of Arizona.
In 1963, Robert McCullock (Snr.) bought the original London Bridge, which was built in 1831. As the bridge began to sink into the river Thames over which it was built, it was dismantled stone by stone, and brought over to Lake Havasu from London England and re-constructed over a man-made inlet on the Colorado river, and is now a major sight-seeing attraction there. Narrated tours are offered aboard various types of watercraft like houseboats, canoes, pontoon boats and sailboats, and the entire build-up around and under the bridge is very strongly reminiscent of a typical London England scene.
The entire area is very scenic and there is no lack of facilities for enjoyment.  On the return drive, we were stopped by a highway patrol car and charged for speeding! However, the tour was greatly appreciated by us all, and we captured quite a few photographs.
The day after our return from our tour of the London Bridge we all visited the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Arna. This was Saturday, January 3e - this branch of the family being 7th Day Adventists -after which we lunched at Lisa's place, their home being just around the corner from Gordon's house. With Aubrey's return to Canada booked for the 3rd of February 1999, we did some shopping around Blythe, Aubrey filling in some spare time with cooking supper for all, which we certainly enjoyed.  Early on Wednesday morning, we left for the airport in Ontario, Calif. and saw Aubrey safely to his place for Brandon.
Following that, life for me in Blythe became somewhat slower, with Arna working at the hospital some of the time. Up to this point, I had not seen Gordon, but he did call most nights, saying how he was progressing with setting up his work in Susanville and arranging to move back to the Yankee Hill house. I made do with taking long walks and keeping the yard tidy.
Gordon's property on Yankee Hill was rented to a family mainly to take care of it, and the well established orchard there, much of which Arna is responsible for creating. Now that they are returning back to be nearer to Gordon's new work-place in Susanville, this property of his is not too far away, and they plan to make it their home once again. The tenants have already moved out, and the home on Yankee Hill is now in the process of renovation (carpets and paint etc.) and the move should be a "fait accompli" in a short while. Surprisingly, the weather in Blythe is cooler than I expected but it has been explained to me that being a desert, with no trees, just sand and scrub growth, after it heats up during the day, the temperature just evaporates at night, sincere there is nothing to hold it in. Quite a contrast to life in Brandon, Canada.
Saturday February 13th 1999. Once again I attend the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The service and hymns are all in Spanish, with an English translation of the sermon after every sentence or so, which somehow tends to confuse me, and causes a break in fully understanding what is being said. With just a limited knowledge of Spanish. I find it difficult to follow. Today. at the service. I met Julio Robinson, one of Arna's nephews who, about forty years ago, Emma and I baby-sat when we first visited California. He is now a married man, with a couple of children.
On Sunday 14th February, Arna, who is an ardent bird-watcher (called a birder), took me to the Salton Sea International Bird Festival in the Imperial Valley, California. Several shows were put on, such as how to distinguish birds by colour, shape, etc. Lots of pictures were displayed on a screen and various peculiar features of each type of bird were pointed out. Following this, a lady bird and animal trainer came on and she showed how with proper care and patience, a small parrot could be trained to push objects off the table, and even play basketball. She had a macaw trained to fly to the outstretched fingers of various members of the audience. There was also a monkey, displaying several tricks. Later on a huge bird, a South American vulture was brought on and several flights were performed by it. Finally, an albino boa constrictor was exhibited, white in colour with cream spots. It was about three years old and weighed about sixty pounds and was roughly fifteen feet in length. The trainer had it wrapped twice around her waist with four to five feet left over.
At this point we took a lunch break and then resumed to a one to two hour symposium, which featured photographs of birds in Morocco, north West Africa. Some of the speakers were associated with the Cornel University. Arna certainly enjoyed these shows.
A dull period followed this, in which I made arrangements to return to Canada on March 15th 1999. will Gordon will be coming back to Blythe on the last day of February 1999. At least, I'll be able to see him for a couple of weeks before leaving. Actually, he returned to Blythe from Susanville on the 27h February, one day earlier, and we were glad to have him back.
During that dull period aforementioned, following the bird show, I enjoyed two separate outings with friends, neighbours of Gordon and Arna. The first was a supper date with Dr Mohamed Olavi, a colleague of Gordon, who invited me to a home-cooked meal, comprising an exotic salad, saffron flavoured rice done up with select pieces of beef and a variety of fruits. He is Iranian, and is a qualified and boarded surgeon as well. He returns to Iran occasionally but enjoys working in California. At the moment, he is unattached and he prepared the meal all by himself. I need hardly tell you how much I enjoyed that evening.
The other outing was from our next door neighbours Christopher and Juana, both of whom invited me to what I believe is the nicest eating place in Blythe - "The Sizzler". We had chicken and all the usual accessories, but the tone of the place was very impressive. There were lots of "Snow Birds" in attendance as well.
Christopher was originally from British Honduras, while his wife Juana is of Mexican or Spanish origin. She is a housewife with three children, one of whom - an eighteen-year-old boy is now in the Marines. The other two kids are at school.
The Blythe house has not yet been sold, but several people have looked at it. Gordon traded his Honda for a new Toyota type enclosed 4-runner vehicle. It is certainly more practical for long country runs and climbing hilly terrain. He will be here in Blythe for at least one to three weeks.
We plan to go to Loma Linda University from March 8th to 10th for Gordon's ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support). I will go along with him and hope to visit the Pharmacy section where I spent the last six-seven years of my working life. Arna will also be attending her continuation classes in nursing about the same time.
In talking to Marsha and Maureen over the telephone. there is a plan for the three of us to be together in England some time in April - May this year (1999). It will probably be my last visit to the Old Country.
All set now to take my leave of Blythe. Gordon and I plan to set off for Palm Springs on Sunday 14th March 1999, where we are invited to stop over for a fruit lunch at the home of Dr Alavi's lady friend. en route to a motel in Ontario (Ca.). Here we will overnight so as to catch the 8.05 a.m. plane for my return trip to Canada.
The timing of my visit was good. The weather in Blythe is now beginning to change from a very pleasant winter (60° F. average). It is now beginning to warm up when it finally reaches 120°-140° F.
Just about right for a winter 'stop-over'. I made the journey quite easily from Ontario Airport (Ca.) to Minneapolis where I had to wait a bit. then on to Winnipeg. Aubrey and Marsha were waiting for me and on the way home to Brandon; we had a real nice supper at the "Key". Back to my old quarters at home in 1759 9th Street. I feel so greatly relaxed.
Wednesday 12th May we were taken to see Oklahoma! at the Lyceum Theatre. The area in which the Lyceum is situated is quite a maze and after quite a little effort, we finally made it, just about 5-10 minutes late.
This theatre is built in a series of about one dozen winding staircases, and it certainly reminded me of the trip I made to Radio City Music Hall two years ago. The decor in the theatre was spectacular and the performance very good. It lasted about 21/2 hours. What a fitting climax to Marsha's holiday in Britain and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
And so it comes to May 13th and we regretfully see Marsha off this morning, on her way back to Canada and her house.
On Sunday 16th May, Gordon called from Yankee Hill Ca., where he spends weekends from his work in Susanville. Arna has not yet left Blythe. He said the home was all ready and waiting for full occupation. He wanted to know when I was coming. Having told him of my sinus problem, he suggested frequent hot compresses, so I am trying that.
Monday 17th May, Maureen and I visit the doctor (Dr Straikh) an Indian. After examining Maureen who had a swelling on her neck, I complimented him on the way he talked to her and examined her. I mentioned how he reminded me of the way Gordon handles and talks to his patients. He appeared to be flattered by my observation then offered to look at my sinus situation. He prescribed a nose drops made of 0.5% Ephedrine and did not charge. The pharmacy which supplied the drops did not charge either. This is really the first time I have had a sinus complaint and it really bothers me.
At Maureen's home (115 Eastcote Avenue) I do my best to help in tidying up the garden and hedge in front etc. I also bake a little bread and make some granola. During the following week we do some shopping etc., and I make valiant attempts to cut the front and back lawns with a "weed-cater", since the regular mower has some fault and would not work. It is later found to have a broken belt, which is replaced.
During the week, the covers for the living room furniture arrived and the fitter made a good job of it. The final touches are now all in place and the home is now at the very best it has ever been in all of its many, many years.
During my last few days in Britain, it is arranged that Paul would take us driving into Kew Gardens where we spent the greater part of the afternoon. What a wonderful selection of plants from every part of the world, and so delightfully displayed. Small wonder this garden is without question the very finest in the entire world. We took a series of photographs. Before I flew back to Canada the following Thursday, we had quite a few visitors who came to say goodbye.
On this occasion, I did not find it possible to visit my best friends, Sonny and Joyce Barrow, who live in Lincoln, and are about two hours away by fast train. Joyce was somewhat unwell, and I was not in top condition either. This friendship went all the way back to our teenage years, and has lasted ever since We are both nonagenarians.
The flight back to Winnipeg via Toronto was uneventful and reasonably comfortable. I enjoyed complete Hospitality Service and was wheeled all around the huge Heathrow Airport, as well as at the Toronto Airport. The service was good, and I think it is an encouragement for seniors to travel more.  The food also was good, and both 'take-offs' and 'touch downs' were smooth. Marsha and Mary Carr were at the Winnipeg Airport waiting for me in the new Chevy van they just acquired for the business. My sinus condition still persists, so I go to visit my doctor in Brandon. He is such a cheerful fellow, and enjoyed my description of "Elveden Forest", Center Parcs. He told me that the managing director of these parks is a good friend of his. My doctor is a Scot by birth. He prescribed a new preparation "Nasonex"", and it is simply wonderful. Sinus almost gone.
It took quite a couple of weeks to overcome 'jet-lag', especially since there were two adjustments in just one month.
Returning to my old Canadian haunts I re-joined the floor Shuffleboard Club, playing every Tuesday and Thursday for a couple of hours each time.
I didn't lose any time putting the garden and lawns into shape, and with the help of our neighbours, this was quickly done. I put in potatoes, onions, carrots and tomatoes right away, and we went overboard a bit and put in some expensive perennials like 'dogwood' etc. in the front strip around the house. Already the kitchen garden is coming alive, potatoes, onions and tomatoes all alive and looking healthy. During this summer (1999) I keep busy with trimming the fruit trees mowing the very extensive lawns (both front and back) and at the moment I am painting the entire front fence along Balmoral Bay as well as along the rather large driveway.
Keeping active is certainly helping me to stay fit and enjoy what is left of life for a 93-year-old!
During the fall of 1999, I made plans to go to the Moose Jaw Mineral Springs and Hotel for a 4-day tour, but the trip did not materialize. The travel company, Fehr Way Tours cancelled the trip as they did not have a sufficient quota to warrant having it. I had planned to take Marsha along, as we were both disappointed.
The decorative trees on our front lawn have grown quite tall and spreading much, that the leaves, which are now falling (of a golden brown colour), are now just cluttering up the front entrance. Will wait a while before trying to collect them.
October 26th 1999. Arranged to travel to Gordon in Yankee Hill on November 7th and will travel on the usual Senior Coupon ticket, allowing me two return trips within the space of one year. Last Sunday afternoon on October 24h, I took Aubrey, Marsha and Dori to the Fall Festival Supper Dance at the Canadian Veteran's Hall and we really enjoyed it.
November 7th 1999. All set to travel this morning for Yankee hill via Minneapolis. Was met at Sacramento Airport by Gordon and Arna, who arrived about half an hour late, just before I was beginning to telephone. I settled in as much as possible, and although the house was not yet completed (a good lot of the packages were still in the garage unopened). There was a lot of cut wood piled up in the yard in preparation for the Y2K experience.
Gordon works in Susanville Ca. and is now at the top level in the medical section. He travels the two-hour car ride every weekend, and both he and Arna are making an effort to re-establish a permanent home in Yankee Hill, while they lived in Blythe. The home here was tenanted and now that they have returned, there is quite a bit of work to do to bring the home and the big orchard back to normal.
As Seventh Day Adventists, they attend the local church here and of course, I just pop along. The nice little apartment which Emma and I occupied when we lived here in 1984 is now loaded with surplus furniture, but is still a very usable place for a couple. It is fitted with every convenience. I renewed my acquaintance with the two nearby neighbours who still live here, and they seemed to still enjoy me. From the large glass sliding door which goes out to the back porch, it is possible to see the area, near to Lake Oroville where Emma's cremated ashes lie. We had both decided on cremation and I have already made arrangements to have my ashes placed in the Brandon Cemetery when I pass away. I made every effort to arrange for my ashes, when I die, to be strewn along with Emma's on the bank of Lake Oroville, but the authorities notified me that it was recently decided not to permit this, since houses were now being built in this area.
On December 1st 1999, Arna and I went visiting the Senior citizens Club in Paradise as well as the Performing Arts Auditorium, and on the way we paid a visit to the Knibbs, old friends of ours.
On the way back home, it seemed that I felt a bit faint, and Arna, who was driving, said she that I became pale. She tried to find my pulse, but said it was absent. She then drove us straight to the emergency department of the feather River Hospital, and there I was examined and recommended to remain at least for the night for examination, etc. After lots of tests such as heart monitoring, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, I was advised, with Gordon's consent (who we called by telephone) to stay overnight since my hemoglobin was quite low.
I was put in a room with a man who was fat (357 pounds) and Doctor Mansell, a good friend of both Gordon and myself, was to take care of me. He is a specialist and gastroenterologist, and was indeed very friendly indeed, bringing me a flowering Azalea plant for my room. I was also removed to a single room, complete with shower and television. The following day, he took care of my stomach, inserting a flexible tube through my mouth into the stomach complete with a tiny camera at the tip, and photographed the site. It disclosed a bleeding ulcer on my duodenum, and he proceeded to take care of it.
The beauty of the technique was that during the procedure, there was no pain or even discomfort, having taken care of this through an intravenous drip in the arm. There was just a slight roughness in the throat where the tube passed into the affected area. Following this disclosure, I was advised by Dr Mansell that since I was now in hospital it would be wise to have my colon examined, as an upset stomach could really cause infection of the colon, where much of the body's debris is found. So, on Friday evening I was taken back to the surgical. room and again, there was no discomfort during the surgery. Again, pictures were taken and what was disclosed required a bit of trimming.
On the following day, I was discharged and I must say that the treatment at the hospital was particularly good. Many year's ago, (about 20 years) I had occasion to spend a day or two at this hospital, and I must say there is a vast difference in the very modern technique and care of this institution. I was discharged on Saturday 3rd December 1999, and Gordon who collected me, drove straight to the church before going on home. We even had a lunch after the service, prepared in the annex of the church.
At this point, I must recall that my wife's memorial service was held in this very building, after she had passed away in 1984.
Today is December 7th 1999 and Marsha called. It is their wedding anniversary and tomorrow is Aubrey's birthday. I tried to get through by telephone but the lines were all busy. However, later that night Marsha called and we were able to have a little chat. She said they were both off duty and were going out to have a little celebration.
On the following day, Maureen called and we too, had a little chat. During our conversation, my voice just disappeared and I had to conclude the conversation in tears. It was the first time I have shed tears for a long time and I was quite upset with myself.
At the hospital, I was treated with very powerful drugs and these have affected my brain a great deal.
As an example, I would begin to speak, then all of a sudden, would be unable to complete the words to end the sentence. A sort of "intermittent confusion" due to powerful antibiotics. As a result, both Gordon and the surgeon who attended me, stopped the treatment of the antibiotic drugs. It is taking some time to resume my slurred speech. Having stopped all medications for a few days, I have now regained the ability to speak normally. At this point Dr Mansell gave me a different type of medication called "Zantac", and this seems to be helping somewhat.
I now include, as a separate chapter, a copy of the various procedures done at the hospital to take care of my ulcerated stomach, and also of the work done on my colon. It would seem that the news of my illness got around quickly, and I received messages of comfort from Marsha, Maureen, Joan and Mark in Santa Barbara, and Michael in St Lucia.
It is quite obvious that I will have to spend some time in California, as it is now the heavy winter season in Canada. Perhaps it is just as well that I became ill while in California, as I may have had to wait a while for surgery if I was still in Canada.
I was indeed very fortunate in having Dr Mansell, who is not only a very popular Gastro-enterologist, but also a colleague of Gordon, my son, and a good friend of our family as well.
Following a visit to Dr Mansell's office, I was told to have a blood test at the lab, since my haemoglobin was too low. It did show an improvement, but we are trying to increase it still further. Am still awaiting the bill for hospital services etc. I am afraid it will be quite a large one. But we will soon find out. Today is Wednesday 22nd December 1999 and Christmas is just three days off. Had a long chat with Maureen yesterday, and she is just fine.
Gordon came home from his workplace in Susanville and spent the next few days with us here in Yankee Hill. It was a quiet affair, and it is suggested that next week, which involves the year end, and the apprehension that Y2K (the much discussed Millennium) is causing, and he has to be on duty throughout the night of December 31st as a precautionary move; to be on hand in case of emergencies that we (Arna and I) stay over at his two-bedroom apartment and spend the weekend with him. So we packed up and did just that.
While in Susanville, I had the privilege of being allowed to go through the prison, past the electrified gates and all the security needed to avoid prisoners escaping. It was quite cold going from one enclosure to another, for as you know, Susanville is somewhere in the region of 4-5 thousand feet above sea level. It was quite amazing how much protection there was to prevent escapees. I spent several hours with Gordon and his group of senior officials who were at "stand-by" in case of an emergency, and a possible riot over the Y2K situation. But fortunately, nothing happened. It was,
however, to avoid any such possibility in case there was a 'glitch' over the change over to the year 2000. Fortunately, there was lots and lots of food and drink to take care of the long waiting. After hanging around for quite a few hours, Gordon took me home, though he returned to be on call (if necessary) and did not get home to bed until about three o'clock in the morning.
For following day, Saturday 1st January 2000 was also the Adventists Sabbath, so I accompanied Gordon to church, and we afterwards bad the midday meal at Elvis's (Robinson) place, where a lot of other church members accumulated. On the following day, Sunday, Gordon drove Arna and myself back home to Yankee Hill, returning the same afternoon to his workplace in Susanville. The drive each way takes two hours.
Back on Yankee Hill after the brief spell at Susanville, Arna and I pitched into clearing up the house and finding places for articles still stored in the double garage. We certainly tidied up Gordon's office, made space for his computer and other accessories to be removed into it. Having done this, we then proceeded to fit up a guest bedroom, especially since Mark, Barbara and Aidan will be spending a short time with us here. We did a reasonable job on this, and left the computer etc. for Gordon to move over to his office when he comes down next weekend.
There area number of pine trees, towering above the house and in very close proximity to the building. which shed pine needles and dry leaves in the fall and early winter. This provides a grave hazard to the home especially during the summer months. For the third time during the last year, Gordon has had to climb onto the roof, clear the leaves and needles away and unblock the draining gutters of the accumulated stuff. This is a rather risky operation, as one has to get quite close to the edge to do this and for people of advanced years, like Gordon, this is certainly not recommended. I mentioned this to both Arna and Gordon and suggested that the pine trees be either cut down or severely trimmed to be away from the house which will obviate the need to clean the roof of leaves etc.
Apart from the danger involved, there is also the fire hazard. Frequent forest fires are started by lightning, and in a thickly wooded area like this a lot of damage is possible. Pine needles and leaves are excellent fire material; the fire brigade refuses to handle situations where homes are built too near to combustible trees. Arna, however, is a great tree-lover, and refuses to consider removing or even severely trimming the trees adjoining the house. We had quite a discussion about this.
For the first time since I arrived in California rain fell with rather strong winds. This is as wintry as it gets in this part of the state so we are kept indoors, cleaning and tidying up in preparation for Mark, Barbara and Aidan's arrival in a couple of days for a short visit.
They arrived promptly on Saturday afternoon. It was good to see how well they were. Aidan, at just one year old was as ambulatory as ever and was truly a very charming little fellow. Mark and family drove in from the Sacramento Airport in a hired car which they kept for the duration of the stay here.  We had a nicely furnished room set up for the trio.
Gordon was down for the weekend so it all fitted in well, as the following Monday was a holiday, Martin Luther King's birthday.
I am still awaiting the hospital bill; only little bits and pieces of it have come in, but not the major one.. It scares me! I must admit, however, that it was indeed fortunate for me to have Dr Mansell as my doctor. He is not only an expert in his field, but also a very kind person. He even brought me a flowering Azalea plant to brighten up my room, and also provided me with ample supplies of the medications (as samples) that I would normally have had to purchase. On a previous visit to California I almost had a game of golf with him but I guess he was too busy, as it never took place.
Apart from the excellent service provided by the doctor, the hospital also gave me "Medication Education Sheets" which gave suggestions regarding: 'How to take' (medications); 'Missed doses'; 'Side effects, etc. and 'Precautions' with respect to 'side effects'. After a couple of days I noticed that there was a difficulty in speaking. I found it impossible to say words, and it really bothered me.
Reporting this to both Dr Mansell and my son Gordon, I was advised to stop the medication. It was apparently too powerful and the temporary lack of speech no longer existed. Another of the tablets, Zantac, seemed to induce "Tackycardia", which is a rapid heart beat. So this too was reduced to a much smaller dose per day.
As I record this, it is about a full month since I left the hospital, and I seem to be mending rather well. I take regular walks in the early mornings using the rather hilly terrain on Yankee Hill and doing my normal daily calisthenics. The absence of meat, fish, etc. from the diet here seems to be of some benefit to me and the vegetarian diet is certainly helping me to keep in shape. A great deal of fruit is eaten - what a pity this is not easily attainable in Canada.
On Friday 11th February, Gordie my grandson arrived for the weekend to spend it with us here in Yankee Hill. He now works in Seattle, Washington and we were all happy to see him. He has written a book "Tao of Time" and hopes to have it published soon. While here with us this weekend, he will give a 'talk' on matters biblical, and it should all tie in with his proposed publication. We propose holding his talk at the home of Gladys Mansell in Paradise before he returns to his workplace in Seattle, in the State of Washington. He looks remarkably well.
Today also, Michael called us from St Lucia and we were so glad to hear from him. He is still travelling from island to island - Trinidad, Barbados, Dominique etc. in pursuit of his present job of selecting possible students for higher education, but in June of this year he has an appointment in Virginia to do lecture tours which, he says, will last for about one year.
Joan too called us from Santa Barbara where she is with her son Mark and Barbara and their little son. She will spend about one month there after which she goes over to Cathy, her daughter, in England. From their conversation with me, it is very obvious that they are still very much in love with each other.
In the course of my stay in California during the winter I was introduced to a widow, Adele Bryson, who is a friend of Gordon and Arna. She lives a good deal further along the wooded area of Concow, which is further along from Yankee Hill. After several visits to Gordon's home, she became quite friendly and I offered to take her to supper one evening at the 'Home Style Buffet'. Three times married, she proved to be quite interesting. I am sure she will be a really good friend.
Tuesday 23 February 2000 was quite an unusual day here in Yankee Hill California. In the first place, Arna had gone to Blythe on a weekend visit to see her mother who is ill and just Gordon and I were at home. A violent rainstorm blew in and just by chance, Gordon had to return to work early that morning. As explained, his workplace entails a two-hour drive along a mountainous highway all the way to Susanville, and the rain continued incessantly.
At about 9.00 am, without any warning, the lights went out and all the electrical appliances, freezer, refrigerator, cooking stove, microwave, washing machine and drier etc. In addition, the telephone also died. As a result, all alone, I was left almost incommunicado. Alone in a large house, I waited a full fifteen minutes before deciding on my next step. Then I decided to check on my two sole neighbours, a good couple of hundred yards away. I drew a blank from the one neighbour, but the other one, a couple of hundred yards further away helped me a bit with their telephone, which was working and was not connected to the electrical system.
In contacting these two neighbours, I had to dress up so as to weather the storm outside and got really wet feet. It would appear that the storm had damaged the connection to our district and the telephone people were doing their best on repair work.
By the time I got back home, the water supply had also stopped, so here was I in a large house, all alone, with no electricity, water or telephone access to the rest of the world and in an isolated area, quite far from any town. Fortunately, there is a wood-burning stove in the living room, and this I kept at full blast, feeding it fresh logs from time to time.
As you know, this home has it's own well-water supply, but the pump that furnishes the property is electrically operated. Hence the fact that our supply was cut off However, there was enough distilled water in bottles in the house so there was no problem, but I did collect some stored washing water from a reservoir, which was kept in the basement.
Some time during the midday, I heard a slight tinkle coming from the master bedroom and following the sound, I noticed a tiny telephone in this room. Apparently, it was one I had no knowledge of It was fortunately in working order, so at last I was able to contact both Arna in Blythe, and Gordon in Susanville - was I relieved? But the rainstorm continued to rage along and I learned from Arna that she should be back that same night at about 11.00 pm. Gordon was helpful in suggesting that I do not worry too much, to depend on the flashlights we had, rather than consider using kerosene lamps, which were also available.
The neighbours, (the Middletons) were very kind in coming over and suggesting to take me to have a meal at one of the restaurants, but I declined, thanking them for their offer. Towards 3.30 - 4.00 pm it darkened quite a bit as the skies were overcast and still raining, when to my surprise and joy, the lights came on almost at 4.00 pm on this day. I heard the phone ring, and I recognized that whatever damage had occurred had been taken care of. The call came from Maureen and did she cheer me up!
After finding the telephone in the master bedroom, a call came through from someone I had met many years ago, and, when she heard of my situation, she offered to "rescue" me and take me to her home in Paradise until the situation became normal. I assured her that I was not scared but would survive quite easily. Later that evening, this 'Good Samaritan' drove her car, accompanied by her son, all the 20 miles from her home in Paradise to bring me a supper, consisting of hot soup, a green salad, some fruit, and a large bottle of Cranapple drink. Although I only knew her slightly from many years ago, this is the kind of friend one delights in having. How can anyone forget such a wonderful performance as Gloria Pablovitch's?
Several hours later, Arna came home through the wind and rain, driving her truck all the way from Sacramento to Yankee Hill. By that time, conditions were back to normal and we resumed a more ordinary life.

A late winter visit to Gordon

Pursuant to my two month visit with Maureen in England, I left Brandon somewhat later than usual for my winter stay with Gordon.

At this point in time, Gordon had changed jobs and was now stationed at another prison site, at Blythe on transfer in Southern California. There was quite a group of Arna's family who were located in Blythe, and since her mother at 91 years of age was in poor health, he thought is best to move down to be closer at hand.

Leaving Brandon on February 10th 1998, I travelled again with a Senior Citizen's coupon and got into Phoenix, Arizona, where Gordon collected me, driving into Blythe the following day. We over nighted in Phoenix, which is a large city. 

After a two hour ride, we finally got to his new home, a newly built modern type and comfortable home. Being at the southern end of California, it remains quite warm all year, and is ideal as a winter resort. Unfortunately, Arna' mother, Chris, developed a minor stroke, and had to be hospitalized. She was subsequently taken to Loma Linda University Hospital for more intensive treatment.

Shortly after I left for California, Aubrey and Marsha took a brief holiday and drove to Edmonton to visit Richie and also their two grandchildren. They made all arrangements for their business, 'Hardinge Enterprises', to be conducted by their trained staff during their short absence.

Trip to Mark and Barbara (1997)

While I was holidaying with Gordon and Arna in California, Mark and Barbara had invited me to spend a fortnight with them in Long Island, New York.

The weather was still a bit uncertain, and there was quite a bit of snow in the higher regions. As a result, it was suggested that I wait for more favourable conditions, and suggested somewhere around the middle of April, when the flowers would all be in bloom and everything just about right.

I therefore took off for Long Island, and arranged to use the La Guardia airport for landing. For the first time I used the Airport Greyhound bus in Brandon, and travelled non-stop to Winnipeg where I caught my plane. My grandson Mark was waiting for me at the Airport, and drove me to his apartment in Port Jefferson, Long Island.

In spite of a rather sharp back and hip pain, I made the trip rather well. Mark and Barbara live in a quiet, comfortable area near to Stony Brook University where Barbara is employed as director in her particular field, "International Exchange Study". Mark is a computer trouble-shooter and works for both Berkley, California and Perdue University. He travels a lot and is about to set up a complete computer outfit in his home for easy access to his various workplaces.

I was comfortably ensconced in their guest room, with a patio which overlooked the streets below, and since the building was erected on a hill, it provided quite a splendid view of the surrounding terrain.

Barbara is pursuing studies in Anthropology, and hopes to obtain her doctorate (Ph.D.) in a year's time. Her thesis is "Guyana", which she and Mark visited extensively, going all the way into the jungle interior in search of his great-grandfather's final resting place where he died.

Mark is a Nuclear Physicist, (Ph.D.) and is at the top of his profession.  Arriving there on the 22nd April 1997, the weather was truly spring like and comfortable, quite a relief from conditions at Gordon's place in Susanville.

Mark and Barbara area very well-matched couple, and it was a delight spending a short holiday with them. In spite of the success they have achieved in their young lives, they are as natural and easy to be with as possible, and a real joy to have as members of one's family.

Their home is on Long Island, New York, and is linked to Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, by bridges over, and tunnels under the East River. It is an education to witness and take part in a trip connecting these heavily populated areas by car, and both Mark and Barbara displayed a keen knowledge of getting around in these busy areas.

My second son, Michael, who now lives in St. Lucia, in the Caribbean, where he teaches art and drama at the college there, joined us here in Long Island on Thursday 24th April 1997, and spent one week with us here. It was arranged as a surprise, enabling grandfather, father and son to be all together for at least a short time.

On Saturday 26th April 1997, the four of us, Barbara, Mark, Michael and I set off by car for an extensive visit to Manhattan. After parking the car at an underground garage parking lot, we first of all partook of a solid meal at an Italian restaurant where we enjoyed some really good pizza. We then bought tickets for a 2-3 hour tour of the "Big Apple", on an open-top tour bus, providing an excellent view of all the prominent places in New York all the way out to the Statue of Liberty.

A constant commentary was provided, telling us the history, etc. of all that we were seeing. What a grand display this was, and for me, the second time I had seen this wonderful view. Many pictures were taken by Mark, who really, is quite a photographer.

Following this view of the city of New York, we then paid a visit to the Empire State Building. Of course, we took the elevator up to the 86th floor, where there is a special arrangement for tourists to view the city from 'on high'. What a beautiful picture this provides, with Central Park way down below, and all the magnificence of this city laid out beneath you!

The drive by car from Mark's home to the heart of New York is just about one hour, going by freeway most of the way.

Over the next couple of days during Michael's visit, we made several trips to a large mall in Long Island, and enjoyed some of the fine foods served there. Before his return to St. Lucia, Michael gave a lecture at the Stony Brook University on "Word Picture", and it was quite interesting.

Barbara took me viewing the rest of Long Island one day while Mark was busy in his task of getting rid of some 'bug' which was bothering them, and as I said before, he is really the "trouble-shooter" and quite expert at that sort of thing. Barb and I went to the far side of Long Island, and the view was very interesting indeed. The beauty of Long Island is due to its being a sort of close suburb of Manhattan without the rush of a great city like the "Big Apple".

On the following weekend, and just prior to my departure, Mark, Barbara and I drove into the big city once more, and did a conducted tour of Radio City Music Hall. We were able to experience over sixty years of magic and mystery as we were taken behind the scenes of America's most popular showplace.

In groups of about 20, we were taken by a trained escort starting at the lowest level, where he described in detail all about the great stage, how it operates, how it can be elevated or lowered, complete, or in sections, and by manipulating various levers. Personally, having visited Radio City myself 25 years ago to see the Rockettes etc., I often wondered how they were able to change the stage and its settings so quickly and easily, - now, I know! As our guide pointed out, it was all possible with the clever use of hydraulics, etc.

Apart from explaining about the great stage and the elaborate and spacious seating available, he showed and explained to us the Art Deco interiors, the mighty Wurlitzer organ, the world famous Radio City Rockettes, and where they were housed in a separate area of the huge building. At the time of our visit, the Rockettes were in Chicago, so it was not possible to see them perform in New York until later in the year. These "behind the scenes" tours were offered seven days a week during the absence of the main attraction, The Radio City Rockettes.

A few days before I left Long Island Mark, Barbara and I enjoyed an Italian supper at a nearby restaurant, and it was quite a difference to the normal type of food. I met an old friend of mine from Guyana in the person of Ken Corsbie, who now lives quite close to Mark in one of the blocks of apartments nearby. He is now married to an American who has recently qualified as a Ph.D. in Anthropology.

An so, after a glorious holiday with Mark and Barbara, I took off on my return journey to Brandon on May 7th 1997.

A Winter "Escape" From Brandon to the U.S.A. (1997)

I left Brandon on January 25th 1997 in an effort to avoid what was evidently going to prove a very harsh winter. It was already cold with low temperatures, but I expected it to become a lot colder during the next two to three months.

My older son Gordon, who lived in California, urged me to come over so off I started, checking in at the International Inn in Winnipeg, so as to catch the early morning flight at 6.45 a.m. After checking in and settling comfortably aboard, the authorities decided to have the wings of the plane de-iced. This took two hours and, as a result, I lost my connection for Reno, which was the airport nearest to my son's house in Susanville, California.

Quite a lot of time was spent trying to make alternative contacts to get me on my way, but it was finally decided to put me up in Minneapolis, at the Thunderbird Hotel and proceed the following day on to Reno. The airline was quite decent about it, paying all my expenses, hotel room, meals, telephone calls, taxi etc., so as not to inconvenience anyone.

The hotel was rather an elegant place, and displayed a wonderful arrangement of Indian artefacts. I caught the next morning's plane to Reno, and arrived safely there, where I was collected and driven to Gordon's home about seventy-five miles away. There was quite a bit of snow in his driveway, and the general approach to his house was a bit mushy. But I was certainly impressed with the house, and it certainly has a lot of possibilities.

This new house of Gordon's is located, as I said, about 75 miles from the Reno airport, and here is a rough idea of the area.  Standish is the name of the area, which is on the fringe of Susanville, a small town in north-eastern California. Its location is really a plateau or tableland, surrounded by mountains, many of which are 7.5 thousand feet high. This home is at an elevation of 4.5 thousand feet, and the area of the plateau which the mountains enclose, has a diameter of approximately 20 miles. As a result, whichever way you look, mountains are all around you. There is a lot of land which goes with the home, and this is all part of the property.

The nearest home is roughly one mile away, and the community is mainly a farming one. However, most of the action here revolves around the prison where Gordon works as one of a team of five doctors who take care of the prisoners here. 

As explained before, his home is a very pleasant one with excellent appointments and very well laid out. Its isolation, however, is the only drawback so far as I am concerned. But of course, I am a city oriented person, and both Gordon and Arna enjoy the country atmosphere.

After about one month of this lifestyle, however, I really got bored, and decided to return to Canada. I had travelled on a "Senior Coupon" ticket and that was somewhat cheaper than the usual fare.

On my return trip, as usual, we changed planes at Minneapolis, and again at this point I met with some disappointment. The weather was lousy and there was a lot of ice on the plane's wings, so it had to be "de-iced". Since there were about 20 planes ahead of us which needed the same treatment, we just had to wait our turn and as a result, I arrived several hours late in Winnipeg.

Fortunately, Marsha and Aubrey were there to welcome me back, and we got home in Brandon around midnight. This was sometime around the middle of March 1997.

Trip to England (1996)

Following my decision to spend a couple of months with Maureen in the UK, (July 12th to September 8th) I found it unwise to sign up for golf this season. The summer was a bit late, and the golfing season is quite short here in Canada. So I chose not to sign up at my club. In any case, I realize that at my age, one cannot play his best golf My golf buddies were quite disappointed, even though they are 15-20 years younger than I.

So on July 12th 1996, I flew over to London and Ron and Maureen met me at Heathrow airport the following morning. The flight was uneventful, and took all of seven and a half hours. This was now July 13th 1996.

As usual, I took about 2-3 days to adjust to the jet-lag. On Sunday 14th July, we went to collect some plants from a nearby Garden Centre and what we selected would certainly help to brighten up our garden. We followed this with a visit to Lensbury Club, where Maureen is a member, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch there on the extensive grounds. There was quite a lot of people present, as well as a steel band playing Caribbean tunes.

Since this was the last day of the famous Hampton Court flower show, we took off there to enjoy this rare display of floral culture. It took us just over two yours of steady walking around to see the exhibits and, even then, we didn't see it all. These gardens surround the Hampton Court Palace, the one time home of king Henry 8th, and this place, along with miles of superb hunting grounds stretching along the Thames River, is now preserved as a tourist attraction.

Expecting Gordon and Arna to join us from California, the first week was spent tidying up, and putting the front and back gardens in shape.

Both Ron and Maureen had pre-arranged to attend an Amway conference in Cardiff, Wales, the coming weekend, and it was planned that I should spend it at Sonny and Joyce Barrow's home in Lincoln until they returned. However, Joyce came down with a runny nose and it was decided that rather than risk becoming infected, I would take a "rain-check". Paul did come over to keep me company, while his parents were away, rather than staying at home alone. Paul is quite a "chef', and he prepared quite an excellent dinner for us both. Before he returned to his home in Milton Keynes, I took him to a nearby Indian restaurant where we had a typical Oriental meal which we both enjoyed.

Got in touch with my grand-daughter Cathy and her family. Her mother Joan, is now in England spending three weeks before she returns to St. Lucia via Barbados next month.

I keep helping with the gardens, mowing the grass, clipping the hedge and watering the plants. I plan to visit the City (downtown London) this week, taking Maureen with me. I really want to see what changed there are since my last visit to the UK. To be truly honest, I was quite disappointed with the trip. The weather was hot, and the subway system was poor with delays all the way. However, we had purchased one-day travel cards at £3.50 each ($7.00 Can.), which allowed us to use either bus or subway. At one point, when the underground train had stopped due to some delay on the line, we decided to surface and take a bus instead so as to get to Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, but we lost our way somewhere in Maida Vale.

While sitting on the upper deck of the bus, we met an Englishman who offered to direct us to our destination. He even escorted us there, chatting all the way and very friendly indeed. His name was Peter, and he said he worked for government security, and had been all over the world. Served in the Army, Navy and Airforce and was on his way to Rio de Janeiro next week. He may have been bragging, but I tested him by asking some pertinent questions like, 'Have you seen Brasilia?' To which he replied, 'Even though it is the capital, Rio is much more important and very interesting.' In reality, he was in the secret service and chatted quite sensibly, and was indeed a great help to up in finding our way around in that confusing area.

After examining the pros and cons of visiting Madam Tussaud's Wax Works and the Planetarium and taking the sight-seeing bus tour around London, we abandoned the whole idea. The queue lines were interminable and the weather was hot and the charges quite exorbitant. Also, Maureen was never one to enjoy baking in the sun of the open-top deck of the tour buses. So instead we purchased a couple of packages of nicely put up lunches and some cold drinks and did a ten minute walk to Regents Park. We found a shaded bench on the side of a large lake which runs through the park. Here we could see lots of holiday-makers in little canoes paddling along the lack with swans and ducks swimming about, and there were lots of pigeons which took care of the crumbs and scraps from our lunches. We finally took to the underground trains and wended our way home quite tired.

On Sunday 30th July, we visited Cathy and family who now five in Tottenham in north London. It was a car ride of about 45 minutes, using quite a bit of the North Circular Road. Her home is in a newly built-up area called Bream Close'. The homes are small but quite practical, and ideally suited for her family of four, two boys aged 5 and 3. We met Joan, her mother, who is now on holiday from St Lucia, and it was a pleasant get-together after a long absence. We had a nice supper there, and before leaving, invited the family to have supper with us the following Thursday. Joan will be leaving for her home in Barbados in a few days.

It is quite remarkable how prices have soared in England since my last visit here. As an example a small ice-cream cone costs $2.72 (Canadian).

On Saturday 3rd September I decided to ride into the City and compare how London looked today, with how I remembered it a few years ago. I took Maureen along to act as a guide and helper, as she knows the busy areas better than I, having worked in many places in this huge metropolis.

So we purchased travel cards as usual, which as I said are good for one day and you have a choice of either underground rail or bus. We changed trains and buses several times just showing our tickets and did our best to get our money's worth.

On one of the subway trains we met and chatted with a nice little lady who promised to give Maureen some information about ballroom dances near to where we live. We spent a lot of time looking through shops in Oxford Street. 'Debenhams' was particularly interesting, and we did have lunch there.

We found a souvenir shop in Oxford Street called 'Churchill Gifts', and hope to go back there some time to select souvenirs for family and friends back in Canada. We also visited Westminster Abbey, which as usual, was crowded.

We got home late in the afternoon and had Fish and Chips for supper - just delightful- as only the English could make it.

On Tuesday, August 6th Daphne, my niece, and her husband John Wright visited us, and I entertained them to an Indian "Tandoori" supper at a nearby restaurant. On the following day, Wednesday 7th August, Maureen and I attended what is described as a "Tea Dance" at the Brent Town Hall in Wembley - a truly grand little affair. We made friends with a group and certainly enjoyed the afternoon. The dance music was recorded but delightful. Both "Ballroom" and "Latin" music was played, and the dance floor was not only large, but very smooth. The weather was just perfect, and the dress very casual and comfortable. We danced from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m. What fun we had trying the 'Latins' and 'Cha-Cha-Chas’!  Just confirmed that I’ll be going to Joyce and Sonny Barrow in Lincoln on Saturday 10th August until Tuesday 13th. The train ride to Lincoln takes three hours.

Leaving King’s Cross railway station at 9.a.m. I was met by my life-long friend, Sonny,-whose real first name is Eugene- and taken to his home in a hired chauffeur-driven car to St. David’s Close, where, many years ago he purchased a delightful bungalow-type home. It is in a very select area, each of the surrounding houses has ample garden space both back and front, and they are all very well and beautifully kept. I enjoyed a room all to myself, overlooking the garden in the back. It was delightfully comfortable, a real home away from home. On the following day I was driven to a pub nearby, where we had a fine dinner.

What long chats Sonny and I had! Our friendship went back to when we were teenagers, and we certainly enjoyed recounting and almost reliving all those glorious days between the ages of 14 and 19 years, when we were young rebels. I was certainly brought up-to-date on things relating to Guyana, and who better to discuss this than with one who was Minister of Housing in the land where we were both born and lived for so many wonderful years.

Unfortunately, Sonny has a spinal problem, and is unable to stand erect in an upright position. Apart from that, however, he is very sound in mind and limb, and rides a bicycle with ease.

He takes a keen interest in Guyanese affairs, and is also very busy compiling a family tree, which absorbs a lot of his time. He and I have a number of similar views covering things like, the ageing body, religion, euthanasia, creation and evolution, the presence of life in outer space, etc. etc. It was certainly one of the nicest weekends I have ever spent, and was sorry he lives so far away.

Promptly, at midday on Tuesday 13th August 1996 he engaged a car and saw me down to the rail station on my way back to London and Maureen’s home. Leaving Lincoln, I had to change trains at a half-way point back to London. I was unaware there were two trains going in the same direction and both to ‘Kings Cross. I took the first one that came, and that one, an express, got into ‘Kings Cross’ one hour before the expected time. I was hoping to contact Maureen to tell her of this as soon as I reached Kings Cross, but unfortunately, there was a security alarm at Kings Cross station when I got there, and the authorities had shut down the entire subway station there, as they suspected a strange package left unattended had contained a bomb. However, no bomb was discovered, but there was so much confusion as a result, that I failed to get in touch with Maureen, who was also affected by the emergency.

As a result, I bought myself a ticket for the underground tube system, and wended my way home, arriving there about hour later. Maureen, who had already left home to meet me at Kings Cross, telephoned home and was assured I had arrived there without further mishap.  On the following afternoon after resting up a bit, Maureen and I took off for the ‘Tea Dance’ at the Brent Town Hall in Wembley. She and I danced quite a lot, doing some of those unusual bits like the Rumba, Samba, and Tango as well as the regular Fox-trots, Waltzes etc. What a glorious dance hall this place is!

On Friday, August 16th I walked from our home to “Barham Park”, which is just a ten minute stroll, and really enjoyed the scenery there. It is quite a large park and the flower display is really delightful. I just could not resist taking a few shots of the flowering banks, and the general surroundings. I also visited the library, which is really a part of the park. It was a truly gratifying walk, and I spent a good two hours absorbing it all and enjoying it as well.

Today, Saturday, August 17th we are having a Cantonese supper. It is amazing what a variety of food I have eaten while in England. Tomorrow, we will have British Fish and Chips, while on the next day it will be an Indian supper, followed by a Chinese meal later in the week – and so on ….

On Sunday 18th August I made several telephone calls. First, I called the Barrows, thanking them for their hospitality. We chatted quite a bit, as old friends will do after a long absence. Then I called Cathy, my grand-daughter in Tottenham and was also able to speak to her brother Kai, who had just returned from the U.S.A. where he attended a convention.  We also confirmed that Cathy and family would be joining us next Monday at ‘Elveden Forest in Suffolk for just one day. Following that, I got in touch with Marsha in Canada. She was having breakfast and was preparing to go to church, where she had to sing at the morning service. She and Aubrey had just returned from carrying out some of the duties of ‘Hardinge Enterprises’. They are certainly developing quite a business of their own. Finally, I telephoned Gordon in California and was lucky to be answered by him personally, since it was his week off from his workplace in Susanville.

This morning Monday 19th August, I am writing this in a barber’s shop, quite close to Maureen’s home. Incidentally, the barber remembered me, having cut my hair almost five years ago, when I was in England on a visit.

With the impending approach of my return trip to Canada, I have decided to spend today, Thursday 22nd August roaming through Oxford Street in search of souvenirs to take back home. As Maureen is off work today, she is coming to help me in my search and choice. We did pick up quite a few things from ‘Churchill’s Gift Shop’, but are these little things pricey!! But we do manage.  Using our one-day travel cards, we push on to Cathy, who lives in Tottenham. She and her family have quite a neat little home, and her two lovely sons are growing fast. The older is five years, and his brother is three. As to be expected, we arrived home rather tired after a long day. Maureen and I are now in the throes of preparing for our next week, the real high point of my visit to the UK.

So on Monday 26th August, we set off for the holiday villa in Elveden Forest where we will spend the next four days, along with Paul, Maureen’s son. We will have Cathy and family for a short while, then away we go driving into Wales to spend another few days with Daphne and her husband whose home is there. The plan is to pick up Paul at Milton Keynes where he lives and works, and go on to Elveden Forest – one of the Center Parc Holiday locations. Cathy’s group will meet us there. After the four day sojourn at Elveden, the four of us, Paul, Ron, Maureen and I will drive to Wales, a good five to six hour car-ride.