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………………..

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.

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.

Visit to Gordon and Michael in Paradise California, and St. Lucia, West Indies from December 6th to March 14th 1995.

Getting away from the winter weather in Canada, I flew over to Paradise, where, instead of snow, there was rain, abundant rain, causing severe floods in the lower regions on the state of California.

Gordon's home on Yankee Hill was not affected. It was quite some distance from the areas which suffered from the floods. I was able to help with a lot of filing work at Gordon's clinic, and was able to bring him reasonably up to date in this respect. There was just one dance I attended at my favourite "Melody Club".

Just about a week before I was booked for St Lucia to visit Michael & Joan, I gave everyone a scare when I developed a condition called Supraventricular Tachycardia, - a very fast heart-beat. Gordon and Arna rushed me to his clinic, and gave me an E.K.G. It registered 153 beats instead of the normal 80, so he took me to the emergency department of the Feather River hospital. This was about 5.00 a.m. on January 20th 1995. There I was given another E.K.G., and the heartbeat of 153 was confirmed. I was kept there for one day and given every possible test. I.V's, more E.K.G.s, Blood test, Echo-Cardiogram, and finally a Tread-mill test. I was hooked up on my left side to a heart monitor machine, and on my right side to a blood pressure outfit, which came on automatically every half hour. Following all these tests, finishing with the Tread-mill, I was discharged after just one day. The Tread-mill test was particularly satisfactory. At no time did I have chest or other pains. I was given some medication to avoid a recurrence. In spite of all this, I decided not to cancel my trip to St. Lucia which is planned for February 1st 1995.

Following this scare, I therefore left for Michael leaving Sacramento for Miami via Minneapolis. At Miami I was met by friends of Arna where I over-nighted, and caught an American Airlines flight to San Juan in Puerto Rico, where I further transferred to an American Eagle to St. Lucia.

Michael met me at the airport and drove me to the Parrot Hotel where I spent the first night. The following morning he took me to his home on Mount "Conbaril". The road is quite rough to his house, but he will be removing to a much better locality in a couple of weeks. My impression of this island is that it is an ideal place especially for retired people. It is picturesque, beautiful, and with a delightful temperature. The people, mostly blacks, are in the majority, about 90%. But they are friendly and will go out of their way to help. The scenic possibilities are vast and I am doing my best to capture some of it on film. I have been promised some golf; but I am taking it easy and settling in gradually. M be here for about a couple of months.

Both Joan and Michael are working full-time. Joan is the music instructor at the Castries School of Music, and Michael is professor of Art and Drama at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Both are good government jobs.

In two separate week-ends we did the beaches. The first was at the Spinnakers Beach Restaurant which is open on three sides with a clear view of the rolling Caribbean sea which is just a few yards from where we had our meal. Tropical drinks like "Mango", "Guava", and others were offered, and the meal was an attractive arrangement of local vegetables like eddies, squash, cassava, plantains etc., with locally caught fish. It was quite enjoyable. A three-piece band comprising piano, guitar, and a male singer entertained us, singing well known songs like 'Bossy Nova", and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon on the Old Oak Tree". Prices were quite reasonable.

The island is made up of numerous little bays, and at many of them one can see yachts of various countries berthed there. There was one large craft at one of these bays showing the Maple Leaf flag of Canada, which goes to show from how far distant tourists come to visit this lovely island. The new home into which Michael and Joan removed after my second week in St. Lucia was both much nicer and in a far more delightful location. The building was truly majestic and overlooked Castries. Built on a hill, it commanded a grand view of the blue Caribbean Sea and harbour. At night it was quite a sight to behold. The house was built to be hurricane-proof; and the grounds around it were loaded with shrubs and trees of many kinds. Croton of many shades and colours, tall coconut palms, banana trees, large mango trees of the Julie type, guavas, sapodillas, breadfruit and bread nut trees, grapefruit and cherries all full grown and bearing. The house being on a hill, the magnificent growth was terraced all the way almost down to the road and two or three short stone steps made it easy to go from one level to another. What a pleasure to enjoy fresh coconut-water with soft jelly, picked from your own yard!!

The main industries of St. Lucia are banana export and of course, tourism. There is a strong French influence here, and many reminders still exist in the form of old fortifications, names etc. We once visited "Pigeon Island" now linked to the mainland by a causeway, where once could see evidence of French occupation.

Michael and I had planned to visit Guyana, the land in which we were both born, but unfortunately this did not materialize as both he and I developed a type of bronchial infection just when we were planning to fly over there.

So, after a very rewarding holiday of three and a half months, I returned to Brandon, Canada to continue my life with Marsha and family on March 14th 1995. And now, on this the 21St day of April 1995, I conclude the third instalment of my memoirs hoping it will be of some use to future generations.

My return to the U.S.A. (1974)

As darkness was closing in that evening, we arrived at Kennedy airport in a light snow-storm. It was cold, and we took a yellow cab and directed the taxi driver to our friends, the Stobys, in the Bronx. He was not too familiar with that part of New York, but when I advised him that our destination was via the 'Whitestone bridge, he had no trouble locating 724 Rosedale Avenue. Our friends were expecting us, and their front porch was all lit up in spite of the snow which was still coming down. What a change in just one day to move from a tropical climate Of 90 F. to a snow covered region with a temperature just above freezing.
We were warmly greeted by Yulisse and Reggie Stoby and our dear Marie Lewis, just as soon as we ascended the snow-encrusted steps and rang the bell. Emma and I spent the greater part of one week with our friends in New York. It was really cold, and during the next day or two we had to re-adjust to winter conditions.
Before going over to California, we revisited one of our favourite haunts, the Radio City Music Hall, and took in a very nice show there.
We completed our journey back to Paradise, in California, in another couple of days taking a Continental Airlines non-stop flight to San Francisco, where we connected with a Hughes Air West for Chico airport after a wait of two to three hours. I phoned Gordon's house as soon as we arrived, and in a little while Arna and the two children, Lucia and Gordie came along for us. Gordon was on emergency duty at the Redding hospital that night, but came home by noon on the following day. Redding is just about two hours travel by freeway from Paradise. His home on Roe Road was built on a hilltop, and it was impossible to see it from the road. Surrounded by a stand of tall and stately pines with a liberal growth of indigenous manzanitas, it presented a truly rural picture. There was a lot of good garden land around the house, and several fruit trees were planted there. Among them were cherries, plums, pears, peaches, grapes and persimmons. Quite a few large walnut trees were on the land also, and there were two kitchen gardens with corn, tomatoes, strawberries, beans, lettuce, potatoes, and an assortment of useful vegetables as well.
When we got there, it was still. too cold to start the spring planting, but preparations were already in progress for this. Fences were being mended to keep out the deer, and the ground was being prepared for rotor-tilling in the near future.
On this hilltop too, lived Marie Hopkins, a widow, and dear friend of Gordon and family and it was arranged that Emma and I would live in her large home until such time as we could become a bit more sorted out and settled. The two houses, Gordon's and hers, were just a couple of hundred yards apart, and this was very convenient for us.
Because we were still at the tail end of winter, many of the trees were bare. The ground around the two homes was carpeted with pine needles, and there were literally hundreds of pine cones that had fallen. It was a delight to see the squirrels with their elegant bushy tails running up and down the trees and a walk through the woods behind the houses, which extended for at least a mile, was a veritable haven for nature lovers. Small wonder the place acquired its name - Paradise!
I was told that approximately thirty thousand people lived in this town built on a high ridge between Chico on the one side, and Oroville in a southerly direction on the other. The houses were so constructed that very often one had to look for them, hidden as they were between and behind majestic pines and other foliage which helped in preserving a rustic atmosphere so greatly preferred by the people, a large percentage of whom were retired folk and who really enjoyed the peace and quiet of this extremely restful setting. The area was smog-free, and there was a building boom going on most of the time we lived there. It took us about two months to really become organized before being able to set up house on our own.

I had to await the arrival of items like excess clothing, linen, and certain household things we had airfreighted from Guyana back to the U.S.A. and collect them from the Sacramento airport. Then we had to re-arrange our benefits to our new address, and go through a whole new reorientation for living. By an amazing stroke of good fortune, I was able to secure a lease on a low income apartment in Buschmann road, newly built for senior citizens. It was through the instrumentality and great help of Marion Hall, a social worker in Paradise, that this was possible, and we were very thankful for the great kindness shown us by this lady. At the end of April 1974, Emma and I moved into 1080 Buschmann Road, Apt.1, and once again, embarked upon a life of our own.
It was a small apartment of one bedroom, but quite modern and the work required to keep it tidy was minimal. It was air-conditioned, had adequate heating for winter, was equipped with Westinghouse electric range and refrigerator, and had picture windows all around. The locality was good, opposite to the Mormon Church, and just four hundred yards from a cute and well-kept park in the centre of which was a swimming pool. We were also near the supermarkets and shopping area, yet somewhat off the noisy highway traffic.
The complex in which our apartment was situated contained twenty-four units, and had its own recreation room and laundry facilities for the residents. It was just right for us at the time.  Having settled down in our new home, we thought it was a good idea to visit some of the friends we had lived among for over seven years in southern California. So in June, 1974, we took off in our trusted Chevelle for Loma Linda, Colton and Riverside.
Our car was in good shape and we motored all the way, stopping at Sacramento first, and visited friends there. Then we continued south, by-passing Los Angeles, going through the Mojave desert and coming out into Sin Bernardino. It was pretty late in the evening when we checked into a really nice motel on 'E' street near to the Post Office.
Friends of ours and former neighbours in Reche Canyon, Clarence and Milly Eisenlord, had invited us to stay at their home and on the following morning we arrived at their place. We spent a lovely week at their large mobile home, playing a lot of Bridge, swimming in my favourite pool and visiting the many friends we had in this park.
I called on my former colleagues at Loma Linda Hospital Pharmacy, and everyone there was glad to see me again.
Before we left the area, we spent two days with Lloyd and Vilma Adams in Riverside, and took a bus ride from their place into Los Angeles, looking at some of the old familiar haunts. It was a very pleasant week which we climaxed with a dance at the Senior Citizens Centre in San Bernardino, before returning home to Paradise.
We motored back the same way, again avoiding the heavy traffic in Los Angeles, by selecting the desert route. Breaking our return trip in Sacramento where we spent the night, we got into Paradise by early afternoon on the following day. Shortly after our return home, Arna and some of her relatives asked us to join them on a tour of Shasta Lake and Caverns, a very scenic spot and tourist centre a little beyond Redding. This entailed a two-hour ride up-state, and we used two cars to accommodate everybody.
We reached Shasta Lake and began the tour with a colourful catamaran cruise across the lake. It was only a 15 minute ride on the sky-blue water, surrounded by majestic mountains. Then a specially equipped bus took us right up a mountainside about 800 feet above the lake surface. This winding drive to the entrance of the cave afforded an ever changing panorama of spectacular lake and mountain scenery, and the drive itself was quite thrilling. At the door of the cavern we were met by a trained and experienced guide, who gave us a conducted tour, describing the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, the multi-coloured fluted columns, and the sixty-foot high stone draperies in symmetrical folds studded with brilliant crystals.

This mountain cave presented a complete fairyland of nature's limestone creations. There were several "floors" in the cavern, and access to each was gained by flights of concrete stairs built, one of which had well over 100 steps.
The other side had a sheer drop of many feet, but an iron rail was erected to ensure a measure of safety to visiting tourists.The last of the "floors" to which we were taken was called the "Cathedral" room and it consisted of a rather flat surface with a wall of fluted limestone which greatly resembled the pipes of a giant organ.
The caverns remain just as nature made them, but certain conveniences such as paved walkway, stairs, guard rails, and indirect lighting have been added. There is no moisture condition requiring protective clothing or footwear, and the temperature is a comfortable 58 degrees F. constantly.
There were several arms of Lake Shasta, and during many months of the year it is a popular resort and marina. One can hire houseboats of various types and really enjoy a wonderful holiday here, taking the whole family along. This was indeed a delightful trip, and I took a number of photographs before we left for home.
Later that summer, in July, Emma and I decided to visit Expo '74 which was being held in Spokane, in the Pacific state of Washington, and which is just below the Canadian border.
I had the Chevelle checked over for one of the longest rides I would be taking and we motored up to some friends, Jackie and Bill Peters, who lived at Moses Lake, Washington. To make the journey easy, I decided to take two days doing it, and I chose the city of Bend in central Oregon as our overnight stop. Some of the beauty spots passed were Klamath falls and lake, and Mount Shasta. The drive was very pleasant and uneventful, and towards late afternoon we reached Bend where I found a suitable motel in which we stayed for the night. Continuing next morning, we reached the south side of the Columbia river, amidst some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery on the Oregon side. This river marks the boundary between Oregon and Washington.
Following an easterly course along the river - the highway was built along the side of it - the view was outstanding. I took the curve which carried us into Washington State near the town of Pasco, and reached Bill and Jackie's place in the afternoon. They were quite happy for us to stay there as long as we liked, and agreed to go along with us to Expo '74 in Spokane in another couple of days. Their son, Stephen was with his grandparents in Canada so there was plenty of room for us. Our company was very welcome to them too since Moses Lake was a rather lonely spot. The country around their large mobile home consisted of wide tracts of farmland on which was grown acres of wheat, alfalfa and beets. It was my privilege to see how a wheat combine
reaps, threshes, winnows and transfers the finished product into a waiting truck with a single operator in his glass-enclosed, air-conditioned cab, listening to stereo music on tapes while he worked.
Expo '74 proved to be just a glamorised country fair. We all enjoyed the American and Russian pavilions, and partook of a really special dinner at the latter place. It was well after midnight when we got home, very tired since a lot of walking was involved at the exposition grounds.

The next day, however, we made a splendid trip to the Grand Coulee Dam, one of America's great hydro-electric power complexes situated on the Columbia River in central Washington. This great dam produces millions of kilowatts of electrical power, and has greatly benefited the farming industry in the Columbia Basin, where the land, previous to its erection, was nothing but parched though extremely fertile desert, wasting away for lack of water. I was reliably told that since the Grand Coulee Dam was built, the value of the agricultural produce in the region now exceeds a total of one hundred million dollars.

Our party joined a conducted tour, and was shown over a lot of the works there, which included a stroll along the top of the giant spillway where the water was a great frothy churn of snow-white foam as it cascaded below. On our way back to Jackie's home we stopped at Dry Falls, which can really be described as the skeleton of one of the greatest waterfalls in geologic history. It is three and a half miles wide, with a drop of over four hundred feet. This prehistoric waterfall was forty times mightier than Niagara.
It was explained to me that millions of years ago, during the glacial period, the mighty Columbia River was diverted from its original course due to earth pressures in the ice age. As the glaciers receded at some later date carrying away softer strata of the earth's crust, Dry Falls remained, and it now bears silent witness to the tremendous forces of nature.
We returned to Moses Lake and left for Paradise in another couple of days. I varied our return trip a little by avoiding the curve of the river near the Oregon border, going over a toll-bridge instead, and continuing the delightful scenic drive to Biggs along the water's edge, where we turned south. Again I broke the journey in Bend, Oregon, spent the night there, and arrived home in Paradise late the following afternoon. The trip was a good test of my ability to stand up to nine hours of continuous high speed driving on the freeways from central Oregon to Paradise, California.
Our son Gordon, who had been living in Paradise for the last four years, now decided to move to Georgia, three thousand miles away on the Atlantic coast. He sold his property and packed his household things into a large moving van, then drove it and his family all the way across country to the new home of his choice in Wildwood, Georgia. In retrospect, I cannot help thinking that there must be a certain measure of wanderlust in our family - the removal took him about four days.
Once more Emma and I are thousands of miles away from our nearest relative, but by now, we were becoming quite used to the idea. It was, however, quite a different feeling, having just a few friends around, instead of one's own kith and kin.
Towards the latter part of 1974, I developed a herniated lumbar disc and had to be hospitalized at the Feather River Hospital for five days. I was given traction, hot pack's, and whirlpool bath treatments, and after I was discharged, I got a friend of ours to build a rig onto my bed, so that I could continue the traction treatment at home.
Winter was now fast setting in, and we discovered that northern California was far colder than the south in which we had always lived. For a couple of days we were almost snow bound, with sixteen inches of snow all around our apartment, enveloping the car, and making life quite awkward. During this snowfall, some large trees fell across power lines cutting off electric supply to Paradise, so we were without cooking facilities and light for over a day.
Arising out of this, we had to clear out our refrigerator and freezer, and store our meat, chicken, milk and all perishables in the deep snow which had piled up nearly two feet high on the outside walls of our apartment. It was quite a new experience. Fortunately, the house was heated by gas, and so was our water supply. Were we all-electric, it would certainly have been very uncomfortable for us all.
It would have been quite possible to live in this quiet town if Gordon and his family had not gone, but the older we get, the more we realized the importance of man's gregariousness, especially in respect of his own family. We therefore decided it would be in our interest to leave Paradise. After a little enquiry and search, we chose a neat little apartment in North Highlands, a suburb of Sacramento, the capital city of California. Not only did we have more friends here than in Paradise, but there was a whole lot more to interest us than we ever had in all the seven years we lived in this state.
We moved our own furniture down the hundred miles with the kind help of two friends, using the popular "U-Haul" method. Shortly after we joined the Senior Citizen's centre and club, which provided us with all the companionship, entertainment, and cheap trips around the countryside that we could absorb. We were also quite close to all major communication lines, just in case we needed to make use of them. This removal to North Highlands was in March 1975, with both Emma and myself in reasonably good health.
After settling down in our new location, places in Sacramento like Sutter's Fort, The Capitol Park and Mall, and the Senate building were all visited by us, and we were later able to explore the Bay Area Rapid Transport (BART) system which is the local and very modern counterpart of the London Underground system. We took a long ride on "BART" one day, going under the San Francisco bay from the downtown area reaching out as far as Concord on the other side of the bay where the line ends.

On yet another occasion we visited the Golden Gate Park, and what a delightful place this proved to be. We visited the Japanese Tea Gardens there, the De Yonge Museum and the fantastic Aquarium in the Natural Science Building. That was as much as we could absorb in one visit, so we returned another day and we were fortunate in being able to see an "Exhibition of Archaeological Finds of the Peoples Republic of China".

In this exhibition, three hundred and eighty-five works of art were displayed, embracing a time-span from the Palaeolithic age (about 600,000 years ago) through to the 14th century A.D. Included were prehistoric artefacts, ceramics, bronze vessels, oracle bones, stone sculpture, wood carvings and gold and silver utensils. They were fully dated and documented, and provided important and accurate comparative data.
During the summer of this year, (1975) one of the senior citizens groups to which we belonged, staged a one week outing on a Greyhound bus, involving a tour which took us from Sacramento through Yosemite Park where we stopped for lunch in the shadow of El Capitan.

El Captain is a tremendous granite monolith which rises 3,000 feet above the valley floor, and it seems to salute the visitor as he approaches. It is reputed to be the largest single block of granite in the world, and much greater in volume than the Rock of Gibraltar.

Continuing through Yosemite Park on our week's tour, we came out at the eastern end and via Tioga Pass, cutting across the California Stateline into Nevada, where we stopped and spent the first night in Tonopah at a very comfortable "Western Motel" (Silver Queen). Leaving Tonopah next morning we travelled clear across Nevada into the state of Utah, the state with a very strong "Mormon" influence.  We halted for lunch at a delightful spot called Cathedral Gorge, then pushed on to Cedar City where the Greyhound bus was serviced, and then on to Bryce Canyon, climbing to almost ten thousand feet before we reached the National Park there at about sundown.

We were housed in little log cabins, and spent that night in this setting of high forested country withsome of the most glorious rock formations we had ever seen. All the next day we were sightseeing in this area, and we slept there yet another night.
On the following morning, we rode our chartered Greyhound along the freeway on to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We spent a day and a night there, and witnessed some more of nature's marvellous rock sculpture and views that simply were indescribable.


The Grand Canyon is in the state of Arizona, and on the following morning we returned to Utah and spent our fifth night at "Zion" National Park. Here we were once again put up in log cabins. We arrived at Zion in the early afternoon, and so were able to go sight-seeing for the rest of the day.
Our sixth day was spent travelling back through Nevada state, and we arrived at Las Vegas in the early afternoon. There we put up at the "Kings Inn" and during that evening we were taken on a conducted bus tour of the famous "Las Vegas Strip", by our experienced bus driver, who provided a running commentary over the speaker system of all we passed by. At night, Las Vegas, often described as the gambling capital of the world, is a sea of thousands, no millions of brilliant lights along its famous strip, and it was truly an education to see the way of life of one segment of people.
After spending the night (our last) in this exotic city, we left the following morning for Sacramento and home, via Reno, a famous divorce centre, passing through Hawthorne, Where we were pointed out the several bunkers containing explosives for the military, and which was spread over a very wide area. We arrived home that evening just before midnight after a very educational and pleasant week spent amidst some of the grandest sights one can ever hope to see in all of the North American continent.
To provide a little "in-depth" information about the National Parks, the first one we stayed at, Bryce National Canyon Park, is located in South-eastern Utah, about thirty miles north of the Arizona border. Here, sand, wind and water have carved the plateau into several horseshoe shaped amphitheatres, cutting limestone cliffs into fantastic forms, and exposing layers of rock that glow in delicate and varied colours, ranging from pinks to reds, in several shades, under a canopy of pure blue sky.
The natural structures, ranging from man-size to hundreds of feet in height, are identified by fanciful names like "Queen Victoria", "Tower Bridge", Mormon Temple" etc.  A paved highway runs along the edge of the forested plateau, and several "overlooks" provide magnificent views to visitors. Miles of horse and pony trails depend easily from the plateau, and thread through the rock formations. The origin of these picturesque formations goes back thirteen to sixty million years. Erosion of the rim is steadily proceeding at the rate of twelve inches every fifty years.


Bryce Canyon became a National Monument in 1923 and a National Park in 1928. It has an area of 56 square miles.
Looking down into the canyon, the surface seems to break off almost perpendicularly to a depth of several hundred feet. It appears as if the bottom had dropped out and left rocks standing in all shapes and forms as lone sentinels over a grotesque and picturesque scene…. There are thousands of red, white, purple and vermilion coloured rocks of all sizes resembling soldiers on the walls of castles, monks and priests in their robes, cathedrals and congregations, presenting the wildest and most wonderful scenes ever to behold.
Bryce Canyon was named after a Mormon settler, Ebenezer Bryce, who built his cabin on a tributary that drained one of the large amphitheatres, around the year 1874. He grazed cattle here for a shor time, but long enough to give a very vivid description of the place, " A hell ova place to lose a cow", and a name for the park.
Some of the most spectacular views may be seen from "Sunset Point"', "Inspiration Point", "Bryce Point", and Paria View". These vistas provide the most scenic concentration of sculptured red rocks in this area.
Zion Canyon National Park is located in south western Utah, and has an area of 147.000 acres. It was established as a park in 1919. Its walls are crowned with white pinnacles that shade almost imperceptibly to vermilion yellow below. Impressive heights include "The Great White Throne", (6,700 ft.) "The Beehives"", "The Sentinel" and the "Three Patriarchs". Access to Zion park is via the highway running from St. George. This park is a region of deep narrow canyons with vertical walls and massive rocky domes and pinnacles of gorgeous colours, mostly in varying tones of red. Zion canyon is nearly half a mile deep and is cut by the Virgin river which falls from 50 to 70 feet in a one mile stretch. Along the road leading to the lodge, there is a mile long Zion - Mount Carmel tunnel with open galleries which provide sweeping views of the canyon.
Zion Canyon was discovered in 1858 and the region was settled by Mormons, in 1861, who arrived from the Great Salt Lake Valley and gave it the name Zion. The great difference between "Bryce" and "Zion" is that whereas one looks down into Bryce, at Zion, you have to look way up, - heavenwards.


The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, however, was the most awe-inspiring and majestic of the three national parks we stayed at. Here, as at Bryce Canyon, you looked down into the views spread out before you, and here is a brief description I put together, obtained from leaflets and library research. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long. Its width is more difficult to measure, the average distance from rim to rim is about ten miles. It is about one mile deep, 4460 feet from Bright Angel lodge on the south rim down to the river, (Colorado) and 5750 feet down from the Grand Canyon lodge (where we slept) on the North Rim.
The great pyramids of Egypt and the largest sky-scrapers of the 20th century would be equally lost within its depths.
In essence, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado is a canyon composed of many canyons. It is a composite of tens of thousands of gorges. In like manner, each wall of the Canyon is a composite structure, a wall composed of many walls, but never a repetition. Each one of these innumerable gorges is a world of beauty in itself. And all of these unite to form one Grand Canyon…. and what a sublime spectacle.... Geologists claim that the Grand Canyon began to form sometime in the last six million years.
Down in the inner gorge is the Colorado river, busily at work, doing its best to carry the mountains to the sea. It has cut the canyon to its present depth, but its work is not finished, it still has another 2400 feet to go before it is stopped at sea level. It has functioned like a giant conveyor belt, taking the weathered rock materials from as far away as the Rocky 'Mountains down to the Gulf of California. In cutting the canyon, the river has exposed the pages of geological history, and now lies, as a bookmark in time, to show us where to begin….
Going along with groups from the Senior Citizen's Center and the "Go-Goers" club, to which we belonged we made frequent trips by bus to Lake Tahoe, and areas like Donner Lake, Reno, and the Truckee river. To get there one has to go up and over the High Sierras where the air is pure and invigorating. The altitude is approximately 7,200 feet at the summit of the Sierras where the freeway winds its way over the top.
We spent our first Xmas in Sacramento very quietly, attending the Senior Citizens' Holiday dinner on December 20th, 1975, held at their spacious clubhouse at 27th and J Streets in the capital which was a great success. It was completely free. The menu consisted of Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Baked Yam Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli and Carrots, Fresh Fruit Salad, Tossed Green Salad, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls, Assorted Pies with Coffee, Tea, Milk or Punch according to your choice. Live music was supplied.
When Emma and I returned to California after our five months sojourn in Guyana, between us and our daughter Marsha and her family, it was decided that we should try to get that sole remaining branch of our immediate family, either into the U.S.A. or into Canada.
There was so much more of a future in these two latter countries, that as soon as it was possible, I started enquires at the San Francisco Immigration Department with respect to sponsoring them for entry into America.
It was also nice to hope that as parents now approaching the "allotted span", we would be able to have at least one segment of our far-flung family closer to us.  Gordon, our eldest child, was now in Georgia, just about 3,000 miles away, Michael, our second, lived in Barbados, about 5,000 miles in the Caribbean area, where now that he was a full blown Ph.D. in English Literature, he was a lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados, at Cave Hill Campus. Maureen our elder daughter, was living in Middlesex, England, with her husband Ron and their son Paul, so it was really a great idea to have Marsha and her family a little closer to us.
After several attempts, however, it proved impossible for her to enter the U.S.A. on a permanent basis, so our next hope was to try Canada. Fortunately, the Canadian effort was successful, and in short order, the Hardinge family was all set to migrate to Brandon, Manitoba. They left Guyana on February, 16th, 1976, and arranged to break their journey to Canada by stopping over in Miami, Florida for one week, thus giving Gordon and his family and Emma & me, the opportunity of a family re-union in this winter resort of the U.S.A.
Gordon and his family drove down the 800 miles from their home in Georgia, and Emma and I decided to fly over from California and meet them in Miami. It was a splendid joint affair... By taking a night flight from Sacramento to San Francisco, we arrived in Miami at about 8.00 a.m. just four hours before Marsha's plane was due from Guyana. There is a time difference of three hours between California and Miami.
We took a taxi to our motel-apartment which I had booked a couple of weeks in advance, while waiting for our apartment to be readied for us. (There was a very tight booking plan at Miami motels at this time of the year, and occupation usually commences at midday). Emma and I did some shopping for groceries. Our motel apartment was nicely situated, near enough to the down-town area, and not far from the beaches and parks. I selected it from the Florida Tour book issued by the Automobile Association, and we were very pleased with it. There was ample accommodation for six, which included Marsha's family of four. It had a well appointed kitchen complete with gas stove, refrigerator, dining table and chairs, pots, pans, dishes, glassware and cutlery. There was the usual wall to wall carpeting and ample air conditioning and heating. We planned to cook most of our meals and not have the bother of frequenting restaurants, so that our arrival a few hours before Marsha and family gave us the opportunity to purchase all the food we would need for the entire stay in Miami. The timing was just right.
After Emma and I were safely installed, and had all our things put away, we received a telephone call from Gordon who was somewhere on the highway a few miles from our motel. We gave him directions to meet us at the airport, and as the plane from Guyana was shortly due, Emma and I took a taxi and went down to meet the children and their families.
Miami International Airport is a very busy place, but after waiting a little while, Gordon and his family showed up in a camper in which they had travelled from their home in Georgia. In another half hour or so, waiting outside the Customs Immigration department, we were able to greet Marsha, Aubrey, and Richie. They looked happy but tired as it was a long journey from Guyana.
Gordon's camper had sufficient room for everybody as well as the luggage, so we just piled in and drove back to our rented apartment. While there was no vacancy for Gordon's group at our motel, he was lucky in finding accommodation at another establishment close by, so it was possible to walk over and be with each quite easily. It was so conveniently close that Arna, Gordon's wife, joined forces with us in respect of preparing meals, using the kitchen facilities where we were. This arrangement certainly simplified matters and cut down our expenses very appreciably.
It was a delightful re-union of exactly one half of our immediate family… the four cousins, who now met for the first time, thoroughly enjoyed each other, and Gordon who had not seen his sister for over twenty years, was really very happy to be with her. They took long walks together...
Living in Guyana where most imported food-stuffs were banned, the Hardinges took full advantage of such "delicacies" as apples, walnuts, cereals, cheeses and all those products they were denied in their own hometown. Between Emma and Arna, they were introduced to Vegetarian cooking, and they really enjoyed the change it provided.
We picnicked one day in Crandon park, which is on Key Biscayne, access to which is across the Rickenbacker Causeway joining it to the mainland. We had lunch in the shade of a sea-grape tree on tables specially set up for this purpose. After lunch we walked along the beach. The sun was shining brightly, and the temperature was about 78 degrees F. and there were lots of kids and people swimming and frolicking in the water. Looking beyond the water's edge, as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but an expansive Atlantic Ocean with several ships far out to sea.
We had collected for Marsha and her family, a giant size suitcase filled with things we knew they would require to start the winter in Canada. They included warm clothing and all the various requirements for a cold climate. Apart from buying some of these items, friends of ours had donated many useful articles of clothing and Gordon and Arna had also added their contribution. We included such necessities as non-skid grips for the children's shoes, and an electric blanket with dual automatic control.
An entire day was spent trying out garments for size etc., and sorting out what would be needed to arrive in when they reached Winnipeg. Items such as we procured for them were quite unobtainable in Guyana, a tropical country, and since this was still winter 1976, it was necessary to be properly clad for the Canadian temperatures, which at that time of the year could be well below freezing.
Gordon and his family left after spending just about four days with us. He had his own several commitments at Wildwood hospital where he worked, and could not stay any longer. In view of the fact that the journey to Miami took him three days on a round trip basis, he was away from his practice for just about one week. We were sorry to see him go, but were indeed grateful he was able to come and enjoy the time with us.

For the rest of that week we took it easy, allowing the Hardinge family to rest as much as possible, remembering that they had to leave in another three days for Canada - to them, a new end strange country, with all the inevitable problems of starting life afresh especially in the winter.
During the last two days we were together, we repacked the six large suitcases Aubrey and Marsha had brought with them, and having put everything in order, we confirmed their flight arrangements for Canada, and just waited for the final farewells.
We gave up the motel apartment just a little before midday on Sunday 22nd February 1976, and left in two taxis for the airport. We saw them as far as the security inspection gate, and on their way to the waiting-room for their Air Canada flight. Since that was as far as we, as non-travellers, were allowed Emma and I left in a taxi to spend a couple of days with some friends in South West Miami, - Fred and Marjorie Phillips, with whom we were very friendly ever since we were both living in Georgetown, Guyana. As a matter of fact, Emma was once employed by the firm of C.A. Phillips Ltd, of which Fred, one of the Phillips brothers, was the accountant. We spent a couple of days with them, and afterwards returned home to California flying via New Orleans. We really enjoyed these friends.
Our week with Gordon and Marsha and their families was very rewarding, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I was certainly reminded of the time way back in 1930, when I had planned to set up life in Canada after marrying, but which did not come about.
Shortly after returning to our apartment in Watt Avenue, North Highlands, California, we telephoned Aubrey's uncle, Albert Johnson in Brandon, Manitoba. Albert had sponsored the Hardinge family and until such time as they could become organized, Aubrey, Marsha and their two children would be taken care of by him. Just by chance, Marsha was at the Johnson's home when I telephoned, so we were able to have a little chat with her. She explained that due to an hour's delay in their flight from Miami, they arrived late in Winnipeg and spent that first night there at the home of Leslie Johnson, Albert's son.
On the following morning, continued Marsha, Leslie drove them all into Brandon, their final destination in Canada.
It was arranged that they would spend the week in a motel, at the end of which time provision had been made for them to rent a two-bedroom apartment and thus be on their own. It was a very comfortable apartment, Marsha said, and conveniently situated Just one block away from the school where the two children would be attending. The ensuing week would be occupied in selecting furniture etc., and generally sorting things out. The children, she said, were very happy, and were having a "ball" playing in the snow. Aubrey too, would be starting out in another couple of days, 6th March, in the employ of "Binkleys Motors", an automotive firm in Brandon. Everything seemed to be under good control.