Zombie Ball

I volunteered and played piano for the Zombie Ball. The upper hall was rocking. The red carpet announcements were energetic, the dancing fun, and the DJ songs familar. There were few volunteers at the end, so I stayed and cleaned up. I've been feeling a little displaced, so it was good to pitch in, work together, and help. We all want a sense of belonging. Work provided that outlet. Retirement is relaxing, but it's still an adjustment. In our current divisive era, we need community events and fraternal organizations to bring us together.

Visiting San Francisco

I took a morning Amtrak train to SF and enjoyed exploring the Haight and Ashbury neighborhood. It was the Summer of Love in 1967. Hippies, counter culture, defining moments for a generation. From Amtrak to Waymos, I enjoyed public transportation, especially hiking Buena Park. Twelve hours later I made it home, tired and ready for bed -- a fun day to explore.

I am at a quandry, regarding how to best make use of short trips in the area. One one hand, I am considering a condo in the historical Piedmont hotel. I ponder both the headache of ownership, but also the opportunity to invite friends. Both the beach and redwoods surround Santa Cruz, but the drive is a tad long. Would it be a joy or headache? If not the Piedmont, maybe partial ownership of a condo in Watsonville? On the other hand, I am considering renting (or buying) into Washington Commons. With the Piedmont and Washington Commons, I have some hope that I would be connected with residents, even if only limited. It would be more than a condo, but an ongoing relationship with fellow residents. Finally, there is another option of renting a hotel once a month and exploring the wonders of Northern California. This K shape stock market, where the wealthy are thriving creates a social conumdrum.

For some time now, I have pondered whether to buy a condo at the historic Piedmont building in Santa Cruz. It's a senior community in the heart of downtown. While our Felton cabin required reqular maintenance, this home would be different. I could imagine staying a couple of nights each month. Travel on Saturday. Enjoy Twin Lakes church in the evening. Spend a day at the beach or hiking trails on Sunday. Then, return to Davis on Monday afternoon. Or, perhaps, travel to Santa Cruz on Monday or Tuesday, then return on Wednesday or Thursday. How often would I really use the condo? Would I enjoy community with the residents? How difficult is public transportation via Amtrak and the Highway 17 Bus ride?

I ponder the strange question... can I afford not to buy it, lol.

I've been home for 4 days now. Still adjusting to jet lag. In some ways, I feel strangely alone. I've completed most household chores and garden work that I missed for two weeks. I've had a several social events: lunch with Ameya, visiting grandparents, breakfast with Glenn, piano at Odd Fellows. Friday and Saturday (today) have been quiet, so I am enjoying bike rides and public pianos--the staples of my life. When all else fails, I return to my Davis roots. I frequently check my stock portfolio, which feels alittle empty, because I seldom take any action. I'm writing this blog post at Nugget Field while watching a youth soccer game. Already, I feel better. So many memories with both youth and adult soccer that filled my weekends for decades. My other common rest stop is on UCD campus, where the snacks are cheaps and the seats plentiful. College students are back, so the campus is alive. The big news is Mae moved out and now has a boyfriend. Caleb and Philip have been helpful It's an adjustment. Next Friday, we visit Elias.

Coming up the metro in Budapest, we arrived at the Parlimentary Building. And, for a moment, I was thrown back 40 years to my first visit to Washington DC. I was twenty years old. I caught a ride to DC and stayed with my uncle Howard. I took the subway to Capitol Mall. When I ascended the long escalator, I recall being moved by the beauty of the buildings and their representation of government--working together. For a moment, I felt the same, as I beheld the grandness of the Parlimentary Building, here in Budapest. Life is rhythm. As this rhythm of vacation changes to a long day of travel, I am overcome with ngostalgic feelings. Soon, I will be home again, playing the piano, soccer, among friends and family.

Budapest

Of all the cities we visited, Budapest is my favorite. The city is grand, big, busy, and full of life. The architecture is rich and diverse. The public transit system is easy to navigate and inexpensive. As our vacation comes to an end, I already miss the vacation routine: breakfast, city tours, lunch, exploring, an afternoon nap, followed by dinner. It was wonderful to meet new friends and see new places. I am also blessed to go home. Piano, bike rides, soccer, AYSO soccer, Sac Kings, Quacera, Odd Fellows, Friends, Mahjong.

Vienna is a big city. While the photos blur together, and I forgot the many details, I am reminded of this areas impact and historical significance. On one hand, this vibrant culture is the birthplace of Mozart and Hitler. What a contrast? We made friends on this trip. Only a few more days....

Our Vacation is Half Over

We left Linz yesterday. Today is Krebs, and tomorrow is Vienna. Each city is filled with history. One memoriable stop was the "bones" church outside Prague. Europe is filled with vibrant cities and bustaling downtowns. We met Tara & Joe, and Bill & Carmen, and Andrew & Dorothy. After our morning walking tour, I explored Linz on my own, because Pearl's cold lingered.

Prague is an amazing city

With its amazing bridges, canals, cathedrals, and architecture, Prague is a wonderful city, easy to walk, rich with culture.

After an exhausting flight, with many layovers, we arrived late afternoon. Yesterday, we had an evening tour. Today, we finished a city tour. Pearl had a cold and rested, while I walked a couple of hours late afternoon

Viking River Cruise in Europe

Mixed feelings as we travel to Europe. Fond, adventurous memories as I recall my first trip to Europe -- the excitement and anticipation; the growth of qualifing Officer of the Deck; the friendships and capstone moments. Now, at home, Mae moved out and met a boyfriend. Life always changes and brings new challenges, even in retirement.

Purpose and Hygge

Why does it often feel like nothing really matters? Is it age, retirement, dementia, enlightenment, loss of desire, wisdom? Yet, there is Hygge: Contentment, Appreciation, Friendship. What is the difference between acceptance and apathy?

Empty Schedules and Daily Rhythms

Today was an empty Saturday schedule. I biked around Davis, played the public pianos, bought a simple lunch, and watched Philip's 2015 team play at Nuggett. In the evening, I thought about watching a DMTC play, but opted for another evening bike ride and public piano venture instead. I fell asleep early (before 10pm) then woke up early around 2am, knowing my Sunday will be open too. Other than church and a 4pm Purple game, Sunday is open.

Mae Moves Out; Steve & Lonna, Seattle, Ferry and Bike Rides

A short trip, rekindling friendships, and a major milestone... so much has happened in these past few days that its hard to comprehend and the full ramifications may not be known for months. First, Pearl and I visited Steve and Lonna. We had a wonderful time hiking, biking, traveling on ferries, and listening to music. The couple of nights, we stayed in Seattle, revisiting places we had already seen: City Center, Pike's Market, Pioneer Square, Chinatown. The public transit (Link, Buses, Monorail) are wonderful. The day before leaving, we moved Mae to her new apartment. It took 3 van loads including her bed, dresser, clothes, and bike. We'll move more later. I wasn't sure if the lease paperwork would go through and still don't know the terms of her rental agreement. I am both excited for Mae, as this will be an opporunity for growth, but I am also a little apprehensive, as I'm not sure about the new role models in her life as she grows into you adulthood.

A Whirlwind 1 night Adventure

I drove to Belmont to visit Wajohn and see his new house. It's nice and always great to catch up with him. In the evening, I explored downtown Redwood City. The train, restraunts, ambiance, and county museum was vibrant. The next morning I visited the Fioli House, Gardens, and Trolls. Next was the Japanese Gardens in San Mateo. Finally, I visited Eli and delivered some furniture, clothes, and food. It was only one night, yet a meaningful and complete experience.

Eli is back at UCB

UCB starts next week. Yesterday, Pearl, Mae, and I moved Eli to his new apartment in Berkeley. Summer is ending. It was fun to have Elias back for the summer. We played chess, board games, soccer, and enjoyed Wednesday's Picnic in the Park. Today, I will have breakfast with Glenn. Afterwards, I may watch Philip's new United Team U10 team in Woodland.

Dillon Beach

We are at Dillon Beach. Our vacation started with a trip to UCB to move Eli's bed into his new apartment. The first half of the week at Dillon Beach, David & Edna (kids and grandkids) and Shirley & Dwight are here. There are plenty of instruments (Piano, Sax, Clarinet, Flute)! Our days are restful with walks to the beach and through the neighborhood streets to get some activity.

Next, the working generation (Caleb, Rachel, David, Jo-Ann, Mae, Sarah, Stephen, Aaron) came up for the weekend. Eli had his Linear Algerbra / Diffy Q final, so Pearl and I walked around Berkeley.

Now, the week has passed, the house is quiet, as most people have left. The busy house reminded me of Academy life in Chase Hall, always surrounded by people. The absence of constant noise and companionship, after a filled house, took a moment to adjust to. Philip arrived late at night, after everyone had left. His team won the soccer tournament! And he brought his guitar!

Artificial Intelligence and Pearl's Birthday

The stock market continues upward. I recall the dot-com bubble. For a moment, I imagined I would never have to work as the stock market climbed to new highs almost everyday in the late 1990s. Now, Artificial Intelligence is fueling the rally. I am getting pulled into the euphoria. Some call AI the fourth industrial revolution, lol. Today is Pearl's birthday. We went for a walk in the morning and the farmer's market in the evening.

Andy's Retirement & SF

Andy's retirement. Now, only one 89er remains on active duty. San Francisco was a blast...

Pearl and I travelled to Truckee for one day with Sandra and Rich and spent the night at their cabin in Truckee.

I had a wonderful visit with Wendy, Roe, and Andrea in Napa, as they travelled to SF for the Eagle change of command. Next week in Andy's retirement. Our collective journey as a class will soon reach a major milestone. Now, there is only one of us, still serving on Active Duty.

I had a strange dream last night that I was still working at the Senate and wanted to continue as an RA. I woke this morning a little nostagic of work, but also realized the joys of retirement. Philip has an interview with the Senate on Wednesday. Retirement has been great so far, but it's always easier when I see NVDA continually reaching new highs, lol.