Reunion, Odd Fellows, CoHousing, Las Vegas

I enjoyed my 30 year college reunion.  Seeing my CGA classmates, John Wolf (NAPS), and recently Terry Virts (AFA) was a great joy.   While I can't recapture the past, I can appreciate the time we had together, the bonds we shared, and traditions of the wardroom. 

At this stage of my life, I find myself seeking connection.   Having filled my life with the busyness of accomplishments, I wonder if the practices of modern living have stripped me of the simple joy of meeting new people, serendipitous chats, and friendly conversations. 

In a strange series of events, I had an offer to teach at the Coast Guard Academy; but, after serious consideration, declined.   Perhaps, the appeal of the job was a romantic ideal of reconnecting with my past, as this summer I struggled with mild depression amidst life's uncertainties.  Now, I seek ways of changing my life and creating more avenues to genuinely connect. 

Cohousing has been on my mind and I imagine, not how we live, how we should live together.  Whether it is a romantic dream or a means to build genuine connection, I have been fascinated with cohousing.  I am also pledging to become an Odd Fellow.  Surprisingly, I have found joy in the musical gatherings and club events.  Despite most members being older, I enjoy their company, wisdom, and time for each other. 

Pearl and I had a wonderful trip to Las Vegas, just the two of us.

Vancouver

We had a good time in Vancouver.  Time seemed to pass at a different rate, it all happened so fast.  Each day was so different, and I could not stand still.  After landing in Seattle, we drove up to Bellingham historic district -- haven't been there in 25 years.

 In Vancouver, the Granville Island waterfront was amazing with the shops, parks, city view.

The next day we biked Stanley Island and the city streets.  We saw the totem poles, waterfront, gaslight district, and more.  In the evening, we took the sky train to the city center and walked to English Bay for a giant firework show.

The city closed the streets which make it fun to walk.  Next was Queen Elizabeth park, lunch in Chinatown (Richmond) and a visit to a Buddhist Temple.  On Friday, we did two half day hikes.  First in Deep Cove to the rocks, which were the best views of the water and city skyline in the distance.

Then, a second hike across a suspension bridge with streams and waterfalls.  Eli and I, despite being sore, ventured into the city on our own to explore a few hours and have dinner.

   
On Saturday, we visited the Museum of Vancouver (it was quite good) which had many exhibits and a nice park and beach nearby.  We meet Jill and Jeff in Richmond for dinner then headed to the night markets -- which were filled with people!  We left Vancouver, off to Seattle, on Sunday, where we visited Pike's market, some gardens, and Aliki beach with Ken, Jeannie, Darren, and Julia.  It was busy and full!

Can't Get Past the Summer Blues

I am at a loss, unable to shake the summer blues and this mild sense of despair.  Usually, it is my calm demeanor which anchors my thoughts and outlook on life, but this past week has been confusing, if not alarming.  While only a glimpse, I see how mental health issues can be destabilizing.   I know I need to focus on abundance, gratitude, adventures of life; yet I am plagued with a constant melancholy and lack of interest.  My prescription is to journal, walk, meditate -- the key to recovery is gratitude. 

Today is Mae's birthday.  We'll go out to dinner with Marianne and Thad's family.  Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  We invited my extended family.  

 

Summer Blues, Dillon Beach

I have been exceptionally melancholy the last few days.  Whether a short phase or something much longer, its unclear how I should respond.  I feel as if I can cry at almost anytime, and while it is uncomfortable, at least I know I am alive.  Nothing in particular set if off, however, I have felt overwhelmed with parenthood recently.   Parenthood never seems to end. 

I had a nostalgic time at Rich Mourey's retirement gathering.  I especially liked seeing his Coast Guard housing, similar to housing at the Naval Postgraduate School. 

Our Felton cabin sold.  We moved on our anniversary.  Philip drove the U Hail back, while Pearl and I signed documents at escrow.   We have been seen so many houses in Roseville, Rocklin, Antelope, and West Sacramento -- as an exchange.
 

Our extend family trip to Dillon Beach was nice.  Everyone got along well.   Mae and Elias had a good time.   Caleb, Philip, Sarah, and Chris joined for at least part of the weekend.  I enjoyed the walks on the beach.  Katie and Mae played lots of Ping-Pong.  Pearl, Arlene, and Shirley made puzzles, while everyone watched Women's World Cup soccer.  We celebrated Philip's birthday.

We invited the Toy extended family over for July 4th. 

Melancholy blues ....   the mind is a tangled web.

Selling the Cabin / Easter / Brandon & Lauren Wedding

Today, we put the cabin up for sale.  In a sense, we are selling a dream.  Long ago, we dreamed of a vacation home (a retirement home) that it would instill a family legacy.  But, overtime, it because work -- clearing the gutter, weeding the yard, fixing an old house.  Certainly, it was good and served its purpose.  I have many fond memories of Fall Creek.  While I will miss the house, I know that a"vacation home" (that sense of peace) is not a physical building, but rather a grateful attitude to experience everyday with every breath.

We traveled down to Huntington Beach for Brandon and Lauren's wedding.  It was fun to see everyone and enjoy and weekend.  The weather was great and the ceremony grand.   

We had a nice Easter and all went to church.  It is always a pleasure to have everyone together for a short holiday weekend.   

Costa Rica

An early flight delay resulted in a long wait at the airport and missing the first day of Costa Rica tour.  Yet, despite the poor start, we had a good time in our first major family vacation.  I enjoyed seeing the family together. 

The first day we walked the San Jose downtown.  The next day, we saw a plethora of animals at the rescue center.   Up north, we stayed near the volcano and enjoyed the hot springs and hanging bridges hike. 

On our first river cruise, we made it up to the Nicaragua border.   On the river, we saw many birds, crocodiles and monkeys.

The hanging bridges was a great hike in the rain forest with 6 suspended bridges which shook as we walked across.  It rained, yet was warm.

On the Pacific coast, we stayed at the Marriott Resort.  It was a restful couple of days, with musical bands in the evening and sunset walks in the dry, warm beach.   We swam, played some volley ball and relaxed, before venturing South to a large national park. 

 Our second river cruise took us out near the Pacific ocean.  The trees and greens were lush. 

Finally, we headed south to the national park.  Rod Grossman visited as he was there with this family.  The beach waves were among my fondest memories, riding the waves -- up and down -- with everyone in the warm water.










   

San Francisco

I traveled a day to the big city.   It started with an early bike ride to the train station which took me to Emeryvile, then a bus to SF.  I walked throughout the Financial district, Chinatown, and parts of Nob Hill.   First, the Beat Museum, City Books, Chinese Historical Museum, Ross Alley, Tin How Temple, Cable Car Museum, Grace Cathedral, and WWII Museum.

My favorites where Chinese Historical, Cable Car, and Tin How.  Several of the stops were only a few minutes, but nonetheless interesting. 

The Tin How, the balcony above Chinatown, was very beautiful, although a mere, small hole in the wall. 

I spent the most time at Chinese Historical Museum.  I saw the ID cards that Chinese were required to carry at all times and remember seeing my dad's ID in the safe deposit box, after mom passed away. 

It is something fun to travel alone.  Able to go in any direction, at any time.  I bought a few small Asian figures (small statues). 

By 4pm, I was ready to come home and took the trip home.  All in all, by the time I was home, it was as if it were a regular work day. 

I am certainly fortunate to have this opportunity to retire at age 55.  The question is what to do?  How much does my job define me.  How many other opportunities are there to reinvent myself?   There are so many opportunities, yet I know my skill level is modest.

At work, there is a new Secretary.  There are new ideas and new challenges.

Winter

Christmas and New Years has come and gone.  We celebrated Christmas at JoAnn's (Louies) then Suzanne's (Toys).  We also celebrated New Years Day at Chris and Joe's house.  I enjoyed seeing Joe's workshop and his woodwork.

Our family tradition is attending church on Christmas eve, going out for dinner, then opening family gifts.  I hope we can keep this tradition.

Our only adventure was a day trip to see the Museum of Modern Art in SF.   Eli and I also spend a few hours at the Crocker Art Museum.

Pearl and I, with friends, also enjoyed an Escape Room -- a gift from Caleb and Philip.

We booked a vacation to Costa Rica for Spring Break.

I've been interested in the biography of a couple of hedge fund entrepreneurs.    Their ideas are fascinating.  School has restarted.   I am settling into the rhythm of everyday life, still wondering about retirement.