Dad's First Email

A note dictated by Vin from Dad/Grandpa on his VERY FIRST EMAIL! He says, "maybe last email"...jokes are the best.

I am having a great time at Susy and Steve's-getting spoiled with good food, good exercise and good rest. The weather here has been beautiful-for November-ideal not to hot or cold, and a little shower today clears the air.Kenny, Ricky and I arrived Wednesday night. On the way we did not stop at Buttonwillow like Maria, but stopped at Bakersfield. We were not "stuck" there but went on to San Marcos.Thursday we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner and get together with the family. Friday we went to the Wild Animal Park and saw lions, and tigers and bears-oh my! At the park heading for the restroom, I saw a girl with a straw hat like Susy was wearing. I put my hands on her shoulders from behind, and it wasn't her! As she turned around, I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were my daughter". She laughed and the man with her answered, "Everybody says that."We saw King Kong but Fay Wray wasn't with him, so we moved on. Carson and all the kids got a big kick out of the lions, who only had a glass between them (a strong glass, I hope!) Then we went to the Hortons and met little Collin and his mother Robin Wiebe. He's cute as a button with strong Horton hands and legs.Saturday we went to the meditation gardens and meditated alot, and went to the beach and walked alot. Then we went to a Mexican restaurant across the street from the beach. The restrooms said hombres y damas and in my poor Spanish, I figured damas was like the song, "there is nothing like a dame" so the other room must have been for men. (just a little joke).We drank some Mexican beer to help their economy...so we might be emigrating there some day! Later, Kenny, Tim, Rick, Anita took us to Harrahs Indian casino, gambled for two hours, and broke even, which is a big plus! (At least I broke even).Sunday, 9 o'clock we went to a Lutheran service to baptize Collin and met the rest of the Wiebe's. They are not the Walter Wiebes or the Wiebe Hotel (Hollister joke). We met Robin's parents and grandparents who came from Arizona for the baptism. They were very cordial. I told Robin that she was now part of the family. (fortunately or unfortunately). The Lutheran Mass uses the exact liturgical service as the Catholics. After the service I spoke with the minister and told him, "We have more in common than differences". He said, "Yes, you are gradually coming around." Everybody laughed. We went to the French Bakery in Escondido for lunch and met a Phillipino lady that we had just seen at the Lutheran service. Anita said, "We just saw you at the Lutheran service but we are Catholics." She answered, "I am Catholic too but married to Lutheran; two of my sisters are Catholic nuns. I go to his service and he goes to mine." Then we went to a noon Mass at Anita's parish. The Catholic service was longer due to RCIA service for 13 people. We were therefore involved in Church services for 3 hours. I WAS AFRAID OF GETTING THE STIGMATA FROM TOO MUCH RELIGION, SO I CHECKED MY WRISTS. Steve joked that next we could go to a Buddhist service or back to the meditation garden.It was wonderful to see Bonny, John and Brendon; Doug, Joey and Johan (who is 6 feet tall); Dave, Maria and Carson; Susy, Steve, Zac and Stuart; Tim, Anita, David, Samara, Nicki, and Alana; Robin and Collin;NOTHING LIKE FAMILY FOR THANKSGIVING!
Love and Peace to you,
Dad

Thanksgiving Diego Style

Update: Photos are 1) Cardiff by the Sea at sunset; 2) Wild Animals at the Wild Animal Park

Here with sister Maria on Thanksgiving night at sister Vin's in San Marcos. 19 for traditional 'Gammy' style dinner. This morning we played some serious basketball a block from the house. 6' Johan beat his Uncles for the first time in H-O-R-S-E. The meal was served early to accomodate sister Anita going to work, so we ate at 1:30. After some rest (Maria adds, "You! rested - We cleaned") we played kickball which Carson suggested, boys against the girls. Ask us who won. After fun and games we enjoyed sister Bonny's delicious pumpkin pies -- 2 w/ candy pecans & fresh whipped cream. Tomorrow we're going to The Wild Animal Park, including Dad. Most of us will be meeting baby Collin for the first time there. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one as well.

SFJAZZ bowling tournament CHAMP!

Annually, following the busy month-long San Francisco Jazz Festival, SFJAZZ has a de-brief meeting, burger lunch and bowling tournament. This year was no exception.

Following the de-brief, in which we go over what worked (lot's of applause) and what didn't (constructive criticism) we all enjoy burgers, fries, shakes, etc. at Mo's upstairs from the bowling alley at Yerba Buena Gardens. After a brief delay our group of about 20 took over 4 lanes and randomly competed in good spirits for a few games. After having to leave early the last few years, I settled in and watched as our Communications Associate, Rob, hit a game 1 high of 138. That moderate score was the one to beat.

After some more laughs, and falls to the floor we stumbled on. In my second game I scored 152 which then became the new score to beat. A few were threatening in their 2nd attempt including Randall, our Executive Director, who kept a close eye on me. In his final frame he only needed a strike or spare plus 2 for the win; and as his nature would suggest he knew exactly what he needed. He missed his spare and I was crowned with the high score...with my the modest score. Today, I threatened to wear a bowling shirt with "CHAMP" in cursive above the pocket but feared being labeled "the most competitive person in the office" again.

Bonny on being a Grandmother

I am overjoyed at being a Grandmother to Jade Brie Wear who is 17 months old. Two years ago we went to dinner in Los Angeles with Brian & Santa. We picked them up and they presented us with a poem in a picture frame for the first picture when their first child would be born in April or May of 2005 and was I excited to hear the news. In December of 2005 we went to Kailua & Honolulu for a 3 week visit. Santa went to get a ultrasound and Brian & I were in the room when we saw that it would most likely be A GIRL! To see her in the womb in excellent condition as Santa was 5 ½ months along brought tears to our eyes. When Jade was born on April 20th of 2005 at 8lbs. 3 ozs. and healthy after Santa had PUPPS disease and had to deliver 10 days early, was such a relief. When went to Hawaii when Jade was one month and stayed 2 weeks and upon seeing my precious Grand-daughter for the 1st. time at the airport was full circle remembering Brian's birth 35 years before. Even though we live so far away, Brian & Santa E-mail pictures every week. We call each other often and Jade listens to my voice. I say this is Grandma Bonny and I hear her chuckle on the phone. She is a beautiful and has such a cute personality. We are planning to visit in January or February of next year in Lanai to see my special princess of a Grand-daughter!
Love,
Sister Bonny

Grandma from Rochelle

Photo collage by Rochelle.

Carla Borelli's Nutritional Website

Check out Carla's new website and blog:

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Sister Bonny helps welcome in new life

When John was in the hospital I spoke more Spanish in 4 days that I have spoken in years. A young Mexican couple aged 24 & 22 were having their first baby and she arrived at 5AM and delivered at 11:10 PM. In the middle of that day I saw the new mother-to-be and said if my Mom could have 12 children you can have your first child. She passed away in July and she will guide you along with my wonderful brother-in-law David who worked with pregnant teens in a Continuation High School. I visited with the family speaking in English & Spanish and was with the family when baby Camilla was born and I saw her birth pictures. We all danced and sang Feliz Cumpleanos! The 4 year old cousin Andres wanted to sleep in his "comfy bed" and I said I do too after spending 2 nights on 2 chairs next to John. The next morning I visited the new parents with the baby who was 6lbs. 4 ozs. and gave them a card and a pink teddy bear holding a blanket from the gift shop. They were so excited about their new daughter and I was too being a part of a new life. I think I missed my calling as I worked as a Ward Clark at Hazel Hawkins Hospital when I was a Gavilan College on the week-ends which I loved. Take care and thinking of all of you and especially Mom.

Love,

Sister Bonita (#2 1/2)