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