Day 93, Post-Op Grapevine Van Nuys Blues: Monday, December 19th!

If we would have new knowledge, we must get us a whole world of new questions. -Susanne Langer, philosopher (20 Dec 1895-1985) 

Illustration: Joe Brown

After reloading our car and saying fond farewells to our super hosts, we left Villa Vicente this morning, around 9:30 am, to fight traffic on the extremely busy I-5 all the way south of Haywood/Livermore right up until just before we started to climb up into part of The Angeles National Forest, in the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains, about 80 miles north of metropolitan Greater Los Angeles.

Then to split off onto the 405 to arrive in Van Nuys/Glen Valley, around 4:30 pm at Ayn's place. Took a wrong turn on Victory Blvd so with this mistake it took us about half an hour longer than it should have! Then we needed to stop for gas as warning light, indicating Low Fuel kept flashing! After we unloaded the car, (five cases of wine, by this time, along with rest of baggage!), I washed my road bike as it was filthy, mainly from all the snow and slush and grit we travelled through, en route to Portland. 

Ayn prepared a delicious dinner of tacos, with all the fixin's and a tasty salad. Xavierino came by to eat with us and then Ida, his lovely amore, dropped in, after work, [While at college, LA Valley, she works at LA Confidential Caregivers, medical marijuana in flowers, cones & concentrates, plus accessories, offered in a simple store!], to meet us. Kids left reasonably early and after we'd said goodnight I watched Carlito's Way with Al Pacino. Had never seen this 1993 film and enjoyed it immensely. The Sisterhood couldn't stay awake so I had to see Carlito on his way by myself!

Hi Pam:...at your discretion. Al https://goo.gl/photos/dPpoDQAFYBrLRyWT8 Jim and Pam: If you consider it appropriate, please FW the album to your list. https://goo.gl/photos/dFsQCbovkyrkuL1Q6 Al

Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas. Not sure how peaceful it will be here since Marnie, Ant, Tris and the dog will be staying for a few days. It's always a challenge keeping the cat and dog separated. A lot of maneuvering goes on!
Just returned from a few days on Queen Victoria with Maur and Bill. Very relaxing. We are now busy at Trelissick until Thursday being Santa's elves and helping in the pop up cafes around the Estate. 

[Ayn P Waiting for his grandparents to arrive Corinne Durston Patrick James Dunn #cozytime]

Patrick James Dunn He's astral bonding with his cousin Etta! Plan to leave Villa Vicente just after 9;00 am so imagine we will be in Valley Glen somewhere between 4:00 pm - 5:0 pm, all going well with traffico, etc. Fondestos from Cactus and Donna Florida to you and The Lost Burritos and their amores! Love and Cheers, Lady Dar/Mom & Poppa/Dad!]

  
It has been unseasonably mild. Snowdrops have already started to pop their heads through the soil and tulips I planted in pots in the autumn are already a few inches high. 

[Colleen Teahan Waldron YAY it's gonna be a party time rest up Winnie

Linda Jofery Send hello, welcome and best wishes to your parents, please!

Carol Riera Hugs to all!

Kathy Gregg Have a wonderful Xmas Ayn. Please say hi to your parents❤

This will be the first Christmas for Audrey without Brian. She is doing well but finds it lonely at times. One of us is always popping in and we all meet up regularly for coffee or lunch. Have a festive time. I'm sure Chloe will be joining you. Give her our love Best wishes to you both, Derek and Gayle
 

Yes, it is another Christmas Season and we are looking forward to Holiday visits, hugs and even Festive refreshments. We have been spending time with our Kleefeld family; Jodi, Darren and Brody, enjoying watching him grow up and seeing him take his part in the Holiday Season; as any child would.

We miss our other children out East, and of course, wish them the love and togetherness with friends that they share the Season with as we do here. Now, with this Facebook routine; instead of a phone call; we can visit by sight; which is blessing for us all as well.
 

Our heartfelt appreciation and love goes out to all our friends like you; for being there, for us giving warmth, hugs and great times that we share together. Thanking you all, from us, this Christmas time, GOOD CHEERS AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Arv and Sandee 

Hi Patrick and Corinne—Glad to hear you arrived safely in sunny California. You escaped just in time as we had another dump of snow overnight last night. Predictions are for a bit more before Christmas day and the coldest temps for the next two weeks on the big day! We are already looking forward to Florida! Stay safe and warm. A very merry Christmas to you all. Cheers, Lynnie and Peter

Attached are the military files for George Henry Durston and James Hawthorne Love that I was able to access through Ancestry.ca. I thought you might want a copy. They are pretty large files, so I am sharing them through DropBox. Love,
Rebekah This is wonderful, thank you for sharing xoxo

Hi You all in the land that is worrying close the village of the Trumps. We are having the usual quiet time for Christmas tho this year we have a Grand Daughter to consider so we should have a nice time. Lily has written a little note. Have a great Christmas and a safe New Year. Cheers Greg and Claire