My CR - NC Portal…..

As a way of catching up with Terry and her family, and most important, Dad, I always come and go from NC. Allegiant Air has ridiculously cheap flights to Fort Lauderdale, where I can get a 2 1/2 hour flight into San Jose in CR. I practically consider NC a fourth home, as I’m there quite often - and happen to love the area. If CR hadn’t become a big part of my life I probably would be spending much more time there. But…… First World problems! Ha!

We took Dad out most days, with several drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway where the mountains were cloaked in spectacular color. Robin joined us from Florida for several days, as well. During my stay I took on the “auntie” role of taking care of Terry’s 5 week old kittens that she had just adopted. What fun having these little black fur balls frolicking around underfoot, then climbing into your lap for a snuggle and a nap.

Burning fall leaves

My tiny roommates

Fall feeding time for the bees

We regularly dropped by the “church” to check on its progress - Ron’s landscaping, plumbers, and insulation were all happening that week. Things are moving rapidly now, and the last big hurdle is waiting for the well guys, who might take weeks to months. Again, Ron has worked his magic, transforming another uninhabitable, apparent “tear down” into a sweet, brand new home. He has definitely spruced up that neighborhood!

Construction Supervisors

As I packed my bags (again) I looked forward to finally getting home and settling in with Ray and “the girls” in Pavones. First on the agenda - beach walks.

Choo Choo!

 

 A Good Mom….

A contributing reason for our diminished reunion was Alex’s cancellation. He had to bail last minute because he was attacked one night in Ventura walking home from a brewery. This resulted in a number of frenzied, anxious phone calls as he spent a few days in the hospital to have the left side of his face put back together. A disturbing factor, in addition to the injuries sustained in the attack, was there was no room at the hospital because it was filled up with Covid patients! A sad commentary. 

Sam spent the first couple of weeks helping him to recuperate, then I flew out to CA for a week in mid-September to add some company and moral support. 

It turned out to be a very pleasant, mellow week. As I was staying with Alex in close quarters I tried to give him some space, going for long walks every day, often bringing my camera and binoculars. In the past when I have visited Alex, we have always left town for a road trip, so staying in town was a novelty for me.

Lots of fishing boats use the harbor

I spent early morning hours walking the beaches, which were enshrouded with fog hanging over the chilly, glassy ocean. Most beachgoers at that time were dog walkers and surfers  - and me. The room Alex stayed in was situated on the harbor so I spent many hours ogling the hundreds of sailboats, and the bands of sea lions that inhabited any empty dock. I could watch these gregarious, noisy, jostling creatures for hours. Inert and blob-like when dozing, when they slide into the water they transform into mammalian slinkies. We roamed around town, walked some beaches together, ate at a couple of nice restaurants, and even did his laundry one afternoon.  

Sidewalk chalk art

Ventura Pier

Looking back toward town

Ground squirrels under rocks everywhere

I was particularly impressed with the Sprinter van that Alex has converted into a very practical camper. We spent quite a few hours both exploring the area and hanging out in the van. Alex keeps his ebike tethered to the rear rack, for his everyday getting around town. And I now totally get why electric bikes are so popular. I rented an ebike one day in a beautiful small mountain town, Ojai, and we rode around the countryside. Not a big bike rider, it was really pleasant to get the added boost of speed, especially up the hills in 90 degree temperatures!

Sitting on the roof is a nice perspective

Beautiful Interior

Alex belays a friend up the rock

Alex doing what he likes best

Yours truly

Time Squeeze….

Returning to LI, with only a few weeks left, I tried to do as much sailing as possible, catching up with old friends, last minute repairs and maintenance to the RV, packing, organizing “stuff” for Costa Rica, and the almost traditional Pear Chutney Extravaganza. KB has a very productive pear tree that begs one to utilize as much fruit as possible. Chutney is the answer. Kathy and spent an entire day cutting, boiling and canning I believe somewhere near 30 jars of chutney that are shared with friends and family. Unfortunately, for me I can’t easily bring any to CR. 

A weakfish! Catch and Release

We did get in a couple of fishing trips

With the now familiar emotions of regret and sadness for leaving family and friends on LI, on October 13 I dropped Ray off at the airport, and drove to PA to meet a friend, Bonnie, and sister, Terry. We spent a day exploring the Scranton area, then headed south to Terry’s home in NC. 

All in a day's work

 The Abbreviated Family Reunion Continues……

Obviously last year was out for the becoming “Traditional Lankshear Reunion.” Between Covid travel restrictions and Ray’s brush with his maker, last year didn’t happen. This year, it almost didn’t either. Unsure of travel restrictions, the health of family members and everyone’s general unease of being around large groups, we finally decided to go for it, but on a very small scale. 

We chose a very small group of close friends, and actually due to health concerns not even the whole family was able to come. It was still good to catch up, and I think Dad, especially enjoyed it. There were some hikes, some bike rides, quite a few walks into town, and a sailboat ride, as well as plenty of eating and naps. We are always very grateful to Kathy, who is still willing to put up with us. In the back of my mind I feel it’s important to do this because there will be times in the future where it may not be able to happen. 

Plus, it was a good way to get rid of the compost, as well.  

 Cardboard Boat Races….

Not the "A" Team, but the "Bee" Team

The kids teams

The Bees catch up

A very creative friend, Ginger,  has been preparing for the annual cardboard boat race held at the mouth of the Peconic River. Her cohort in this duct tape rich endeavor is Darryle, who conveniently manages a hardware store, This year’s theme is “Let it Bee,” A cardboard “bee” boat, complete with stinger, which emerges from a paper mache “hive” complete with lots of hovering bees stuck to it. Meanwhile our “team” wore yellow “Let it Bee” T shirts to cheer them on. Extremely corny, but a lot of fun. Also a great way to get together with old friends. My contribution has been to help construct bees made of bunched together bubble wrap into a duct taped tube. One day’s work consisted of gluing googly eyes and infant socks over oval cardboard cutouts to resemble wings. Saturday, we tested out the creation. 

Members of the "hive"

The "Queen Bee" crowned by Roberta and Barb

PS. Our boat came in 4th of maybe 15 boats, but most importantly, Ginger received a prize for “most creative,” which to me is much more important. A celebration barbecue followed, caching up with members of our 20+ year old “Art group”. We began years ago by meeting every week for a communal dinner and working on art projects. Gradually, the projects diminished and it transformed into the “art of eating” group. We don’t get together very often now, but many strong friendships evolved, that still endure. Yet, another life perk!

Our own "Queen Bee Leader - Miss Ginger

More Life Lessons….

Three coincidences have occurred recently with some very good life lessons. I discovered a very good Netflix series on the human body, explaining different systems and how they work (or don’t). Their graphics are excellent and example stories are very interesting. The message they drive home is that we humans are made to move, and health and movement are closely related. The other two incidents are doctor related. 

Ray and I have been catching up on doctor visits since he returned. Yesterday, his cardiologist had three comments: one that Ray was extremely lucky, two, he needs to be very careful not to injure himself, and three, that his being in very good physical shape helped him survive, as well and recover. Today, we both had checkups with the family doctor, and she reiterated the same points. She added that every 90’s plus patient that’s still doing well was very athletic. I think Ray was quite pleased, and a bit relieved. 

So the message is unequivocally: KEEP MOVING!

Evolutionary Thoughts…

I think the C virus as truly the enemy of the human race, on a global level. If you look at the evolution of any species, be it human, animal, bacterial or viral - there is a constant struggle for the individual organism to stay alive, and continue the survival of its species. ie: the strongest survive. No different with bacteria and viruses, which happen to be often parasitic in nature. For a flea, mosquito, or Corona virus to make it they need a host. To be successful, the more “victims” they infect, the better they survive. This involves infecting large numbers of victims and out of those multitudes a few with successful characteristics make it to regenerate. 

This part needed a picture to break up my rambling

As an example: Having been a dog owner for over half a century (Wow!) I’ve witnessed many different chemicals come and go to combat fleas. Every few years a new and ‘improved” product is developed, because the few sturdy individuals that survived the onslaught of the previous chemical attempt to eradicate them resulted in a few “super fleas” that were resistant. These super individuals reproduced, and thus a new generation of stronger individuals survives to procreate….. So it is with life - and Covid!

I found this online from the VA.
It seems to cover most bases pretty well

So, I kinda get what is happening on a biological/evolutionary type of view of the Covid Pandemic. Think about history with cholera, malaria and all the communicable diseases that USED to be prevalent. And why not now?  Vaccines, along with new medications (which go hand in hand), and improved sanitation, are among the reasons we can prevent many deaths, improve health and longevity.