On Getting Old -- 48

Mom went into St. Matthew’s Center for Care a few months ago. Prior to her move, the family downsized her belongings from a one bedroom apartment at the Heritage to a studio apartment. Now we were faced with another downsizing. Literally all her belongings had to be disposed.

For a couple of months Rosemary and I lived with all her things in our family room and garage. A woman’s history of nearly 80 years was strewn throughout our house. We rummaged through photographs and clothes, pots and pans, bric-a-brac and jewelry. What a sad series of events.

A decision to conduct a garage sale was made, and we began to sort, label and tag items. Knowing Mom was at the nursing facility made the task all the more difficult.

The eventful day came. All the things were lined up in the garage and driveway. People arrived early and began to sort through everything. My heart twisted as I watched these strangers pawing over my Mother’s stuff, even though I knew we had to do what we did.

Of course, those people who bought and sold items were the first to arrive. But throughout the two days we witnessed people in need pick out those items too expensive for them to buy in the big box stores. And so it went.

Where is today’s candy going to come from, I wondered.

During the lulls we met with people who had stories to tell. The elderly, Polish man sat and talked about his captivity in a POW camp during WWII. He fought with a resistance unit in Poland before his capture. A man hobbled along the tables and then discussed his heart surgery and knee replacement with us. A young lady with her mother was off to college in New York and needed things for her apartment. A retired gentleman who scoured neighborhood sales for old time radios and cameras for his hobby.

So it went from story to story. By the end of the weekend I felt much happier knowing that many of Mom’s things helped people less fortunate than we. At the same time I was able to amass some monies to help defray a little of Mom’s expenses.

I discovered my candy time and again over the course of those two days.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 47

During dinner with our friends, Barb and Norb, we were asked to stop at their home during the coming week. Norb is a sculptor who works predominately in wood. He is fantastic. [I don’t really tell him that. It goes to his head, and I’m sure you will keep my little secret.] His home and the outside of his home is strewn with carvings, many of which are gargoyle-type works – both large and small. The place is a fantasy world of carvings.

A week ago Tuesday Rosemary and I paid a visit to our friends. Norb ushered us to his basement lair. He told us to look around. We were invited to take any of his works on display. We couldn’t believe our ears. When it came to his carvings, they were all his babies.

Rosemary and I were like kids in a candy store. Norb went upstairs and left us to our choosing. We selected a whimsical little bird, two busts of some Western dudes, an old man with a club, and a one legged monster with one eye and arm.

Norb informed us that the one legged monster is a fachan – a mythical creature from the Western highlands of Scotland. This fairie has a nasty disposition who is very jealous of the gift of flight and hates all other living things. I guess if you have only one eye, one arm and one leg, you'd be nasty too. This carving has taken a place of prominence among my collections.

In discussing Norb’s generosity he informed us that since he was going into the hospital this coming week for open heart surgery, he wanted to find good homes for his babies in case anything went wrong.

We tried to assure him that his type of surgery is commonplace today. Furthermore, the world is not yet ready to let go of such a kind and loving person as he.

Rosemary and I were honored to be the adoptive parents of Norb’s babies. What a wonderful piece of candy from a wonderful friend.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 46

Our adventure today takes us to uptown Chicago. Rosemary and I boarded the bus behind the Penny’s Department store in Golf Mill. Sponsored by the Maine Township we join the other seniors of the Maine Streamers at 10:30 AM for the first leg of our journey – lunch at the Ann Sather restaurant, famous for their gooey Cinnamon buns and their entrée of Swedish meatballs.

Traffic into the city is horrendous. Road work all around slows us interminably. But a phone call [Thank heaven for cell phones. However did we manage when we had to use the smoke signals called party lines?] from our leader assured us prompt attention from the waiter staff after we arrived.

We sat down and were joined by two nice lady Maine Streamers. Our order was taken immediately giving us time to savor the Cinnamon buns shouting at us from the bread basket. A lunch of Swedish meatballs for Rosemary and turkey for me [I can never get enough turkey – my favorite food.] was placed before us post-haste.

The meal exceeded expectations -- flavorful and plenty. The huge meatballs served over a bed of noodles were made with some special seasoning. The turkey, moist and juicy, was [I never tasted turkey I didn’t like] served with dressing alongside smashed potatoes, and all slathered in gravy.

The proficient service put us back on schedule for the next leg of the journey – the Apollo Theatre and “The Million Dollar Quartet”. The tiny theatre provided unobstructed viewing from anywhere in the facility.

We knew we were in for a rousing afternoon when the disembodied voice from the loud speaker ended its pre-performance announcements regarding cell phones, picture taking, etc. with …if you want to unwrap your candy during the show, don’t worry. It won’t be heard over the music.

The play opened with four young men at microphones and backlit, while the narrator, Sam Phillips [played by Brian McCaskill, told the back story and introduced the cast – Carl Perkins[Rob Lyons], Johnny Cash[Lance Guest], Jerry Lee Lewis[Levi Kreis], and Elvis Presley[Eddie Clendening].

The story takes place one afternoon at the Sun Record studio in Memphis in 1956. This day most unexpectedly the four stars, the innovators of Rock and Roll, met at the studio for an impromptu jam session.

The music [the music our group grew up with] was loud, exciting and memorable. The show opened with “Blue Suede Shoes”. We heard “That’s All Right” and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” and “Sixteen Tons” and “Great Balls of Fire” and on and on.

The four actors were exceedingly talented. The energetic piano playing of Jerry Lee, the fierce guitar playing of Carl Perkins, the dulcet tones of Johnny Cash, and the leg shaking antics of Elvis got the audience cheering and applauding all afternoon.

To say the least we were all transported back to a most lively time in our life, when the aches and pains of aging did not exist.

Once again eating played a prominent role in the daily candy. Once again the candy was multi-layered – food, pleasant conversation, and a trip down memory lane.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 45

A few weeks ago Rosemary instructed me to install a new humming bird feeder in our backyard. Although a little dubious about this adventure I followed her directions. The feeder was placed outside our kitchen window.

Rosemary, ever confident of the attraction of the birds to our feeder, thought she saw a humming bird a week ago at the feeder. She hurried out to replace the sugar water with the hopes of seeing the little beauty again – if in fact she saw it the first time.

A little skeptical of her sighting, I humored her. Then one morning while having breakfast, she shouted out, “Look! He’s back.”

Sure enough the tiny bugger was flitting around our feeder. What a feeling of joy and elation that bird brought to our morning meal. Unfortunately we have yet to see him again, but I shall never doubt my wife’s claims again.

A googling informed us that most likely our visitor was a Ruby throated humming bird.

One of God’s unique creatures provided me with a most pleasurable piece of candy today.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 44

Some days the path of life is strewn with boulders. After completing my workout – usually do about two miles on the cross trainer and some weight training – I came home to bad news. Rosemary told me that Dennis a friend from high school called about the passing of one of the guys we went to school with.

I called Dennis immediately. He told me that a fellow basketball player, Phil Skilnik, from Gordon Tech. passed away.

About a year ago I met up with Phil at a GT outing at Arlington Park. Before that day I’d not seen Phil in almost fifty years. We chatted about old times. Phil was such a nice guy.

Phil became the president of Gordon Tech. H.S. and had great plans for the future of the school. He wanted to get the alumni more involved. I spoke with Phil a few weeks ago at the annual GT golf outing. He looked terrific.

All the more reason I was so floored when I heard of his demise. Phil came down to breakfast on Friday morning complaining that he wasn’t feeling well. A little while later he dropped dead of a heart attack. Phil was 69 years old.

Rosemary and I paid our respects at his wake and returned home. While reading my emails I discovered my cousin, Bob, was diagnosed with lung cancer. He is just a few months older than I. Another shock for the day.

The day’s events made me think more about the fate we all must face. Our mortality comes to the forefront of our mind. These occurrences do not make finding the daily candy easy.

The candy today comes from the past – from the memories of the good times we shared with our fellow travelers through life – the sight of Phil soaring high to gather a rebound in a basketball game; the day I stood alongside my cousin Bob when he was married.

Today’s candy is not so sweet.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 43

Saturday presented itself as a most busy day. Early in the afternoon our radio group, TWTD Players, performed a radio recreation at Addolorata Villa, a nursing home in Wheeling.

We performed an episode of Henry Aldrich. For you youngsters this show was about the adventures of a teenager. The opening was clearly recognized. Henry’s mother would call out: “Henrry, Henry Aldrich!” And Henry would yell back, “Coming, Mother.” In the old days we kids would gather around the radio when we heard that announcement.

Next we performed a show called “It Pays to be Ignorant”. This program concerned itself with the goings on of three panelists, one dumber than the other. In the picture are shown Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnel, and Shelton Leonard. The program was hosted by Tom Howard. Audience participants would reach into a dunce hat and read the question, such as “In what season of the year do Autumn leaves fall?”

The panelists would take off into different directions. The show would be full of corny gags, jokes and puns.

Harry: Where do the leaves fall from?
Tom: From trees.
Shelton: What trees?
Tom: Any tree.
Harry: I don’t have any leaves on my shoe trees, Mr. Howard.
Lulu: What are shoe trees, Mr. Howard?
Tom: They’re something you put in shoes to keep them from losing their shape.
Lulu: You mean if I put them on I wouldn’t lose my shape?
Tom: You mean you really want to keep that shape?

They loved us at the nursing home. Of course it is one of the places were we would be considered the youngsters. Anyway, we gave them a little something to laugh and smile about.

After the show we adjourned to our friend’s house for our annual picnic. We discussed the performance along with anything else. The food was plentiful and delicious. Pulled pork sandwiches and roasted chicken. Homemade pork and beans and roasted potatoes accompanied the entrées. What a meal! All topped off with cake, cookies and brownies with ice cream,

Not much difficulty in locating today’s candy. We brought some joy to the lives of others; we filled our inner cravings f0r a touch of the spotlight; we spent a pleasant afternoon talking with friends and eating.

Seems a pattern is developing. So much of my daily candy involves food. Guess there’s nothing wrong with that.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 42

After lunch Rosemary accompanied me to LifeSource, the local blood donation center. I usually donate two or three times a year. Last May we went to Peru, and as a result I wasn’t able to donate for a year. Finally, today is the day.

A young Indian nurse took all my vitals and ushered me to a lounger in the lab. After swabbing my arm with iodine, she carefully and gently inserted the needle. She was a pro at this maneuver. I pumped the small, foam rubber ball periodically to keep the blood flowing.

I closed my eyes for a short nap – my usual MO. Today I completed the task in less than ten minutes. Oh, well, I’ll have to nap later.

I rested, drank some juice, and ate popcorn. Rosemary was kind enough to drive.

She said we should visit Mom at the nursing home, and then she would take me to dinner at a new restaurant in the city. Mom was in good spirits. We sat in the garden and chatted. Soon Mom got tired. Since it was near her dinner time, we helped her lie down for a little rest before she ate.

We headed for a Lebanese restaurant on Peterson Avenue in the city. Byblos offered Mediterranean cuisine and we both looked forward to the experience.

The establishment is set up banquet style with a small stage area for entertainment. Since we arrived quite early, the place was empty, and we were the only diners.

Joe sat us at a round, copper table [it looked like a big cymbal] in the front window. Rosemary ordered Shawarma – layers of lamb and beef served over rice with tomatoes and onion. I ordered a lentil soup [I love any soup] and a Vegetarian Combo – a sampling of hummus, baba ghannouj, tabouleh, dolma, spinach, and falafel.

We shared our meals to taste everything. And everything was superb. We scooped up the servings with pieces of pita. The hummus and baba ghannoul tasted cool and refreshing on the palate with the hint of chick peas and egg plant in the after taste. The beef and lamb was richly seasoned with hints of curry. I washed down the meal with an oolong tea.

No need for dessert today for I had my daily candies -- the feel-good experience of providing blood for one in need and the delicious experience of a new restaurant.

Can’t get much better!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 41

In the spring I turned the soil of our vegetable garden and planted tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Over the weeks the garden was weeded [I must say usually by Rosemary] and watered and fertilized and staked.

We watched the small plants reach toward the sun. Our nurturing produced healthy, full leafed vines and plants. [Except for one pepper plant that refused to cooperate and died on the vine so to say.]

The tiny golden flowers developed into tiny buds which then turned into small green tomatoes. This fruit grew and ripened until today. A bright red hearty tomato graced the stem of one of the plants. And today we picked the first tomato of the season from our garden.

The prize, cradled gently in my cupped hands, was brought to the kitchen. Without a lot of fanfare the colorful fruit was halved then quartered.

In anticipation the piece was lifted to my mouth. Ahh! Nothing like a home grown tomato.

The sweet juice rolled over the tongue and coated the nearly 10,000 taste detectors in my mouth with a fresh sweetness. Although the weakest of the five senses, my mouth reached a state of hypergensia – an enhanced ability to taste. The fluids excited the taste buds at the upper esophagus and found its way to the stomach.

Who would have thought that a small piece of vegetable could make the daily candy so sweet?

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 40

Rosemary and I went off to a lunch at the Botanic Garden. After a half hour drive to Glencoe we parked in one of the outer lots. With the weather so beautiful the Garden was pretty well attended.
Merrill Lynch hosted the affair. Lunch was at the Regenstein Center. A simple but tasty lunch was served. Two other couples dined with us. Afterward everyone boarded a tram for a tour around the Garden. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and kept us amused for the hour long tour.

The grounds are immaculate. We viewed the Japanese gardens, Evening Island with the Carillon Tower. We learned how the Gardens developed into the sprawling acreage of today.

The Garden is open year round with something always happening. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon – pleasant surroundings, a delightful meal, good conversation, and my loving wife, Rosemary, by my side.

Ah, such sweet candy!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 37

I received a call from the St. Matthew’s nursing home this evening. The nurse found Mom on the floor. She fell trying to put on her shoes. Apparently there was nothing evidently wrong with her. A slight bump on the fore head, and Mom complained of her sore shoulder.

The nurse assured me it was not necessary to come to the home. They would watch her closely for the next 72 hours.

Being a little shook up, Rosemary and I decide to go to the Pickwick, the neighborhood diner, for a little something to eat and talk about Mom.

After dinner we went home, and the telephone message machine blinked red. Oh, no, I thought. Something happened to Mom.

I clicked the play button. A tiny voice peeled from the machine. “Hi, Grandpa. This message is for you. Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy. Boing. Hi, ya kids. Hi, ya. Hi, ya.”

“Rosemary,” I called. “You have to hear this!” We both were delighted to hear Calvin’s voice. I think I buoyed up to the ceiling.

I immediately called back. Calvin picked up the receiver and repeated the message. I told him how happy I was to hear from him and that he remembered the opening to Smilin’ Ed’s program.

Let me tell you – from a day where I didn’t think I could find any candy – that phone call made me thank God that I was alive. You never know where your candy will come from. Just keep looking.


Ciao

On Getting Old -- 38

It’s Friday night and the concert in the park is the Brian Patti Big Band: A tribute to Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, on the 100th Anniversary of his birth.

On the way to Hodges Park we stopped for a large [or should I say vente coffee at Starbucks – I will never understand why small, medium, or large is not descriptive enough. Signs of the times?].

Our canvas chairs are unfurled next our friends Mike, Mary, and Nora. The night is perfect – just cool enough to keep the mosquitoes away. The street is cordoned off, and the kids are tossing around Frisbees and red and green neon colored hoops. From the speakers pour “Sing, Sing, Sing”.

Over the strains of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” the conversation with our friends is enjoyable. During the evening we listen to “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and “One O’clock Jump”.

I close my eyes and “Beyond the Seas” takes me back to a simpler, gentler time. Ah, that was music.

The evening ends with the playing of “God Bless America”.

What could be more comforting – beautiful weather, conversation with friends, being surrounded by hundreds of neighbors, children playing, all capped by memory-evoking music of Benny Goodman?



How sweet the candy, candy and more candy!



Ciao

On Getting Old -- 39

A friend, Danon, sent me an email the other day about an actor’s workshop being held in Evanston. Danon directed the last play that Rosemary and I appeared in. She thought we might be interested in this endeavor.

So Saturday afternoon Rosemary and I sauntered over to the Enigma Café in Evanston. We had no idea what we were getting into.

Mike Braydndick and his wife greeted us. Being a bit early Mike explained what he intended to do. To assess our abilities he had us cold read a section of a play he was writing. I guess he liked what he heard for he warmly welcomed us to the group.

We met Andy and Ben, a couple of talented young actors in the Chicago area. [Of course everyone we meet these days is young.] Later Danon and Gayle joined the group. After everyone gathered, Mike proposed a situation and assigned each of us a role. We spent the rest of the afternoon doing improv.

Mike’s intention is to form an ensemble where actors develop characters in a given situation. He will write a play generated from the ideas developed during the improv.

The play will then be presented at some location. He hopes to extend the development to radio plays.

How’s this day's candy? Not only did we meet a new group of friends, we get to do some acting and character development.



Ciao

On Getting Old -- 36

Friday night was date night. Rosemary won some free passes to the Pickwick Theatre, the local movie house, and she opted to take me. What a gal! The movie showing was “Julie & Julia”.

The movie follows for one year the life of Julie Powell [played by Amy Adams] who is having a rough time completing projects. Knowing she loves to cook, her husband, Eric [played by Chris Messina] talks her into writing a blog about cooking.

Julie, who follows religiously Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, opts to complete all the recipes in the cookbook within the year and keep the blog going.

Juxtaposed with Julie’s life is Julia Child’s [played by Meryl Streep] life as she learns to cook and write her book. Stanley Tucci [who plays Paul Child] does an excellent job as Julia’s husband. The acting of these two was superb. They complemented each other masterfully. The love between this couple flowed from the screen.

The tenacity and drive of the two women made one want to tackle any task facing them. The movie was delicious, heart-warming, inspiring, and a feel-good one.

I have to rate it with five, yes five, pieces of my daily candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 35

They say parting is sweet sorrow. How true. Our son left for home a couple of days ago. Today our daughter, Yvonne, returned from Michigan with Cal and Emm. They will be leaving for Phoenix tomorrow. We spend the day playing in the backyard – hitting baseballs and catching bugs.

At lunch I tell the boys about some of the radio programs I used to listen to when I was a kid. Don’t know if the concept really struck home with them. They would get a kick out of the opening to Smilin’ Ed’s Show. He would say, “Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy.” SFX: Boing. Then Froggy would appear and say, “Hi ya, kids. Hi, ya. Hi, ya. Hi, ya.”
The boys would roar and say, “Do it again, Grandpa.” And so it would go. The smiles on their faces were better than the memories of the old days listening to the radio.

On our trip to the airport Calvin spotted a playground. “Can we stop, Grandpa? I need to play some more.” How difficult it is to say no.

At the airport we were hugged and kissed. I waved goodbye as they walked off, a tear stinging my eye.

Today’s candy is all too bittersweet.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 34

This night we decided to go to the Greek Fest at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles. Our friend, Pat, Louann, and Jim, met at our home for the short drive to the church. The evening is a bit chilly, but the thought of the Greek food is warming.

An entrance fee of $2.00, $1.00 for seniors – at least getting old has some benefits – is charged. As we pass through the gate, we are handed a tiny cup of mavrodaphne, a sweet, red dessert wine. A great way to get everyone in the mood for the Greek experience awaiting us.

After a brief tour of the church, we followed the path to the back. As we turned the corner we are blessed with the sight of numerous booths and the heavenly smells of roasting lamb. Fortunately the line to the food tent is not too long.

Entering the tent we are bathed in the scents of roasted souvlaki, Athenian chicken and Bacalao “Plaki” (cod fish). Aluminum trays brimming with moussaka, pastitsio, dalmathes, and spanakopita line the table. Alas, so many decisions to be made.

After a brief discussion with Rosemary, a decision is made regarding the food. We’re going to share entries to get the most of our dining experience. Rosemary orders the pastitsio and I the moussaka. A half order of dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) and an order of spanakopita complete our menu for the evening.

We wend our way through the growing throngs of people to a table near the bandstand. Our friends follow us with Jim bringing up the rear, a bottle of Retsina in hand. After we find a table, Jim hurries back to the tent where they are roasting the lamb and returns with a plateful.

Our feasting begins. Let me tell you that I have never tasted better moussaka and pastitsio – except for that served by our daughter, Yvonne. I’m not much for lamb, but the lamb we ate that night was extraordinary. I had two helpings. All this food was washed down with Retsina. I cannot believe how much I ate.

After dinner the “Olympian Dancers” graced the stage. The women were dressed in traditional regional (Cretan and Metaxades) attire and the men in the white and black military (Foustanella) tunics. They performed various folk dances and concluded with the men doing the Zorba dance. Fantastic!

Jim said we could not leave before we tried some loukoumathes. I didn’t know where in my stomach I could put anymore food. This dessert – hot, deep-fried puffs slathered in honey and cinnamon – melted in your mouth. I couldn’t stop eating them.

A short ride back to our home for coffee and discussion of the events of the evening rounded off a perfect evening with friends.

My candy for the day – ah so wonderful.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 33

Today is the last day before our Arizona family leaves for Michigan. What activity does Grandma have lined up for us today? She has been talking to our next door neighbor, and it looks like the Pirates Cove in Elk Grove Village is our next destination. We never heard of the place. Of course not having little ones around the house, we wouldn’t be tuned into such places.

A thirty minute drive and we’re at the entrance. Adults are free, but the children have to pay a fee, a nice switch for a change.

Pirates Cove is an ideal site for little kids. The boys don’t know where to turn to first. There’s a carousel, and slides of all kind. There are trains that will chug you around the park, and there are trains you can crank yourself around the track. How about climbing a rope ladder or scaling a wall. It’s all here and more.

The hot dog stand is calling us. So a brief respite for some nourishment including a Popsicle, and we’re off again.

I tell myself this daily candy sure makes the trek to old age a lot more palatable.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 32

I wonder who has been having more fun – Calvin and Emmett or Grandma and Grandpa. Today Rosemary scheduled a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. Too easily we forget the many places equally entertaining for youngsters and oldsters alike to go in this wonderful city of Chicago.

It has been years since we have been to the Museum, and what more enjoyment than to rekindle the experience with our grandsons.

We arrived at the Museum just about noon and had to fill the tiny tummies before we could begin the adventure. Our little Emmett is an eating machine -- chicken nuggets, fries, fruit and an apple juice to wash it all down. After fortifying ourselves with food we began to walk.

First stop was the farm section. The boys climbed on the tractor and combine. They climbed on the cow and pushed all the buttons they could reach. We watched baby chicks hatch from their shells.

Next came the Idea Factory – an area designed specifically for little kids. Here they shot water cannons, lifted blocks with a small crane, raced cars down an incline, and on and on.

From old time street cars to jet airplanes the boys took it all in.

This path to 70 is lined with delicious candy. Another day with innumerable pieces, too many to count, and we owe it all to two little tykes.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 31

Mom had not seen her great-grandsons in over a year. She told me that she has been lonely of late. She doesn’t remember things as well as she has. I’ve reminded her during every one of my visits that her Calvin and Emmett were coming to visit. I don’t know how well she remembered.

This morning we all went to St. Matthew’s to visit with Mom. The children walked down the corridor and waved or shouted hello to all the people they passed by. We entered Mom’s room and Calvin and Emmett shouted “Hello, GG.”

Mom came alive as the boys ran up to her and gave her big hugs. We all went into the garden – four generations of us – Mom; Rosemary and I; our sons and daughter, Walt, Chris and Yvonne; and the great-grandsons, Calvin and Emmett.

Mom could not get enough of the boys. We made her day.
‘Cal’ and ‘Emm’ were typical boys running all around -- watching the birds in the aviary, playing Foos Ball in the rec room and bringing joy to all the people at the nursing home.

I could not count all the candy I received today. The happiness spread through all. The only sadness came when we had to leave. The elation drained from Mom’s face. At least she had an hour or two of joy. I hope the images stayed with her. They certainly live with me.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 30

Our adventures begin. No time to think about the path to 70 with two active grandsons around. Today we went downtown. The kids loved Millennium Park. They were thrilled with Cloud Gate, the ‘Bean’, and romped through the water at Crown Fountain.

Such was the candy for this day. Every where I turned another piece popped up -- their distorted reflections in the surface of the ‘Bean’, their romp through the fountain waters, their excitement about climbing atop the bull sculpture in front of the Cultural Center. How lucky can a grandfather be? No time for reflecting on getting old.

Ciao