It's My Life ...& Welcome To It.: June 2008

Jun 9, 2008

We're on a road trip again. Yes I know, it's hard to believe what with gas prices being as high as they are. But, not to worry -- smart me ... I took out an equity loan to pay for the gas. That way it doesn't hurt as much.

We headed south, down the NJ Turnpike on this, the first day of Global Warming ... temperatures were hovering in the mid 90's and the highway seemed devoid of its usual congestion as if to underscore the effect that the rushing rise in gasoline prices is having on Americans. (it broke the average price of $4/gallon today). The New York Times wrote yesterday, that some Americans, particularly low-income rural folk, are paying as much as 16% of their incomes for gas! Where or how this will end is hard to figure out. But for me the current situation is no big surprise after eight years of a President and administration that were baptised, raised, bathed and nurtured in and by big OIL. (You did know that Condoleeza Rice had a Chevron oil tanker named after her, right? Beftore entering government service she worked for that oil company).

(Click on the map for a larger image). NY Times graph showing how much people are paying as a percentage of their incomes in various parts of the country.

Pardon me for digressing. Where was I? Yes, we're on a road trip -- on our way to visit our grandson, Ethan, and his parents. Now that they've moved from two-and-a-half-hours-away Connecticut to eight-hours-away Virginia, we don't get to see our grandson, daughter and son-in-law as often as we want. This is our first trip to their new house in Norfolk.

But first a stop in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac from Washington, for a visit with friends Ellen and Brian as well as a celebration of my cousin Dottie's 90th birthday. Dottie is my dad's first cousin - her mother and Ben's mother were sisters. Dottie and her brother, Maxie, were closest of friends with my father as they grew up together in what was a very close-knit family. My dad's gone. And Maxie died many years ago. Stacey and I became close to Dottie as my parents were declining. We kept that new-found relationship going after they died. And that kinship has put me in touch with a part of my family with which I had no previous contact. From Dottie I've gotten to meet new cousins in California (Maxie's daughters and former wife are out there) and a new cousin in Virginia (Kathy, Dottie's daugher) and her family. Like they say: Tengo familia! (I have family!)

Yesterday we celebrated Dottie's birthday at Judith's house. Judith is a friend of Dottie's daugher, Kathy. Surrounded by family and friends, it was a lovely and loving afternoon of good food and good people.

Waiting for Dottie to arrive - Brian and Ellen (close to camera), Judith (our hostess) and Mike.

Arthur and Harriet came in from Brooklyn also and we discovered that we had many friends in common, going all the way back to college!

Ah! The guest of honor.

Work was continuing in the kitchen with (l-r) Suri (Dottie's granddaughter), Kathy and Stacey.

Dottie arrived and was surrounded by her loved ones and ones who loved her. She is a remarkable woman who doesn't look anywhere near her age. I believe it's her ebullient demeanor and positive outlook that has kept her so young. Ever the optimist, she radiates cheerfulness and it's rare to find a frown on her face or a complaint on her tongue. That, despite a few infirmities and not a few personal tragedies. Because of Dottie's uplifting spirit, you couldn't help but see the admiration for her on the faces of her friends and family who had gathered to celebrate her birthday on this day.

Dottie, surrounded by people who love her.

Kathy has a lovely family and a nice circle of friends in Arlington who we've met on a few occasions over the last few years. Neighbors, old friends, family - it's always a gratifying and fun time at these events. Judith, our hostess, is a devoted peace activist and her house showed evidence of that. There was a feeling of warmth in the air and it wasn't only from the blistering 100 degree temperature outside.

Judith's house is bedecked with souveneirs of the peace movement and I felt right at home.

Marlene, Dottie's cousin, and Stacey - in the kitchen.

Two beautiful women - Dottie and Kathy's neighbor, Faith.

Capping off the afternooon was some great singing and picking by Ric (Kathy's husband) and his friends, Kim (pictured here) and Lynn.

Here's the whole bunch of us. Even your Blogger got into the shot, thanks to Ellen who took this picture.

And here's the family shot.

The afternoon slipped away. Finally the cake came out - Stacey had made one of her famous chocolate cakes and decorated it beautifully. (People ate it 'beautifully' also). It was a great day for a great lady. Happy, happy birthday Dottie!