{"id":99807,"date":"2026-09-11T03:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T10:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/?p=99807"},"modified":"2026-09-12T19:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T02:59:09","slug":"oh-my-we-do-need-to-un-retire-so-we-can-rest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/?p=99807","title":{"rendered":"Oh My!  We Do Need To Un-Retire So We Can Rest!!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99808\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000.jpg 900w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000-100x100.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000-600x600.jpg 600w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Estimated reading time: 7 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a somber morning as we listened to several radio programs while traversing SoCal on our never-ending errands. We recalled where we were 25 years ago on this fateful day in history and thought about the crazy changes those crazy religious fanatics caused. I hope they are rotting in hell!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Errands, you say! Yes! The first stop was the<a href=\"https:\/\/elpachuco.com\/history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> El Pachuco Zoot Suit Shop in Fullerton<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Spanish, \u201cpachuco\u201d refers to a Mexican or Mexican-American youth subculture, especially from the 1930s\u20131940s, often associated with zoot suits, slang, and a distinctive rebellious style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on context, pachuco can mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A young Mexican\/Mexican-American man with flashy style, especially a zoot suit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Someone who speaks or uses Cal\u00f3, a Mexican-American slang<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sometimes, informally or negatively, a streetwise guy, troublemaker, or gang-associated youth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s strongly tied to Chicano history and culture, especially in places like Los Angeles and the U.S.\u2013Mexico border region.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1702\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99815\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-scaled.jpg 2560w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-99x66.jpg 99w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-767x510.jpg 767w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-599x398.jpg 599w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-000a-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I may go back and get four more colors!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We had an 11:00 am appointment and arrived early, so we did the proper thing: we went to the donut store down the block and celebrated with donuts and a drink! We awaited the owner&#8217;s arrival and read the signage around the building.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002-650x867.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99789\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002-650x867.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002-113x150.jpg 113w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002-768x1024.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002-100x133.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-002.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The signs tell of the Zoot Suits&#8217; long history!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once inside, the owners, along with help from Mary, transformed me from an old white guy into a Chicano in a matter of minutes. One look in the mirror, and I swear I could have been speaking Spanish right along with Vicky!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004-650x867.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99791\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004-650x867.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004-113x150.png 113w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004-768x1024.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004-100x133.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-004.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The coat fit perfectly, but alas, the trousers were about 18&#8243; too long!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Msry had a ball looking at the &#8220;add-ons,&#8221; including ties, hats, shoes, and chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"99793\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006-650x488.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99793\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006-650x488.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006-150x113.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006-768x576.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006-100x75.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-006.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"99792\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005-650x488.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99792\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005-650x488.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005-150x113.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005-768x576.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005-100x75.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-005.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I had everything I needed, and conveniently there was a tailor next door. The owner said, &#8220;Just go next door, and he will mark it up.&#8221; I started out the door when she yelled at me! &#8220;Gringo! There are laws in this city about indecent exposure!&#8221; I had no idea what she meant until she asked me to take my jeans with me, or otherwise I would be coming back in my undies, a sight no one driving a car should see! We all had a good laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After returning to the shop and getting dressed (i.e., putting on my shirt and shoes), I spotted another suit which may be more my style.  I may change my name to &#8220;Flame&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007-650x867.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99794\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007-650x867.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007-113x150.jpg 113w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007-768x1024.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007-100x133.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-007.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I could be a Mexican Foreman in this outfit!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The owners were both there and very helpful in guiding Mary in picking out ties, chains, suspenders, switchblades, etc. We walked out of the establishment with bags of goodies. Mary has been wanting me to do this for three years, and I finally succumbed!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008-650x867.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99795\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008-650x867.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008-113x150.png 113w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008-768x1024.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008-100x133.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-008.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OK, now we head south with a quick stop at the house or apartment at 1:00 in Baja California, near a place Mary wanted to visit, sometimes called Irvine. That appointment was fairly quick, and we realized we had time to spare, but NOT for long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary has been wanting to stop at a specific jewelry store in Huntington Beach, so off we went in a cloud of dust! Mary did her business, and then we headed home for a few minutes before going to dinner at Dru&#8217;s lovely home. We stopped at Ralph&#8217;s and got some fresh flowers, and I added some champagne and some two-buck-chuck, now known as four-buck-chuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we saw Dru on Thursday night, we mentioned that my longtime friend and golf buddy, James, would be joining us with Carol. I was looking forward to seeing him again and getting the latest scoop on him and Miss Carol! 5:10 pm, it was off to Dru&#8217;s home, just up the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Mary and Paul arrived at Dru\u2019s house for what she called \u201cserious Southern cooking,\u201d they found her friend Harry guarding the stove like a tiny sheriff. James and Carol were already at the table, fanning themselves with napkins and whispering prayers over the smells.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1325\" height=\"1187\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99831\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a.png 1325w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a-150x134.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a-99x89.png 99w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a-599x537.png 599w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011a-768x688.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1325px) 100vw, 1325px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When Dru said, &#8220;Come and get it,&#8221; we did not know we had to chase dinner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We learned how to love Opossum Grits!  We also found out the Okra was fresh as Dru shot them this morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Dru carried out the pork chop. It was not a pork chop so much as a delicious doorstop. Paul stared at it and said, \u201cWas the pig named Big Tex?\u201d Mary claimed it had its own zip code. Harry tried to measure it with a ruler, gave up, and suggested a yardstick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fried okra came next, golden and crackly and piled so high it looked like a vegetable avalanche. Carol took one bite and announced she had heard angels wearing cowboy boots. James said he would marry the okra if Carol didn\u2019t object. Carol said she might object, but only because she wanted custody.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1339\" height=\"1174\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99846\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010.png 1339w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-150x132.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-768x673.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-600x526.png 600w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-99x87.png 99w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1339px) 100vw, 1339px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We had to change clothes as we thought it was informal!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the wine flowed politely at first, then enthusiastically. Soon everyone was laughing too loudly, passing plates and posing for ChatGPT images. They asked for Paul as a Southern senator, Mary riding a giant okra, Dru as Queen of Gravy, Harry as a biscuit cowboy, and James and Carol wrestling the pork chop in formalwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By dessert, everyone was stuffed, silly, and slightly glazed. Dru raised her glass and declared, \u201cThat\u2019s how we cook down here.\u201d Paul nodded, patted the chop, and said, \u201cGood meal. Great architecture.\u201d Mary laughed so hard she nearly snorted okra into her wine glass.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"681\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009-650x681.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99796\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009-650x681.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009-143x150.png 143w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009-768x805.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009-100x105.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-009.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James is a handsome devil!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said he was framed!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1225\" height=\"1284\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-15b.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99855\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-15b.png 1225w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-15b-143x150.png 143w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-15b-767x804.png 767w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-15b-99x104.png 99w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1225px) 100vw, 1225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of being framed!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1305\" height=\"1206\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99858\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a.png 1305w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a-150x139.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a-100x92.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a-599x554.png 599w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017a-767x709.png 767w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1305px) 100vw, 1305px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James (Jim) and Carole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all jabbered for a while before dinner was served. Harry joined us, making our dinner a party of six! Any and every topic under the sun was dealt with in a professional, although slightly inebriated, fashion thanks to Dru&#8217;s bottomless wine cabinet!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"571\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-650x571.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99797\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-650x571.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-150x132.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-768x674.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010-100x88.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-010.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We were ready for a real Southern dinner!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dru is known for being an excellent cook, and it&#8217;s amazing how she stays so slim! She brought our fried okra as a starter, followed by a pork chop the size of Detroit, along with green beans and potatoes! Wow, after a few bites, I was speaking Spanish with a Southern accent.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"582\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011-650x582.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99799\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011-650x582.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011-150x134.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011-768x688.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011-100x90.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-011.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The chef is in the house.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We talked about the military, as both James and Harry served (Mary was in the kitchen helping Dru). James was a radio man, and to this day he can effortlessly play AM, FM, and FM stereo using both the tuning and volume controls. Harry was a grunt with great stories!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"550\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012-650x550.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99800\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012-650x550.jpg 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012-150x127.jpg 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012-768x649.jpg 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012-100x85.jpg 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-012.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fact checking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">James and I caught up on all the latest Old Ranch gossip! Who is still there, who has moved on, etc. We talked about our mutual girlfriend, Charlotte.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1086\" height=\"1448\" src=\"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-015-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99848\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-015-1.png 1086w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-015-1-112x150.png 112w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-015-1-100x133.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-015-1-768x1024.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1086px) 100vw, 1086px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Harry was a hoot!!  But something seems fishy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We shared stories of growing up, and James told the best one, especially about riding the freight trains up and down the line and getting caught by the Railway Cops!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016-650x867.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99804\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016-650x867.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016-113x150.png 113w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016-768x1024.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016-100x133.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-016.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NO more riding the trains, James!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caroll and James are getting along well and, in fact, are going to join us at the Elks Halloween Party on October 31st. James could be a golfer, a Beast, or a jailbird since he already has the costumes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"601\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017-650x601.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99805\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017-650x601.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017-150x139.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017-768x710.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017-100x92.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-017.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carol can go as Belle!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"601\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018-650x601.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99806\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018-650x601.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018-150x139.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018-768x710.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018-100x92.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-018.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yep!  Beauty and the Beast!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carole told James that if he didn&#8217;t go, she would have a bone to pick with him! We were NOT sure what that meant, but after careful reflection, James better go!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"599\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014-650x599.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99802\" srcset=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014-650x599.png 650w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014-150x138.png 150w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014-768x708.png 768w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014-100x92.png 100w, http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-09-11-014.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We had a fantastic time and left with several \u201caction items,\u201d which is corporate-speak for \u201cthings we\u2019ll remember right before they\u2019re due.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then we departed for home, a grueling six-minute journey that tested our endurance, navigation skills, and ability to stay awake after amazing food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once home, we promptly collapsed like overfed royalty, because tomorrow we\u2019re back on the move again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hot-random-image\" style=\"width:100%; height:auto;\" src=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/wp-content\/dailydiary\/uploads\/goodnight\/wp-good-night-270.jpg\" alt=\" Good Night\" \/><\/figure><\/p>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It was a somber morning as we listened to several radio programs while traversing SoCal on our never-ending errands. We recalled where we were 25 years ago on this fateful day in history and thought about the crazy changes those &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/?p=99807\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-99807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-friends"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=99807"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99861,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99807\/revisions\/99861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=99807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=99807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=99807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}