Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Pre Prepared; I Was A Boy Scout Before They Went Off The Rails…Too Bad!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

First thing this morning, I heated the water in the tea kettle to the point of ebullition. We had our tea and checked our email. Looking at an email is like opening a box of chocolates—you never know what it will be!

The first email was not what we wanted to hear; it was a note from good ól SCE:

High winds and dangerous fire conditions are forecast from Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon. We may have to shut off your power to decrease the risk of destructive wildfires. Power restoration typically takes 8 hours and will start after the wind subsides. Delays may occur if daylight is required for safe inspections. We are working to reduce the number of customers whose power will be shut off and will keep you updated. For the latest updates, an outage map, and information about customer care services, click here.

I called upon my trusty son and asked if he could figure out what oil I needed for the generator. It is about ten years old, and I have lost the instructions! p I took some pictures and hope it helps

It has been a lifesaver!!

Something other than oil might work, a different solution!

We worked around the house most of the day and got ready to celebrate Amy’s SURPRISE birthday party in Whittier.

We all arrived at 6:00 p.m., and Amy was supposed to arrive at 6:30 p.m. Before she arrived, I ordered two wines to the bar (in front of the establishment). Just then, the door opened, and Amy stepped inside, amazed to find me there.

Instantly, I went into creative mode and told her we were having dinner with one of Mary’s old patients who lived in the area.  The owner/bartender knew what was happening and asked if Joe and Amy would like to join us; he offered a table for six.

I said, “Fine. Take Amy and Joe to the table, and I will follow with the wine.  ” He directed Joe and Amy to the back of the room and then opened the doors. The lights went on, and pandemonium broke out!

Charlie and his lady were the photographers.

Someone has a girlfriend.

Was she surprised; we are pretty sure she was!

Amy had friends from elementary school present for this event.

Amy was surprised

Amy visited with everyone, and Joe had the camera ready to go!

Ear-to-ear smile!

Everyone was excited to see her and giggled at being “over the hill.”  I tried to tell her there was NO SUCH THING!!!

Making the rounds.

We sat with Amy’s parents, whom we know well. We enjoyed their company and swapped travel stories all night long.

Visiting with Joe’s in-laws

The food was terrific.  My spaghetti and meatballs were the best I have had in years, and needless to say, Louigi, our Australia Shepard, will be dining on this for a couple of days!

Oh my, there was a lot of food!

Jow was Joe, an amazing “young” man we are proud of!!  He makes me smile whenever I hear him because he cares for others and knowledge of the world.

He was always happy, like his Dad.

One little girl was present, sharing her teddy bear with everyone like it was a hot new toy at a sleepover. She took a liking to Mary, duh! I mean, who wouldn’t? Mary was the only one not trying to turn the teddy into a wrestling opponent! Meanwhile, the bear probably thought, “I didn’t sign up for this! I just wanted a nap!”

Mary meets a new friend.

Joe and Amy are a cute couple, and we wish them another fifty years of birthday celebrations!!

Cute as a bug’s ear; that’s what Mom used to say!!

We headed home after 9:00 p.m. and crashed. The doggie smelled the spaghetti, so we had to add some to his dry food, which disappeared instantly.

About Paul

Just an old retired guy trying to finish out my last years on this planet. I lost my best friend and wife in early 2020. I was blessed again by reconnecting with Dr. Mary Côté, a long-time friend. Mary and I got married July 28th, 2021, and are enjoying life together and plan to spend the rest of our lives being a blessing to our friends and family.
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