Holiday Greetings 2013 part two

PART II

Akara by bus

  

Flew to ISTANBUL, just two hours away,
And then flew to IZMIR where we planned to stay.         
Lots of "Polis", hanging out, drinking tea.                             
Ready for revolution, didn’t seem like to me.
Walked to the harbor.  Then in the heat,
Archaeological, Ethnographic - both a treat.
The bazaar known in Turkish as “kemeralti”
tons of people shopping; then immersed were we.
Saw the Agora across the street,
Dawdling for the moment was the reason to meet
an old toothless fellow approached and asked me
if Spanish I spoke and would like to see
some old synagogues, he would show us, just follow.
Suspicious but adventurous we took a big swallow.
His pictures were postcards of the inside.
He led us, to the outsides, acting as a guide.
Strange how we’d given up finding those sites
when out of the blue, darkness changed into lights.

Bergama

To BERGAMA, a day trip, we went by bus.

Ephesus

Ancient artifacts, mostly known to us
from Berlin, the Museum of Pergamon.
We walked up the hill to the Asklepion.
The first hospital, theater and health center.
An extra charge just to enter.
But it was fun to walk around and explore
until thunder ‘n lightening ‘n a huge downpour
made us wait, for a taxi made it easier to take
to the Akropolis.  Then we could make
the other site.  It rained, I must note.
I covered in a scarf.  Feri got a raincoat.

Hierapolis amphitheater

Very near to Basmane Gar,
this train station was not very far.
One and a half hours, our trip to SELÇUK.
Storks and babies on nests, picts I took.
Perched high above cistern-like pillars
Fascinating birds - quite natural thrillers.
From here to EPHESUS - world heritage city.
Founded by Greeks BC 10th Century. 
In Goths and Romans and Byzantine hands.
Today it’s where, the Turkish tourist lands.
Four hours spent looking at all the ruins,
the excavations, and reconstructions.


Caught a “dolmus” to the beach at PAMUÇAK.
Swam, relaxed, lounged, and took a nice walk.               

Saw the Sunday farmers’ market, filled the streets

Pamukkale sunset

With mountains of fruit and veggies to eat.
Last look at this city’s old Roman baths,
Looms and carpets, found down the back paths.
                                                                                        
Mini-Metro to our next stop PAMUKKALE.
Shoes off at the travertines, and you’re on your way.
White mud made in the warm running waters.
Walking, dunking, posing -
     moms, dads, sons, and daughters.
All language groups seem to love the place dearly.
A naturally beautiful spot that so clearly

in Konya

deserves the superlatives and not to miss
the bath museum and HIERAPOLIS.
That 8 o’clock sunset, a photographer’s high
Topped off by a crescent moon in the sky.
At a wedding reception, with a Turkish DJ
Live dance ‘n drum music, we ended the day.
                       
                                                                                                           


From Pamukkale, we bussed it to KONYA.   
Met 14-year-old Hatusha and Fatma.
Really nice encounter, helped us find our way

Göreme Fairy Chimneys

So friendly and helpful, the mom and they.
Rumi’s museum, Turkish pilgrims in droves,
The Mevlana’s body, a sarcophagus holds.
Mosques - the Sahip and Alaadin,
Two museums, the park, with a city scene.
Spoke in English, to Yuksel, young carpet salesman.
Bought a pillow and talked about everything we can.
Helped with our next stop, his friend’s name he gave
for our destination  - GÖREME’s Cove Cave.
CAPPADOCIAn church, walked to at sundown,
Picked apricots and scouted out the town.
Open Air Museum, deservedly praised.
Walked to those “churches”, painted frescos in caves.

Fairy Chimneys, natural area, by bus, there.
Then walked in the heat to Zelva Open Air.                      
Monastic types lived there till 1952                                                                   
when erosion and the government said they were through.
Now just for tourists to see their life ways.
To God they gave all and they lived in these caves.

ANKARA, capital, in a hostel stayed.
Met Mike and Yasmina, to a club, music played.

Ataturk’s Mausoleum, the Antikabir
Thousands of pilgrims from Turkey come here.
Impressive museum, his personal things,
Speeches, accomplishments, his belongings.
Changed the Turkish language to the Roman alphabet,              
Promoted equality of women, as a major asset,
Established a bank, coop farms for his nation,
Surnames for all, and good transportation.
Replaced the old Ottoman Sultanate
for a modern cultural secular state,
Under him, reform couldn’t wait.
A naval war hero, to the Turks, he is great.
Anatolian Civilization Museum
is a place in Ankara, well worth seeing.
7,000 - 10,000 years before Christ
especially fine exhibits, on the Hittites.                

Then we headed up the very steep hill
to the old Turkish houses and the citadel.                          
The views of Ankara, “Angora” of old.
Bought from a lady, necklaces she sold.

Our last night in Ankara, we had some fun.
In Guvenpark, people sit, walk, and run.
A wedding reception with music and song.
Got a closer look ‘n listen as we watched the goings-on.
A small outdoor café, a place to rollerskate,
A track for runners, a place for a date,
Trampolines, soccer fields, fountains, a lake,
sunflower seed sellers, you can then take
advantage of the outdoor equipment there
and get in shape, exercise and prepare
your arms, your legs, both if you like,
weights and treadmills, some work like a bike.
Children’s slides, climbing bars and kiddie swings.
For all sorts of people, all free, these great things.
I made a friend on one walking machine.
Language a barrier, but this is what I mean:
We laughed together; she shared food so we
should call it “playground diplomacy”.

Bussed it to ISTANBUL, 6-hour, no-stress ride,
Comfortable seats, snacks, drinks - they provide.
Watched a French film - Shackleton’s Antarctic trip
adventure with seals, whales, and all the hardship.
Back to the Hotel Siphai, good for us.
Then realized our IPAD was still on the bus.
Luckily they found it; got it back the next day.
But we were a bit anxious, if I might say.
One last outing, to Taksim Square,
A visible police presence was everywhere. 
Gezi Park was cordoned off by tape.
No one allowed in; we just sat outside and gaped.
They had cleared the space, now with no place to hide.
There were only a few signs for those who had died.

Flew from Istanbul, stopped over in FRANKFURT.
Slept on chairs, it was hell, that night in the airport.
Our flight was scheduled to leave the next day,
After five weeks, back to our home by the Bay.

In the new red Mercedes with SUE OGLOVE alone,           

Angel's Flight

One week FRANK and TED had to fare on their own.
An LA adventure for MOM in July,
the light rail downtown went DAVE, DAN, ‘n I
On the Expo Line to ANGEL’S FLIGHT.
Childhood memories - a real delight.
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET across the street
A Mexican lunch, we went to eat.
As we looked up to Bunker Hill,
the past came forward, so it’s with us still.                              



SUE and I stopped in Thousand Oaks,    

Sue Merin Oglove, Sally, Su Part Kavesh

a Beverly-type reunion for nostalgic folks.
We saw SU PART KAVESH at her nice home.
So that’s why she now appears in this poem.
Jon passed away, so she's now all alone.
Her long-time life partner, good mem'ries she's known.

Marvin Kaplan

Andrea & Mark

Mary & Len

Steve & Debbie

Suzie & Mike

Karen & Steven

 For five days in August, we went to LA, August 25th was a special day.
The occasion, MOM’s birthday, she turned 93.
The family prepared a birthday party. 
I made two shorts, with her reading on screen.
Now the stories she’d written could be heard and seen.
What was missing were images, on the web then I found.
I added some Mexican music for sound.                       

Happy 93rd, Shirley

Voilá - ANGEL’S FLIGHT and OUR METRO TRIP,
PANCHO & PEDRO and their FRIENDSHIP.
I also made a mock-up of the first story book
to see how 15-page picture-books look.
Fun for DAVE, DAN, LEN, MARY, STEVE, DEBBIE
KAREN, and STEVEN, MOM, FRANK, and ME
champaign brunch, cake, coffee, and tea.
Also moved files and boxed books to Dave’s place.
To make more leg-room in Mom’s 2-room space.
Short was the visit but nice to spend time
with DAVE, after work; helped him save a dime.
                                                                                              
On Saturday night, August 24th,                                   
at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL, KRISTIN CHENOWETH,

Frank, Dave, Shirl, Sally at the Hollywood Bowl

accompanied by the whole LA Phil,
sat in the cheapest seats, top of the hill.             
People movers, elevators, escalators, stairs.
DAVE, FRANK, MOM ‘n I, went up in pairs.
Show was fun, with fireworks and lights.
Was one of our most memorable nights. 

From the 19th to the 24th of September,
To SEDONA, ARIZONA, a trip to remember.
Ten hours to LAUGHLIN, NEVADA, we made.
Harrah’s Hotel, $17 we paid.
Desert landscape, green carpet - the surprise.
O’er the Colorado River, watched the full moon rise.
Towering red and cream-colored rocks,
Along windy mountain roads, big boulder blocks.
In SEDONA, we lucked out, paid very little, too.
for our 1 bedroom apartment, kitchen, living room, view.
Came for a wedding but took on a dare
Got a $100 “gift” to attend a time-share.

Margot Lessard & David Tan

MARGOT married our friend DAVID TAN             
A beautiful bride and a very happy man
An outdoor ceremony near the creek and trees,
With cicadas chattering and a welcome breeze.
An Episcopal service, colored sand, the Eucharist,
Wooden flute music, all sealed with a kiss.
Hors d’oeuvres and a terrific buffet meal
Cake, sax, and slideshow, their love we could feel.


                                                                                        

Frank at Bell Rock

As a “vortex” place, SEDONA is known       
you can be enriched by a healing stone.                           
We went to BELL ROCK, there energy and power,                      
Walked to a high place, spent about an hour.                            
For us, remembrance, it thus sustains
as the wind took some of ZOLI’s remains.


With such sandstone beauty all around,
One more “spiritual spot” we found.
BOYNTON CANYON, 2.8 miles one way
a bit too long, we walked the whole day
until the shadows of the sun began to set                                                   
Took lots of pictures; other hikers we met.
OAK CREEK CANYON we saw by car
A vista point was not too far.
Close enough, GRAND CANYON was there.
41 years ago, that was where
we rafted down the River Colorado
in September where we spent our honeymoon, so. . .
We’d brought our tent and our camping gear,
In Mather Campground, ‘twas $9 here,
Took the shuttle bus to the South Rim Trail,
Memories of this place will never fail.
Walked UP from Phanton Ranch, in 1972.
After eight hours of walking, we thought we were through.

Bright Angel Trail

The BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL still the Canyon’s landmark.
Took our picture at the top and walked the rim of this park.
From Mohave to Hopi Point on the rim.
Saw condors above and got close-ups of them.
Spied the river below, watched the sun as it set,
Talked about memories, we’ll never forget.
5:30 a.m., we left, about to freeze.
The weather report was 28 degrees.
Crossed the new Bay Bridge after 14 hours straight.                           
We shared the driving.  Our short trip was great.                     

S.F.‘s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass    

Sally & Pat at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

with all the musical groups that it has,
Base, banjos, guitars, mandolin,
Old and new songs, hits that might have been.
Keyboards and dobros electrified,
Singers who really can harmonize.
Went there with my good friend PAT.
That old-timey music is where it’s at.
Our city has opera, symphony, plays,
movies of all kinds, 365 days.
Museums, parks, - beaches and bridges
Seaside sites and high hill ridges.
We even have winning sports teams, spring and fall.
Baseball Giants, 49ers football.
No need to go elsewhere when everything’s near.
Like being on vacation while living here.                                                     

at LAX

FRANK and I drove to LA.
Spent a few days with MOM, then away                             
with DAVE - the three of us flew
on the red-eye Avianca, business class, too.
Very nice treatment, seats comfy, good food.
Excitement trumps sleep, but all else was good.
GUATEMALA CITY, Pan Americano,
Close to where the tourists all go. 
Walked ourselves silly to the UFM -
three museums, where we saw them:
Museo Ixchel, textiles on show;
the Conquistador story of Pedro de Alvarado;

in Quiriguá

Pre-Columbian exhibit at the Popul Vuh,
Hardly enough time for it all to view.
                                                                                             
Next day first class on the Litegua bus.                                 
Four and a half hours eastward, the bus it took us
to QUIRIGUA [Kirigwah] in the small town, we stayed.
Walked around, ate dinner, watched soccer played.
Next day to the Mayan archaeological site.
Stelae, acropolis showed K’ak Tiliw’s might.
He conquered Copan, the hieroglyphs tell
of his wealth and power, and how he did well.

Our tuk-tuk drove us to the main road.

Dave &Polo Martinez

We hailed two local vans, hopped on with our load,
Squeezed in with the others.  Yes we can boast.
Got to Puerto Barrios, on the Caribbean coast.
In a “collectivo” skimmed the water, then side to side.
the only way to LIVINGSTON, this Disneyland boat ride.
Stayed at Casa Nostra, nice people, nice room,
but motor cycles, roosters, and dogs all night croon,              
So Dave had his earplugs, and I had mine, too.
For three nights we drank this sleep-deprived brew.
Met “Polo” Martinez, a Garifuna guy,                              
Drummer for Jerry Garcia, who told why

Caribbean coast

his people, the Black Caribs live in this place,
have kept their traditions, and in this case,
their language and food, music, dance and such
how lucky to see how they’ve kept so much.

Spent one day walking along the Caribbean Sea,
Swam in the warm water - pleasant to be.


 

Siete Altares

Seven Waterfalls, Siete Altares,
Beautiful place, but I slipped in a crevice.

November 26 was GARIFUNA DAY.
The village up early, all dressed in a way
to show pride and meet the boats from the sea -
Belize, Honduras, Guatemala - all three
greeted by singers, drummers, and flags.

Garifuna Day in Livingston, Guatemala

dressed in finery - traditional rags,
colorful, prideful, food, drink, and joy.
the old ‘n young, each girl and boy.                       
The entire village and tourists, though few,
celebrated the whole day, on the street, in church, too
We ate, videoed, were thrilled to be
a part of this once-a-year ceremony.

Early in the morning, down the RIO DULCE,
Saw waterlilies, Spanish fort, Agua Caliente.
Stayed in FRONTERAS at the Backpacker Hotel.

Antigua

No, not the Hilton, but it served us well.
Next morning by bus to Guatemala City,
Transfered to ANTIGUA immediately.
Eleven hours later settled again
in this lovely Spanish colonial gem.
Cobblestones, churches, cafés, volcanos,
Coffee, chocolate, museums, mercados.

Did a hard hike up VOLCAN PECAYA
2.8 kilometers up up in the sky yeah.
Cardinal lighting, orange sunset, black rock,
Views to Antigua, a tough but great walk!
Young boys on horseback
     accompanying Frank and me,                             
kept saying in English, “Want a taxi?”

on Volcano Pacaya

But we were stubborn, slow but seguro;
A“super-effort” - we made it sure-o!

Santo Domingo - church and convent,
Now a high-class hotel, to see it we went.
There also museums, a colonial one,
Present-day glass pieces and Pre-Columbian.                           
                                    
Our last night in Antigua, a ballet school show           
They danced at El Colegio de San Jerónimo.
Then for a really memorable cena

Happy Birthday, Dave!

at Don Rodrigo’s,  had a very nice “dinnah”.
The marimba band played while danced, Los Moros,
The staff sang for David, his cumpleaños.                                                 
One lit candle on a Guatemalan flan,                                          
A picture ‘n piñata he got to take home.
                               
JOCOTENANGO [Hoco] we did the last day,
Walked to this town, there a cemetery,
plaza and church, coffee trees with their beans,
Xmas decor on trucks, nativity scenes.
Followed VINCENTA to the Cross on the Hill
Cerro de la Cruz, for folks with the will.
Ten days that started on the 20th of November,
Tired but fulfilled by the 1st of December.                                     
The three of us had fun, a vacation adventure.
Pictures now help us recall and remember.

Retirement really means your time’s your own,
So of course we spent more time at home.
The basement has been on my list of to-dos
Every New Year it makes it, but other tasks I choose.
So with time on my hands, there was no excuse
Out went the e-waste, trash, rubbish, refuse -
Books and old papers, and so much more.
Cobwebs and dirt and dust off the floor.
It’s hardly finished, but with some junk we’ve parted,
And what a good feeling, at least to have started.
                                                                                
Grass that looks like unkempt weeds.                          
Some say TLC it needs.                                              
But ours was in a hopeless state,
so digging it up was its only fate.
I planted some succulents, put mulch on the ground.
An ordered look it has, with tiles all around.

the Gati Garden

Now we can look our neighbors in the face
‘cause the Gati garden’s no longer a disgrace.

World and U.S. news, disasters and more
To report it all would surely bore
those of you who’ve lived through this year,
so let me summarize a bit of it here.

OBAMA elected for a second term.
Affordable Care Act about it we learn
that health insurance can perhaps be
for all Americans, everybody.
Not so quick. solutions take time
And some folks still saying, “I won’t spend a dime.”
Healthcare, Obama-style, had a tough start.
The website did not work - blamed the tech part.
Adapting as quickly as hoped or as planned
when the website went down, phones had to be manned.
With such a big country - 50 independent states.
No one person’s able - not even Bill Gates
could organize and subsidize our nation’s health care.
Hooray for OBAMA, ‘twas almost like a dare
to convince the skeptics, convert those opposed,
rally those on board, open doors that seemed closed,


Republicans shut down the government “road”
800,000 Fed workers furloughed.
Even National Parks, 16 days, how obscene!
No fiscal funds solution till 2014!
Regarding the budget, politicians want to duck,
Nancy Pelosi's solution:  "Embrace the suck!"

The donkey and the elephant, animal symbols, too
of our two parties political, which one’s good for you?
Maybe you’re disillusioned, want one like the Greens,
A party of your choice - impossible it seems.
But let’s just talk issues; they’re the same every year -
jobs, Social Security, gun violence, terrorist fear.
reducing the deficit, the economy’s a mystery,
the government’s partial shut down - now is history.

Domestically speaking, one step was taken
to relieve some hearts that definitely are achin'.
A partial dream act for children who’ve known
no other country than this one and shown
they speak the language, have gone to school,
pledge to the flag and follow each rule.
We need immigration legislation.
Where are the politicians in this nation
that should take action; it’s about time.
They are the ones committing the crime.
Yee gawds what’s with Guantanemo?
Still held in prison.  It’s not just slow;
It’s nonexistent.  Close the place down!
Send those folks back to their own hometown.
They won’t eat; they want out; we’ve no solution.
Send them somewhere else - a foregone conclusion!

This country has problems, one bad one is guns.
In Newtown, Connecticut, died, 20 little ones
In Aurora, Colorado, 12 moviegoers got shot,
In Sparks, Nevada, school teacher he got
At LAX, the airport shut down
One TSA worker was shot to the ground.
OBAMA pleaded for tighter gun laws
but Congress is stubborn; the system has flaws.

Supreme Court overturned California’s Prop 8
that banned same-sex marriage.  So that is great.
Now it’s up to each state, one by one they’re on board,
and the Defense of Marriage Act has passed “saith the Lord.”
Marriages and mergers are common these days.
Take United Airlines and U.S. Airways.

NSA mass surveillance, government secrecy,
national security, info privacy.
EDWARD SNOWDEN (30) NSA computer contractor
in Russia, took asylum, as a whistleblower.
He disclosed classified documents to the press
We think we know more, but we know even less.

Sentenced to 35 years, BRADLEY MANNING(25)
Leaked classified docs - Iraqi, Afghani
Espionage Act “aiding the enemy”
Now called CHELSEA. Says he’s a she.

Acquitted, not guilty GEORGE ZIMMERMAN
for fatally shooting TRAYVON MARTIN
“Stand your ground” his defense. Tragic case
Innocent black boy, whole thing a disgrace.

Some names in the news, here’re just a few
deserving mention, of what they did or do:
WILLIAM THE PRINCE and KATE MIDDLETON
bore third-in-line-to-the-throne, GEORGE, their son.
Note please Federal Reserve Board chair
JANET YELLEN, the 1st woman there.
SERENA WILLIAMS & RAFAEL NADAL
French Open winners, in tennis stand tall.

A list of some who died this past year
the P.M. of Britain, MARGARET THATCHER.
NELSON MANDELA brought an end to Apartheid
South Africa’s 1st elected Pres, 95.
ROGER EBERT, reviewed films he’d seen,
JONATHAN WINTERS, comedian supreme.
HELEN THOMAS, correspondent in D.C.,
HUGO CHAVEZ, Venezuelan jefe.

Protests in Egypt, MORSI forced out,
Police killed protesters, military, no doubt
has ultimate power, not Muslim Brotherhood.
Democracy there is not quite understood.
Israel released 26 prisoners
Peace could come if there were no new settlers.
Iran is a problem on the nuclear front,
Finding sarin in Syria; now’s the UN’s big hunt.

A new POPE  from Argentina he came.
a Jesuit fighting for the poor is his claim.
FRANCIS THE 1ST is a thinker in search
of changing directions for the Catholic church.

Anti-government protests in Turkey
Just at the time there we happened to be.
Raze Gezi Park, make a shopping mall.
Demonstrators said, “NO”.  We’d rather ERDOGAN fall.

In Bangladesh, Rana Plaza, Tragedy!
1027 died in a clothing factory.

The date was in April on Boston’s Patriot Day
The Marathon runners were making their way
across the finish line bystanders stood
cheering their family and friends who ran good
on their 23-mile race.  Then a terrible surprise
a bomb set off by two local guys,
Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsernaeiv brothers
The FBI enlisted the help of others
And they were caught, the older one died
the younger one in a boat tried to hide,
but the country was stunned, no more could be said
people hurt, limbs lost, and 3 were dead.

In Nairobe, Kenya in the Westgate Mall
Al Shabaab killings, terrorists all,
67 people gunned to their deaths
unarmed women, men, children - their last breaths
What religion can do, believers do at will
Is it worth it to believe so strongly to kill?

Disasters were plentiful, never just one
the coldest blizzard Maine, Connecticut, Boston
Hurricane Ingrid - both coasts of Mexico,
Oklahoma & Illinois - huge tornado.
Earthquakes in China, the Philippines, Pakistan,
7-plus shakers; no one’s a fan.
Flash floods in Boulder, Colorado,
Deadly fires, houses burned, firefighters go,
New South Wales, Arizona, Yosemite Park.
These got started with one small spark.
Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
Wiped out whole villages, imposssible it seems.
Train derailings - Quebec, Paris, Spain,
India and Brooklyn - bad memories remain.
African migrants sink on the high sea
as they hoped to land near Sicily.
Not to mention there's no solution,
Look at China and her air pollution.

Elections, education, energy
We must come up with new policy.
We know that lunch is never free,
and it’s absolutely necessary
to think about change, to help our fellow man,
to come up with a practical plan. 
We’re not alone; thoughts are many.
People can unite; ideas are plenty.

Let’s start with the holidays; we send you good vibes
for strong and healthy and happy lives.
Think of how lucky you are in some ways.
Not everything’s great, but we all have good days.
For 2014; let’s give a cheer,
and then look forward to a very fine year.
We send our love, wrapped with hugs and kisses
and tied in a package with all our good wishes.

Write FRANK on Facebook.  SALLY’s email she’ll get
sallygati@sbcglobal.net

ABOUT MY FATHER Sam Cytron: A Life in Music

                                                                                                        Watch the trailer.

 

ABOUT MY FATHER   Sam Cytron:  A Life in Music  is a biographical documentary made by his daughter, Sally Cytron Gati, who pieced this personal puzzle together.

Before doing this film, she knew very little of his early life except that he started off as Sammie Levine, a violin prodigy in New York who played with Toscanini and the New York Philharmonic and then came to Hollywood as Sam Cytron to play in the movie studios. She interviewed those closest to him - his two wives, son, grandson, son-in-law, niece, and another violinist; and from these, wove a narrative about him and his music.  His second wife gave her a real treasure-trove consisting of ten scrapbooks filled with photographs, concert programs, event articles, letters, newspaper reviews, recital announcements, job-related papers, check receipts, work schedules, copyrights, a huge pile of original compositions and song arrangements, published and hoped-to-be published music, transcriptions, cadenzas, two cabinets full of sheet music, a bookcase crammed with memorabilia, desert and mining magazines, cassettes from radio broadcasts, reel-to-reel tapes, audition recordings, home-made records, hand-written notes, five TV programs, his passport, a stop watch, a resin packet, conductor’s batons, violins, bows, and a toupeé.

In dealing with the twists and turns of Sam Cytron’s life (Aug. 15, 1905 – April 25, 1988), his daughter put together a revealing story of his creativity, quirkiness, and originality  -  underscoring it all with his music.

                                              Go to GATI PRODUCTIONS

                                                                          

Holiday Greetings 2012

To 2012, we say “Good-bye”.

Yet before we go, let me “quickly” try

to take a look at what happened this year

though we cannot cover everything here.

Some U.S. happenings, some world events,

a few business items, disasters, science.

In the U.S., we had our elections.

The American people made their selections.

Obama’s got another four years.

The Republicans lost; Romney/Ryan shed tears.

The Democrats kept their majority

in the Senate, so now we’ll have to see.

The rich will pay a higher tax IF

the Congress fixes the “financial cliff”.

The income tax for the middle class

should not go up and thus if passed,

we can pay down the deficit.

American families voted for it.

The Supreme Court, upheld the “fine”

Called it a “tax” and said,

“Pay and don’t whine.”

Individuals needing Obamacare

by 2014 will be covered.  It’s fair.

World Series winner. 

“Go Giants,” yelled the crowd.

Made San Francisco fans very proud.

Business items:  Facebook shares publicly sold

$38 – Wall Street gold.

BP pleaded guilty for the Gulf Oil spill

paying 4 billion dollars and also will

compensate for the 11 who died there.

Can money pay for a life?  It’s fair nowhere.

Over 12 million people are still unemployed,

so freelancers are hired; health benefits avoid.

With episodic income, paychecks are quite few,

This is playing havoc with the economy, too.

What happened worldwide? 

Here’s an overview:

An oil embargo by the EU

for uranium enrichment “Stop ‘em if we can.

that troublemaking country they call Iran.

America’s still in an open war.

Our own boys still dying

and the Afghans are sore

especially when civilians are killed or have died.

That war’s going nowhere. 

We failed though we tried.

Bashar al-Assad is killing his own

Syrian people, tyrant on a throne.

Kim Jong Un launched a long-range missile

The North Korea “show”, we watched it fizzle.

Putin for the third time, won the presidency

though protests made clear that not popular is he.

Hugo Chavez, again Venezuela’s choice

back in power, by the people’s voice.

Mubarak of Egypt sentenced to prison.

Morsi, a Muslim, was the people’s decision.

François Hollande beat Szarkozy

and a new government in Greece, soon to be.

A seat for indomitable Aung San Suu Kyi

in Myanmar’s Parliament, democracy.

The UN declared Palestine a state.

In Gaza the rockets keep falling, can’t wait.

And Israel’s building more settlements, Jeez!

They killed Hamas’ al-Jabiri. No peace!

The Summer Olympics in London were seen,

and the opening ceremony included the Queen.

Michael Phelps swam, 19^th medal to date.

Athletes competed,

made their countries feel great.

Disasters:  where people died in two hurricanes:

Isaac in the Caribbean

brought flash floods and rains.

Sandy caused havoc on the East Coast – New Jersey,

Connecticut and even in NYC.

8.6 earthquakes in Singapore, Indonesia,

Tsunami warnings in Thailand, Malaysia.

Even in Italy, a 6.0

In our own South and Midwest, a huge tornado.

Wildfires in Nevada, New Mexico,

blackened the forests of Colorado.

Russia, Manila, had fires, too.

People died, homes were lost, what they went through!

No escape for workers in an Indian factory.

Honduran prisoners – 300 tragedy.

The Costa Concordia, off Italy, hit a rock,

capsized this cruise ship.  That was a shock.

150 died, in Nigerian plane crash.

West Nile virus deaths in Texas.

Spiral injections caused meningitis.

Who’s responsible for what’s put in us?

Scientific breakthrough - DNA discovery:

gene switches can cause diseases,

where there’s no recovery.

Physicists wrote a major article:

Higgs Boson is the Universal “God” Particle.

A rover landed on Mars – named “Curiosity”.

Could there be life there? 

Two years and we’ll see.

* * * * * *

 

Now for our own year if you care to know.

Read on in rhyme – out loud and slow.
 

DAVID at year’s end was age 39.

Film and marketing, trying to combine

in his career path, distribution worldwide

at PanGlobal Entertainment,

assisted Brett, to decide

what should be done for features, indies,

reality series, and documentaries.

Now at The Testing Group (TTG),

a quality assurance lab, for Blu-Ray and DVD.

Major studio clients need their products Q A’d

so Dave’s learned what’s needed, in this trade.

He likes what he does,

but he works when they call.

His paycheck comes sometimes & then not at all.

We keep very close on the phone and emails.

His advice & wise counsel, we seek, never fails.

 

LANA, 46, Frank’s daughter by birth,

lives in Plano, but works in Dallas/Fort Worth.

As Director of Sales and Marketing, she sells

for Mariott International, chain of hotels.

She’s mother of Riley, and wife to Tony.

She’s serious about cancer walks

and raising the money.

She “walked for the cure” in Washington, D.C..

She finished in three days. Hooray Whoopee! 

TONY runs a copy shop in Dallas,

manages Inventus; his own little palace.

Keeps in touch with Matt in San Francisco

and Jessie on the farm where organics they grow;

cooks for Lana & Riley, plays golf, & reads, too

loves the Cowboys and movies;

with Ri, the two do.

RILEY’s now 10 in the 5^th  grade in school.

Student Council President.  We think that’s cool.

In the gifted program; loves to write and swim.

As grandparents, we are quite proud of him.

 

FRANK is now age 74.

The stress-of-work lifestyle he has no more.

Sleeps when he wants to, reads and plays chess,

looks at Facebook with interest, more or less.

Again took English 35A

and wrote about his “great escape.”

when he left Hungary,  ‘twas a pivotal time

in 1956, when still in his prime.

He repeated the class at the JCC,

writing and recalling in “Every Life’s a Story.”

He’s done some travel diaries,

integrating ideas with his memories.

Spends time with Barry, his friend with whom,

works at the Christian Science Reading Room.

Keeps in touch with George and Nick in L.A.

Worries about their health; good friends are they.

We celebrated our 40^th anniversary year,

Together as partners.  So come on, let’s cheer

for the husband and wife team of Sally & Frank,

the former teacher and employee of the bank.

 

DAN 67 says that this year

had no real highlights, but listen hear!

He met with LOWELL ORREN from BHHS

scanned & got ready for all the guests

a photo mural of the class of ’62

their 50^th reunion: who knew who?

Saw who was or wasn’t a Beverly someone.

They all met at the Beverly Hilton.

With LEN, History of Recorded Sound

still is where he’s daily around.

Drove up north to Mendocino’s hills

re-united at the house of Hildegard & Bill’s

When we came down, did an interview

‘bout our dad, for the doc

that I definitely will do.

Dinner with Shirl, ritual that’s nightly

Both keeping eye on the other, quite rightly.

We also talk often because he’s right there.

On the speaker phone; some thoughts we share.  

 

 

 MOM, that’s SHIRLEY 92

Doing just fine with nothing much new.

Still does her crossword puzzles, so she’s,

connecting the neurons to her synapses.

With friends in the HUD house,

plays BINGO for a dime;

at the Tuesday night movies,

she has a good time.

Her answer to, 

“What would you say about your year?’

Shirl says quite frankly, “I’m glad to be here.”

An example of her humor, (but let me warn ya):

“Feelin’ great for the state I’m in – California!”

 

ZOLI’s daughter STEPHANIE (22),  ALAN, TROY, 2,

drove from Merced to spend hours, a few.

A family lunch, El Toreador.

We talked, took pictures,

Troy played on our floor.

We congratulate both, for they graduated.

Frank’s Facebook account keeps us updated.

 

 

As for me, SALLY, I’m 71.

It’s December now, and I’m still on the run.                               

Newly retired, so Frank ‘n I have left home.

You can read more about it as part of this po’m.

The students, the teaching, the classroom I miss

so I plan a short stint in the new year, my wish.

‘Twas a thrill for mom and my treat to seek,

to be together in Mexico for a week.

One project I started – a doc about my dad,

Never knew so much material I had.

Photos and tapes and sheet music galore.

Just opened the scrapbooks and files for more.

Interesting man, talented musician.

Working title:  “Moments of Recognition”. 

As for DAN CYTRON:  One Artist's POV,
now available for you to see,
on Amazon Instant Video
for $1.99 - good price and good show.  
                    

                    RETIREMENT

When don’t you need your resumé?

On the day you retire, you can throw it away?

“Yes,” I said, “retire,” and today it is true.

I’m finished; it’s over; I’m done; I’m through.

But it’s with regrets that I call it a day.

After 45 years I’ll step down, if I may.

Now I’ll look back on those years

         from right here,

And think of the things that I did year by year.

It won’t be like Edith,

         of “All-in-the-Family” fame

Who said at a reunion when this question came,

“So, what ‘ve you been doing since graduation?”

[high voice] “Well, the first day I got up.

Let me think what I’ve done.”

I’ll not tell you day by day,

         nor even year by year,

I’ll make it short, to lessen your fear.

I went to school at UCLA,.

I majored in English and then sped away

To teach in a high school

         in the U.S. Peace Corps

In Lagos, Nigeria, in 1964.

After, I traveled in Europe, the Middle East,

Did the “Grand Tour” like a gypsy,

but, believe me, at least,

I tried all the food, saw art, churches, too.

Came back to UCLA.  What else could I do?

Then got a Masters in Film and Folklore.

Then L.A. Adult School let me in the door.

Taught GED and Adult Basic Ed,

Civil Service Test Prep,

         WIN Program from the Fed.

Support for nurses, upholstery, auto tech,

Grammar, composition, I did it by heck.

Even taught classes in ESL

At Roosevelt night school, teaching was swell.

In 1972, I got married to Frank,

working for BofA, world’s largest bank.

He got an offer, too good to refuse –

Transfer to S.F.  So with nothing to lose,

We moved here in l975

One-year-old David, Frank, and his wife.

In Oakland, for seniors I showed my slides.

Marlin Perkins/Huell Howser – was I in disguise.

2009, no more slide travel shows.

They closed their classes.  That’s the way it goes.

                           * *

In Summer ’76, I went job fishin’

Got my first teaching class, in the Mission.

Also taught at MLVS

Vocational  Ed is always the best.

Then a stint at ITP,

Miao, Hmong, Cambodian,Vietnamese, Chinese.

Adult literacy, started in l979.

Just to hold a pencil was considered quite fine.

Adapting to the U.S. in so many ways.

Education was social work,

and I learned “patience pays”.

A teacher learns from her students for sure

Where ABCs, empathy, and compassion blur.

                   * *

Have done teacher-training in Beijing, China

Did it in Daegu, South Korea.

Have been a mentor for UC Extension.

SHINE Volunteers, too many to mention.

Been a Master Teacher and one-to-one coach

For many-a student teacher,

         and tried to approach

this teaching task, I enjoyed, too,

To encourage and help in what they had to do.

Have given those workshops on “Say It in Song”

“Tips on Teaching” and what can go wrong.

Also made a teacher-training video,

Included my colleagues,

         who showed what THEY know.

Wrote two published workbooks,

       LITERACY IN LIFESKILLS

More pain than gain, but paid a few bills.

Book One is for Literacy A

Reading ‘n writing and what they should say.

Book Two is good for a real level one

Students learn English while having fun.

I started on Filbert Street, 1981

Chinatown Campus - It’s been a long run.

Every level, from Literacy to 9

You name the class, and it’s been mine.

I even tried credit, but non-credit stuck.

And over the years, I’ve had quite good luck.

I’ve loved my classes, my students, most peers.

I’ll take with me memories

         from all of these years.

Now to CCSF, I bid adieu

And leave with a great big, “I thank you.”

                           * * * * * *

 

We’d like to report

‘bout our TRAVELS AND TRIPS

& tell you in rhymed anecdotes & short quips.

(Last)WINTER BREAK was three weeks long

A few days at home, and then we were gone.

Off to LA to see Mom, Dave, ‘n Dan

to help clean up – whatever we can.

Mom’s collection of magazines and books.

Robert’s stuff in boxes, in bags and on hooks.

David’s garden, planted succulents and cactus,

Indoors reworking – maid’s training & practice.

New Year’s at Len’s, then New Year’s Day,

Saw Tin Tin; it technically blew us away.

Then RANCHO MIRAGE on January 3rd,

There for a meeting to decide in a word

if there was a there there; it somewhat bewilders,

for the doc we’d planned, on Michael Childers.

One fun thing happened, Dave held a “toy” –

Schlessinger’s Oscar, for Midnight Cowboy.

The project turned out to be a “no go”

But something will show up, as we all know.

We then drove to Indio, to Shield’s, a date shake

& samples galore, what sweet snacks they make!

Stayed in Westmoreland and then moved on east

mountainous roads, desert scenes, an eye feast.

Toward YUMA, Arizona, then to MEXICO

For a day in SAN LUIS RIO COLORADO.

When crossing back over, 2 inspections got we;

Orange peels forbidden; bags looked too heavy.

Small-time harassment by the Border Patrol

Tested our cool and our self-control.

Stopped outside Yuma, a reservation went on

Met Will, Joyce, and Judith

from the tribe called Quechan [Kitswan]

Talked about language preservation

And other things on the reservation.

Took back roads, horse ranches,

state parks with small lakes,

California’s great, when leisure one takes.

Blue skies and sunshine, Highway 79.

Our short get-away was really quite fine.

                          * * *

MLK weekend before school in SPRING,       

GRETCHEN, Frank and I did a fun thing.

Drove up to DUNSMUIR to visit our friends,

JANET and VINCENT.   Life tends

to be exchanging emails and such,

But up there, there’s outdoor beauty so much.

Mt. Shasta at sunset at 7000 feet,

Orange tints on tree tops;

wood fireplace, warm heat.

CASTLE CRAGS viewspots

inspire poets’ thoughts.

Breakfast, lunch ‘n dinner; we enjoyed it, lots.

                         * * *

We always like it when we can take

A little vacation during the SPRING BREAK.

Berkeley Rep on Sunday, the matinee,

Saw “Red” about Rothko, a wonderful play.

Monday of the week, a group of us went in,

Packed the literacy stuff – Rod, Lori,

             Marianne, Lin

Tuesday, we drove down to L.A.,

Had a lovely, family, 5-day stay.

Wednesday, Mom and I were able,

To Visit Robert at Country Villa Maple.

Dave and I shopped everywhere

for Friday’s “Passover”, a pot-luck affair.

Mom lit the candles; Dan was the lead.

Dave asked, the four questions;

Marvin’s Hebrew, good indeed.

Andrea, Tom ‘n Mary read their parts, too’

Len, Mike, and Frank did the “Dayenu”.

“Who Knows One?” and “An Only Kid”,

Charoseth, matsoh, wine, macaroons – all did.

It was a nice gathering of friends and family.

Our hope is to keep up this ceremony.

Feri saw George and went out to eat.

How nice it is when “barats” can meet.

Saturday, Santa Monica College, the place,

A farcical drama, “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Murders, police. Watch out for that wine,

And do pay attention at whose house you dine.

Sunday we drove back on Highway Five,

With a dinner stop, a 7-hour drive.

                     * * *
SUMMER

The date was in the middle of June,

to the Southwest, a canyon, a desert, a dune             

Our first stop was PRIMM,

         the NEVADA stateline

Whiskey Pete’s hotel, $30 was fine.

From the Barrow gang, Bonnie and Clyde,

saw the bullet-ridden car, in which they died.

On to LAS VEGAS, with no plans to do,

A time-share presentation - the info we knew.

To buy was not a possibility

but to get the gifts was a surety.

A Harrah’s buffet, we got for free.

Then a show called “Legends, a Legacy.”

Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley,

Blues Brothers, Tina Turner -

         all “alive” for us to see.

Plus dancers and a band,

         perfectly dressed from heads to toes

In a nightclub setting, with original videos.

                   * **

Seniors have perks, one’s a $10 pass

for National Parks - a lifetime it lasts.

So ZION “a place of refuge” we went.

The beauty of sandstone, literally God-sent.

Drove through the tunnel, from the mountain cut

to the Checkerboard area, very special, but

our plan, the GRAND CANYON

         was the focus at hand.

A world of wonder stretched out on our land.

So first we camped at Jacob Lake.

Tried to sleep there but stayed mostly awake.

Had lots of hope but our prospects were dim

of where to stay there on the North Rim.

But we got lucky, having no reservation,

Got a campground spot, from a cancellation.

The North Rim is grander

         and the trails offer views

of five different rock layers in many hues

from early morning till late in the day

we walked, drove, and saw beauty,                 

         so hard to say,

but took many pictures so that when

we want to remember and relive again,

we’ll see Roosevelt Point and Point Imperial,              

a stupendous sunset at Cape Royal.

From a ranger in one of his geologic talks

we learned some history

         of the Grand Canyon rocks.

Astronomers with telescopes tilted up high

pointed out Saturn with rings in the sky.

In the old wooden Lodge,

         there for visitors and guests

treated ourselves to a lovely breakfast.

                          * * *

 
CORAL PINK SAND DUNES,

         a Utah State spot

Shared shade with a family; 104 degrees hot.

Setting for movies, some of them old

like “Arabian Nights” &

         “MacKenna’s Gold.”

Walked on the dunes -

          sunflowers, mormon tea,

deer, rabbit tracks - beauty absolutey!

Drove across the expansive scenic land                        

Back to ZION, which was unplanned

but again got lucky because we found

an empty space in the Watchman campground.

An evening program of the Milky Way

and how cities take the dark skies away.

To the Emerald Pools, lower, mid, upper falls,

Virgin River cut the sandstone walls.

Hot we were but in a good mood

Canyon towers, cactus flowers,

         squirrels that take your food.

Gorgeous national treasures, are these parks;   

Get from them pictures and poetic remarks,

How lucky that these experiences we find

to take away and store in our mind.

Back to LAS VEGAS, stayed at “El Mirador”

like a Hollywood location from way before.

Had a pizza, pasta, and salad buffet

watched gambler’s losing, night and day.

Wonderful reunion with old friend JEANINE

Imperial Palace for brunch, pig-out scene.

Drove to L.A. stayed there for a week.

Had a party at Dave’s; the food it was Greek.

We reminisced about my first teaching chore

Showed a DVD, my Nigerian Peace Corps.

Andrea, Mark, Mike, Mary, and Len,

Robert, Sydney, Mom, Feri, and Dan.

The occasion, my retirement,

         Frank’s and my birthdays, too

Nice to gather with family - so rarely we do.

Dave, Frank, and I, we also took Mom.

Saw a movie, pre-teen love,

         “Moonrise Kingdom”

Squeezed in some gardening;

         organized some stuff

No matter how long, the time’s not enough.

I visited Ronda; George and Nick, Frank saw

Got to spend some time with Dave, Dan, and Ma.

We all went to Theater West, “Arise and Sing”

Clifford Odets reading,

         ‘twas MARVIN KAPLAN’s thing.

Directed and played Jacob; the cast did its best

A memorable performance at Theater West.

                            * * *

LATE FALL

SERGIE our savior and neighbor divine

Drove us to the airport.  We got in line,

Went through security - the full body scan

Given to every child, woman, & man.

One stop, Chicago, then LaGuardia, NYC,

To the Westside Y, 12th floor where we’d be.

The city was ours, as was Central Park.

back ‘n forth to the east side

         (but not in the dark).

Dogwalkers, horse carts,

         pedicabs, people running,

bikers, some sitting and others were sunning,

baseballers, photographers, locals, and tourists,

harpists, guitarists, and saxophonists,

chipmunks and birds and ducks in the lake,

fountains, huge rocks, and rowboats to take.

To 2nd and 84th for a Hungarian meal,

Columbus Day Parade - all-American feel,

with Italian flags, bands, ROTC.

No better place could then we be.

“Imagine” memorial on the west side,                              

John Lennon shot but his memories abide.

The Folk Art Museum, an exhibit, “Foiled Art”,

folded flowers, photos, painted glass - all a part.

Thank God we just missed the superstorm

that flooded the East Coast

         with high winds, not warm,

and with it, electrical outages came.

Cursed be this hurricane, Sandy by name.

Toured the Guggenheim by Frank Lloyd Wright,

an exhibit entitled “Picasso, Black & White”

from his late blue period to cubist design

down the spiral walkways, his style did unwind.

Living one block down from Lincoln Center

Made it so simple that we could enter

three separate times - the City Ballet,

The New York Phil, Il Trovatore.

We caught one show, a drama in fact,

The play was “Cyrano de Bergerac”.

Town Hall was one of the places we shot.

The house, the stage, and the outside we got.

Planning a movie ‘bout my violinist dad

at 21 he played there.  Now, that’s not so bad!

The Photography Center, a South African show

with pictures and videos to let us all know

that there was a struggle, Apartheid is done.

Mandela was freed and the blacks the vote won.

A special trip we took so we

could pick up some Hungarian pastry.

Poppyseed, apple, cherry, and cheese.

Bought eight big pieces, our tastebuds to please.

                       * * *

Took a train from Grand Central to RYE to look    

to see where Frank was a short-order cook.

His very first job in the U.S. of A.

at the private sea club called Coveleigh.

We got a map and walked ‘bout four miles,

past mansions, huge lots, in varying styles.

Landmarks historical - the harbor and schools,

the cemetery - New York’s suburban

         land jewels.

55 years, it remained in his head.

Gorgeous fall leaves in bright orange and red.

A found wine glass there in the grass,

         he picked up,

remembering when they forbade him a cup.

Too tired to walk, so we hitched back to town.

Train to Manhattan.  Felt glad what we’d found.

                         * * *

Took the Megabus from New York to D.C.

Four and a half hours,

         it was straight through, easy.

LANA booked us for a week in ARLINGTON,

at the Garden Inn, Hotel Hilton.

Her mission, 60 miles, to walk for a cure

for breast cancer, a tough task for sure.

DAVID flew from LA for the weekend.

Oct. 14th, for his birthday to spend.

A family gathering, how nice for us four

Plus the capital city was ours to explore.

The newest memorial to MLK,

his sayings, his image emerge in a way

that out of a rock, we can see

the man who dreamed for equality.

Next on the route was FDR,

a President who tried to raise the bar

for those who found the economy

in need of the New Deal - many an agency

established to get folks out of depression.

Eleanor, his wife, made the best impression.

The third memorial on our walk was done

for President and writer, Thomas Jefferson,

a mammoth site overlooking the water,

a proud-standing statue and words that we utter:

“When in the course of human events . . .”

Democracy, our biword, still makes good sense.

David thought we had time just to see ‘em

a quick run-through of the Holocaust Museum.

Took our card of a victim to recall

the horrors of the war, the Nazis et al.

Both LANA and DAVID flew to their home

and SALLY and FRANKIE were then alone.

A day at the Hirshorn, there Ai Wei Wei,

sculpture garden - beautiful display,

contemporary art, some known and some new

and then Air and Space - exhibits a few,

like surveillance techniques, rocket ships, planes,

Wright brothers, Armstrong, flights famous names.

American Indians on display, too,

Their own museum, we went through.

Different tribes, their artifacts explained.

Old traditions and how they have changed.

Saw LISA MARTIN in Silver Spring.                            

Ate dinner at Nando’s. A really nice thing.

Outdoor program, it was a bit cold,

but the Venezuelan drummers our attention did hold.

I even won a music CD.

Our meeting was great, and I was lucky.
                       * * 

The Library of Congress showed Herblock cartoons.

Obama and Romney debates, like buffoons.

Times hardly change so the drawings show.

Environmental degradation & corruption still grow.

Then to the highest court in the land,

the Supreme Court building, justice in their hand.

A movie, the actual courtroom we saw

where lawyers and justices argue the law.

The evening’s program, “Cinderella” in dance,

Mariinsky Ballet, saw their performance

at the Kennedy Center, to Prokofiev

Colorful, well-done, a fairytale of love.

If family and culture and travel we need,

then a great two weeks we had, indeed,

                    * * 
LATE FALL

At the Jewish Film Festival, I and ELI

Ushered, line controlled, did hospitality,

Volunteer perks - docs, shorts & features

like going to film school, with films as your teachers.

Not just I, but FRANK did, too

Used my vouchers, and he got to view

really good movies; it sure was fun.

We loved doing it, like a lottery we’d won.

Speaking of ELI, my good friend moved away                 

She and PHILIP decided not to stay,

so off to London; they wanted to be

with Oscar, Ivan, Aneil, and Sophie.

I said, “Don’t throw that out!”

         as you make this huge shift

So computer and furniture, they gave as a gift.

And thus I was forced to organize

my whole house’s contents, and what a surprise.

I found things hidden I had forgotten,

so out came the trash bags - and I put a lot in

but boxes and boxes of stuff I can’t throw

are thus in the closets, and the basement they go

I’ve thrown out old papers;

         I’ve put files in order.

I’ve cleaned up some spaces

         (though I’m still a hoarder).

As for retirement, I’ve had some time now

to reflect on the effects and understand how

a person who’s worked all her life can just not

do and go to the very same spot.

It’d always been the very same thing

Back to the classroom with students waiting.

This year is different; my days have changed.

My life now has been rearranged.

                          * * *

RILEY, our grandson, LANA ‘n TONY’s son

Is 10 years old and decided to come

to San Francisco, city by the bay,

In August, he flew here, for a one-week stay.

Walked the Golden Gate Bridge, ‘cross ‘n back together,

Trekked in Muir Woods,

         and Lombard Street, another.

Chinatown, the Pacific Ocean, a pool swim.

We definitely had some good times with him.

One week later, Tony’s son, MATT, 22,

moved into our living room, “Oh what to do!?”

It’s not easy to find an apartment to rent

especially in S.F. where the rent makes a dent

in everyone’s paycheck.  You just ask MATT.

Took three weeks to find a place for his hat.

Our place was his place,while he started to work,

a place of refuge and a B & B perk.

Now he is settled and lives on his own.

Price Waterhouse accountant,

         paying off his student loan.

                         * * *

On the occasion of the 200th birthday

a wine-tasting and a gallery display

for the Count who came from Hungary,

the vintner whose name is Harasthy

who came to SONOMA, he did quite fine

with cuttings from Zinfandel &Tokay, made wine.

Sonoma and Tokay, a sister cities event -

dancing, singing, music - Feri and I went.

              * * * * * *

 

With my friend from high school, 
      SUE OGLOVE (Merin)

on Highway 5, the driving sharin’,

like Thelma and Louise, two gals on the run,

to see our moms and also my son.

We also had a reunion lunch treat

with ELLIE B. CLOTHIER on Larchmont Street.

Memories from over 50 years ago.

We three played catch-up with photos to show.
                       * * *
I did my usual straighten-up stuff
at Mom's place, yet never enough.
Time spent with David.  So nice to see him.
We even went to the Getty Museum.
Line drawings by Gustav Klimpt we saw
whose talent for people, was able to draw.
Also saw Dan, who comes to Mom's place.
So we had some time to talk face to face.
                   * * * * * *

 

Feri and I drove to L.A.

David and he were our airport valet.

On November 1st, both MOM and I

together the two of us did fly

to PUERTO VALLARTA in Mexico

thanks to ALICE LIPSCOMB,

         Mom’s friend from long ago.

We stayed in her timeshare called Costa Sur.

It was a great week, and that’s for sure.

Mom got a passport, packed clothes for the heat.

Our apartment was lovely;

         the view, couldn’t be beat.

A king-sized and a sofa bed, had we

a view to die for from our balcony.

Sunsets each night - pink, gold, silver, blue.

Snorkling with the fishes

         and a warm pool, spa, too.

Wifi and bingo - a breakfast Mom won.

Speaking of food - enchiladas and flan,

Mexican huevos, tortillas, camarones,

salsa, guacamole, chips y frijoles.

4 to 6 happy hour with Jim and Maureen

vodka ‘n tonic with popcorn, the scene.

GERI and ALICE would be there, too.

The sun would set, by the pool.  What a view!

Marimba music, live songs by the sea.

Very memorable camaraderie.

Arrived on the Day of the Dead, so was there

for skeletons, candles, food they prepare

on altars with pan muerto, drinks, and flowers,

paper cuttings, biographies.  Traditions have powers.

A parade at night, costumed dancers in pairs.                 

The setting: Los Arcos.  I sat on the stairs.

At the same time, the ladies were OK

at an Oktoberfest with beer and buffet.

To downtown we went, and we did it by bus

and walked to the mercado. 

         Yes, Mom sure did cuss

the suspension bridge and the cobblestone street,

the dust, and dirt, the humidity and heat.

But she got some souvenirs to ease the pain -

a blouse, some earrings,

         painted plate, and a cane.

We saw iguanas up in the trees

In the sun eating their favorite leaves.

Museo del Cuale, ‘bout West Mexico,

Archaeological pieces of worth, they did show.

The malecón is a classy boardwalk.

We sat, walked, sat, had some time to talk.

The plaza and church, Guadalupe with crown

where Liz and Dick Burton were, when in town.

A super bus trip not to forget

for breakfast in a restaurant; recall the egret?

‘Twas MISMALOYA, resort by the sea.

Hired a small boat to take us to Los Arcos,

         Mom ‘n me.

Turtle rock, the devil,

         fish black and orangish/yellow,

blue skies, breeze light

         and the seas calm and mellow.

We watched the pelicans, fishermen, too,

had our picture taken as the arches went through.

Mom stayed with her friends

         one day of this vacation

and I went to listen to a time-share presentation.

Torture as it was, got through it OK.

I ended up, with the money to pay

for all our expenses.  Then wasted some time

trying a second one, but greed is like crime.

Nevertheless, I photographed and found

that Puerto Vallarta is a very charming town.

We stayed healthy,

         no problems when all was done.

A week to remember with Mom.  It was fun.

* * * * *

Every day need not be the same.

Shoot at the target; stand there and aim.

Reflect on beauty and nature; take time

Make a sweet drink out of lemon or lime.

Take moments to breathe –

take in some fresh air.

Challenge yourself when the odds are unfair.

Be curious, amazed, thrilled, and upbeat.

Don’t look down; get up, get off your seat.

Make the most of your time and use your talents. 

Keep your head on straight,

and keep your balance.

Experience wonder.  It’ll make you feel grand.

For 2013.  Now strike up the band!

We hope you stay healthy; be happy, too;

keep positive thoughts;

then “good” will come through.

Together, let’s hope for a peaceful New Year,  

more understanding, and a whole lot less fear.

Our thoughts are with you. 

We send hugs and kisses,

bundles of love, and all our warm wishes.

                                                                                                       FRANK and SALLY