Feb
19
2012
As I see a bit of news coverage of the funeral service for Whitney Houston today I am reminded of the similar scenes of the funerals for Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. It occurred to me today that all three super stars seem to have died at the hands of “pills”.
All three super stars had fallen from their thrones in the world of pop music. The level of stardom they had seemed to have come with demons at their side. Each was required by the adoring public to be “ON” at all times. The tabloids would have you see otherwise. This enormous level of stardom seems to have caused each of them to have feelings of self doubt. What? Really?
Yes, They all had money, money, money, but that did not mean they were happy with life. We’ve all been taught that money does not buy happiness. Here we have three cases to prove that adage. It was like each felt the need to crawl into a cocoon away from the publics eye and weep, wishing escape. No telling what these stars were addicted to other than FAME. Addictions can be vicious – they can even kill. Fighting addictions takes a monstrous effort as displayed by these three people.
Whitney possessed a God given talent which brought her perhaps too much success. Who would believe that too much success could be deadly? All three super stars surrounded themselves with the ultimate in creature comforts and a “team” of body guards/care takers/ whatever you wish to call them. But among this staff there was not one who would say NO or NO MORE – not to Elvis, not to Michael, not to Whitney. Each star was taken from family, friends and fans when they were too young to die. In these cases interventions did not work. We must realize that in some cases the addiction takes charge of a life – the demons grow bigger and bigger. The victim can feel weak and beaten.
When I learned of Michael Jackson’s death I heard the “King of Pop” has died. I was personally offended because Elvis Presley had always been the “King” in my world – I was reminded that Elvis was the “King of Rock ‘n Roll”. OK. Let’s agree that if Elvis and Michael were declared Kings, then Whitney was nothing short of QUEEN, if not more. The music world has lost another rare, exceptional talent. R.I.P. Whitney Houston.
Dec
24
2011
Once upon a time, many years ago, on Thanksgiving weekend our family took a train ride from Wilmington, DE to New York City. We wanted to see the city’s Christmas lights and decorations, take our small children to F.A.O. Schwarz toy store and watch their eyes pop wide open in amazement.
Our youngest daughter had just turned 4 yrs. Her biggest wish was to meet the REAL SANTA CLAUS from the North Pole. We promised all three children that we would find the real santa at Macy’s Department Store, a fixture in the retail world of NYC. There were Santa’s Helpers on every street corner, ringing bells and they all were sharing their joy and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Our little one had her mind made up that the real Santa would say Ho Ho Ho. She knew this in advance.
As we made our way down 5th Avenue popping in and out of different stores we could feel ourselves getting closer and closer to Macy’s. The crowds were thick, but our little ones did a great job of keeping up – all they wanted to do was reach the end of the rainbow.
Finally, we arrived at Macy’s – We learned that Santa would be found in the toy department on the 4th floor. We advanced our way up by using the escalator – quickly re-named the “magic stairs”. When we were between floors 3 and 4 the excitement was high. All of a sudden our daughter heard Ho Ho Ho – the REAL DEAL. She knew she had found her prize. WE MET SANTA from the North Pole. He was so generous with his time with the children it could not have come off any better if we had prepared the script.
That was the only time we went as a family to meet Santa at Macy’s. Nevertheless, the memory of that day has never faded. We all know that HO HO HO only comes from the real one. We have made of collection over the years of different items that display HO HO HO – It keeps us all believing in the magic of Christmas brought about by Santa. But let us not forget the reason for our annual Christmas celebration - Happy Birthday Jesus. Peace on Earth, Good Will To All.
Dec
16
2011
Forty nine years is long time – yes, a very long time – On Dec. 12, 1962 I lost my best buddy, my Dad. He was 49 at the time. My Dad meant the world to me just as I meant the world to him. I have two older brothers, one younger sister – Maybe it was because I was the first girl ??? I never knew what it was, but my Dad and I had a connection unlike the other siblings. Super Special! I was devastated by his death.
My Dad had always been a survivor. He grew up fast – Started his own business when he was only twenty-three, without a college education – no, he did not even have a high school diploma. He began working to earn an honest ”living” during the ninth grade. He was a shoe salesman. He worked through what would have been his high school years, the Depression years. At one point he entered a music competition and won a scholarship to the North Carolina Conservatory of Music for his performance on violin. Apparently it was a school for women at the college level. He entered to study more music, of course. But it was not long before his interest in the women on campus became stronger than his interest in the violin – ooops, he was asked to leave.
My Dad had an uncle who owned a lumber company in NC. He hired my Dad to join him and “learn the business”. This uncle became my Dad’s teacher/mentor – he might as well have been in college except this instruction was one on one. My Dad thrived in this business environment. He soon decided he could have his own company with a lot of hard work. It was an enormous undertaking – he had married and my Mother helped keep books – the “office” was a closet in a tiny one bedroom apartment. The lighting was a single bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. After convincing a Washington Bank that he was credit worthy (without a track record?) his own wholesale lumber company was up and running. The lumber was purchased from mills on the West coast and delivered by train to the newly established location in Washington, D.C. His company trucks delivered the lumber to retail lumber yards. Long before Home Depot and Lowes.
During my childhood I expressed serious interest in my Dad’s company. I wanted to help. Often on Saturday mornings Dad would take me to breakfast before a visit to the office. I loved to “play office” while Dad organized things to begin his week on Monday. Once I was old enough to have a real summer job of course I worked for Dad. While my brothers unloaded lumber from railroad box cars in blistering summer heat I was far more comfortable inside the air conditioned office. My 16th summer, very excited to have a new driver’s license in hand, I drove one brother back and forth to work while he devoured the sports page in the Washington Post. He thought this arrangement was great. Once I entered college to major in Business my Dad was so thrilled that I received the Wall Street Journal daily in my school mailbox. According to the post mistress it was only the Library and me. Imagine?
Dad was a fun loving guy and besides being the consummate salesman he liked to travel – sometimes quite spontaneous – I was always ready to GO too. He had a private plane which made these quick trips easy. The Montgomery County Airpark was where Congressional Plaza sits today on Rockville Pike, back in the day. I loved the small plane. ONE time I was allowed to operate the controls and I flew us from Columbus, Ohio to Charleston, WV. Who knew that I would be visiting friends in Charleston the day my Dad passed in his sleep? That day I flew on a jet from Charleston back to DC. Loosing my Dad was terribly traumatic for me. Now, forty nine years have passed – I still miss my buddy – a lot. He taught me to never give up and most importantly “There’s no such word as CAN’T”. What a marvelous message.
Nov
27
2011
It has been a little over a month since I moved my adorable cat, Ladybug, to Washington, DC. I am getting used to the idea of her not being here with me – fortunately I have updates often assuring me she is doing very well. I’m pleased.
After visiting in MD, DC and New York I went to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to meet two girlfriends I have remained close to since high school – yes, a lotta years. The next morning, after a very stormy night, we boarded a cruise ship headed for some Eastern Caribbean islands. Luck was with us as we watched the storms blow away – For the next week it would be sunny and mid-80′s – ideal conditions for cruising.
Our cabin aboard ship was far more comfortable than we had imagined. Our balcony was the perfect perch for admiring the peaceful sea and gorgeous sunsets. It was soothing, relaxing, quiet, smooth. Any assistance we needed was at out fingertips – press 9. As we settled in we all decided this was an excellent way to pamper ourselves, together. We gathered from Utah, Las Vegas, NV and Jacksonville, FL.
Beautiful Half Moon Cay
At our first stop we took a tender to shore of a tiny, pristine island called Half Moon Cay, literally crescent shaped. Postcard perfect beach. There are no permanent residents here, but there are shops, eateries, tiki bars and several activities. The employees on the island travel 1 1/2 hrs. each way via boat to come to work. After a huge island cook-out we went exploring in a glass bottom boat – fish, colorful fish, coral of many varieties. Gorgeous clear waters.
We celebrated Halloween that night with a costume party - I was excited to run into Elvis and have a pic of us together - JOY !!!
After a travel day at sea with complete r&r (even a Spa visit) we arrived at St. Thomas, a U.S. Virgin Island. Our friend from Jacksonville has family living full time at St. Thomas. We were collected at the pier and for the balance of the day we felt like we were the visiting Royalty. We were wined and dined at a 2nd story restaurant facing the harbor, one of the most picturesque in the world. We were shown the most spectacular views from hilltops, we zigged and zagged around the very narrow roads with hairpin turns. We went to town center and found fine jewelry shops, one after another . Our hostess had a connection at one particular shop – the reduced prices were reduced even further! Of course, the three of us had to take advantage of that opportunity. We found treasures.
St. Thomas Sugar Mill
It was almost time for the 2 children/grands to arrive home from school – off we went up into the hills again to visit ” home” - built on property with an authentic old sugar mill. The children presented birthday cake with candles to their Grandmother who was celebrating that day. After our “party” we were promptly returned to our ship for more sailing. What a very special day providing precious memories.
Whew!
Before we move on to Puerto Rico and Grand Turk I will insert a note here about an incident that occurred after lunch. We had climbed up a very old, outside, open tread, uneven, steep and long staircase to reach this fun restaurant. WITH THE VIEW !!!! After a yummy meal we needed to navigate those stairs again. About 1/3 down, my shoes slipped, I missed about 3 steps, missed my reach for the iron railing, wrapped my arms tightly around a support pole and held on for dear life. Looking down I could see a narrow, broken concrete sidewalk – Immediately my mind jumped to the sound of an emergency vehicle coming to collect what was left of me from that sidewalk way down below. Very fortunately the pole held me as I held it. It was a close call – left me a bit rattled.
San Cristobal Fort
Okay, the next morning we awoke in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We were able to ride a bus to San Cristobal Fort for a tour. This fort was under construction for hundreds of years. Each time they thought it was big and strong enough another threat would come and they would build more. Believe me, it’s a heavy duty fort. From here we found our way to the quaint, very old area of Old Town San Juan. A shoppers paradise, but not jewelry this time. A shopkeeper kindly lead us to a “local” restaurant for lunch – we were the only tourists there – delicious meal, the real PR deal and coffee you wouldn’t believe…….. an excellent recommendation.
Grand Turk
The next day we made a stop at Grand Turk, the capitol of Turks and Caicos (a group of 7 islands). Grand Turk is only 5 miles long, 6000 pop. We were on flat island again, took a sweet bus tour with a terrific guide. We saw an ancient lighthouse, visited a tiny old old church painted white with red trim and a small & informative Grand Turk History Museum, delightful. After the tour we discovered Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – The party was in full swing and we joined right in. Why not?
After reboarding the ship we were now on our way back to Florida – about 36 hours across the sea. We had no problem giving this voyage a strong thumbs up. We enjoyed ALL of it – and each island was so different – heritage, culture, topography, and the national flag flying. It was fascinating —– not just pretty beaches. Where shall we go next? !!!!!
Tags: Bahamas, Caribbean, cruise, Elvis, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Halloween, Margaritaville, Puerto Rico, St Thomas | 
Comments (2)
Comments (2) Oct
5
2011
My granddaughter turned 16 yrs a few months ago. Last year during the school year she took a Driver’s Education course – and PASSED —– The rule in Utah says you need this certificate of completion before you apply for a Learner’s Permit. This requires driving with an adult. This is good for several months, but eventually you are ready to exchange the Permit for the REAL Driver’s License. Well, it has puzzled me slightly that my granddaughter seems to be in no RUSH to “hit the road”. Some of her friends have already advanced to the final license. Apparently she needs parental cooperation to move forward and, as I say, no one is in a RUSH. This attitude is very foreign to me – thus my puzzlement. But I must admit, driving is much different now – more cars, more trucks, more everything.
Back in the day things were different – yes, in oh so many ways. This week I read an article about classroom behavior and how incidents are handled today versus “back in the day”. If a teacher gave hugs to a student who got a skinned knee on the playground she/he was considered a loving, compassionate person offering comfort. Today the police would have been summoned, perhaps for child molestation? When I was in school we did not know those words !!
So, it stands to reason that the driving preparation regulations were way different as well. I do not recall taking a driving course in or out of school. I learned to drive at the nearby amusement park by spending hours and hours maneuvering the bumper cars. Yes, I think that was the extent of my formal training. That could possibly explain how this next little incident actually occurred.
It was a clear, balmy day – just right for the top down on the convertible which was sitting in our driveway at home. A girlfriend was over to “hang out”. I picked up the car keys and said to my friend “let’s go for a spin” and off we went. My father was home engrossed in the Sunday paper. We were overjoyed with our actions – whoooop ! We were not very far from home, no fixed destination in mind. Then we heard a siren – a policeman pulling up close behind, signaling for us to pull over. Oh Nooooooooo. Officer:” Let me see your license and registration please”. “You were driving 15 miles over the speed limit”. I nervously fumbled around in the glove box and found the registration – I handed it over. Officer: “Your license too”. ME: “I don’t have one”. Officer: “Did you leave it at home?” ME: “No, I don’t have one”. 
Officer: “Young Lady, I am an OFFICER OF THE LAW, this is no time to act smart. How old are you?” ME: TWELVE Officer: “I just told you this is no time to act smart”. (Meanwhile, my friend was frozen like a statue.) Officer: “Where do you live?” ME: “I live on Travilah Road. Not far from here at all”. Officer: “Who is at home?” ME: My Father – Officer: “Follow me, we are going to talk to your father”. 
I was not even put into the patrol car – I was stunned, even more, when he said Follow Me. (I’m 12 !) We did just that – We turned around and went to my house. My friend? still frozen with fright, but crying now. I called to my father and said we had a guest who needed to talk to him. Well, you can imagine the conversation from this point forward. A huge ticket was issued, handed to my father. Officer: “I will see YOU and YOUR Daughter in COURT. AND, as for you, young lady, you’ll be lucky if you ever get a license before you are 21 years”. These were the most frightening words I had ever heard. I wanted to drive so badly. Father: “Give me those car keys and do not ever do that again!!!!!”
Well, for some reason, we never went to court. For some reason, never another word was said about it. It just went away…. Four years later, when I turned 16, I got my driver’s license right on schedule without a wrinkle. I did not even have to have a permit first – Back In the Day. Just imagine if this incident happened in today’s world.?? I might have been sentenced to several years of HARD LABOR ?? or WORSE ?? So the moral of my story is: I should count my blessings that my sweet granddaughter is perfectly satisfied to take things as they come. She is my BLESSING.
Sep
14
2011
This is a story about ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE and it’s not even about airplanes. Well, not exactly. It’s about a CAT – not just any cat, of course. One time I agreed to take care of a cat for a friend who was moving to a rental home that did not allow PETS. I was to have “Puff” for two weeks while another permanent home was found for her. Well, two weeks turned into a year. Puff was so dear that once I had her I could not let her go. After one year Puff died of kidney failure – age 9. I was desperately sad. My 9 yo granddaughter was sad too – she lived 2000 miles away. She told me “Jo Jo, I never want you to have another cat – I don’t like it when you cry so much. It’s terrible”. SO, I replied, “ok, maybe you’re right”.
Only a few weeks later I was visiting a friend – he took me to visit a neighbor – She had found a TINY kitten on her doorstep early that morning, no mommy cat in sight. She owned a black Lab – and it was evident immediately that the dog had no use for this kitten and did not want her moving into his home. The kitten was offered to ME since I had just lost one. I could hear my granddaughter’s words – BUT – this little orphan needed a home – so I accepted it. You knew I would ! Since my granddaughter and I had always had a magical connection over ladybugs, and perhaps to soften the blow – this was the ARRIVAL of LADYBUG.. I waited some time before making the confession to my granddaughter. Then over the phone one day I said “Guess what I have sitting here with me?” A Ladybug?? Well, yes I have a ladybug, but not the kind you think. “It is a kitten and her name is Ladybug.” ” OHHHH, that’s perfectl”, said she. You have just solved my problem! I wanted to get you a kitten for Christmas, but I didn’t know how to get it to you – (2000 miles away)”. But, what about “No more cats – you cry too much”? “Oh, she said, – I made all that up so I wouldn’t ruin the surprise”. I was stunned. Then she continued with instructions – on Christmas morning I needed to put a BOW on Ladybug with a tag – To Jo Jo, Love H. Of course, I did just that. That was seven years ago. My, how time flies.
Ladybug has brought nothing but joy to my life. She is pretty, petite, friendly, and has a remarkable personality. She is calico with her body tortise shell – stunning. In a few weeks Ladybug will be making a DEPARTURE. Circumstances beyond our control have come up and Ladybug will return to the DC area to live with an old friend – hers and mine. For almost two years we have been living those 2000 miles away – in retirement – I thought we were Lovin’ life, but Ladybug has changed her mind. Her friend in DC used to live in an apartment in our home in MD. They became extremely good friends, so if Ladybug insists on moving, this is the best place for her to go. After exploring MANY options for her safe transport to DC (terribly expensive ones, I might add) it has been determined that the best way to go is under MY seat on an airplane. This is how she got here.
Yes, my life without my cheerful Ladybug will be quite different, but we are doing what will be best for all concerned. Unfortunately the situation is critical. So, I ask you to say a little prayer asking that Ladybug will be well, happy and never give up her cheerfulness. That’s what makes her so much fun. Ladybug = Good Luck
Aug
24
2011
It must have been January 18, 1961 – two days before President Kennedy’s Inauguration at the Capitol in Washington, DC. I was a college student in North Carolina – my home was DC. Four of my classmates from NC asked me if I could PLEASE take them to the Inauguration scheduled for noon on Jan. 20, 1961. Believe me, this was a tall order – but I was from DC you see, so attending a Presidential Inauguration must be a common event for me – perhaps even arranging a few personal introductions. ??? These North Carolina girls had a few misconceptions. But, I also do not like to say NO.
I borrowed my boyfriend’s car – he attended another college not too far away. I had everyone pile into that car for a quick trip North to see what we could see. Using the car came with one important stipulation – Do Not Stop in Charlottesville, VA, the home of University of VA. It was a known fact that I was friends with a few of the male students at UVA. So I agreed. DC here we come !! Jan.19, 1961.
An unexpected huge snowstorm arrived on our route by late afternoon the day of our travel. Driving was treacherous. We were moving along slowly and carefully until – Oooops! – We slid off the shoulder and down a slope, buried in snow. We were 15 – 20 miles south of Charlottesville. A kind truck driver of an 18 wheeler rescued us with a ride into town. We were so lucky. We needed a tow truck and we also needed to find overnight lodging. The tow truck could be 24 hours away. ?? My friends were wondering just what would happen next on this adventure. ?? And, they appeared a bit nervous. WHY? I wonder?
At the service station we were introduced, by phone, to the house mother in the girl’s dorm for nursing students. She invited us to stay in her dorm, bless her heart. It was a challenging hike thru the now blizzard conditions, but we finally made it. Mrs. McDougall had a warm fire roaring in the reception area. She had us remove our soaked shoes and socks which she placed on the hearth to dry. Next, she served us hot chocolate and cookies. We were receiving the royal treatment – 5 unexpected, very weary guests. There were guest rooms for us, BUT here we were in Charlottesville. I decided the rules had changed. Right? So I contacted one of my friends. It was exam time at the university, but luckily my friend’s next exam was 2 days away. Soooo, He insisted that he drive us home. Of course, we did not know when we might see the borrowed car again. ?? We all decided a good night’s sleep was an immediate requirement. We agreed to send Mrs. McDougall $3.00 each for our lodging.
The next day we found our car at the service station. Under the extreme conditions it was a Miracle ! My friend met us to drive - Jan. 20, 1961. 
It was a bitter cold day in DC, but since the snow had stopped the ceremonies were still held outside. We listen to the Inauguration of President Kennedy, including his speech on the radio. I had a disappointed group of friends in that car. They were missing the ceremonies up close and personal – and it looked unlikely that I would be making Presidential introductions. ( Wink – whew!) I promised TV coverage of the Inaugural Balls and re-runs would be plentiful. Our driver was taking the very best of care of us. I reminded the girls that we needed to count our blessings. They could not imagine that our trip could have been any more difficult, but I knew better. We were most fortunate.
The next day we drove around DC a bit – some streets had been cleared. As we passed the home of Lyndon Johnson, JFK’s new vice-president – I commented “That’s where the vice-president lives”. Next I heard a chorus asking “Vice-president of WHAT?” True story !!!
Aug
13
2011
Many years ago there was a golf tournament on the winter circuit in Florida known as the Greater Jacksonville Open. One year my husband (ex) and I were invited to attend. Our hosts were good friends living in Jacksonville. This was going to be a week of FUN.
One day it rained so my friend and I ushered the men out the door to be part of the golfer’s gallery. We switched gears, gathered up the sitter for the little ones and went to the mall, out of the elements. We had already dressed in our golf tourney attire (before we knew it was raining). But, this was fine for the mall. We shopped til we dropped. We even had our ears pierced, which was against the rules on the home front. Ha ha.
By the time we returned home the men were there eager to share the play by play of the golf. We said “Tell us more when we get back. We’re going to take the sitter home”. So, off we went.
The sitter was the daughter of friends so when we reached her home we stopped in to say hello to her parents. As we reached the entrance we were met by her father who was dressed to the nines – looking very dapper. “Where are YOU going?” we asked. “Oh, I’m going to Arnie’s Cocktail Party in the neighborhood club house. You should join me.” We then realized that the neighborhood was called “Villa de Palmer” and the party was an annual event hosted by Arnold Palmer for the residents. We said “thanks anyway, we’re not dressed for a party.”
We went into the home to visit with his wife. She was not in the mood to attend the party. We were having a lovely visit when all of a sudden the “sitter” rushed in and said “You guys are really missin’ it. You should go to Arnie’s party”. My friend and I looked at each other and said “Why not?”
We found our way to the clubhouse and upon entering we saw a circle of guests, mostly beautifully dressed women, standing against the exterior walls of the room. (looking like anxious jr-hi girls at a dance) In the center was Arnie, standing alone, next to the enormous shrimp bar and champagne fountain. My girlfriend, without skipping a beat, walks up to Arnie and says “We’re sorry to come to your party looking like hell, but we’re just coming from the sopping wet golf course”. Arnold Palmer said “I think you are girls after my own heart”. (You know that was not where we had been – Shhhhh ) 
The glares we were getting from the other guests carried daggers. Arnie graciously served us champagne from the fountain and we chatted for over 30 minutes. Yes, up close and personal.
What a memorable experience – it was so much fun and it was all so spontaneous – no plan – sometimes that is the best way. I can tell you all that Arnold Palmer – at the top of his game at that point – was and is a charming gentleman, kind and caring and most hospitable, besides being a Champion Golfer. Thank you Arnie for the FUN.
When we returned home the husbands asked “WHERE have you BEEN?” I suppose they were hungry for supper. We said “We’ve been having drinks with Arnie”. “NO WAYYY” said they. Dinner became carry-out !
p.s. Arnie won the tournament !! And we did really see him win.
Tags: Arnold Palmer, champion, cocktails, Golf, Jacksonville, tournament, Villa de Palmer |
Comments (3)
Comments (3) Jul
31
2011
When Jimmy Connors was a young, newcomer to the professional tennis scene in the mid-1970s he would play in an annual indoor tournament in Salisbury, MD. One day in 1974 I attended that tournament – I took with me a very attractive young lady from Australia who was living with us as an exchange student. We entered the stadium and quickly found seats in the bleachers. Jimmy was not playing at that moment. And it wasn’t too long before Jimmy came to join us in the bleachers. Michelle was quite the magnet. Jimmy introduced himself (as if we needed that?) and told us he would not be playing until afternoon. He gave a little commentary on the current game, but mostly just wanted to chat with Michelle. He asked me if I wanted to see his new GOLD WATCH.
Do you know what time it is?!
The watch he was wearing was the FIRST GOLD WATCH he had ever owned and he had WON it playing tennis recently. He was one proud guy – never mind that he was headed for one of the most extraordinary tennis careers in US history. That day it was all about the WATCH. Every so often he would ask me “Do you need to know what time it is?” This went on for a few hours. I found his excitement over the watch to be very refreshing. He was young and unspoiled. This was long before he became a maverick in the tennis world. Actually his career was beginning to soar and in 1974 he won his first US OPEN Title. He was fiesty and highly competitive and the fans started calling him “Jimbo”. He was taking the tennis world by storm – His Mother had been his coach until he was 16 yrs. Mother and Jimbo were quite satisfied with the way things were going. He became a professional in tennis in 1972.
A gift to tennis.
For the next 20 years Jimmy Connors would win, win, win. He hated to lose. From July 29, 1974 until 1976 he was the #1 player in the world. He would win against all the top world players consistently. Tennis was his JOB, but that would not keep him from marriage and family. He married Patti, a former Playmate of the Year for Playboy magazine. No Wonder she was so gorgeous!! I had no clue at that time. Fast forward from mid-1970s to mid-1980s. In 1985 I was a Realtor in Potomac, MD. I knew Jimmy’s manager/attorney from ProServe in DC. I received a call from Donald Dell asking if I would be willing to show properties to Jimmy and Patti – they would be in town in 2 days. It was Donald Dell’s idea that the Connors family should live in the Washington, DC area, they were relocating from Florida. I made arrangements to show them some properties – requirement from Jimmy – there must be enough land for him to build a tennis court that was not visible from the road – no spectators, please, during his practice sessions. This sounded perfectly reasonable to me — AND the master bathroom must be “Hollywood glamorous”. hummmm In 1985 the Washington area had yet to discover “Hollywood glamorous” bathrooms. I can clearly recall Jimmy calling the bathrooms “Plebeian”. Jimmy, Patti and I spent an entire day, into the evening, previewing properties. Nothing would do. The issue?? Jimmy and Patti did NOT want to live on the East coast – they preferred Southern CA. The entire exercise was just to satisfy Donald Dell – Jimmy could say “okay I looked – didn’t see a thing I want to buy”.
Jimmy and Patti Connors did buy in CA where they raised their two children. And I can only imagine they lived happily ever after. While we were together that day in 1985 I asked if he remembered the WATCH DAY. He remembered the watch, but not the company he kept that day – oh wellllllllllllll. I thank JC for giving the tennis world a whirl of excitement for 20 years.
Jul
4
2011
The trip back East was a smashing success —- however, if I mention an ambitious challenge like this to you again, please stop me – I forget that I tire more easily at this age and stage than I used to. I wore myself to a frazzle.
First stop, North Carolina!
After a simple flight to Raleigh a friend from college collected me to go to her home in Winston-Salem. We nurtured our lovely friendship, and I met her two darlings, a 3 lb. chihuahua and a 5 lb. yorkie. I tried not to step on them.
Hopping down the road...
Next stop High Point – via bus – a friend/cousin met me there from Charlotte for Breakfast and Lunch – laughter and hugs, short, but sweet - it worked – next stop Raleigh – via train -
Movin' right along in search of good times and good news...
my daughter met me at the train in the blazing heat – it must have been high humdity – muggy – in Utah I have gotten used to 11% humidity. Ahhhh – 3 fabulous days w/daughter and her friends – adorable – never mind the heat, never a dull moment. next – plane to Baltimore – lunch with friend since 3rd grade – poor friend was lost for 1 1/2 hr trying to fine an out of the way CRAB restaurant - lunch/crabmeat, was over the top delicious – more warm hugs - next a slumber party visit to niece and husband with their precious, precious 14 mo. daughter. Best kid on the planet – she loves to dance, learned to twirl for me. My sail on the Chesapeake the next day was called off – thus missed the sailboat part of the trip - 100 temp – no wind – 
. Onward to Solomons, MD on the Bay via rental car – collected my friend’s widow and 2 step-sons from FL who had come North to attend the waterfront memorial service. They had been staying near Baltimore for a few days of DC sightseeing.
Perfect day for a lovely goodbye...
At Solomons I was so relieved to see a gorgeous sunrise the next morning – this meant we would have a lovely day for our picnic/tribute service. I had had many misgivings about possible rain that day. No sir, all was picture perfect – a fabulous meal to which all 30 contributed – a grill master with food enough for 60 ?? We shared fun stories, photos (old and new) fond memories of my dearest sailing pal who passed suddenly in October. We had Burial at Sea via boat and that was followed by a pool party there at the same marina. It was a special day. I am truly grateful to all who helped me execute the plan. Some attendees asked if this could be an annual event?? What a compliment. I took it that way anyway. Next – over to the Eastern Shore of the bay to see Sister – my surprise was my niece, her husband and adorable daughter were there too – what a BONUS..
Precious...
more crab cakes – my sis knows me well and she also knows well crabmeat is RARE in Utah. While in that area I saw 3 old friends – one from DE, one from Salisbury, MD and one from Potomac MD. more laughter and hugs. By this time my cup was about to runneth over.
After three days it was Back across the BAY toward DC to Bethesda, MD. My best friend from high school hosted me for the next several days. One night we entertained at her home more high school friends – A gorgeous and delicious party – fun time with all – Next day lunch with real estate friend – followed by an afternoon/eve watching the US Open golf finals on TV. The site of the tournament was only about 10 minutes away, the club where my family had membership when I was a kid. We decided it was cooler and more comfy to watch from home. What a tourney !!! The next night My brother and his wife took my hostess and me to dinner for a family update, update, update. Aside from his news about his own serious heart problems, all the other news was positive – and fun. A good time. By this time I was running out of scheduled days on this journey so I invited more friends to stop by where I was staying for snacks and bevies on the deck. My friend’s newly landscaped yard is a gardner’s delight – very beautiful and peaceful – spending time on her deck is more relaxing than you can imagine. I did have to forfeit one more planned event at Albemarle Sound, NC for a weekend. A 5 hr drive, with thunderstorms forecast, was just too big a challenge – We were gracioulsy offered a “rain check”. I am extremely blessed to have many dear friends and family. Each one is a golden treasure. “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.” Yes, indeed !