Bigfoot parked in front of Sister 3, Elsbeth’s and Peter’s place in Burbank Calif. You can see my old red explorer sport track, which Elsbeth bought from me.

Am now in an RV park in La Quinta, just a few miles east of Palm Spring, CA. It is 109 deg, Ouch.

For the first 2 days in LA, kept a relatively low profile. Mostly hanging out at sister #3, Elsbeth's & Petter's place in Burbank. Have'nt spent much time with my siblings since leaving home in Fla 42 yrs ago. So hanging out was proper.

I lived in LA for 18 yrs, younger yrs, from 1968 to 1986, college, friends, & early career work. I remember life was good then, and life got better in the Bay Area. And now in retirement it is getting even better. I think that is as it should be. Hopefully all can say that.

On Wed, Jun 4th, visited with Mike and Rose Salcido. We went to school at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Met Mike around 1975, we studied physics together. Caroused in LA with the rest of the college gang for about 5 yrs. Went to his wedding, it was the best wedding ever been to. It was early on Sat afternoon, in his backyard, followed by the reception at the same place. We danced and partied all night, literally. At 4:00 am, there were bodies sleeping all over the house. Mike and Rose, had people passed out in their bed. So we sat around in the living room and drank some more, and when the sun came up, we went out to eat breakfast (menudo I think).

Deacon Mike and Rose Salcido.

When we got back people where waking up, and many who had left Sat eve came back with lots food. So we partied some more till Sunday eve. It was time to go home then. In 1986, left LA and went to the Bay area, San Jose, and pursued my professional career. Lost track of Mike and Rose till now. His kids grew up and left the nest. Mike & Rose where/are some of my best buds, we had great times, and now we had a couple beers, and smoked a cigar. We did a lot of that in those younger fun days. They both look and are just as I remember them. LIFE IS GOOD! Mike has become a Deacon and Catholic chaplain at a Methodist Hospital. Had the pleasure of staying at the Salcido's overnight, and accompanied Mike in the morning, to the hospital where he works. And then, shadowed mike on his rounds in the hospital and participated as he gave small communion services to various patients. And then, after each service, he pull's out a guitar, sings, and finishes with a prayer.  I will henceforth call him "singing" Deacon Mike, as all call him so, except for the singing part.

On Jun 5th, visited with John & Kathy Irwin. John was also part of the college gang. John was studying biology or something like that. He usually gave me rides home from CSULA late at night after we studied. There was a ritual to going home, we would stop at Trader Joes, buy and drink some none American beer. He was also a room mate for a while, and I collected over 100 “empty” bottles of the different beers we tried, and was displayed in the living room. Of course the house we rented was also the party house. Around 1982, we had all finished college, except for the two that went off to medical school,  I arranged a weekend camping trip to the back side of Catalina Island, Little Harbor, just a few miles by ferry from San Pedro. All the college gang was suppose to come. And then, John, Kathy and me were the only ones that showed. Never did find why the others did not come. From my point of view, the “season” for partying together had come to an end swiftly, just like it had started.

John Irwin and his WWII era jeep. Gave me a ride on it. Sorry, did not get photo of Kathy.

John & Iko Olea with of course me. John is kind of hunching down, why? Only John knows.

On Jun 6th, visited with John & Iko Olea. Yap, John was also part of the college gang. John went off to medical school. We reconnected a few years ago. All my friends are special, but John, is in a class with Steve, another of the college gang. Pranksters, unique they are. Made our college times the best experience.

Mike is behind me, on the San Gabriel River Bike Path.

Jun 7th & 8th, Wow, made my week in LA awesome. In my college days I biked a bit here in LA. At that time biking in LA was not very friendly. 30 yrs later, what a difference. Mike above, has started cycling and signed up to do a benefit ride for two days. 76 miles on Sat, and 33 miles on Sun. Of course I had to do it. We rode from Monrovia to Seal Beach and back along the bike paths on the San Gabriel and Santa Ana rivers. Ever since I had learned that LA had become bike friendlier, have wanted to ride here. Well, done it. It was great weather, very nice people,  great bike path, no traffic, except other bikes. Many fast pelotons coming and going.

Finally, did not get together with Nancy and Erma. However, did talk with them by phone.

Nancy got back late Sat eve from a vacation to St Petersburg and Moscow. And our friend Erma was unavailable recuperating from medical procedures.