Murdock Muse
Jan-Feb 2005, Part 3


THE HOLIDAY TRIP
Margery Aukstikalnis

Happy Holidays everyone!

We left on the 19th of December, traveled to Brenda, AZ and stayed two nights in an absolutely delightful RV park called Black Rock. The spaces are huge and artistically landscaped; the water is good; and on the grounds are cafe, barbershop, gift shoppes, pitch and putt golf range, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and a multitude of other attractions. They hold church on Sunday and Bingo once a week, teach line dancing, hold computer lessons. And on and on. It is one worth returning to. I could almost live there.

Then we went to Oxnard, CA for a seven night stay that Jack had reserved a week prior. But when we arrived the manager insisted she had no reservation for us. She could put us up, but we might have to move the next day to a smaller spot. (With a 35-foot RV, trailer and Chevy Tracker, we need every inch they can give us, and moving is no simple task.) Jack was a little upset, but sweet talked his way into not moving. (He was able to convince her he really did call for reservations, and had documented everything that she said, so she had to admit she must have forgotten to write it down.)

It was not the best of parks. But it served the purpose. Jack's brother Paul arrived at our site about three hours after we landed, and we all went out for dinner in Ventura. Wednesday we visited the Ronald Reagan Library Museum, which we found very interesting. After dinner at the RV, Paul went back to Santa Monica. Thursday we toured beautiful downtown Ventura, and spent a little time in a Catholic Mission, especially in its archeological museum and its courtyard. Archeologists had dug layers of ground to unveil bones, tools, and dishes dating back through centuries of settlements and we could see the tools get cruder and cruder as we went back in time.

Friday I stayed home to cook and rest, and Jack and Paul went into the mountains (which after we left California were affected by mudslides). We had dinner at home again Friday, then Saturday went to Santa Monica to have Christmas dinner with Paul. This is the first Christmas he has spent with family since 1956. We ate about 3 PM, then went to the famous Santa Monica Pier to watch the sunset, dressed in short sleeved shirts and light windbreakers, then returned to the condo for dessert.

Sunday we stayed in Oxnard, and visited a winery for taste testing and bought a couple bottles of California wine. (Not the best, but OK wine.) We strolled over to a county Maritime Museum where we were captured by a very well-informed guide who taught us all about military ships from all over the world. There was one Korean armored ship which was camouflaged as a dragon, which "breathed fire" and spewed oil out its snout with a launched igniter used to destroy the enemy ships. Ten of these were built in a three month period, and launched to meet the invading Japanese fleet.

The Japanese fleet was 1000 ships with guns and cannons, approaching in a V, much like a migrating flock of geese . The ten dragons put up a smoke screen with their fire breathing snouts, then one-by-one set over 900 of the combat ships afire. The 10% that escaped, reportedly, sailed home to Japan with the advice, "Don't try that maneuver again." This and many other stories kept our attention for hours. I'm anxious to return to learn more.

Sunday night the weatherman said "Five inches of rain with high winds in the next couple days." We were outta there!!!!! We left Monday morning, even though we were paid through Tuesday. We drove by Salton Sea, a lake more concentrated with salt than the ocean, but boy does it STINK. We went a little further south and found a 70,000 acre state park for recreational vehicles. We stopped at the ranger station and Jack told him we would like to spend a night or two and he said "Go ahead. Just pick any spot you like." It was FREE!!!

We found a nice secluded spot of about 10 acres to ourselves, and set up camp. We had to run the generator for electricity, and use our reserve tanks for water and drainage, but we can live quite well for over three days independently in the RV. When we got up in the morning we started the coffee, turned up the heat and went to warm something in the Microwave when POOF! No electricity. Now I know where the term "not a happy camper" comes from.

Jack checked all the circuit breakers, and found no problem. We had plenty of gasoline to run the generator. That wasn't it. I made boiled coffee on the propane stove, we had eggs and turkey bacon and grilled muffins (no toaster). And happily adjusted to the campers' world. After breakfast Jack found ANOTHER circuit breaker panel outside by the generator, and reset the 20 amp breaker that had tripped and the sun smiled down on us. .... For awhile..

Now in this part of the desert, it only rains an average of 3 inches PER YEAR. The sand dunes are awesome. (Boy did I get pictures) and the Recreational Vehicles, it turns out, are primarily dune buggies, quads, dirt bikes, three wheelers, and other noisy rigs (which they towed behind their RV's). They were driven by kids of ALL ages, in groups of two to seven, some whole families riding together. They were dressed in colorful wind-protecting clothing, with helmets and sun goggles. Some had fluorescent flags high above the vehicle for easy rescue in case of breakdown. All carried lots of drinking water, blanket, flares, lights and probably snakebite kits and other emergency equipment. It was fun watching them.

But then. Then it started to rain. And it rained. And it rained. Before long we noticed a little trickle of water running along side of our RV. Within an hour it was a small stream. By bedtime we were on the banks of a river. And we couldn't leave. The "roads" were actually "washes" and were flooded out in the low spots with rapidly running water. Knowing the water dries up nearly as fast as it comes, we weren't worried. We had no place to be in any particular hurry. We had plenty of supplies, and as long as we were conservative, plenty of water for drinking and washing.

So after a beautiful rainbow, a spectacular sunset and a good night's sleep, Jack took the Tracker out to scout around, and decided we could leave the area we were in and head for higher ground for another night or two. We loved the area. So I drove the Tracker, following Jack in the RV about five or six miles to a nice spot closer to civilization. We chose the spot together, and Jack asked me which way I wanted to be oriented, for best viewing of sunrise and sunset. I suggested sunrise on the dining table, so Jack turned the RV a little and............. and............. got stuck in the soft sand.

His tires started spinning and the back wheels went deeper and deeper into the desert floor until the RV was nearly belly-down on the ground. Remember the term "Not a happy camper?" Well after a couple of choice words that would never come out of my mouth, Jack shook it off and we started hauling rocks from the nearby wash as he jacked up the RV and shoved rocks under the tires. He rocked back and forth a couple inches at a time until he finally reached solid ground. (Thanks to lessons learned with Omer riding the back-roads in earlier years). (Jack says, "Joyce, remember the beach?") It was only about an hour and a half of frustration. When he got "free" he asked me where I would like him to put the RV, I said "RIGHT WHERE IT IS!!!!" He laughed and agreed.

We left California Thursday and spent New Year's Eve in OASIS, a campground in Dateland, AZ off route 8 that really befits its name. It holds only 40 RVs, is secluded against the Aztec Hills and the Barry M Goldwater Air Force Range. It has palm trees and beautiful cacti, artistic gardens everywhere, a water fountain, some tasteful southern statues, a swimming pool and a lounge. It is run by a delightful young couple with three pre-school children and an elderly great-grandmother.

In the laundry (which had two oversized washers and dryers, $1. per use, put the money in the box on the wall) was a single emergency package of laundry soap, fabric softener and all-color bleach if you needed it. All they ask is you leave money to replace it or replace it yourself later on. Everything is on the honor system, and nothing is abused. IT is the cleanest park we ever saw; every site was kept uncluttered by the tenants. The example set by the owners trickles down and is respected.

The Air Force Grounds are open for hiking, birding, or dunebuggying, except for a restricted area several miles south, unless they are holding training classes; then it is posted for a couple weeks. The desert there is greener than it has been in 20 years, because of all the rain we have had this winter. It is absolutely beautiful! We hated to leave, but New Year's Day is a great time to travel; the traffic is nearly nil. So we headed back. Now we have real electricity, real phone and satellite TV, and best of all, my Internet is working fine now unexplainably. And I'm a Happy Camper!

CA GREETINGS
Claudia Lindsey

Dec. 22: Thought all of you might like to see what our little beauty looks like in her Christmas finery. She is now eight months old and crawling all over the place. Luckily she hasn't tried to get at the Christmas tree yet. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
[Click here for picture, in the Jan-Feb Gallery.]

For those of you that know about it, my cataract surgery is now scheduled for January 10th. I am looking forward to being able to see clearly again and in a couple of months they will do the other eye.

Dennis and I are planning on coming back East sometime next year, probably sometime in July

Take care all and again, Merry Christmas.

HELLO 2005
Becky Murdock

Dec. 30: I hope this finds you well, and keeping warm!!!

We went to a concert last night and had a great time. It was at downtown Disney at the House of Blues. I think that we need to do things like that once in a while to escape from the grown up world.

On the way there we were talking, and commented on the message that you sent about our anniversary. That we got thru this year and we might make it to our golden years.

Well, we have vowed to make 2005 shine for us, and I hope you do the same. You two are the perfect example of how to make a marriage work, and we are taking notes.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Ian Murdock

Dec. 19: The Christmas spirit is creeping over us all here in Sunshineland, despite the fact that it's been in the 80s recently, with warm Santa Anas blowing at night.

This morning our tree keeled over, so we all pitched in together and redecorated it with all the ornaments we could fit on it, including a bunch that we got from you, like the little knitted yarn stockings and the drums with the matchsticks.

That should weigh it down enough to keep it still, at least until the five local cats and dogs start nibbling at the fronds and swallowing the tinsel icicles, with all the, er, attendant unfortunate digestive aftereffects!

Merry Christmas, folks!

GREETINGS FROM HUBBARDSTON!
Teddie Doane

Jan. 3: Well, it's been one week, almost to the minute, since we had a chimney fire! It was one of the scariest moments of my life! Billy had gone up to bed. I was watching my Monday night sitcoms. I went out to the kitchen because I smelled something "funny".

I had bought a cheap little lava lamp that day that I had going on the counter. At first I thought that was what I smelled and quickly unplugged it. When I turned around I saw smoke coming from places around the kitchen mantel where I had never seen smoke before!

I called up to Billy and had the phone in my hand ready to dial 911. At first he thought he could handle the problem, but I knew that dialing 911 was the best bet just in case! I worked as a dispatcher for the Fire Department long enough to know that seconds matter!

The HFD was here in 4 minutes! They were remarkable! No one shouted orders, they just all had their job to do and did them. There were 3 engines and 12 firefighters. They were everywhere from the rooftops outside to the attic inside.

We came very close to losing the home that we love. We are thankful that we're alive and our precious home is still standing. Our insurance is going to cover all damages.

Oh, and that stupid little lava lamp is history.

GREAT BIRTHDAY
Polly Soberg

Nov. 22:I had a great birthday with calls and emails from relatives. Steve and Doug sent emails and I received cards from Tom and Johnny. I also received two calls from Norway which I wasn't home to receive. Carl got to talk to the cousins anyway. Then I received another card from Norway from the third cousin and a card from Claudia in California.

I had a toothache so didn't want to go out to eat. That will come later. I went to the dentists today for a root canal but the tooth can't be saved. The dentist assured me it wasn't decay but gave it another name when the body decides to reject the tooth. So my rejected tooth will be extracted tomorrow. I imagine I won't be chewing anything too tough on Thanksgiving...... Will write up something separately on the Norwegian cousins visit to America.

Nov. 24: That was such a nice tribute you sent to me! I love the pictures and hope you can send copies as I can't figure out how to cut and paste them so I can print them.

You have such a memory!! I don't recall so many things. I don't remember the wedding dress being too long and barely remember the wedding itself. I am blessed to have such a nice sister. We may not see each other often but the connection is always there.

I remember strange things like drying the dishes way back on High St. (Gardner Rd), and you teaching me French songs to keep me going. Talk about clever! I have lots of memories of the really old days, like running through the woods, climbing trees, working in the large garden, and enjoying the many flowers Ma planted (hollyhocks, zinnias, bachelors buttons and cosmos).

Many thanks for all your kind words and the really neat pictures. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas season. My Thanksgiving may be different, as I had a tooth pulled yesterday and have a little trouble eating. Especially since I can't get my partial in yet. Sort of spooky without front teeth!! I'll be eating anything soft.... Oh well, I am thankful it's only teeth I'm missing. Many folks are a lot worse off than I. Be sure to share what you do for Thanksgiving, and will you be going away for Christmas, to CA or anywhere?

I think we will be "alone" this Thanksgiving but hopefully Rennie and family will have time to stop by at some time, even if only for coffee and dessert. I'm making two pies at this time, apple and pumpkin. I think I'll make a mince pie for Clyde as he has mentioned it many times. Remember the Thanksgiving dinners at Grandma Mawhinnie's house? I remember we always took time to run around the house several times between dinner and dessert. I think I ate more before dinner than the actual dinner. It was special to have a large bowl of fruit and nuts. Well, I think I'll close for now and tend to the pies. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Bob and thank you many times over for the great tribute.

GREETINGS
Marjorie Hanson

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year 2005
Christmas is here again and I am looking forward to hearing from you. I am writing this in sunny Orlando, Florida, where I came with my son Rob to judge a dog show and have a few days vacation.

It has been a busy year. We are still in Real Estate. Rob has his Broker's License and Carol and Christel have their sales licenses. I am in the process of selling the Beaumont Kennel and have just purchased a kennel in beautiful Bonita (South San Diego), which Carol is managing. We also had a Bedlington litter in January and another just recently.

Carol and I took a trip to Chile with friends John and Bonnie Pletcher to visit a friend. This was Southern Chile and we had a great time. Another trip we took was to Portland, Oregon to the American Boarding Kennel Association Seminars, which was very good, and Carol learned a lot. Also, made some other trips to Pennsylvania and New York, etc.

The highlight of the year was Robert and Caroline's beautiful wedding at the Ferry Landing in Coronado overlooking the bay and San Diego. Caroline was a beautiful bride in her long white dress, and Robert Murdock looked handsome in his tuxedo. Payton was a darling flower girl and one year old Riley even had a Tuxedo, along with Caroline's two boys, Dee and Anthony. Christie looked gorgeous as a bridesmaid with her new look. The rest of the wedding party looked beautiful as well.

I'd better stop now and address some cards. Do come see us in Beautiful Coronado. A Very Healthy New Year to You.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Kris Knox

HAPPY HOLIDAYS The Knox Family sends you good thoughts and wishes for this Holiday Season. 2004 has been quite a year.

Jason, who has been in the Army Reserves for six years, was 'deployed" in February with orders to go to Afghanistan, and after spending three months of intensive training in Wisconsin, he went to Afghanistan in May. Jason's battalion is conducting landmine clearing ahead of a major road project. He has also been going out into the countryside every couple of weeks as mission support. He spent his 27th birthday there and he is expected to be back home this coming May. For the most part, he is keeping a positive attitude, and we cherish every email we get from him, knowing he is safe.

Dawn and Amber had been saving for about five years to go on a 'Mother-daughter’ trip celebrating Amber's 16th Birthday this year. They chose to go on an 8-day cruise to the Caribbean and Central America - in beautiful January-in-Minnesota (go figure). The two of them had a very special and exciting trip together seeing Panama, Costa Rica, and Belize and just hanging out.

Nic and his wife Deanna, and their two cute little boys, are living in Minneapolis. They both are working and trying to stay on their feet here in Minnesota, after trying out California last year. The boys, Daniel (age 3) and Jack (age 2) are really growing up fast, and they are at that fun age of discovery and learning.

Amber got her driver's license this year and passed her driving test using Dawn’s Celica with a 5-speed! She got all A's and B's on her first report card as a Junior in high school. She likes most of her classes and is especially excited about learning how to use a 35mm SLP camera and how to develop photos in her photography class. Amber is definitely a photo nut.

As you might remember several years ago, Lilly, our exchange student from Guatemala, stayed with us in our home for about three months. We all hit it off well enough that she came to stay with us again for three months in the fall of 2003. We all got much closer on that visit and Lilly invited us to Guatemala for her high school graduation in mid-October 2004. Dawn, Amber and I took a wonderful 10-day trip to Guatemala, seeing awesome sites, getting to see a different culture, and visiting many beautiful parts of the country. We stayed with Lilly's family in their very nice home in a “suburb” of Guatemala City. Lilly's parents took time off work to show us their country and really made us all feel very much a part of their family. There were so many great things about Guatemala, but we were all very thankful for being American, living in America.

After careful investigation for a couple of years, Down decided to get 'Lasik' eye surgery in May. She has been very far-sighted (20/480) all her life. After the initial surgery on both eyes (freaky- right out of Star Wars) she needed two more "enhancements" to tweak her eyes closer to 20/20. She is really happy to see so much better now, but is still in the final months of healing.

Avalon Real Estate, our real estate business, has been growing steadily, and I have been concentrating more on investment and commercial properties - and loving it! Dawn quit her job of 3+ years as an activity director, at a small local senior care center, to work with me on business. This fall, I left a commercial property management job I had for over three years, working entirely with multiple 'multi-tenant retail strip centers'. Since Avalon business has been good, the timing is great. Dawn and I will make a strong team, and are excited to work more closely with each other in business and investments.

Have a great New Year! Kris, Dawn, and Amber.

HOLIDAY TIME
Carol Howlett

Dec. 17: Doug had a very nice party for me this year. He and our neighbor Laura went food shopping for the party food. It was an extremely windy day, and as they wre leaving, they said if I wanted to I could cool some pasta. Luckily we have a gas stove, because I was trying to run the dishwasher and realized our lights were out. I checked other rooms and they were out too. I thought I had blown a fuse. I finally called the electric company and found that the wind had caused tree damage in four locations and mine was one of them. All had plenty to eat. There were about 30 people at my party (all four boys, their spouses, and the grands were here).

The next Sunday was Willow's baby shower. She got many lovely gifts and only two duplicates. She is due New Year's Day. I will let you know when the baby is born.

Doug and I went to Rob's house two Sundays ago, as he needed help insulating the baby's room. The last Saturday Doug and Son Doug went to help put up the drywall. Tomorrow we will go to put the primer coat on.

I have been writing out Christmas cards the past few days. Doug has been working in the bathroom replacing shower tiles that needed replacing. We live at 46 but have been showering at 48 (one good thing for having an empty apartment.

Oh, I almost forgot - the "Howlett Christmas Cactus" started to bloom. Last year it continued into the new year. I guess that is all for now.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the Musers!

Click here for Part 4 of the January-February Muse.

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