On the 1st, at Kathy's behest, drove a couple to San Diego, the Fillners.

Kathy and menagery

Jef being drove crazy

On the 2nd, drove to SD and picked up redwood to repair Tubb Canyon patio. Won 6-3, 6-2 with partner Jerry against Craig and Hank at tennis.

Borrego Valley - Salton Sea just below horizon

Tubb Canyon development
Jef is fixing rightmost house, the Allen house

Noticed my sign had fallen this day

On the 3rd, sanded and varnished recently purchased redwood for Tubb Canyon project.

Holley sleeping in chair after a long night

Holley's wet bread science project after a couple weeks

On the 4th, started project in Tubb Canyon, removing 3 corner posts holding up roof. Braced one and replaced the others.

This rotten 4x8 had the density of balsa wood due to termites - here it is split in 2

On the 5th, replaced 3 rotten posts and installed remaining corner post. Started putting up stringers.

After replacing posts

On the 6th, installed screen in front porch, and most of trim. Kathy helped with some screening and installing the door.

After installing screen

2 "Humalopes" visiting at end of day

On the 7th, did most of rest of trim in front porch. Replaced rotten post in back patio.

Notched post ready to install at end of day

Sunset over Indianhead. Square at left is mountain lion trap highlighted by flash

On the 8th, finished up the trim on front patio and finished screening and trim in the back patio at Tubb Canyon house.

On the 9th, did some watering at Norm's. Saw the Owl house had fallen down and determined some kind of bird had used it! Then, after another epic shopping spree, won at tennis with partner Hank 6-3, 7-5 against Craig and Jerry. Then lost 18 at poker. The dumpster Kathy arranged arrived at my house this day.

Possible owl nest contents?

Finished E wall of front porch

Finished N wall of front porch

Finished back porch

Planted new olive tree

On the 10th, filled up 90% of dumpster at my house. Apparently, several iterations are required. Dropped off materials and started work on last few projects in Tubb Canyon.

On the 11th, did final push on finishing front patio in Tubb Canyon.

On the 12th, completed work on front patio in Tubb Canyon and then installed 140'/4 dribbler irrigation system.

On the 13th, replaced a couple more tiles at Norm's and started laying out additional irrigation there.

On the 14th, Stacey turned 21! Drove Kathy to doctor in San Diego. We rushed back to see Holley's entry in science fair.

Holley and her bread mold exhibit

On the 15th, Jef joked to Kathy: "Beware the Ides of March"! It wasn't a joke by the end of the day... We got a call about selling the Toyota, and agreed to sell it... but couldn't find the pink slip (after searching for over an hour). Kathy's back bothered her all day from prior day's shot. Holley's new guinea pig, Hershey, died. Jef tried replacing a leaking valve at neighbor, Rich's house. He installed new faucet despite not being able to completely shut off water, but adapters didn't quite fit and it still leaked. Trying to tighten it more caused the whole thing to blow out. He shut off the water and gave up until following day! Stupid Ides of March!

On the 16th, Jef sort of lost at tennis: 4-6, 6-3, 1-4 (suspended). Then won 16 at poker.

On the 17th, managed to get hundreds of items hauled away to the needy.

On the 18th, finished irrigation project at neighbor (Rich). Went on a little walk with Kathy at sunset.

Irrigation project

Kathy by new orchid near sunset

Kathy on sunset walk

On the 19th, the Toyota pink slip finally turned up (at Kathy's office), and we completed the transaction to sell it for half what we paid for it. started roofing over carport, but wind caused a delay. Did some irrigation work at Norm's.

El Divisadero

On the 20th, finished about 3/4 of carport roof before running out of material. Started trenching at Rich's.

On the 21st, went to La Quinta with Holley and Kathy. Holley replaced her recently deceased guinea pig, Hershey, with new one, Cuddles. Got building supplies and groceries before eating at La Pinata in Indio.

On the 22nd, worked on Norm irrigation, until being rained out. Went to my house and layed out roofing, until rained out. We got a few hours of steady rain - about half an inch.

On the 23rd, took Harriet S, Carole S, Peg L, and Bonnie Wilson on hike along rim by Fonts Point. When we got there, we found a film crew from KFMB. They interviewed some of the girls. It was Peg's first time, and she was amazed, as expected. We only walked about a mile, as Harriet had a cane. Finished roofing carport (except for touch-up and painting). Did the draw at the tennis club with Gary - 68 contestants! It took 3 hours, but at least it balanced out at 34 men and 34 women for the mixed doubles tournament.

Hiking Fonts Point area

On the 24th, played in the tournament in upper division with partner Jacque Goodrich. We won 2, lost 1, and so survived to Sunday. Went to potluck with Kathy and Holley. Kathy made some great stuffed mushrooms, which didn't last more than a few minutes there -- they were consumed before reaching the appetizer table.

On the 25th, won the quarter-finals, but lost the semis. Our 2 losses were: 8-3 to Bill and Ursala who came in 2nd, and 8-5 to Tom and Jackie, who won. Then worked on roof at home. Later installed 3 grab bars at Dawn's.

3 Grab bars after installation

On the 26th, drove Kathy in for her 3rd, and hopefully, final epidural for her back. We met Stacey and Oscar and took them out for an early dinner - eating at Phos (Vietnamese) on Convoy. Stacey just finished another quarter.

Sunrise

Stacey trying to close height gap with Oscar

On the 27th, it was cold and windy, so mostly worked on web projects.

Rainbow at Weststar house

On the 28th, painted about 1/3 of roof. Dug trenches at Rich's. Installed grab bar in Dawn's shower.

Picked up irrigation pipe in Tubb Canyon

Partially painted roof

On the 29th, installed irrigation extensions at Norm's (60') and Rich's (100').

Rich's irrigation extension

On the 30th, got 3 teeth repaired at dentist (500 bucks worth!), did some shopping, won at tennis with partner Sid - 7-6, 6-0, 7-5 against Craig and Hank, then lost 14 at poker.

On the 31st, drove to Palm Desert with Kathy, Stacey, and Holley. Had lunch at Matsuris - one of Kathy's favourite restaurants there. Kathy had got reservations at wrong hotel, so wound up going to La Quinta Embassy Suites instead. It turned out to be fancier. Everyone but Jef went playing in big pool and had the free happy hour. We had Stuft Pizza for dinner. Then Kathy and Jef took Stacey out clubbing. We wound up at Zeldaz, also recommended by Grace and Jim the day before, and wound up staying from about 10 to 12. Stacey and Kathy danced twice, Jef and Kathy once, and Stacey and some horny young man once. Stacey had a good time for her first nightclub experience after just turning 21!

Holley and Stacey in living room of hotel suite

from our little cubby looking towards one of 2 big dance floors at Zeldaz

Kathy and Stacey at Zeldaz

On the 1st, did some more erosion control at Norm's.

On the 2nd, surveyed what needs to be done with irrigation system at house. Was planning to add 2 anti-siphon valves, and found, fortuneately, that the places they needed to go were occupied by 2 leaking valves.

On the 3rd, took Kathy and Holley out for a nice dinner at the Arches.

On the 4th, replaced 2 leaking valves which controlled the 2 irrigation systems with new anti-siphon valves. Elsa arrived that night and started a week and a half stay with Jef and Kathy, in order to sort thru mom's stuff.

On the 6th, Kathy was in great pain as Jef drove her to doctor in San Diego. She got an new pain killer that proved to be better, and Kathy was more able to tolerate the pain. Had lunch at Case de Machaca at Montgomery Field. Picked up Jody Dulin and took her to Borrego where she spent the next day and a half helping Elsa sort thru mom's stuff.

On the 7th, continued working on mom's timeline. Assisted in swapping out old refrigerator at Norm's house, after working on house, including replacing brick tile. Jody and Elsa stayed in guest house for another night, after having dinner with Jef, Kathy, and Stacey.

After chiselling out broken brick

After setting new brick

Refrigerator swapping

Gecko found at bottom of Norm's pool

On the 8th, Elsa drove Jody back to San Diego and the 2 visited Ocean Beach. Jef and Kathy missed the Powerlink meeting, but heard nearly 400 did attend to object to this odious project -- N.i.M.B.Y.!

On the 9th, did some shopping in SD. Lost at tennis, playing left handed with glasses at night (not a good combination), playing 2 on 1. Jerry was best this night. Big winner at poker, winning 16.

On the 10th, Elsa, Kathy, and Jef joined the TP group for a "Presidents Day" potluck. Jef and Kathy later went to Fonts Point on a moonless night and drank some wine while looking at the views.

Jim in "President's Day" costume

Gin's cherry pies featured "George Washington hatchets"

Kathy at Fonts Point

Mom's Airstream

On the 12th, worked on mom's card. Also worked at Norm's, doing some erosion control.

On the 13th, got the card ready to inform everyone in her address book of her services, and demise, if they hadn't yet been informed. Helped Elsa and Brent sort.

On the 14th, had a special service for mom in Glorietta Canyon, where we scattered about 1/6 of her ashes and left a few keepsakes at the special location.

Drinking before the event

Lunch was eaten after the ceremonies

Ashes were scattered from the altar in a circle surrounding the camp

Elsa placed this head on altar

Elsa placed a lucky horseshoe at this high point for mom
Grace placed a shell here for her

That night, Kathy, Holley, and Jef took out Elsa and Brent to the Crazy Coyote for dinner. Everyone played with their "Helium voice" using Valentine helium balloon decorations at the restaurant.

Crazy Coyote

Leaving restaurant with Valentines Day booty

On the 11th, Elsa managed to recruit Brent, Grace's old school chum, for packing and sorting. Had a possible "bite" by an English photographer looking to buy mom's Airstream.

On the 15th, helped Elsa pack up. After Brent took her out for coffee, she left for points east, heading to Julie's.

Shipping day

Elsa took one of cousin Don's signs back east

On the 16th, went over for tennis club hike, but Bonnie was only one there, so we looked for others. Betty and Harriet were visiting Barb Kirsch's trailer, so the 5 of us just sat and talked for over an hour. Finished mailing mom's card to most addressing in her book -- about 35 of them. Also mailed Patty some of her mom's stuff that my mom had. Worked at Norm's and then did the tennis club's tournament draw - a total of 60!

On the 17th, completed scheduling rest of tournament. Brought pizza to the tennis club Happy Hour. Jef was awarded a giant tennis ball for his efforts.

Tennis happy hour

On the 18th, watched most of the finals, and took care of newsletter duties -- photos of winners and such.

On the 19th, replaced a number of tiles on Norm's stairways. Made big batch of chile.

After tearing out

After re-doing

On the 20th, installed a shower handle for one of Kathy's patients. Removed a bunch of dead vegetation (from frost) at Kathy's house.

On the 22nd, looked at new screening job at old Allen house in Tubb Canyon, discussing it with Tom's daughter, Betty.

On the 23rd, drove to SD on a major shopping expedition. Had to detour to low passes due to icy conditions. Got a full carload of supplies, including building materials for a screening project. Lost 13 at poker.

On the 25th, cleaned out garage in preparation for next moving batch.

On the 26th, did some work at Allen house in Tubb Canyon, removing some screen and trim. Also spackled some floor cracks.

Allen house

Main reason for screen project

Spackling before and after

On the 27th, took Holley to doctor for earache. In Tubb Canyon, removed all screening in front patio. After discussing termite damage with Betty, decided to hold off on putting up screen until rotten posts can be replaced.

Rainbow in Palm Canyon from Medical Center

Termite damage to posts in front

On the 28th, drove Kathy to doctor. Lunch at Carmen's. Encountered more snow on trip.

On the 1st, while on the Roof of Julianne's brownstone just after midnight, Kathy, Holley, and I whooped and hollered, and saw fireworks over towards Times Square about 2 miles away. Later that day, took subway down to Times Square area, had dinner at Maison's, a French bistro near there. Then walked around, viewing the scenery, including Rockefeller Center. Jef guessed there were about 30,000 lights on the tree there. Kathy asked a guard by the tree, and he said there were 30,000 lights on it. Christmas decorations around here were spectacular. One was projected giant snowflakes going down the skyscraper about the giant Christmas tree. Times Square was amazing.

On the 2nd, Jef had to move car, as parking space was no longer valid. Spent a couple hours moving it from place to place. Never found another good one. Kathy packed and got luggage downstairs and we loaded up the car. Drove to Natural History Museum and parked in their parking structure. Toured the museum and attended 3 presentations, including "Cosmic Collisions" in the Hayden Planetarium -- it was great. Also saw "Roving Mars", and viewed the living reptile exhibit. Drove to JFK, gassed up car, and dropped off Holley and Kathy at Marriot. Dropped off rental car (National). Had dinner at Marriot, using mom's Christmas present: $100 to do something fun in New York.

On the 3rd, got a cryptic call from Marlene that Jef's mom, Ruth, had been taken to the emergency room. Assuming she was in El Cajon, found she was not at Grossmont, not at home, and not at Quimby's. After getting on plane, during a 2 hour delay, while they fixed the coffee maker, which was sparking, got a call from Dave Quimby, who had information on mom. She was in grave condition at Alvarado. Called Alvarado and talked to doctor, finding out there was little hope of recovery. Made calls to dad, Julie, Elsa, and got things rolling. After arriving in San Diego, drove to Alvarado and saw mom. She looked peaceful, but showed no sign of life. Talked to her a bit before spending night at Stacey's.

On the 4th, picked up Elsa at the airport and met Julie, Doug, Thor, and Logan at the hospital. After doctor gave us the results of the final set of tests, we determined she was gone, and because mom had requested not to be kept on life-support, we told the doctor to remove the oxygen. She put mom on a morphine drip, and removed the oxygen. Jef, Julie, Elsa, and Kathy said their goodbyes as Ruth's life signs faded. She was pronounced dead within 20 minutes. After leaving hospital, the family arranged for 2 rooms at The Ocean Villa motel in Ocean Beach for 2 nights. Had lunch at Bahia Dons with Kathy and Holley.

Before removing life support

After tubes were removed

On the 5th, after failing to get information about donating her body to science within the 24 hour window, which she wanted to do at one point, we arranged that mom's body be cremated. Kathy and Jef had dinner at 3 Corners, which was a combination restaurant / liquor store in Ocean Beach.

On the 6th, after a nice breakfast at the Old Towne Restaurant in OB, walked to the end of the pier with Jef, Kathy, Holley, Julie, Doug, Logan, and Thor. With high waves crashing into the pilings of the pier, one of mom's favorite places, we had a short family service, where each of us relayed a story about mom. Then we fed the birds with breadcrumbs, something mom had done on many occasions. We met mom's friends, whom she was visiting when she had her stroke, in Del Cerro, picked up her truck. Elsa followed us in mom's truck to the Quimbys. We talked with Mary and Dave for a while, and picked up her belongings there. Then we drove back to Borrego, after picking up a few supplies.

Kathy took this picture of the mourners

Family watching as a big wave hits bottom of pier

Walking back to shore

On the 7th, 8th, the family worked on dealing with mom's affairs, sorting thru her belongings, and preparing for a memorial service.

On the 9th, Julie, Doug, Logan, and Thor returned to New Mexico, as the kids had to return to school the following day.

From the 9th thru the 14th, Jef and Elsa worked on going thru mom's things.

On the 12th, dad and Leny drove in, and later that afternoon participated in mom's memorial service in Glorietta Canyon. Later that night, we had a great dinner at the Crazy Coyote.

RUTH MEMORIAL

On the 13th, dad and Leny drove back to LA. The Rickards came over to the house and helped Jef and Elsa sort thru mom's things, carrying a full pickup-truck load of trash and thrift store items.

On the 14th, Jef took pictures of the winners of the tennis tournament, and left Elsa to be taken to San Diego by the Romeos. Elsa flew back to Dallas that evening.

On the 19th, Jef loast at tennis, 5-7, 1-5, and lost 1 at poker. He did the shopping, returned a set of clippers for mom, tried to pick up her propane tanks, but they weren't ready. Good thing, too, as Jef filled car with roofing materials.

On the 22nd, got the Rickards took some of mom's food inventory and a big load of firewood, and a few pieces of plywood. Jef cut up most of the remaining plywood.

On the 24th, cut up another big load of firewood. Did some yardwork. Failed to get chipper started -- something is jammed in there. Did some clean-up at mom's trailer and Kathy's garage. Mom's ashes arrived this day, as her cremation completed on the 22nd.

On the 25th, Borrego Sun obituary came out:

from Borrego Sun

On the 26th, picked up a grocery list, including a few months supply of meat, then won at tennis, playing LEFT HANDED: 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, with partner Craig against Jerry and Hank. Lost 5 at poker. Dropped off a bacardi (mom had bought about 5 on her last shopping trip).

On the 27th, Kathy, Holley and Jef attended the American Legion bar-b-q. We sat by the Turpins. Food was pretty good.

Outside looking in

At the dinner table

On the 29th, took inventory of most of furniture in my house.

On the 30th, worked at Norm's. Installed several layers of brick to prevent erosion problems.

Bricks used to stop mud and debris from sliding onto driveway

On the 31st, the Grangers moved mom's trailer to the front of the trailer park, on the road. I later put a "For Sale" sign in it, and cleaned up mom's space.

Airstream placed by street for sale

Mom's Holiday Home spot after cleaning up