Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Wildflower Circle

As most of you know, I'm in California this week. Unlike most my California trips, this one actually made it to the better half of the state (yeah, Northern California!). I flew to Sacramento and visited with a Forest Service colleague who's office is actually at McClellan Air Force Base, which really isn't an Air Force base anymore (1935 - 2001). After looking at a map of where this office was, and then seeing just how close American River College was to that, I realized that Wildflower Circle was awfully close to that.

After my meeting with the colleague, I drove the 10 minutes to our old neighborhood and knocked on Bill and Diane's door. I was lucky to catch both of them home with their dog, Ginger. Both are doing well and as happy as they ever were. Diane suffers from arthritis and some spinal issues and therefore isn't a mobile as she used to be, but they are as peppy as ever. They've expanded their house 12 feet into the backyard and put their kitchen there and Bill's done some awfully impressive work in there. He was preparing to lay new flooring in their front room when I knocked, so I guess he can thank me for the break!

I took one picture of our old house but the sun angle wasn't conducive to much. The old pine tree fell not long after we moved out. The owners have since planted a new tree in the grass. I made sure to include the light pole in the picture because I have many memories...shaking that light pole to the point I swear the top was going to fall off.

It was really nice seeing them again. They both still speak highly of our family and I had to comment, "Do you really remember what it was like?" They did relate that when we first moved in, they saw all these little kids running around and since we looked alike, they figured we were all moving in together. Then they saw us unload the drum set and they looked at each other and said, "Oh no." However, Diane said they never heard it. Does that mean Jason gave up on those drums after moving to California? Fun times; Adam and I ruled the sports world on that circle. Even when it was Will, Sten, and Tim against the two of us, we'd usually win. At everything...football, baseball, and basketball.

By the way, Lindsey, they both said you sing like an angel. As if I didn't already know that.

By the way, pt. 2: I love and miss Jen even though I saw her this morning.



8 comments:

Jess and Jen said...

Oh how sweet, I love and miss you too! I'm glad they were home when you went by! -Jen

Lokodi said...

Awe, that's just the sweetest thing ever! I LOVE Bill and Diane. They're so good for my ego. It was so awesome when they came out here to Germany and visited! They look great! Glad you were able to see them.

Lindsey

Jason said...

I did not give up playing until I sold the set for $300 to go on my mission.

I'm glad you got the opportunity to stop by. I haven't been back to Sacramento since I left home.

The Duke said...

Oh, I'm so glad you went to see them! They are my favorite people in all the world besides my family. Yes, Lindsey, they are good for everybody's egoes. (Is that supposed to have an "e" in the word?) I adore this couple.
What a wonderful, thoughtful thing you did. They will always remember your visit.
Diane looks quite frail in this photo.
Thanks for posting this. It made my day.

Jess and Jen said...

Oh, Mom, she wasn't as frail as this photo would make you believe. She just really loves Bill and as snuggling up to him. She was fairly mobile and (outwardly) fine yesterday. -Jess

chelsey said...

I'm so glad you were able to see them! They are really some wonderful people. I learned a lot from them. I remember them having a great library wall and always wanted one of my own. I bet they were so glad you stopped by to say hello.

Mike and Adrianne said...

I'm glad you got to see them too! I can't believe their dog is still around. This isn't the same dog is it?!

Lokodi said...

No, that's not the same dog. Their other dog's name was Hobbs and he had a huge mole on his tongue, which was always hanging out with drool running down. I think Hobbs was black too, but I could be wrong on that.

Lindsey