M and I are leaving early tomorrow morning for LA. Taking the flight to Chicago and on to LAX. I don’t remember when I had gone to LA last. I think Saadi was a couple of years old and I was attending the Surgical Pathology conference at the Biltmore hotel there. We were so young then. M was driving on those highways, without feeling any stress. I remember Saadi woke up one early morning in the hotel, and all she wanted was a banana. I called room service and asked them to send a couple of them up. Ten or fifteen minutes later the knock on the door showed a couple of the guys from the kitchen, pushing a trolley. There was a dish in the center of the push cart, covered by a silver-domed, elaborately filigreed thing-a-majik. A vase with a single rose was on the tray. I lifted the cover and there were two bananas! Guess how much those bananas cost… yup you are right. Each banana was $2.50. We fell on the bed laughing, while Saadi was in heaven with those two bananas. I think that was in 1974.
The reason for this trip is not for a conference. My nephew who lives in India, has come to LA with his wife and youngest daughter. She has got a full scholarship to UCLA, for one year in the school of Journalism. So M and I are going there to help them set her up. They already have a condo for her. It is directly across from the University I hear. Two other relatives are coming from San Jose, and we will be staying in Beverly Hills. We will be there for ten days. I am praying that this vacation of mine will not be a significant one like the others I have had with my health.
I lost another dear friend. He was a surgeon, and a most caring and compassionate friend. I am reeling from the shock of losing him. Yesterday was the funeral with complete Presentation of Arms, the folded Flag that was given to his daughter, the gun salute while another veteran played the Taps. It was so impressive and so sad.
My vegetables continue to grow. The roses are amazing. But what is most wonderful, are the Dahlias. I have so many of them with amazing blooms all over. After several years the gold finches have returned. Such a delight to have a garden so blessed.
Hope all of you are doing well. Ciao.
Safe travels. Cool room service story. Your going to a place that’s on my list to avoid especially in the semi. Glad your garden is going well.
I set you a mail on this afternoon , Zakiah . I hope you get it ( I had some problem with the Internet )
Love ❤
Michel
Oh my! So much news both good and bad! Please don’t worry about the traffic and your health – just enjoy the change of pace and seeing all the relatives! I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your surgeon friend. Prayers all around – for the grieving and for safe travels!
Have a safe and wonderful vacation. I’m glad your garden continues to bloom and grow.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. *hugs*
Have a safe trip. Always good to read one of your updates.
OOH! YAY for R&R! Hope you are having fun! Hope all is safe and goes well AND you are healthy.
Best wishes to the college student! I hope she has a great year of study! 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. 😦 Prayers for all of his family and friends.
The banana story is so great! I laughed loudly! 😀 Those were probably the two best tasting bananas in the whole world! 😉 😀
How wonderful that everything in your garden is blooming and growing. Gardens are so healing and joy-bringing in so many ways! 🙂
More HUGS!!!
So sorry to hear about another loss of a friend.
I hope you have/had a wonderful trip. Stay safe. Hugs