Re-establishing communication

We finally arrived in Pomona, Ca. about 2:30pm on Saturday, 8/1. The last part of the journey was approximately 3 1/2 hours from Needles, Ca. to Pomona. Patrick's new home was still a work in progress or refab when we arrived. It is probably about 90 years young and really cool. It is a duplex and has recently been updated.

What a view from his front door, GORGEOUS! Not like the mountains of Florida!

The landlord seems to be a great person and "oddly" or "coincidentally" has recently lost his wife to cancer; so a similarity for me. When running into someone on my life path who has similar or common experiences it always feels like a special bond or connection.

After arriving we wasted no time; we assessed local resources with help of landlord and new neighbor and rented a U-Haul truck to pick up some needed furniture.

Off we went to GOODWILL with economics and low budget at top of priority list. Since Patrick traveled here with me and dog in small Hyundai, there was no furniture with us, so he only needed EVERYTHING!




We managed to get him a bed, couch, entertainment center and hope chest/coffee table. We also became freqent visitors of WalMart this week.

The first few days were challenged with work being finished up in the house but we made do.
We also had the usual "move-in" stuff to deal with like gas and electric being connected or not, depending on the day we are talking about. I spent one day waiting for Verizon to hook up Internet only to find they were not coming at all. Last bits of touching up by contractor was being done until Wednesday about noon. I was glad to be here, I was able to see shortly after arriving that I was needed and it was and has been an honor to be there for my son in this capacity. "It was meant to be", something Karen always said.
For the first few days it was necessary for Patrick to have car at school, so it was me and Bosley against the world during the day, just being "homebodies". Bosley is just a great dog, close to human I believe.

Temperature in the day is similar to Florida but at night it cools down more than Florida. There is a large population of Hispanic people here, so Patrick will have opportunity to refine his Spanish language skills. His apartment is less than a mile from school, very convenient.

THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS IN PALM SPRINGS

Thursday I got a chance to visit with a few friends from Florida who now live in Palm Springs, just a little over an hour ride from Pomona. Howard is someone Karen and I met when we first moved to Florida and I had not had a chance to see him in quite a few years. It was a short visit but great to see him, as well as Meg. The last visit I had with them was when Karen and I were leaving New Mexico to fly back to Florida. Karen and I had gotten married in Santa Fe, N.M. and we frequently visited there. The time we last saw Howard and Meg was our last visit there.

Howard and Meg

Howard with me (probably could have figured that out)

I have another friend of mine, I am hoping to visit with before heading home on Monday, but the weekend schedule will be busy with school ceremonies and final "things to do".
This trip has been a very cathartic experience or me, I am amazed at the depth of sadness I have experienced during our journey as it has given another window to through at the life I have had with Karen.

I will close for now and hope to update in the next day or two as my time here comes to a close and I head home to Florida.

love & blessings to all....