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Yes, My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography has been recorded in and available at Audible.com. Here is the link: https://www.amzon.com/My-Diabetic-Soul-An-Autobiography/dp/B07JZH2MXC/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
It is my voice that you will hear. Here is a snippet….
I’m curious. Do you prefer to read and hold a paperback/hard cover book or read while holding an e-reader? How about Audio Books? I have found Audio versions quite useful. As long as they’re in my favorite genre – history – I will listen.
My e-book reading list is five titles long; my hard and soft cover books are piled. I can’t count them. But I want more.
Are you like that?
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Update from the Faustman lab
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8:08 AM (1 hour ago)
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New post on The Stem Cellar |
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This story will assist in reclaiming and heightening the free spirit of adventure. After months and months of social separateness due to a world pandemic, the ultimate decision to regain positive self-affirmations became all inclusive: independence, self-resilience, even a dash of infallibility.
Thankful to not have been physically affected by this ongoing pandemic and its variants, I forgot that I possessed these qualities. The large decision to move, to go away, to get out gave my husband and I the shared passions of traveling. Our dog would be embraced in this decision. Getting in the car and going. Our physical years, tainted with aches and pains, would not hold us back. The aching stiffness of arthritis being a factor in each of us would not dissuade this decision. Freedom is a highway!
Therefore, my husband’s and my dream of driving cross country – to literally re-locate in the State of Virginia ─ came to fruition.
Cash, our totally white, long haired Parsons Terrier had recently tallied his twelfth birthday. Adopted at the age of three months, his existence easily filled our empty-nest. His slower running and jumping abilities became enhanced with a soft, chewable, once-a-day “happy joint” tablet. They worked! Hmm. I often wondered if I should chew and swallow one of these tablets. However, running and jumping at my age seem laughable!
Family members residing in Virginia called to us: a daughter, a daughter-in-law, two very young grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends dotted along the East Coast of the United States from Maine to Florida. Also, the intrigue of a lower cost of living became a greatly rewarding thought; baby-sitting along with tutoring the grand babies, bonding would become memorable for all involved!
No other reasons or rationale would be necessary. We’re doing it! We’re going!
Before the Sacramento house was placed on the 2021 “sellers market,” I signed up with two leading online real estate companies: Zillow and MLS. Two Real Estate Agents were contacted – one to sell the CA property, the other to share a ‘virtual tour’ for a VA property.
Do not doubt the numerous tasks to consider before hiring Real Estate Agents in each of the two states. Final ‘escrow’ has important requirements to foster peace of mind: inspection reports; fixing what needed to be fixed; change of address forms; hiring a moving/hauling company; yard sales; purging; packing, and then, wait for it… more packing. Quality time spent with numerous friends became all important. They were made aware of this five-year dream/plan that turned into seven years.
Overwhelmed with the physical and emotional chaos of this decision, the last of three vehicles became packed with a canvas sack belted to its roof and our dog’s bed comfortably spread on a portion of the back seat. I thought of the similarities of the conestoga wagon days in the 1800’s having to cross this continent. Courage became an important factor.
Due to the continuation of the viral pandemic and its worsening increase of lives lost as televised in the southern states at this time, we chose to drive the northern route across the United States.
Vaccinated and boosted, peace of mind existed with our numerous facial masks, cleansing cloths and hand washes. “Social distancing” would remain a constant determinant.
When the California house sold, we had to leave. We had no place to go but forward.
It was 59°F when leaving the state at noontime on January 5th, 2022. The odometer read 95,495 as we begin the designated route to Virginia. My husband as the main driver, my co-piloting skills involved keeping track of map locations; supplying snacks and refreshments from the back seat cooler; listening to Cash’s breathing as he hunkered in the back seat; reporting the sights to include cows, horses and/or sheep; searching for hotels along each locale; calling for pet-friendly room reservations; and whatever else may have been required.
Exiting CA on I-80, we passed through beloved towns and cities such as historical Auburn, Lincoln, Placer, Newcastle, Grass Valley, and others. Reassured memories of repeated visits to each city flooded our hearts and minds. For instance, Lincoln features some of the best entrepreneurial Thrift and Consignment shops I had ever entered. Its downtown area carries the scents of freshly baked quiche in one place, cupcakes in another, or home-made eateries, each neighboring the other.
Placer and Newcastle were home to fresh garden vegetables for purchase. I often favored freshly laid eggs along with the purchase of butternut squash, the purple-est of purple eggplants and a cabbage the size of a basketball. Truly.
The city of Colfax, California, with its rocky terrain held a favorite memory of gold-panning. Yes indeed! Just like in the 1800’s, my husband and I borrowed equipment to accomplish this adventurous task in the fast flowing, deliciously clear Bunch Creek. Requirements included a deep plastic pan with a ridged bottom plate that was designed specifically for gold panning; some small glass vials to store our gold find; a fine strainer; and a picnic lunch of home-made egg salad sandwiches and tall thermoses of ice water.
At one point, I meandered into the fast flowing creek, knee-deep, to splash the cold water on my face and arms. It nicely refreshed my skin. We not only appreciated the continuous, melodious sounds of the creek’s steady flow, but after six hours, a very small portion of each vial held gold chips.
Continuing on to Reno, Nevada, memories of a friends’ daughter’s wedding became a fond recollection. Never having been there and not having seen the parents of the bride for a long time, we looked forward to this trip.
Keep in mind, there are seventeen different mountain ranges in Reno. I did not know which we had to traverse to get to the final destination, but we got there with a trusty set of snow tire chains.
After finding a parking spot and removing the tire chains, we had to cautiously walk through a foot of snow on that early March afternoon in 2006. Departing the warmth of the Sacramento Valley, the snow had been unexpected. Our fancy attire did not include snow boots or heavy jackets so we had to make the best with what we had. All in all, the wedding became a lovely affair, of course, with the pink champagne a concoction of unending and laughable bubbles. After a time, I believe these bubbles warmed my toes.
Back on course, the dirty, snow-bordered interstate of Nevada became drab and boring. I picked up my book regarding different lifestyles and continued reading. After having completed two chapters, we quietly arrived in Winnemucca, Nevada that evening at the “Winners Casino Hotel.” Never having heard of Winnemucca, the name itself awakened my attention. Winnemucca lies in a valley surrounded by peaceful looking snow covered peaks. Once out of the car, I did a 360° look about to view this awe-inspiring landscape. Its cold air tasted clean.
Checking into the hotel at 7:00PM, my husband and I were able to get Cash settled before we wandered off to the casino for dinner. The menu advertised home-made entrees that appealed to our appetites. For instance, a favored vegetable omelet for dinner with sourdough toast one day, a platter of spaghetti and meatballs for lunch the next day, and an energizing Reuben sandwich at one point helped to energize us.
The bright and colorful flashing lights of the casino invited us to walk about its hall and play a couple of one-penny slot machines each. After a half hour, I walked away with $2.70; my husband walked away with a whopping $7.20. We were happy.
Cash delighted in the separate “grass and dirt dog area” close to the parking lot. The road side rest stops did not allow him, or any dog, to run freely, of course. Ten minutes of this type of happiness in freezing temperatures made a large difference in his attitude. After having been in a moving vehicle for hours at a time and having to refamilarize himself with different motel/hotel rooms each night, his happiness made us happy.
Due to the cold, I wore my midi-length lined coat, a knit cap and gloves while Cash remained covered in his multi-colored doggy sweater. His swift wagging tail and open-mouthed smile told me he was happy after each walk. This is always a good thing. His collar and leash, food and water bowl, along with a small sack of kibble and his favorite beefy treats, were easily accessible to us. A pleasant two-night stay here refreshed our minds and bodies.
At 10:15-ish AM driving through Winnemucca, Nevada, the car’s bright red “engine light” beeped. It displayed itself on the dashboard. Its relentless brightness frightened us. We left the Interstate for an automotive retailer. Inquiring at the sales counter, the clerk strongly suggested that this problem sounded like “the fuel pump needed to be replaced. There is a dealership up the street that would take care of this problem for you. We do not carry fuel pumps here.”
Dealership?! Arrgghh! And uh-oh! I have always found the term ‘dealership’ to be frightening in and of itself! Intimidating. To be avoided at all costs!
A different retailer suggested that we buy a “Code Reader.” Doing so, my husband plugged it under the dash board near the steering column. That looked easy enough and it read the fuel pump needed assistance. Holy ____!!
In total denial of this quandary, refusing to face the expense of a dealership or trip delay, I opened the glove compartment and pulled out the automobile’s glossed informational book. Looking up this problem, I found that the gas tank cover could be improperly placed. It was.
Holy moly! With a quick opening and closing of the fuel tank’s cover, the red engine light went out, gone. Yay me! So simple a fix. Thank goodness I kept that book!
Breathing steadily, we remained onward bound. Goodbye Sparks, Nevada. Salt Lake City, Utah, here we come.
$39.50 worth of gas in the tank, areas of rest, food, and sleep were few and far between. About 420 miles from our CA home, more freezing temperatures would be upon us. For instance, 8°F in Northeastern Nevada grew into a whopping 28°F 238 miles later. The “Great Salt Lake Desert” greeted us inside the border. To me it appeared rather unappealing. The numerous acres for which it was called remained dry, tannish white in color, flat, looking salty. Very different. Unhealthy. Not a lake at all. It bore no water. It appeared purposeless. No signs of life.
Darkness fell upon us as we arrived at the outskirts of Salt Lake City.
The city lights in this unfamiliar place glared at us. Neither of us could read the street signs. The highways, freeways and surface streets were overcrowded, too busy for us to attend to sign reading. Gasping as if hyperventilating, Cash told us he needed to get out of the car. Pulling into the University of Utah’s expansive and well-lit parking lot, I took Cash out for at least a fifteen minute walk while my husband used his cell phone to find a hotel. Three pees on two parking lot trees and one poo later, I nestled Cash back into his car-comfort zone. We needed to hunker down. To chill. To eat. To sleep.
The Salt Lake City Hilton Hotel, at $130.00 per night with a one-time $75.00 pet charge, taxes not included, located a block behind us, had an available room.
Definitely not pet friendly for that price and over our agreed upon hotel allowance, we had no place else to go with our over-exhausted minds. We were given a 3rd floor room at the end of a 100-foot long carpeted hallway leading into a room with two queen size beds.
Cash became jittery inside the elevator to get there, this being his first ride. Looking at each of us bright-eyed, then staring at the door in breathless wonder, he jumped out as soon as he became able. His pleasant personality returned when realizing solid ground was there. Many more opportunities brought him to have to ride the elevator. He did not care for any of them. However, bathroom breaks are important.
The beds became a pleasant resting place as we slunk under thick, fluffy white comforters. The softer than soft white down feathered pillows were a wonderful addition. A pleasant, deep sleep overcame each of us. As usual, Cash’s car pillows were laid close to our bed. The physical amenities here became a two-day stay.
I continue to think of Salt Lake City as a spider’s web, one that temporarily caught us in its web: many cross streets causing an over-extension of anxiety for a newcomer along with traffic noise and the stiff and sticky scent of automobile fumes. Unwelcome. Unfriendly. Sure, directional street signs were everywhere which made our destination more confusing as we had no time to read them! Crazy. We hope to never have to be there again.
Checking out at 10:00AM on Sunday, January 9th, we headed toward Wyoming. Somewhere around our arrival at the Wyoming/Colorado/Nebraska border at 12:45 PM January 10th, we drove through the Continental Divide at 7,000 feet. My ears popped. Fluffy clouds surrounded acre upon acre of bare flatlands. An occasional, lonely looking farm house or an out building came into view. The ground frozen, I could barely see the tilling lines for supposed crops. 942 miles from Sacramento, we still had a way to go.
Close to the Nebraska/Wyoming border, I insisted we stop for a hot dog lunch at a place called “Fat Dogs.” I bought the last two hot dogs that were readily available – with warmed buns, of course. Pasting ketchup, sweet green relish, and spicy brown mustard on each, I also grabbed two 18-liter bottles of electrolyte waters. Yum. Cash was given a soft, chewy dog treat with a small bowl of water, becoming satisfied for the time being.
Still on I-80 Nebraska, we headed for the Quality Inn sign we saw from the interstate. At 4PM, the warm rays of the sun being a continual imposter of the true temperature, I had to remind myself that January has always been one of the coldest times of the year no matter where I was on this continent, except maybe Miami, Florida. The temperature this day did not reach above 37°F.
The parking lot of this motel had not been thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. This first impression was not good. Remnants of light brown sand mixed with the once pure white snow made the area look dingy, deserted without other cars. I mentally accepted that we would get a room along with negative consequences. Pet friendly, the $84.00 per night would be acceptable.
All in all, the room appeared to be clean. However, I performed my usual thorough sweep of the bed looking for bed bugs, dirt, whatever; the bathroom area appeared clean holding bleached white towels and an extra roll of toilet paper. Important stuff. The noisy metal wall heater could be heard jangling as it warmed the room. I became grateful. This room would be okay for one night. Oh yes, the sheets smelled of bleach which is always a good sign to me. Clean and fresh.
After getting acquainted with the hotel’s outdoor surroundings ─ specifically a doggy area ─ the Virginia Real Estate woman gave us a call. She seemed very excited about having found us a house in Chesapeake, Virginia contingent upon our requests: three bedrooms, two baths, no stairs, on a quarter of an acre, in suburbia. Goodness knew that we needed a place to go! So, we agreed to partake in a “virtual tour” with her via our cell phones. This quaint parcel seemed perfect via the telephone screens. We made a bid. Located in Chesapeake Downs, Virginia, our plans to meet in person were scheduled.
Gosh, we became quiet assimilating these facts. So much happening so fast, our heads were spinning.
Back in the car on January 11, 2022, we left the ‘quality’ of Nebraska skirting the border of Iowa via I-80 through Illinois toward Missouri. We became reacquainted with “Black Ice” and saw a white Mercedes Sedan in a ditch below. We heeded that warning by slowing down to 55MPH from 70MPH. Good thing too. Not two miles from that scene, a tractor trailer laid on its side.
Our next stop for gas at $2.85 per gallon easily filled the tank. We continued, becoming somewhat feverish with excitement at the thought of actually putting a monetary bid on a home under such uncommon and unusual circumstances.
This is part of one of the ‘new world actions’ caused by the onslaught of COVD-19.
A Denny’s Restaurant outside Indiana became a welcome respite for a much needed warm meal. Cash enjoyed a brisk and relieving walk before gobbling his bowl of kibble in the parking lot. The steady late afternoon temperature of 45+°F slowly lowered itself as the sun began to set.
The sunset combined two shades of light blue with pink stripes dotted with wispy white clouds helping to reflect our happy moods.
Into Kentucky, I no longer paid attention to the highway street names. I was tired. I wanted this to end. I wanted to see the Chesapeake house. The Great Plains of America were blank…nothing growing, nothing specific or special to see. Not on a touring venue by any means, my husband and dog and I were on a mission…to prosper in Virginia.
From I-80 to I-29 into West Virginia a quick interim onto I-70, we made no time to stop, West Virginia became the quickest drive-through ever! I-64 brought us into Virginia. Welcome!
No more having to check mattresses for bed bugs, no more having to listen to the rattle of a hotel wall heater, no more listening to voices on a shared wall, no more worries about the car, the dog, the husband, the self and the wallet, we arrived in Virginia. Chesapeake, Virginia.
CA -> NV -> UT ->WY -> CO -> NE -> IA -> MO -> IN -> KY -> WV -> VA. Whew!
Amen!
by Author A. K. Buckroth (aka: Andrea Roth-Ross)
“Virginia is for Lovers.” As a recent resident to Virginia, I have seen this popular statement in one form or another throughout numerous retail areas here. Bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, jigsaw puzzles, baseball caps, etc., are colorful and quick attention-getters, money makers and conversation pieces. Such items are inexpensive elaborations for a tourist’s memory and/or collection.
Totally different from the Long Island New York Hamptons for the supposedly lavish Hollywood types (the Long Island, NY, affluent), the Virginia Hamptons are shared with working class and numerous military citizens and their families. This area has been known as the United States’ epicenter of military activity. Diversity of the human race is abundant and apparent. I have never seen such an explosive mixture of ethnicities in one place. I have seen hard-working men and women laborers (lower – middle class) amid military retirees (an upper echelon) doing what they do best, whatever that may be (mowing, cooking, painting, nannying, etc.).
When first hearing the lovers phrase as a pre-teen in 1969, my imagination ran away with naughty visualizations of naked people running around on sectioned “nude” beaches up and down the east coast where I lived in Massachusetts. I never saw any of this. This slogan, however, came about in 1969 with the recognition of “baby boomers” along with that generation’s hullabaloo to get listened to by “the establishment”, also known as government entities for one reason or another. For one, I think the end of the Vietnam War remained fresh in many minds across the globe and contributed to further free thinking with ideas and actions of ‘free love’. “All you need is love” became a national mantra through Beatles vocalist and artist John Lennon. The ‘hippie movement’ enhanced such ideals.
The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to use the lovers slogan as a retail business marketing tool. Evidently it continues to work by bringing curiosity seekers – especially the ever- present working-class people and business entrepreneurs – to this state’s numerous waterways with soft sanded limitless ocean fronts. I have seen walkers, joggers and runners – often times with a dog or two – seemingly enjoying such activities. Not me. I enjoy sitting at the water’s edge listening to the ocean’s sounds. Quiet. Still. This is peaceful to me.
The Virginia Hamptons are no longer limited to the former thoughts of their being a bastion of societal elitism if they ever were. Recalling a childhood memory, my adult female family members (my mother, my aunts, and their lady friends) occasionally spoke of their dreams about visiting the New York Hamptons. Overhearing a conversation as the adults lay in chaise loungers on a covered back patio in a humble, Cape Cod, Massachusetts rental cottage, the subject of New York came up with the undertaking of a trip to the New York Hamptons. It ended up being an idea. Nothing more.
The front path to this particular Cape Cod ocean front rental cottage had been decorated with colorful seashells having pretty hues of faded pink and light green stripes. Along with the shells, different sized pieces of sun-bleached driftwood also adorned the pathway to the front door. I found it to be absolutely charming.
However, the purported financial escapade to any one of four ‘New York Hamptons’ and their hamlets remained a dream to these adults. They spoke of seeing a movie star if they were to go there, maybe a financier or a ‘fat cat.’ So, I wondered. My young imagination thought a ‘Hampton’ to be a place, a tangible piece of land with prodigious iconic homes having lots of gleaming windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, large grassy yards for two or three dogs, and swimming pools. Maybe indoor pools too. An attached hot tub would be an exquisite addition to such a relationship. Knowing how to swim since the age of six, I was ready. Oh, don’t forget, some house staff such as a gardener and a maid or two, and a cook of course.
I didn’t blame them for their dream. Eight children aged four to 17 with four adults in a two bedroom cottage with one full bathroom helped mental imagery to wander. The cottage rental price, split four ways, helped this particular excursion to be affordable in the summer of 1970. Overcrowded, sure. But cozy, happy, together made it warm.
I liked the summers on Cape Cod. I became familiar with walking to the beach with my siblings and cousins. We continued our adventures by locating a simple local general store that offered modest, yet necessary items such as toothbrushes, two types of tooth pastes, toilet paper, one brand of canned coffee grounds, sodas, bread, and plenty of different candy choices on display at the front counter. I could not fathom the adults wanting their summer dreams to change. However, my concerns were not addressed or even asked for.
The women in this illusionary group, aged 35 to 45, spoke of the wardrobes required to strut about a New York Hampton town ─ beach wear during the day affording cool comfort, showing skin in all the right places with open-toe sandals displaying painted toenails. Large framed, brightly colored sunglasses with a matching scarf, perhaps, or a floppy rattan hat, completed their attires. Sexy. Sexy to them. Comical to me. They laughed at each other and made fun.
However, I think they forgot they were on Cape Cod, not New York.
Their evening dress on Cape Cod included a spaghetti-strap mid-length or full length dark dresses showing off their newly tanned (sunburned) legs, feet, shoulders, bare necks and collar bones. They wanted to be there, wherever “there” lead them out the door. The shoes and purses with hair accessories matched their “evening costumes” with perfection. We children were left in the cottage in front of the television.
Well–planned, these single older women to include my mother and her sister and two of their friends, giggled and shared dreams while getting ready. It was fun to listen to until we kids – siblings and cousins – were told to “go outside!” We could still hear their chatter on the other side of the cottage walls. We chuckled and laughed out loud at them until we found another adventure to keep us occupied.
Glamorous beauty is in the mind, I mean the eye, of the beholder. .
The particular Hamptons of the Commonwealth of Virginia consist of seven cities: Hampton Roads, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Hampton. These women were unaware of the Virginia Hamptons.
Hampton Roads is the specific name of the land and water masses that exist within each separate city. If I were asked “Where do you live in Virginia,” I could answer “Hampton Roads, specifically the city of Chesapeake.” Therefore, I have become aware that Hampton Roads is an inclusion of each city surrounded by rivers, an embodiment of coastal Virginia. Each city is known as a “Hampton Roads region.” Unfamiliar with such an ideal, I am familiar with its worldwide economic impact which is tremendous: bridges with connective railroad tracks in-between each city encompass a visitor’s journey. Don’t forget a map.
Newport News, another metropolis of Hampton Roads, is trodden with a naval history dating back to the 17th century. I have found this city to be a visual mixture of antiquity with an onslaught of modernism. To me it is confusing, unwelcoming, perhaps misunderstood. The Mariner’s Museum sparks my interest and could perhaps entice a visit to Newport News.
Unbeknownst to me until living here, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) became headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2021. After more than 50 years of being a European entity, it has found a home in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia Beach is basically an independent resort city with an expansive beach with beach-front properties. Full of hotels, restaurants, boardwalks and boutiques, the Chesapeake Bridge attracts much attention. I found it to be quite amazing. For one, it is over four miles long. There are no exits, of course. It is ominous and frightening, similar to an amusement park ride. The fee for me to cross it when I did was $4.00. I have also spent time walking under the bridge when visiting Virginia Beach’s Chic’s beach neighborhood. This bridge is very impressive.
Portsmouth, to me, is a dense, diversified city. Overcrowded through my brief visits there, I found it encumbered by concrete structures ─ mostly tall apartment buildings. Unimpressed at first, I found the Norfolk Naval Shipyard ─ located in Portsmouth ─ to be just the opposite. There is a historic and active U.S. Navy facility located in Portsmouth with a small park demonstrating in-ground memorial placards explaining certain ships with the activities of Navy sailors involved in various battles. Presently, the admirable behemoth Battleship Wisconsin is docked there, offering self-guided tours for under $20.00.
There are approximately 20 miles of land between each city. These land masses are intersected by rivers, creeks, streams and estuaries leading to the Atlantic Ocean. In order to cross from one side to another, bridges are a necessary accessibility. In fact, there are 90 bridges in Chesapeake alone, six of them are drawbridges. I know because I live in Chesapeake and have been amazed while driving from point A to point B, having to cross a couple of them.
I remain terribly confused with the highway system and avoid it as much as possible. The enmeshed routes from one Hampton city to another and the closest to me are as follows: I-64 with the “Hampton Roads Bridge and tunnel (HRBT)”; I-664; route 17; I-264; route 58; route 164; route 13; route 168 and more. The routing system is endless. Each routing number has a letter behind it: either an N, S, E, or W depending on where you or I want to go. U-turns are ever-popular.
Due to the continual infrastructure updates of each of these highways, my opinion of driving through orange cones, orange-and-white-striped-barrels, white painted lane changes and merges…I prefer to drive ten miles out of my way to get to where I need to be. This way, my blood pressure can maintain its normalcy and I enjoy the views of a grassy or forested Virginia suburbia to get to where I want or need to be.
The nearby blue Gilmerton Bridge is a huge, solid steel/metal conglomeration of rivets, beams and concrete with four lanes for automotive vehicles. It is a drawbridge spreading one mile east to west over the Elizabeth River. “35’ high, [this bridge] has a vertical height restriction of 16’.” I have been awestruck seeing that necessary metal monster move up and down allowing sailboats, tugboats, fishing vessels, barges, etc., to pass unencumbered. The smooth flowing Elizabeth River gives way with a sense of ease and calm while waiting people in their cars on the bridge 20 minutes for the bridge to come down.
Let me tell you, on a daily basis ─ multiple times a day ─ that bridge is overcrowded with vehicles, big and small, wanting to get to the other side. This road, Military Highway 13 North, leads me home and further into Chesapeake. If chosen, drivers may continue on to Portsmouth, Norfolk, and/or Virginia Beach.
Such visible strength is one price to pay for commerce. It amazes me.
I have also frequented the Deep Creek Bridge drawbridge which is the name of my immediate neighborhood. When people ask “Where do you live.” I say “Deep Creek,” they know exactly what I am referring to. This drawbridge crosses the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. It consists of a narrow two-lane passage, north to south, and is much smaller than the Gilmerton Bridge.
The Great Bridge drawbridge has a fantastic historical venue regarding the American Revolution and Virginia’s resident Patriots in 1775. In short, within an hour of battle, the Patriots overtook 100 British red-coated troops enhancing this area of Virginia to be free of British rule. I learned all this through a free tour on the outer grounds of the “Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum” where this battle took place. I stood in the exact place where shots were fired.
In this area of the East coast of America’s world, not only do the bridges support transportation and commerce, but railroads are vastly commonplace. For instance, under the Gilmerton Bridge are daily operable railroad tracks traversing north to south with an uncountable amount of boxcars stacked two high. It’s a lot. The trains lug their multiple containers traveling from Norfolk, through Chesapeake, into North Carolina and beyond. So, after waiting for the bridge to come down, the first road on my left to get me home has me (and others) halted at a railroad crossing. Feeling greatly agitated, there is nothing to be done but sit and wait – again. Geez o peet! It’s a good thing I have crackers in the car with a water-filled thermos at all times. Two items I will not leave home without!
“Virginia’s vast system of scenic rivers, salty tidal bays, and quiet inlets and streams provide opportunities for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts to leave the world behind, have an adventure of their own and explore nature on its terms.”
“Leave the world behind” is a key phrase.” Personally, a simple walk on the beach is fine for me.
The calmness and serenity of all the available waterways can be visited and enjoyed. They traverse throughout this state. In addition, the rich and lengthy history of these Hamptons is centuries old and worth learning about this part of a beautiful world.
Although a newcomer to this state, confusion continues to abound my mind. Yet all the Hampton regional cities and their numerous activities offered in, on and at the Atlantic Ocean is, simply why Virginia is for Lovers. My mother, my aunt and their friends would enjoy an adventure or two in the Virginia Hamptons for sure if only they knew.
Developed and published by Change Healthcare, I feel it is important for me to share this essay with you. After all, I have difficulty making exercise a daily part of my life. You may as well.
- “Find ways to exercise that you enjoy. Think about your style. Do you like organized activities or exercising on your own? Do you need someone or something to help motivate you? If so, sign up for a class or workout with a friend or family member. It’s better to choose a form of exercise you’ll stick with than trying to do what burns the most calories.” My simple choices of daily exercise are to walk around the house – up and down the hall, around the dining room table, frequently around the yard, depending on the weather – to complete a certain amount of daily, recorded steps.
- “Eat healthy meals that provide the right amount of calories for you to have the energy to exercise and keep a healthy weight.” Eating colors is a remarkable joy to me. All inclusive vegetables and fruits are in this category.
- “Track your fitness goals. Write them down and put them in a place that you will see often, such as a note on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror. There are also websites or app that allow you to track your progress. Celebrate your successes.” √
- “Try using a wearable activity tracker. The tracker will log your activity, such as how may steps you’ve taken in a day.” √
- “Try working out with videos. You can exercise with videos for all levels of fitness. You can borrow them from your library, view them on websites, or buy them at stores or online.” Although I am not a fan of videos for exercising. However, they are certain to be an option for you.
- “Build up slowly (key words) to a level of activity that makes you breathe more heavily, increases your heart rate, and makes you sweat. Do not do so much that you strain your muscles or feel dizzy or sick to your stomach.”
- “After a few weeks of walking or water exercise, add strength training, such as using weights, into your routine. Strength training will make your muscles stronger and able to work longer without getting tired. Muscle burns more calories than fat so as your muscle increase, so does your ability to burn calories. Aim to do strength training at least two times er week.” Be patient with yourself.
- “If you get sick or get hurt, give yourself time to recover before exercising again. Then start slow and increase a little at a time.” √
Best wishes in this endeavor.
A. K. Buckroth
…Continued…Part Three “Grandpa”s Gift Of Germany”
Pulling the numerous propagandized brochures from my suitcase, Robert helped me set them up on his kitchen table. Together we went through them, separating intense interest with train schedules apart from any inconvenient or controversial sites. Already late, he happily offered me his bedroom while he would stay on the couch in his living room. I watched him shine his Army boots before I plopped into his bed.
My first prelude to this part of Europe was a drive to France. France! Very early two days later, we headed out the door to France. Throwing caution to the wind, my pocket book holding my passport, wallet, hair brush, toothbrush, and a clean pair of just-in-case underpants, we were off.
Getting as far as Strasbourg, the closest French town to the German border, we were not allowed entrance to France. Don’t know why. “They probably don’t like Americans today,” Robert stated. I found that odd but did not pursue his statement. However, as the Strasbourg traveler’s rest area remained available, we left deposits, bought drinks and snacks, and hopped back into the BMW. Leaving Strasbourg with an expression of confusion upon our faces, Robert politely followed the border control agent’s arms as he waved instructions to turn around. Robert complied. Hmm. We never found out why. Strange. Different. Disappointing, we never found out why. Well, at least I could say I was there – on the French-German border.
After at least a two-hour return drive, our conversation quieted. I enjoyed the scenery, the landscaped border of Germany and France. France’s expansive hills, valleys and dales were adorned with grape vines. Acres and acres of grape vines intertwined on metal fencing. Nothing like this back home, that’s for sure. Mesmerized, I became sleepy.
“Hey, seeing as we’re so close to Luxembourg, I’ll take you there,” blurted Robert, awakening me to full attention.
Come to find out, Luxembourg is one country of many to border Germany. Along with the Baltic and North Seas, Denmark is to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. We headed west.
Since I was unfamiliar with Luxembourg, Robert proudly schooled me that it is the smallest yet richest country in the world. “It is run by a prince,” Robert continued. Luxembourg City, specifically, it attracted my attention from afar. Perched on a cliff, in shades of age and discoloration, this area of the city’s walls were built and fortified with large boulders squared and rectangular.
Not wanting to spend too much of our limited time, we came upon Roman baths. Built from stones in the 10th century, they were evenly placed stone-against-stone, about twelve inches high, each cut and carved stone about four inches thick. Access to such a bath would require a person to literally climb inside any one of the expansive stone cutouts. Naked? I don’t know and didn’t ask. That’s how you take a bath, though, right? Naked?
Their spacious yet separate allotments remained close together, snug, large enough for a family of five to sit in, causing me to visually wonder how such a place could function. Certainly not like my bathtub at home, my space of isolation and quiet reading, alone-ness, relaxation. Oh, no.
Although the Roman Baths in Luxembourg were overgrown and worn by the ages of storms, precipitous factors, insects, animals, these numerous rectangular spaces granted no bottom comforts. Surrounded by what seemed to be a small forest of trees, sitting on the ground to bathe seemed senseless, ludicrous – at least to me. But what did I know about the 10th century and its human inhabitants? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. However, the little I saw and learned about Luxembourg caused me to fall in love with the country. With its simplicities. A simple, historical bath, for instance.
Back on the road, Robert explained his week’s work schedule with the encouragement for me to travel by train. That’s what I did with his kind offer to call him when I was ready to be picked up.
Walking the mile to Aschaffenburg’s center as Robert told me was a pleasant experience. He also told me that the trains depart and return in the heart of every city. I found this town to be daintily attractive, neighborly and just plain sweet. The weather so far this week was cool with low-lying clouds, highs of 75° Fahrenheit with a mixture of gray and yellow muted sunshine. Too cool to bring home a tan.
Watching for a sign reading Bahnhof (Train Station), I found it nailed above the station’s doorway. Entering the long, drab looking cement block building that resembled a double-wide trailer, I found it odd that it was unencumbered by other travelers or distractions. I was alone. It felt odd. Spotting an open ticket window with an unsmiling middle-age woman dressed in what appeared to be a colorless khaki uniform, I stepped forward saying Ein Ticket nach Weisbaden bitte (One ticket to Weisbaden please). Chinka-chanka-chunka on a large hand calculating machine seconds later, she said 5 Marks bitte. We exchanged my money for the train ticket. Equivalent to 5.41 USD, I could do this. As sour looking as she was, I wished her a good day ─ Schönen Tag – waiting not even five minutes for the train.
Viewing 45 miles (72 km) of Germany’s landscape, I had a reclining seat with a footrest, an overhead reading light if I wished to use it, and soft air conditioning. Magnificently pleasant, I did not want to get off. But I had to.
Why Weisbaden? To walk. To walk and walk and walk some more. Sightsee, window shop, listen to the languages being spoken, sit in the open air, people watch, have a coffee with a pastry perhaps. Relax. The pastry I found, called a Schneeballen, ended up being just what I needed. A ball of deep-fried dough that when held, engulfed the center of one hand. Covered in dark, sweet, Bavarian chocolate, I asked for extra nuts, coconut, and cinnamon to top it off. Dunkle bayerische schokolade, extra nüsse, kokosnuss und zimt, um das ganze abzurunden. Pretty good, huh? Pretty damn good!
Nothing too absurd or out of the ordinary, my enjoyment was being one with Germany. Comfortable with myself.
Back in Aschaffenburg, I called Robert to come get me, meeting him at a particular lamppost. While waiting, further window shopping captured my attention to a black and white fur coat. It was gorgeous. Entering the furrier’s shop, my questions to the proprietor answered the cost of $1,200.00 USD. Oh my! Made from 400 skunks – odd as that may be – I was totally enchanted with this butt covering coat without the stink! I had to leave the shop quickly before I bought it. Such a thing would be grand to wear during a cold Massachusetts day or night.
My next train trip two days later headed to Heidelberg. Why Heidelberg? The castle! The castle pictured in more than one brochure.
Looking forward to a longer train ride through more countryside, an approximate average of an hour and a half would bring me to this magnificent looking castle. For a cost of $20.00 USD, I was in, or on, however you want to word it.
This “Holy Mount,” estimated at six centuries old, was originally the residence of princes, plural. Its history is phenomenal, dating as far back as 40 AD. Built of stone, surrounded by stone, vineyards, rivers and fields felt to be a happy place. I can’t explain it, but I could feel it.
On the grounds, by grounds I mean acres and acres and plots of constructed buildings and villages, there is a university, a Witch’s Tower, Jesuit School, Church and seminary, Public Baths, the Hall of Mirrors, the Court Chemist’s Shop, the Church of the Holy Ghost and so much more. Overwhelmed by all that was offered – for a price – I remained within the palatial walls and halls of Heidelberg Castle as happy as a fictional princess character.
Returning to reality, in Robert’s cottage, I needed to focus on my return trip. Before laundry and packing, I enjoyed another brisk walk to the butcher’s shop for fish, the next door bakery for some freshly baked bread, along with some lovely fresh carrots from the landlady’s garden. We were both delighted with the outcome and the pleasure of each other’s company.
An early night led to an early morning for another 12-hour flight home for me and to the military base office for Robert.
Auf Wiedersehen, lieber Freund. Vielen Dank für Ihre Gastfreundschaft. (Good bye, dear friend. Thank you for your hospitality until we meet again.)
And Grandpa? Thank you. I miss you.
THE END
Destination The World NCPA Anthology 2020, Volume Two, © 2020. “Grandpa’s Gift Of Germany” page 22. Available at Amazon.com.
Continued…Part Two, “Grandpa’s Gift of Germany”
After sending a cheery, flower covered note card to Robert, practically inviting myself to stay at his house for a visit, he called me. “Yes! Sure! You can stay with me. It’d be great to see you!” Not having spoken to or with him in at least a year, it was nice to hear his voice. Furthermore, he hinted to me the best days to fly, stating “not to worry about a car rental”; he explained the railway system as being “superb”; asked if I knew where I wanted to go, what did I want to see? He could use his time off to drive through some of the countryside. Wonderful! I had some ideas as to the answers of his questions. “Learn some German, Andrea….” were his last words on the phone.
Off to the library I went to get a few LP (Long Playing) albums of German Language and Diction to play on my turntable. It wasn’t difficult to learn and I enjoyed it. Along with purchasing an English/German Dictionary, I felt rather proud of myself for learning another language.
Satisfied with the results of that contact effort, the flight became my next task….
Through a travel agency, I booked a round trip flight via “Northwest Orient” from Boston, Massachusetts at 9:40 AM on July 1, 1984 for $432.00 USD, stopping in London, England for a re-fueling, then onto landing in Munich, Germany at 9:30 AM on July 2nd. Having dozed off and on during those hours, I occupied myself with reading a book and the occasional prayer for my safe keeping and spiritual guidance. My favorite Diet Cokes were free along with a turkey and tomato sandwich. Peanuts were handed out later during that flight.
The London, England refueling process and time did not allow me to exit the airplane. No worries. I was happy to at least say I was there!
The twelve-hour flight left me anxious, wanting to walk briskly, jump, move my body, get my circulation circulating. Becoming moody ─ cranky with exhaustion ─ was not going to be tolerated. Looking out the airplane window, calmly flying through the cotton ball clouds, looking forward to seeing Robert and so much more brought me a calm and simple gratitude.
“Andrea! Andrea! I’m over here!” Robert called to me as I rushed through a swarm of travelers to greet him. He was taller than I last remembered. And a bit more muscular, more handsome. His buzz cut blonde hair and smiling blue eyes were unmistakably those of my friend.
Small talk followed as we exited the airport area in his silver BMW toward his rented cottage in Aschaffenburg located on the southwest part of Germany. Listening to Robert talk was music to my ears. The car windows down, he drove me on the infamous autobahn, “the highway without speed limits.” Feeling carefree, careless with all the windows down, my long hair whipping every which way, I didn’t care. I was here. I was here with my long time friend.
Fitfully excited, I did not want to rest or unpack. Robert could tell. After washing up and changing clothes, he took me for a ride around his neighborhood.
Narrow, black topped streets, multiple two-story houses, mostly apartments, were everywhere. Each of these houses were surrounded by neat, bright green and spacious lawns in between. Every window of every home presented demure and patterned lace curtains. I was charmed. Not only with the attractive cleanliness of such decor, but each and every outer window sill housed a wooden or colored plastic rectangular flower box full of freshly blooming, multi-colored flowers. Gorgeous!
“You’ll be able to safely walk around the neighborhood if you’d like,” Robert stated, breaking my rapt attention. “The bakery is within walking distance as is the butcher. There are no nearby ‘Cumberland Farms’ stores or ‘7-11s’”
“Great. Do you like fish? I’ll cook us up a fresh fish dinner if I find something suitable at the butcher’s.”
“Yes. Fish is fine. That’d be nice.”
That first evening, Robert drove us to a nearby restaurant, The Schlossgasse 16, 63739 Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Germany. It was huge! Tall. High. To me it looked like a massive hall. One room with a few doorways opposite the entrance. Filled with numerous 8’ wooden, canvas cloth covered picnic tables, its vaulted ceiling stretched into the sky.
Attention to our entrance provided immediate service. After being seated, draft beers were immediately brought to our table. Strange. In America, water is immediately brought to a diners’ table. Here, it is beer, warm beer, golden beer with a fuzzy, frothy white, bubbly heads. Robert told me that “warm beer is the way it is here. Cold beer is considered an insult.” Hmm. No problem with me, I’ll drink it and I did. “Cheers!”
Robert ordered us each a platter of sauerkraut and sausages, not too unusual for me. Delicious. However, I like yellow mustard with my sauerkraut and sausage. “No, don’t order mustard!” Robert shocked me with this excited whisper. “It is an insult. Also, eat with your left hand.” Not only did I not want to experiment with the food choices as yet, I did not want to insult a soul, not knowing Germanic table etiquette.
Quite the introduction.
Returning to his cottage, his landlady and landlord pleasantly greeted us. Robert, all smiles, made simple introductions. Smiling coyly, I felt they wanted to make sure Robert was not getting into any trouble with this attractive, young, American female visitor. Mm hmm. Very nice. Respectful. Appreciative.
To Be Continued…..
Destination The World NCPA Anthology 2020, Volume Two, © 2020. “Grandpa’s Gift Of Germany” page 22. Available at Amazon.com.