Boy, have we had wind this week. And I am not talking about me! No damage as such that I can see from the confines of my study upstairs but, as I look out at the rain which is slashing down, I can see that the bench which sits on the Green in front of our house has been blown over as has the sign to the mushroom farm just up the drive behind us. I guess we should count our blessings – we’ve not had any more snow!
What a great time we had last weekend! On Saturday we went across to Barford near Warwick to watch Annabelle’s dance class’s spring show. Annabelle has been attending this for some years and is now one of the older students. We had to sit through about three dozen routines by the 3- to 8-year-olds before Annabelle and the older few pupils put on a couple of their routines. It was great fun and she (and her friends) did a great job. Sorry, but the photos do not do it justice.
Amazing coincidence – as we were watching the various performances, one of the dance instructors was busily shepherding the children into the appropriate groups and places and I kept thinking to myself, “I know that woman.” But I could not place where I knew her from at all. Then, at the end of the show, Penny says, “Oh my gosh! That’s Polly.” And, indeed it was – the daughter of a neighbour from Byfield days who, as a teenager, used to frequently help us out with walking and looking after Molly, our by then increasingly old Golden Retriever. Penny went up to her to reveal her identity (we were wearing masks, after all) and there was much astonishment on both parts, hugs and exclamations. She is, in fact, Annabelle’s teacher and had never put two and two together. As a teenager she probably never knew our surname and hence could be forgiven for not realising that two folks with the surname Stragnell might be related.
Then, on Sunday, we had another great adventure. We had Jessie for the day and I had previously arranged to go and look at a VW campervan (more of which to come). Nick and Annabelle came across to look at the campervan with us and then we took the two girls to Leamington and Warwick for the day. It was an absolute delight – two of our granddaughters for the day – what could be better than that?
It was just about lunchtime when we finished looking at the van so we made our way to Wagamamas on the Parade. It’s one of Annabelle’s favourite lunchtime spots and ours too and, as usual, it was excellent. The food is really tasty and there’s generally enough to ensure that I finish the meal feeling well fed and watered.
After lunch we made our way to St Nicholas Park in Warwick where they have an extensive array of children’s play apparatus and miles of winding paths through the park. We had Jessie’s bike in the car so, while Annabelle and Penny explored the children’s playground, I supervised Jessie riding her bike. She set off like a runaway freight train before we could decide on which of the paths she should stay. I had to sprint after her (well, sprint is not really the right word), calling after her to stop. Eventually, I caught up with her and we negotiated a nice figure of eight around a couple of large flower beds and she pedalled away merrily for quite some time. Finally, she also wanted to clamber all over the playground apparatus so away we went. An hour or so later we had a couple of very worn-out grandchildren, not to mention the grandparents. An absolutely lovely day.
And so, back to the camper van. For some time, Penny and I have discussed getting a campervan and embarking on the occasional excursion. But we’ve never really investigated the possibility seriously. Then, a few months ago Nick mentioned that he too had been thinking about getting one and had done quite a bit of investigation already. That was the impetus for us to get serious about the whole thing and the upshot is – we’ve bought a campervan. Actually, we’ve committed to buying one – a Volkswagen T6 which is being converted “as we speak.” We’re all very excited about the project and it should be ready in about a months’ time. More details then.
And so, after 273 days and just over 2600 miles, I have finally arrived at Santa Monica Pier and the conclusion of my virtual Route 66 cycle ride. Whew! I am open to suggestions for my next excursion – as Click and Clack used to say, “Answers on the back of a $20 bill.”
The last 76 miles from San Bernadino to Santa Monica Pier have flown by in a flash! So many things to see and do – I’m spoilt for choice.
First stop along the way was 1175 Baseline Road in Claremont, California, the site of the Webb School (now Schools) of California where I endured my high school years. It’s also, of course, the place where I first set eyes on the lovely Penelope Butler who has very kindly put up with me for more years than she would probably like to remember.
The next essential stop was at the entrance to the Monrovia Nursery in Azusa founded by a young immigrant from Denmark, Harry Rosedale, in 1926. It was originally located on a 10-acre plot in Monrovia but moved out to Azusa in 1952 and grew into one of the nation’s largest wholesale producers of container-grown plants. My very dear friend and high school classmate Mile Rosedale was CEO for many years and shepherded the company through many difficult times.
Next stop was my childhood home at 262 West Lemon Avenue in Arcadia, California. Sadly, the house I grew up in is not there anymore – it was torn down and replaced with a massive two-storey home a few years ago. Unfortunately, the Google street image from July 2007 is significantly distorted – the front lawn was never that deep!
From Lemon Avenue I cycled up the road to the Santa Anita Racetrack in whose parking lot I think all of my brothers and sisters and I learned to drive.
The guide book says that I shouldn’t miss the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena with which I am tolerably familiar – I’ve driven across it many times but little did I know that it is recognised as an Historic Landmark. It was built in 1913 by Waddell & Harrington, a company from Missouri, to connect neighbouring cities and extend Colorado Blvd. The bridge was closed for four years in 1989 when it was deemed an earthquake hazard, but after a retrofit, it was opened again in 1993 and one can still drive across it.
Just an eleven-minute cycle north is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I took Penny to a Rose Bowl game on one of our early dates. My father knew someone on the Rose Parade organising committee and could always seem to get tickets. I enjoyed the game; Penny would probably have preferred to watch paint dry but she was polite enough not to mention her disappointment.
From there it’s just a short hop to the Arroyo Seco Parkway, also known as the Pasadena Freeway, one of the oldest freeways built in the United States. It connects Los Angeles with Pasadena alongside the Arroyo Seco seasonal river. It is notable not only for being an early freeway, mostly opened in 1940, but for representing the transitional phase between early parkways and modern freeways. It conformed to modern standards when it was built, but is now regarded as a narrow, outdated roadway.
Another highlight of the tour – how could we pass so close by and not stop to admire Chicken Boy on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles? Chicken Boy is a cousin of the various fiberglass sculptures we’ve passed along Route 66. It was recognised by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2010.
And finally, after stopping for a brief chat with Ben, Brex-Anna and Max just by the airport, I’ve come to the end of the road, where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Pier. Oftentimes as I’ve pedalled away on the exercise bike, I’ve thought that I really ought to consider riding the route for real. Then I think of the wind and the rain and all the related difficulties of cycling in the great outdoors and think better of it. No danger of that ever happening!
And finally, finally a couple of photos of two gorgeous young girls. The first is one of the selection of photos taken for Julieta’s first passport – this is the one I definitely think Adam and Ava should submit but, of course, it falls foul of all the passport photo requirements.
You’ll be delighted to learn that there will be no news next week. We’re off to Suffolk for a bit of a break with Adam, Ava, Jessie and Julieta. Normal service might resume the week after.
Meanwhile, keep happy, keep smiling, be careful, wear a f**king facemask in crowded places and keep your distance. And keep safe.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg