I taught myself how to be a journalist 22 years ago, before the Internet in a coat closet in my home in Vista, CA.

Since then I've gone on to publish thousands of articles in newspapers all over the country including the New York Times. I've published three books. I never knew back when I was 40 and wondering what my lot in life was going to be. Then, my husband Ralph told me to quit my job, try to become a writer, and if I was published nationally in a year, then I was a writer. If not, maybe I should try something else.

Within six months I was published nationally, I went on to be Brenda Starr, we moved a lot, and had a lot of adventures, most of which I wrote about. He died suddenly in the summer of 2018. I'm still a writer.

That's the short version.

Here is my latest and maybe my last 3000-word article ( that's a different story) for this wonderful publication, the San Diego Reader.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2020/may/13/feature-vista-has-always-had-my-heart/

Thank you for reading, and thank you to my darling husband.

So I was born in Egypt and cast out into the Nile... thankfully not! 

BTW- My future wife was 5 months old when this photo was taken.

I had the incredibly good fortune to be born in San Diego. And a more cushy life really could have not been had. A milk- toast neighborhood in the middle of white- bread America. 

Every advantage offered. I must have done some wonderful things in a past life to deserve all these blessings. Whatever the case may be... I will try to give back to those around me for making this life so fantastic. Love and Blessings to my immediate family and friends for making me feel special. 

Love to you all!

Oh... and another spectacular day in sunny Del Mar.

Day 20 - It's the Weekend...

When the weekend comes around after semi-celebrating each day so far this month, it seems laissez-faire.

Friesland flag in the RV Park

 But the wife is asking what's up for the weekend? So something should be planned. Let's BBQ is probably not going to cut it. But it turned out  she needed to work/write- so I was off the hook and looking forward to some relaxation.

Well, not relaxation in the typical sense of the word. I went for a workout. A nice sweat and, of course, a long bike ride. 

Nothing special except for the shout- down by a handicapped lady to a woman whose dog was invading her space. The police actually came. Nothing like a little drama, especially when I'm a total bystander.

Aja & Julie- BFF's

My daughter came by with her gal pal and spent a nice afternoon on the beach. 

All is well in the weekend home space.

Day 17- What's Up With That?

It started yesterday while I was enjoying the sand and surf. 

 A gentleman set up his camp right in front of me somewhat blocking my view. No worries as there was enough space. Sometimes I think it a bit rude to set up directly in front if there is a lot of open sand. 

So today as I was again enjoying the sand, the same gentleman set up camp directly in front of me. I did choose the same general area so I was not completely surprised, but again, did think it rude. No big deal. I could move if I wanted, but there was a bevy of beauties nearby.

After about an hour, the guy gets up and starts striking poses while glancing at me. Oh no! What I had believed was just a coincidence just became something totally different. There really are no coincidences. Nothing happened, no really nothing happened! Except that most of the surrounding people were giving me knowing smiles.

I feel like such a piece of meat!

Lucky 13- Off to the Races

The wife was customarily up early grabbing party favors for the day. We were headed to Del Mar for Tacotopia, the races, and a concert. Long day in store - this is a marathon, not a sprint. 

Not for the weak of heart or liver.

Arriving fashionably late for tacos did not stop a reasonable smack down. No #s will be divulged, but my daughter almost doubled my intake at her last Tacotopia. My favorite; the Adobada from AH-JIJO!

Birthday monthers- RR and Val

The races were a success as no horses suffered life threatening injuries. A great concern -  I do love to see them run - but still....

As for the concert, we were obviously a tad older than most. I honestly have no idea who the first band was. I believe they were a reggae rap band. ( this was told to me ) And I followed the cool moves of the guy smoking herb just off to the right. The headliner was 311. ( That's 3 eleven for you non- rockers ) I amazed myself by recognizing a few of their songs. 

Had a chat with someone probably in his 50's, as he quizzed what rockers I had seen in the day. He then stated that I was probably the only guy ever to see both Jimi Hendrix and 311 live. 

I don't know, but I might be a 1% er- in one respect.

Day 11- Brothers

I visited the big bro today. 

We bonded over the Olympics - watching volleyball.

Sport is a great way to spend time when communication is difficult. We can enjoy just being together without speaking. Except, in Reed fashion, cursing when the outcome is not favorable. 

Last month hanging with the bro- (FYI - the road burn on my face has healed.)

Spoke again with bother Bill, wishing him further B-Day enjoyment. He is planning a visit at the end of the month, so hooray, I will not need to bike to Texas. Looking forward to the forthcoming argument as to who owes whom for past sporting bets.

Of course, a sunset bike to the harbor was in order.

 Beautiful evening with wood smoke in the air...

Day 6 - Blood is Thicker than Wine (Guest Blogger RTR)

Our two nieces came up to visit yesterday.

Great day highlighted by conversation, beach walks, Pacific 333, fresh peach daiquiris, BBQ lobster & trash talk! 

These gals came to play. They are a force to be reckoned. 

Another beautiful day at the trailer court. What a blessing to be here. Two minute walk to the Harbor. Three to the beach. I appreciate my life and do not take it for granted. My wife works her arse off- well not all of it- to round out our days with the proper amount of wine. Thank You!

The kids are enjoying themselves in Vancouver, BC. as depicted. They are a joy to behold!

Day 4- Unexpected Blessings- by Guest Blogger RTR

First off I would like to relate a truism about the 99 Cent store. Every time I visit, as I did this morning, without even trying, I get the best dressed award. This is not something I am proud of... just something I have noticed. But I am very proud of the savings.

On the way my wife called telling me our daughter needed a ride to the airport as her boyfriend was stressfully bogged down with business. What wonderful news for me. I would have the pleasure of seeing her off to Canada. Fantastic! And all went well.

As is custom, any time near the airport one must visit The Bali Hai Restaurant for one of their signature Mai Tais. Any one who knows my wife and I understand how we revere this tradition. And , of course, it did not disappoint. Wonderful conversation with new friends and of course, Olivia.

We invited our cousin to meet us for dinner at The Hills in La Mesa as we were, in town, so to speak. When she said yes, the day took another upturn. Great dinner with one of the nicest people I know.

Unexpected Blessings Indeed!