Observatory

While I'm certain this group has a contract on me - calling for capture and transport to a "Time Management Remedial Rehab…" … they were actually quite good sports about it! I sent out an email with lots of CAPS about allowing lots of time to get there, park and hike up the hill, etc. etc. etc. And yet, yet, your fearless and often fearful so-called- organizer was running a tad tardy…

(note to self: never, never put lavender essential oil drops in the bath BEFORE an event… This is something to be saved for a just-before-bed-bath…)

Luckily, my hero Stan, drove up in some kind of modern-day white 'steed' hoisting me up the hill the very moment I got out of my car – and took me up to the barricades – while people were calling, 'where ARE you???' (tapping feet, I'm sure) ….

After dropping me off, Stan went to park and by the time he hiked back, thought that we were already inside… gave up & went on to Glendale for jazz. We're guessing Jack's? Just another reason we'll be trekking Southward (Stan's hood) for an event soon! And I've yet to explore Jack's! Too bad I didn't just go on & join Stan after!

Poor Ed, hiked ALL the way up the hill, I think! Jeffrey was there…. Somewhere… I never saw… and too bad Chris couldn't make it, being caught up in something like this? http://babyboomer.mee...

Larry knows me well enough by now to go ahead and give me the elbow-in-rib I needed - 'now .. what was it you said in that email???' I'm sure George was happy Larry was there to offer a ride home since George had the 'explorer' urge to take the fast rail option getting there.

Ann, on the other hand a stranger until then, got me inside the planetarium, "You weren't THERE~!" According to Nina, this is to be Ann's typical straight at ya attitude and – thank goodness – she was a good sport about it all, really – as everyone was – Well, hey – we made it!

Once inside that theater –in a quite comfy seat - in awe, fascinated as I watched the history of our developing knowledge or theories of the Universe, I desperately hoped this show displayed on the ceiling would put my tardiness in "small stuff" perspective… (I think it worked!)…. !

No kidding! The show will put lots of things in perspective, if you let it…. We're so small! Our planet is so miniscule! Our lifespan is less than a blink! How, where, when – or whether - will it all end? Fascinating, Beautiful sky ….

After the show, we gathered in the café and out on the patio. Paulette rushed in to join us for a brief moment before going in to see a subsequent show on her own… And we sat & chatted with a view of the entire LA Basin…

As often happens, I toss out event ideas and discovered Ann & Nina are regulars for the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Film Screenings… They've got this thing figured out – where to park, what time to go… Watch for an event sometime this summer I hope!

Great to meet Victor – another 'laid back attitude' and the recipient of my muchas gracias (?) for the return ride back down the hill…. During which I nearly keeled, realizing what a hike that woulda been!!

- I am so absolutely grateful to all those who encouraged this as an event – even though for whatever reason, you chose not to attend! … and despite my grumbling as I huffed & puffed from the barricade to the Observatory muttering, "Why oh why do I do this to myself….?" Have I been overusing "Wow?" I'm SO glad I'm doing this!

Dear Crystal,

I was not able to attent any of these events, but I love how beautifully you write about them. I am glad you are arranging them and I grateful you are writing about them. I feel you have given me a window to look through and to anticipate your warmth, as well as the vitality of the group. I hope I can join you soon and to get to know you and other wonderful people you attrack to these get togethers.

Appreciatively and with anticipation, Renee

Hi Renee,

Thank you so much for your comments. It was exactly my hope - to give you (and all members) an idea of how these things go. It lets you know - there are always new members joining and at each event, someone will say, "This is my first time with the group..." I also like to introduce a little insight about those who attend so they might be a bit familiar to you if you attend an event and they are there - you get an idea of the giving nature! In this event, I just realized - Stan gave me the ride up the hill, Victor the ride back, and Larry gave George a ride home!

So for those who may feel hesitant about jumping in, just know we don't bite, we're a pretty friendly bunch, there are other new people too... and even when things don't go perfectly, we roll on & have a good time anyway!

Thank goodness, most of the time, things go pretty well, but. as Larry (M) says, it's all about the people. I sincerely look forward to meeting you.