Another year rolls by and my little family is not so little anymore. Although we are still five, my children are no longer my little ones, but have grown into very enjoyable and delightful companions.
Johnnie has filled out into a man’s body; and although at heart he is still a kid with his great sense of humor and a smile that breaks into deep dimples, he has taken control over his life and is working hard at two jobs. Hopefully God will answer my prayers that he finish his last year at college someday and receive his BA degree.
Cindy is still blossoming. It is obvious that she will soon be a knockout but she is not aware of her physical appearance and remains a sweet, fun young lady. She is in her second year at Chico University and is also working two jobs. I always look forward to her visits with me because she is so much like Johnnie with her jokes, laughs and smiles that so enhance her dimples and flashing big brown eyes.
Carolyn is also as tall as Cindy and I. Her enjoyment of life is more serious than the other two. She studies hard, works hard to save money for her needs and has learned to drive which has helped me tremendously in not having to chauffeur her so much. Of course, I now don’t always have a car but that’s still beats all the driving I was doing. Carolyn has one more year of high school and wants to go on to college probably somewhere up North.
Marcus is only 10 years old and comes up to my nose. I have to make myself remember that he is just a little boy in a teenager’s body. He is still very active in soccer and insists that he will someday be a great soccer player. Marcus is a true Aquarius child – a dream-child moving thru a land of wonders, wild and new. He is sensitive, stubborn, independent mass of invention and electrical impulses which have me a proud, puzzled, nerve-wracked mother. At work I am known as “Irma Bombeck” with a continuous tale of surprises, woes, and hair-pulling events that keep everyone curious about the next day in the life of the Gomez family.
In short, we are a happy, healthy family – I’d be happier if someone would make me a Grandma so I could hold and rock a baby again – but no near-term plans so my kids tell me.
My mom and aunt are doing fine considering they are in their 70s. My brother is twice a grandfather now and making plans to marry off another daughter in ’84.
Merry Christmas once again and may the New Year bring you countless blessings and happiness!
Well, here it is … another year rolled by and it’s time for AULD LANG SYNE! The continuous, humorous day-to-day episodes in the life of Erma Bombeck, aka Betty Gomez continue --- with the ups and downs of the second oldest professions – Motherhood! Who would believe that with all the activity experienced in the Gomez household, 1984 would close with only two of us. With Johnnie deciding to set up housekeeping with his sister, Cindy, to attend the same University of Chico and with Marcus realizing his goal to attend school in Mexico, I would be left with only Carolyn. So I now find myself saying “good morning to the dog and rabbit, watering my plants at 7 a.m. when in the past I was calling my sleepy-head Marcus to an eye-awakening breakfast. On the cheery side, I now have gorgeous nails and not only do I get to work on time but can reiterate the morning’s news!
Johnnie & Cindy seem to have a ‘heaven-made’ arrangement – he works days and attends school at nite while she does the reverse. He loves to cook and she adds the feminine touch to their little apartment.
Carolyn, being a senior in highschool, is inquiring into different colleges and when the out-of-state correspondence comes in, I gasp at the thought of her leaving too! Hand in hand with growing up is driving and when she isn’t home by midnight, I notice strange transformations – more grey hairs, ulcer acting up and tightness in my chest that keeps me thinking “oh my God, this is it -- I’m having a heart attack! But then I hear my car pull into the driveway, Carolyn comes waltzing in and all the symptoms fade away, all except for the grey hairs, until the next time out (God, how much more can this body take?)…
Marcus, my sunshine, is living in Mexico City with my cousin, Cecilia and her family, attending a boys’ Catholic school. There are four children in her household, two girls the exact age of my girls, and two boys 7 and 13 so Marcus fits right in. I thought my heart was breaking into a million pieces when I kissed him good-by and had I seen one teardrop in those big brown eyes, he probably would not have stayed. Marcus is older than his 11 years and realizes that this is an opportunity few boys have. Upon my return home from Mexico, I kept waiting for a letter. My nights were long, troubled and sleepless – my little helpless boy misses me, cries himself to sleep, wishes he were home, Oh God, what every possessed me to leave him! Every week I wrote him but never got a reply – “Oh No, maybe he got hit by a car or bus and no one wants to tell me, or maybe he got Moctezuma’s revenge and is deathly ill!”
I was besieged by migraine and more restless nights until finally one day a letter arrived. I tore it open & began scanning the 5 short sentences. Marcus was happy, content and in great spirits. That night I found myself still uneasy, teary and feeling “he doesn’t even miss me; maybe he’s beginning to forget me! Motherhood - A truly exasperating, magnificent, catastrophic & masochist profession!
Mom and Tia are doing great considering they are in their 70s. They walk a little slower and tire easily but still continue to add life and joy to all our lives. My brother and Elaine are proud grandparents twice over and going for a third; and of the seven children, only two remain at home.
In closing my Christmas tidings, the Gomez family remains in God’s blessings and in unison with my children wish to take this opportunity to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tis the season for good tidings, cheer and merriment and the Gomez welcome the opportunity to say MERRY CHRISTMAS dear family and friends!
All is well in our happy household but the continuous saga of humor, trauma and warmth lingers on. Being a homebody, in the full sense of the word, and feeling thoroughly content, I have come to the conclusion that my four vagabound children were either a hospital mistake at birth or have inherited an unknown streak of gypsy blood.
As you will recall, Marcus decided he would attend school in Mexico City to learn Spanish last year; and I, of course, accepted his wishes. This escapade took me months to realize that my little boy was indeed happy, healthy and had adapted beautifully to his new surroundings. Could this frazzle-looking mother between taking shorthand and washing dishes accept that her son was indeed fine? NO! She had to see for herself. Taking extra work and doing odd jobs, I managed to save half the fare. I told Cindy that if she paid the other half, she could spend Christmas with Marcus. Daughters do try to cushion the blows mothers feel they must endure and she readily accepted my offer. Upon her return, I anxiously asked the dramatic questions? Is he horribly homesick? Did he want to come home? Don’t tell me he cries himself to sleep at night! Cindy’s eyes opened wide with disbelief -- “Mom, he said he was very happy and doesn’t miss anyone!! “NO ONE? Didn’t he ask for me? “Well, he did say, ‘Say HI to mom’! I felt deflated as I walked away, like a kicked puppy with its tail between its legs, and thinking… I could stop breathing and never be missed! If I have said it once, I’ll say it again – mothers thrive on masochism! In June of the following year, we welcomed Marcus home and were astounded at his trim 5ft 7in body, his maturity and adventurous tales. Am I at peace again? Heck No! Now it’s the skateboards and the 5 foot ramp he and his friends have built on my driveway. The palpitations & grey hairs will get me yet!
Carolyn graduated from Bishop Montgomery and is attending El Camino College, working between 20 and 30 hours while carrying 15 units and becoming most definitely a “woman of the 80s”. As you’ll remember, she has always been at least 5 years beyond her age and there are times, much to my distress, when I begin to feel as if our roles are reversed! – “Mother, get parental waivers with those skateboard ramps Marcus & his friends are building! Do you want to get sued if they have an accident?!!” Carolyn at 18 knows her mind, what she wants out of life and is very persistent and determined in accomplishing her goals. Deep in my heart I know that within a couple of years she too will fly my little nest.
Cindy is in 7th Heaven and on Cloud 13! On her own she made arrangements to attend her Jr.Yr. at the University of Hawaii. When she first told me of her plans, I listened but didn’t think she could swing it. After all, she didn’t know a soul in Hawaii, didn’t have a job there, very limited funds, how could this dream become a reality … my heart felt as though it were breaking into a million pieces as I watched her board the plane – “please God, watch over her, don’t let the plane crash, don’t let her starve …” “Cindy, write as soon as you get there. Don’t phone cause it’s too costly, just WRITE!” Three weeks went by and not a word! This was during the time when a night stalker had killed some 16 people. I got so paranoid that not only was I suffocating my children in an airless home but I started mourning my long lost daughter. I wrote to the University, gave them her name, SS# and what little info I had as to her plans on finding housing on campus and implored that they get a search party, find her and have her call her frantic mother “collect”! Four days later the call came in .. “Gee mom, has it been three weeks?!” This daughter too is a woman of the 80s. Confident, mature and determined to realize her goals. When you receive a letter (belated as it was) accepting responsibility for her “negligence and lack of consideration” followed by “thanks mama, I really appreciate your support of my independence and decisions in life. I feel so good and it’s such a reinforcement to know that you’re right there backing me up. I’m sure lucky!” You feel a lump in your throat, your eyes begin to mist and you whisper ….Thank you God for the beautiful family you have given me!
While I thought retirement would bring more free time; 2001 flew in and out! However, staying in touch with family and friends is better late than never. In January we had two Baptisms in California – Carolyn’s Anthony in So.CA and Cynthia’s Tony in No.CA. Johnny was Godfather to both babies along with David’s sister and husband for Anthony, and Leslie and Paul for Cynthia’s. The ceremonies were beautiful. Cynthia & Jessica spent the rest of January with me and we managed to take in Disneyland. It was so much fun watching Isabella & Jessica share this magical land.
February marked yet another candle on this mom’s birthday cake, and Marcus celebrated by taking me to Yamashiro’s for a gourmet dinner. Tidbits on this extraordinary restaurant: Yamashiro meaning “ Mountain Palace” was a hilltop mansion 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard built in 1914 by the Bernheimer brothers to house a priceless collection of Asian treasures. Hundreds of skilled craftsmen came from the orient to recreate an exact replica of a palace located in the “Yamashiro” mountains near Kyoto, Japan. Three hundred steps led up the hillside through beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens to the 10-room teak and cedar mansion, where carved rafters were lacquered in gold and tipped with bronze dragons. The hillside terraces were landscaped with 30,000 varieties of trees and shrubs, waterfalls, hundreds of goldfish and even a private zoo of exotic birds and moneys. Miniature bronze houseboats floated along a maze of tiny canals through a miniature Japanese village. After the death in 1922 of one of the brothers, most of the Asian collection, rare jades, tapestries and cloisonné chandeliers were auctioned off. A few years later it became the headquarters for the ultra-exclusive “400 Club” for the elite Hollywood’s motion picture Who’s Who e.i., Lilian Gish, Ramon Navarro, Bebe Daniels, etc. At the outbreak of WWII, with anti-Japanese paranoia, Yamashiro was mistakenly rumored to be a signal tower for the Japanese and vandalism stripped much of the beautiful landscaping and decorative elements of the palace. However the distinctive Asian architecture was disguised, the beautiful carved woods covered with paint and the estate became a boys’ military school. In 1948 it was purchased with the intention of tearing it down and developing a hotel and apartment units; however in preparing the demolishment, the treasure of ornate woodwork and silk wallpaper hidden under the layers of black paint was discovered and it was decided to restore the property. It became a 20-year project, and now 30 years later, it seats up to 500 guests for dinner and banquets with an enormous celebrity clientele. I was in awe with the ambiance and the history. The entrees were all delicacies for the eye and palate, the desserts sumptuous, the cocktails fit for royalty and the ambiance breathtaking. My Aquarius son and I had a wonderful evening -- Marcus, have you started a tradition?
Carolyn’s last day of teaching was June 1, and I left the following week for VA where I spent 6 weeks bonding with Jessica 3½ and Tony 9 months. It was a wonderful 6 weeks enjoying the hospitality of Cynthia & Paul, biking to the concerts in their nearby park, watching the sunsets from their boat, spending leisure days at their Chalet and enjoying evenings on their terrace with Paul bbq’g and Cynthia making pitchers of Margaritas! Best of all was spending time with my two little grandbabies and engraving them in my heart. It was difficult leaving, knowing that it would probably be another year before seeing them again.
August - Upon my return, Carolyn, her two little ones and I drove to Walnut Creek for the week. Isabella (4) never realized how many cousins she has (16 grandchildren from Ernie & Elaine). It was a week she still talks about and wants to know when she can go back. I’m very fortunate to have David and Carolyn living nearby as the children have become a major role in my life. Isabella has her own room, clothes, toys and videos here and decides each day where she will spend the night. My days (until just this month) were filled babysitting a very inquisitive, active and enjoyable Anthony. But at 16 months, his curious and inquisitive little mind needed to be channeled in a baby-proof facility with other little ones his own age. So Carolyn enrolled him in Isabella’s school 3 days a week giving Grandma a rest but yet the opportunity of enjoying him the other 2 days. My dream is to have all four grandchildren for a summer in my home.
Carolyn and David just bought a home this month within walking distance from me and now each of my four children are proud home owners. Marcus bought a home earlier in the year which required some work. He laid a Pergo floor in his living room, beautifully tiled the floors in the kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. I was amazed and proud of his work. The day after Thanksgiving, he had a dinner for his friends - turkey with all the trimmings for over 30 guests, with candles throughout the living room and dining room adding that special ambiance to his holiday dinner-party. Johnny is still in 7th heaven in his Tahoe home. While the summers are a paradise, the winters with the 4 and 5 feet of snow leave a lot to be desired for this So.Calif-born mom; but he loves it and shares Tahoe’s beauty with family and friends.
In September Marcus and I went to see the magnificent production of Lion King! In October, Johnny took me for our annual birthday celebration - - Albuquerque’s 30th year Balloon Festival. Watching over 700 gorgeous, colorful, unique balloons glide into the heavens was quite an experience. They ranged from $20K to $200K for the custom-shaped balloons. The weather was beautiful, the skies filled with fluffy white powder puffs and the sunrises unbelievable. Loving Southwest memorabilia, I was on Cloud 9 meandering through the historic Old Town shops; and every time I just “have to have it”, Johnny smiled and shook his head. We also went to Acoma Sky City, a pueblo built in 1150 on a 376 foot tall mesa overlooking the desert. It has been continuously inhabited by Native Americans for more than 900 years. There still remain approx 15 families living in this Pueblo with no running water or electricity, making pottery, jewelry and other lovely items to sell to the visiting tourists. No video recorders were permitted and cameras required a special permit. It was like going back on time, watching the barefoot children running and playing and smiling when we approached. The beautiful handmade crafts were scooped up by the buying tourists. The Mission, San Esteban del Rey, was built in 1629, completed in 1640 with all building materials hand-carried or hauled up the steep slopes of the mesa (367 ft above the valley and approx 7,000 ft above sea level). Both the Mission and the Pueblo have been pro-claimed National Historic Landmarks. From there we went to Santa Fe for a typical mouth-watering New Mexico lunch and needless to say, roaming the Historic Town’s shops – more purchases? Oh Yes! Thank God for a patient son! I just need a bigger home!
My birthday dinner was dramatic as always – the top of Sandia Peak (10,378 ft). The longest tram in the world took us to the High Finance, one of the finest restaurants in the Southwest. I had my favorite annual drink, a Manhattan, followed by a Flambeau Filet Mignon with all the trimmings. It was an exquisite dinner with a handsome and very indulging son!
Well dear family and friends, my annual journal for 2001 comes to an end. Hopefully all is well on your homefront. I look forward to reading your cards and letters each year so please keep them coming even when you don’t hear from me on time. My brother, Elaine and their family are fine. We thank God for the many blessings He has granted us. Our Auntie (Tia Polla as we call her) isn’t doing well. But then, what can one expect of a dear lady in her 90’s. We just ask God to be merciful and grant her peace in her last days.
With love always,
Betty
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2002 climaxed sharing Christmas with my son Johnny and Michele in Tahoe. Everywhere I looked, I thought I was seeing those beautiful picture cards depicting the meaning of a White Christmas. We were entertained nightly with sit-down dinners by their many friends. From there I went to Walnut Creek to bring in the New Year with Ernie & Elaine. New Years 2003 began with a most dramatic event! My nephew Ernie, very generously treated his parents, Ernie & Elaine and myself to a spectacular dinner/show in San Francisco, Teatro Zinzanni. The unique dinner/show is a brilliant creation of comedy, vaudeville revue, interactive theater, dance, music and magic held in a Spiegeltent. Not a moment goes by that you are not entertained! The five course menu was delicious and unusually served by the entertainers themselves in different segments of laughter, glitter and music. Spiegeltents are hand-hewn circular pavilions with wooden floors, leaded glass windows, canvas, mirrors and cut glass work, detailed in velvet and brocade. Amazingly, spiegeltents are built and erected completely by hand, using a unique interlocking system with no nails or tools. Spiegeltents were familiar sights at fairs throughout Europe and Teatro Zinzanni premiered in the US in 1998 and was an immediate “hit”! I highly recommend this extravaganza if you are ever in San Francisco.
In June I went to Grand Island, NY to visit my daughter, Cynthia, Paul, Tony and to bring back Jessica for the rest of the summer. Grand Island is beautiful and Paul has his boat docked in the Niagara River within walking distance. Niagara Falls is close enough that Cynthia took me for lunch and of course, we had to walk up to the Falls – what an exciting & wet adventure! My days with these two gypsies are always relaxing and full of fun. My son-in-law spoils me terribly but I love him all the more for it. His mom, Bernice, and I have become great friends! The summer in CA was filled with fun, watching the two little cousins intermingle. Of course, not all was fun and play – they definitely exhibited their individualities!
Finally the much awaited BIG day came! After praying and waiting for my son, Johnny, to find the girl of his dreams, he popped the question on Valentine’s Day. Since Michele was living in So. CA, he arranged for her to fly to Tahoe, greeted her in a limo with a doz red roses, a bottle of Dom Perignon and his faithful puppy lab, Oprah. He rented a boat and took her to a Tea House in Fannette Island (Tahoe’s only island) which overlooks Emerald Bay and he nervously proposed to her on one knee in the middle of winter and snow!
The big day finally arrived and on July 30 we packed up the three kids, Isabella, Jessica and Anthony in Carolyn & David’s van and left for Tahoe at 5 am. Carolyn had gotten each child his own CD player with earphones enabling the 8 hr trip to be as pleasant and quiet for the rest of us. The day we arrived in Tahoe was roasting and we couldn’t wait to get into the pool. Of course since the little girls were to be flower girls, I had put their hair in curlers the day before and pictured a Shirley Temple look. So much for my fantasies! Anthony & Tony (both 3) were to be in Tux and carrying the bride’s train. So much for Michele’s fantasies but they did try!
It was a two-day wedding. The first, July 31, was in the legendry Castle in the Sky, the Thunderbird Lodge. This lodge was one of the nation’s finest mansions located on the east shore, built by George Whittell, Jr, a man of near-infinite resources, fluent in seven languages and committed to the idea of never working, a goal he realized throughout his life. His two immigrant grandfathers shrewdly exploited the Gold Rush opportunities and laid the foundation for the financial empire. Being born into wealth, Whittell was one of the most notorious playboys of CA and Nevada. His plans for the Thunderbird Lodge were to create an ethnic diversity of the project. He had Norwegian woodworkers, Native American stonemasons, and Italian Ironworkers. The grounds featured an intricate system of waterfalls, streams and pools flowing down and around the main lodge (some of which have now been covered with grass) and the meandering walkways were covered with intricate stonework. He had a lighthouse, winding trails, bridges and a 70 ft long tunnel connecting the basement of the main lodge to the original boathouse where supplies could be loaded from a boat (or young showgirls to the card house where he entertained his poker games). Drawn to animals, he housed a pet lion, a cheetah, elephant and many species of birds. I could go on and on with this fascinating castle and owner but I will leave it for you to tour if you are ever in Tahoe.
The wedding was to be held outside overlooking the lake. Tables had been set up along the meandering stone paths overlooking the lake and as I casually looked up at the sky, lo and behold my eyes opened wide. Little very black clouds were slowly making their way towards us. The ceremony had only just begun when the drops began to fall, quite rapidly. The preacher announced that we had better adjourn into the castle and everyone fled as though heavily pursued! Once again the ceremony began only to be interrupted by the staccato sound of giant hail stones. Of course everyone rushed to the windows to witness nature’s gift to the couple. I was impressed by the bride and groom’s calm composure. Smiles never left their faces and they just shrugged their shoulders and said …. Welcome to Tahoe folks! Having written their own vows, we all saw how well two people compliment each other! There were emotions, funny and serious, which had the guests either crying or laughing. Johnny was so nervous that the ring hit the floor before Michele’s finger. After the ceremony, an open bar and mariachis entertained the guests while the wedding pictures were being taken. Dinner and dancing followed.
The following day, we were all to meet at Emerald Bay for a beautiful 2 hour cruise before the 2nd wedding ceremony (which would accommodate all the children of his guests) at the Ponderosa Ranch (where Bonanza was filmed). Again, the day started out with the weather cooperating. Johnny had this huge sign which said ‘SHE SAID YES’ and my 2 nephews (Ernie & JP) & son-in-law Paul were to climb up this huge rock and hold it up as we cruised by where he proposed to Michele. Would you believe it started pouring; but bless their hearts, they held on to the sign! From there we caravanned to the Ponderosa (still raining). The event was held in the saloon where the ceremony was not only beautiful but emotional and theatrical. While the wedding party was in their wedding attire, the guests and children were in Western garb. It was followed by a mouthwatering BBQ of ribs and chicken with all the trimmings. Back to the saloon for the open bar and dancing; David my son-in-law serenading; & the new couple singing “I’ve got you Babe” to one another! The reception continued for the next several days with river rafting, picnics, groups dinners, and gondola scenic rides…. My Big Fat Greek Wedding had nothing on this Big Fat Mexican-German Wedding! Well, I won’t go onto a 3rd page.
Our auntie, Tia Polla, rests happily in heaven with mom and dad. All my children are doing well. My babies (4) are my pride and joy and I can’t wait for a 5th++. Now, my prayers are being directed towards my youngest son, Marcus! “I’m not getting any younger Marcus!”
The seasons are flying by like shooting stars accompanied by our fragile lives. In spite of having lost some very close friends and knowing that it could unexpectantly happen to us, life continues to be a blessing! Marcus, my youngest, showed up at my door Christmas 2003, with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes and presented me with a furry little thing with a big red bow. Yes, a German Shepard puppy. I have been wanting a dog but my thoughts were more towards a Pomeranian, Cocker Spaniel or a lap dog. I was speechless….. At 3 months, she weighted more than my last two dogs at maturity! By 6 months, I no longer had an automatic sprinkler system in my back yard and when I took her for a walk, it was more like Delila taking me on a run! Ignoring the beautiful dog house I bought her, she dug up a tree that I had in a large pot in the corner of my patio, took half the dirt out, and has made it her sleeping quarters. How she manages to curl herself in the pot is beyond me. Hopefully she will calm down, remember what the trainer has taught her and become the companion I would like in a pet! (Or she may be history!) Guess why I now need a raincoat to water my plants??
One evening in April, my lst born child, Johnny, called to say, “mom, guess where we’re going for your birthday trip this year?” My first guess was Mexico as I have been wanting to see the ruins and visit my family. In my wildest imagination would I have guessed “ AFRICA”! Africa I mumbled. “Yes mom, a 2-week African safari!” Well, as a child I was fascinated with the jungles of Africa, Johnny Weissmiller and Sheena, Queen of the Jungle! I am somewhat embarrassed to say that this fascination continued thought adulthood! But this was only in my safe, vivid imagination. “Mom, are you there?” I didn’t know how to respond. My heart was beating so fast and my imagination was running wild ….. Lions, crocodiles, snakes …. Oh God, I’ll be facing wild animals! My first reaction was to say “no, I really am not up to taking a trip – the shingles are still bothering me.” But I knew this wouldn’t cut – the shingles were long gone, like a year gone and besides, how could I pass up such a fantastic trip! Johnny must have sensed my apprehension and he went on to say that he had also invited my brother, Ernie & Elaine to accompany us as well as Ernie (their son) and his girlfriend, Maria. Well that cemented the invitation! Johnny and his wife, Michelle would be at the tail end of their 6 week honeymoon, having toured Thailand, Egypt, So. Korea and meeting us in South Africa for the safari adventure. My adventurous sister-in-law Elaine called me the next day. “We need one jillion vaccinations, hepatitis, typhoid and boosters for polio, tetanus, chicken pox, measles, etc. etc. so get on the ball and call your doctor!” I called immediately and made arrangements to begin the procession of immunizations!
9 May – Mothers Day
What a special Mother’s Day! Carolyn graduated with her Masters degree from Loyola Marymount.. She had continued teaching while attending classes at night. Now she is striving for a double Masters in Special Education. One more laborious year should do it. David, her husband, has been very supportive of her goals. I thoroughly enjoy the blessings of grandma hood. I pick up Isabella (in 2nd grade) after school every day and we do homework together after which we go for Anthony at the preschool, then bath, dinner and by 8pm I crash!
20 May 2004: Africa, here we come….
The day finally came! Isabella’s parting teary words were … Grandma, don’t let the lions eat you! We were allowed only 26 lbs of luggage for our 2-week trip….essentials first, e.g., binoculars, boots, camera, film, mosquito repellent and flashlite, then whatever clothes would fit! With a 22 hour flight ahead of us, we enjoyed the hospitality of international flying – all those free cocktails and delicious meals! Our safari accommodations were beyond our imagination. Johnny had booked three safaris at different camps which could only be reached by these little tiny planes! Each campsite had tents with full bathroom facilities and even though the showers were outside the tent, we had all the convenience of a hotel room. However our first question was…..can a lion come into our tent???? “Yes, but if you stay inside after dark, there shouldn’t be any mishaps!” The first night was the hardest. Thereafter, in spite of the roaring of the lions and the grazing snorts of the hippos, I slept quite well!
Our wake-up call was the sound of drums beating at 6 am. Since it was still dark, a guide was sent to escort us to the main campsite where an English-style breakfast awaited us. By 6:30 we were onboard our 3-tier open Land Rover to view the beauty of the bush with its wild inhabitants! On our very first trip we saw a pride of lions playing with their cubs. As we continued on, elephants, impalas, giraffes and warthogs crossed our paths – it was so exciting watching them in their environment and not caged in zoos. About 45 minutes before returning to our campsite, the guide would find a “safe” spot to stop and set up a table for ‘tea time’. By 11:30 we were back at our campsite for a mouthwatering brunch! Not only was the food outstanding but to see china, wine goblets, cloth napkins in the middle of a jungle was phenomenal! It was encouraged that we take a nap before continuing into the bush at 3 pm. Not only was a nap advisable but a shower in the safety of daylight! By 3pm the drums began and after a light high tea with appetizers, we were once again on our way to view more animals. We were never disappointed! Around 6 pm our guide once again would find a safe spot for teatime! However, the ladies opted for the delicious African wine while the men settled for cold beers. Arriving at our campsite after dark, we were stunned to see the formality of the dinner table under the stars. After a succulent dinner we would sit by the campfire enjoying our after dinner drinks under a sky filled with millions of glittering stars! Each safari camp was exhilarating and the sunsets and sunrises were a manifestation of God’s creation. Adrenaline worked overtime witnessing 5 lioness feasting on their buffalo kill, then being chased away by the arrival of the lions and our being in an open jeep within easy reach. Believe me, all you could hear was the clicking of our cameras and the munching of the lions!
Our last stop was to one of the wonders of the world – the spectacular Victoria Falls. Our African-style hotel overlooked a Watering hole where the animals came to drink at dusk and a Hide (Siduli Hide) where they could be viewed at close proximity. We booked a time and guide to take us to the Hide. How my poor little heart withstood all the anxieties, including the elephant ride, I’ll never know. On our last day in Victoria, Johnny celebrated my birthday at The Boma, an outdoor restaurant surrounded with colorful lanterns, tiki torches, tropical plants creating an exotic ambiance. After our African dinner of indigenous tastes (venison, crocodile tail, impala fillet, warthog), he had the entertainers sing “Happy Birthday to Betty”!
Africa, an adventure and dream of a lifetime!
1 July: Delila started private training
20 July: I left for Grand Island to visit Cynthia, Paul and family. Paul took us cruising down the Erie Canal for three days and two nights sleeping on their boat and stopping at little historic towns along the way. Spending time with them and the children, Jessica now 7 and Tony 4 was wonderful. Then Cynthia took me to Niagara on the Lake, a quaint and historic picturesque town in Canada. As always, my stay in Grand Island was one of being catered to and treated to many fun adventures.
26 Sept: Marcus, my sunshine, ran his first triathlon in Long Beach in record time. He continues to do well in his work and enjoys working on his home. October 17 he left for Paris with Lourdes his girlfriend and they both came back in awe of that magnificent city.
29 Oct: Once again I boarded a plane for Grand Island to surprise Cynthia for her 40th surprise birthday dinner that Paul had planned. It was marvelous. Sharing Sunday mass and breakfast alone with my little Jessica is a memory imbedded in my heart.
Johnny and Michelle came down for Thanksgiving and were able to spend a week. Marcus hosted Christmas Eve this year at his home and prepared a delicious dinner with all the trimmings.
Well dear family and friends, my life continues as Erma Bombeck. Delila is now in group classes and obeys the $200 “sit” command. The trainer assures me I will enjoy her someday! She is beautiful however. I have gotten very lazy inputting the computer thereby making my newsletter somewhat late! My apologies…
Tis the season for good tidings, cheer and merriment and the Gomez welcome the opportunity to say MERRY CHRISTMAS dear family and friends!