Chapter 3 "Mother's Three Cures"
My Mother's treatment of any illness that might befall any member of the family was simple and uncomplicated. For the usual mumps, measles, chicken pox, or just stomach upsets, when appetites lagged, the sure cure was MILK TOAST. Now, for most patients that wasn't too bad, but since I couldn't tolerate milk, even as a baby, it was pretty close to torture for me. She would toast a slice of bread, butter it, and put it in the bottom of a bowl where it was drowned with hot milk. She convinced me that I'd be up and around in no time if I consumed every drop, so I'd hold my breath just long enough to gobble it down.
If we had a cold, the treatment consisted of getting a chest rub with gobs of Musterole, then a flannel cloth was pinned inside our pajamas for added warmth, and to keep the greasy stuff off the bedclothes. Now, I don't have anything against the smell of garlic, in its' place, but never learned to like being overwhelmed by the odor all night, for the duration of the cold. Our children certainly had their chests rubbed with Vicks on numerous occasions, but I never had the inclination to try the Musterole cure because of that memory.
If we were unfortunate enough to be ill for more than a day, then the castor oil bottle was retrieved from the cupboard, and we were treated to the ultimate cure. That was a real test of breath-holding, for not only did the castor oil have to be choked down, but had to be followed by a glass of orange juice, before taking a breath, to escape most of that terrible taste.
Well, there you have Mother's three sure cures. Needless to say, our medicine cabinet was far from being over crowded, and I might mention that I never entertained the thought of pretending illness in order to stay home from school! Probably showed up at school on a few occasions when my germs went home with the other kids, as well. How else can you explain the report cards, that repose in my cedar chest, which shows perfect attendance for several years during the elementary years? There's something to be said for Mother's cures, after all.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I Remember when....
Chapter 1 "THE ICE MAN COMMETH"
I'm not sure how old I was when our family acquired our first electric refrigerator, or just when THE ICE MAN disappeared from the scene. As a small child, I recall him as a very important adjunct to our lives, as well as being essential to the well-being of our food. As I recall, the ice man would come around twice a week in his truck. Each household had an ice card, perhaps 12 to 15 inches square, and if you wanted ice delivered you hung the card in the window. Each of the 4 corners of the card had a number which, I believe was 5, 10, 15, and 20; so if you wanted 10 lbs of ice, you hung the card with that number on top. When the ice truck stopped at your house, or any of the neighbor's, all of the kids came running, because the good natured ice man never seemed to busy to chip off chunks of ice to pass out to each outstretched hand. Then, too, pieces most always fell away as he wielded the ice pick to cut the desired size for the householder's ice box. Having a piece of ice to suck on, especially during the hot days of summer, wouldn't seem much of a treat to today's child, but to us, in the days before the ice cube producing refrigerator, it was the highlight of many days.
Chapter 1 "THE ICE MAN COMMETH"
I'm not sure how old I was when our family acquired our first electric refrigerator, or just when THE ICE MAN disappeared from the scene. As a small child, I recall him as a very important adjunct to our lives, as well as being essential to the well-being of our food. As I recall, the ice man would come around twice a week in his truck. Each household had an ice card, perhaps 12 to 15 inches square, and if you wanted ice delivered you hung the card in the window. Each of the 4 corners of the card had a number which, I believe was 5, 10, 15, and 20; so if you wanted 10 lbs of ice, you hung the card with that number on top. When the ice truck stopped at your house, or any of the neighbor's, all of the kids came running, because the good natured ice man never seemed to busy to chip off chunks of ice to pass out to each outstretched hand. Then, too, pieces most always fell away as he wielded the ice pick to cut the desired size for the householder's ice box. Having a piece of ice to suck on, especially during the hot days of summer, wouldn't seem much of a treat to today's child, but to us, in the days before the ice cube producing refrigerator, it was the highlight of many days.
Jan. 1986
Since it's the beginning of a new year, and has been quite some time that I've contributed to this journal, guess I'll add a bit to it.
Walter has been retired for a little over 2 years, and enjoying it very much. he keeps quite busy with his hobby of helping out at the Senior Center. Is on the Board of Directors and delivers surplus gov't cheese, flour, rice, etc. to shutins from time to time. We've now lived in our house for twenty years, so repair projects also show up. Sandee, our cocker spaniel takes us on a two mile brisk walk on the beach almost every morning, and I continue with my tap dancing class once a week, for exercise. We have a 22 ft. 5th. wheel trailer which we hoop up occasionally "and hit the road". Last September we traveled to Colorado to attend the glider pilot reunion, and afterwards went up to Evergreen for a short visit with Kaaren and Dick, where they have lived for the past few years. James is not 14, and Shannon will be 12 this year. In November we trailered down to Pomona to attend our 46th. high school class reunion. Then, afterwards, a quick trip down to see Carolyn and Jack at their ranch near Escondido.
On November 21, another little grandchild arrived. Kyra is No. 7, and the third offspring for Kathy and Kevin. Brings our score up to four boys and three girls, every one a joy.
On last April 30 my world was shattered when Mother passed away suddenly, and so unexpected. I know I should have been somewhat prepared, since she was 86, and definitely slowing down, especially the past year. She had been feeling ill for two, or three days, but was up and around. Had gone out to dinner with us on Sun., as usual, but ate very little. I talked to her twice on the phone Monday, and on the second call reported feeling a little better. On Tuesday morning when I drove over there to take her shopping I knew something was amiss when I noticed her drapes were still closed, and the door still bolted. I rushed next door to use their phone to call Walter to come and cut the chain lock on the door. He arrived, and when we entered found Mother in bed looking as if she was peacefully asleep, but obviously had gone to join Harv several hours before. I still miss her terribly, and will continue to for the rest of my life. Not only was she a wonderful Mother, but a best friend. She had so many qualities that I admired; a wonderful attitude, making it a pleasure to be around her. I know the past 6 1/2 years have been very lonely, and not too happy for her, since Harv passed away, but she tried to hard not to feel too sorry for herself, and therefore make life a burden for those around her. I'm grateful that I could enjoy the good fortune of having a Mother close by well into my 60's, and especially happy she left so peacefully without having to endure a debilitating illness and confinement in a hospital, or rest home, as that was her greatest fear. So, my grief has been much easier to bare realizing that not only she left just the way she would want, but was spared the misery of watching that dear life suffer. I'm so grateful to our Heavenly Father for blessing us so much.
Since it's the beginning of a new year, and has been quite some time that I've contributed to this journal, guess I'll add a bit to it.
Walter has been retired for a little over 2 years, and enjoying it very much. he keeps quite busy with his hobby of helping out at the Senior Center. Is on the Board of Directors and delivers surplus gov't cheese, flour, rice, etc. to shutins from time to time. We've now lived in our house for twenty years, so repair projects also show up. Sandee, our cocker spaniel takes us on a two mile brisk walk on the beach almost every morning, and I continue with my tap dancing class once a week, for exercise. We have a 22 ft. 5th. wheel trailer which we hoop up occasionally "and hit the road". Last September we traveled to Colorado to attend the glider pilot reunion, and afterwards went up to Evergreen for a short visit with Kaaren and Dick, where they have lived for the past few years. James is not 14, and Shannon will be 12 this year. In November we trailered down to Pomona to attend our 46th. high school class reunion. Then, afterwards, a quick trip down to see Carolyn and Jack at their ranch near Escondido.
On November 21, another little grandchild arrived. Kyra is No. 7, and the third offspring for Kathy and Kevin. Brings our score up to four boys and three girls, every one a joy.
On last April 30 my world was shattered when Mother passed away suddenly, and so unexpected. I know I should have been somewhat prepared, since she was 86, and definitely slowing down, especially the past year. She had been feeling ill for two, or three days, but was up and around. Had gone out to dinner with us on Sun., as usual, but ate very little. I talked to her twice on the phone Monday, and on the second call reported feeling a little better. On Tuesday morning when I drove over there to take her shopping I knew something was amiss when I noticed her drapes were still closed, and the door still bolted. I rushed next door to use their phone to call Walter to come and cut the chain lock on the door. He arrived, and when we entered found Mother in bed looking as if she was peacefully asleep, but obviously had gone to join Harv several hours before. I still miss her terribly, and will continue to for the rest of my life. Not only was she a wonderful Mother, but a best friend. She had so many qualities that I admired; a wonderful attitude, making it a pleasure to be around her. I know the past 6 1/2 years have been very lonely, and not too happy for her, since Harv passed away, but she tried to hard not to feel too sorry for herself, and therefore make life a burden for those around her. I'm grateful that I could enjoy the good fortune of having a Mother close by well into my 60's, and especially happy she left so peacefully without having to endure a debilitating illness and confinement in a hospital, or rest home, as that was her greatest fear. So, my grief has been much easier to bare realizing that not only she left just the way she would want, but was spared the misery of watching that dear life suffer. I'm so grateful to our Heavenly Father for blessing us so much.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
1976 was Kevin's time to return to the "fold", so it was very happy parents who drove to the Los Angeles airport to pick up our youngest son and finally have the entire family back in this country. His girlfriend, Kathy Goodwin, had waited also for his return, so we knew a wedding would take place sometime in the near future. They were married on June 22 in the Los Angeles Mormon Temple which marked the most important milestone in the lives of Walter and I. Our dreams, hopes, and aspirations had come to fruition; namely to see our three fine sons choose, and marry the nicest girls God ever created. Truly, we must surely be the most fortunate and blessed parents in the world!
Kathy's and Kevin's marriage was followed almost a year later by a little daughter, Amanda Louise, and less than two years went by before Daniel Robert arrived to join their family. So, at this writing our grandchildren number six, every one a winner! Kathy and Kevin are living in Paso Robles with five year old Mandi, and three year old Danny. They manage the 27 unit apt. they live in, but are presently building a house on two acres about six miles out of town. Kevin is doing most of the construction work himself with plans drawn by his brother, Dick.
Cheryl and Dave live about 200 miles north of here, in Turlock, along with eleven year old Scott and Chris, who will be nine years of age in Oct. Cheryl and Dave both teach in the nearby town of Patterson.
Kaaren and Dick live a few miles out of Escondido with their children, Jamie, eleven this coming August, and Shannon, eight. Dick works for an engineering firm, in San Diego, and Kaaren works, part time, as a teacher's aid. My brother, Jack, also has a home near Escondido with his second wife, Carolyn.
Walter is currently in his eighteenth year in the computer center, at Cal Poly, with a goal of retiring about January, 1984. We're looking forward to acquiring a recreation vehicle to resume the enjoyable pastime of camping and traveling. We had a trailer for a time and loved our trips. When my stepfather, Harv, passed away 3 1/2 years ago, and it became necessary for me to help Mother cope with her life alone, we sold the trailer as our trips were few and far between. Now, with the passage of time, I think Mother is capable of doing without our presence from time to time. She will be 84 years old in October, in good health, and most of the time, in good spirits.
This will wind up my story for now, since I'm up to the present. Perhaps I'll add to it at a later date, pus I'll list some afterthoughts from time to time. It's been kind of fun winding back through the years, and now that I've sort of gotten the "hang of it" it seems a good idea to keep it going.
Kathy's and Kevin's marriage was followed almost a year later by a little daughter, Amanda Louise, and less than two years went by before Daniel Robert arrived to join their family. So, at this writing our grandchildren number six, every one a winner! Kathy and Kevin are living in Paso Robles with five year old Mandi, and three year old Danny. They manage the 27 unit apt. they live in, but are presently building a house on two acres about six miles out of town. Kevin is doing most of the construction work himself with plans drawn by his brother, Dick.
Cheryl and Dave live about 200 miles north of here, in Turlock, along with eleven year old Scott and Chris, who will be nine years of age in Oct. Cheryl and Dave both teach in the nearby town of Patterson.
Kaaren and Dick live a few miles out of Escondido with their children, Jamie, eleven this coming August, and Shannon, eight. Dick works for an engineering firm, in San Diego, and Kaaren works, part time, as a teacher's aid. My brother, Jack, also has a home near Escondido with his second wife, Carolyn.
Walter is currently in his eighteenth year in the computer center, at Cal Poly, with a goal of retiring about January, 1984. We're looking forward to acquiring a recreation vehicle to resume the enjoyable pastime of camping and traveling. We had a trailer for a time and loved our trips. When my stepfather, Harv, passed away 3 1/2 years ago, and it became necessary for me to help Mother cope with her life alone, we sold the trailer as our trips were few and far between. Now, with the passage of time, I think Mother is capable of doing without our presence from time to time. She will be 84 years old in October, in good health, and most of the time, in good spirits.
This will wind up my story for now, since I'm up to the present. Perhaps I'll add to it at a later date, pus I'll list some afterthoughts from time to time. It's been kind of fun winding back through the years, and now that I've sort of gotten the "hang of it" it seems a good idea to keep it going.
In June, 1971 Walter and I became grandparents for the first time when David Scott (Scotty) was born, in Texas to Cheryl and Dave. Six weeks later our second grandson arrived when Richard James (Jamie) was born to Kaaren and Dick, in Spain. To say we were thrilled with the new title "grandparent" is definitely an understatement. In the Fall of that year we flew to Killeen, Texas to see Scotty for the first time.
In the meantime, Kevin was beginning his college career at Cal Poly, and we looked forward to realizing our goal of seeing our three sons obtaining degrees, something that their parents were unable to accomplish for various reasons. However, Kevin came up with a different goal after he'd completed his second year. He became very interested in the Mormon religion and soon joined the church; then, informed us that it was imperative for him to go on a two-year mission for the church. We tried to persuade him to postpone that obligation until he'd obtained his degree, but he explained that being nineteen he was already older than most missionaries. It was apparent to us that it was terribly important that he make this commitment a reality, so we gave him our support, somewhat reluctantly. After a short training period, in Utah, he was soon on his way to Argentina.
It's difficult not to get ahead of events during this period of time, and things will get out of sequence, from time to time, as they have at this point.
In October, 1973 Christopher Michael, our third grandson was born to Cheryl and Dave up in Patterson, Calif. where Dave was now pursuing his teaching career, after being released from the Army. This time we were on hand to welcome the newest addition to the Heffner clan, as we jumped in the car and drove the 200 miles to Patterson soon as we were informed his birth was imminent. I'd had a growth removed from my thyroid a few days previously, and the news that the growth was non-malignant, plus a new Heffner in the family made the month of October pretty special, and we celebrated by bringing Scotty home with us for a week of fun and games while his parents were giving full attention to the new baby in their home.
In 1974 we prepared to welcome Kaaren, Dick, and Jamie home from Spain, as Dick's time in the Navy was drawing to a close. They would also have a new baby, who would arrive in April or the early part of May, to add to our growing family. Of course, we were hoping for a girl this time, and sure enough on May 5th. Shannon Llorraine arrived with much rejoicing, to add some variety to the family circle.
1975 saw several important events transpiring. Kevin was winding up his second year of missionary work in Argentina, so we were anxiously awaiting his return. He'd given us some anxious days earlier when we'd received a phone call telling us he'd have to have a hernia operation in Buenos Aires, so we were more than anxious to see him back home in March 1976. In March 1975 it was a traumatic time when it was discovered that I had uterine cancer. An immediate series of 18 radiology treatments were started, followed by successful surgery on May 7. I was most impatient to get back to feeling hale and hearty, after the operation, but due to the radiology treatments full recovery took almost a year. Meantime, Cheryl and Dave were both teaching up in Patterson, and Kaaren and Dick were living in Mission Viejo and Dick was an assistant city engineer for San Juan Capistrano.
In the meantime, Kevin was beginning his college career at Cal Poly, and we looked forward to realizing our goal of seeing our three sons obtaining degrees, something that their parents were unable to accomplish for various reasons. However, Kevin came up with a different goal after he'd completed his second year. He became very interested in the Mormon religion and soon joined the church; then, informed us that it was imperative for him to go on a two-year mission for the church. We tried to persuade him to postpone that obligation until he'd obtained his degree, but he explained that being nineteen he was already older than most missionaries. It was apparent to us that it was terribly important that he make this commitment a reality, so we gave him our support, somewhat reluctantly. After a short training period, in Utah, he was soon on his way to Argentina.
It's difficult not to get ahead of events during this period of time, and things will get out of sequence, from time to time, as they have at this point.
In October, 1973 Christopher Michael, our third grandson was born to Cheryl and Dave up in Patterson, Calif. where Dave was now pursuing his teaching career, after being released from the Army. This time we were on hand to welcome the newest addition to the Heffner clan, as we jumped in the car and drove the 200 miles to Patterson soon as we were informed his birth was imminent. I'd had a growth removed from my thyroid a few days previously, and the news that the growth was non-malignant, plus a new Heffner in the family made the month of October pretty special, and we celebrated by bringing Scotty home with us for a week of fun and games while his parents were giving full attention to the new baby in their home.
In 1974 we prepared to welcome Kaaren, Dick, and Jamie home from Spain, as Dick's time in the Navy was drawing to a close. They would also have a new baby, who would arrive in April or the early part of May, to add to our growing family. Of course, we were hoping for a girl this time, and sure enough on May 5th. Shannon Llorraine arrived with much rejoicing, to add some variety to the family circle.
1975 saw several important events transpiring. Kevin was winding up his second year of missionary work in Argentina, so we were anxiously awaiting his return. He'd given us some anxious days earlier when we'd received a phone call telling us he'd have to have a hernia operation in Buenos Aires, so we were more than anxious to see him back home in March 1976. In March 1975 it was a traumatic time when it was discovered that I had uterine cancer. An immediate series of 18 radiology treatments were started, followed by successful surgery on May 7. I was most impatient to get back to feeling hale and hearty, after the operation, but due to the radiology treatments full recovery took almost a year. Meantime, Cheryl and Dave were both teaching up in Patterson, and Kaaren and Dick were living in Mission Viejo and Dick was an assistant city engineer for San Juan Capistrano.
Monday, January 18, 2010
It seemed an eternity before we had a buyer, but actually it was only about six weeks, and soon we were looking around the San Luis Obispo area for our next home. We'd been so fond of our Pomona house, and perhaps that fact made us finally realize we were looking for an almost exact replica of the house we were leaving behind. So, we opted for buying a lot and building a duplicate. Dick drew a sketch, and floor plan with minor changes, and we took it to a contractor, in Morro Bay, since we'd decided that was to be our home after locating an appropriate lot a few blocks from the ocean. We rented a small house, and the older boys and Walter moved the furniture, etc., in a rented truck the day after Christmas 1965.
Three months later we moved into our new home; Dave and Dick moved out of the dormitory, and our family numbered five once more. Time moved swiftly by, and before we knew it Dick and Dave were engaged to be married. Dave's choice was Cheryl Haber, we he'd known for a number of years during school days in Pomona. Dick had dated Kaaren Asper since 11th grade, so the news of their impending marriages to these two lovely girls that we'd known for quite a long time was welcome, to say the least. Since both boys still had one more year, of five-year courses, in college, it meant tight purse strings for them to start out with, but we knew they'd make out just fine. The weddings were just two weeks apart down in Pomona.
After they were married, Cheryl and Kaaren found jobs in San Luis Obispo, and we continued to feel grateful that the government was permitting Dick and Dave to pursue the quest of college degrees before asking them to join the armed forces. That possibility had been looming on the horizon ever since our country had entered the conflict in Vietnam sometime before. Upon graduation, however, it was apparent they were going to be called to serve their country. Dick chose to sign up for the Navy Airforce, and Dave opted for the draft, and soon started training in the army. During their first few months of training their wives couldn't be with them, so Cheryl returned to her parents' home and Kaaren remained with us in order to continue her position with the Farm Bureau. They rejoined their husbands later, after Dave was assigned to a camp in Texas, and Dick was assigned to the base in Pensacola, Florida. The stay there was quite short and they soon found they were on their way to a Naval Base in Spain for a stay of two years. With Dave being assigned to a job of training recruits, here in the States, and Dick going to a place far from the fighting of Vietnam, their parents were indeed thankful.
Three months later we moved into our new home; Dave and Dick moved out of the dormitory, and our family numbered five once more. Time moved swiftly by, and before we knew it Dick and Dave were engaged to be married. Dave's choice was Cheryl Haber, we he'd known for a number of years during school days in Pomona. Dick had dated Kaaren Asper since 11th grade, so the news of their impending marriages to these two lovely girls that we'd known for quite a long time was welcome, to say the least. Since both boys still had one more year, of five-year courses, in college, it meant tight purse strings for them to start out with, but we knew they'd make out just fine. The weddings were just two weeks apart down in Pomona.
After they were married, Cheryl and Kaaren found jobs in San Luis Obispo, and we continued to feel grateful that the government was permitting Dick and Dave to pursue the quest of college degrees before asking them to join the armed forces. That possibility had been looming on the horizon ever since our country had entered the conflict in Vietnam sometime before. Upon graduation, however, it was apparent they were going to be called to serve their country. Dick chose to sign up for the Navy Airforce, and Dave opted for the draft, and soon started training in the army. During their first few months of training their wives couldn't be with them, so Cheryl returned to her parents' home and Kaaren remained with us in order to continue her position with the Farm Bureau. They rejoined their husbands later, after Dave was assigned to a camp in Texas, and Dick was assigned to the base in Pensacola, Florida. The stay there was quite short and they soon found they were on their way to a Naval Base in Spain for a stay of two years. With Dave being assigned to a job of training recruits, here in the States, and Dick going to a place far from the fighting of Vietnam, their parents were indeed thankful.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
After Walter completed his training program the nearest place of employment that was available turned out to be a firm in Compton. It was a long drive for Walter to go to work each day and the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift wasn't the most ideal, but we got used to the inconvenience.
The day arrived when high school graduation for Dave and Dick was on the horizon, and it was time to make a decision about college. While they were still in the 11th. grade we'd taken them into Los Angeles to the Johnson O'Connor Human Engineering Lab. to be tested for natural aptitudes, since neither one could decide about a college major. They'd always tested out to be equal in all I Q tests that had been given in school, but as it turned out they were quite different in natural aptitudes, as we discovered at the O'Connor Institute. Among the various choices of vocations the boys made their decisions based on the test results. Dave would choose a P.E. major and Dick would go for an architecture degree. Dick's choice presented a bit of a problem as we couldn't locate a college near Pomona that offered that major, so it became apparent we'd have to look elsewhere. I went to the library to obtain a list of colleges which had the architecture major listed, and also would be considered to be in the smaller college category, as that was another recommendation from the O'Connor Institute. We narrowed the choices down to a final decision of Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, Which seemed to have all the criteria we were seeking, and soon after they sent their application their acceptances arrived from Cal Poly.
Two hundred miles north of Pomona wasn't a great distance away, but when we brought them up to begin that big event in their lives, it was two disconsolate parents traveling back to Pomona trying to make the adjustment of being a three person family instead of the five that we'd set the table for for so long. We tried to be happy for the boys as we knew they were embarking on a grand adventure of a serious nature--at least, we hoped they'd treat it seriously. Judging from the first grades issued it was to take them a little while to knuckle down, but they soon got down to business and we could be proud of their progress from then on.
As time wore on, it was apparent that the long drive to work was getting to be a strain on Walter, and since the company he worked for seemed to offer a good future we decided to try and find an area, closer to the job, where we might like to live. We scouted all of Orange County from one end to the other, and the more we looked the more discouraged we became. The entire area seemed to be one huge mass of humanity, and as future years proved, that was only the beginning.
After driving up to San Luis Obispo a couple of times to visit the boys we came to the conclusion that spot on earth was exactly what we were looking for, but along with the easy going life, small population, slow pace, etc. there was the one flaw of a scarcity of positions in Walter's field. He did submit an application to the college, but at that time the computer dept. was very small and consequently little chance of a position opening up.
My father had become seriously ill from a heart attack, where he and Elsie were living in Santa Barbara. He was in the hospital there, so one Sunday we drove over to visit him. (It turned out to be the last time that I saw him alive. ) While we were sitting in the waiting room of the hospital I picked up the Santa Barbara paper and found an ad in the Help Wanted column stating that Cal Poly was looking for someone to fill a position in the computer dept. Immediately upon arriving home, Walter sent off a letter of application, and by return mail had a notice to appear for an interview. Before we had a chance to think about the task ahead of us, he was offered the position and we eagerly made plans to sell the house in Pomona, and relocate. Walter started working at Cal Poly in Sept. He rented a small house in Morro Bay and drove home each weekend, while Kevin and I waited for a buyer to show up and release us from our "Bonds" which kept our family in a state of neither here nor there.
The day arrived when high school graduation for Dave and Dick was on the horizon, and it was time to make a decision about college. While they were still in the 11th. grade we'd taken them into Los Angeles to the Johnson O'Connor Human Engineering Lab. to be tested for natural aptitudes, since neither one could decide about a college major. They'd always tested out to be equal in all I Q tests that had been given in school, but as it turned out they were quite different in natural aptitudes, as we discovered at the O'Connor Institute. Among the various choices of vocations the boys made their decisions based on the test results. Dave would choose a P.E. major and Dick would go for an architecture degree. Dick's choice presented a bit of a problem as we couldn't locate a college near Pomona that offered that major, so it became apparent we'd have to look elsewhere. I went to the library to obtain a list of colleges which had the architecture major listed, and also would be considered to be in the smaller college category, as that was another recommendation from the O'Connor Institute. We narrowed the choices down to a final decision of Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, Which seemed to have all the criteria we were seeking, and soon after they sent their application their acceptances arrived from Cal Poly.
Two hundred miles north of Pomona wasn't a great distance away, but when we brought them up to begin that big event in their lives, it was two disconsolate parents traveling back to Pomona trying to make the adjustment of being a three person family instead of the five that we'd set the table for for so long. We tried to be happy for the boys as we knew they were embarking on a grand adventure of a serious nature--at least, we hoped they'd treat it seriously. Judging from the first grades issued it was to take them a little while to knuckle down, but they soon got down to business and we could be proud of their progress from then on.
As time wore on, it was apparent that the long drive to work was getting to be a strain on Walter, and since the company he worked for seemed to offer a good future we decided to try and find an area, closer to the job, where we might like to live. We scouted all of Orange County from one end to the other, and the more we looked the more discouraged we became. The entire area seemed to be one huge mass of humanity, and as future years proved, that was only the beginning.
After driving up to San Luis Obispo a couple of times to visit the boys we came to the conclusion that spot on earth was exactly what we were looking for, but along with the easy going life, small population, slow pace, etc. there was the one flaw of a scarcity of positions in Walter's field. He did submit an application to the college, but at that time the computer dept. was very small and consequently little chance of a position opening up.
My father had become seriously ill from a heart attack, where he and Elsie were living in Santa Barbara. He was in the hospital there, so one Sunday we drove over to visit him. (It turned out to be the last time that I saw him alive. ) While we were sitting in the waiting room of the hospital I picked up the Santa Barbara paper and found an ad in the Help Wanted column stating that Cal Poly was looking for someone to fill a position in the computer dept. Immediately upon arriving home, Walter sent off a letter of application, and by return mail had a notice to appear for an interview. Before we had a chance to think about the task ahead of us, he was offered the position and we eagerly made plans to sell the house in Pomona, and relocate. Walter started working at Cal Poly in Sept. He rented a small house in Morro Bay and drove home each weekend, while Kevin and I waited for a buyer to show up and release us from our "Bonds" which kept our family in a state of neither here nor there.
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