City

A city upon
a hill cannot
be hidden

but the world
looks
down

DWP

Mine is a Voice

Mine is a voice
for those without ears
They never hear
the screams of my fears

Without a doubt
the world little cares
I go away
from life's affairs

So read this rhyme
and small words of rot
though I'm gone
I miss you a lot

(C) November 2019
DWP

Casa Do Monte: The Best Airbnb

It is rare in this life to find a place that captures your heart and soul.  My family and I have been blessed to have a few experiences like this.  Still, two summers ago I had to opportunity to visit Sao Miguel island in the Atlantic Ocean.  I posted a few blog posts about our experiences there.  We loved it so much we returned for another stay this summer.  One big reason for our desire to return was our Airbnb hosts, Paul Natérsia Torres. 

When booking last year, we knew little about the island.  Therefore, picking a location for our lodging was daunting.  One Airbnb home that seemed far away from everything was located in Achadinha called The House onthe Hill( Casa do Monte in Portuguese).  Due to the distance, we would need to rent a car.  I wasn’t against this idea and, as we later learned, a car rental is the best way to see everything on Sao Miguel. 

As I continued to research, I was repeatedly drawn back to the House on the Hill  These are the things that caught my attention.

1.  The price. 

2   It was owned by superhosts

3.  Airbnb said it was rare this place was available

4.  The overwhelmingly excellent reviews

Choosing the House on the Hill was made easier when I learned they would give us complimentary transportation from/to the airport.  Additionally, I was able to rent a car directly from them.  To me, this was the place to stay. 

When picked up at the airport by Paul, I immediately was impressed by this strong yet humble man.  During the drive to his home, he offered many sightseeing tips to us.  This continued throughout our stay.  Perhaps the best way to describe what I want to express is to say it like this:  Paul, Natérsia and family are very kind people who know how to be hospitable and continually go the extra mile for their guests.  They take time, if you are willing, to get to know you on a personal level.  They took time from their obviously busy schedules to share personal moments with us.  Even when we returned this last summer, there was much more of this personal interaction.  Therefore, in my mind, when I visit Sao Miguel island, I will only stay with Paul and Natérsia or I won’t go.  Fortunately, they have a couple different places so we have options.

Paul mentioned to us his desire to start a tour service.  I understand he now has two tours.  One is a sunrise tour and you get to explore more of the island in the other.  While we haven’t taken part in the tours he offers, I am certain they are amazing experiences.  Sao Miquel is a paradise on earth.  To anyone considering a visit to Sao Miquel island, you must go.  When you do, you must stay with Paul and Natérsia .  You won’t be disappointed. 

#saomiguel #azores #airbnb #travelreview

Shorties: 71

Snuggly tucked into bed, Brianna and Ashley looked expectantly at their father, Aaron.  What story would he tell?  His mind turning, Aaron momentarily stalled waiting for the muse to sprinkle her pixel dust upon him.  Then he knew what story to tell.

Aaron began, “I’m going to tell you a magical story about two girls who are named Brianna and Ashley.”  Five-year-old Brianna rolled toward her three-year-old sister and the two squealed with excitement.  Anticipation bubbled as Aaron continued.

“Brianna and Ashley lived in a land of wonder.  Every morning they awoke to puppies licking their faces.” 

Ashley interrupted, “Are they chocolate labs?”

“There were chocolate labs, black labs, yellow labs, pink labs, purple labs, all kinds of labs.  These puppies loved Brianna and Ashley and the girls loved their puppies.  The girls played with the puppies until they were fully awake and then their mommy made them some big, fluffy pancakes with all the syrup they wanted. 

“On this special day, when they finished breakfast, their daddy came home early from work.  He swooped into the house and gave his wife a big kiss.”  Brianna gazed at her father, hanging on every word.  Ashley gave a small frown.  She didn’t like it when her parents were affectionate. 

“Then daddy announced to everyone that today they would do magical things.”  Brianna, still enthralled, smiled broadly as her face beam.  Ashley grinned at the thought of doing magic and was drawn back into the enchantment of stories. 

Aaron continued his tale.  It was filled with meadows and flowers, giant trees and fairies, running and laughing.  The whole family was without limit.  They flew to the highest mountaintops.  They swam to the bottom of the deepest oceans.  Then they played with dolphins and jellyfish. They ran pine forests with branches laden with snow.  They sledded down long hills and, after reaching the bottom, sprinted to the top to do it again and again.

The portraits Aaron painted filled them with rapture.  They inhabited the visions. The tale was an instrument that carried his girls to a land of make-believe and their hearts swelled.  As the story neared the end, Aaron continued, “Finally, mommy, daddy, Brianna, and Ashley built a big fire and they toasted hot dogs and marshmallows. The moon was full and it smiled and winked at the happy family.  The moonbeams warmed them from the evening chill.  Fireflies danced about them.  Then Ashley asked, ‘Where’s the chocolate and graham crackers so we can make S’mores?’

“Both hands balled up into fists, Daddy presented them to Ashley and asked, ‘Guess.’

“Ashely picked one hand and daddy opened his hand.  It was empty.  Then with a smile, he pointed to Ashley’s left hand and dozens of chocolate bars spilled out.  Brianna hurried to catch them all.  Once the bounty of chocolate was gathered, daddy pointed to Brianna’s left hand and graham crackers began spilling out.  Then he pointed to mommy’s left hand and gold jewelry bubbled out and fell to the ground.

“For the rest of the evening, the family toasted marshmallows, ate S’mores, and chased fireflies.  “

Aaron saw his daughters were asleep.  They looked angelic and his heart was full of love and wonder.  With gratitude, he bent down to his daughters.  Tenderly, he placed a kiss on each forehead.  

But he couldn’t leave yet.  Aaron wanted, he needed another moment of moonbeams and fireflies.  How he yearned to marvel again, to live a life of possibilities.  Oh to capture heaven and hold it tight.  

Finally, he turned and joined his wife in bed. A smile remained etched on his face as the light of enchantment filled his heart. 

Appendectomy

Not many people have been in a situation where they should have died.  I imagine in most cases like that, it was a harrowing experience.  Mine was not.  Yes, given the circumstances, I beat the odds.  My sister and I discussed it recently and I feel it time to write it down.

On September 2, 1980 (Yes, this was a long time ago.  Please pardon the old man telling old stories.), I was a sophomore in high school.  I remember mom made a big spaghetti dinner complete salad, and my favorite dessert, chocolate tunnel of fudge cake.

Mom’s meal was exceptionally good that night.  To know me, you must know I come from a family of eaters.  It is a badge of honor to devour copious quantities of food.  I must have made my ancestors proud that night.  I was stuffed but squeezed in dessert.  I felt very full and my stomach bothered me later in the evening.  I chalked it up to my gluttonous behavior. 

At the beginning, I had discomfort in the center of my abdomen.  As the night progressed, it moved to the lower right hand side of my stomach.  It is hard to describe how it felt.  It never was so excruciating that I was doubled over in pain.  Instead, it was a dull ache and I felt the need to protect the right side of my body.  Also, it seemed to hurt more when lifting my right leg. 

After discussing with my parents the next morning, I did not attend school.  Dad went to work but mom was torn between staying home and going to work.  I told her to go to work.  It was a 5 minute, or less, for mom to get home if I needed her.  She reluctantly left.  Other than getting a low grade fever, nothing really changed with me. 

At some point we discussed the possibility of me having an appendicitis.  However, either one or both of my parents, I don’t remember now which it was, had had appendicitis before.  They remembered being in terrible pain.  Since I was not in such pain, appendicitis was not seriously considered. 

Throughout the day, I had no appetite.  Consequently, I ate nothing that day.  I joked I ate enough the previous evening I didn’t need to eat. 

Wednesday turned to Thursday but nothing changed for me.  Mom and dad went to work but I stayed home.  Perhaps around 9 or 10 o’clock I showered and felt better afterward.  I called mom to say I felt better and wanted to go to school.  She came home lunch again and took me to school when she returned to work. 

If I remember correctly, I had three classes after the lunch period.  I knew before the first class was finished I made a mistake going to school.  I rapidly felt worse as the minutes ticked by.  I wondered how I would get home.  Honestly, I knew I had to walk but wasn’t sure I could do it. 

There are two ways to get home from my school.  The most direct is probably less than half mile but it is also more remote.  You must cross railroad tracks and a creek and then through the yards of a couple neighbors and then about a block up the street.  The other way is on the sidewalks and might be ¾ to one mile in total.  I was concerned about going the short way in case I fainted or something.  Would anyone find me?  I elected the more public, but longer way home.  I remember moving slowly, step after step.  I was determined to get any at all costs.  I reached the house exhausted but relieved to be home. 

At this point I was becoming quite concerned about my condition.  Looking back now, perhaps I should have insisted on my parents taking me to a doctor or hospital. Funny, but I wonder why I didn’t ask a friend to walk me home.  I know it would have been out of their way but I’m sure they would have stayed with me if I asked.  Of course, this was long before the Internet as we know it.  Our World Book Encyclopedias had little information.  I went to bed Thursday without eating that day.

I felt no better Friday.  Dad and mom went to work but mom called me to say she would take me to a doctor during her lunch break.  My regular doctor wasn’t available so mom to me to another doctor.  If I remember correctly, she was the only female doctor in our small town.  I don’t mind being seen by a female doctor or nurse but I was very uncomfortable with my mom in the room as she poked and prodded me.  Ultimately, she told mom to get me to the emergency room as soon a possible. 

Mom drove me to Graham Hospital in Canton, Illinois.  That is where I was born.  After the doctors there did the same examinations, they said I probably will need to have emergency surgery.  Funny, but I remember hoping I would have surgery and get to stay in the hospital for a while.  I did get my wish.

Since I hadn’t eaten in three days, I didn’t need to get an enema.  I’m still thankful for that.  After taking off my clothes and donning those hospital gowns that reveal your back side to the world, I got on the gurney that took me to the operating room.  Mom was there looking terribly worried.  It was September 5^th, her birthday.  I looked at her and as they started moving me I said, “Don’t worry mom.  I’ll be alright.”  She starting crying.

Here are the things I remember about the operating room:

One nurse had the prettiest and kindest eyes.  I was in love with those eyes

It seemed cold

They did move me to the operating table and then strapped down my legs and one arm.  The arm was straight out.  In my memory it was my right arm but it must have been my left since that is where the IV was. 

When they were ready to put me under I asked if I should start counting.  Someone had told me you can’t count more than ten.  When I counted I got to ten and announced my friend’s comment and how I did it.  That’s the last I remember

The next thing I remember is feeling horrendous pain in my stomach and having a thirst unlike ever experienced before.  It felt like they purposely tried to dry out my mouth, and succeeded. 

I woke again and my parents were there.  I told them I was thirsty.  Dad said he would ask if I could have anything.  I tried to scratch my leg and felt something like scabs.  Then I was out again.

The next time I awoke I said I was thirsty and mom said I couldn’t drink anything yet but the nurse game them a washcloth to wet my lips.  Mom did this but it gave no relief.  I told mom I could hold it and she let me take it.  I put it on my lips while putting more of it between my lips and I started sucking water out.  It was like drops from heaven but there were too few. 

At some point, mom and dad went home.  I tried to sleep more but the pain was terrible.  Since stomach muscles were cut, I quickly learned how most movements made by the body affect the stomach.  I don’t sleep well on my back so I tried to roll over to my left side.  I had to grab the bed rails and use are strength to roll over.  Once on my side, I bent my left arm up toward my face and fell asleep. 

Then I was roused by a nurse telling me not to bend my left arm since the IV was in my left hand.  It was a very long night.  At some point I started watching TV.  I still couldn’t drink anything but nurses came in from time to time to check on me. 

In the morning, various people made rounds and took my temperature, blood pressure, poked and prodded me and wrote things on my chart.  The doctor who visited me every morning looked just like my science teacher and I mentioned this to here.  I also remember once stating I didn’t want her to get too close since I hadn’t brushed my teeth. 

Funny but at some point during the night the nurse commented it was time to take my pain pill.  The pain pills didn’t help so I told her I didn’t want it.  Later in the day the nurse wanted me to move around.  While doing so I grimaced in pain.  She remarked about what I would do when I stopped taking pain meds.  I guess she didn’t know I stopped them many hours before.

I was quite fascinated when they removed the bandages to reveal the incision.  They closed me up with 8 staples.  Staples!  How cool!  It was interesting to watch them get removed.  A little pliers type device crimped down in the middle on top of the staple and caused end to be angled up.  Then the doctor angled it so one side was slid out of the hole and then the other.  There was very little pain. 

One thing the doctors and nurses were checking was my gastrointestinal system.  It has shut down.  I couldn’t start eating real food until it started up again.  Every day, they listened to my stomach for the sounds the GI makes when it is working.  Until then, all I could have was water, three milkshakes a day (my breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and Jello.  I also had a steady flow of antibiotics and fluids from the IV.

I believe it was Monday the nurse spotted blood in the IV tube.  This meant they needed to put it in another spot.  I have come to have great respect for medical personnel who can hit a vein on the first try.  In this case, it took two different people trying at five different spots before they could get another IV spot working.  It is one thing to stick the needle in and be done but each time they tried a new location, they twisted and turned the needle for about ten minutes, (That is an exaggeration but it hurt terribly each time) before giving up.  Mercifully, the nurse gave up and had someone else try.  Thank God they were much faster.  Consequently, when I get shots or donate blood now, I can watch them stick me and it doesn’t bother me. 

I was watching the Three Stooges before some visitors arrived.  Do you remember I mentioned earlier how much it hurt to use my stomach muscles?  Every time I started laughing, I immediately stopped due to pain.  I kept watching anyway until friends arrived.  I watched other comedies when I was alone. 

Finally, on Tuesday, I could start eating real food.  Tuesday, one week since my last real meal, I could start eating again.  This also meant I could (had to….it hurt to get out of bed) walk around even more.  Then on Wednesday I was allowed to go home.  It was a few more days before I could go to school.  It is interesting how things happen sometimes.

It was about this time I was contacted by a lady who inquired about my interest in delivering newspapers for the Peoria Journal Star.  I was interested in doing this and making some money but couldn’t until cleared by the doctor.  I lost a lot of weight during this episode and used the walking (I ran) around the neighborhood with the newspapers to get some strength.  This later helped me as I started running in track and cross country.  That’s another story. 

By now you probably deduced I had an acute appendicitis.  If so, you are correct.  I’ve never studied medicine but I always hear how serious it is to have a ruptured appendix.  Mine did rupture.  The operating surgeon told us my colon formed a barrier around the poison released after the rupture and kept it from spreading.  We were told that made all the difference. 

Epilogue:

I’m not sure but I think it was a month later that I was cleared to begin working my paper route and state PE class.  I still felt weak but was anxious to get my strength back.  For the first PE class we played flag football.  Several players from the school football team were in my gym class.  As it turned out, most were on the opposing team that day.  For the first play, I was to block the people trying to get to the quarterback.  The ball was hiked and one of the football players plowed into me and lifted me in one motion.  After taking a couple steps he threw me forward and I landed thudded onto the ground.  I felt great pain in my incision and felt it with my hand.  It wasn’t bleeding and I was very grateful.  I was still in one piece.  Life continues. 

Sao Miguel: Day 4

Originally, this was going to be the day we left Sao Miguel.  Instead, my wife, daughter and I decided to fly to Lisbon (leaving the following day) for a short stay but my son had to fly home due to his work schedule.  Paul and Natérsia had no one coming to stay so we were happy to spend another day in their lovely home.  I booked seats on a SATA Air Açores flight to Lisbon and an Airbnb for a place to sleep.  We looked forward to visiting a new city.

We had an early rise, loaded up in the morning darkness and drove to the airport.  The line at the ticket counter wasn't too bad.  After my son checked in we went to Go To Cafe and ate breakfast.  Give it a try.  The meals and coffee were good.  We said our goodbyes and he went through security and to the gate.  We waited at the airport for him to board before leaving the airport.  To pass the time we shopped and caught up on social media.

I went to a SATA counter and inquired about our flight the next day.  I was advised I could check in at a kiosk ahead of time.  I decided to do so so we would have one less thing to complete the next morning.  Once our son sent a message he was boarding, we departed for the car.

I made a mistake about parking at the Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II Airport:  You get a ticket when entering the parking area.  At the time I presumed I would either give the ticket to someone manning a ticket booth or insert it into a reader that would also accept a credit card.  Wrong on both counts.  When we tried to leave, I tried in vain to get the machine to read the ticket.  Finally, we went back into the terminal to an information desk.  You pay for parking in the terminal prior to leaving.  The desk for this is on the east wall in the arrivals area. Once paid, the ticket lets you out of the parking area.

Error message when you don't pay for your parking before trying to leave

We decided to explore Ponta Delgada a little.  We drove downtown and found a pharmacy that was open.  (Most places were still closed.)  My daughter wanted to buy something there.  I parked the car and my wife and daughter shopped a bit.  Once this was done the girls wanted to walk around.  The streets were still largely empty but we found a square and a church and snapped some photos.  We took a different street to get more shots.  Then we returned to the car.  Here is another tip when visiting Ponta Delgada:  When you park in cities and towns, look for a parking kiosk to prepay your parking.

Had we simply shopped at the pharmacy we may have avoided a parking ticket.  I hoped it was a simple fine I could pay.  (I sheepishly advised Paul of the ticket later in the day.  He laughed.  I had the option to pay online but had trouble doing so.  Ultimately, I gave Paul cash to pay for us.)

I didn't mention it before but we drove by a ceramics factory the previous day.  My wife wanted to return.  It was a quick trip to Cerâmica Vieiraand we briefly walked through observing the artisans add beautiful touches to various cups, plates and vases.  We purchased a few items before leaving.

By this time it was nearing lunch and my daughter wanted to see a particular beach in Porto Formoso.  We decided to eat while we were there.  Like normal, the streets were narrow in the part of town we drove too.  Fortunately, there is a free parking lot a block from the main street.  By this time it was raining so we ran down to a restaurant we wanted to try.  Mare Cheia is a sweet little spot with excellent food and great service.

My wife and daughter wanted seafood but I had a taste for beef.  I wish I had snapped a shot of the platter the waiter brought out to us.  My wife and daughter chose the fish they wanted to share from the 3 or 4 displayed.  We took our time eating in hopes the rain would stop.  Fortunately, it did and we walked down the hill to the beach.

Due to the weather, the beach was abandoned.  We walked out to the surf and got our feet wet, took some photos and walked back to the car.  It was still early in the day but we decided to return home, relax and get ready for Lisbon.

Marriage and Parenting

As a father of four and being wed for many years, I want to share some thoughts about marriage and parenting. 

Marriage

1        Do not marry someone because you love them.  Now that I have your attention, let me clarify.  Too many people marry someone because of how that person makes them feel.  They feel a tremendous excitement being around him/her.  The truth is what they feel is a combination of w things.  The first is you are both on your best behavior.  Everyone wears the façade of caring, compassion, and gentleness early in relationships.  It will fade with time.  Also, early in relationships you are filled with happy hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.  As time wears on, these will too. 

2        Sex has a way with making you confused about who you love when you shouldn’t love them.  This is largely because of the point I just made.  Whether you have religious convictions or not, having sex with someone ties you to them.  I realize some people can sleep around and they feel nothing but the reality is you aren’t making your life any easier.  Sex outside of marriage causes more problems than it removes.

3        If you are married, you WILL have marital problems.  I’ve always considered it this way:  If you have siblings and grew up in the same household with the same parents, I guarantee you fought with your siblings.  What makes you think life will be happily ever after when you become married to someone who grew up in a different home with different rules?  Differences will occur.  You must decide how to deal with them.  As my grandma used to say, its ok to fight but you must keep talking to each other.  When you stop talking the real problems start. 

Having babies

1        Sex is the easiest part of having babies.  In reality, parenting is a full time job as long as your kids live in your house.  Nevertheless, here is something I want you to consider.  Every child you raise has a impact on the world.  Yes, some more than others but armed with that knowledge, how do you raise kids?    For my wife and I, at minimum, we wanted our kids to influence the world around them in a positive manner.  I want them to be adults who help those in need.  Personally, I hope they help the widows, orphans, poor, imprisoned and forgotten people on the world.  If everyone did that, wouldn’t you agree the world would be a better place. 

2        You are the adult.  I see many parents give into every whine and whim of their children.  My mom used to say she couldn’t stand whiny child.  She would rather hear a child cry than whine.  If I wanted to whine, she would spank me so I would cry.   Now before you think my parents abused my siblings and I, I can honestly say I only remember being spanked twice.  My parents knew spanking wasn’t necessary to discipline me.  Since you are the parent, start parenting.  You children should never run you or your household.  Make them behave according to your rules. 

3        Since your job as parents is to prepare them for living their own life, include your kids in household chores.  Do it early but according to their abilities.  If a child can take something from a box and throw it on the floor, they can throw it back into the box.  When my kids were small, I made their school lunches every day.  Then one year I told them I would make the sandwiches but hey had to get their preferred drinks and snacks.  They knew where everything was so it wasn’t difficult.  The next year they also had to make their sandwiches.  They also learned to vacuum the floors, make their beds, wash and fold clothes and clean the kitchen and bathrooms.  Yes, we often cleaned the kitchen and bathroom again when they weren’t looking but they got better and better.  I believe it important you help your kids be successful in life.  Household maintenance and management will be required as long as they live.  Teach them young.

I hope these thoughts help.