Author Archives: Jerrie Cate

Escape From Nampa

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Yesterday morning at 0845 we attained escape velocity and left orbit around Nampa. Our trajectory was plotted with infinite care and we were properly flung west on I-84 toward Portland. Initially, our navigation system stopped functioning using specific destination detail, but it would accept input for the general area of our desired landing zone which was OK in the beginning.

Diane assumed the pilot seat for the first 256.38 miles. We had stopped for nourishment in Pendleton, which is as close to geographically half way as it gets, and the weather began to change. The facility of choice was Subway which was conveniently located next to a much needed Starbucks because Jim and Donna forced us to drink non-caffeinated coffee for two days. Had we only known …

After procuring our standard fare from Subway (messy chicken sandwich for Diane and a sausage/egg, non-drip sandwich for me) and Starbucks (caramel machiatto for Diane and white chocolate mocha for me) we escaped Pendleton and entered the traffic pattern headed west.

When we reached a stable velocity I retrieved our “eating on the fly bibs” from the front luggage compartment then did my best to unwrap Diane’s messy chicken sandwich in such a manner that as little as possible would contaminate her lap as she piloted us west. No matter how hard I try, however, some always escapes. This generally due to the gravitational pull of large objects we encounter in our flight path which make it necessary to jig and jog around them.

Everything went well until the weather changed. We knew it was going to happen because of reports sent back by the faster scout-type craft. When the first drops of moisture hit us, followed quickly by a gust of wind from the south, Diane felt it was time to change pilots. We stopped at a rest area and searched for someone to take her place but there were no takers so she finally agreed to let me try. At this point in time she had piloted us safely, through mild summer weather, for the above mentioned 256.38 miles. Now it was up to me to navigate the infamous I-84 corridor through the treacherous straits of the Columbia River Gorge.

The wind shrieked past our vehicle, the rain beat upon it, more adventurous pilots flew past us without a care that this was the first rain in months, but I remained steadfast in my mission and piloted us safely for the next 150 miles. By this time our fuel gauge was listing firmly to the left near the “E” so it was time to obtain some more. At this point we were out of the Gorge so the cross winds were gone and the rain had lessened to a reasonable drizzle so Diane was comfortable with resuming the task of pilot and I took over as navigator, our normal fair weather positions.

The traffic patterns in the greater Portland Area were horrible causing numerous areas of concern for us. Most of it was at a standstill as people jockeyed for position to enter the freeways north to Washington which were also not moving. Using our superior navigational equipment, and the fact that all the traffic was going in different directions than we needed to go, we found ways around it. Even so, it took the better part of an hour to complete our transit across the Portland Traffic Jam to a more comfortable position on Higher 30 West across from St. Johns.

Upon arriving home, Breezie was exiting our yard but returned immediately when she realized someone was opening a door. She meowed her welcome over and over and over and over and wouldn’t leave us alone until we had scritched every inch of her tiny body.

We were left on our own until Jennie finished work at 8:30pm then brought the entire Walters clan up to greet us. It was a joyous time to see all the kidlets again. Now all we need to do to complete this is to see the Cate kidlets. That’s going to happen this morning because Aunt Jennie is taking Gilligan shopping for her birthday and Diane and I are going with her. My main reason for going is to get the proper electronical parts necessary to resurrect our computer network which suffered a catastrophic failure during our absence.

Diane’s brewing coffee now so I feel the need to end this and partake.

Naps in Nampa

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Today was a blur of naps. Jim slept fitfully, repeatedly, in his TV chair and Diane just up and went to bed for most of the afternoon.

Me? I napped a bit in a chair, a little bit more on the couch, after Diane went to bed, and made a sincere attempt nap standing up, a skill I once had. None of them were fitful, as were Jim’s.

Donna didn’t nap at all. She went out in the morning to get her hair done because the injury to her left arm, caused when Jim placed sodas in the wrong place on the garage floor, makes it difficult for her to wash and comb her hair. The rumor is that Jim broke her arm. In truth, it was a broom. That’s all I can say because of the pending law suit.

For lunch we ate some beans that are only sold in Colorado and smuggled into Idaho for discerning residents. They are the kind that don’t have to be soaked for a couple of days before cooking – they can be cooked right away. I believe the kitchen blind was lowered the entire time they were cooking to avoid any problems with neighbors who are totally against bean smuggling.

The beans were very, very good, and they came with corn bread muffins. Jim was unhappy with them because he had difficulty getting all the muffin off the paper. Later in the day, when Maryssa showed up, she was able to peal them just fine. Steffani arrived shortly after Maryssa, interrupting all the napping going on. Steffani didn’t get a muffin because Maryssa ate all of those remaining, smothered in honey.  I did not notice any problem pealing mine. Also, at my urging, Jim chopped up some onion for the beans and it was the crowning touch.

It was after the beans that Diane went to the bedroom for her nap. In her defense, she got up with a headache, and a nap was just what she needed. I had a bit of a headache, too, and we agreed that it’s probably because the weather is changing. Tomorrow will probably be out last day of sunshine until next April because the rain is coming. That’s good because that will translate into snow for the mountains which are painfully bare at this time.

Maryssa left for softball practice, in Boise, at 5:30pm with a end time at 7:00pm. That was critical to know because in lieu of supper we all decided go to a ‘U Swirl’ yogurt joint when Maryssa was done. She predicted 7:30pm but didn’t call until almost 8:00pm. We were starving.

U Swirl is a custom frozen yogurt place like non other. It has 18 different flavors, 40-50 kinds of topping, and a little bin of waffle cone remnants that might have been reclaimed from the floor from dropped cones. I know for sure that they shatter when dropped more than 3 feet. All of this for 39 cents a pound. For the seven of us it cost $30 to fill our little buckets. I had 3 different flavors, Maryssa had 8. I made the mistake of putting hot fudge on mine knowing it was going to hurt my head. I didn’t care. It just tastes so good. An added benefit, in addition to the headache, is a stomach ache. Nice. Add that to my hip ache, the ringing in my ears, dry eyes, puffy left foot, and other stuff, I’m just a mess. I’ll probably come up with diarrhea tonight.

Hopefully I’ll wake up.

 

Nampa, Idaho

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We arrived in Nampa around 4:30, I think. It may have been 3:30. It’s a topic for discussion because one of us has remained on Pacific time since leaving home on September 23rd. Transiting through Arizona compounded the problem because they don’t change their clocks which I think is a stellar idea. Then we went straight north to Utah and the time changed on our phones, but not on one of our wrist watches, or in the car. It really doesn’t matter since we’ll soon be back on Pacific time, but it causes confusion for one of us having to deal with the difference, explaining time and again that it’s not really noon, for instance, but one o’clock.

Our brief visit to Hill AFB was really nice. We didn’t go by the exchange to make those unnecessary purchases I mentioned, but we did go by the gas station to fill up, and Burger King for a warm sandwich. I also got orange juice and Diane got a huge cup of really hot, really bad coffee. She asked that they put four sugars in it, but I bet they forgot. Fortunately, we have those kind of supplies for emergencies, which this was, and I poured a bunch in and it didn’t do much good. Before doing that, however, she told me to put some in my travel mug but I used hers instead because mine was moldy and didn’t smell nice. Diane had to roll down her window. In my half, I poured five (5) of those little creamers and it did no good. It was a total waste of creamers, but I drank it anyway, just because. If only we could have found a Starbucks in a timely manner. By the time they appeared on our radar it was too late because we were almost to our destination.

Our average speed for the trip, including the 2 hours I drove (yea!), was 72.8 mph with two stops – one to pee and one to reload our bladders. So we made good time.

Nothing significant happened other than the fact that we were happy to arrive safely in Idaho where drivers are more sane. I don’t think anyone from Utah followed us across the state line so think we’re going to remain safe for a while longer.

When we arrived, Jim met us at the front door in his pajamas which indicated, to me, that it was time for bed. I don’t know why he bothered with them because he generally sleeps in his TV chair wearing what ever he has on at the moment. But he did. They are festive blue ones. He wore them the entire evening, even at dinner.

Before dinner, Steffani and Maryssa arrived to visit. Maryssa was a little punch drunk from lack of sleep (homework, she said) and went to work on current homework, laying on the floor, on her stomach, eating cookies and drinking a big glass of milk. It was interesting and caused me to wonder if I could do that without spilling it all over myself. I don’t think I my neck would bend back far enough to get anything in my mouth. But that’s to be expected, I suppose, since I’m way beyond 16, unlike her.

Bob arrived from his dentist shortly thereafter, then we all sat down for a pot roast dinner. It was awesome. The only problem was when Jim put a glass of water in front of my plate right where I was about to point, and I didn’t see it. I’m sure he’s the one who did it because I have no memory of picking it up before. I could’ve, I suppose, but I will always wonder. The result was that I hit it dead center and dumped all but about 1.5 swallows all over the table. Thankfully Donna had a table cloth on the table which soaked up most of it but an auxiliary towel was required to mop up the remainder. Quick action on everyones part kept it out of Steffani’s lap. Diane, of course, was mortified, as well she should have been, but everyone else seemed to take it well.

Spilling the water kinda ended the meal, so we ate cake, then everyone participated in completing Maryssa’s homework. It was a good exercise for all of us. It was all about medical terms. None of my answers were used.

After visiting for a short time Jim fell asleep in his chair and all the sudden it was time for bed. So that’s where I am at the moment. Diane sequestered herself in another bedroom and locked the door so I perceived that I was to use the other one. Which I’m doing.

Tomorrow, Jim wants to get up at some outlandish hour and do “stuff” so that’s what we’ll do. Now I must sleep.

Hill Air Force Base

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Today Diane drove a marathon from Kanab to Hill AFB near Ogden. It was about a 380 mile stint part of which was documented in my previous entry titled ‘Escape From Kanab‘. That was done on my iPad, on the fly, and the connection was tenuous so it failed to upload. I just discovered that and added it. So, this is my third entry for the day and I’m going to make it a short one.

After getting our coffee in Cedar City things mellowed out nicely. Diane was happy, I was happy, and it just got better when the speed limit went to 80 mph. Diane let out a little shriek of happiness that startled me, just before she pumped the cruise control up to match the sign.

At this point it’s important that you know Utah drivers are about the worst we’ve ever encountered. Anywhere. Considering all the traveling we’ve done over the years, I think we’re qualified to pass judgement. Okay, maybe not pass judgement. How about  criticize and share opinions? That’s better. It’s probably not a good idea to pass judgement on anyone in Utah since there is a concentration of Mormons in the area and we’re not entirely sure what kind of punishment they would impose for that kind of infraction. So, it’s just opinions, based on personal observation during the many times we’ve been in Utah. In general, most of them are pretty good, but those who are bad, in my opinion, are terrible and dangerous. It’s evident the bad drivers have attitudes. Bad ones. Consequently, they take a lot of chances. At 80 mph what they do, in my opinion, is pretty much insane. In my opinion.

In spite of it all, we managed to make it safely to Hill AFB, our goal for the day. I called first thing this morning to make a reservation at their on base lodging. The room(s) we were given are absolutely incredible. It’s a two room suite which allowed Diane to watch Dancing With The Stars in the bedroom while I watched recaps of all the Pac-12 games on ESPN in the living room. It’s also got free wi-fi which we are taking full advantage of by connecting five devices. We couldn’t use them right away, however, because they all needed charging. While that was going on we walked over to Burger King (yes, it’s on base), then on to the base Exchange for a look see at what they might have that other Exchanges don’t. It’s evident, after close scrutiny, that all base Exchanges, for all bases, Navy and Air Force, use the shame shopping list to stock their shelves. And, the prices are pretty much the same at all of them.

The walk we took to visit Burger King and the Exchange covered about 2 miles by my estimation. It was a long ways. But, the air was clear and comfortable, and we needed the walk. Walking was also a deterrent for buying things we didn’t need which is always a danger when we drive. We’ll just drop by there tomorrow morning on our way to Nampa and pick up some things we need.

Escape From Kanab

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We finally escaped the sedating effect of Kanab at either 8 or 9 this morning. We’re not sure which is true because Waze took us back to Arizona, instead of North, when I programed her for Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah. So we circled around a bit, switching back and forth between Pacific and Mountain time. Very confusing and made me blink a lot.

Ultimately, however, things leveled out, I became more aware of my surroundings. I suspect the reason for that is because the landscape began to attain a tinge of green. The change was so subtle that it was almost like an illusion. By the time we made it to Hurricane, Utah there were actually trees and the telephone signal gained a bunch of bars, becoming a very solid 4G presence. All of our eletronical devices became happy clams. Once again we could communicate.

Sadly, about 20 miles before that happened, I called brother Jim seeking permission to transit the Utah/Idaho border at some point tomorrow. He wanted a specific time but I couldn’t comply, not knowing what tomorrow might bring. Then, as luck would have it, the signal was either lost or Jim hung up. Either way the all was terminated. He was at Burger King participating in his Tuesday Coffee Clash so I suspect he hung up. So, we are in jeopardy of violating some sort of idahoian law tomorrow the punishment for which we do not know. It could be bad.

When we escaped from Kanab we began a quest to find a Starbucks so we could obtain invigorating refreshment. It quickly became apparent that Utah doesn’t allow these popular stores inside their city limits, only on freeways, and in the wrong direction. Consequently, the only caffeine we’ve had today was from the pump pot at the hotel. Diane said it wasn’t bad, but 50% of us didn’t agree. Perhaps when reach the boundaries of a larger metropolis there will be solace in the form of a Venti White Chocolate Mocha No Whip (VWCMNW).

Shortly before we got to Hurricane, an old guy on a Harley made a dedicated attempt to demonstrate how the gene pool is maintained in a manner that only allows relatively intelligent folks to breed. We were on a two lane road and he chose to pass when some very large vehicles were coming our direction at a combined closing speed of 120 mph. Had Diane moved a couple of inches to the left there would have been some serious skid marks on the pavement as he didn’t leave his lane and barely missed the front bumper when he chose to position himself in our lane. Exciting.

Glory Hallelujah!! Cedar City, Utah has a Starbucks. We’re stopping and I’m done here.

Arizona Recap

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This is just a quick update to share a few pictures that I was unable to upload while on the freeway because Diane was driving too fast.

First, for Ruth, proof that her family had something to do with the formation of the Grand Canyon. Apparently the Mather’s’ve been around for a while.And here’s what things look like at the rim near Mather Point … quite dramaticThis one is just to prove we were there so no one can accuse me of fabricating like they sometimes do. This could, of course, be a really old picture but you will never ever know.I really didn’t realize that Diane was so much shorter than me. Interesting.

The next few pictures are ones I snapped out of the passenger window as we sailed up the highway. I was fascinated by the colors and geology of the hills we passed. I really have a hard time calling these hills because they’re so sharp. Hills have round tops, not sharp ones.This last picture kinda says it all and is an Arizona statement of the obvious.In case you can’t read the sign, it states “Watch for Rocks”.

The Grand Canyon and Kanab, Utah … who knew?

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We left Mesa, Arizona yesterday around 2-ish and arrived in Flagstaff shortly thereafter. It is, after all, only about 180 miles away. For Diane, that’s a walk in the park and only took 3 hours. So, we arrived around 5-ish.

Using Siri, I contacted the Drury Hotel on the way and secured a room. We don’t often stay in hotels so this was different for us. But, a room is a room is a room and that’s what we got. A room. A pretty nice one. What made it even better was the free evening food and free breakfast. Ok, I know it’s not really free, but it’s not a line item on the bill, so technically it was all free. Not that I really think you care, but I ate wienies last night, biscuits and gravy this morning.

Now I’m bummed. Right here I attempted to add a photo of my wienies, but the internet we have at our current address is incredibly slow. So, you’ll just have to visualize them. And, I won’t attempt to add any others.

Today was a long one because from Flagstaff we went to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. We spent two hours there, mingling with 30-40,000 of our friends from all over the world. Really … three out of four people were speaking a foreign language. Perhaps if I’d worn my hearing aid …

The canyon was beautiful and breathtaking as we knew it would be. But, the sun was a little off and things were a bit hazy so it detracted a little bit. That’s why we only spent 2 hours there, then we headed to the East Entrance on Highway 64 to Highway 89 and headed north to Page, Arizona. We had initially thought we would stay the night in Page but we arrived too early. So we decided to just get a Starbucks and continue one. But, we couldn’t find it so we got gas for the car instead and continued on.

The new goal became Kanab, Utah. Until I checked the map, I’d never heard of Kanab. It sounds like something you’d eat at a BBQ with toothpicks. The scenery on the way, however, just blew us away and chased all thoughts of toothpick food from our minds.

After exiting the Eastern Entrance, we crossed the Little Colorado and the mountains turned red with incredible stripes of lighter colored rock. The closer we got to Utah the darker the color and when we crossed the border all the mountains turned gray. I took a gazillion pictures which I’ll have to share later. I wish I could now because I’ll probably forget.

Kanab … what can I say? It’s smack dab in the middle of an incredible array of natural wonders like Zion, Bryce, The Grand Canyon, the red mountains, and I’m pretty positive there are some nasty snakes out there beyond the freeways. Kanab has also been the location for numerous movies over the years, including the recent John Carter. I know that’s true because I read it in a newspaper while I was waiting for dinner at Pizza Hut.

It’s dark now, Dancing With The Stars is over, and Hawaii Five-0 is starting so I need to quit.

Tomorrow we’re hoping to reach the vicinity of Salt Lake City, then it’s on to Nampa, Idaho. On the way I’ll call Jim to see if it’s OK to stop by for a while.

Northbound

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Yesterday was very relaxing for us because we didn’t go anywhere except lunch. That, and St. Vincent DePaul’s. It’s been a while since Diane’s been in a Goodwill store so this satisfied that need. She found some lovely end tables that we both thought were quite adorable and she really, really wanted to get them. But, risking divorce, I put my foot down and said “No!”. From habit, I put my hands up in a defensive manner and squinted really hard, but nothing happened. After a bit I felt safe enough to open my eyes and discovered that she wasn’t even there any longer. She was off looking at something else. Apparently, putting my foot down will not result in severe punishment as I had initially thought it would. So, I won’t have to repack the Buick to make room for end tables we don’t need.

Before visiting the thrift store we had an excellent lunch at the local Village Inn. As soon as we entered Gene started giving the manager and waitress a hard time which really concerned me because we hadn’t even sat down and he was positioning us to have someone spit on our plates before looking at a menu. As luck would have it, however, he and Shirley know those folks and they were engaging in normal, harmless, friendly dialogue. It was all good.

After that we went to Wal*Mart for some needed “things”. The girls shopped while Gene and I just hung our near the registers. We weren’t sure why everyone was staring and smiling until Diane showed us this picture.

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We wound up in front of a TV to watch the Oregon vs. Washington football game before 1930. The game started out slow but ended normally with Oregon winning 52-21. Fun to watch and gratifying that the Washington Huskies did not give up. They played hard to the final whistle.

This morning we all got up early because we went to church. It was an excellent service which we enjoyed very much. We learned the senior method of conducting communion, too. Four guys go up front and each get a platter of the absolutely smallest saltines I’ve even seen, and then bracket the crowd, passing the trays back an forth. Everyone serves themselves. They were so tiny that I took six of them. Once everyone has their tiny crackers, the pastor blesses it and everyone partakes. They do the same thing with the wine, then they send around a little basket to collect the cups. By the time all that was through, I was ready for a donut, which I got at the coffee hour following the service. I don’t mean that in a disrespectful manner because, as I said previously, we enjoyed the service very much. Everyone was very friendly.

After church, we headed over to the mall where one of the 38 Wal*Marts in the area resides, and had lunch at the all you can eat Chinese Food Place. Tempting fate, I had six different kinds of dead shrimp, and a large glass of water. And noodles. I love those noodles.

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From there we went back to the house and packed our duds so we could hit the road. Our goal is Flagstaff which, at this exact point in time, is only about 45 miles away. We left Mesa at 1400, almost exactly, so we’ve made good time. The only stop we made, before leaving town, was for gas. It’s only $3.70 a gallon there. In California we filled up on base for $4.20 a gallon, and it got far worse before we crossed the border into Arizona. Interesting that only California was affected with an attack of really spendy gas just in time for Columbus Day Weekend.

Getting our of town was pretty painless this being Sunday and all. The only close encounter we had was with a younger oriental male, in a newer Infinity, who leisurely passed us on the left, then pulled in front of us with about 8 feet to spare. Then he slowed down, and leisurely pulled into the right lane for the next exit. I waved at him, to let him know he accomplished his purpose of getting our attention. He made sure to slow down enough so we could see that he was apparently handicapped, having only one finger on his left hand, which he held against the window. I was immediately sorry that I had assumed he was just another ordinary jerk who was trying to spread discord and drive a wedge between Orientals and Americans. Had he been the latter he would have succeeded to a point, had I let him. But I didn’t. We just continued on our way knowing that he’s not through in this life and, if he might, perhaps, consider himself a Chinese/American that he’s not really an American.

Sorry … I was going on nicely before that and all the sudden this stump popped up and I felt the need to climb on it. Must be time to terminate this one.

CD Players

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Today I learned how to dismantle a 5-CD player. It wasn’t a big deal because it wasn’t mine, so taking it apart wasn’t a delicate issue. Actually, Gene is the one who took it apart … I just watched, mostly, giving handy directions when I thought it was necessary. He handled the directions well which I found interesting, because he’s an old WWII Marine (Semper Fi). And, I know I can outrun him for the 15-20 feet necessary to get out of his range.

This project was started, just before supper, because the disc holder wouldn’t open. It was jammed shut. About 20 years ago he had it repaired, but it didn’t do any good. Maybe it as only 5 years ago. Or less. I don’t know. I suppose I could ask because he’s only about 15 feet away, in another room, but I don’t want to.

Once it was dismantled, totally, we figured out what made it tick and started putting it back together, attempting to get the tray to slide back and forth in the process. We were successful with that, then went to work reconnecting all the little wires we’d pulled off the many circuit boards. The first three attempts failed, then Gene was ordered out of the house to BBQ the hamburgers, and I was left to my own devices.

Working really hard, and fast, I managed to get it all put together, and working, before he got the burgers back in the house. It was really good timing and everyone in the house, all four of us, were totally amazed that it worked. And we only had one screw left over. How perfect is that?

So, now Gene and I are experts at fixing these things, but it’s a useless skill because they don’t make this model any more. Perhaps if it fails again Gene will work on it. By himself. He’s pretty handy so I’m confident he won’t have any trouble at all.

If you need help with something like this, and you live in Arizona, call Gene.

Siri

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I was really happy when the iPhone 5 was released because that meant I could upgrade my old 3GS to a 4S for a fairly reasonable price. I did that right away and discovered that the 4S does pretty much everything the new 5 does, including that feisty little Siri girl.

When I first heard about Siri I thought she’d be East Indian and was a little bummed to learn she doesn’t have an accent of any kind that I can detect. I suppose thinking she would be East Indian was a bit of stereotyping on my part, and I’m sorry if that offends anyone. If it did you have permission to stop reading right here to ensure you are not offended further. It’s not that I intend to do that intentionally, but I really don’t have a lot of control over my filters and don’t know what’s going to pop out of my fingers at any given moment. And, since I do not edit anything I write, once it’s out, it stays.

Sorry for that little diversion, but I had to clarify.

Back to Siri …

I find her to be delightful and ask her to take me everywhere, and answer all my questions. Sometimes she doesn’t take me exactly where I want to go, and sometimes she doesn’t always give me correct answers … I know this is true because I test her by asking questions for which I already know the answer, and places to which I’ve been.

In an effort to educate her I’m compelled to point out these incorrect responses. Generally these attempts result in a dialogue that my wife deems to be argumentative and, sometimes, rude. The rude, of course, is always me. I know this is true because my wife has told me on many occasions to “don’t talk to her like that!” Any attempts to point out that I’m simply talking to an electronic voice fall on deaf ears and, ultimately, wind up with me apologizing to Siri.

Siri is always nice, and I still think she’s dumb about many things, but I’m learning to attenuate my responses and requests, leaving out those kind of references about my personal beliefs about her abilities.

Don’t get me wrong because I really like Siri. We have fun together. I learn stuff. I do know, however, that some of you out there think “Siri sucks!”, and that’s a direct quote. I won’t tell you who told me that, but her initials are Kathie. I do not know why she thinks that because she didn’t clarify and I didn’t ask. I was too shocked to ask because the thought of “sucks” escaping those pouty little lips was more than I could bear and I did not want to know more. So I let it lie. I may never know the reason, and that’s OK.

As for me, I’ll continue to use Siri. I enjoy the senseless discussions we have and actually find her to be quite useful. I suspect we’re going to be BFF’s for a very long time or at least until I can no longer hold my finger still long enough to push her proper buttons, or to speak clearly into her tiny little ear.