The best moment of the day actually occurred on the early morning bus ride to the Honda Center, where I was going to be among the thousands to partake of a hearty meal offered up by an organization tied to a local Hispanic Restuaranteur who had begun providing such meals 25 years ago.
I call this story Bachelor Survival Recon Mission: Holiday Military Edition...
I got on the bus, around 930am, and found myself sitting near a young Hispanic man, in his early 20's at the most, wearing what appeared to be a military uniform under his coat.
He's chatting with someone on his IPhone, and telling them that he's on a 72 hr. leave, & about to pick up his girlfriend, from her job, at the Block of Orange.
He's gonna take her to the movies, then go to Thanksgiving dinner at her parents house...to meet them for the very first time. ;-D
He's got his Dress Uniform with him.
He's also taking his parents advice...& not going empty handed. ;-D
When he got off the phone, & got up to exit the bus...I extended my hand, said, "Hey General, Happy Thanksgiving, thank you for your service, good luck with the girl, & her parents, nd stay safe!"
He looked surprised, then smiled, stuck out his hand for mine, and said Thank You...then he headed off the bus. ;-D
Tables , & a stage, were set up in a parking lot on the Katella Ave. side of the arena, & Jr. ROTC Cadets, all in uniform, some dressed to the nines in uniforms with coats on which a ton of medals were afixed, were patrolling the lines, & passing out bottles of water, among other duties. 10 minutes after I got in the line a younf female cadet approached me, & asked me to come with her. I asked her why, & she said I was being chosen to go to the front in a different line.I had to walk a 1/4 mile to Honda Center, & once I arrived I found my way to the end of a line that was already getting long with 45 minutes until start time.
She pulled a gray-bearded, older, man, & his companion, out, & we looked at each otehr, shrugged our shoulders, & chatted, as we followed her to a small, but growing, line, with people in wheelchairs, & a kid with a walker, & their accompanying families. One of my companions, Robert, & I, looked around, & noticed a few others being added to our line. We assumed this must have been some random thing where the cadets were told to choose a "lucky few", & the only reason I could think for my being among them was the cadet had seen the way I walked on my ankle. Finally the line moved, & we were headed in. We were almost stopped before we started, though.Apparently something to do with older people, & the handicapped.
There were non-ROTC volunteers at the entrance to the food serving area, & a man took one look at me, & my companions, & asked us who we were with, & why we were in this line.
I told him that we followed the request of a cadet, & he said the line was for the disabled.
I smiled, pointed at my feet, & said, 'Well, I got a broken ankle!"
He retorted, "That doesn't count!". but he let us through, anyway.
After Robert said a short grace, we dug in. ;-D
As we ate our meal, over the next 25 minutes, a young Hispanic girl, all decked out in her best, sang songs on the stage, in Spanish.
She showed no fear, performing in a polished, poised, way, interacting with her , overwhelmingly Hispanic, audience, that showed she was obviously used to this, & at home on the stage.
My meal finished I said good-bye to Robert, & his companion, & went to catch the bus.
I made my way to a new biking/walking nature trail, in Anaheim Coves, along the west bank of the Santa Ana River, 1 1/2 miles in length, from just north of Ball Rd. (At the Golf Range), north to Lincoln Ave., in Anaheim.
Dozens of species of birds, some endangered, hang out here, in what is called the Burris Basin Resevoir, as do squirrels, and other animals, in, and around the several little "lakes" of water, & the bushes, and trees, along the west bank.
There are also numerous benches on which to rest, & Info displays, to educate oneself about the natural world on display along the trail, and the history of farming, wine making, orchards, recreation, and water reclamation, going back to the 1840's in Anaheim, and north/central Orange County.
The historical photos are absolutely priceless.
I saw a few cyclists, and joggers, as well as several people being walked by their Dogs. ;-D
The benches are not only nice places to rest, and contemplate the world around, but to just sit, & write in a notebook, or journal, or read a book, or newspaper.
As I sat looking out upon the riverbed, & the pelican convention in progress, I relaxed, & let my mind wander back throught the day, & jot things down for later blogging, and then got a book out of my bag to read.
When I arrived at my rest spot there were no birds in the tree behind me, but a half hour later around 20 crows noisily set up shop, no doubt directing jokes, insults, nd general opinions, in my direction, in a raucus audition for an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. ;-D
I turned, & looked up at them, saying, "Wkat is this all about, gang? Think I'm ruining the neighborhood by being here? Well, you might as well get used to it, as I'm far from alone, especially on holidays, and weekends! " ;-D
After a few more wisecracks the group lifted off, & went out into the lake to comiserate with the neighbors. ;-D
After another hour I got up, and continued on my way, and eventually returned home.
That evening, I ate a couple of pot roast sandwiches, made from a pot roast that I'd tossed in the crock pot before heading out that morning.
All, in all, a wonderful day.
Hi Kiril!!
It looks like you are having a wonderful time in Houston!!
I so enjoy your post!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Your Austin friend, Chandra
Posted by: Samantha, Clementine & Maverick | November 22, 2012 at 08:52 AM