Cathy's Birthday!!

Hello everyone!!

It was that time of year again, that time when we get just a little bit older and a little bit wiser. I wanted to get my wife something I knew she would really enjoy. My first thought was a trip to Hawaii, but, since we both live in Southern California, we knew we couldn't afford that. I then thought about a trip to Las Vegas, but, we didn't have the money. I had the idea for a brief moment that, we could go and win a lot of money, then common sense stopped me in my tracks.

We did, however, have a really nice time together spending it with a few friends and some well cooked home meals. My wife really wanted to go to Disneyland on her birthday and enjoy her day there.

We had seen commercials about free passes on your birthday, but, we were extremely surprised to find out that you get a $69.00 certificate towards any purchase in the park. We got ourselves a couple shirts and pairs of shorts. It was a very nice surprise on a very happy day.

Hollywood Bowl and Governor's protest!.

Greetings everyone!!

We are still enduring an extremely hot July and its not over yet. My wife and I are keeping busy as usual, but, we have had a tough couple of weeks.

Now, we have both experienced some very hot weather here in Southern California, but, I would have never thought that taking a day to enjoy some of the world's finest pieces of art would result in being surrounded in the massive fiery inferno. I am referring to the Sepulveda Blvd fires that occured a couple weeks ago outside of the Getty Center. Of all the days for a fire to take place, it had to be during our visit. No matter, what's a couple hundred extra degrees in the already blazing summer heat.

My wife Cathy has probably had the toughest time of us all. Still working on quitting smoking one day at a time and getting well after a tough patch of summer pneumonia. This past week, Cathy spent three days at the hospital after being diagnosed with summer pneumonia. After several tests and needles and x-rays, it was clear there was liquid on her lungs. The hospital has given her several anti-biotics to clear up the infections and relieve the pain of this painful disease. The open wound on her left leg is having trouble healing as well, but there are many options that are being looked into to finally heal this wound. We are both being very cautious to let everyone that she comes into contact with know about the summer pneumonia. You can't be too careful these days.

After those three days of hospital care, the doctor's released Cathy just in time for a concert she and I had been looking forward to for the whole summer. Cathy and I had tickets to the Hollywood Bowl to see one of our favorite singers: Faith Hill. We lucked out again when we arrived, because the seats we had reserved had somehow been taken. No problem, because the ticket desk ended up giving Cathy and I seats that were even closer to the stage. This was a really nice treat. After a long night of music and an amazing light show, my wife and I were very tired.

I had more important plans set for the days to follow. I was informed about a stand-off protest at Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger's private home in Brentwood. I and several others made our voices heard outside the Governor's private mansion to let him know that we are still not satisfied and that we demand a fair and equal budget for us all. The police were brought to the scene and did their usual blockade and "cease and disperse" to those of us who gathered. We stood our ground and did not leave for a couple hours. Lucky for him, the Governor was not home, but I'm sure, he would see it on the news from wherever he was hiding out.

Sincerely,

Randy and Cathy

rfourwheels@aol.com

Summer is here and busy as usual.

Greetings everyone!!
Today is a typical mid-July day. It's almost 100 degrees and we are braving the heat as usual.
We have a lot to talk about today. Some exciting things and some tough subjects to cope with. About a month ago. My wife and I attended the North Los Angeles Regional Center's "Board of Directors and Councilmen" Dinner. We were able to speak with several people about the issues our state and specific regional center is facing. At times the tone of our conversations were down right upsetting...but....the great thing is, we all have our heads held high and are doing everything we can to make it through this crisis.
My wife and I have attended this board meeting as well as one protest as we stated in our blog last week. There has been little, if any change to the governor's stance on the state budget. This is still not acceptable.
To add to the stress of the current state of affairs, my wife has decided to quit smoking after several years worth....its about time!!
Cathy knew that the first week would be hell.....changes in mood, changes in appetite and changes in her sleep pattern. No one ever said it would be easy, but she is taking it one day at a time. We are all doing what we can to support her during this challenging time.
Most importantly, my wife and I attended a pre-protest meeting at downtown Los Angeles to prepare ourselves and get tips on how to peacefully and publically protest with the possiblity of being harassed. We do not want to cause violence, my wife and I want to peacefully convey our message to the State Government that we are the ones who will be directly affected by these issues our state faces. We've already stayed out all night outside the state building this summer, this protest may bring us to Sacramento. We will have updates as soon as we know.

Randy and Cathy