May, 1995
I was looking forward to a warm, lovely four days at Temecula Creek Inn, located between Temecula and San Diego inland on I-15. The Inn’s landscaping, the green of the golf courses, and the rocky hills are usually a delight to behold. It is hard to believe today is May 5th and the weather is in the 50’s with rain predicted. Luckily I brought many crazy items to keep me busy since golf, tennis, bridge or Medical Meetings were not on my agenda. I brought a diabetic cookbook to plan some new sugar free, fat free menus, a cute 20 doll jig-saw puzzle, a book by Ann Kerr about her days in Lebanon with her husband, Malcolm, before his assassination, five or six magazines probably dated February or March – the months of my eye surgery and recuperation, a Dick Francis mystery paper back book, yes, I had already read it – into the wastebasket!
Mostly I had packed shorts and warm weather clothes. At the last moment I added a heavy winter coat, and two umbrellas. I had bought a black eye patch to see if that would help with my tennis vision. But I did not have the courage to wear a black pirate’s patch! Perhaps I’ll get Devera to join me in the business of designing attractive eye patches! Mike is attending his Southwestern Pediatrics meeting with golf to follow in the afternoon.
I’m in a drab, all beige room; no color, just Indian tomahawks and feathers. Yes, I’m feeling very sorry for myself. A long walk might help but it’s cold and rainy outside. I have the car but I am afraid because of my blind eye, to drive on the freeway to the mall in Escondido or the outlet stores near Lake Elsinore. The day was not a complete loss, as a group of us were able to go to Rancho California and have a tour and dinner at the Thornton Winery. Very nice.
It’s Saturday now. Today’s rain just stopped. It would be great if the tennis courts would dry by 1 p.m. I could at least watch the tournament. Many times I have come in first to win a nice prize. Is that the sun coming out? Please, please, please! Tonight’s barbecue is supposed to be an outdoor dinner! I guess I’d better grab my umbrella and go for a walk before this sunshine departs again.
In my dark mood, I guess we were lucky no one choked on the meat at dinner and required the Heimlich maneuver! Did my bad luck continue? What’s your guess? The only seats we could find were directly next to 10 very rambunctious, noisy 5 – 9 year-olds. The parents had cleverly seated themselves at tables far across the banquet room!
Next year we meet in Hawaii and I’ll figure out a way to be in a GOOD MOOD!
Elaine's Memoirs 