MY TRIP to PHILLY,
with FAMILY and FRIENDS
April 7-17, 2008
MONDAY – DAY ONE
I was up at 5:00 AM and off to the Bob Hope Burbank Airport at 6:00 AM as my plane was scheduled to depart at 7:00 AM. Changed planes in Phoenix, Arizona, and after an hour layover took off for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Somehow, I got stuck in the middle seat on both rides, even though I booked this flight three months in advance.) Open seating dictated the order of my boarding pass and mine now said, B-41. Actually, “Be for One,” is how I read it. A good start, I thought.
My palms started sweating as we zoomed into the tarmac, and then pulled back with a noisy thrust. Our jet was actually 25 minutes early! The pilot explained that we were riding on an 80 mile an hour tailwind. Well, with no one at the reception area to greet, I looked around for a phone. I thought that the best idea would be to go to the baggage claim area, even though I only brought a carry-on and a briefcase full of gifts for my relatives.
Of course, the payphone took my last quarters and didn’t even give me a dial tone... Suddenly, Pamela, my brother Dan’s wife, startled me as I turned around to a gentle tap on the shoulder. I hugged Pam and we both were so delighted to see each other. She told me that Dan was stuck in meetings all day today, and that it was easier for her to swing by to pick me up. I never asked her how she knew that my flight would be early. Knowing her, she checked in advance and arrived with perfect timing. Hey, with no baggage to wait for, we casually headed outside to her silvery compact and drove smoothly on a scenic route to her home in North Wales, Pennsylvania. I had never crossed the Betsy Ross Bridge before! Pam hadn’t changed at all. She still looked great and we laughed a lot about so many things. She always has a positive view of life that always works. She filled me in on some of the things that were happening locally. She said that the new mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter, was doing a great job, even helping to clean up the streets of Brotherly Love just a couple days before. I can hardly believe that 10 years had past since I had seen family: my Dad, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and a handful of nieces and nephews.
North Wales is located in a beautiful wooded area, in Montgomery County. Just 3 blocks away from their home is a quaint railway station, the little heart of a country village. Dan and Pam’s place has a big garden yard with a cascading water fountain and magical Koi pond decorated with a blue heron, and a raven. It’s a great home with 3 comfortable bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A nice big-screen, HDTV hovers over the large fireplace. There are lots of angels and Irish clovers and Celtic crosses, cool Tuscan flourishes, and even a few of my own paintings, here and there.
My 22 year old niece, Megan, arrived shortly afterward and we shared a nice, long hug. I forget the last time I saw her! I think maybe when she was just seven or eight. Anyway, she looked great, and was very enthusiastic to see me, too. I made myself comfortable immediately and sat at the kitchen table had a cup of hot tea. I pulled out my portable art supplies and started on a watercolor, inspired by the picaresque view of the yard, trees and waterfall. Meg later suggested I add a butterfly along with the blue heron, squirrel, and frog.
Dan called and told Pam he would be home late. After dinner, Meg Pam and I started watching all of the art, and animation dvds I brought with me. Dan arrived home from work around 9:00 PM. He looked good, and as he ate some dinner, we all had a wonderful time laughing and reminiscing. I saved the final dvd The Raven for last. Dan started repeating verbatim the lines of the first two stanzas. He said he was coaxed to memorize it in school- and it still sticks in his head. I told him that was the same reason why I made a dvd film of it. Afterward, Pam and Meg headed for bed at 10:00PM. Nevermore, Dan and I stayed up later and talked about lots of family-related things until about 1:00 AM! I slept well in my nephew Kevin’s room, as he was currently staying at the dormitory of Temple University.
I was awake by 6:30 AM, as the birds were all chirping and the morning light filtered softly in through the vertical blinds. I was on my home soil. The air was fresh and clean and it was supposed to be a gorgeous day. Indeed, it was the news of the day; the warmest yet, a perfect 73 degrees! I had brought the California sun with me, as I had promised.
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TUESDAY – DAY TWO
Dan arranged it to take off from work, so that we could visit with my dad. Along the way, we careened past 1401 Englewood St., a house on a corner where I once lived. Somehow it looked smaller, and there seemed to be fewer steps up to the front door than I recalled. We also drove past the “New” Olympia House Restaurant, where I once worked as a busboy with Dan, when I was 14 years old. My mother was the hostess of the restaurant and she got us the job. At least I had a few dollars in my pocket.
A lot was changed. Many of the old familiar stores had been replaced, and the Roosevelt Mall, our old hangout, looked like it had been revamped, again. Wanamaker’s is now Macy’s. We glided past St. Matthews Church, so I knew we were just blocks away from where I grew up on 3416 Cottman St. Dan complained about the large pothole right next to the property. He said he was going to get some action after a year of emails. A new set of cement stairs- and a hand rail; the Yew tree was still the dominant feature, boasting years in size.
We stepped up to my dad’s house and he was waiting for us at the door, standing there with his walker. “Welcome home, Son!" he smiled. We embraced, and moved into the room. Wow, the air inside seemed very stale. I wanted to open up all the windows and doors and air the place out! But that wasn’t going to happen. I did prop open the door though, to let some air in. My dad didn’t object. A fly flew in. I simply caught it in cleft of my hand, cupped against the window and took it outside.
‘Jesus Christmas, I would’ve squished it!” my dad called out, noticing my rescue action from his walker.
“Why kill it, when all it wants is to be outside? Anyway, I'll just go and wash my hands with soap and water.” (California living had made me a little less hard-edged, I guess.)
Wow! Not too much had changed; some different wallpaper and different rugs. All of our High school graduation pictures were framed and proudly displayed on the old player piano. Some of my brother Ken’s paintings hung with some of my paintings, that decorated the downstairs. An oil painting of a tiger I did, dominated the living room. My dad looked elderly and shaky, but his mind was still very alert. I think it's because he reads the newspaper everyday. It looks hard for him to get around. But his spirit seemed perky, and his Irish humor was going full blast.
Upstairs, my old room was pretty much empty, except for a bare mattress on the floor. A poster of Cheryl Ladd still clinged to the wall. On the floor stood a stack of unframed canvases and drawings. I wondered to myself how could four kids sleep in bunk beds, cooped up together in this tiny room for 13 years? The middle room was more of the same, with lots of early paintings stacked around a mattress on the floor. The bathroom was still small. Ken’s angel fish mural graced the largest wall. How eight people managed to live in a row house with one bathroom is amazing to me! We each had five minutes I think. In and out, two kids in a tub at a time, and group pee with one flush. Brush your teeth, say your prayers and go to bed.
Dan said he needed to leave for his scheduled chiropractic session. (He had already said he would be making little side trips.) This gave me a chance to spend some time with my dad, alone. Dad and I chatted casually, and he asked me if I would add a couple more names onto the Family Tree. Luckily, I had my watercolors with me in my briefcase. And so, I unframed the art on the dining room table and added three orange blossoms, copying the style and color of the design. I carefully printed the new names of nieces and nephews in ink. After it was dry, I reframed it and hung it back onto the wall. My dad was pleased that I had done such a good job and so quickly! He said it was something that had been on his mind for a long time. Of course, I was happy to do it for him.
We waited for my oldest brother, Bill to arrive. We arranged this to be the date and time that we would visit. Bill arrived at the front door, robust and sweating. He had pedaled his ten speed bicycle all the way from Oaklyn, New Jersey. His hair was pulled into a long pony tail and he looked pretty healthy in a colorful striped shirt. He said it took exactly an hour and a half to get there on his bike. He was beaming with a white smile, happy to see me after more than 14 years. Over the years we corresponded, but I spoke to him only sporadically. Still, he was my oldest brother and part of my unique, shared past.
After a cup of tea, I offered to take Bill out to breakfast at a nearby restaurant. We ventured down the street to the Mayfair Madrid, just a block away. Bill is an old soul, a generous person with a big heart. I swear he was a monk in a previous life who once lived a lifetime of poverty, and for some reason history needed to repeat itself. He lives very simply at the mercy of the state system, with food stamps included, yet is dutifully religious in a deeply Christian way.
Bill ordered 2 fried eggs, hash browns, rye toast, and herb tea. I had a cell phone with some unspent time on it, so we dialed up our Mom in South Carolina! Of course she was surprised, and when I handed the phone to Bill, he chatted with my mom for a minute or two, then it was back to me for a minute, until breakfast arrived. It was refreshing to see Bill as a happy person. He said he was sober (again) and was off all anxiety medications. We talked about many things, including his new-found practice of meditation. He asked me if I ever had an out-of-body experience yet. I told him yes, that I had this experience many times, as well as experiencing astral projection, when I kept a dream log. He seemed interested in these new areas of self realization. I told him I was still very tapped in and felt that being intuitive was a gift, and that I considered myself to be very psychic. Others also know this about me. I told him a few interesting things that happened to me.
Bill seemed so concerned with the price of things. I said that I was treating for breakfast and to relax and enjoy the milk and honey…Then I told him about milk, -how we humans are the only species who drink the milk of another species, the cow. Then I told him about honey. He didn’t know that honey was anti-bacterial and that no infection would occur if a cut was sealed with honey. Regretfully, he said, honey was "too expensive" for him to buy.
After breakfast I said, ‘C’mon, let’s go buy some honey!” So, we walked across the street and I bought my brother Bill a “Honey Bear” bottle full of clover honey at a discount grocery store for a couple bucks. Bill was very grateful for this small gesture. We had an easy-going conversation as we headed back to my Dad’s house. We talked about his old girl friend, Dianne, who was now married. Bill said he spent a lot of time helping the minister of his church with all manner of duties. We got into a little religious discussion. When I mentioned what I had sceen on TV about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Essene's hidden books of the Bible; The Council of Nicea; and the story of Lilith. Bill was oblivious to mostly all of this information. He only recanted the rote old stories that the R.C. Church stressed. We didn’t get too deep into anything serious though, just some food for thought for him to Google. He was impressed that I knew "my scripture." I just know what I feel.
A short time later, Dan reappeared back at the house; his chiropractor had to deliver a “Meals on Wheels” and told Dan to return in an hour’s time. I took some pictures of Dan, my Dad and Bill. Dan took a couple of me and my dad and Bill. They all came out well and I plan to send them along with copies for the family in a dvd format.
Surprise! It wasn’t long before my brother Ken suddenly arrived during his “lunch hour”. He relaxed on a recliner, as we caught up with the times. Then another surprise: Ken’s wife, Gina, appeared. She was as lovely and beautiful as ever. We all laughed and talked and joked. It was hard for me to believe that there were so many of my relatives all in one room! It must have all been arranged in advance, I thought.
Gina took a picture of the four Gallagher brothers, holding flags on the front lawn. It was to recreate an old photograph taken in that same spot, when we were youngsters on the Fourth of July. Soon, Gina had to leave to pick up her daughter Julianne at school, and Ken also left to return to work. Dan then returned to his rescheduled chiropractic appointment just a few blocks away. He planned to pick up his grandson, Dylan, on the way back, for a visit.
Dan’s step daughter, Adrienne, lives just a few blocks away from my dad’s house. Her 9 year old son, Dylan, proved to be quite the comedian! His unfiltered thoughts and comments were often hysterically funny and incisive. We all laughed a lot, and I got him laughing too, as he rolled around on my dad’s ottoman making flatulent sounds. It was about 4:00 PM. and I could sense my dad was getting tired. So it was time to leave with Dan, Dylan, and Bill. The front wheel of Bill's bike was designed to disengage, so it was easily loaded into the trunk of the car and tied back with a hooked bungee cord. Everything safely tucked away, we headed towards the famous Delaware River.
We drove off to New Jersey, over the Tacony Palmyra Bridge this time, to drop off my brother Bill near his rental house by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. I wept as I said good bye to Bill. I tried not to be too emotional, but I knew it might be another long while before I would see him again. I told him I loved him very much, and to keep meditating on good things. He seemed happy! This was a good thing.
Dan then drove us to visit Adrienne and Dylan’s house. Adrienne is the splitting image of Pamela, Dan’s lovely wife! She has a wonderful row house and two pets: a Labrador named Scooby, and a cat named Domino – black & white, who purred like a little motor. We all helped Dylan with his homework composing short sentences and enjoyed our visit. Dylan became one of my favorites, for his unfettered honesty and uncanny humor. He is so funny – it was a gas. He called me a “joke machine.” Dylan wanted to show me his room and his “I-Pod fish.” It is a toy fish that lights up with multi-colors, wagging its tail to the beat of the music. Dylan insisted I listen to his favorite song as he showed me his big toy and video collection. He likes cars and trucks and wrestling, too. Soon, it was time for Dan and I to leave for his house, so we said our good byes after about an hour. It was great to see Adrienne, who is now a successful real estate agent and single mother. We ordered a nice Chinese dinner and my fortune cookie said “You love peace.” Very true, indeed, as in the spirit of the late John Lennon.
Back at Dan’s, we watched “American Idol” together. It was the one featuring the music of Dolly Parton. They are also avid fans of the Hollywood talent show. We had an enjoyable time arguing who was going to win, before retiring around 11:00 PM.
Pam is taking off work tomorrow. We are planning to visit my nephew, Kevin, for lunch in downtown, Philadelphia.
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WEDNESDAY – DAY THREE
Pam took off from her job as nutrition manager of the Allentown School System, so she could spend time with me. We stopped nearby at a decorative shop where Pam had ordered a beautiful sun spiral garden sun catcher. I love it! We took the train from North Wales and into Center City, to meet Kevin, who was on a job interview.
It was amazing being right in the heart of history! Evidently two days before, 4,000 volunteers cleaned up the city streets from all litter, because Hillary Clinton and Barrack OBama were scheduled for debates. The architecture of the past, as well as the modern skyscrapers was stunning. I took pictures with Pam, while Kevin was at his job interview. We stopped into a smoky pub where Pam had a beer. By cell-phone, we learned that it would be almost 2 hours before Kevin could meet us at "The Wok" for a Chinese dinner. Well, that would give us a lot of extra time, huh?
So, in the meantime, we walked around Broad Street, Locust Street, and the arts district. Stopping in an art gallery, Pam spotted a painting that caught our attention. She noticed the signature was “Jack L. Gallagher”. The owner of the gallery printed out a biography of the artist, and asked me if I was related. Jack Gallagher was born in Philly. He started as staff artist with the Philadelphia Evening Telegraph in 1904. He also created comic strips: “Dusty Dinks,” “Farmer Judkins,” “Hank Hinkle,” “The Little Possum Gang,” etc. He died in the early 1950’s. No relation, though. (I should have said I was his great grandson!)
We went upstairs in the gallery, to view amazing 18th Century oils of museum quality. What a treat! So many beautiful paintings to see. We continued on our journey passing by famous sculptures and landmarks. The Ritz Carlton, The Masonic Lodge, Ben Franklin, etc. I actually walked through City Hall for the first time. It was awesome! I was amazed at all of the sculpted figures and animals, columns, and architectural details. Everything had just been sandblasted clean.
Kevin finally met us at The Wok, just in time for dinner. His interview had gone very well. Ironically, the Asian background music changed to the Beatle’s music, which played non-stop through the entire meal! I felt quite comfortable with my favorite tunes playing - including the German versions of “She Loves You,” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” or some reason I still adore the Beatles, since the age of 13.
Kevin was a little upset for being late, but happy to have gotten the job as a waiter at the Spaghetti Factory right there in town. He asked me a lot of questions about California –LA, San Francisco, and San Diego. I think one day he wants to come out to visit. I said getting a college degree and being bi-lingual were all positives. We had a great dinner under a large mural of a Chinese goddess flying down from the clouds, holding a pear. As we were leaving, the Beatles music changed back to Oriental. Pam said that the Beatles were following me. I agreed, of course.
We strolled along on the quaint cobblestone streets of downtown Philadelphia, taking a few photos of the cottages with antique detail. But, as it was getting near dusk, we bid adieu to Kevin, and continued to the subway train station for a 20 minute ride back to North Wales. Pam is a great conversationalist. We laughed about a lot of things, talking about friends, family, and life in general. She is a very wise and unique woman. We talked about movies I worked on as a set painter and screenplays I was working on, etc.
We returned to home and walked a short distance from the station. This time, Danny had a fire-pit going, so we all sat outside, near the trickling Koi pond. We talked, took some pictures and laughed more. Soon it was time for “American Idol Gives Back.” It was emotionally stirring to see the poverty and Aids crisis in Africa and America. Last year, the show raised $17 million in donations for the relief fund. It got to be a bit too sad for me, though. It was 12:12 AM when I finally went to bed, after such a busy and awesome day, jet lag was creeping in. I definitely was tired now, so it was off to dreamland.
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THURSDAY – DAY FOUR
Up at 6:30 AM. Had tea and a muffin. Pam’s off to work, Megan’s off to her job at school. Dan dropped me off at Dad's for another visit, and also to visit our neighbor, Mrs. Jane Lambing – my second “mom.” It was so great to see her. I was brought up to date on what’s been happening with her kids. Her son, Joe, was my best friend when we were kids. She showed me his latest picture with his wife and three children. Jane still works in the afternoons, so my visit was from about 9-11 AM. I told her how much she and her family meant to me as a growing boy. I hugged her and told her I loved her and thanked her for “being there for me” when I needed a surrogate mom. She hugged me and told me to "take care of myself and good luck with everything." I later learned that my sister Kathy also considered Jane her second mom, too!
Back at Dad’s, we talked until 1:00 PM. Then I drove his car with him to visit Marie, my father’s platonic friend. He raves on about her and calls her an “angel.” Marie is a lovely lady of German descent with pretty green eyes and beautiful gray hair. Green is her favorite color. She is a warm and funny lady. Her home is immaculate and nicely decorated. She made me some decaf tea and home-made pound cake with ripe peaches. Dad had the same, only with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. We had a very nice visit indeed. Marie talked a lot about her deceased husband. By coincidence, My father went to school with him. Now he was gone, but not far away in the pictures and stories and remembrances that Marie told to us. Dad and I stayed on until about 4:30 PM. After a couple of quick snapshots, I thanked Marie for befriending my father and making him happy again. I told her that she had made such a difference in my Dad’s life and “God Bless.” I later went back to her house to pick up a battery recharger that she had promised to give to my father. (The truth is, i think SHE is HIS battery charger!)
My next visit was with my old school pal, Brian Hanstein, one of the funniest guys I knew in High School. He always kept us rolling with his quick wit. I borrowed Dad’s car and drove down Frankford Avenue. We met at Frankford & Gerard at a tavern, “Johnny Belinda’s.” Rob, Brian’s partner of 14 years, joined us about fifteen minutes later. We had a ball. Brian is now a lawyer and looked very dapper in his 3 piece suit. Rob works in the Health Care Industry. We sat a table in the back of the tavern. Little lights embedded into the table continually changed into multi-colors. We had much fun – bouncing humorously from one subject to another. There was so much to our conversation, I could not possibly write it all down. Let’s just say that they are both very smart, funny, and it was one hysterical joke or retort after another. Rob and Brian are a great couple and I had a blast. We talked about London and Florence, as Brian is an art collector, too. Brian generously treated us all to dinner – And we stayed there, whooping it up until about 8:30 PM. I left, and just made a simple U-turn onto Frankford Avenue and headed straight for home. I got there on schedule at around 9:30 PM.
Dad was still up and so we talked politics until 11:30 PM, his normal bed time. I kissed him goodnight, took a brief shower, and then went to sleep on the old mattress in the middle room under a collection of paintings, including the portrait I did of my Grand mom. I took pictures of the art work there in the room. I found an owl that I had sculpted in wax when I was about 11 years old, and slipped it into my suitcase, as a remembrance of my friend, “The Owl.” I had opened the window, but there was hardly a breeze. I took one long breath and said my prayers good night.
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FRIDAY – DAY FIVE
I started the day with some oatmeal and decaf tea with Dad. My sister, Kathleen came by around 9:30 AM. and took pictures of us with her automatic camera. All together, Kathy is probably the most sensitive of the bunch. She is a special education teacher in New Jersey. She brought me to her lovely house in Sewell, N. J. – so beautiful there. We greeted Marty, her husband, who works from 3 AM – 11 AM at the Philadelphia Enquire Newspaper. We sat and had a 'hoagie,’ then went out to the sunlit backyard, where we talked and laughed; just having a good 'ole time. It was another beautiful day in New Jersey. Seventy three degrees!
Marty left for the airport to pick up my nephew, Michael, who was ironically returning from my new home town, Burbank CA., where he had been working for three weeks as a graphic designer/structural engineer. Michael visited me in Burbank, unexpectedly a couple weeks before my trip to Philly. We had a great time, as he works on a lot of the same computer programs that I use as well. I still want to pick his brain and maybe get into some of the skilled design work that he was active in, as he is well paid in his area of expertise.
Kathy and I had the afternoon alone, and talked about family and work. Detained at the airport, Marty had to take Michael immediately home, so I didn't get to see him. Having to arise so early in the morning, Marty also had to immediately go to bed, so Kathy and I stayed up until about 10:30 PM, talking about spirituality, psychic intuition, among other esoteric things. I showed her the animation and film DVD’s I had created. She loved the alliteration in my children’s DVD of “Alphabet Soup” and “Numbers.” We had a great time talking in her beautiful rattan sun room where we drank more tea and took pictures.
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SATURDAY – DAY SIX
9:30 AM – Right on the button, my old friend, John Martin picked me up at Kathy’s home. She took a picture of us together. He still looked pretty good after eighteen years since I last saw him. There is a ten year age difference between us, but we have corresponded back and forth all these years. We stopped at a store called B.J.’s to get some bagels. Before I knew it, we were in Atlantic City at the Ann Dover Complex, a small group of duplexes, just 2 blocks from the beach (Annapolis & Dover Sts.) John calls his beach house “a work in progress,” as many repairs were already completed: new ceilings, drywalls, woodwork, etc. He collects lighthouses, among other beachy things. He said he tries to get down to the beach house every couple of weeks to collect mail and water plants, etc. The longest he has stayed there was two weeks. He hopes to retire after his tenure as a 1st grade school teacher is up. He, too is dedicated to education and is fervent about the current policies regarding his job.
At 1:00 PM, we walked the Atlantic City boardwalk and had a big buffet in one of the western Style casinos. We had a terrific lunch with everything you could ask for and more. There were a few very weighty people there; stuffing themselves with all you can eat. I indulged and sampled many exotic dishes and treats. We walked the new mall and took in the local sights – it was sunny, then cool, then foggy, windy, and it did rain later that afternoon as we headed back to his abode. There was also a thunder and lightning show. What a range of weather patterns!
Later, I played my DVD’s for John and he liked all of them. Then we looked at his photography on the TV hookup from his camera. Mainly pictures of Disneyland and his family vacations. He’s still a Disney buff. We talked about my family, his family, and relationships, teaching, and its many pit falls. We both went up to bed after 10:00 PM. We hugged a nice good night, and talked a little more. I slept in the bedroom next to his, with lighthouse wallpaper and potted palms.
John is a very busy guy, so after our morning bagel and tea, we took a brisk walk down to the boardwalk in the opposite direction, toward Ventnor. Think Monopoly." I took a couple pictures of some interesting architecture and the beachand then we then headed back to pack up our things.
At 1:00 PM, John drove me to my brother, Ken’s home in Marlton, N.J. “Suzie,” his GPS sysytem got us there by 2:00 PM. We listened to Elton John on the way. Ironically as we neared Ken’s house, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” started playing. That is the song I most closely identify with John, for even though I knew him at age 18 for only six months, he was the person who literally saved my life at a very sensitive time. Everything seemed in perfect sync.
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SUNDAY – DAY SEVEN
I arrived at Ken and Gina’s beautiful home in time to meet my nephew, Nick (18) and my niece, Julianne (9.) Both seem well-adjusted. Nick graduates from high school this year. He is a little shy with most people, but very much into his circle of internet friends. Julianne is a whirlwind of energy – creative, playful, and smart. She is practicing the violin and the recorder. She is also computer literate, very intelligent, polite, and a real charmer. She is strikingly cute, showing me her room and all her stuffed animal toys. She really loves soft and furry things. She loves pink and is the "princess" of the family.
We all talked and laughed a lot…Gina especially, as we reminisced about all of the old family jokes and the new family ones. Ken had several Beta fish. He actually bred and hand raised them! He has the father and three of his full grown progeny. It is amazing that they survived to adulthood, because it is a rare feat to accomplish this. Their Dog is named Roxy, a handsome terrier and a good boy!
That evening, Kenny made a fabulous dinner: special crab cakes and mashed potatoes, carrots with ginger, and homemade strawberry cheesecake for dessert. (Ken was always the baker of our clan). We stayed up until 11:30 PM, laughing and talking about our crazy family. Then I was off to a comfortable bedroom,(actually Nick gave up his room for me.) Thanks Nick.
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MONDAY - DAY EIGHT
After the kids went off to school, Ken made us a light breakfast. We then went walking with Gina to a local lake and visited a farm that sells home-made treats. We looked at the petting zoo, the ducks, horses, and goats. I bought some coconut macaroons and we spent the rest of the afternoon looking at pictures and talking. So glad Ken was able to afford me some time away from his work as an office supply dealer.
At 3:00, Julianne & Nick returned from their classes. We played grammatical word games with Juli. Nick demonstrated his unrivaled skills on a ‘dance box,’ as well as on an “electric guitar,” set up as a computer game. I could not keep up with the streaming visuals, music, and split-second timed dance stepping. Julianne was good at it, too. (I was too chicken to even try. Way beyond my reflex threshold!)
That evening, we all went to Tarantella’s fabulous Italian restaurant. I had chicken marsala with pasta, and some white wine that we brought along. One serving was enough for two! We were all pretty satiated afterwards and had our doggie bags. Nick drove us home, for it was not too far away. Gina asked me if I could draw a picture for Julianne to share with her class. I stayed up another hour and did a watercolor of a red Beta fish, named Rusty. I went to bed about 10:00 PM and slept well in the comfortable room. Next morning, Julianne did a colored thank you note for me. Kenny and Gina were very generous with their time, hospitality, beautiful home, and lovely family. Next I’m off to my sister Barbara’s house.
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TUESDAY – DAY NINE
My sister Barbara arrived at 9:30 AM sharp and visited with Ken and Gina for a spell. She looked great, now a frosted blonde. She took two personal days off from her work as a medical secretary for an East Indian Doctor so that I could spend time with her and her family. Surprise! Barbara treated me to a 1 hour full body massage at her favorite salon. It was a rare treat for me and I floated out of there very comfortably. What a thoughtful thing for her to arrange in advance!
after the massage it was off to “Fridays,” a bar and grill in her town of Delran, just about 15 minutes away from my brother Ken’s home. Barbara’s handsome husband, Bob Lawlor joined us for lunch and we each had a drink. I had a strawberry margarita, Barbara had a white Russian, and Bob had a couple beers. We had lunch and shot the breeze; I enjoyed a savory shrimp and grilled chicken Caesar salad. Yum It was all delicious on Tuesday at "Friday's."
Bob is a truck driver/ supervisor at Fed Ex, right there in the township of Delran. He rides a Harley Davidson motorcycle and is loaded with cool tattoos. He said it was a slow day so he was allowed top spend the rest of the afternoon with us! At 3:30 my nephew, Stephen appeared from his day at school. The three of us took their dog, Tonka, to a nearby wonderful open field just a couple blocks away from Shelly Lane. Tonka is part wolf and he just loves running around the open field- about three football fields in length, with a wooded creek on one side, and fenced in yards on the other. This was Barbara’s favorite place to just go walking everyday with her dog- an enormous open space. It was another gorgeous day. Wow!
I then shot some basketball hoops with Bob and Stephen. Playing a game called ‘Horse.” You must repeat the same moves and shot as the preceding person- if you fail, you get a letter, which spells the word horse. (Somehow, I won-- Ho! Ho! HO!) After the game, we started watching some of my animated dvds and then, about a half hour later, my other nephew, Bobby came home from his high school track meet with his then girlfriend, Faith. Bobby is a star athlete and very smart as a sophomore in high school. He is very good in math and sciences and loves the idea of becoming a marine biologist or something that would benefit the earth. He looked like a very happy guy on the arm of his red-haired Irish lass. She also seemed very sweet and pure hearted.
Barbara took full control of the kitchen, and before long we had another delicious meal- Salmon, crab cakes, (famous there) scalloped potatoes, corn, broccoli, grilled mushrooms, crescent rolls, and more. Barbara is an excellent cook, and everything was hot and on the table for five people! After dinner, Stephen asked me lots of questions about art. He asked me to replicate a Philadelphia Eagles’ design for his room. Of course, I happily obliged, and he watched me do a red, white, and blue version of the logo, which he loved, and immediately hung in his room above his bed. He also liked the yoyo I bought him because it lit up. Pretty soon Bob and Bobby were doing ‘Walk the Dog,” “Cat’s in the Cradle,” etc., showing off their yoyo skills. Yo! Who knew my little gift would be such a hit?
Later Stephen and Bobby checked out my website, gallagrafix.com Barbara liked my palm tree plaques, so she picked one and I promised to send it to her soon. We all sat on comfortable couches. Bob started falling asleep after his few beers and before long, it was already 9:30 PM. Bobby let me stay in his room that night, as he slept downstairs on a comfortable blow-up mattress. Thanks, Bobby. I appreciate that!
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WEDNESDAY --DAY TEN
I was up early at 6:30 AM. because I wanted to say good bye to Stephen and Bobby when we dropped them off at school. They were surprised that I would do this, but I wanted to spend as much time as I could with them. Barbara and I then went to a nearby breakfast place and had a nice breakfast. After that, we went back to the house and took Tonka for another long walk in the giant wooded field. We talked a lot about many things. I did a tea leaf reading for Barbara. There were some interesting tidbits that I picked up on. There was a lot I did not know about many things that happened after I left Philly in 1980, and Barbara filled in some of the blanks. I told her that there was a poem behind the portrait of my dad that I shot years ago. She didn’t believe me. I casually opened it up and there was, the same poem he had written for each of us, in his top hat. The photograph was taken at my Brother Ken’s wedding in 1989. Barbara broke down a bit, reading it, and then we both cried, because we didn't want anything,like death, happening to our dad.
At about 1:00 PM we left Delran for my dad’s house. This would probably be the last time I’d be seeing him, as he is nearly eighty years old! Barbara and I arrived about 1:30 PM, a little early that expected. (Wow! The pothole out in front was repaired and a new cement pavement replaced! Danny's phone call to the supervisors worked. No one answered the door, so we called my dad from Barb's cell phone. He was in the kitchen and didn’t hear us at the front door! Barbara planned to stay until Dan picked me up after his work at 5:00 PM, but at about 4:00 PM, Stephen was home alone from school, and I realized that she couldn’t wait for Dan. All was fine. I had an awesome time with my little sister and her sweet family. I wished I could have had a bit more time with them, but I tried to work everything out ahead of time and stuck to my itinerary. Barbara insisted I had saved the “best for last.” I said my good bye with a strong hug and let her know how much I loved her. She seems to have a wonderful zest for life, and makes everything work out.
I talked a bit more with my dad. The phone rang and it was my Brother Bill calling to say good bye. It was nice that he thought to do this for me. I know I really had fun with everyone and they were all happy to see me again after so long. I also called "Lady Marie" and thanked her again for the wonderful lunch, and told her what an honor it was to finally meet her.
Dan arrived about 5:30 PM and it was near that time to say good bye. I casually sat on the sofa and draped my arm around my dad. He seemed small and shrunken. I simply told him I “would see him soon. "The next time I see you- you’ll be looking down from heaven waving hello.” My dad just smiled. “I love you Dad. Thanks for everything, I had a great time visiting everybody.”
"I love you, too, son. God Bless You."
Dan drove us back to his home. As it turned out, Pam had to go to Harrisburg on business and wouldn’t be home for two days! We stopped by a pizza parlor and ordered a mushroom pizza to go. By then we were starved. So we watched the debates with Hillary and Barack OBama. We each felt that Barack was the stronger of the two. Of course, Hillary later won the Pennsylvania election with a 10 percent lead. Now, it’s up to Indiana to pick the Democratic nominee. We will all know soon...
Megan came home late (around 9:30 PM) and had the rest of the pizza. Pamela also called to wish me a good trip home and I thanked her for all the thoughtful gifts she had left for me. Pam is really amazing-- so thoughtful and aware of so much.
Bedtime at 10:00 PM- I’ll be up early in order to catch my plane at 8:00 AM, and I have to be there at 6:00 AM.
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Thursday, Day 11
Dan was up early, like at 4:00 AM- couldn’t sleep. We took off soon and Dan dropped me off at the airport. Thanks so much to Dan, who got me around and let me stay at his home as a base. I admire him so much for his altruistic deeds and positive attitude. He is well-loved by his family and comrades. I hugged him good bye, with an “I love ya!” Next, back into the airport scene.
The five hour plane flight was uncomfortable, getting stuck in the middle seat again. Then a 4 hour layover in Phoenix, Arizona, as the plane was 1.5 hours late. Flew into Burbank at about 5:30 PM and Rod, my partner, picked me up in front of Southwest Arlines. Rod had a nice gift there for me – a cool printed t shirt design with a tree of life, griffins, and a new leather belt. Aah! It’s nice to be home. That night Rod and I got together for an intimate evening and I slept well in my own bed. I have much to be thankful for, and I feel so much closer to each of my family now. They are all still on my mind, and I am so proud to be part of the warm and wonderful Gallagher/Donegan/Lawlor families.
