2005

Coffee Klatsch December 14, 2005

What a great way to end year 2005. We had an outstanding turn out of twenty-six retirees. Some the news was good and some not so good. Of course the good news is everyone doing the things they planned for their retirement.

Ray Karr said he and Chris had been doing lots of traveling this year and of course Ray got in lots of golf.

Jaena and Tom are going through the partial “empty nest” syndrome, with their son Cody away in Marine boot camp. They are staying very busy with their other son West and his involvement in school band. Plus Jaena and Tom seem to take on older folks in their neighbor-hood as projects, helping where ever they can. I asked Jaena if she would take me on as a project, which gave her a big laugh.

We all signed cards for Kay Flynn and Marge Woodard. Unfortunately Kay passed away that evening before we could get the cards to her. Dick Timboe said Marge has moved into an assisted living facility in Anaheim.

I unlimbered my camera and got, what I think, are a bunch of great photos of a great bunch of folks. It’s amazing how some haven’t changed all that much, looking exactly like we did when we were at work. Then there are those of us, self included, who look like we’ve been ridden real hard and put away wet! (-:

Click here for the CK Pictures

Lots of folks teased me about the “Mystery Guest” photo, calling me a few choice names; the most often repeated name was “old geezer!” Not surprisingly, I hear that a lot at home.

Jim Beisner said that Paulette Hewitt-Langefeld had suffered a major stroke and then some minor strokes during the past year or so. I contacted Rocky, who said Paulette did have a major stroke about a year ago. She was on life support for a time, the doctors operated and she recovered to some extent. Her husband died about for months ago and shortly afterwards Paulette suffered additional strokes, causing some problems with short term memory and also necessitating someone be with her most of the time. Rocky said he and Carrie help out when ever they can. He felt sure Paulette would appreciate cards of encouragement from old friends. Her address is 21181 Whitebark, Mission Viejo, 92692.

Dave Milewski said he is still having fun restoring antiques cars. His project right now is a 1953 Chev. Pickup.

Those in attendance were, Tony Rojo, Mike Brown, Chuck Kimbell, Don Mendenhall, Bob Benson, Cheri Siefen, David Milewski, Don Chaney, Jerry Texley, Bob White, Jaena and Tom Imboden, Jim Beisner, Royal Lord, J.D. Green, Knobby Walsh, Dawn and Frank Petronella, Terry Williams, Ray Karr, Richard Timboe, Tom Fox, Don Williams and Howard Mol.



Coffee Klatsch - November 9, 2005

Once again I am indebted to Mike Brown for covering this month Coffee Klatsch. He did a great job.
We had a surprise guest in the person of Robert MacLeod, General Manager of A.O.C.D.S. who advised of some of the current status of some pre-negotiation talks between the County of Orange and AOCDS regarding costs of retiree health benefits. I am assuming you know more about this than I do and I don't know what, if anything, about this should be repeated in your column.

In fact, initially, I, along with Self, Bisner and Lord, weren't even aware that MacLeod was talking to half the group because we were listening to J.D. Green relate several old 'tales'.

Chuck seems to be getting along fine with his new knee (got it in June) and after therapy he and his wife took off on a Panama cruise with stops in Mexico and several Central American Ports. After they arrived on the east coast they rented a vehicle and toured various spots and visited relatives, if I remember all this correctly. They cut their trip short by one week when one of them ended up with bronchitis and the other tonsillitis. Chuck is sporting a slight limp with his new knee but otherwise it's doing okay. He was disappointed when he found out that it did not improve his dancing ability.

Small group today, we maxed out with an even dozen retirees: Mike Brown, Chuck Kimbell, Tony Rojo, Bob White, Terry Williams, Ken Self, Ed Dunacheck, Royal Lord, J.D. Green. Jim Bisner, Howard Mol, and John Mauger


Coffee Klatsch - October 12, 2005

Unfortunately I missed the CK, again. However Gregory “Mike” Brown covered for me and did such an excellent job that I think he should become the CK scribe. I really do appreciate the guys who’ve covered for me by recording the attendance. Mike sent me the following email after today’s Coffee Klatsch.

Hey Guy,

We had seventeen (17) Retirees get out of bed and clean up before they showed themselves in Paradise this a.m. .....sixteen (16) males and one (1) female.

Whooooooops that should be eighteen (18) total, I forgot to sign in, and, I didn't shave either.
They are: Yours Truly. Don Mendenhall, Terry Williams, Tom Imboden, Jaena Imboden, Bob White, Tony Rojo, Joe Mitchell, Don Chaney, Steve Fauchier, J. D. Green, Michael A. Green, Ed Dunacheck, Jim Bisner, Tom Fox, Carl Fisher, Don Williams and Howard Mol.

Don Mendenhall has finally broken down and purchased a computer. He purchased a laptop, scanner. printer, fax, etc. and a digital camera. Make that two digital cameras. On some river east of the Rockies Don and his boat had a disagreement and the boat dumped him and his camera. I'm waiting for Don to e-mail me because he couldn't remember his address so I gave him mine.

Joe Mitchell showed up like I said. He had four or five old photos with some REALLY old old timers from the mid '50s - early '60s. It is amazing how young looking some of the guys were that hired on prior to 1960. I would mention some names but I think one of the uses he had for getting the photos to you is for the 'guess who this is...' section of your "10-98". He will be e-mailing them to you. I disqualified myself from the guessing game.

Steve Fauchier has a new e-mail:

Ed Dunacheck has a new phone

Tom Fox has a new address:

Call or email Gene Endsley for addresses and phone numbers

I don't know whether it is intentional or accidental, but the sign in sheet has a 'period' between the 1st c and the following "@" sign.


Coffee Klatsch 9-14-2005

          Unfortunately I was not able to be at the September CK as Jan and I are staying at Dock Weilier RV Park, Playa Del Rey, while Jan does her physical therapy at Centinela Hospital. The scenery is great on the beach; it just takes a little getting used to the planes taking off from LAX. As we will be doing this for at least another month or two, hopefully someone will take attendance for me.

          Bill Denton got a list of the attendees for me, which I really appreciate. There were two out-of-state visitors, Ray Mayer and Charlie Stumph.  Ray and Charlie make it down at least two or three times a year. I did talk to Ray by phone. He said he was down to help with the miniature railroad display at the L.A. County Fair. Ray told me he and his wife, LaVerna are taking their grandchildren (five or six I believe) on another Disney Cruise out of Florida. They have got to have the most infinite patience and fortitude of anyone I have ever known.

          Those in attendance were: Bill Denton, Bob Benson, Ray Mayer, Terry Williams, Charles Kimbell, Don Mendenhall, Kay Flynn, Ed Dunacheck, Carl Fisher, Charlie Stumph, Jim Baker, Royal Lord, Howard Mol and Don Williams.


Coffee Klatsch – August 10, 2005

Well, better late than never as they always say. It was good seeing Harry Kinder, now a resident of Colorado, and he’s not bashful about telling you how great it is. Harry has sent me photos of the area where he lives, and I will have to admit it is beautiful country. Not withstanding, it snows there where it is knee deep to a tall Indian! Harry was kind of a regular at the CK’s when we first started, then just kind of dropped out of sight and touch for several years.

          Ray Karr was telling me that PJ and Ruthie Johnson barely got settled into their place in South Carolina when they decided to move to North Carolina. That’s the great thing about being retired, want a change of scenery, just move to another location.

          Needless to say, waiting so long to write the CK article, I can’t recall the gist of the conversations. Tony Rojo and I discussed our RV’ing and the places we’ve been or want to go. Several of the guys did ask about my wife and her progress with her physical therapy, which I truly appreciate.

          Those in attendance were: Don Mendenhall, Knobby Walsh, Charles Kimbell, Tony Rojo, Terry Williams, Bob White, Bud Kretsinger, Don Chaney, John Brimmage, Jim Beisner, Harry Kinder, Kay Flynn, J.D. Green, Ray Karr, Royal Lord and Richard Timboe.

Coffee Klatsch - June 8, 2005

Although there were no "first timers" at this months get together, we did have two "out-of-towners!" Ray Mayer was here to visit his children and grandchildren and attend a model rail road show on the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

It was also good to see the most recent Arizona transplant George Johnson, sans hair and all. George said they had some hundred degrees plus weather in May but right now the weather is in the "comfortable" high eighties or low nineties. ????? George came over for is grandson's graduation. He said he also had specific instructions from Duke Shrank to put together a fishing trip of the "old gang!" George said it seems some of the "gang" are slowing down in their old age, preferring to play golf or just set in the shade. Stay tuned for further actions.

Bob White tells me he is not carving as many ducks as he once did has branched out to carving many other items. Bob said he has some of his carvings entered in the Orange County Fair and has had entries the last three years.

Ray Mayer said he, Bruce Stanley and Larry Khune recently participated in the National Cowboy shooting contest in Albuquerque. He said they had a great time. It seems California is not the only state with homes being threatened by mudslides. Ray said Bruce's home is in danger of being wiped out by a mudslide, there in Durango, Colorado.

Unfortunately some of the attendees got away before I got my camera unlimbered, but I did get a few pix, which we'll try to get on the web site.

Several folks asked for an update on Marge Keller. With Dave's permission, here is the latest email information exchanges about Marge:

May 21, from me to Rick Long: "Dave said Marge has been having problems over the past three years. He talked for quite a while, as only Dave can, and told me more than my feeble mind can remember or repeat. But kinda in a nutshell, Marge had a Dr. that was an absolute AH, and kept putting them off on treatments. He told them several months ago that he was pretty sure that Marge had hemochromatosis, ["... hemochromatosis is an inherited, autosomal recessive disorder of iron metabolism that causes the body to absorb and store an excess amount of iron resulting in "iron overload" disease. If left untreated, hereditary hemochromatosis can result in the progressive accumulation of iron in the liver, pancreas, heart, joints, and pituitary gland leading to potentially serious complications including cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and heart problems..."] which is a liver disease, which he denies saying now. Anyway, when she started bleeding from the vagina and was rushed to the hospital, they could not find the source of the bleeding, and still haven't. Then on top of everything else they determined she had peritonitis, again can't determine the source. They said surgery would kill her. Dave said she is down to 110 lbs. and still losing and they can't get her to eat. They have moved her out of the hospital, can you believe it, to a convalescent hospital there near St. Jo hospital. Oh yes, they have now fired the AH doctor and gone with a highly recommended doctor, but it may be too late."

Tuesday 6-7-05, Dave to Gene: "Marge was taken from the rehab, Fountain Care, back to ER because of low test returns and evals.

She went really low and it got really hairy, She was admitted and the next day came around and started getting better!

Night before last she started vomiting and wound up w/no sleep/rest! Didn't look good. Her stomach was swollen again and they drained about 2.5 Liters from it! She felt better!

Today they drained her stomach again and got 4 large bottles of liquid from it!!

Tonight much better! Eating and seems chipper! Is obviously scared stiff!!

I dunno, it's up and down! Could be the end tomorrow or a year from now! I want her home, but only if I can care properly for her! We'll just have to play it by ear and see!!!

She's facing reality and although we've discussed the terminal situation she is now looking for a miracle and ?????????????????????????"

Let's keep them both in our prayers!

Those in attendance were: Kay Flynn, Bob White, Ed Dunacheck, Terry Williams, Bob Benson, Bud Kretsinger, Ray Mayer, Don Chaney, George Johnson, Ken Self, J.D. Green, Al Massucci, Chuck Kimbell, Royal Lord, Les Osman, Howard Mol and Mike Brown.

Oh yes, several guys asked me when Jan and I were leaving for our Alaska tour. Unfortunately the trip has been cancelled until July 2006, the Lord willing. It appears pretty certain Jan will have to have a complete hip replacement in August or September.

Also, Jan and I are now residents of Lake Elsinore, but will be going into OC once or twice a month with the RV to keep doctors appointments and of course to attend the Coffee Klatsch's.

I did some checking and there are about 91 plus retirees living in the Riverside area and if I can get some of them interested we may start a Coffee Klatsch gathering out here. That drive into OC is a real "bear-cat!" If any of you "old" retirees in the Riverside area (that includes Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino counties) would be interested in starting a get together let me know by phone or email and also a suggested location that would be convenient to all.


Coffee Klatsch - May 11, 2005

Before reporting this months happening I would like to thank Ray Karr for recording the attendees to the April 13, 2005 CK. I was in AZ celebrating my 50-year class reunion, which had a surprisingly large number of old people there.

Those in attendance at the April CK were Ray and Chris Karr, Bob White, Tony Rojo, Ray Mayer, Tom Conner, Don Williams, Terry Williams, Ed Dunacheck, JD Green, Chuck Kimbell, Don Mendenhal, Carl Fisher, Howard Mol and Ken Self.

Unfortunately, not being a fly on the wall I cannot report on discussion taking place,
but based on past experience I'm sure much of the things discussed were trips taken or to be taken, jobs to go to and of course always the proverbial aches and pains.

This months CK was well attended with two newbies, Mike Wood and Don Chaney. Mike said he loves the slower life of Salinas. Mike built an office on the back of their new home. His wife suggested since he spent so much time at Home Depot he might as well go to work there. Taking her at her word Mike is now a part time employee at Home Depot. Don said he recently retired for Laguna Hills Leisure World Security after 25 years and has been busy taking care of the "honey do" list around the house. It was great to see and visit with Don.

Don Williams said he and Chris are recently returned from one trip and will soon be leaving for another European tour.

John Mauger just got back from an extended tour of Europe; in fact the return was so recent he was still suffering jet lag. John had some great stories of the wonderful places and sights seen. He had friends and relatives living there that were able to show him many of the places not normally seen by tourist. In fact if you get a chance, or maybe we can get John to write about his possibly being related to royalty from the 15th century. Fascinating!

Tony Rojo and Tom Imboden said it didn't take long to get their Ventura recalculation pay down once their request had been submitted. So, if you retired after February 2002 and haven't submitted your request yet you may have money due you just languishing away!

Those in attendance were: Harvey Hill, Don Mendenhall, Chuck Kimbell, Don Williams, Tom Imboden, Kay Flynn, Bob White, Jim Beisner, Bob Benson, Tony Rojo, Ron Frazier, Bob Talley, Ed Dunacheck, Royal Lord, Al Massucci, Bill Denton, Michael Wood, Don Chaney, Carl Fisher, Howard Mol & John Mauger.




Coffee Klatsch –  March 2005

(Click on thumbnails for larger pictures)

More pictures here

They just keep getting better and better! We had a number of first timers at this months gathering. I believe Sharon Gibson will set the record for coming the greatest distance, since she came from Koloa, Kauai, HI. It was great to see her and she seemed to thoroughly enjoy renewing old acquaintances. Ron Greer was another first timer, coming down from his new home in Saratoga Springs, UT. J.B. Parsons stopped by on his way to his Workamp job in Yellowstone by way of Arizona. It was great to see Linda Paul, who said it is kind of hard making the CK’s after working a twelve-hour shift as a dispatcher at Laguna Beach P.D. And our last, but not least, first timer was none other than Doug Fraijo from the Netherlands of Corona.

JB said he and Gina had a fifth wheel RV for seven years and recently switched to a motorhome. They were at their “home base” in Florence, OR getting annual check up of all their parts and pieces. They are staying in the Palmdale area while visiting family and friends in the Orange County area. JB said he didn’t want to drive through all the traffic we have down here. After visiting here they are going to Arizona to visit more family and friends. JB said they planned on stopping it the Prescott area to visit Sue and Jerry Alvis and possibly some of the other retirees in the Prescott area. Then they will be in the Mesa area to visit Gina’s brother. From there they will head for Yellowstone to Workampers at Madison Campground. JB said it’s the first to open and the last to close.

Speaking of Yellowstone, if any of you are planning to go there this summer we will have two retirees working in the area. Tom Conner said he and Irene would be back this year. Irene will be working at the Fishing Bridge Store and Campground and Tom will be working at the Bridge Bay Marina.

Ron Greer said they moved to a small community on Utah Lake and just love it. Their daughter lives just a few miles from them. When I told Ron where Ed Beach lived he said it was almost directly across the lake from them. Ron said they considered the St. George area before settling on Saratoga Springs, partly because it is much hotter in St. George and also Saratoga Springs is much closer to where there daughter lives.

Sharon Gibson had a blast visiting with old friends at the Coffee Klatsch. She said her daughter lives in Riverside and that is where they are staying while in the area. Several of the guys told Sharon Kauai was one of their favorite islands to visit so she may be seeing a lot more our retirees. Ron Frazier told her he and Louise have a time-share there. Sharon said she and Doug keep busy with the yacht club they belong to. Sharon is the secretary for the club.

It doesn’t seem possible that Linda Paul has been dispatching seventeen years for Laguna Beach PD. She said it's nice to be close to all the excitement of police work without contending with the weather elements, wrestling drunks, being spit on and abused and report writing. Linda said she suffered some heart problems about two years ago necessitating angioplasty. She looked great and said she feels fine now.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to visit with Doug to find out what’s been going on in his life. But through the grape vine I hear he is still playing a lot of golf, which reminds me of the following piece of humor I got the other day "Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it's called golf!"

I got a great bunch of photos, unfortunately, due to space limitation I can’t include them all here but we will have them on the web page, thanks to Jack Quinn.

Those in attendance this month were: J.B. Parsons, Tony Rojo, Bob Benson, Kay Flynn, Bud Kretsinger, Don Mendenhall, Bob White, Tom Conner, Ron Frazier, Bob Mennis, Chuck Kimbell, Dewey Wiles, Linda Paul, Sharon Gibson, Ray Karr, Carl Fisher, Doug Fraijo, Ron Greer, Dawn Petronella, Royal Lord, J.D. Green, Howard Mol, Dick Timboe and Andy Romero.

  Coffee Klatsch –  February 2005

What a turn out! We had some “first-timers”, some out of staters and a few infrequent visitors. It was good to see Kathy Wagener, who came down from the outback of Washington to thaw out. It was also good to see John C. White, from New York State, who also was enjoying the warmer climes of good old Southern CA. John, took a few photos of our gathering and maybe I can talk him out of some of them to share. When John is in town he always brings Greg Linck to the CK. It’s always good to see Greg, even if he doesn’t have the decency to age like the rest of us. The only way you can tell Greg has aged is his hair is gray and a little thinner.

The first timers were Gene Lutito and Steve Fauchier. Unfortunately I didn’t get to spend any time with Steve to find out what has been going on in his life since retiring, but I did hear that he has been playing a lot of golf.

Gene said he and Sandy are being kept busy taking care of their grandchildren, ages 5 to 12. “Been there done that” and like Gene says, it’s a lot like being a parent again. It’s been said God knew what he was doing when he gave children to young people. Taking care of kids on a full time, daily basis can wear a person out. It was good visiting with Gene and I hope he will become a regular at the CK’s.
Our other infrequent visitor was Dave Milewski, who I did not get to visit with. But I would imagine Dave is still staying busy restoring and tinkering with his classic vehicles.

Tim Dick came down off the mountain (Big Bear) for a very quick visit. He said he and Gail came down to the “flat lands” to get their taxes done. Gail said she could also get some decent shopping done. That’s a side benefit to having the CK at Main Place Mall. Any wife’s who wish can get some quality shopping done while their husbands enjoy swapping yarns with all the old timers.

Several people asked about the Ventura pay down recalculation and said the email address I had given out earlier was a bad address. I said I would do some checking and get back to them. I called Shelly Carlucci and she said Marc Gallonio, 834-5010; email address: marc.gallonio@ocgov.com, is now handling the recalculation request. Shelly said now the only recalculations being done are tier one employees who retired after February 2002. If you fall in this category send an email to Marc with your Soc. Sec. Number and date of retirement.

Tony Rojo went to the giant desert swap meet in Quartsite in his RV with friends. He said you would have to spend a week or two there to see everything. Any of you who’ve ever been to Quartsite, AZ in the winter know what he’s talking about. Besides miles of antique venues there are miles and mils of RV’ers camping all over the desert.

Those in attendance this month were: Ed Dunacheck, Don Mendenhall, Bud Kretsinger, Kathy Wagener, Tony Rojo, David Milewski, Terry Williams, Dave Keller, Knobby Walsh, Mike Brown, Charley Kimbell, Steve Fauchier, Carl Fisher, Bob White, Gene Lutito, Ray Karr, J.D. Green, John White, Dewey Wiles, Bob Minnes, Don Williams, Kay Flynn, Ken Self, Greg Linck, Jerry Krans, Jim Beisner, Royal Lord, Tim Dick, Howard Mol, and Dick Timboe.




  Coffee Klatsch – Wednesday, January 12, 2005

The first CK of the New Year started out outstandingly. There was only one “newbies” and one out-of-towner. It was great have Tom Imboden there for the first time. Tom said Jaena had planned on attending also but had the crud and did not want to infect the rest of the old guys. Maybe next time!
It’s always great to see Larry Richey when he makes his infrequent visits from the great land of Arizona. Larry said they have had some snow in their area but not enough to cause any great problems.

John Mauger said he had just got back from Maui and Al Massucci said he wouldn’t be at the February CK as he and Joan would be in Maui. It seems a lot of our guys have time-shares in Hawaii and make the trip as often as possible.

It seems the number of our retirees in the St. George UT area will be growing. Unfortunately I am having a senior moment and can’t remember who told me that Darryl Souther is moving or has moved to St. George. I also received a recent email from Donna Stephenson saying she and Ted will be moving to St. George sometime this spring. I guess they finally had enough of that cold weather.

I asked Bob Mennes about his airplane tied down at Corona airport. He said luckily they got the plane moved up to high ground before it was caught in the flooded area of the airport. Bob said some guys were saying they lost more than their planes value in damaged equipment left in their hangers. I spoke to Fred Geller (by phone) who told me Pat Brunner and John Holani got their planes to high ground in time to avoid the flood water. Fred said although the water is gone mud is everywhere and the runway is closed to incoming aircraft until the integrity of the runway can be confirmed. The runway is being opened for short periods of time for departing aircraft so owners can move to other locations.

Those in attendance this month were: Don Mendenhall, Ed Dunacheck, Bob White, Ken Self, Larry Richey, Tom Imboden, Al Massucci, Dewey Wiles, Kay Flynn, Ray and Chris Karr, Jim Beisner, Bob Mennes, Tony Rojo, Larry Schram, Bill Denton, Royal Lord, J.D. Green, Howard Mol, John Mauger, Don Williams and Dave Keller.

Mark your calendar for next months CK, February 9th, 0900 hours, Paradise Café, Main Place Mall, Santa Ana! Hope to see you then!