Inquisitive Quest

Uncertainty evaporated

Gary journeyed from Groveland to his sister Nancy’s residence in Columbia, discovering an aura of tranquility,  just him and a magnificent Border Collie named Kizzie,  the serenity a change from the assembled congregation of grandkids visiting his sister Katherine.   The return to Columbia,   enabled a return to the internet and a resumption of  his NASDAQ day trading,  plus an opportunity to  visit with his ICQ acquaintances.    Gary’s dog sitting duties coming to an end with his sister and mom’s return,  and with Katherine’s grandkids still camped at the cottage, he decided to remain in Columbia for the time being.   Having established over 48 ICQ acquaintances,  there was an inaugural lady that he had an ongoing repose with since initiating ICQ that really intrigued him, her name was Fran,  and she lived in Orlando Florida.

The two having maintained a steady correspondence on ICQ,  Gary totally enjoying their conversation’s,  finding the lady captivating with her knowledge about any subject,  her total recall for dates, places and events,  and an inherent proclivity for music.  Gary not really giving thought of meeting Fran,  with the distance to Florida somehow seeming like half way around the world,  but taking notice,   their online relationship was beginning to developed into something more than conversation,  an inner feeling from within began raising to surface.  Gary still somewhat hesitant about traveling from California to Florida, it wasn’t like he could jump in the car and visit, it would entail planning by both,  as Fran would have to arrange for time off from work,  and to keep down the cost,  he would have to have to schedule airline reservations at least two weeks in advance. It was when he received an email picture of her and the grandkids,  all uncertainty evaporated, the decision to fly to Florida was made.

The circumstances were rather unusual, Gary having made reservations with United Airlines to fly out of SFO at 10:00 a.m. on Monday July 16th., what was unusual was that July 15th was Fran’s birthday as well as his sister Kay.  Gary addressing the occasion wiring Fran flowers but somewhat curious that his brother-in-law Don was at his mother’s in San Mateo rather than in Groveland for his wife’s birthday.   Don having offered to drop Gary off at the San Francisco airport on his way to work,  Gary driving late Sunday afternoon to San Mateo to spend the night at Don’s mother residence, not  wanting to leave the Buick at the SFO long-term parking.   The United flight to east coast having a plane change in Houston arriving after dark in Orlando.  Gary disembarking walking down the United Airlines bridge -way into the terminal not knowing what to expect having never met Frances Marion Wilcoxson.

Watching the debarking passengers clear,  standing by a post was the picturesque lady,   looking absolutely like her photograph.  The long acquainted two finally getting to meet. On their way to the car rental, Fran mentioning how her daughter Jeanette gave her a lecture about meeting someone whom she met on the internet,  and was reluctant to leave her mother alone at the airport.  Gary assuring her,  he understood her daughters apprehension, questioning if she had received the flowers that he had sent the day before for her birthday,  as it was a Sunday.  The two newly acquainted proceeding to Fran’s residence on Granada Drive in Winter Park,  a small suburban suburb  northeast of Orlando.  Arriving , Gary introduced and accepted by Sammi, Fran’s ‘deer ‘Chihuahua, discovering  the lady was an inherent canine person, which was a plus, he soon realized she was everything and maybe more than he had expected.

Fran was just as impressive in person as online, finding comfort in her demeanor and address to life. Her employment responsibility at Dollar Tree was put on hold to accompany his stay, Gary being introduce to the store manager,  Liz Loreti,  whom had nothing but accolades for her.  Gary very much aware of the round trip ticket date, an urgency building within to convey to Fran,  who and what he was as a person, it was difficult,  but searching within he found a solution.  Driving through the business district of Orlando,  he took notice of a sign, Orlando Piano, parking, the couple entering,  Gary asking the proprietor if it was alright to try out some of the models, the sales person nodding his approval to play any of the store’s inventory,   the two venturing thru the displayed pianos.   Gary seated before the keyboard of a baby grand, the music of Andy Williams hit,  More,  coming forth, followed by the Impossible Dream, the pianist at ease with Fran standing beside him,   performing his proclivity on the keyboard.

The pianist giving her a presentation of the inner feeling than only music can express,  songs of remembrance from their youth, the storied epics of love,  a grand finale with the Chariots of Fire.  To his surprise, the staff and customers at the store applauding,  Gary suspecting that they knew what he was up to, acknowledging the couple  on their departure.  Gary was surprised when discovering  Sunday Church was an integral part of Fran’s life,  the two attending the local Baptist Church,  Gary finding solace again,  having neglected this most important celebrate of life,  because of his inherent life in Groveland and Columbia. Both his sister’s, Katherine and Nancy proclaiming to be agnostic,  using this for his failure to attend church during his stay at both premises,  recognizing he had become abortive of his faith,  but with  the turn of events,  the heavenly father may have provided a messenger,   Fran.

. Gary’s round trip flight reservation date about to arrive, a decision being made to postpone his return to California, an overwhelming desire to spend more time with Fran.   The ensuing week found the two engulfed in conversation of reality, both experiencing an inner feeling that they were destined to be together,  plus her family an added influence for Fran to move westward.  Gary having been introduced to her oldest daughter Jeanette and two grandchildren Todd and Laney,  having made a decision to move to John Day Oregon, another daughter Donna and family having already taking up residence there.  The evenings would find the two sitting outside, exchanging memories from years past,  a coherent understanding of life being accorded. Gary understanding their situation, the pressure felt by Fran, her family moving to the west coast, and his sudden appearance, with only an internet introduction,  all disrupting her Winter Park world and both realizing, a decision of marriage would be questioned by many. 

.  The time had finally come, Gary proposing,  asking Fran to marry and bond with him on life’s journey,   Fran accepting.     July 30th,  a  special day for Gary Michael Willson, and Frances Marion Wilcoxson, the two to be united in matrimony.   The couple leaving the Winter Park  residence,  journeying to Suite 3 50  in the  Orlando Orange County Courthouse. Entering the matrimonial office, Fran’s employment store manager, Liz Loretti,  waiting their arrival,  her enthusiasm blossoming for the event about to unfold.  Gary seeing the  formality of contractual papers, and license fee’s were fulfilled.  The couple not the only ones to be joined in matrimonial union,  a waiting period commencing for two other couples.   A door opened,  and a joyous couple accompanied by several guests exited. Gary, Fran and Liz entering the specially designated room for the ceremony,  a state authorize matrimonial clerk with the title Justice Of The Peace introducing herself, informing them, she was to perform the acceptance of the wedding vows. 

.  Gary and Fran standing on a raised arbor platform before the Justice of the Peace, with the banding of rings, both emitting the effervescence  of the  ceremony, as they were pronounced husband and wife. Surprisingly Liz was the emotional one,  Gary realizing,  Liz valued Fran friendship far more than just a loyal employee.   The climatic ceremony fulfilled,  having no other functions to proclaim, the couple returning to their parked rental car.  Upon approaching the car, Gary noticed a slip of paper beneath the wiper blade,  discovering a police citation, the rental car having  been ticketed for an expired license tag,  the two finding a little humor to start their first hour of marriage. 

.  The couple having discussed the pro’s and con’s of remaining in Florida or moving to California,  Gary letting the decision rest with Fran, but knowing  Fran’s  daughter Donna and her family was now residing in Oregon and her eldest Daughter Jeanette and her two children having just left for the eastern Oregon town.  Gary was understanding, realizing that Fran was sacrificing years of effort, leaving her home, friends,  and an established life placing, a blind trust in someone she had corresponded with for over a year, but in person for only two weeks.    Fran having acquired many friends during her employment at the Dollar Tree store,  among them were those which she called the scooter brigade,  a proud group of elderly people whom traversed in electric scooter chairs to provide their shopping chores.  Upon hearing of Fran’s Marriage and that she would soon depart, the scooter brigade made an appearance, the couple being invited to Richard and his friend Christie’s small apartment for dinner.   The elderly couple providing a delightful meal,  Gary couldn’t help but smile,  noting the jars filled with individual packaged condiments,  salt, pepper, sugar, mustard, ketchup,  and other complementary supplements provided by fast food establishments.  Lightheartedly understanding there  were many with disabilities, and retirement age stressed with deficit financial burdens.

.  The moving endeavor beginning in earnest,  the newlyweds deciding on a yard sale to reduce some of Fran’s accumulated household items.  The yard sale having little response from the ad placed in the paper, Fran’s landlord purchasing the appliances and yard equipment.  Gary proceeding to the Budget Rental Complex north of town, judging that a 16 foot. box van should hold all the household goods.   With the help of Richard, who conveniently rose from his motorized wheelchair to help,  the loading began,  but there was a problem,  Gary had misjudged the amount of furnishings, it became apparent,   the sixteen foot truck was too small.   The only alternative was to get a larger truck,  the rental already three-quarters full would have to be returned, the Florida hot August afternoon temperature influencing his decision.  Gary driving the partially loaded truck back to budget,  explaining the situation, the Budget complex manager agreeing to have the load transferred to a 24 foot truck, but for a loading price,  what could one say, it was the only game in town.  Loading the remaining articles, Gary understood what it was like for Fran to say farewell to a part of your life, their journey west beginning.

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Leaving Orlando on I – 75

.  The late afternoon finding the newlyweds having secured and loaded their Budget rental truck, and Sammi, Fran’s Deer Chihuahua readied for the journey west.  A concern about Fran, as they said farewell to her Granada Drive residence, and the memories of the past harboring with inn.  With the exertion of moving, the lateness of the hour, and Gary’s aversion to driving at night in unfamiliar surroundings,  it was decided to get a bite to eat and spend a final night in the Orlando area.  A morning awakening at the Best Western Mount  Vernon Inn in Winter Park,  the rental truck discovering Interstate 75,  the north  south, central corridor of Florida.   As the hours passed,  Gary not fathoming the length of the sunshine state,  the drive finally intersecting Interstate 10 in the Florida Panhandle, providing  a westward turn.

.  The rental truck with its 55 mph governor was going to make a long journey seem even longer.  Crossing the Alabama state line, saying goodbye to Florida, not realizing the interstate distance to cross Alabama from Florida to Mississippi in this part of the state was only 62 miles.  Coming into view,  entering the George C Wallace tunnel beneath the Mobile River, exiting with a panoramic view of the cities high-rises. Having spent over 10 hours on the road, Mobile was designated for the night’s stay. Gary being aware the interstate motels would be located on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, and more than likely an exit sign posting for food and lodging.

.  The threesome spending the night at a motel 6, courtesy of a food and lodging interstate posing.    once again traveling west on Interstate 10, a 70 mile sprint across the lower part of Mississippi at 55 mile per hour.  Once in Louisiana at the interstate exchange, 10 goes south to New Orleans, interstate 12 is inaugurated for 85 mile to  Baton Rouge,  where interstate 10  its westward trek resumes crossing  the  Mississippi river.   the iconic waterway  hosting the vessels of commerce,  as it continues on  its 2,340 mile journey to the gulf.  Still another 10 hour journey, A brief Sammi stop in Beaumont Texas,   the home of the  1901 Spindletop oil field,  and the gusher which blew in  for 9 days, at a rate estimated at,  100,000 barrels of oil per day,  and led the United States’ into the oil era.

.  Continuing on the travelers leaving interstate 10 at Houston to travel north on interstate 45,  the couple calling it a day at Conroe Texas.  A feeling of home, the congenial lady behind the motel counter addressing him with that slow Texas southern draw.  Gary having traveled for several years in Texas from his band playing days,  recognizing the commonality of these gracious people.  The couple spending their second night on the road before resuming their trip north on Interstate 45.  Gary appreciative of Fran’s knowledge diversity, there being no lack of conversation because of subject matter.  The driver with the pedal to the metal or a reasonable facsimile,  happy to be back on familiar turf as they journeyed thru Dallas, boarding interstate 35 towards the Red River with Oklahoma looming.

.  The rental truck arriving in Oklahoma City, a surrogate home to Gary for almost twenty years.  The drive to  3019  Southwest hundred 24th Street was second nature,  his daughter Marlo’s family  sharing  half of her mother’s duplex.   Gary ringing the doorbell, not receiving a response,  stepping next door,  Kaye coming to the door,  somewhat startled to see her ex-husband,  presuming that he was still in California,  having no idea that he had journeyed to Florida and now was married.  Gary briefly explaining the situation, having detoured to Oklahoma City so Marlo could meet Fran.  Kaye briefly saying,  Marlo, Chris and the Kids were at a house they were looking at in Moore,  giving him directions.  Gary thanking her and asking if you would care to meet Fran who was sitting in the truck,  her answer was blunt, “I think not”.  Upon arrival at the Moore location, discovering his daughter and son in-law Chris were at  a storm causality home,  a victim of the May 3rd,  F5 tornado with winds of 318 mph that destroyed over 1780 residential homes.

.  Gary at a loss for a means to communicate his unexpected marriage in a way to initiate some understanding from Marlo,  but she brushed aside his words without any acknowledgement, instead directed the conversation to talking about the deluge of damaged and devastation caused by the tornado.  He had hoped for a better introduction,  but realized it was futile, ending the visit, they still had a long trip ahead of them.  Gary deciding they would spend the night in Oklahoma city, staying at the Motel 6, across meridian Avenue from where spent almost five years of his life performing six nights a week in the 60’s and 70’s at the Pirates Cove Club,  in the now removed Holiday Inn West.

.  The morning found them heading northwest to Kiowa, his home for 20 years and to introduce Fran to some of the special Kansas people he had worked with.  Gary having made this journey numerous times for more than 22 years,  a sense of  melancholy filtering in,  his explanation,  it might be a long time or never traversing this roadway again.   The drive thru Okarche,  Kingfisher, Dover, Hennessy and Waukomis, crossing the Cimarron River, the dampness bouquet of the  pasture land,  the many memories all being way-stops in road of life.

The Budget rental truck having departed Oklahoma,  Crossing the Kansas Stateline at Kiowa, the view of the water tower presenting a welcome to the 12 square block community.  Gary making a decision to go by the Price apartments , his past residence,  one last memorable time , before driving the three blocks to the Kiowa Hospital.

  The two entering the medical facility,  Gary greeted with smiles, introducing Fran to the staff, giving special  notice to special friends, Glenda Holdaway,  Gay Farney and a pillar of hospital healthcare, Director of Nursing Sharon Ragan.  To Gary the Kiowa community was home,  the Apostolic Christian Church,  the years working at the John Deere affiliate, Kiowa Service Company, USD 255, the Grade School and the Kiowa District Hospital and Manor.  His move to California  having closed the door on a miraculous part of his life,  but his marriage to Fran has opened another.

. The couples visit with one more stop, having made a prior phone call to his daughter Sandra,  who would be in Kiowa, making arrangements to meet and have a lunch at the Ranch House restaurant.  Sandra was the exact opposite of Marlo, it was like night and day.  Gary choosing to remain somewhat silent during the meal, witnessing Sandra’s acceptance of Fran as family, the two carrying on a conversation like they had known each other forever.  With a two lane Oklahoma blacktop drive awaiting, saying goodbye to Sandra, his Princess,  was difficult.  The road was familiar, the rental truck pilot having  traveled the southwest rural route to intersect Interstate 40 from Kiowa before, their goal was to attain Amarillo before dark,  but with the lateness of the afternoon stopping for fuel,  they noticed a marquee, We Accept Pets,  at the Irish Inn at Shamrock Texas,  deciding they had traveled enough for one day.  

 Spending the night, the August Texas morning sun in Amarillo greeting the voyagers, canine Sammi, finally comfortable with riding in a truck.  It was  the beginning of another long drive on the Interstate, saying goodbye to Texas entering New Mexico,  skirting metropolitan  Albuquerque on the Interstate 40 bypass. Gary remembering 38 years ago, when old Route 66, which became interstate 40, traveled through the downtown business section.   Traversing the high plains of New Mexico, the dry expanse,  seemingly endless for the four lane Interstate.  Grants, then  Gallup, the small citadel remembered as a, one side of the tracks town.   Crossing into Arizona,  they could see the cumulus clouds building,  giving notice of a high plains thunderstorm, Gary hoping  it would pass, not looking forward to driving in the rain.  

The echoing sounds of thunder and the accompanying lightning from the darken aura of the circular accumulation,  the sky giving notice of  the storms presence.  The wind buffeting the truck, the wipers having difficulty adhering to their job.   Gary debating whether to continue or to stop and wait out the downpour.  His indecision was answered,  as the cloud cover and rain-diminished, and like the lifting of a blind,  the sun appeared, reflecting on the glistening pavement.   The twilight in the west beckoning them into Winslow Arizona before dropping below the horizon,  the way-stop of a town in the middle of nowhere, was given a nationally known address by the iconic Eagles Band with their song,  Take It Easy. “Well, I’m a-standin’ on a corner in Winslow  Arizona And such a fine sight to see,  It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flat-bed Ford,  Slowin’ down to take a look at me”  With the nightfall calling a halt to their journey the weary travelers stopping at the Winslow Inn, on the west side of town.

A Winslow morning and breakfast, the couple once again on the Interstate  and the incline to the elevated scenic city of Flagstaff.  Arriving, a  brief stop for  fuel, a panoramic view of the majestic San Francisco Peaks before  beginning their  downhill trek.   The couple enjoying the tree-lined descent,  when something that sounded like hail began hitting the windshield,  its intensity briefly rising in volume,  and as sudden as it began,  it stopped.  It was then noticed,  the evidence of its cause,  below the bottom of the windshield and pasted on the hood,  were the remains of numerous bees, apparently a swarm of bees  crossed the highway,  their pelting impact sounding just like hail,  a new experience.   Crossing the California Stateline,  passing through Needles,  a stop at the fruit inspection station, before  entering the  expanse of the 54,000 square miles of the Mojave Desert, that stretches north,  and east thru four states.   Continuing on to Barstow, departing  interstate 40,  progressing on California 58, only now in a northwestern direction,  the barren flatness of the Mojave desert still providing flora,   cactus, and the renown Joshua trees, a beauty only perceived by those with an inward recognition of nature.   

The desert soon giving way to the rise of the Tehachapi Mountains and the notorious highway pass,  once known for runaway trucks, often made famous in the cinematography productions of a past era,  with scenes of  truckers losing their brakes,  a reflection of the past remains, the highway still dotted with turn-off’s as a precaution.   The 24 foot rental discovering highway 99 at Bakersfield,  with the sun waning and a 4 1/2 hour drive yet remaining to destination,  Columbia,  a decision to halt for the night in Bakersfield was made to late,  Gary not wanting to turn around and go back.  Continuing on,  the familiar beckoning signs of motels once again began to appear,  the weary travelers would spend the night in the small town of Delano.   The morning finding the couple resuming the remaining 240 mile trek north, first through Fresno, and Merced, turning northeast on State 59  and its junction with  Highway 1 oh 8 to Sonora. 

The journey about to experience closure,  the final five miles of travel to Columbia coming swiftly,  the furniture laden rental truck traversing up his sister Nancy’s drive,  Gary and Fran’s 6 day 3,189 mile journey coming to a conclusion.

.  The 24 ft. Budget rental truck and its wayfarers mission from Orlando to Columbia fulfilled, the lyrics of the familiar Dave Dudley  song  Six Days On The Road sung by band member Kenny Kannada no longer abetting in Gary’s head.   The unloading began, his sister  Nan providing an enclosed area adjoining the garage,  capable of adhering all of the furnishing,  enabling a return of the 24 ft moving appliance to a retail Budget dealer in Jamestown.   The couple occupying what was affectionately called the Sleep Shack,  a two room building with a kitchenette, restroom and sleeping accommodations for friends or family when visiting overnight.

.  Gary’s first order of business after returning the rental truck was to retrieve his 97 Buick that remained at his brother-in-law Don De Valle’s mother’s home in San Mateo as a safe haven while in Florida.  Gary riding with Don on his Monday morning commute to the Bay Area , The second order was not one of self, but one of acceptance by others, that his decision to marry was made from the heart and to dispel any doubts about his love for Fran. The two newlyweds settling in after their long journey, able to take time to contemplate the stages of who, what and where, their future and livelihood still in a state of limbo.

.  A morning driver found  the couple on a journey to the bay area, passing thru the Altamont pass, its 54,000 acre windmill presence standing out, a novice for electrical power but a vision of the future. Gary and Fran conveying the Buick to interstate 580 towards the remnants of a boyhood memory,  The six lane traffic laden interstate a replacement for the memorable Mountain Blvd,  the two lane blacktop the wandering entry through the East Oakland Hills.   The Buick navigating the Keller Ave. exit, voyaging up the four blocks to Greenly Dr. and over one block to his corner lot boyhood home at Shone Ave then traversing up Shone to its summit where one could look down on the vista of Oakland, San Francisco Bay, the  Bridges and San Francisco itself in the distance.   Gary pointing out the steep incline of 82nd Ave. that dwelled down to MacArthur Blvd and Castlemont high school,  pointing out that the walk to school was always more enjoyable than the return.  Once again continuing on #580 toward the bay,  approaching the toll booths for Bay Bridge, noticing the toll price was $2.00  remembering when it was only .25 cents.

.  On the San Francisco side of the Bay Bridge one is greeted by a familiar landmark, not the Ferry Building that was built in 1898 but the aromatic bouquet emitting from Hills Brothers Coffee on the Embarcadero below the bridge, a welcoming to the city by the bay.  Gary having found long ago the most direct way to Golden Gate Park was to follow the familiar overhead power  lines  of the No. 5 McAllister electric-powered bus he had taken as a youngster.  The couple arriving at the renowned Park,  with the Natural History Museum,  the Aquarium, and the de Young Museum, the two touring the exhibits, marshaling their time, Gary deciding to move on,  traveling west down Fulton Ave, coming into view were the cascading  white tips of the breakers announcing the presence of the blue pacific.   A brief stop at the ocean having one more objective before returning back to Columbia,  North Beach and  Pier 39,  the traffic laden haven for tourist better known as Fisherman’s Wharf.

.  The couple enjoying the sundry shops,  the abundance tourist activity,  the showmanship of the street vendors, but before departing,  deciding to board a Red & White fleet Bay Cruise boat. The journey  under the Golden Gate Bridge, the rolling swells,  from the afternoon incoming tide making its presence,  Gary and Fran  experiencing the wind swept sea breeze mist, and in some ways, sharing a moment in time like the seafarers before them.   The boat turning about but not retracing its course back,  but casting  itself towards the infamous  Alcatraz, the island presence still foreboding.  The cruise heading back, the boat navigating into its slip, Gary wondering if those aboard left with a vision of another place in time.  The two finding this experience and the day well worth the time and effort, the journey to San Francisco an emprise, Gary once again putting the Buick on the road back to Columbia.

Continuing to stay at his sister’s in Columbia, Gary becoming keenly aware of his employment status,  keeping abreast to opportunities in the Sonora Union Democrat, hesitant about returning to a EMT or  hospital contingency,  but still willing to allocated his maintenance experience.  Noticing in the paper,  the woodland Columbia College was in search of a full time maintenance person.  Decided to investigate, submitting a brief resume’ at the college, just over a mile from his sisters, being informed he would be contacted by phone.  It was several days before summoned where a committee was assembled for the interview.  On arrival being directed to a small conference building off a tree-lined path, the  58 year old couldn’t help but notice that he was much older than the other applicants.  During the interview he found the job wasn’t for a maintenance person,  but for an on call custodian who would do routine cleaning and set up chairs for school activities.  Receiving the perfunctory phone call,  the position had been filled, Gary wasn’t surprised, continuing to monitor the paper, remembering hearing an adage, opportunity is like bus’s,  there’s always another one coming.

.  Gary  remained aware of his unemployment status,  having continued to monitor the Sonora Union Democrat for employment opportunities,   noticing the Columbia Village Apartments having placed an ad,  accepting applications for a soon to open facility management position,  by the, Apartment Investment & Management Company.  One of the largest owner operators of multifamily apartment housing companies in the country.    Gary approaching Fran with his recent discovery, pointing out that with her bookkeeping and business management skills,  his maintenance experience  they would make an ideal team for the position.    Fran somewhat hesitant then agreeing,  the couple setting about documenting their resume’,  Gary traveling to the Columbia Village location,  just over a mile east them on Parrots Ferry Road,  leaving the resumes’,  being told he would notified.

.  The couple expecting a long wait,  but to their astonishment receiving a phone call the following afternoon asking them to meet with the complex manager for an interview.  Gary and Fran arriving,  the interview going well,  but as expected the result was indecisive, informed there were other applicants,  but  they would be notified as to a decision.  The phone rang and it was the expected call,  requesting the couple meet again,  this time scheduling a meeting  with a corporate representative at a recently opened AIM CO Apartment complex in Sonora.

. An ensuing  evening trip to Sonora, their AIM CO host began by providing information about the responsibilities and duties of facility manager,  the security of the building and residence, questioning Gary about his maintenance capabilities,  and referencing the company’s belief  it was  beneficial to have a husband and wife team with both fiscal management and maintenance skills.  The interview was completed,  the couple leaving  but still no employment confirmation. The following morning the couple received their third phone call from AIMCO  notifying they had been accepted for the position and to meet at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon at the Columbia Village office.  The afternoon arrival  finding a conjugal hostess introducing  them to the paperwork that accompanied new employees and handing them an itinerary for a two-week training course that was to begin in three days.  Gary was about to mentioned  fiscal compensation when the lady  brought up the subject, their position  would of course provide an apartment and monthly salary, their total employment package in excess of $47,000 per year.   She continued that their new working environment would not be in Sonora or Tuolumne County,  but a new complex in Roseville,  18 miles northwest of Sacramento, it was about to inaugurate a Grand Opening and there would be an influx of new tenants.  The drive back,  Gary elated,  he and Fran having found a once in a lifetime opportunity where they could both work together and begin a substantial life.

. The schedule was set for the training sessions to begin,  Gary making a phone call about their first session time,  Fran asking him to  inquire about pets at the new facility.  Gary interjecting the question during his phone conversation,  being told that upon initiating a new complex opening,  the policy was, no pets allowed.   Upon hearing this,  Gary knew there was no way they could accept the management offer,  giving Fran the news about the no pet  policy, and acknowledging the hopeless situation.  Gary noticing a change in Fran,  a standoffish ere, wondering if she felt like she was responsible for their loss of opportunity.   Gary was disappointed with the circumstances, but having been through many disappointments in life,  had learned something more meaningful than disappointment,  that was understanding.   Deciding it best to drive to Columbia Village,  giving the AIMCO management the explanation, because of the no pet policy, they would have to decline the position.  

. Fran displaying a disquiet disposition not serious but problematic,  Gary reason it was  because of the lack of intuitiveness and their failure to obtain a mutual goal.  Fran having mentioned she would like to visit her cousin Rhoda in New Jersey,  Gary agreeing that it might  give the couple time to recoup from this their first marital set back.  With an airline reservation obtained, they made a late afternoon drive,   spending the night in Oakland rather than San Francisco for the early morning flight east.  The return drive to Columbia was enduring,  Gary concluding,  him and Sammi would have to wait for Fran to reconcile any misgivings,  for time can heal what reason cannot.  

1217 Blue Daisy Way

.  With Fran still back east visiting her cousin Rhoda, in Vineland New Jersey, the weekend found a new amortization,  Gary’s sister Nancy asking him to accompany her to Modesto,  having  recently evicted tenets from her single family rental house at 1217 Blue Daisy Way after receiving several phone calls from neighbors about their conduct.   The last phone from Dr. Eric Ramos,  Chief of Staff at Doctors Medical Center who resided next door, it was his call that resulted in the eviction action.

.  The two upon arrival discovering the  house and yard in disarray, the walls and ceiling of every room having been painted with yellow paint,  the backyard swimming pool filled with algae resembled something out of the movie “the Creature From the Black Lagoon”.   The original longtime renters were an elderly Hispanic couple, but apparently family member of a younger generation had replaced them at some point in the past without his sister’s knowledge.   It was reported they parked cars on the unkept  lawn, had outlandish loud music and parties with come and go traffic at all hours giving cause for the neighbor to suspect a crack house.  Gary considering the condition, could see that it would take more than weekend trips to rectify all the damage, mentioning to his sister that he would be willing to move to Modesto and work at restoring it to a satisfactory condition, giving thought to the possibly of renting it.

.  Driving to Groveland to inform his sister Katherine of his intentions, borrowing her pickup to transport the bed and other possessions from his move from Kiowa.  The Kitchen appliances in the Modesto house remained, with the exception of the refrigerator,. Gary running across Aaron’ Used Appliance on South 9th Street. which sold used refrigerators for less than nothing.  With the utilities service, internet and phone turned on, the reparation process, including repairing the hinges and guides on all the cabinets and draws of the built-ins began, the final project was having new carpet install throughout. 

.  Once again borrowing the pickup,  he began a two day ordeal, making several trips per day, relocating all of Fran’s furnishings transported from Florida to Columbia and his remaining possessions from Groveland with the exception of the piano.  Gary having just completed his moving endeavor, the furnishing and boxes yet to be organized when Fran, who had never seen the house,  called giving notice of  her impending return.

.  Her timing was impeccable, Gary having no desire to arrange the furnishings at 1217 Blue Daisy Way,  and was more than satisfied to leave the house hold furniture placement up to Fran, instilling a confidence  their life together would be one of shared decisions, and their new home would provide a renewed genesis.  

.  The ensuing drive to San Francisco found Gary not alone,  Fran’s welcoming wouldn’t be appropriate without the third member of the family, Sammi.  Gary once again able to see a light at the end of the tunnel, with the Willson’s establishing a residency in Modesto 

.   Gary once again  began the pursuit of employment,  scanning the help wanted section of the Modesto Bee,   searching for suitable vocation,  discovering a sundry of opportunities.   Finding an interesting prospect,  journeying to Oakdale to submit an application and interview for a flight cargo coordinator position with Sierra West Aviation, an air freight carrier based at the Oakdale Airport.  The Oakdale audience was a formality, filling out an employee application, submitting a resume’,  being briefed,  the post entailed preparing manifests, coordinating airport pickups and delivery for arrivals and departures at various destinations.   Gary having experienced this coordination with the John Deere Company, having provided for custom cutter customers on the Harvest Trail. The interview coming to a conclusion, the outcome coming as expected, “we’ll get back to you”.   The following morning an unexpected call for a second interview,  but this time with the operations manager.   Arriving, Gary again related his past John Deere experience in preparing manifests,  inventory paperwork, coordinating and confirming pickup and delivery.  The interview completed, leaving with a feeling of confidence,  the prospects for acquiring the position was beginning to look good,  but a phone call the next morning brought disappointment, his employment search to continue.

. The search for employment endured,  Gary’s savings in the bank still a lone provision for their livelihood,  Fran joining the pursuit of employment discovering a help wanted ad for the McHenry Avenue Dollar Tree.  Acknowledging her prior years of service in Florida,  she was immediately hired,  working the early morning shift, commencing at 4 A M,   accepting incoming freight, restocking the shelves.  Fran being a non driver and with no public transportation at that hour,  Gary found himself on the morning shift,  providing her early morning transportation to work and her return in the afternoon. Continuing his search,  he interviewed with a company accessing inventory, putting a team of inventory data people together,  to count shelf items in stores. The morning paper giving notice for a maintenance position at the Modesto Parkway Plaza Wall Mart store. 

. That afternoon found him driving across town to the Park Plaza store,  seeking out the Human Resource person,  attaching his type written resume’ to a filled out Wall Mart employment application.  The next morning he received a call from the inventory company notifying him of his acceptance, and scheduling a meeting day and time.  No sooner had he got off the phone,  he received a second call, it was Wall Mart, the  Human Resource lady asking  if he could be available for an interview at 2 P M.  The afternoon Wall Mart  interview with H R was brief,  and as before received  the standard answer  “we’ll notify you”.  Returning home he was undecided whether to just go ahead and follow up with the inventory position when the phone rang again, it was Wall Mart,  his orientation and employment would commence in the morning.   Gary was amazed,  two job confirmations in one day, but more amazing was the expediency of Wall Mart’s hiring,  neither position high paying,  but at least a working opportunity.

. Wall Mart’s process for hiring was a new experience,  a drug test,  a signature for permission to acquisition his DMV and law enforcement records, accompanied with a scheduled computerized maintenance and safety test.  Gary discovering the test somewhat inefficacious having to watch four hours of safety videos,  then  a five-part, ten question test about interactive maintenance procedure skills, most which were not relative.   The orientation completed,  Gary finding the  hours were from 11:00 p m. to 7:30 a m in the morning in the 24 hour accessible store.   The first evening on the job, discovering the crew of eight wasn’t contingent for performing actual maintenance, they were custodians,  responsible for floors, restrooms and clean-up duties, vacuuming the offices and trash,  all plumbing, lighting and other repair requirements were subcontracted out.   Wall Mart having a single custodian person on duty during the day and early evening,    responsible for cleaning up spills and cleanliness of restrooms and  the lunch room.   The Crew Chief assigning the night crew their work assignments,  stripping and waxing various section of the floor,  vacuuming the vast store area carpet, which could entail three hours, followed by a low-speed buffer top scrubbing of the carpet for stains, and riding the propane driven powered buffers over the vinyl flooring. 

. The custodial experience was nothing new, having worked five years at the Kiowa Grade School as a custodian/driver, but he was more impressed with the work ethic of the other department employees,  finding the managers of the various sales departments would arrive during the early morning hours,  some as early as  5:00 A.M. to ready their department for the days expected traffic, filling inventories, rearranging and stocking the departments shelves. 

. The store prevailed a representative Safety Committee,  meeting once a month to discuss workman’s comp and safety issues,  also offered as a benefit,  stock offerings and medical insurance for all employees, designated as associates.  For some, the only disparity being the hourly wage earners were required to clock out for their two 15 minute breaks,  their off the clock time compensate.  A 30 minute lunch being a normal clock out situation, Gary discovered  clocking in and out for breaks as well as a 30 minute so-called lunch was to his advantage.   By not taking any breaks he was able to combine the two 15 minute break allowances with his 30 minutes lunch,  providing him an hour to clock out, stop at the Jack in the Box drive thru, drive home and have Fran at the Dollar Tree at 4 a m, and clock back in with his return.  He realized that his Wall Mart maintenance $7.75 per hour employment was a dollar more than the Walmart starting wage, and 2 dollars more than minimum wage.  But still was just a stop gap measure, determined to continue his search,  attesting it was just a matter of time before he would encounter a more applicable precedence.

. Six weeks having expired when destiny made its  appearance,  in the form of the help wanted section in the Modesto Bee.  Colony Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a 99 bed skilled nursing facility,  located on East Orangeburg Avenue less than two miles from the Willson’s  Blue Daisy Way residence, was in need of a full time Maintenance Supervisor.  Gary jumping at the chance,  submitting an edited resume’  to Colony Park,   deciding not to  include his current employment at Walmart,  discerning it might be a detriment,  considering  the other positions he had held in the past.  To account for his employment time in California he listing his last employment reference as working for Sierra Management Corporation in Groveland, the company name of one of his sister Katherine’s  LLC’s, calling to give her a heads up,  she might receive a call from Colony Park.  His notification  wasn’t in vain, Kay having received a call from the Administrator at Colony Park,  giving her brother a notable,  but honest recommendation.   The call  was forth coming, requesting him to be present for an interview the following afternoon.

. Gary was somewhat apprehensive, but confident, arriving at Colony Park, appropriately attired in a sports coat and tie at his appointed time.  Entering,  he noticed two others who appeared to be waiting applicants dressed in jeans seated in the lobby awaiting their interview opportunity.  Gary directed to the administrator’s office,  being introduced to three gentlemen,  the Colony Park administrator,  Dave Yarborough,  Brad Kikuta, a corporate vice president,  and Arden Bennett, the CEO of  the eight facilities that comprised Health Care Management Corporation.   Gary soon found his questioning being conducted, not by the administrator of the facility or the corporate vice president,  but by Arden Bennett, the Corporate CEO. 

. Bennett explaining the facility having had some difficulty,  the administrator having hired four maintenance supervisors in the past year, none proving satisfactory,  and that Colony Park was entering a new phase, it was to be the first Healthcare Management facility to apply for Jay coe,  Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization membership.   Gary couldn’t believe what he was hearing,  as he was very familiar with the organization, having worked with JCAHO representatives during his tenure as president of the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association.    He related his experience to the CEO,   as a member and president of the KHEA  he attended many JCAHO seminars and had written hospital maintenance policies to JCAHO specifications.  Questioned about his maintenance experience, he concluded he was versed in all aspects of healthcare facility maintenance,  from the operation and maintenance of the physical plant to the intricacy of servicing patient care equipment. 

. Gary leaving the interview confident, his answer coming after a two-day wait, David Yarborough calling asking how soon he could start, that he could commence his orientation immediately,  then the disappointing news,  Gary’s request for $16.00 an hour was rejected, relegated to  accepting 12 50 as a starting wage.   The afternoon found Gary traversing to Wal-Mart to address his departure, meeting with the congeal Human Resource lady,  turning in his time card, apologizing for such a short notice of his departure,  explaining that he had found a better opportunity,  her smile relieving his displeasure for not fulfilling his obligation,  her reply “this happens to us all the time.”

. Gary’s vista having risen,  his employment at Colony Park giving him a contingency to affirm his years of Plant Service Manager experience.   He soon  discovered the healthcare facility void of anyone with real comprehensive knowledge of a structural plant systems,  including his acquired maintenance assistant, Reyes Hernandez, called Ray, whom directed him on a tour of  the building and premises.    The 99 bed skilled nursing facility maintained a staff numbering over 100, with a continuing 90 plus residential census.  The building encompassing  four wings in the shape of an X,  one wing,   a locked down certified Alzheimer’s unit,  equipped with a keypad exit but also with a fire alarm release mechanism for the door and the units patio gate.   The building  encompassing 32 restrooms and six shower stalls,  plus the  department offices, kitchen, dining and activity rooms.

. Gary finding his only disappointment, expecting an updated facility,  but discovering the building was built in 1964 and lacked few improvement since that era.  The upside to his work environment,  the yard work was contracted out,  no mowing, the total lawn area was on an automated sprinkler system.  His designated office was in 16 by 42 foot shop,  northeast of the building,  accommodating a storage area for maintenance, housekeeping,  custodial and laundry supplies.  The shop was in total disarray without organization,  an electric wall heater for winter and a swamp cooler for summer.   Gary’s first priority was to make it presentable,  giving a semblance of organization, inquiring and receiving a computer,  connected to the core system in the conference room, ready for the virtuous tasks that he knew were on the horizon.

. Gary as a new employee having respect for Administrator David Yarborough,  a retired Army Officer with a college degree in business administration,  but soon finding the other department heads had little regard for him,  and for some reason  the corporate entity, Healthcare Management had put him on probation.   Within two months of Gary’s arrival the administrator  was relieved of his position and transferred to the Merced facility as temporary administrator,  then relieved of his employment,  Brad the Corporate Vice President assuming a temporary position of Administrator  

. Brad, fluent in the Japanese language,  his parents American citizens,  their Valley farmland confiscated during world war II,  then being placed in an internment camp, the youth growing up in the San Joaquin Valley,  a graduate of Fresno State University.   Brad as a person was a confirmed bachelor with a regimented life,  dawning the day with a 5 a.m. calling  at Gold’s Gym every morning,  arriving at work at 7a.m.,  conducting the department head staff meetings at 9a.m.   Most mornings  finding him departing the building for his corporate duties at their offices in Madera or visiting one of the other facilities,  entrusting the everyday management of Colony Park to the Department Heads.  

. The Maintenance Supervisor having  progressed three months into his duties when Brad entreated him to his office,  asking Gary if he would be willing to expand his responsibilities by accepting a position appropriating the addition of the Housekeeping,  Custodial, and Laundry departments,  while still concurring his maintenance duties.  It was  Day jà vu,  Gary recalling the very same circumstance happening 10 years earlier following his employment at the Anthony Hospital in Kansas.  Brad conferring his new job description as Environmental Services Supervisor, Gary accepting,  but not without experiencing an inner feeling of compassion,  as Shirley,  the housekeeping and laundry supervisor,  given notice, exited in tears. 

. Included with the added responsibilities was a substantial pay raise,  discovering he and the Director of Nursing,  Carolyn Hauser,  were the only two salaried staff employees.   The new responsibilities made for a longer day,  retaining his 7 A M appearance on most days,  his eight hours extending sometimes into a ten-hour day.  Gary settling in to his new position recalling, It’s not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourself.

.  Gary reviewing his staff of 13,  the housekeeping department exceedingly  responsive, never a problem,  Mary Speiss,  Kamala Prasad and Suarjeni Prasad always fulfilling responsibilities with an outstanding work ethic.   The custodial crew responding applicable,  not always the case in the laundry, discovering without a doubt the laundry was by far the most demanding and the worst assignment,  not only in his department but in the facility.  The starting wage paying the least and the performance level very demanding with two shifts,  the first starting at 5:00 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m., the second beginning at 3:30, ending at midnight, a turnover of personnel was inevitable.   The two-hour pause between the two shifts causing an interruption with the necessary output flow and  service.

.  Gary remedying this by fulfilling the two-hour laundry needs himself, sorting the barrels of residents clothes,  sheets,  towel and incontinent pads,  keeping the washers and dryers fulfilling their purpose.   On occasion members of the housekeeping staff would help during their break time,  including  Administrator Brad Kikuta stopping by to fold sheets, towels and pads from the four dryers that continued  their never-ending cycles.  The only bright note in laundry Services was Louise Bruns, able to gathered unmarked residences personal apparel, placing items on hangers and delivering them to the correct dresser drawer and closets in each room.  Louise a wondrous person,  the only person able to fulfill this position without difficulty,  her memory of the residence personal clothing was beyond expectation.

.  Gary having never experienced a utility co-generation system.  Mounted in a covered mechanical systems area at the rear of the facility was a Chevrolet natural gas powered 350 cubic inch V8 engine, which operated 24 hours a day, coupled to a generator providing 110 volt AC to the building grid, and supplied heated water to the fan coil units that heated the facility rooms, and in the summer,  supplied the heated water to four heat absorption air conditioning units with their 16 foot high motor cooling towers.  Completing the Physical Plant equipment was a 50 KW Onan diesel standby generator supplying electricity for selective circuits during a power failure.  Gary discovering  the fire-alarm,  smoke detectors and sprinkler system a mirror of his past experience.

.  Nick Barton, the corporation’s computer consultant approached Gary about Dietary Supervisors, Saushi Singh’s kitchen office stand alone computer being in need of a cabled online presence with the main server in the conference room.   Gary after surveying the situation,  realizing the difficulty, the crawl space traversing above the kitchen, break room, business office, plus having to drill thru two fire walls before entering the conference room crawlspace.  After some thought, Gary remembering a similar circumstance when installing  Kiowa Hospital’s  ER ambulance; and front door entrance cameras, having run the ER cable down the side of the building, entering above the lobby and into the nurses station.  This situation was no different,  run the cable out of the kitchen  down the building and back into the conference room.   Gary realizing it was somewhat unorthodox,  but the finished results worked.

.  Healthcare Management and Colony Parks goal,  was now focused on receiving a  Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization,   JCAHO  certification.   Gary being introduced to Susan,  a consultant hired by Healthcare Management, a previous employee of the Joint Commission.   The consultant ceding Gary a six-inch thick  binder containing the Jaycoe seven directories for safety management,  each directory requiring written facility policies and procedural protocol.   The thick binder contained the 7  stipulated programs for safety management.   Safety, Medical Equipment,  Emergency Preparedness,  Utilities,  Security,  Fire Safety,  and Hazardous Material,  Gary’s responsibility being to address each individual program with written management policies and procedure’s appreciable to Colony Park .  The bulk of the JCAHO four  inch tabbed binder alone made for apprehension, one could foresee it unmanageable with the addition of the Colony Park policy and procedural documentation.  Gary having a simple but innovating  remedy,  separating the directories into seven individual smaller binders,  addressing each management plan separately.  Spending hours on the computer and many evening hours at home addressing  JCAHO requirements.

.  The time of reckoning finally arriving,  the department supervisors introduced to an elderly JCAHO surveyor at a special morning department head meeting,  giving notice that if all went well he should conclude his survey in three days.  Environmental Services was last to meet with the  representative, Gary entering the conference room discovering  Brad was in attendance.   Gary no longer having a single enlarged binder of the JCAHO  management plans, spreading  seven  labeled individual binders on the table, each binder addressing a management plans.  The representative taken aback,  asking for an explanation,  Gary explaining the seven  plans would be better  addressed individually than as group, it would provide a more focused complaisant presentation.   The JCAHO representative seemed impressed,   giving Gary an assurance,  he had done well.

.  The final meeting,  the JCAO representative announcing to the department supervisors, Colony Park had qualified for certification.  Then something unexpected, the surveyor giving a special recognition to Gary,  asking the department supervisors to applaud him, that in his twenty years of certifying facilities,  Gary was the first to pass the seven safety management plans without a deficiency.  Gary acknowledging his recognition from his professional co workers,  and inwardly, the cultural diversity of its makeup,  an existence and relationship he had never experienced before.