A Great Catch

“A human-being is part of the whole called by as “universe”, a part limited in time and space.  He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.  This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us.  Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” --Albert Einstein 
On Sunday, this past December 19th I picked-up my brother, Tony, and his wife, Helen at the shipping docks in San Pedro.  They had gone on a cruise.  They seemed to have had a pleasant time.  I had picked them up from LAX-Airport the previous Sunday.  It was a fun family feeling to just see them even if it was just a short spell. 

I am thankful.  I guess that’s the catch phrase during the holidays.  People need to spread the love and compassion.  Alan and I caught the new Tom Hanks movie called PHILADELPHIA on opening release night of December 22nd.  It was rather depressing but Hanks did a great job depicting the character being discriminated against.  I’ll need something more cheerful to see soon.  
I received a sweet Christmas card from my first cousin, Shonette West-Freestone and her new family (husband, Andrew and baby Tori Michele Freestone).  Shonette wrote: 
1993 Dear Michael, So sweetie, how are you?  I hope you are doing well.  I really wish we were able to see each other more often!  I really miss all of our little talks we used to have.  Mainly about our relatives and our present happenings!   So tell me, how’s the dating material in L.A.?  I heard it’s pretty hot.  Two girls for every guy.  Tell me, is it true?  Okay cous...I’ve been married for 2 ½ years now and I even had a baby.  Why is all this time haven’t I heard about your wedding bells or even a girlfriend?  I’m curious.  Why’s a good-looking guy like you not taken yet?   You’re ‘a great catch’.  I must say!  Well, next time you’re at your mom’s give me a jingle.  We’ll go out and do something.  I would really enjoy your company and conversation. Love ya, Shonette Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!  Andrew, Shonette and Tori Michele Freestone. 
Gloria and Jack seemed to be having fun sailing the high seas on their CRYSTAL cruise ship.  She sent two more postcards for our joyful pleasure (one addressed to Alan and the other to me):   12/23, Wednesday Hi Sweetheart (Alan), I saw the movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE.  It was great. 
Miss you loads!  Jack sleeps, eats, reads, plays bridge and walks the deck.  He’s having a great time.  Acapulco is a paradise with beautiful beaches, mountains, sand and ocean breezes. 
The trip is great.  Everything you want is here and more.  The staterooms are big with a large window and sitting area and comfortable beds.  The furnishings, accessories, lounges, dining rooms, pool, etc. Are truly down well   The service is superb, the food TOO GOOD.  I had a massage – fabulous! Love you much, Mommie and Jack Hi Michael...wish you were here.  
12/25 Hi Michael,   Just wanted you to have a picture of the ship.  It’s a very lively ship.  Things keep going on at all hours of the night.  The movies are good.  We saw HONEYMOON IN VEGAS yesterday.   
The Christmas decorations are beautiful and everything is very festive.   Affectionately, Gloria and Jack Hi Alan, miss you but having fun.  We met very nice people.  Keeping busy.  Love, Mommy 


I did manage a pre-Christmas visit to mom's house in Alameda.  I only got a few pics but they photos say it all.  Mom and Ashley up to their usual mischief; Holly on my lap, planning her next escapade and mom, decorating the tree. 



Alan and I went ahead with a Post-Christmas Day double-feature.  We saw GRUMPY OLD MEN.  I still adore Ann-Margret so I had to see it; however, it was just so-so.  The other movie we saw was just extraordinary.  A story called WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE.   It starred Johnny Depp but the standout was a young actor named Leonardo DiCaprio.  He was quite amazing.  I’m sure he’ll get some nominations as he played a mentally disabled young lad.  I really loved it.  I imagined the character, Arnie Grape, played by Leonardo, and what his inner mind must feel.  It must be a private genius. 
“We all live in our own reality.” --as heard while watching the 2019 Netflix film EARTHQUAKE BIRD