Out-Of-The-Realm

“Sometimes one just gets tired of fleeing.  The world’s very small when you don’t have anywhere to go.” --Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN 

My Aunt Lela Gallegos-Armijo-Rego wrote to me with some family updates this week.  It appears my cousin, Donna, and her husband, are still trying to find their way since moving back from the state of Washington.   I always enjoy hearing from my Aunt Lela.  Being in Los Angeles makes me feel a bit out-of-the-realm in my ability to see more of my family that is spread out all over the place.  I am currently well situated in my small world in a big city (Los Angeles).  

Hello Michael, 

It's taken me awhile to settle down after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the settling-in of the Payne’s.  Yep, Donna, Dave, Danielle, Veronica and lil Sarah have been with us since October and it doesn’t look like there’s a chance, they’ll be moved out very soon either due to the fact ‘no one’s working', so how will they be able to rent?  

Oh well, 800 square feet and one bathroom for seven people have done nicely, so far.   So, what’s a couple more months now?   

Danielle is such a beautiful little girl and such a help to Donna with the other two.  Danielle’s more ARMIJO than the two “little” (pains) Paynes.  Boy, those two are really something else, take after their dad as far as tempers go. 

We’ve been seeing a lot more of Joey lately, too.   

Poor Mona, she really feels alone up there now, after having Donna there for five years.  

Joey and Donna keep saying they're going to drive over to see your mom one day soon—but I’ll believe it when I see it.   

Joey, Donna and their families are going to spend President’s weekend at Troy Vigil’s in Sacramento.  Troy is always ready to put on a good cookout for family.  He’s a real family man, likes to have cousins over at every available chance.   

We’re still hoping the house sells soon, so we can get a portfolio going with investments through you.  We want to

plan one month off from work and family and travel, visit dear friends all over the USA.  Hopefully, a cruise to Alaska, too. 

Well, I’ll keep my prayers going that I’m not too physically messed-up as to not be able to enjoy

traveling. 

I’ve been through the mill again, rectal problems, polyps removed again, all that sick stuff from the bottom-up.  George has surgery on a hernia on Valentine’s Day.  What a day to spend ‘sweethearts' day’, huh?  Oh well, it has to be done.  We'll just have our special time for the day of lovers early.  That’s all.    

So, when are you planning another visit this way?  Do come see us when you’re around here. 

Take Care, God Bless,  

Love Always, Lela 

“I love you,” he says, and kisses her, known that the story. His story has not ended.  It has only just begun.-Carlos Ruiz Zafon, THE PRISONER OF HEAVEN