ronnio
 
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AARP Member
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Background
Name: Ronni
Birthday: October 29
Gender: Female
Status: Married
Religion: Spiritual
Location:
GLENDALE, California
United States
School:
Ranchito Elementary
Fulton Jr. High
Hoover High
Marshall High
Orange Coast College
Los Angeles City College
Cal State Northridge
Work:
Orange Coast College
Los Angeles City College
Bank of America
Datamatics
Glendale Unified School Dist.
Hometown(s):
Los Angeles (Silverlake, Griffith Park, Los Feliz, Atwater
Panorama City)
San Diego
Costa Mesa
Glendale
My Websites:
www.ronniontheweb.com
www.roseoaks.com
www.shinshinmugendo.com
Quote:
"Learn something new every day."; "Make someone smile every day."; "Live the Golden Rule."
    My Comments (7)

About Me



Interests:
Learning, Research, Internet, Genealogy, Ancient History, Sacred Sites, Languages, International Holidays & Festivals, International Handicrafts, Crows & Ravens, Cats, Ebenezer Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes, Collecting, Trees (especially Oaks), Halloween, Autumn, Symbolism, Charms & Amulets, Rocks & Minerals, Crossword Puzzles, Wildflowers & Herbs, L.A. Dodgers, and lots more!
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Basic Figure Eight
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Hangin' Out

I have a cousin named Sandra.  Actually, She was my father's first cousin.  Sandra's daughter is my age.  She knew me when I was a kid, but didn't think anything much of me.  Sandra's mother and my grandmother (sisters) argued a lot, so there were long gaps when the families didn't get together.  The longest went from April of 1995 until February 2001.

I had been searching for my relatives over the years, but it wasn't an easy task.  There was no internet most of that time.  I didn't know the surnames had changed, and I had no idea where anyone lived.  A mutual cousin finally gave Sandra my number.  When she called me I think I screamed in her ear with excitement!  We got together a few days after that.  I didn't care about ages or or past events.  This was my paternal family restored to me again!  Sandra and I had a great time together that day, and ever since.

I really did rediscover myself anew.  So many of the little things I liked and did that my mother found annoying were being reflected back to me!  Sandra didn't think I was unusual at all.  She doesn't judge me.  She is a supportive person, filled with love...and willing to show it.  Actually, I don't think I can ever live up to her in spirit or perseverence.

Sandra went back to the university in her middle to get her degree.  She has learned to fly a plane.  She has traveled the world many times, but not in a luxurious way.  No, she stayed with families who rented out rooms in their homes (same as I did for two months in Europe).  Being among the people and sharing their lifestyles brought more memorable experiences and lasting friends.  In her eighties Sandra was still walking to the "Y" to swim and to the main library to read to little children.  She took language classes: first Russian and then Chinese.  She still sewed and drew.  And she danced (ballroom) several days a week.  She's a great dancer!  A local University even made a documentary film about her.

Sandra and I get together as often as we can.  It isn't as easy now.  Sandra has health problems that would stop an average person in their tracks.  She copes the best she can, and she tries not to let her problems keep her from participating in life.  We have a lot of fun!  Neither of us is shy about talking to folks we haven't met yet.  If the person speaks another language, so much the better!  We can try out the phrases we learn in order to be friendly with everyone.  We both enjoy language, cultural diversity, ang geography.  Sharing with another points out all the ways we are alike and provides the opportunity to be a part of something new.

That's what we were doing today.  We went for lunch to a Mediterranean restaurant near where I live.  We got to apply phrases in several different languages, and we even sang in some of them.  The staff thought Sandra is great!  (How many other 90-year-olds request coffee as hot as their men)?  We had never met any of the people before.  That's why I was taken aback when one of the servers approached me when Sandra was in the restroom.

The server said she was glad that Sandra and I were spending time together.  She said to relish every moment, because Sandra would die soon.  She told me that I would be devastated, because Sandra is so close to me.  And she knew that I might never be able establish the same kind of bond with anyone else.  I was startled by her pronouncements, but I knew every word was true.  I had thought those same things even as the two of us dined there together.  Sandra was just a little different today.  It was nothing I could put my finger on, but I "knew" it. 

I didn't say anything to Sandra, and I won't.  What would words do in this case?  Both of us have the philosophy that it is better to speak of love and admiration to the living and not wait to say those things at a gravesite.  We'll go on as long as we can seeing one-another and talking on the phone when we can't be together.  Love lives in our hearts.

But, I admit, today I was shaken.

Added: July 20, 2008
Views: 88 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0
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  Comments (5)  
jimkathy63
jimkathy63 says:
Ronnio- I have been a terrible a writing. I have been doing some traveling. In fact, I wanted to tell you I leave this evening to fly to visit my daughter in DC. We are going to the Dodger games next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to root them on. Do you think they will win the division?? I'll post some picture if you're interested in seeing them . How have things been going, are you having a nice summer??? I will check in with you when I return. THINK BLUE!!!
Posted: August 22, 2008 8:19PM EDT
grandma06
grandma06 says:
Hi Ronni
Im so happy to hear from you.Thats what I thought to when I saw your picture on your profile.I said to myself she looks so friendly and nice.I guess we both have good intuition huh,lol.Im glad we are friends now.A couple of my cats are rescues also.One was dumped on my doorstep a few days before Christmas this last year.So I named her Holly.She is so sweet and loving,I cant imagine why any one wouldnt want her.I feel so lucky to have her.Iv lived in Vermont most of my life.I was born here but moved to several other states during my life.But theres no place like home.If you ever do get a chance to come to Vermont you will always be welcome in my home.Any way I have to close for now have a wonderful day.
Lori
Posted: July 9, 2008 9:59AM EDT
grandma06
grandma06 says:

Girly Comments & Graphics


Hi ronnio
Its so good to meet you.We really do have alot in common.My favorite hoilday is Halloween,and than Christmas.I like any thing to do with sacred places,haunted houses,ancient history,ect. I like growing my own herbs when I can,Im into container gardening this year,it seems so much easier.Any way I hope you have a fantastic day.
Lori
Posted: July 9, 2008 9:42AM EDT
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