Brad and I visited my in-laws in San Diego from April 19-23. It was a short visit because they complain about us interfering with their routine; yet when I told them the dates we'd be staying, they complained because we were staying such a short time. I think you call that a no win situation.

Doris and Sidney are still tootling along. They're 85 and have been married 60 years. Imagine that--twice as long as Dan and me! Sidney told Brad and me that he has never regretted marrying Doris, and at the end of this year, he's going to quit his one day a week volunteer job to take care of her 24/7--even though that job keeps his mind sharp. Brad says he thinks Grandma makes herself appear to be worse off than she really is to guilt/force Grandpa into quitting the volunteer work at the hospital he enjoys (and which keeps him sharp). I would hate to think that's true, because it means Sidney cares far more about Doris' feelings and health than she cares about his. I wish she could see how much he needs that volunteer job and let him do it, even if it's only twice a month--just to keep his hand in and his mind sharp.

I was thinking how romantic Sidney sounded. He talked of how Doris had two men after her and that she chose HIM above them--and that he proposed after knowing her TWO WEEKS because he figured he'd better act quickly if he was going to win her. Win her he did! Funny thing is, he's never said any of this to Doris, and I wish he would, before either of them can no longer remember who the other is.

At GTM, Brad and I bought lots of chocolate candy and some clothing using coupons Sidney had, but on top of that, Sid sent us home with bags of chocolate truffles! Yes, I'm eating them and probably gaining a ton, ruining my blood sugar, but they're delicious and I don't care!

Before I forget, I have to mention that Brad got stopped at Kennedy Airport when we were going through the metal detector; his insulin pump set it off and they made him step aside so they could investigate. After detaining him for about 10 minutes, they finally decided his pump wasn't a bomb in disguise and let him join me. I was holding his shoes, carry-on, watch, phone, etc., and impatiently waiting for them to let him go, all the whole contemplating a lawsuit based on discimination against those with medical devices.

Delta's plane took off almost an hour late from Kennedy, so we got to San Diego that much later. I drove our rental car, a nice Hyundai, out of the lot and tooled it down a short ways into a gas station, where Brad and I exchanged places. He was our driver for the remainder of the trip, even though his name was no where on the rental agreement. He was only a couple of days away from being 25, but they would have charged me a LOT more to add him to the lease agreement. Brad was thrilled to drive, especially with the 65 MPH speed limit in San Diego.

After shopping at GTM, Brad drove Sidney and I to Mast Park Sunday afternoon, where we walked a bit, then sat on benches to relax. We were all tired, and the sun felt good. I lay down and snoozed for a little while. I'm sure I was suffering from jet lag.

Monday, Brad drove us on the scenic ride to Barona Casino. With our old cards, we got into the buffet for only $11 each, a real bargain compared to Atlantic City. Brad headed for a craps table with his money and I wandered over to try my luck at the slots. To my delighted astonishment, I found myself winning $500 at one machine! I raced to the craps table, but Brad was no longer there. Turned out he'd lost so badly, he went elsewhere, so I called him on my cell. He refused to believe I'd won 500 bucks, so I urged him to meet me at the craps table, which he did, and I waved my $500 receipt in his face. I cashed it in and started hitting dollar slots, making bolder bets, and before I knew it, I somehow hit it luckier and won a thousand dollars on one machine! Again, I had to call Brad on the cell to track him down, but when he again refused to believe my win, I told him to report to the craps table and see for himself. I gave him $200 of my winnings because he'd apparently lost most of what he'd brought to bet. So he had another $200 to lose, which he did. Not his day!

Yet it was mine; I walked out of the casino $1500 richer than I'd gone in! I have NEVER, EVER had that kind of luck before in ANY casino! Was it because I'd sat at the dollar machines? I don't know, but I was very pleased with myself. When Brad and I stopped at the Possabilities thrift shop afterwards to buy some nice used clothing, I purchased a bunch of shirts for Dan, wanting to bring him gifts since I'd done so well for myself. Brad bought lots of stuff, too, including some books for his friend Rachel. Nothing for Ali, not anymore.

Tuesday, Brad and I took the trolley to Seaport Village. John's ex-wife, Michelle, met us there. We hugged enthusiastically. She's a lovely woman, inside and out. We had a delicious Greek lunch outside by the water (I paid for all three of us, using a coupon Doris gave me). We talked, laughed, and then shopped together. Poor Michelle has had an off and on again relationship with Joe, but it's off right now, and she's sad and lonely. She hasn't even been able to make any new girlfriends since moving from NY to San Diego, and urged me to consider moving out there. She didn't stay long. Brad and I continued to walk and shop, having a terrific time together.

Will add more later!

Love, Robin