California trip, June 27

This morning we had to get up rather early, as we had to be at Maureen's condo in time to let in the fire marshal to check fire alarms. Maureen had had the presence of mind to call yesterday and request an early inspection. By the time we got there, it was only about five minutes before the fire marshal appeared, and he was gone in about 5 minutes. Thank God for that, as workers were working on the building to retrofit it for earthquakes and were producing a horrible din, magnified by the squealing and screaming of all the fire alarms that were being tested. It was a relief to get out of there fast, go over and start Randy and Shu's two cars (R & S are in China right now with Isabelle, Isaac, and Irei), retrieve their mail, and check that all was well in their building, which has not as yet been retrofitted nor checked for fire alarm violations. After accomplishing all those things, Maureen and I were driving back to her present condo when she decided to get off and show me the local IKEA. I had never been to one before, as the nearest one to me is in Frisco, and I have not wanted to drive out that far to check it out. An amazing place, and we spent about two hours there checking out every department and even having lunch at its cafeteria--Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy, and Swedish apple cake for dessert. Afterwards we drove back home and Maureen got seriously to work on selling her patio table and chairs as well as her barbecue grill. Within a few minutes she had arranged for people to see both sets of items, and by 4:00 two different people bought them, loaded them up, and paid Maureen exactly what she wanted for them. Total success! All she needs to post now on Craig's List is a set of garden tools, and her selling saga will be complete. We then left for the home of Dr. T.Z Chu,former president of the Board of Trustees at Woodstock International School, where Maureen had taught for two years. A collection of alums, prospective new students, former and present faculty and staff graced the dinner party, which a Chinese restaurant catered. There were at least eight different scrumptious dishes to sample, and everyone ate at different tables around the pool area. After dinner, there were four different pies for dessert, all made with the freshest fruits. After dessert, the current Head of School, Dr. Jonathan Long, gave his summation of the goals for the school, and then answered questions from all those who had gathered at the dinner. The man is fascinating, and quick to think on his feet. His goals and dreams for the school were impressive, and with his energy, intelligence and passion can certainly be reached. The man is quite phenomenal: he has lived in Ghana, Gambia, S. Africa, England, Switzerland, Scotland, and India; he holds a pilot's license and has flown light aircraft in Europe; sailed extensively in the Ionian Sea off Greece; is passionate about vintage motorcycles, which he has restored; has completed three Ironman triathlons; and has done a 4,000- kilometer trek across the Sahara in a Land Rover! His speech was informative as well as visionary, and I came away much impressed. And now I must pack in readiness for my flight at 10:41 a.m. tomorrow. It has been a marvelous stay, full of varied but memorable experiences. One more entry tomorrow evening before a hiatus until July 8, when I start a new segment of blogs on Israel, Jordan, and the UK, where I will be until July 27. And so good night to all!