Magnuson Family History

August 6, 2008

Updated August 10, 2008

Dear Family,

I’m in Danville this week, 8/3-8, staying with King while Patty is on a business trip in DC area. This gives me a break, and I can do things I don’t do at home — like writing letters! And it eases Patty’s mind while she is away. I think King does not mind me being here, though he never feels it is necessary! He has had a few episodes this year of stroke/seizure like attacks that leave him exhausted. They have occurred at night, so that is another reason to be here, just in case. Otherwise, King looks a little more tired than a year ago but seems to be holding his own in the other departments, and still working too.

P.S. While I was in Danville , I was able to visit two of his doctors with him and I feel much reassured. The neurologist and oncologist are both fine and capable doctors and told me he is the poster child for surviving this disease. The seizure episodes are not caused by a tumor but rather an after-effect of the radiation he had early on. The neurologist prescribed some medicine for him to try so hopefully that will stop them.
Frank and I have had a lovely summer so far in terms of guests and trips. Jason and Erin spent a week in late May/early June to celebrate her first year at UBC and her birthday. Erin ’s folks joined us for a few days of that time too. Then in June we went to Portland for a League of Women Voters national convention that I attended. We both enjoyed the city a lot, great transit to do sight seeing around town, and we had wonderful weather while we visited. In July, Frank’s young Pecarich cousin, Pluma (10) visited us from New Mexico , so we got to do Knott’s Berry Farm, the beach, movie, etc etc with her. A nice change of pace for us! Next time we will have to recruit someone to go along on the rides with her – Frank and I turned out to be big chickens! Of course it doesn’t help that they publish a 6 foot long warning list of conditions!!

In mid August we will visit Jason and Erin in Vancouver — they still love it there, and we wanted to visit before Erin ’s classes start in late August. Then, in late August we expect a short visit by a friend from Virginia and her daughter who will stay with us, explore Hearst castle one day and other local attractions, giving us a chance to catch up on news of our old neighborhood.
We like having guests as it breaks our routine and we have the opportunity to explore new things and do things we might not otherwise. During Jason and Erin ’s visit we saw ‘Wicked’ in LA — it is a really fun play and very impressive special effects. During Pluma’s visit we took a boat trip to the Anacapa Islands , off the coast of Ventura . They are one of the few sets of “natural” islands left in the US  (no development to speak of — still some remnants of early sheep ranching and non native species that were introduced at various times over history but now a national park). Some call it the North American Galapagos so you get the picture. We saw dolphins, sea lions, lots of birds but no whales which are sometime sighted on the trip at this time of year — and a nice boat ride to boot.
I also experienced a rare treat this summer — brunch with Vicki and Diane. Believe it or not, we were able to connect in Salinas on a Sunday during Diane’s visit with Vicki in June when I was returning home from a visit with King and Patty. It was so fun and special to see them both (first time since our reunion) and to see them together. We all decided we look the same and not one year older!

Frank instigated a project this spring that culminated in late May – having our Illions carousel horse restored and repainted. We first purchased and restored this horse when we were living in Virginia . It moved to California with us of course and in the years in Bakersfield , it was an elegant addition to our living room there. Unfortunately, the heat and perhaps indirect sunlight yellowed the finish so we had kept it downstairs here in Ventura . But we did miss it so Frank recruited one of the notable carousel figure painters and restorers in the West for the redo. The result is illustrated below. It was finished just in time for Jason and Erin ’s visit so this was taken in late May during their visit. The paint style is called “ Coney Island ” and if you can believe it, this is the way they came out of the factory in the early 1900’s, so it is historically accurate as well as beautiful. Amazing! It almost glows in the dark.

This summer has brought many happy memories of our reunion last year and I hope the year has been kind to you and yours. There have been new memories created in many of your families, weddings for sure. We will have a lot to share when we get together again in a few more years. Keep in touch! Send photos!

Love,
Pam

P.S. I’m sending this snail mail to Barbara on the RR route and to all via email. Write when you have a minute and send it then by email; whoever has the snail mail can print and add your letter to the envelope. Let’s try it??!!