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The Home Page. Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 Subject: The Saga of a Steel Magnolia in Silicon Valley
Hi All,
What we do as children often make us what we are in a large part. Our memories are a source of great joy as they eventually become our only link with the past. I got news that my Aunt Mable had passed away recently. My memories of her are a treasure to me and a source of pain because now my children will never know my Aunt Mable in the way that I knew her. I don't really know the family relationship, I suspect that there are several great something's thrown in there some where. But it didn't matter. Aunt Mable was a stout woman with a huge bosom. Every child who visited was hugged to that considerable part of her with love and devotion. It didn't matter whose child you were or how long it had been since the last visit, the love always flowed. There were cookies and kool aid in abundance, and always her smile. I am sad only because my children will miss her hugs, I got mine and am happy for her. This one's for you Aunt Mable, where ever you are, with love.
Saturday, Dec. 14. CHINA TOWN DOES THE STEEL MAGNOLIA! NEWS AT 6! NO...WAIT. THE STEEL MAGNOLIA DOES CHINA TOWN!
Wow, what an experience. We got an early start in the morning and prepared to have a grand day. The morning started off clear and cool, fiftyish. Katherine and I took Cal-Tran from Sunnyvale north to San Francisco. We were sitting on a bench waiting for the train to arrive. There was a Latino man and two Oriental men on our right side and another Oriental couple standing to the left. The couple on the left was engaged in an animated discussion that we could not understand. The two Oriental men on the right were listening, I thought. Then one looks at us, and says to his companion, "I don't know what they are saying. I think they are speaking Korean." We all laughed. Any way. The commuter train runs double decker cars up and down the coast. It was fun to sit on the upper deck and watch scenery go by. The 40 miles between our station and San Francisco are all suburbs, no undeveloped areas around here. Each train stop had it's own flavor. Some were delightful stone buildings and others were more modern. We went to the end of the line. Now this was interesting. Trains and buses seem to always dump you out in interesting areas of town. Since this is a post city, it was a very interesting area. Not to worry. We stepped out onto the street and promptly caught the local bus straight to China Town. It was kinda like riding in a sardine can. I didn't know you could fit so many people on one bus...standing room only...breath shallow the entire trip. Sitting on the drivers lap was the only restriction that I deduced from the way people kept piling onto the bus.
Well, we made it. The is a hilly place. The city is made for hiking more so than strolling. We headed up the hill into the heart of China Town...one shop at a time. It took four hours to go four blocks. The street was lined with shops, big and small. Each one was filled with fabulous things. And the people. It was a fascinating experience to be surrounded by the diversity of language and culture. The different faces and body language were riveting to us. We went from shop to shop having a grand time. There were walls covered with every thing that you can imagine. Clothes, cookware, herbals and more. We were absolutely struck by the pearls. Shop after shop had them stuffed in the front window and hung from the walls. Pearls of every color and texture. Well, they may not be classed as rocks, but we bought them by the pound any way. It seemed like a good idea at the time. You can't have too many of them I think.
Food. We are surrounded by restaurants, tea rooms and markets brimming with exotic offerings. Live crab, whole roasted duck, ginger and spices, pastries and pot stickers...they were every where. It smelled heavenly. I tried to take an eating tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans once. I also swore never to do that again. But, it was tempting to sample every thing. We tried. Not successfully, so we will have to do it again. Maybe several times.
Up the hill we went, across the block, down the hill we went. Then the sounds of a marching band came around the corner. We thought it was a parade. Wrong. The marching band, open convertible with the large portrait of the deceased and theatrics proceeded the funeral. An impressive spectacle and the end of our day. By now, we are tired puppies and it's time to find the way back home.
The hour train ride was just what we needed to recoup after all the excitement.
Saturday, Dec. 21. THE STEEL MAGNOLIA DOES CHINA TOWN AGAIN!
We had to go back. Only today it's wet and miserable. The rain just won't end. No matter. We are determined and motivated shoppers in search of goodies.
Back up the hill we go. This time we know where we are going...mostly. Toady's trip was shorter in time, but no less fun. We found what we were looking for, and then hit the bakeries on the way out. This is good. Its getting easy. Next time......
Wed, 25 Dec 1996
Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to All.
This is not my first Christmas away from home. It is the first time one of the children has been with me though. Usually I work a twelve hour day to pass the time, but not today. Katherine and I have had a good time together. We miss our family and friends and hope to see them soon. I have to say that the temperature here is mild and very attractive compared to the freezing temperatures at home. But it doesn't matter. Christmas is a celebration of the heart and what you have in it. It's not about presents or parties, ribbons or bows. That's all I can say for now on this subject without getting carried away.
Katherine is fixing the dinner this year (BIG GRIN!!!), I can't wait. Yesssss, the chocolate flows freely at this camp site.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to All.
Take care and write when you can.
Jan Noble, steel_magnolia@mindspring.com
If you would like to trade stories, email me at steel_magnolia@mindspring.com
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