From our weekly issue dated February 20, 2008

What can I say? I left the valley for a few days, and once again, I didn’t want to return. OK, I admit: It’s lovely to be away from the office visiting family. And away from The Work. Oh, I still enjoy the grind (mostly).

But after writing stories and taking photos as a career since around 1963, heck, I’m ready to stop facing deadlines. I’ve been dealing with deadlines in Illinois Valley alone since February 1986. I’d like to be able to visit The Fam in San Diego County for more than four days, without watching the calendar and checking flight schedules to be sure we get back in time for the next edition.

The way we did it last week was we worked Saturday and Sunday (sorry about that last) so that I could leave Monday morning. It’s a matter of doing what needs to be done earlier than usual. Oh, and I might have worked a few more hours than usual earlier in the week.

After packing, completing last-minute home details and being anxious, I got to bed around 11 p.m.; slept restlessly, arose at 4 and drove to MFR for a 7 a.m. flight to LAX. Rented a tiny, cheap car and drove to Carlsbad; and had a pleasant, expensive lunch with Jan. We sat outdoors in warm San Diego weather. She’d gone south some days earlier to house- and cat-sit, so it was neat to see her again.

Feeling tired, went to bed fairly early that night; and our daughter, son-in-law and two grandgirls arrived from their trip shortly before noon the next day. They’d been on a week-long trip to the East. We had a fine time with everyone. Didn’t do a lot of sight-seeing; it simply felt good to relax and be with family. Ate too much; watched too much TV; grew nostalgic again about our native San Diego.

I’m leaving out a lot of details. Probably discourse on them next issue. I’m still recovering from the trip. But back to the grind, I think I’m not as sharp as I used to be.