LONG TIME NO SEE

Our freight travels took us to Fontana, California Wednesday afternoon. As usual, it's nice to visit family while in the area. Uncle Galen and I attempted to get together, but the timing didn't work out. My cousin, D, also got wind that I was in the neighborhood. Our opportunity to see each other was a "go". Yipee! I wanted to wait until uncle Galen could join us, but D has young children who had bedtimes to meet. Uncle Galen & I will have to get together another time. D & his family picked me up at the Schneider yard, very shortly after I backed my trailer into a parking space. I'm not used to such punctuality. We all went to Chevy's Mexican restaurant to have dinner. This is where we last saw each other, almost 9 years ago - at another cousin's nursing school graduation party (Crystal). His kids: H, G, & J warmed up to me fairly quickly, somehow sensing that I was related. We enjoyed good food & engaging conversation. It's so much fun to quickly click into friendship mode with cousins we haven't been with in several years. D has shared a few phone conversations with me in recent months. His occupation fascinates me. H took a ride on my shoulders as we left the restaurant. He weighed about the same as my four-year-old son, Forest. D & C helped me to find a Redbox kiosk to return my movie. The task turned into a mild treasure hunt, as the machines were proving to be elusive. D wanted to visit Bass Pro Shops, while we were in the area. Sounded like a fantastic plan to me. H came along with us, while C stayed in the car with G & J. The little guys were getting sleepy. After browsing "man-paradise", D dropped me off, back at the OC. This was a good evening with my cousin & his family. The time/location enigma smiled upon us tonight. My life is random & wonderful.

Per occupational / security sensitivities, I have chosen to use first initials for my cousin & his family.