Anita

Bridge crossing the river to where the Columns of the Giants are.

We met some of our friends recently on our last camping trip, who also came along. They have been friend's of Charlie's for 30 years, and of course they have become very good friends of mine as well. Our friend brought his mom, who I have met before. I did not know that she was coming and it was a wonderful surprise. Anita is 82 years old and if she knew that I disclosed her age, she would have me by the ear. She is a kick! I love visiting with her and learn from watching her with her son and daughter-n-law. When I am around her, she takes a special interest in me and asks me all sort's of questions, and genuinely wants to get to know me and how I feel about things. She also watches Charlie and I together. Anita is very attentive and I feel well... like a kitten purring, getting extra petting (giggle ~ if that makes sense). When we were at the beach, she wanted a sand dollar so badly. I went out the next morning and brought her a pail full. Anita was thrilled and couldn't believe how many there were. She tried to picture how I found them by asking me, "how did you come upon them?" This trip she wanted to make some gifts out of pine cones, so her daughter-n-law and I went on a treasure hunt looking for the perfect pine cone. She went home with two bags full. Anita loves to tell stories of what it was like "in her day." Oh, I guess that I need to tell you that she is from old Hollywood (meaning how Hollywood used to be). Anita played one of the Darla's on Our Gang ~ The Little Rascals. Can you only imagine being a little girl with memories of going to back yard parties with the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers? She has traveled with Bob Hope on his tours cheering up the Military. She was also a friend of the late Nat King Cole. She has a book coming out and assures me all these stories will be in it. In her telling of stories, it is so apparent how times have changed and so much so... I could tell you more about the stories of her life, but it would be better for you to read them straight from the book when it comes out! Being with her only reminds me of how much I miss my grand mothers. When I was with them, I would feel the same as I did when I am with Anita. I can only hope that when my grand children or anyone for that matter, feels loved and cared for when they are around me.