<b>Seven different kinds of vegetables</b></p><p>Happiness can be found in the smallest of places if we are looking. That fact reminds me of a kindly couple I lived next to in West Los Angeles when my son, Brett, was less than a year old. The Eastwoods managed the small apartment complex I lived in, which was a very old structure with Murphy beds, the kind that hide in a closet and then pull down to be used, often with several assorted uninvited creatures jumping off in the process. Our refrigerator was an old wood box with two shelves that occasionally kept things above room temperature. It was a dismal place, and I, at 17, felt very alone, and 'uncharmed' by the whole situation. No car, no phone, no television, and a very limited diet, I sat out on my front stoop, Brett on my lap and must have looked like I was carrying the weight of the world. The Eastwoods looked out and saw me, calling me into their apartment, which was over twice the size of mine, and had a running fan (that fan felt like heaven on that 100 plus day). Mrs. Eastwood said, "Come eat with us, we are having a very special dinner tonight, a salad with seven different vegetables!" They presented the meal as if it were an elegant feast. It tasted like that to me, even though no bread or anything else was served, but water served in a Welch's Grape Jelly glass. Our servings were small, but served with pride. I counted them: lettuce, carrots, radishes, celery, tomato, cucumber, and green pepper. Yep, seven. I relished very bite and returned to my dreary apartment with Brett smiling. Such a small gesture had done so much. I swore I would never forget the sweet taste of that salad with seven different vegetables, and I never have. Happiness can be found in the smallest of places, even in a small plate of seven raw vegetables.</p><p><b>Well-deserved honors</b></p><p>On April 29, my dear friend Pegg Everyman was honored along with Gloria Mendonca by the Merced County Board of Supervisors at their Volunteer Recognition Program for National Volunteer Week. They were honored for all their good works as volunteers for our community. They are such dedicated women, and although they do not serve others to be recognized, they sure deserve the applause.</p><p>I was so happy to be at the City Council meeting of May 7 to see my super friend, Sandy Lemas, be honored by the Mayor and City Council for all her hard work on behalf of Recycling. Sandy is the best! Sandy has given thousands of hours to our community and is a prime example of a perfect volunteer.</p><p><b>Congratulations to dynamic duo</b></p><p>Three big cheers to darling Ryann and Erin Vierra who took a first and third place ribbon in Pee Wee Showmanship at the Merced County Spring Fair.</p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>A very special happy 70th birthday to our wonderful, intelligent and handsome friend, Dave Jones. Dave is a very talented photographer, great shot and is a real gentleman.</p><p>Special happy birthday wishes with love to my grandson-in-law, Craig Gonzales and son-in-law, Brett Barrow. </p><p>Happy May birthdays to Karla Charleston, Diana Jones, Freda Cascia, Jeannette Cascia, Elaine Amaral, George Foxworthy, Jennifer Cobb, Sue Palermo, Helen Brubaker, Barbara Mello, Diane Blevins, Dolores Areias, Judy Yriarte, Sharon Woo, Peggy Pyeatt, Lynn Wakeling, Charles Dias, Clyde Brotherson, Reno Caruthers, Stacy Wardell, John Homen, Larry Carmo, Gerry Rogers, Barry Conlin, Jim Pearson, Pete Cassinerio, James O'Banion, Leroy Monson, Bill Stenberg, Gary Brizzee, Jesse Ceja, Edward Gones, Edwin Misgrave, Brad Ellien and Hillary Enos.</p><p><b>Vacation Bible school</b></p><p>Each year my granddaughter, Jessica, looks forward to attending the United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School. This vital church provides a wonderful program open to the community. This year's theme is Power Lab and promises to be an exciting time for children ages 4-11. The school will begin June 30th and run through July 4th from 9 a.m. until noon. The fee is only $17 if you register before June 14. Applications are available at the church office or on the office door if you arrive after hours. The United Methodist Church is located at 1031 Iowa Ave. For more information call 826-4181.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy wedding anniversary to Marianna and Art Marshall.</p><p><b>Kingsview seeks community support</b></p><p>The great folks at Kingsview, located at the corner of I and Seventh streets, are collecting recycled cardboard, newspapers, phone books and magazines. No junk, please. Irma Torres said you can drop it by from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Thanks you for supporting such a great place. For more information call Kingsview at 826-8118.</p><p><b>Alzheimer's support group meets</b></p><p>Did you know that an estimated five million Americans and their families struggle to cope with this devastating disease? The number is expected to zoom to over 16 million by 2050. I have been an active advocate for families dealing with this diseased for over 15 years and I have pledged to work until my dying breath to help others dealing with Alzheimer's. This disease affects the caregiver like none other; they need support. Our Alzheimer's support group meets every third Wednesday at noon at The Waffle House, located on Pacheco Boulevard; come join us. You do not need to carry this heavy load alone. Call me if you have any questions.</p><p><b>Escape to the past</b></p><p>The weekend of May 1-4, I was away on a trip to the past, visiting my friend (and children's godmother) Babs, whom I met when I was in seventh grade. Babs and I attended Paul Revere Junior High School in Pacific Palisades (Southern California) and pledged to be life-long friends. Although I have moved numerous times, we have never lost contact, being bound by strong ties of affection and sharing of so many lifetime benchmarks. Babs and her husband, Don, were the witnesses at Ron's and my wedding and made it to be there for us when we repeated our vows on our 10th and 20th. They now live in Fallbrook, near Oceanside, and they sent me the round trip train tickets as a subtle hint it had been too long since my last visit. The trip itself was a real adventure, requiring a change from train to bus to train and seeing our beautiful state from a unique vantage point. A real bonus was meeting a great gal on the way down named Shirley who I hope will become a life long friend. We just made an instant connection. We were even born in the same hospital in Detroit, Mich.. Talk about a small world. Life is full of such great surprises and opportunities. When I arrived at the train station in Oceanside, Babs and Don made me feel so welcome. I was spoiled by them for four days, getting to visit her children and grandchildren, eat out every meal, and get a grand tour of the area that had burned so badly in last year's big fire. It was amazing to me how quickly I became 13 again, and enjoyed being eternally young with Babs, who, to me, will always be 12. We laughed, we cried, we looked at old pictures and videos (we even ate chocolate cake); we relived our lives. How precious those hours together were. We all have someone like that in our life, that allows us to voyage back in time and be young again. Why not call yours now and luxuriate? Appreciate the past, enjoy the present, and be hopeful for the future, and until next time, may all your new be good news.