Most of us only get to know little snippets of another person's life; glimpses of the entire tapestry of what makes up a person. Images, sensations, impressions; a passing by in this voyage of life. </p><p>This week I felt I was let in, on an intimate level, with the fabric of a man I had already liked, and admired, but now grieve all the more; John Garcia. His name stands on its own, like a brand name, a symbol of solidarity, calm.</p><p>As good as a handshake, you are "in good hands with John Garcia." Like a cool pool of reflective water; quietly spiritual, John was present in our lives as a testimony of a good man. John was no doubt many things to many people; husband, father, son, grandfather, friend, pal, buddy, confidant, as we all do, John wore many hats. </p><p>John, to me, was precious because of how precious he was to his devoted wife, my dear friend, Rhoda. I cannot separate the two, though I know time will embolden her on a singular path. To me, John and Rhoda were the perfect couple, romance squared; soul mates, two pieces of a puzzle that fit together so well. </p><p>At the reception after John's memorial Mass on the 9th, the family showed old movies. Canvassing time and allowing us a voyeuristic view of life in the Garcia household, the pictured proved the old axiom true; a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Simple joys, I thought to myself, he knew the secret to a happy life. </p><p>John treasured his ample supply of life's simple joys. Life was to give him a warriors test the last six months, illness did its best to destroy his well of inner strength. Illness learned it was no match for John, for although he has moved on to a happier hunting ground with abundant game with no limits, John did not succumb to its demands. John faced his illness with a steady eye and calm hand, and noble heart, at peace and triumphant, he simply went ahead to scout the road ahead for all he loves. Thumbs up, John. </p><p>"Life is a pure flame and we live by an invisible sun within us," Sir Thomas Brown.</p><p><b>Planning ahead</b></p><p>Although not always fun, planning ahead is something we all need to do. As I write this column, which you will not read until July 11, it is just July 1. Knowing I will be out of the office recovering a bit, I know I must write now to not let down my obligation to the Enterprise. </p><p>Lara, one of the most organized and financially responsible person I have ever met, saved money in an envelope for a long time to pay for our getaway, described below, all her treat. I know hundreds of things must have come up to tempt her to take funds out of the envelope, but she used what is called financial discipline. </p><p>Seems so basic to me, like old math, before calculators, when you learned two plus two is really four, even if you really want it to be five. Responsibility is not always fun, not always popular, but it is healthy. I go by an old axiom. It is what it is. </p><p>Now, anyone who has read me over the years knows I am idealistic, a dreamer, and a big hugger. I am an emotional being; but I am also a realist, informed and a long-range thinker. I think we need to try to balance the two sides, and know when to use our heart and when to use our mind, I know that is what I try to do. Sometimes that is a very delicate balancing act, but that also can be made a bit easier with planning ahead.</p><p><b>Tribute to two locals</b></p><p>On June 25 their was a changing of the guard at Soroptimist as the past two year term president was honored and new president DJ Barcellos was installed; this being her third time in this position. </p><p>Being a former two-time president myself I can relate very well to how both remarkable women were feeling. I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing both ladies for many years and appreciate their dedication to others, their ability to juggle work, home, and to still find the time to tirelessly give to our community. </p><p>Carolyn Nazabal, with her career choice, shows her love for others in her work at Memorial Hospital. I have worked with Carolyn with both the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society on boards as well as with the Heart Walk and Relay for Life. Carolyn does not just talk the talk, believe me, she walks the walk. Her work with the Cancer Support Group and I Can Cope has helped so many at a time of great need. Her work with the Soroptimist Victorian Tea alone deserves a badge. She is a great wife, mother, and daughter, and friend to all. I tip my hat to her.</p><p>OK, what can I say about DJ? She is force of nature all her own; a fireball that seems to thrive on hectic and overload. DJ is energy squared. I have known DJ for many years, as a friend as well as working by her side on endless projects with Soroptimist, Salvation Army, NRA, Relay for Life, DPAC Committee; the list could go on and on because DJ 'does.' </p><p>If there is a need, DJ wants to be part of the solution. DJ and her husband, Richard, are the 'A' types of individuals who jump in while others are still thinking about getting their feet wet. Creative, talented, intelligent, sharp, DJ brings 150 percent to all she does, and lucky we are to have her on our side. </p><p>Our friendship seems to span the generations with her son, Mark, a friend of my granddaughter, Jessica, and my being friends with her mother, Sue Van Buren, of New York State. </p><p><b>July birthdays</b></p><p>Happy birthday to Henrietta Avila, Anna Buttrey, Elsie Lawrence, April Garcia. Beverly Sousa, Ida Toscano, Gail Dyer, Laurley Gargano, Addie Etheridge, Marilyn Gomes. Elizabeth Gardner, Carmen Amparan, David Simmons, Cliff Eagelton, Jim Lewis, Richard Woo, and Mykla Curtis.</p><p><b>Sportsmen news</b></p><p>Three cheers to Frank Areias and the California Dairy's Incorporated cooking crew who did such a great job preparing the Los Ba&#241;os Sportsmen monthly dinner for June. Frank was aptly assisted by Joe Machado, Marco and Mario Boffa, Danny Silva, Larry Marks, Butch Waltman, Mark Lewis, Tom Butler, Anthony Silva and Joe Avila.</p><p><b>This and that</b></p><p>Wishes for a complete recovery go out to Pegg Eyerman who recently had eye surgery.</p><p>'Feel better' wishes soon to sweet Pearl Martin. 'Love ya' wishes to Tex Owens who needs to feel better real quick.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy belated 50th wedding anniversary to wonderful Don and Gloria Escallier who repeated their vows as part of the special celebration. They must have each been two when they were married. I sure do miss them.</p><p>Happy wedding anniversary to Bob and Mary Ann Edminster.</p><p><b>A Few days away from reality can be a miracle</b></p><p>Lara recently treated me to a wonderful get away to our favorite 'home away from home;' Cambria. That magical city nestled into the coast is a feast to the eyes and senses, the sound of the ocean waves, the fresh sea air, the majestic cypress trees, the cliff dwelling charming homes, the frolicking friendly squirrels; they literally ate granola out of Lara's hand; rock hugging seals, and quaint shops and restaurants is a treat to all your senses. </p><p>At times it seems almost an overload to your senses; an onslaught of stimulus, a flood of pleasures. You try to slow your intake down, to be able to digest each sensation for the memorable moment it is, but they keep on flooding. You try to imagine what it must be like for those whom this world is a common daily experience. Do they become numb to it? Does the majesty become commonplace? </p><p>We had but two perfect days to squeeze in all the magic, and basked in the sheer joy of each other's company enhanced by the surroundings. We made a good showing at Morro Bay, walking its streets, breathing in deep the salt water air, enjoying the shops, feeding the seals on display, marveling at the rock which draws thousands daily to its shore. </p><p>Our dinner that night was at the Taco Temple, a local treasure filled with energy. We stayed at the same hotel we always do in Cambria, in the very same room at the Pelican Cove right across from the ocean. We left our patio door open so we could hear the caress of the ocean on the shore and had the fireplace roaring so we were snug. </p><p>We had dinner Saturday night at out favorite place, The Black Cat, beyond decadent. What a joy to have such a magical escape, what a joy to have such a magical daughter. </p><p>May your week be magical, as well, and until next time, may all your news be good news.