Our dear friend, husband, father and grandfather Bob Young, 74, passed away on December 12, 2009 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. More important to Bachelor-Bachelor-Master-Master than his numerous accomplishments in the fields of journalism, banking, publishing, illustration or his college and graduate degrees from Dartmouth, Harvard Business, Columbia Journalism and Art Center in Pasadena was the joy he took in writing and painting, in good food,local and Italian wines, jazz and opera, travel, and the laughter he shared with his family and his many friends. Bob shared warmth and friendship with everyone he met, and he will be greatly missed by the many who loved him. A small family service was held immediately upon his passing, and a spirited celebration of Bob's life will be planned for mid-January. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be scattered over many meaningful spots of his life; trade; landscape, including his birthplace of Pasadena, and final hometown of Morro Bay.
He is survived by his wife Sally Young; his brother Bill Young; his children from his first marriage to the late Gretchen Roethke Young,
William Young; Jody Young Llewellyn; his grandson/namesake Bartlett
Llewellyn; his stepdaughter, Sally's daughter Cara Martin; and a large loving family full of nieces, nephews, and friends so close they became adopted family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's honor to one of the following organizations: the Allied Arts Association of Cambria (artistsofcambria.com); the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo (pacslo.org/fpac); the Cate School Kline-Roethke scholarship fund (cate.org); and Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.
Submitted by Anne via Mary Ann
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Passing of Bob Young
Thursday, September 10, 2009
I really enjoyed it. Some of the medical procedure descriptions made me
squeemish, but it is a wonderful story set in Ethiopia and America. I
also just finished the first two books by Steig Larrson, the Girl With the
Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire - they are 500+ pages but
you will not be able to put them down. The English translation of the 3rd
one in the trilogy is coming very soon.
Was able to spend some great time recently with Mary Ann and Jeff when
they came north to visit their daughters - even got to go geocacheing!
Start thinking about a 2010 reunion in San Francisco!
Submitted by Anne
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My thoughts are with all of you who live and work in the San Gabriel
Valley (and beyond). It has to be heart-breaking and frightening to
witness such an inferno raging through the mountains, destroying the
Angeles Crest forest, threatening homes and Mt. Wilson, and poisoning the
air. So much has been lost, the damage incalculable.
I hope that you and yours are all safe and that take care of yourselves by
staying indoors as much as you can.
Love,
Submitted by Elaine
ezorbas@att.net
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
There seems to be a significant number who can't make the October time.
Should we more seriously consider a reschedule and try to pick some
dates??
What about February 27-28? or March 13-14?
Maybe then we can see wedding photos and Peru photos ;)
I'm reading an 'oldie' "The Queen's Confession by Victoria Holt. Had to
go look up succession of French Kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI!! The
memory goes quickly doesn't it?
Submitted by Laurie Whitcomb
Monday, August 24, 2009
Has anyone tried Pilates? Trying to get in shape for hiking at high
altitude so I've added Pilates - ugh.
And James has added a full day's jungle hike in northern Peru so we can
see some waterfalls! I'm already sore.
My 2cents worth on delaying the get-together is that there will always be
conflicts, even at the last minute, so maybe those who can make it should
go ahead. Something's better than nothing! (Unless there's only one person
left - I've lost count.)
Jan, the Galapagos are just too much for our whirlwind trip, and James
spent 8 days there last year - his last job assignment but we're doing a
lodge to lodge hike to Machu Picchu.
Mary Ann, thanks for making this page for us to keep in touch.
Surprise - I'm reading Lonely Planet's Peru.
Amy K.
Submitted by Amy Kinard
amykinard@mind.net
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I guess that you can add "maybe Elaine" to those who can't make it. Anne
made a generous offer for me to stay at her place coming and going, but
really, I'd rather carpool with her!
How about deferring this to next year and find a time when most everyone
can be there?
I don't want to make the final decision for the group, but putting this
off has already been suggested.
Thanks to Sally for offering her home and wonderful location for the
reunion. Happy traveling adventures to her and to Amy!
BTW, I'm currently reading a terrific book of interconnected short stories
called "Olive Kittridge" by Elizabeth Strout. They they place in Maine and
the author explores the losses and connections between people with great
humanity and compassion.
Fondly,
Submitted by Elaine
ezorbas@att.net
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Caryn's 30th (gasp) birthday that weekend, not to mention probably tending
to wedding stuff.
Amy - what a fabulous trip. I know we'll all want to hear about it. Grab
those chances to travel with your adult children - it's a special time.
Jan - my heart goes out to you. I went through that with John in 2000.
Not an easy recovery.
I just read "The People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks. I could hardly
put it down and Michael was so patient with me as I turned anti-social
right after work. Then he picked it up and had the same experience. I
love her earlier books, too: The Years of Wonders and March. Of course,
we both loved her dedication "for the librarians".
We had a great trip to Portland and back - the first time I've taken two
weeks off in 5 years. What a difference two weeks together makes!! I
highly recommend it.
I'm so sorry I can't join you - I hate to miss some of my most favorite
people in one of my favorite places!
Love and hugs to all,
Carolyn
Submitted by Carolyn
clg708@sbcglobal.net
Friday, August 21, 2009
reserve now...or wait...whatever works for the group. So sorry we'll miss
Kathy & Anne & Amy & maybe Carolyn in Oct. That's a lot of Pals---should
we reschedule the date?
Amy--on your trip you've gotta get to Machu Picchu---it's fascinating.
And maybe a small detour to the Galapagos Islands?--they're wonderful!
Better than the Medford Mall!
July/Aug has been a challenge (I'd rather be a librarian & world traveler
than a nurse!) Have been helping husband Bob deal with prostate cancer,
doctors, decisions, recovery from surgery, etc. Radiation may be
next---uncertain at this point.
Am currently reading the first book I've read by Jhumpa
Lahiri--Unaccustomed Earth (2008)--a well written series of loosely
connected short stories about Indian emigrants in the U.S.
Looking forward to our get-together! love, Jan
Submitted by Jan
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I went through a Frank Lloyd Wright phase, reading The Women, Loving Frank
and a biography called Many Masks. I'm now reading the two novels by
Steig Larsson, just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and now
reading the Girl Who Payed with Fire. ALso , recently read and enjoyed
The Given Day (by the guy who wrote Mystic River) and a really good nature
book Prairie Spring by Pete Dunne.
Submitted by
I will need to check and see if there are flights from Sacramento to Morro
Bay/San Luis Obispo. The drive to San Jose from Fiddletown takes at least
3 hours, and the long drive from there to Morro Bay is a bit too much for
this old girl to do solo.
Amy, how very exciting that you are going to Peru. If you fly in to Cuzco,
be sure to have some medicine to help with the high altitude. Or you could
do as the natives and chew on cocoa leaves!
Hope that I can make this work.
Submitted by Elaine Zorbas
ezorbas@att.net
Monday, August 17, 2009
I can't be in Morro Bay Oct. 17 - I'll be travelling home from Peru that
weekend. My son, James, works for a travel company and he HAS to go to
Peru for work - see the sites, meet their operators etc. and he invited me
to come along. (You may have guessed his girlfriend and his Dad will both
be in school by then so they can't go.) I'm going to the gym several times
a week from today until Sept.24. Any other hints?
I'll miss seeing all you very fun friends, but I'd go to the Medford Mall
with James and this is Peru!
Submitted by Amy Kinard
amykinard@mind.net
17? It's about a 4 1/2 hour adventure (driving up there, the IMAX film,
the bus up the hill, the tour, and back to the visitor's center) and
tickets are $24. If the group would enjoy that, it would make a fun
morning and we could go from there to lunch and wine tasting. There is
also hiking, beach walking, kayaking, shopping, movies, etc. I will know
more about what fun things are going on around town closer to Oct, but if
we want to go to Hearst Castle, I should get tickets next week.
I think I mentioned that we are in Italy from end of Aug until end of Sept
(home Sept 30), so let's poll the group and see if people would like to do
that or just be laid back and not scheduled.
Submitted by Sally
sallyoung@sbcglobal.net
Oct. 17-18
Friday, August 14, 2009
Ford. Great summer read...heart warming...
Now reading The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan...can't keep from crying as
I turn the pages...
Did you mark your calendars for October 17th-18th in Morro Bay? Let's all
be there...
and God, I am missing Vickey as I read this wonderful book. Let's connect
more often on Facebook...it is easy... log in and add me as your friend!
Submitted by Mary Ann
Sunday, June 28, 2009
where most of us can make it is October 17,18. I had originally voted no
since it is my Amy's birthday...but if we meet in Morro Bay, then she is
right next door at Cal Poly. Otherwise I can go up to see her the
following weekend.
Does that work best for everyone? I know Kathy has a conflict but other
than that, everyone else can make it.
Are we on? Sally, if you cannot do it or your plans change, we can change
the location...
Submitted by Mary Ann
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
location for a reunion. We are busy with Farmer's Market and our harvest
during September and part of October. I'll fill out Doodle but won't know
for sure until later in the season.
I'm reading a fantastic, exotic book that takes place in islands off of
Calcutta -- the Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh. It brings the reader into a
totally unknown and fascinating world of an environment governed by tides,
mangroves, tigers, crabs and an unknown true incident that affected the
lives of thousands of illegal settlers.
Submitted by Elaine
ezorbas@att.net
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Kathrynn Stockett. It's about two black and one white woman in Jackson
Mississippi in the early 60s and the project that brings them together and
puts them in danger. A real page-turner
Submitted by Kathy
dkgfinance@yahoo.com
Sally's in Morro Bay. Just indicate which weekends (from July to
November) you are available. (Always subject to change, I know...)
Use the calendar --> to select the next month.
Skip the time calendar and select FINISH.
To go to the survey, click here or cut and paste it into your browser.
http://doodle.com/y3dx2pcuuqg7ei9k
Submitted by Mary Ann
maryannlaun@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
the schedule. My daughter Caryn is getting married on Nov. 14 and while
she's really organized (you should see the accordion file), I'm not sure
yet what the fall will bring. Am reading a book you've all probably read
already: How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto. Picked it up in
our Friends' bookstore for a plane trip.
Submitted by Carolyn
clg708@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Pasadena, which rules me out since I am on the program and have a
Committee meeting...if it works for everyone else I'll think of you and
hope to join you next year.
On reading. I just finished Dewey the Library Cat which I thought I would
not like as I'm not much of a fan of gooey animal stories...and ended up
really enjoying it for its description of the role the library plays in a
hardscrabble town. Plus with all that is going on in the world and at
work i am definitely leaning towards the light/ brain candy end of the
spectrum
Submitted by Kathy
dkgould@roadrunner.com
Pasadena or Morro Bay.
I just got back this week from an Elderhostel trip to Florence & Tuscany!
It was great! Sally, you will love Italy! At the recommendation of a
friend, I read a historical novel called The Birth of Venus by Sarah
Dunant while there. It is set in Florence during the Renaissance & was
definitely made more interesting by the fact that I was seeing many of the
places mentioned in the story.
Submitted by Jan
janburns5@verizon.net
twin futon and a double air mattress.
Submitted by Dorothy
dfpotter45@hotmail.com
Sept. How about Oct. or Nov? My home in Morro Bay would also be a good
rendezvous point between N and S. We've got 2 guest rooms (twin beds;
queen) as well as an air mattress that is a double. Lots of great stuff
to do in the Central Coast and I'd love to host!
Submitted by Sally Young
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
count me in!
Submitted by Kathy
dkgould@roadrunner.com
Shall we plan a get together for Fall 2009?
Shall we plan a weekend togeher in September? My home is always open!
Mary Ann
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Our state (all of Oregon!) just read Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler -
biographical story of 3 generations of the Yasui (?) -Japanese - family
from turn of the century to late 20th century. Descendents are still
here - one spoke at our library. An incredible story that reads like
fiction (after the first 50? pages). The story is the same in California
history I'm sure. It's one nonfiction book I've recommended with
confidence over the years. Another is Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor,
similar format - 3 generations of a Mexican family, from late 19th century
silver mines to L.A. barrios. Villasenor is a descendent of that family.
Oh, to have time to read all the good books. (Stayed up last night 'til
2:30am totally engrossed in The Lost Mother. If you like "domestic
fiction" you might try it. I was glued for a few hours. Yawning tonight.)
Submitted by Amy Kinard
amykinard@mind.net
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thanks to Jan for the update on Greg Mortenson. What a relief that his
schools have not been destroyed. He is an inspiration.
I have a book to recommend --"Out Stealing Horses" written by a Norwegian
Per Petterson is a stunning, absorbing story of boy's maturation (from his
perspective as an aging man)-- loss of innocence, loss of the father that
he loved. It takes place after WWII in the forested countryside of Norway.
The clarity and simplicity of the writing is reminiscent of Hemingway but
with a real emotional punch.
I need your recommendations for a good memoir or autobiography (are they
the same?)-- my book discussion group wants a non-fiction choice.
We are now reading "The Hummingbird's Daughter" recommended by MaryAnn.
Submitted by Elaine Zorbas
ezorbas@att.net
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Malibu One Book One City selection this year is Greg Mortenson's
"Three Cups of Tea"--which most of us read and loved. He spoke last week
at Pepperdine about the book, followup about some of the schools &
students, his Pennies for Peace program, education in Pakistan and
Afghanistan, etc. The most disturbing thing he said was that in the last
2 years the Taliban has destroyed 500 schools in Afghanistan & 300 in
Pakistan. (The local villagers have been very protective of the schools
they built through Mortenson's Central Asia Institute, and so far only one
has been destroyed.) The most heartening thing he said was that in 2000
there were 800,000 children in school in Pakistan & Afghanistan--mostly
boys. Now there are 7.4 million kids in school, of which 2.4 million are
girls. He is currently focusing on building schools in Pakistan, where
the female literacy rate is about 38% and the population is expected to
double in the next 27 years--it's one of the world's fastest growing
countries--and it doesn't have a national education initiative. He
frequently emphasized the importance of educating girls for the stability
of family and community.
Mortenson is one of the candidates for this year's Nobel Peace Prize---a
good choice! One person can make a difference!
Submitted by Jan Burns
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Fiddletown Heritage Day had a great turn-out. Lots of work in planning,
reminded me of doing library programming. Amy, a friend was in
Jacksonville during its Chinese celebration and brought me the newspaper.
Very impressive, so much going on.
I'm reading Barak Obama's "Dreams from my Father." It is extremely well
written, engaging, thoughful and probing. He is an exceptional person and
it is amazing that he won the Presidency.
Happy spring! It is beautiful here in the foothills, water in the creeks,
trees just greening with brilliant "spring green" and our orchard is
filled with clusters of white blossoms on our fruit trees.
Elaine
Submitted by Elaine Zorbas
ezorbas@att.net
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
will also hear her talking about preserving Fiddletown's lost history....
http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/story/1714508.html
Thanks to Anne for forwarding it for our blog!
Submitted by
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
photo, Mary Ann, and thanks for highlighting it for us. I do think of
Vickey often - though her life was too short, she LIVED every second of
it.
Book recommendations - SATURDAY by Ian McEwan. Our book club had a great
discussion of it Sun night (even with the Oscars in competition in the
background!)
Submitted by Sally Young
sallyoung@sbcglobal.net
Monday, February 23, 2009
http://letterstovickey.blogspot.com/
I think some of you may want to call her. ;-)
Submitted by Mary Ann
malaun@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
it and look forward to reading The Giant's House.
Can't believe I'm actually doing this, but I've started going to a gym -
for people over 50! Maybe I can escape being a giant myself. At the least
I should get some muscles to hold myself up. No obvious results after 6
weeks so guess I'll have to keep on going. One of John's friends said he'd
seen me "pumping aluminum". No respect.
Submitted by Amy Kinard
Aberdeen County. Story of a family in a small town- 1 daughter is
precious, beautiful, popular, etc. The other daughter doesn't stop growing
and is like an outcast. Then there are marriages, pregnancy,
witchcraft/healer etc. I could harldy wait to get home to read some more,
and then my eyes got so tired I could hardly keep going.
Don't know if I mentioned Hannah's Dreams - about an elephant in a run
down private zoo and her 85 year old caretaker. A very sweet story even if
you didn't think you loved elephants. Hmmm? For a while everything I read
had to do with WWII, and now it seems to be giants!
Gorgeous day in southern Oregon - warmish, breezy and sunny.
Submitted by Amy Kinard
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hey gals! Stay in touch!
What's going on in Fiddletown? Pasadena? Lafayette? Ashland??? Did you all know that Laurie is teaching at PCC?
http://pplpals.blogspot.com/
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Urrea
Story selection for the City of Pasadena. I tried reading it last summer
but because there were so many people in our Hood Canal retreat, I enjoyed
it but did not find it compelling. I started again about a week ago, and
found I could hardly put it down. It is a wonderful story of the
legendary "Saint Teresa" of Cabora, Mexico. When the author was a student
at San diego Mesa College, one of the professors gave him some articles
about his great aunt. He has been researching this story for twenty
years...and it is an unforgettable one!
Submitted by Mary Ann Laun
maryannlaun@yahoo.com
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Laurie's readings....
toward Australian books... One of the that is available here in the US is:
Bail, Murray - "Eucalyptus" -- It is almost like a fairy tale. A man
plants every eucalyptus on his property and in order to win the hand of
his beautiful daughter a suitor has to name each tree.
Nemirovsky, Irene - "Suite Francaise" -- Because the author was killed in
a concentration camp, the book is incomplete. It begins on the eve of the
Nazi occupation of Paris. It is very odd to read this book with our
current day sensibilities and trying to bring your mind to the fact that
she didn't know how it would all 'come out.
Korman, Gordon - "No More Dead Dogs" -- is a fun YA read. The protaganist
really is tired of having the dog die and makes suggestions to the drama
club on how to change a play.
Greenwood, Kerry - "Death before Wicket" and "Cocaine Blues".
Greenwood's "sleuth" is Phryne Fisher. It was recommended by a patron and
since Phryne is Australian we had to read it.
Black, Benjamin - "Christine Falls". The first book with a surly Dublin
pathologist named Quirke who follows where the path of a corpse leads him.
It is a little denser than a quick-read mystery.
Edwards, Kim - "Memory Keeper's Daughter" a decision of a doctor who
delivered his own twins haunts him and his family the rest of their lives.
A good companion to read with it is Jodi Picoult's "My sister's Keeper"
Those were some of my notable reads in 2008
Submitted by Laurie
I am so glad I am a part of your life and that you are part of mine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q
Mary Ann
Submitted by Mary Ann Laun