Non Meeting Notes

April 28, 2020

 

Hi Everyone.  Hope you are all doing okay and keeping busy.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your stories and I hope to hear from everyone in the weeks to come.

 

Here’s our news for this week:

 

 

Although all of our in person meetings and other events continue to remain on hold, we had our first virtual meeting earlier today using Zoom.  We had twenty members attend and it was a lot of fun to catch up with everyone and hear what folks are up to.  A big thank you to Anita for setting it up and to all of you that attended.  We are already planning another meeting next week and I’ll send out the link in advance.

 

We have a Board Meeting on Thursday at 5:30 pm which will also be done on line using Google Hang Out.  If anyone not on the Board wishes to join the meeting, let me know and I’ll send you the link.

 

If anyone knows of any of our members in distress or that need anything, please let President Tom or one of the Board Members know.  We want to make sure everyone knows that we are here to take care of each other.

 

 

This is an opportunity for us to share whatever information we would like so we can keep up with what everyone is doing these days.

 

Scott – I did get a hold of Bob Williams. He and Carolyn are doing fine at The Forum, which is locked down. They are being taken care of very well. Bob had extensive back surgery last August and the recovery has taken a long time. Last year was his last trip to China, he feels. Several are familiar with Bob and Carolyn's love of chocolate. Life is good as they treat each other to a few Dove dark chocolates each night. 

 

I still am working at Villa Siena and working from home as I can. No Coronavirus there, which we work hard to maintain. Joan and I are finding time for some bike rides and hiking adventures, pics attached. Take care.

 

 

Mandy – I miss all of you and can’t wait until we can safely get together and celebrate, “life after COVID-19.” 

 

Here’s a quick update about our family. We are all healthy, the kids are studying from home and attending classes remotely. Betty, who is 92 years-old, is healthy and protected (isolated) as possible. It’s been hard for her, but we gave her a Facebook Portal so she can easily video call us. Now she’s a video conferencing pro! She’s a lot happier now that we can have “happy hour” with her every day. Being able to see us makes her feel less alone. The only one who is not following the rules is our cat, Twix. He is refusing to wear his mask while social distancing on the porch and keeping an eye on the neighborhood (photo attached). 

 

 

I’ve been working from my office every day because my clients need me now more than ever. I am their "first financial responder” and loving it. In the last few weeks I spent more time on the phone with my clients, virtually met some of their kids, grandkids and parents. It’s been wonderful. The highlight was bringing cake to two of my clients who celebrated their 90th birthday on the same day, Saturday before Easter. (Photo attached) 

 

 

… Also, I finally had my nails done! (Photo attached). 

 

 

If you would like to chat, the best way to reach me is on my cell at 650-281-4356. If I don’t answer, I am probably on the phone with a client. Please leave a message, and I promise I will call you back as soon as I can. 

 

Stay healthy, turn off the news, and smile even if it’s hard sometime! We can do this! 

 

Jerylann – Lots of good news for Jerylann!  Her youngest daughter is expecting twins in June so Jerylann will be busy helping out with the two babies and as well as their older brother who is turning six.  And as if that wasn’t enough, she is helping her oldest daughter plan her wedding at the family ranch in October.  Busy and exciting times for the Mateo Family!

 

Roger – It has been 6 weeks of isolation (Shelter in place) for us in home. I hope that you are able to keep busy while stay home order.

 

It’s been a while, I have not travel any place. Weimin and I are fine. We are staying at home cooking, gardening, and taking care of our dog, Maya. Luckily for us, we are also able to keep busy working from home.

 

I appreciate that Korea and Taiwan government have been able to contain COVID-19 and our business is not affected too much.

 

Please take good care of yourself and family members.  Keep in touch!  Best regards.

 

Ernie – Update to Ernie’s cell phone number from the previous bulletin.  The correct number is (760) 218-1139.  Give him a call when you get a chance.

 

Thomas – Warm Greetings to all my Rotarian friends in Mountain View!  As you are, we are in a lock down here in Bavaria and it is quite stunning: Everybody seems to be fine, the spring is beautiful but the world is frozen, time has stopped.

 

However, I am working frantically on my projects. And in my Industrial MakerSpace, outside of Munich, we started to produce face masks and other protective gear.

 

I am really concerned that we in Germany are destroying our economy. Some industries are booming, 3D Animated Moviemaking by example, others are being busted: transport, tourism, auto, retail. I estimate 70 % of the German economy. On the other hand, with a Covid-19 fatality rate as in Italy, we would have 2,5 Million additional deaths this year ( on a population of 82 Million ). Who can make this judgement call and re-open the Country? At some point we will have to. Even without vaccine and without therapy.

 

I was tested, had “it“ already and only mild symptoms. To celebrate life, I go running, try to motivate my family and send you some pics from my last run around Cloister Andechs towering over Lake Ammersee. 

 

Stay Safe and Sound! Thomas J. Dittler +49 (0) 175 2033804

 

 

Bruce – As I mentioned at the meeting today, Suzanne and I are gearing up to do a bike ride around Lake Tahoe (72 miles) at the end of summer and we wanted to offer this to the Club as the “Tahoe Challenge.”  And the Challenge doesn’t have to be a full ride around the Lake, it can be any distance you want it to be.  Since bike riding is one of the few activities that is currently allowed and lends itself pretty well to social distancing, this would be a great time to start getting ready for the “Tahoe Challenge!”  I’ll have more on this in the coming weeks.

 

 

From Anita – It’s not often I pass stuff along - but given the current COVID-19 situation this is worth a read. Could be a good reminder to keep a perspective and stay grateful...

1. There are no bombs raining on our heads.

2. I am not a prisoner held in solitary confinement.

3. I am not a refugee trying to escape with my life.

4. I am not standing in line waiting to fill a pot of water.

5. I have access to fresh food and I'm not starving.

6. I have hot running water.

7. My country has not been ruined by years of war.

8. I can reach my friends by phone and check in on them.

9. My friends check in on me because they care about me.

10. Any anxiety I feel about this strange turn of events should be tempered by the generosity of Americans.

11. More than half of the world would gladly trade their everyday problems for the modest inconveniences I am experiencing.

12. I may have anxious dreams but I'm dreaming them on a proper bed and I'm not sleeping on the sidewalk.

13. By staying at home, I'm helping to speed our recovery.

14. As long as I have my mind, I can create, imagine, dream and not be lonely.

15. This global crisis connects all people around the world; this is a good thing.

16. Whenever something such as this happens, I hope to respond to it with humanity toward all.

17. I hope for a good economic turn-around for all injured by these events.

18. I am surrounded by books.

19. I am surrounded by love.

20. The trees have already started to bloom.

21. I have God all around me.

 

 

Just to bring a few smiles:

 

 

Remember, send me some stuff so we can make this interesting and keep it going. And don’t forget the photos. Send it to bbarsi@msn.com.  And take good care of yourselves.