This is a follow up to my last post about the trip to South Africa. On our return, we flew from Sigita in Kruger National Park after two weeks of viewing and photographing the animals in South Africa. A one hour charter flight to Johannesburg and after a short layover we continued on to Dubai. Following a several hour layover in Dubai we flew back to Seattle. Not counting the time spent between flights we were in the air twenty…
Today is the anniversary of the death of my father, Paul Nicholas Luvera Sr. Born on March 25, 1898, he died in Anacortes, Washington on November 4, 1990 at the age of 92. I've published details of his extraordinary life many times. See https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2013/11/dad-1.html for a complete history of his life. Dad was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, the son of Niccola and Fillippa Luvera. His father and oldest brother left for Canada where they worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad installing tracks until they earned…
On Thursday, October 19 we flew from Seattle to Dubai on Emirates air. With travel upgrades we were able to enjoy the benefits of first-class travel on Emirates. The airlines provides a chauffeur driven service as part of business and first class flying. They pick you up in Gig Harbor and drive you to the airport plus providing the same service on your return to Seattle The arrangement in first class is really special. We had beds that went flat,…
You've read about Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, also known as Diogenes the cynic." He wondered around ancient Greece carrying a lantern searching for an honest man because he believed there was no such person. Current history, especially political history, makes me worry that Diogenes could be right. We expect honesty and truth from others, but especially our leaders, both political and religious.We read in the Bible: "But, that your yes be yes and you're no, no. For whatever is more…
In early September 1814, Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet, accompanied Col. John Skinner to negotiate a prisoner release with several officers of the British Navy. During the negotiations, he and Skinner were informed the British intended to attack the city of Baltimore and Fort McHenry. They were not permitted to leave until the attack was over. They watched the bombardment with apprehension. Inspired by seeing the American flag flying in the morning, after the attack, Key…
A short note about people who died this month and who had a role in my life or Lita's. Toni Hrvatin died October 7, 2005. She was the nanny for the Barnett children and cared for Lita while working for Lita's parents Hollis and Betty. I've published about her before for her role in my wife's family. https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2010/12/elizabeth-catherine-barnett-1910-1985.html Her full name was Antonia Theresa Hrvatin (Toni) at the age of three arrived in America from Yugoslavia in the early 1920's with…
That's what the man said to me. At first I didn't hear him as I stood waiting to use the cash machine, but I turned and he repeated it. He was older than I was, but was in good shape. "Yes, " I said. "How old are you?" he asked. I said "Eighty Two." "I'm ninety four" he said and walked into the bank. I'm at a point where I have gradually learned to accept the fact that I am…
In honor of National Day of Prayer, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order entitled "Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty" that will, among other things, fulfill his campaign promise to “get rid of and totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment. That was a rule, passed in 1954, and proposed by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, barring 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches and other religious entities, from “directly or indirectly” promoting political views in a political campaign. That restriction has been lifted…
My daughter Susan luvera Chiabai has written a self published book: Dear Nick – Letters From the Edge. She explains the title by saying that the contents are letters to her brother Nick which she says were written during bouts with insomnia in the early morning hours, but not actually mailed. The contents deal with her experiences from the year 2000 through 2012 involving her children and family. Her description of life with her husband Ron over 26 years and…
We had a wonderful time with our children on our cruise to Alaska. We left from Vancouver and sailed to Anchorage, returning a few days ago. Three children were unable to make it, but it was a great family adventure for all of us anyway. Hubbard Glacier was beautiful and we had calm seas the majority of the time with only a little rain. While on the trip I read The Political Brain by Drew Westen. It discussed, in part,…
