The Willows Newsletter

A visit to the website, queencalifia.org, is intriguing in itself! Just imagine how marvelous it will be to actually visit Queen Califia's Magic Circle, a sculptured garden, in Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Join us as we trek to this interesting spot on Thursday, June 24. Willows' resident, Shirley Heimstaedt, will be our event leader and docent. The seven large sculptures that comprise the Magic Garden were all created by Niki de Saint Phalle, whose sculture gardens are found in several countries, most notably France, Italy and Germany.

The Willows' Off-Campus Committee has a delightful day planned for us. Before visiting Queen Califia's Magic Circle, we'll visit Escondido's famed Center for the Arts, including a tour of the Museum of Art. We’ll then enjoy lunch together at El Nopal, a festive Mexican restaurant in Escondido. You're on your own here, but the prices are quite reasonable. There is a $4 admission charge to the Art Museum, and no fee to see the Magic Circle. The bus donation and times will be announced soon. At that time, trip envelopes will be available for your reservation.

Jackie Alexander

Where does a hungry person go for lunch on Fridays when the dining room is closed? You guessed it—the Garden Room. For $6.00 you get fruit, sandwich and a beverage (cash, or charge your account). In the winter, soup replaces the fruit. Sandwiches, on wheat bread or a croissant, include:

• Ham
• Roast beef
• Turkey
• Egg salad
• Tuna salad
• Chicken salad
• Seafood salad

Augi Sanchez and his staff in the kitchen prepare the fruit (or soup), and Yolanda, the caterer, prepares the sandwiches. Occasionally there is dessert.

It's a lovely place for lunch. During the summer it’s nice and cool, and in the winter the fireplace brightens and warms the room.What are you waiting for? Come on over this Friday at 11:30 am for lunch!

Jean Paige

On Tuesday, June 15, two members of Las Concordias will speak of their experiences in new and old worlds. Betty and Johanna will tell us what is required to be an “expat.” An “expatriate” is someone who lives in a foreign country. (It has nothing to do with patriotism.)

Betty Everett was born in San Francisco and raised on the San Francisco peninsula. At the age of 29 she moved to Europe where she spent the following thirty-three years.

Johanna Hardi was born in the Dutch West Indies, lived through a war, moved to The Netherlands, then to the United States, back to The Netherlands, and again to the United States.

Both Johanna and Betty were players in “the game” rather than observers. They put down roots and participated in daily community life. It was not always easy; it was always a learning experience! Everything was new, the language, the culture. Both joined Christian Science churches. Johanna was new to Christian Science. Betty had already had class instruction before she left American shores. They met in church in The Hague, in The Netherlands. Now they both live at The Willows. Small world?

Harriett Porch