Visit

Andrea and I drove up this last week-end to visit Dean at Kern Valley State Prison. We wore the proper attire, and got through metal detectors and the line within the record time of one hour. We brought 60 one dollar bills for the vending machines so he could get food that he usually does not get, while we visited in the big rec room. We were assigned a table and then he got to come sit down and visit.
It was great to see him, and he looks good except for a receding hairline. I think the disappearing hair comes from stress. He likes his cellmate Mario who is much like him and has a similar story. The only real frustration that he has is how long it takes to get his mail and packages. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for the staff at the prison to deliver the mail. It might be due to overcrowding or it might be because they just do not care. Who knows.
We got to visit for 2 hours the first day, and then 5 hours the next day. The Holiday Inn Express in Delano is very comfortable, includes breakfast and has good rates. A Fresh and Easy Market for healthy food and a Starbucks is down the street.
We know our routine now for future visits.
Dean says Hello to everyone who cares and says that he is fine and hopeful.