PowerBall: Enjoying the Spoils (Part 1)
Cheryl had worked a little over three weeks after turning in her notice. Some of her co-workers had learned about our good fortune and it didn’t take long for the gossip to spread and request began to come in. The owner of the company where Cheryl worked had introduced us to his financial advisor, whom we had hired. Any request for financial assistance, were directed to him. Also, we had opened a new account for our cell phones, gotten new ones with new numbers, being very selective to whom we gave them to. We only answered voice mail from the old numbers.
It had taken us a little over three months to tie all our loose ends together after claiming the PowerBall. Never knew one could have so many loose ends and still operate on a daily bases. First we had reimbursed all those whom had suffered because of our bankruptcy. After paying off all existing debt we still had close 202 million dollars.
What to do with the money. Jonathan Krane, of Thomas, Krane and Wilson, was the financial advisor we had hired. The first thing he helped us do was take care of the family. A trust fund in the amount of 20 million was set up for each of the four children. Each one was to receive 100 thousand a year. Then we set up another trust in the amount of 20 million that was to be used for the education of all of our direct decedents. Then we set aside 20 million just for Cheryl and I.
Left with 82 million, we came to the conclusion it was found money and should be used to help others. With Cheryl’s approval, I was able to do something I had thought about for at least forty years: A foundation that would help underprivileged high school graduates attend the college or university of their choice. Thus the Xavier Foundation was born.
Both Cheryl and I had decided to inform the children of their trust fund at the same time. Our youngest daughter lived in Colorado and we were able to convince her and her husband to spend a week in North Carolina where the other three children lived. A letter inviting each child and their spouse to a breakfast in a private dinning room at the Cracker Barrel was sent. The letters contained no clue as to why this family meeting was being called.
The designated Saturday morning arrived and all was assembled except the oldest child, a son. He had been estranged from the family for a number of years. Thought Cheryl was an only child, he felt he had been unduly discriminated against in the settlement of my mother’s-in-law estate.
When it was determined he and his wife were not going to show, the local attorney hired by Jonathan Thomas passed out the packets containing the trust and the conditions attached. Each trust was in the amount of 20 million. Cheryl and I were the trustees. Each child was to receive a 100 thousand a year. Any money the trust earned above the 100 thousand would be added to the value of the trust. The principle, 20 million, could not be touched, but with the approval of the trustees, any amount above the original principle could be used.
Once the packets were opened, the excitement grew. Before the packets everyone was eager to order their breakfast. Now breakfast seemed to be forgotten. Everyone wanted to go to the bank and cash the 100 thousand dollar check contained in each packet.
Back in Las Vegas, Cheryl and I put the finishing touches on our estate. Our granddaughter and her two sons were given custody of the house on the condition she maintain it in the manner we would have. She, also, became responsible for the four cats, two dogs and two birds. Determined to help the other grandchildren later we signed over the car and truck to her. An account was set up for her to maintain the property with the co-signature of Jonathan Krane.
Once we had determined how we were going to handle our newfound fortune, I visited a tailor and had a couple suits, some shirts and ties made. Cheryl visited the shops in the casinos on the strip and bought or order gowns and other outfits. It was amazing how fast fifty thousand dollars can disappear when it comes to cloths.
After collecting all new outfits we were ready to depart for Europe. We had promised all the family we would be back for Christmas. Early on a Saturday morning Cheryl and I boarded a plane for New York. From there we flew to Paris. Once in Paris and settled into our hotel, we purchase a car, a Mercedes-Benz SUV, and a detailed map of Europe.
We spent a week in Paris. Two of those days were spent just touring the Louvre. Being an avid reader of Dan Brown, naturally his book, "The Da Vinci Code," came to mind. I’ve always enjoyed paintings that I have a feeling for, I claim they talk to me. Was I ever hearing voices while in this place. While I can appreciate the Glass Pyramid in front, I do wish I could have visited the Louvre before its construction.
Another day was spent at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Imagine this was built in the 13th and 14th century. And what is really amazing is it was built without computers. I remember teacher in some of my humanity classes talking about how the buttresses built on the outside of the structure being its main support allowed for a small number of support walls in the interior. While Hugo entered my mind, I did remember that this magnificent structure has been used in so much more art than Hugo’s "Hunchback."
Then there is, always, the Eiffel Tower and the restaurants there. We had to wait four nights before we could get a reservation.
Then there was the Left Bank where we were able to visit some of the restaurants and night clubs that had been frequented by artist and writers such has Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
I told Cheryl that some of this was a saver ( a term we had coined many years ago when time had prevented us from seeing all we wished to) if we were only spending a week here. Time was really not a factor here since we would be flying out of Paris to return home.
On our second Sunday in Paris, we checked out of the hotel and drove southeast headed to Nice and Cannes. These two cities would be the first two that were a revisit for me. The Navy had taken me there in 1959. I was glad there was enough summer left that we could enjoy the French Rivera.
After two days on the beach in Cannes we decided to visit Monaco and the Monte Carlo. While checking out of the hotel the Concierge was able to get us a room in Monaco. After checking in I was eager to don my new tuxedo and to see Cheryl in her new gown. After a late dinner we visited the casino. Cheryl learned, really quick, that money lasted longer in Las Vegas’ Monte Carlo than the one in Monaco.
While in Cannes we had made arrangements to rent a house for fourteen days in Livorno a short train ride to Florence. Research had shown Florence would need some time to see, just the cream, of what was there. Fourteen days also allowed us to spend some time on the Italian Rivera and visit Pisa, which has to be a must when this close.
A young lady, Miss Baldovini, met us at the rental agency in Livorno. She spoke excellent English. In fact she spoke the language better than I do. Expecting English to be spoke in all of the major resorts cities, I found it delightful to find the language spoken in the lesser known parts of France and Italy.
Miss Baldovini advised us when visiting some of the places in Florence, such as museums, it would be best to book a tour instead of spending viewing time standing in line. That evening after we settled in and stocked the kitchen, I got on the internet and schedules tours for the Uffizi Gallery, the Palazzo Vecchio, Accademia Gallery and theBargello. The next morning we boardered the train to Florence.
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