Friends | Marion Patterson

Archive for the ‘Friends’ Category

Nisa’tin Neighbors 2012

Posted in Friends, Healing Energy, New Hampshire, October, The East on October 20, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

The Uncanoonuc Mountains where I spent my formative years growing up.

Back in August, Universe said that I needed to get back home not only to see nieces but also a good friend who was a lovely neighbor to Mom and Dad. So, I picked a weekend and off I went. Turned out to be just fine – good weather, the “Pumpkin Thingie” (also known as the Giant Pumpkin Weigh off and Regatta), time with nieces for a “girl weekend”, hikes, ice cream, visiting old haunts, and finding new places and having new experiences.

Flights both ways were on time. Only one short delay in O’Hare when a storm passed by. Dawn was a great hostess and I am so impressed with Hannah’s processing of political comments and opinions. She connected her thoughts to the book, Lord of the Flies that her class is reading. We also made some decorations, hiked to The Ledges near Tibbetts Hill, watched the pumpkin float, ate pizza and generally wandered around Goffstown. A visit to the Fellows grave site and past the homes I lived in was just right.

Passing the test!

Then a day with elementary school friends. Interesting that we have been friends all these years, even with the gap of college and first adult years as our kids grew up. But, we reconnected easily and stay in touch. Sue F. and Peggy E organized the walk. Diane G. joined us and filled us in on the art work she does. Of course, ice cream was in the offing as long as we could squeeze through the granite sculpture in the park in Concord. Our conversations flowed back and forth, sometimes facetiously and other times with some degree of seriousness…but not too much of that! Later in the evening with Sue F we had some thoughtful discussions which I like.

Sue drove me past my New Boston home on Molly Stark Lane and we met the current owners. The home looks wonderful. Then, off to the cemetery for pictures overlooking the village and fun stories about growing up there. The Yoga House where Sue practices is for sale and what a wonderful place that would be! Tracy would love it.

Tuesday we took in Dunkin Donuts – of course! Then, I drove through windy weather to New London to see Jane White. She looks good and is in good spirits. How glad I was to see David’s and her new home, drive to their property overlooking Mt. Sunapee, eat at Bubba’s on the edge of Lake Sunapee. Mostly, though to do Reiki with her and share energy and healing.

Although being with people so much is hard for me, the trip was good. And, now, time alone is also good.

Read Full Post »

Home

Posted in family, Friends, Home, tagged Friends, Home on October 12, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Carr Court, Goffstown, NH where I lived in my formative years.

What is “home”? I have so many: New England is my ancestral home. Florida as a kid and young adult. The Inland Empire is my emotional and spiritual home. The Midwest and Iowa are where we have lived, raised our children, and have attachments, memories. A piece of me will always be here: Quivera Wildlife Refuge, The Ark River, Coronado Heights, The Cimarron Trail, Dillon Nature Center, the lovely sand roads full of wildlife all of Kansas; and Hanging Bog, Northeast and Southeast Iowa, ICNC, 1511 and 1080.

But, I am going home – home to New Hampshire. I’ll see what is there that is calling me. In part it is to see Jane White, a dear friend of Mom and Dad’s who is ill yet full of life. Part to see nieces and their children. Part to visit grave sites and go up Tibbetts Hill to the house. Part….Guess I’ll see.

Read Full Post »

Week Seven, July 25 to 31 – “‘Tis a Brae Brecht Ming Lecht Nect ta Nect’

Posted in family, Friends, PSU, travel on July 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Apologies to the Scots for the poor spelling above. The moon over Rumney, NH, is stunning. But, Susan T. wonders why it is “the-ah” in the south east sky instead of over the church. Drive from Tom and Mary’s was pretty and uneventful. Clouds kept building and we had some rain going over the Kancamagus Highway. Drove past the “once-was-Old-Man-in-the-Mountain.”

WWIT scenarios: On to Rumney as the clouds closed in. Well, I certainly got the day wrong – ice cream social was Saturday, not today! WWIT number two. Number one was reading the murder mystery in a rambling farmhouse on a dark and stormy night! What WAS I thinking?

Susan and Jim are so good to see, visit with. The familiar, playful and gentle teasing. She is the queen certainly – all in a good way. Fabulous dinner after a beer and Tanqueray. Fish. asparagus. rice pilaf. Their good friend, Nancy, who grew up in Rumney but who now lives in California is here and she and Susan are so charming to watch interact. They feed off each other, keep each other in line and plot playful antics. Susan said that when they first met,they just hit it off.

At the swim hole

A refreshing swim at the swim hole which on this day is flowing fast from the rains of the night before.

Monday, July 26 – A late start after a late night dinner. Up Mt. Stinson past wonderful for sale homes! Lovely forest that changed with elevation. Checkerberry (winterberry), trillium, princess pine (shining club moss), Indian pipes, sweet fern. Rocks! Birch, alders, pines, hemlocks, balsams. We heard a thrush as we started and finished. Mom came to mind, as I heard thrushes the year she died while we were on our first llama trek. Windy on top with view to Lakes south and west. Ski slopes and the village of Rumney below.

Rumney from Mt. Stinson

WWIT number 3 – my knee brace is safely tucked in a drawer in CR. Not much help going up and down the mountain.

In the afternoon, we began to “brush out” a place in the back that has granite squares, pile of bricks and a wonderful clump of birches, a balsam, a pine and some Pagoda dogwood. It will look really nice when cleaned out. Cate got to use the Kubota machine to drag away brush. Jim and Susan are so good about helping to guide her.

Fabulous dinner with Arrowwood wines and carrot cake. Lovely conversations.

Tuesday, July 27 – Nancy’s 27th birthday. Beautiful day, again. I had forgotten that Susan re-arranges plans during the night. So, Jim stayed with Rich and me while Susan took Cate to Manchester, did some work at the store and came back with a friend of Cate’s. We really brushed out the small area, cut up larger trees, hammered the Japanese barberry and Russian olive. The area looks splendid.

Revealing the birch clump

Nice to work as a team.

In the afternoon we met John Clark, a school friend and high school colleague and college fellow, who is now AD at PSU. He showed us the new ice arena and then took us to meet President Steen and Sylvia Bryant, director of advancement. Very thoughtful listeners. Showed us a restored picture of Plymouth valley and the different land use. Susan had just told me about how the land had been cleared in the 1820′s for sheep production. John showed us around the campus and then explained how he was instrumental in changing the campus to a walking one that opened up the views to the mountains. He is just right for his position. He waves to everyone, greets them and is an excellent ambassador for the University. President Steen and Sylvia were impressive and welcoming. Good contact.

Supper was at a little hamburger stand reminiscent of yesteryear. Then, to an ice cream stand for lovely lemon sherbert. yummmm.

Nice visit here to Rumney and the Turbynes.

Wednesday, July 28 – after a lazy start we drove to “The Camp” on Lake Horace in

Poore-Turbyne Camp

Weare, NH. Wow! It is so cool to return to a place that I loved and had a great time at as a kid. Nancy and I came here a dozen years ago. Rich and I chilled a lot and then drove to Dawn Allison’s in Litchfield. Bill and Hannah gave a tour of the house like last time adding all sorts of hilarious details. I think this is our tradition now. Then, home as dark was descending.

A classic Yankeeism, “Jim, tell me how to get to The Camp.” “Oh, you will remember.” “Well….” “OK, take Route…..and when you are almost there, you will recognize it. Turn at the ‘cohrnah whahre the stoahra’ used to be.” Oh, thanks, Jim. But, ironically, he was right!

Thursday, July 29 – Well, gravity grabbed us and held us down. Up about six a.m. By nine a.m. we had had a few cups of coffee and talked quietly and then not. Finally, we did get out for a paddle on the Lake. South breeze. So, the shoulder didn’t feel that great. About 4 p.m. we headed out past stands that sell “native” blueberries and corn. Then, we wound our way out to Concord and to the Weathervane for dinner with the high school friends. Fish and Chips and Vinegar! Yeah. Wine and conversation lakeside in the late evening.

Friday, July 30 – A day of nostalgia, which was just fine. We took little roads to Hillsborough and found the camp (not to be confused with The Camp) where I was

Cardinal Flower at the brook

counselor for three summers. Sort of looks the same and yet, nature is taking over. Turtle Stump, The Keep Out (for counselors only), Monkey House on top of the hill, and the splendid Cardinal Flower in the brook.

Over to Goffstown for coffee, a walk through the town past the popcorn stand, the library, the Church, the grocer, old schools and on to Grasmere and Mom and Dad’s grave. Tender to see, but not sad. OK. Up Tibbetts Hill Road to Jane White’s. She is so gracious and has such a pretty yard overlooking the Uncanoonuc Mountains. Great lunch and then a tour of the Fallu property which once was the Fellows property! How sweet of Lesley and Real to let us see the yard, the wedding nook, the house. They have made wonderful changes and yet kept the integrity of the property. They even have kept little remnants of Mom and Dad – the birch

Manny and Rich on Rock where we were married

clump and the trees in the yard – including the blueberry patch, the woodstove and a palm frond and some note from Mom about a pipe under the cellar floor.

After much visiting – 24 people so far in 10 days! we went back to the Lake, had supper, and enjoyed Columbia Crest on the Lake and a short paddle and a skinny dip after dark. Leaving will be sad as it has been such a blessing to be here and be able to venture out and return to a quiet spot here. Waning moon, rising ever later is still bright and pretty. Goodbye to Will’s Cottage, Jennifer’s Cottage, the Woodshed, the main Camp, the boathouse.

The generosity the Turbynes have shown is what I grew up with. They simply do nice things, include people, and open up their lives and homes to others. Solid mentors for me as a kid and a precious reminder now of why I do certain things. I just do, based on their model.

Saturday, July 31 – The month is at an end and so is our New England stay. So much of this has been simple narrative and only at night do I remember the deeper quality. To actually record it is difficult.

We left early, went past Naulauka in Brattleboro, VT. and drove the mountain roads to NY and down the Taconic Parkway. One eventful incident was when a crazy motorcyclist zoomed between us and a Target truck. Gads!

Quiet on Cedar Lake. Dan came in. More starting for week seven.

Read Full Post »

Protected: Changeover Week. July 18 – 24, 2010

Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Astronomy, Friends, summer, Uncategorized on July 18, 2010 |

Read Full Post »

Week Four – July Fourth through the 10th

Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Around Home, bunnies, Fourth of July, Frank and Mom, Friends, house, Summer Sorties 2010 on July 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

success!

July 10 – day dawned nicely. I headed out to Galena, IL, about 8:10. Nice to be on the road. Shopped Poopsies while waiting for Sue Hrobar to come. Something about a long time friend that eases visiting.

How do we get lost in small towns? We had to move the cars after three hours and agreed to meet in the parking lot across the bridge. So, we parted and off we went. Twenty minutes later, I called on the cell phone. “Where are you?” “On the bridge.” “I don’t see you.” “I’m in the shade.” “Near the couple dressed in red?” “No. There is no one else on the bridge.” “Which bridge?” “The footbridge.” “Oh.” Well, we got it figured out, but this is a pattern – city chicks getting “lost” in small towns.” Ha to us! So, off for gelato. Skunked again, so the Great American Popcorn Store got our business, two years running.

July 9 – milder day. Quite off, though. Headache that persisted. Later OK. Reminder – when volunteering to take notes, choose where you sit carefully and stay away from fire! as I eased myself to the floor, notebook in hand, Rev. Tom assured me that he could light the chalice easily. Saying so, I heard a whoosh, “Ohhh!” from several people, and felt Tom flapping at my hair with a quiet, “Ooopps.” Yikes!

Saw the Space shuttle go over. Fun!

July 8 -A fine day and quite busy. I happened upon thirteen free bags of mulch so at 7 a.m. decked in my

Just before opening of Midsummer Night's Dream

Crowd assembles

cool pink wellies and work clothes, I loaded them up and unloaded them before heading off to exercise. Like I haven’t already done that! Cooler today. Nice visit with Sandy T. who I see occasionally at Sisters. She has quite the schedule but finds time to visit, exercise, and care for her aging mother, as well as manage the home and family. Phew!

Off to IC with LS for a down and dirty visit to the New Pi coop and see John’s Grocery for the first time ever. Now, how many times have I driven past and said, “I really want to stop in.” Moral of the story is, DO IT! We went by one of LS former residences in a trailer court. Reminds me of how I used to go with Mom when she wanted to tour Waltham, MA, to see the old haunts. Very nice to have a “shotgun” along, even though we just visited the day before. We have interesting conversations. She certainly has sharp eyes, too. I about drove off the road when she shouted out about a cow she saw. A statue on the back of a truck going north on the Interstate. I was glancing at the flooded fields and had just heard a NPR report on how far a car travels in a few seconds at high speeds – a football field which is 300 feet. I thought we were in danger, but it was only a cow! Good grief and good thing. In spite of the scare, I value her friendship and help especially this past winter-spring. And, today was good to have a friend along.

Afternoon I spread the mulch, cleaned up and rested some. Read the rest of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” so I was up to speed on the plot, language and outcome from our having performed it in high school!

Thought of the Perraults and tried to reach Adele, but she does not have an answering machine. She will see the missed call, though and know I tried to get her. Today is the second anniversary of Frank’s death. Mom’s third anniversary is the 16th and somewhere in here is when Ginny, Frank’s first wife, died. She and Mom were long time friends. I’ll tell the story sometime.

Tonight was opening of Midsummer Night’s Dream. See Facebook for video ofJim Kern talking to Dan with audience in back. Very fun play and I think one of the actresses is the daughter of a couple I had in Lamaze classes back when.

A satisfying day over all, even with the nostalgia.

July 7 – Lots done today – mulch, a professional who looked at my stained glass and said just clean it up. No ammonia. Use Sprayway. More plastic crates for my crazy rocks! Then, a respite with LS as we had lunch at Olive Garden, thanks to a coupon from a family; B and N where we bumped into Mary Beth from Sisters. She graciously said I had “earned” the Godiva Chocolate cake. Nice lady! Saw about everyone from B/N I know and who knows Dan. Looked at Wicked and then went to Half Priced Books to get some items. And, guitar strings for LS guitar. Then, home again, home again jiggity jig. Short nap (well, after how many cups of coffee? Let’s not go there) Lots of energy to put down the mulch, which doesn’t go far.

Rich cooked outside to keep heat out of the house and because he wanted to use the Coleman stove. Clouds. Tons of rain in Waterloo area so the Rive will be up. Have to check when it comes up. We have found eight to ten days. Library later. Now checking emails. Next read and sleep. Very humid. Tomorrow IC for a down and dirty trip for a few items and then, the play!

July 6 – Goodness. Gravity really had hold of me today! Even though I accomplished tasks, I took four naps in between these activities. And, I slept each time and did at night, too. Reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream is quite amusing so I am looking forward to the play Thursday. I have yogurt cheese pie ready, some wine, some chips…oh, better get utensils, napkins….OK…. At Sisters Health Club is a “No SAG RAGBRAI contest. Each time we exercise we earn “25 miles” along the route of this year’s RAGBRAI. The first person to reach the eastern terminus wins a prize. People write their names on sticky notes and move them as they earn miles. So, honest one that I am, I just wrote my name on a sticky and placed it at the end. Someone wondered how it was that someone had already got to the end. Mary Beth looked, saw my name, and commented, “Oh, that Manny.” I assured them all that not only do I cheat, but I also lie. A “sister” quipped, “Are you sure about that?” Good jokes there and good people.

Enough with the rain and humidity. We have a hummingbird family that visits the feeder. Cool.

July 5 – Occasionally we would get a day like this in Kansas. Cool temperatures, rain, a close cozy sense that sent me nostalgically home to New England. Strong “Italian” instincts took over and I would make a foray in the grocery store for ricotta, mozzarella, and ingredients for home-made marinara sauce and by the end of the afternoon have a luscious lasagna ready. Today we planted the fabulous prairie plants from the Kramer’s Flower Farm, and four small spruces and some on-sale flowers from Lowes. Then, as the rain started in earnest, we cleaned up, napped, and have done indoor activities.

Now, I think I will adjourn for another nap.

Decked out for the Fourth

But, first, see the pies Nancy made for the Fourth of July. The yogurt cheese pies were favorites all summer at our house. Cool, easy to make and a blast to decorate. I got her started, but she has taken the designs over the top. You go, Nancy!

July 4 – A variable day, today with high winds, clouds. One friend termed this Holiday, “forced socialization.” True that. While I like visiting, sometimes when we only visit on these major Holidays then, it feels awkward.

Meanwhile, more projects getting finished. And, some rest in between. I am tuckered out. Shoulder feels dreadful.

Bunnies have been able to be out each day early. They dig and get covered with sand and within an hour, they are all clean again, stretched out and resting.

Thinking a lot of Mom, Frank and Ginny this week that marks the anniversaries of their deaths. A new generation of Perraults is being born. LeAnn keeps me up to date that way. Would like a trip west, again.

Nancy called to wish us a “Happy Fourth.” She and Brian are off to potlucks and shoot off firecrackers.

Read Full Post »

Week Three Begins: June 27 through July 3

Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Cedar Rapids, Friends, Rich, summer, Uncategorized on June 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

True Friends

Go to the bottom of each day to read a new day. Last week was “bass ackwards” this is just “awkward” to find the right date!

How wonderful to included in the continuing friendships, to learn about our adult children’s lives and to encourage them as they seek their way.

After breakfast they took off for the day to shop, eat at favorite Zoey’s and just renew bonds. Then, they came to the house and toured. So fun to see them interact as adults but also as the long time friends they are. Stories I didn’t know, like playing with the Brio trains on Grandpa Fellows’ rug and wondering if they should play in Dan’s Spy Center upstairs in the attic at 1511. They signed the table cloth together along the drive.

Watched, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” a cartoon version of a funny flick with George Clooney’s voice.

Another storm roared in this morning and dropped a lot of rain, again. Then, the wind shifted to the west and the air cleared for the flight out at 12:45 p.m. We had a nice breakfast, did some computer work, hung Grandma Fellows’ rug over the bed to complement the picture by Great-Granny Alcock of New Boston, NH, talked in the cabin and then, off to the airport for a little visiting and the transition to “back to normal.” Napped a bit, took in Sue Kramer’s party, and now back home. Looking at the pictures that Michael’s framed, which are gorgeous! And, more than a little crying as the familiar sense of loss that comes with this transition takes over for a while. It’ll be OK.

Tuesday: What wonderful weather today! north wind, cool, breezy. Washed the front windows from the roof today. Rather cool to do. Appointments – one was getting my credentials in for lane change. The others proved positive, which is a relief. Took the stained glass up to Tina’s who showed me her absolutely fabulous yard with lilies, shrubs, native grasses and forbs, the toad who is rather enormous. She advised on getting it renovated and offered, should the price be too great, to refurbish it. A great visit. After supper Rich and I water proofed the deck. I have tools and paint for the porch, so will get to that and finish the upper story windows.

Finished Glass Castles, Jeannette Walls. An interesting read.

One more day of applying the caustic cream as a first step in ridding actinic kerotosis. Hope it works.

Tuesday, June 29. Another day without rain! Wow! Another two windows finished. Three to go! They are so hard to do because the frames, cracks and crevices have not been cleaned in eons of time and are absolutely filthy. Then, I sanded the porch and deck posts, applied the rest of the sealer and later put primer on the porch and deck posts. Tomorrow on to painting them.

Excellent program on preventing skin cancer and I saw many people I know there. the young doctor is one I had an appointment with, but was able to get into the plastic surgeon first. This doctor said the cream is excellent for pre-cancerous skin conditions. Let’s hope so.

Nancy is back safe and sound and so we begin to transition into parents without kids around, again.

Wednesday: Another gorgeous, sunny,mild day. Lows were in the mid-50s in the early a.m. I kept the house closed and it never got above 68! If this were winter, we’d complain and “freeze.”

Finished the windows! Hooray! Wow! Were they ever a mess. Hanging out the windows I noticed all the gunk that had dripped down from storms, but…I closed my eyes to that and said, “manana” (with the accent mark). And, Wendy, the massage therapist, wisely admonished, “Hire that one out, Marion. Power washers, cherry pickers. Don’t you try to wash the outside yourself.”

I am a mass of bruises from all this silly activity – washing windows, carrying ladders and I also know that the ibuprofen and extra fish oil contribute. Boo to that.

The deck is water sealed and the posts painted. The front porch is underway. My pictures are framed and are “wandering” around the house figuring out where they want to live.

The left shoulder is “getting there” with physical therapy.

OK, now to watch, “The Men Who Stare At Goats.” I guess I like Netflix. Now to get the 21st Century TV and adaptor to watch movies, “on demand” and not in front of a computer screen.

Thursday, July 1

What a whopper!

Another gorgeous day! I painted some of the front porch – quite tedious. Later LS dropped by with the truck and off we went to investigate places that refurbish “stuff.” She has an old bench that is about as shot as can be. But….First it helps to verify that a business exists in the spot listed. The building was empty. Also, give the correct information about where we are going – like the name of the place, the street number….Well, we wandered around and finally ended up at Borst. If she had just said so in the first place….OK, OK. Next to Chadimas which has moved to Higley. Well, the person who could give an estimate was “out to lunch.” Then, to Belkins, on Mt. Vernon Rd, which was closed. For Pete’s Sake! By now we are starved and I cannot get the blood sugar up from earlier in the morning and my shoulder really hurt from therapy and poor sleep last night. OK, OK. Then, Parlour City was WAY TOO LOUD! and I about lost it just coming into the building. The Vietnamese place was closed for vacation. That is how her week has gone. And, since LS wanted to be in control, my suggestions fell by the wayside. But, a good thing, is that we stopped at a garage sale on 29th St Dr. and found a “big ‘ole fish!” So, that became a prop for Rich’s b-day party tonight.

I rested some in the afternoon. Well, not really. Hair appointment and Toyota check up. Then, off to a sale on Red Fox Rd. and I saw a pretty Birdseye maple dresser. I’ll call Friday and see if I can pick it up. Really sweet.

We had just corn for supper as it is just now in. About once in seven or eight years it is ready for R’s B-day. Nice to have a small group over to chat and see the house. Good people, all. I value them.

Back to painting tomorrow.

Friday and Saturday – Wow! Paint…Paint…Paint. Almost done. Ooohhh bruises, paint in my hair, all over me. The end of our really nice weather is upon us. So, we are scrambling to get these projects done. We induleged in Bob Anderson’s “Sixth Glass” ale. Wow! Sock it to us. Early to bed.

Saturday after painting we rested and cleaned up and went to Davises’ for dinner. Nice to catch up with people. They confirmed what we have observed – people may want to have folks over, but so often they just don’t get it done. “You are always so good about inviting people over.” Well, like the Godfather’s pizza ad advocates – ‘Just do it!’ Very nice night.

Can week three of break be over!? Nancy, Tom and Mary called from a rodeo in Bozeman. Lucky ducks.

Read Full Post »

Day Three

Posted in Friends, Geology, Summer Sorties 2010, sunlight on June 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

This daily entry stuff probably won’t last long. but….

Today’s lesson is “Keep a civil tongue in your head” lest you inadvertently trouble and hurt someone. Go back to being the reserved Yankee that has served you well and eschew the seemingly playful but potentially dangerous bantering and flippant or ill advised comments. So, think before you speak. Or, KYMS (keep your mouth shut).

A beautiful day with cool and dry air, full sun. My routine is somewhat different and yet similar: I have a later schedule for exercise so I see different people and yet, I can still do sauna then, clean up and do errands that are bundled in location and necessity.

Tonight Benz and Spanish Wine Tasting. Wonder if they will have Ochoa wines!

A pretty combination

The little basin herb garden is loving this sun! Me, too. Vitamin D come hither.

Read Full Post »

Wher Ya’ll Frum?

Posted in Big Bend, Davis Mts, Friends, Geology, Presidents, Texas, The Veranda on March 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

You could hardly ask for more gently friendly hosts as West Texans have been. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Honoring

Posted in Frank and Mom, Friends, Kennewick Summer 2008, Kindnesses on July 15, 2008 | 1 Comment »

We honor people in many ways and repay their kindnesses by paying it forward.

* Frank, Mom’s second husband, died on July 8, 2008. Although still in the thick of flood clean-up, I was able to carve out time to fly west to pay him and his family tribute. The Perrault family has always treated Mom and our families well. Welcoming us as we visited, thanking us for calls and notes, treating us to special times like a boat ride on the Columbia River, a meal at their favorite cafe or restaurant. Mom built another part of her long and lively life in the west. She and Frank shared twelve good years with only the last year in decided decline. I had called Frank on Sunday to say hello. I just talked briefly and he tried to respond but it was hard for him. I am glad to have contacted him. Much of his family was with him when he died. That is very kind, generous and thoughtful of them.
After the Rosary Fr. Auve gave people time to talk about Frank. Good memories: Frank and Ginny, camping, giving the sign of the cross from across the pond at Columbia Park, how happy Frank became when he proposed to Mom, Sue’s story of her response, my seeing the three western tanagers last year – two females and one male – and thinking they reminded me of Ginny, Frank’s first wife and a good friend of Mom’s; Mom and Dad.
We ate different meals together and told and listened to stories.
The Perraults asked me to read one of the scriptures and assured me that they were all OK with this and in part because they didn’t think they could read without breaking down. I felt very honored and did my best to honor them. The reading from Revelations made me think of how in Iowa we need to re-build a “new city” of sorts. This is an opportunity.
The meal at the church was very nice and the ladies so kind to put it together. Then the drive to Moxee City with Adele, Sue, Valerie who cared for Mom and Frank, and me. I so enjoyed visiting with Valerie and she shared about her and some of her memories of Mom and Frank. It is a loss for her, too. She has been very good to them and Adele. The cemetery is very pretty and has a great view of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. Another time, a good visit to the first Mountain will be nice.
People asked about the Floods and I shared pictures. Sue made a nice contribution and I learned that some of the Eastern family planned to do something. Paula L has written that they want to put together school items for kids in August.
Mike and Joce were gone, but welcomed me to the house and then we had a chance to visit when they returned. Their son, Dan, is back in Kuwait and scheduled to be in Iraq soon. Keeping them close in my thoughts.
The drive to Moscow, ID, over the Pasco-Kalotous Road was pretty neat. Beautiful patterns on the land. Greens, golds, chocolate brown, tans, buff. Basalt under the loess? Very pretty. The meetings at UIdaho excellent. Physical Education, Dean of the College of Education, the Senior Director of Development, the Associate Dean of the College of Natural Resources, and the Interim President, the support staff in each area. It was nice to reconnect with them all, some friends for several years. They all thanked me for the blog I send on the floods and asked intelligent questions and listened to the stories ab out it and the long-term consequences and opportunities. President Daley Laursen asked about opportunities for service projects by UIdaho students. Excellent! So, I will pass that on to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
Now, it is time to return to the Midwest after nice swims, sitting outside without bugs or humidity, vistas, the open skies, and a dreadful dust storm. There is more buried in my memory.
Honoring people by returning kindnesses. Little things count.

Read Full Post »