Ramblings

All I can say, is "rain, rain,and more rain".  Thank goodness I was able to mow the lawn before it started.  We have had a frost so it is not growing much.  We have become homebodies because or the rain.

I frequently say I am so happy I don't have to drive in the buggy like the Amish around here.  Sometimes you see them driving holding a big (black of course) umbrella in front of them. They are trusting the horse knows the way.

In my quest to get rid of my stuff, I have contacted several historical societies to find a home for this stove.  I would love to donate this to them. So far no takers.  This stove was in the basement of the house in Mountain Lake, Minnesota where my grandparents, then my parents, and now my brother live.  My brother did not want it.  I thought I would put it in the walkout basement of a house we were planning to build. I drove 900 miles (one way) with a trailer and brought it to Ohio.

We did not build the house were were planning to. Instead we bought the one we now live in.  So it has been in the wood room of our basement.  I really don't want to just scrap it so will keep trying. 

Loss and Grief

Today I am writing sympathy cards to two of my friends who lost their mothers .  To say I understand what they are going through is very true.  It is sobering when I realize this is another stage of  my  life.  To those who know our friends, it is Denise L and Lynn B. 

In the same vein, last night G and saw the movie "Summer 1993".  It is a Spanish movie about a six year old girl who looses her mother and goes to live with an aunt and uncle.  The acting by the six year old is great.  Much of the time she looks on in silence as things are happening, but shows emotion in her face and body.  It shows here healing in a slow way.  I would recommend the movie. 

I don't want this post to be overly sad.  In each situation there are good memories that heal.

Alabama

Gerry and recently took a trip with our new (to us) camper.  The goal was the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham.  This is the largest motorcycle museum in the world.  Pictures fail to get the feel, but I will try. This is looking out of the five story elevator. These are not models, they are the real thing.  

Truth be said, it was a bit of overload for me, but of course not for Gerry.

The next two were placards on the tables where we had lunch.

Looking into the past

Every year G goes to a local engine show.  Engines are all sizes that are imaginable.  This is how boards were made years ago.  I am sending the link to the video.  Hope you can see it. Looks like you might need to cut and paste.


https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOgGbfetCX10WK8KmlszS0-ja8C19mAtcuC6fMC   

Old cars 

Everything you could image and more at the flea market.

It was a tiring day! 

Week in CA in photos

We are completing our week long visit with family near San Francisco.  Pappa G spends quality  time with his granddaughter.  

Enjoying art in Walnut Creek.  

A photographer at work

This is one of her works.

Celebrating my 74th birthday.  

Back to normal routine

Now that we are back home from Minnesota (Mom's funeral and lots of quality time with family) it is time to "hit the road running".  As an aside, that phrase means "start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm".  Because of my Mom passing, we had to reschedule the Pig Roast which was to be that week. It involved contacting about 80 people.  It will be in about two weeks from now.  That entails making a new spread sheet of guests who are coming or denied.  We use that to make name tags and to decide who to invite next year.  You don't RSVP and you may not be invited again!!

Yesterday we mowed the lawn which was long enough to bale it for cattle food.  Luckily we don't feel we have to have the best lawn in the neighborhood.

Today I will buy locally grown peaches and make freezer jam and enjoy the rest.  I also need to renew my driver's license.  That involves looking good for the picture (ha) and bringing extra documentation.  We now have to prove who we are, our legal presence in the US, address, and who knows what else. 

Tribute to my mother

On Sunday we lost my mother.  Gerry and I are in Minnesota now, having had calling hours yesterday and the funeral today.  I am sharing her obituary. 


 https://sturmfh.com/tribute/details/6356/Ruby-Pankratz/obituary.html#tribute-start

I know this is short and to the point, but that is all I can do today.