Holiday Decorating 2013

The outside temperature on this 7th day of December, 2013, is 24 degrees.  My thoughts always stray in cold like this to homeless people.  I never have and never will take my home for granted.  As a small child of two I was without a home and the imprint on my feelings about hearth and home is unmistakable. . .home is where the heart is. 

Last night we attended the 5th Avenue theater production of Oliver with son, Brandon, and best friends, Terry and Gretchen Owen.  We dined before the show at Sullivan's steakhouse.  We laughed, teased and enjoyed good wine and food.  After the performance, Brandon invited us in to see his home and to offer Gretchen one of her favorite drinks:  white chocolate liqueur.  His new hutch was installed and filled, the dining table pushed to one side to make room for a tree.  This afternoon he posted on Facebook a picture of the eleven foot noble fir, a real beauty that he cut and brought home for this special spot in his dining room.  He seems oddly content living without a partner.  He is more than likely dating, but chooses not to share that information with us at this time.  Brandon loves Christmas time, especially the music.  A year's subscription to Pandora is an every year gift we are assured will be a big hit with him.   

Two weeks ago I brought up the first of our Christmas decorations and have been setting things around the house in a slow, sure manner.  I am 90% complete and we entertained Ann and John Martin, former dragonboat club members, today chatting in the living room and downstairs in the pub.  My cousins Joy, Marcia and Marie, Karman, Kim and Shannon, Sarah and Megan will visit a week from today.  I wanted to spend time with them without seeing them at a memorial service, the only times I've seen them all together in the last five years.  It is difficult to see the results of our decorating when we do the work setting things up.  The outside lights are on in the evening and we like the "holly" effect of the red and green lights on the ends of the eaves and at the peaks of the roof.  Pandora has a great station that plays Sinatra, Como, Cole, Mathis and Crosby, all my favorites and I make sure it's playing as I decorate the tree, tops of tables and wood moulding.  It's a warm, cozy, family time of year.  I hope I never lose my love of this peaceful, colorful holiday spirit.  As I age, I may not be able to decorate a tree or carry boxes up from the basement, but I hope I always smile when I hear "Ho, Ho, Ho".   

Murder Myster #2 - 2013

September 22nd, 2013 - Another magical evening as we played our second murder mystery, this one The Good the Bad and the Guilty, set in a western town in the late 1800s.  The same six folks joined us, Chef Matt again wowed us with his culinary wizardry, and we added The Owens' and sister Carol.  Son, Brandon, was Marshall Aiden N. Abettin' and again our bartender extraordinaire.  He is about to lose his gun in the pic above to Lily Larkspur our evening songbird.  Watch out, Marshall!

It rained in the morning of our event, but cleared up just as Mike, Brandon and I drove to pick up our guests.  The costumes were, again this year, creative and stunning.  We began the day with sarsaparilla and whiskey or champagne and sarsaparilla.  First we went out back for target practice and everyone took their five shots at a target set up against a hay bale.  Chef Matt was the winner and was awarded a prize.  Then we began the game, Round One and Two in the living room.  Chef Matt brought in a couple appetizers to keep the hunger down as we revealed and concealed clues.  We went down to the pub for a whiskey tasting before starting Rounds Three and Four where we found out the murderer was Elvira Lynn Feckshun (Lynn Pollock).  Last year no one guessed the murderer.  This year, four people named the culprit.  The gift went to Dei Adela Muerte (Sue Merrill).  P'Elvis Swagerrin's (Mark Merrill) lime green studded gun belt was a hit.  Butch Chastity (Kathy Falk) smoked cigars like a champ and had us all in stitches.  Elias Truist Heath (Mark Falk) kept his eye on Butch and plays a focused game.  Chief Breaking Wind (my Mikey) looked grand in his full headdress, buckskins and moccasins.  Wyatt Hertz (Clayt Pollock) read a Robert Service poem after dinner out by the fire of the chat table.

Our dinner began with the same delicious mushroom, triple-truffle soup, a salad of 21 different flavors, and beef medallions/chicken over roasted potatoes as the main course.  Dessert was apple pie and ice cream - Yum!  The rain held off and we were able to go out and sit under the gazebo by the fire and enjoy cognac and cigars, some real, some chocolate.  The only downer of the evening was a call from Brandon's best friend, Trevor Kidd, that his Father (Billy Kidd. . .no, really, that's his name!) had passed away that morning.  Brandon left to be with his buddy and though we completely understood he needed to be where his heart was, a little bit of the sparkle went out of the evening for me. . .it always does when Brandon leaves.  That's a mother's heart. 

We climbed into the limo at 11:45 and everyone arrived home safely and satisfied after a day filled with laughter and loads of fun. 

World Stage

I've been wondering this week if 24 hour news is a good idea.  I'm a bit addicted to it (is a bit addicted like a bit pregnant?), watching from before my feet hit the floor in the morning until I close my eyes at night.  Would it be better for my zen meter to read more books?  I definitely know I worry more. . .most of the news is horrendous.  Should we go to war in Syria?  Will a mother on death row for twenty years, found guilty of having her three year old taken into the desert and shot for insurance money, be let go?  Did a man found guilty of imprisoning three women for years hang himself in prison or was he helped?  Not a lot of reporting on lotus blossoms and fairies in our news.

Mike is in Montana this week for their dragonboat regatta.  I realize as I watch the news how many times I speak my thoughts because Michael is nearby.  I also realize how patient and responsive he is.  He is not a worrier.  I would say he's very much a pragmatist.  If it doesn't advance an effective or positive result, he sets it aside.  How does he do that?  Is that a gender thing?  Sometimes my worrying propels me to act.  For instance, the downrod for the fan did not arrive with the motor; it's in a separate package, but came from Kentucky as part of a pair.  I made two calls to Fed Ex on two separate days and the downrod arrived today.  I don't believe it would have arrived this quickly if I hadn't been concerned (another way to say worried) and acted.  So worrying could be a good thing, but not if it has a negative effect on my life. . .like loss of sleep.  Need to keep that in mind and try to be more like Mikey. . .some of the time. 

So, I watch. . .and wonder. . .and worry. . .  I watch the news on several different channels since each has its own political slant.  I wonder why so many leaders seem to be scary dictators.  I worry that we're not paying enough attention to important matters in the world; we elect leaders who are charismatic, have the best political machine behind them, when we should be electing the wisest, most mature person with a background showing action and results.  Our political scene is a pendulum swinging one way, then the other.  Hopefully, both ends of that continuum are filled with people who truly love this country and want the best for its people.  As much as I criticize the actors on our political stage, I wouldn't trade them for anyone else on the political world stage. . .except, maybe Switzerland.     

Nijenrode Reunion 2013

The Nijenrode Brotherhood met on a mildly sunny afternoon at the lovely beach home of Peter and Janet Stanley.  Those in attendance:  Earl Armbruster, Ron Greisen, Bruce Kindler, Mike Gehrke, Tom Emrich, John Barline, Jim Smith, Tom Sjostrom, Lon Lembert, Mike Timm, Pete Stanley, Jerry Shelor, and on his virgin visit, Dave West.  Sandor Thomassen joined the group, the only Dutchman - he gave the gathering a touch of class.  Wives in attendance were Janet Stanley, Sally Barline, Kathy Gehrke, Hannah Emrich, Glennie Sjostrom, Zoe Armbruster, and Tona Greisen. 

The stories seem to get wilder and grander, but I love them.  The fellas love telling them, especially after a glass of wine or two.  Pete, Mike and John barbecued chicken skewers, salmon and flank steak.  Mike made a shrimp dip for snacking.  Sally prepared lemon squares and brownies and Mike made white chocolate covered strawberries dipped  in blue sugar.  I made Swedish Tea Cake for tomorrow morning's breakfast.  After a walk on the beach, an eagle sighting, and a bit of golf (hitting the balls into the Sound), we sat down to dinner and more stories.  Mike Timm even decided to call Dick Roberts in Pennsylvania to razz him about not being here with the group - he usually shows up.

As folks began to leave at ten o'clock, some staying with the Stanley's, some heading back to their Gig Harbor hotel rooms, Mike and I were glad we had decided to drive home to our own bed.  It was a big day, another successful reunion. . . . . . . .but. . . . . .something was missing. . .just a bit off kilter.  It wasn't difficult to think back about what could be causing this feeling that things just weren't quite right.  Jack and Myra weren't with us.  Jack's passing mid June was a shock to us all; we all, including wife Myra, thought we had years more - but it wasn't to be.  Jack loved these reunions.  He was the Life of the Party.  They're wonderful gatherings, but they will never be as bright with the three amigos as they were with Four.  Hate the thought of that number going any lower.  As we look forward to a reunion in Holland in 2017, I wonder who will be there. . .will I travel again?  I've learned to never say never.  If I do go, I hope to see Glennie and Zoe again.  They are Oregon residents; I wish they lived closer - two lovely, gentle ladies. 

Moving On

Had lunch with a great friend today.  If she reads this, she'll think (and she'd be right!) I'm putting this on my blog site because she told me today that she has read some of my blogs.  Today was a poignant lunch, our last lunch together as fellow Washingtonians.  She and her husband are moving to the East Coast.  I am so happy for them as I think about this new adventure.  Moving just down the street from her best friend, she surprised me with remarks about a bit of a tug to the Northwest and her lovely home with a view of our beautiful Puget Sound.  She has an open, adventurous heart and will, I predict, settle in quickly to her new surroundings, home and community.  They will return every now and then to see old friends and enjoy our breathtaking, but unpredictable, summer weather.  As I prepare to say Bon Voyage, I know I will miss knowing she's just "up the road a piece", but look forward with great anticipation to her newsy emails, especially pictures of her new granddaughter.
Thanks for the memories, dear friend.  I wish you the best always. 

Missing Man

We were to gather at a Nijenrodean brother's home for dinner in a week. . .but the call came that our dear Jack was in the hospital in California with breathing trouble.  We logged onto Caring Bridge and watched Myra's beautiful, but angst ridden updates.  When the unthinkable happened, it was hard to take in.  How could this be?  He was bigger than life.  But a date was set for a Celebration of Life in Santa Barbara where part of his family resides.  So the three Nijenrode brothers and their wives boarded a plane with heavy hearts and checked into the Villa Rosa hotel.  We met family and friends at a barbeque Friday night at brother David's lovely home.  The next evening we met on the beach to the music of a steel drum, dressed in Hawaiian shirts and our heads and hearts full of memories of our time spent with a great guy.    

He would have been so pleased with the laughter and emotion from everyone in attendance on the beach that night of the full moon. . .but he would have been most pleased and proud watching his lovely wife taking care of business, watching over the day to make sure it went well and in the quiet moments, the video moments, the paddle out to scatter his ashes and the flight overhead, her eyes and her heart filled with the painful loss and she sweetly saluted to the sky.  We have no doubt she will carry her Prince with her throughout the rest of her life. 

And so we will meet in August, 2013 for a Nijenrode reunion. . .but for the first time it will feel a bit "off". . .until we close our eyes and remember the spirit of the missing man. . .and we will smile. . .because he is, in spirit, right there with us.

Father's Day 2013

When I was a teenager I watched a tv western with gentle giant Clint Walker as Cheyenne Brodie.  I used to pretend he was my brother and would protect me in teenaged fantasies that found me in danger of one kind or another.  Clint Walker was a sequoia tall man with beautiful eyes and a gentle, respectful voice.  A week ago I noticed an old western movie, Fort Dobbs, on the telly and watched it.  I was immediately pulled in yet again to the character's appeal - he tried to avoid a fight but would protect the weak amongst us, he called women "maam" and avoided potentially intimate situations, and something I hadn't noticed before, he rode a horse full out in stunning style over land that had to have prairie dog holes scattered through it.  I could easily see why I was drawn to him as a young-un.  But on this Father's Day weekend it occurs to me that just steps away from my bedroom was my real hero.  The man who protected me daily, appointed himself the school board member to give out diplomas for both my eighth grade and high school graduations, is pictured looking at me not at the photographer in my wedding photos, was home every night of my life growing up.  A quiet man, a strong man.  A Clint Walker kind of guy.  I miss you, Dad.  We sorely need heroes today.  Thanks for being mine. 

Anglotopia

How does one become an Anglophile?  I grew up in a small Pacific Northwest town daughter of a farming man.  Where does the love of tudor, green hills, and BBC come from?  Not sure, but there is definitely a pull towards anything English or Irish.  We live in an English tudor home and it is my sanctuary.  My enjoyment soars when I remodel, decorate, entertain. 

I am a homebody, loving the Pacific Northwest, being near the water, not minding the rain, enchanted with the green trees all around us.  I do think, however, there are one or two places I might be able to live and be happy. . .one is England, and, go figure, the other is Switzerland.  Would that be Yodelatopia?

Turning 2/3rds of a Century

A dubious honor - turning 2/3rds of a century.  But our friends at Pour at Four made is so special.  We ordered beignets, but a "smores" dessert came to the table with my name written in chocolate and a candle in the middle of both plates.  I made two wishes.  Surely hope they come true.

 

Brandon and Luke came down after the Sounders game.  Carol joined us.  We had a whiskey tasting in the pub and popped the silver Xmas poppers I'd forgotten to bring out at Christmas time.  The card my son gave me will bring me great comfort when I re-read it over the next few months. 

Daughter-in-law

When your son chooses a companion, you and the new family member both feel the same things:  will she like me, will I be able to offer any help, will she tell me if I interfere?  A kind heart finds it difficult to tell a truth that will make someone else uncomfortable.  She has that kind of heart.  We were lucky to gather to the heart of our family a girl with a kind nature, strong work ethic and bright mind who adored our son.  Eight years ago she came to our house and began spending weekends with us.  We are now looking at the possibility of a future without her presence.  I will always wonder if I said the wrong thing, didn't say the right thing, knowing it probably had nothing at all to do with me and my responses.  What I know for sure:  living together is a complicated thing.  If she leaves the fold of our family, we will always love her and wonder how she is.  No matter what, she has left footprints on our hearts and we will never, ever be the same. 

Not in a Party Mood

Today the sun is out for the second day in a row.  Spring has been a bit slow this year.  We just attended the graduation celebration of a lovely young woman, at one of our favorite, if not THE favorite, hang outs.  I looked forward to going.  But it soon became clear to me, my heart wasn't in a party mood.  When you are sad, truly sad, it's difficult not to carry that sadness around.  I'm an upbeat person, by nature.  I believe we are responsible for our own moments of happiness.  But every now and then, Life deals a blow that cannot be brushed aside.  You can put on a "happy face" for others and I want to do that.  I don't want to put my sadness on their plate, especially if they are just acquaintances.  I will share when the time is right with a close friend or two.  Sister-in-law knows, but has enough on her own plate.  I walked home from the gathering, in the sun, to the shelter of my cottage, where I will recharge these batteries and try to be of some help to those I love who are in pain.  Is happiness found in helping?  I hope that it is. 

IRELAND MEMORIES

We've been home three weeks from our sixteen day March, 2013 Ireland journey.  Not being a lover of travel, being a true homebody, I am happy to have been the instigator of this trip.  The picture above is a medieval banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle.  The smiles are real.  This was the BEST travel trip of my life. 

Though the weather was, much of the time, bitterly cold, we had a mindset not to let weather be a negative aspect, but embrace it and let it be a part of an Irish experience.  Even the natives, however, said this was an unusual year for cold weather, even a bit of snow at times - in mid March, mind you.  Brandon quickly bought a scarf, I wore scarf and gloves and Mike showed his usual toughness, wearing, every now and then, a cap.  The sun was out much of the time giving us a beautiful view of the green Irish landscape.  I kept imagining this lush greenery magnified during the Spring and Summer months. 

We did find one young lady who didn't seem to know the wind was bitterly cold.

We landed in Dublin, traveled to Kilronan Castle, Galway (for St. Patrick's Day), Ashford Castle and Cong, Killarney and Shannon.  We enjoyed libations and food in at least sixteen different pubs and that doesn't include the bars inside the hotels.  We met Laura, Oein, and Bridget in Galway; we met John and Marilyn at Molly Darcy's pub at Muckross Park.  We flew Harris hawks, rode horses, shot skeet, drove the countryside, walked the streets and found the BEST fish and chips in Dublin at Leo Burdick's.

We learned to "pour a perfect pint" and met four lads from Boston at the Connoisseur Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.  We toured the Jamison Distillery in Midleton near Cork and enjoyed a whiskey tasting of American, Irish and Scotch whiskeys.  We enjoyed another whiskey tasting at Molly Darcy's pub.  We all have certificates of these three events to prove it's not blarney.

We found the Irish people to be helpful and friendly.  On a Dublin street a complete stranger reached out and removed Brandon's lens cap as he put his camera to his eye to take a picture of the statue of Molly Malone.

On any trip I've ever been on I'm like a "horse heading for the barn", eager to get home.  On this trip, however, I can honestly say I hated to see it end. 
Highlights:  Castle hotels, Guinness Storehouse experiences, meeting young people at Taaffe's in Galway, falconry experience, Molly Darcy pub and meeting John and Marilyn, fish and chips in Dublin, scenery, Irish breakfasts (toast), Jamison Distillery Tour, and traveling with son and husband.
Lowlights:  Brandon ill the whole trip, airport experiences (Heathrow layout, two transfers going over), getting caught in the elevator at Ashford castle (lots of bruising). 

My followers on Facebook surprised me with their enthusiasm and made posting all along the way a joy. 

They say memories keep you warm on a cold winter's night. . .we won't be needing much fire wood for a while. 



 

February 23, 2013   -   So. . .it has been quite a while since my last post.  Since I'm the only one who reads my post (right now), it's more like a personal diary - more for my writing pleasure than sharing. 

I choose to write thoughts down now as we prepare for a family trip to Ireland.  Ages:  72, 65, and 33.  Brandon going with us will make the trip for me.  He is known as "the Irishman" at his workplace and always takes the day off to spend in a pub or two.  I admit to being a bit relieved to hear him say this year that he's thinking of ending this event as the day after is a rough go.  Here's hoping his St. Patrick's Day experience is a good one.  It will be in Galway.  We're staying at the Hotel Meyric and have a front room; we don't expect much sleep that night.

Another big change for me will come next week when I get a call from the North End Optical office that my prescription glasses are in.  I should get some good practice not tripping over things before we leave on our trip. 

I worry that as I age I'm turning into a worrier.  Oh, dear.  I just read that sentence and it must be true.  I'm worrying about the weather for our flight which includes two connections:  one in Chicago and one in London.  Lots of stormy, snowy weather in the Chicago area.  I'm worrying about whether or not to check a bag, fear it won't get to Dublin before we leave that city for Kilronan.  I'm worrying about my conditioning or lack thereof; don't want to hold the guys back from long walks.  I'm worrying about drinking too much trying to be "one of the guys".  I'm worrying about not sleeping.  Sighhhh,

Truth be told, I'm worried about some things, but I'm also quite excited.  I'm excited about spending two weeks with my son, let's start there.  I'm not a traveler by nature; a homebody through and through.  I'm excited about staying in some high end castles and hotels, hoping their bars are comfy.  I'm excited about the Guinness Storehouse experience, learning to pour a perfect pint and sipping some tastes in the Connoisseur Bar.  I'm excited about visiting the Quiet Man museum with a tour group since it's normally closed this time of year.  Whew, lucked out there.  I'm eager to watch the excitement in my husband's eyes, a traveler at heart.  I can't wait for the smile and sway of my son as he listens to a pure Irish fiddler in a countryside pub.  There is good news here.  It is that the excitement outweighs the worry.  That's the way it should be.  That's Life.

And today marks three years since Mom's passing.  I am filled with longing to tell her about our upcoming trip, to ask her questions that I let pass by about her life growing up, to feel her unconditional love for me in every instance we spent together.  My heart is full tonight.  Full of Mom.