Day 517: A hard-working man

The border garden

My hardworking man

Twenty-eight days to go.  More progress on the border garden.  I dug buckets full of onions, those despicable things.  Too bad they aren't edible, or maybe they are.  Then I planted six new hostas and transplanted another ten.  We trimmed trees branches so the gardens will get more sun.  Many of the hostas have been stunted by lack of light and little water last year.   I finished planting the last of the tomatoes and moved six more lilies to the new bed.

Since it was 84 degrees and muggy, I kept jumping in the pool between tasks and managed to swim 100 lengths.  Gliding in the cool water, I am transported and with every stroke, I feel my strength return.  Why did I let swimming lapse over the winter?

Steve spent another day speaking to Doug's classes about Vietnam and they were quite responsive and curious.  That hasn't always been so.  One boy asked him how accurately Vietnam is depicted in movies.  Very thoughtful.

Day 516: Swimming in May

It feels like summer, it smells like summer.   I love my summer routine: work in the garden, swim a few laps, transplant lilies, swim some more, plant hostas, swim again.  It's so lovely.  Of course, I  can barely lift my arms, but I'll get stronger as the weeks pass.

We made progress in the property line garden.  I cleared another twenty feet of the invasive species taking over our yard; onions, violets and garlic mustard.  The only way to get rid of the wild onions is to dig them up.  They reproduce so easily that it is a never ending battle.  I also blasted more poison ivy at the edge of the woods.  It seems to be creeping outside of its original territory.  When he got home. Steve made a small dent in the mulch mountain.  Colin and April are coming home June 28 for a wedding on the 29th, so we have one less day to get ready.  Twenty-nine days left!

I finished editing all the Quest photos and saved about a hundred on a flash drive for Mike.  He's going to prepare a powerpoint for our presentation to the Board of Education on June 11.  Little Questy has adjusted happily to her new home and has taken over as number one dog.  Mike says she is very assertive with other dogs, squirrels and any other competing animal, but she is sweet with people.  It was a good match and the entire family is very happy.

Our glorious back yard near sunset

My favorite place to be

Day 515: Veggies and hostas

We did lots of planting and mulching today.  The vegetable garden is planted with tomatoes, peppers, beans and three kinds of squash.  I started weeding and filling in the hostas on the property border garden since it was in the shade.   Eight more yards of black mulch were delivered so there is now a mulch mountain in the driveway.  That's a total of 13 yards for the summer.

Fortunately, Annie came by and interrupted our work.  Otherwise, I think we would have gone straight through the day.  She loved her semester in London and already longs to go back.  It was a transformative experience that will influence every one of her future decisions.

We walked to the college tonight for the first time in a few weeks and were surprised by the changes.  A new gazebo has been installed next to the new patio outside the Campus Center.  The entire area between the new science building, library and Jewett has been fenced off and the locust trees encircled by protective barriers.  They've started removing part of the road that used to run next to Houghton.  The superintendent had told us last winter about the landscaping plans.  There will be an intricate design using pavers and pressed concrete outside of the science center and connecting to the other buildings.  We have to go back for photos when the light is better.

DAy 514: Rain relief

Rain!  All the transplants and new plantings are rejoicing with the infusion of rain.  Plus, my husband was happy for a day off from shoveling, hauling and raking.  My hands needed a rest from weeding, digging and planting.  I wrote many thank you notes instead and we shopped for the plants so I can begin composing the container gardens to place around the decks.

The stone wall garden bench.  

New growth on the front hedge.  

Day 513: Rachel's garden

Allium

 The rhododendron and azalea bushes in Rachel's yard are dazzling!

Purple iris

Toady

Yesterday I forgot to post toady's photo. Toady has lived in our patio garden for years and especially liked to hide out in flower pots.  Apparently, she was snuggled down to sleep in a geranium pot that was set to decorate a gravesite.  We loaded the car and carted the tray of geraniums around from plot to plot.   When Mary went to pop the plant from the container, she felt movement and out jumped toady.  He/she scooted under a hosta at Steve's great grandparent's plot and now will reside in a peaceful setting.  

We managed to finish two more gardens, Puddles' garden is now cleaned, weeded and mulched.  The vegetable garden is now tilled, trimmed and weeded, ready for planting tomorrow.

Day 512: Annual Cemetery Pilgrimage

We were trying to determine how many generations of Cobbs are buried at Forest Hill Cemetery.  Perhaps seven or eight, since the family has been in Fredonia since 1821.  As we tended the graves of several generations, Mary noted that most of them had died before she was born.  She and Steve traded stories about each grandparent's quirks.   We couldn't help wondering if there will be any family members left in town to tend our graves.  The three of us have been weeding, trimming and planting flowers ever since she moved back from NYC 15 years ago.  Before that, we went with Steve's parents.  It's been a family ritual since I married into the family nearly 42 years ago.   As the kids grew, we took them along and taught them the family history.  My parents are buried nearby, too, as well as an uncle.  But, I don't know exactly where my grandparents are.  Dad's parents are in Tobyhanna, Pa., I think.  Mom's father is in NJ somewhere and I don't know where her mom is buried.  Sounds like I have a mission ahead.

Mary tending her parents' graves

Betty Hall Cobb and Marden Cobb

James and Claire Purcell

Power washing the deck

We spent much of  the day power washing outdoor furniture and the back decks.  The benches need paint and we'll have to use wood preservative on the decks.  The front porch and steps also must be cleaned and treated.
33 days left!

Day 511: Ladies of Farrington Hollow

Last week on Friday when we were hiking along Farrington Hollow Rd. on our way to Dibble Hill, the cows that normally greet us were in the barn being milked.  I like to capture them on video because they are always so curious about us.  The owner of the farm has invited the kids to stop and watch the milking process.  It would be so educational for them to observe the milking since most probably have never seen cows milked.  We'll consider it next year, but we would have to get up even earlier if we have any hope to get to Arkwright Falls.

The Ladies of Farrington Hollow Rd.

We traveled to the 10th annual Amish Relief Auction in Cherry Creek.  Every year, they hold an auction to raise funds to pay their medical bills.  For us, the highlights are the food and the hand sewn quilts.  I bid on one of the traditional Amish patterns, the Light and Shadow, but it went a bit too high.  There were so many beautiful quilts, but I prefer the geometrics with intense colors.  Mary has purchased several quilts over the years as gifts, but this year she bought one of the signed and dated quilts to try to sell on e-bay.  Unfortunately,  the Amish do not want to be photographed, so we have to settle for the cows.

Willie's garden is now finished.  Willie the nurse cat was my most beloved cat.  He seemed to sense when anyone in the family was ill and would stay close by till they were well again. When my father was dying, he never left my side and slept at my feet each night.  Just a few months after Dad died, Willie died too.  We buried him close in the garden where he loved to nap.   I divided and transplanted a dozen hostas and lilies to fill in the empty spaces and then Steve spread the mulch.  We still have to finish Puddles' garden, the bird bath garden,  the stone wall garden and the entire property line.  Only 34 days left!

Willie's garden

Day 510: Clean counters

Last Friday night we celebrated completing a twelve mile hike with a joyous dip in a cooling pool in Canadaway Creek, a scrumptious meal of mac and cheese and a hilarious talent show.  Tonight is very different, but still a pleasure.  I spent a couple hours cleaning the kitchen counters and sink, polishing the granite and stove till they shone.  It's taken nearly a week to clean up from Quest and there's still more to do, but at least the counters and dining table are clear!

Then, we went to see the new Star Trek movie, Into the Darkness.  Khan was back!  It was the back story for The Wrath of Khan.  The new crew of actors are such fun, really caricatures of the original cast.  I like the young Jim Kirk and the twist in the movie was amusing.

We're going with Mary to the Amish Relief Auction tomorrow morning.   The hand made quilts are so beautiful and tempting, but with no beds left to cover, I can walk away. However, the donuts and barbecue are much harder to resist.

I finished updating the entry for May 15 on the first day of Quest.  Three more to go.

Day 509: Azaleas

We worked for hours edging, weeding and mulching the crescent garden and Willie's garden.  There are so many inside tasks to complete, but I prefer the outside jobs, even when it's raining.  Our azaleas are gorgeous, but can't compare to Rachel's.  Her entire backyard was lit up by the vibrant pink azaleas, purple rhododendron and iris.  

Day 508: Citizen heroes

The Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs' Association holds a banquet each spring and presents citizens and firemen with awards for the bravery and dedication.  I am always awed by the actions of the honored guests and by the devotion of these firemen and women to their communities.  

Four firemen from Stockton were honored for saving an elderly man and his wife when their car was caught by flood waters covering a roadway.  They pulled both to safety before the car was swept away by the rushing current.

We sat across from a couple who lived in apartment building in Westfield that caught on fire.  They were able to escape and then the man helped a policeman pull an elderly man out of the burning building.  Neither were wearing any protective gear yet they risked their lives in intense heat and smoke.  All the families in the building lost everything, but  they considered  themselves fortunate that they survived.

More astonishing yet was the story of a 16 year old young man who saved his family when their home exploded because of a gas leak.    Last July, a family of four was at home when suddenly their home was rocked by an explosion.  The young man helped his mother and little brother escape then went back after his father who was buried under cupboards and debris.  Just after he removed his father from their home, another explosion leveled  the house.  A week later, they found that he had three compressed discs and a fractured vertebrae.

They also honored two EMS providers, Mike Przybycien and Mike Valvo who taught in Fredonia's EMT program for 35 and 40 years respectively.

Finally, they gave a tremendous tribute to Charlie Smith of Lakewood who was retiring after forty years of service in various roles throughout the county fire service.   Charlie handled the attention with modesty and humility and each speaker treated him with great respect.

I know that one day soon Steve will be in the same position.  He speaks of retiring, but I don't think he can give it up.

Chautauqua County Fire Coordinators

Steve with Mike and Mike

Day 507: White iris

It was a steamy hot day and the pool got up to 73!  What a delight to swim and garden again.  When we met Amy tonight, she said that everyone was miserable and cranky at school.  Those days were so difficult and I feel sorry that they are trapped inside.  I transplanted many lilies and hostas and Steve finished putting down mulch on the the back deck garden.

Tomorrow is the Memorial Day Program and she was busy preparing her speech.  We prepped the flowers and the memorial bench, but no one really knows what they represent.  We have agreed that we will get two plaques made, one for Phil Witkowski and one for Jon Gollnitz to install on the bench.  Then we'll meet with the new student council in September and outline how they can take over the care and maintenance of the memorial.  It's time they took ownership like they have of the program.

The police chief delivered the last tent to our house tonight while we were watching tv, me in pjs and Steve in underwear.  Only the poles to that tent are missing and we hope to get those in the morning.  When we delivered the packs to the store room, the entire area was blocked by athletic equipment again.  Thank you notes are the next item on the agenda.

Back deck garden

Day 506: Oklahoma City Tornado

Another devastating natural disaster has struck.  An F5 tornado two miles wide moved across many miles in a suburb of Oklahoma City for over an hour.  It hit two elementary schools, a hospital and smaller stores.  Several children have been killed or are missing.  The scenes are horrific and I can't bear the thought of small children hurt and afraid, trapped under the rubble.

Steve was out at emergencies most of the day.  A house exploded in Westfield, probably due to a gas leak.  Fortunately, there was no one home.  Then this afternoon, dispatch called six departments to a field fire in Hanover Center.  It turned out to be an illegal landfill.  A farmer let a contractor dump construction debris on his property and then it caught fire.  Dangerous chemicals can be released from burning materials and the heat also puts the firemen at risk so it requires the rehab team to be on scene to care for them.  Then he went to a fire meeting this evening and he finished off the night with hose test.  All the while, I was absorbed by gardening and swimming.  It makes me feel ashamed for doing nothing while others are in trouble, but what can I do?

I went to school to collect the rest of the backpacks and tents, but only one student brought in his pack.  We'll go back tomorrow and hope that we can put this year's Quest to rest.

White azalea

  Columbine

Day 505: Post Quest Mess

We are in surprisingly good shape!  Although Steve had great pain in his hips on Wednesday and the heat nearly did me in on Thursday, we finished strong.  It's the first time in four years that he was able to  complete the entire hike, so he was very happy.

We were up early with  lots to do to put Quest to bed for another year.  First, I shook the leaves, mud and grass from the gloves, stuff sacks and cook kits, then started the washer.  It took four loads to wash all of those items.  Then we took the leftover food down to the Friendly Kitchen. Next year, we will cut down on the mashed potatoes, margarine and rice dishes to save money.   I mowed the lawn, Steve did the trim.  Then he serviced all the stoves, cleaned then and packed them away.  I stayed home to collect equipment from kids while he did the grocery shopping.  Only a third of the packs were returned today.  

Mary and I made a pilgrimage to Harvestview for flowers for the cemetery, a few herbs and plants for her pots.  I turned over the herb garden while Steve started on the accident reports.  We had twelve incidents that must be reported.  None were serious, but paperwork must accompany all of them.   The worst event happened to Alycia, one of the adults.  Some unknown bug bit her calf and it swelled up to twice the normal size.  He sent her home with Vince and then the ER.  Fortunately, meds relieved her discomfort.  I told her that her parents won't let her and Vince play with us anymore because twice they have had to take them to the hospital on Friday night.

 Finally, at 6:00, we stopped to relax and have a nice dinner out.

Some of the Quest mess in our garage.  

Day 504: Quest Saturday

Chris in the cow tunnel

Equipment return

Mike and Questy

Lee and Barb Servatius and Donna Carlson

More to come!

Day 503: Quest Friday

Dibble Hill Victory for Mike and Alycia

Dibble Hill Victory

Steve: 24 times!

Sue: 25 times!

A fawn we discovered while bushwhacking between Center Rd and Park Rd.

Arriving at the Policeman's Grounds

More to come!

Day 502: Quest Thursday

Super Supper

Super supper

Wild leek field near Arab Hill

Day 501: Off we go!

My head is throbbing and we barely slept, but we are ready to go.  Our house looks like a tornado spiraled through and there's no time to tidy up.

Two kids had new meds this morning.  Over and over, I repeated, "Are your water bottles full?  Go fill them now, you won't have access to your packs till we arrive.  Don't leave your boots here, take them with you.  Pack up the tent parts, you don't want to lose them."

The weather forecast has improved steadily so that now there is only a small chance of rain today and no thunderstorms.  The temps will be in the 70's.  Fantastic.

The total for the expedition is constantly fluctuating and depends on the day.  64 eighth graders now are expected to complete the trip.

Pictures will follow on Sunday.

Wish us luck!

Arriving at Cockaigne

Mike trying to persuade his wife to let him keep little "Questy"

Rest stop at the Olmstead Farm

Questy Dibble, resting before she goes home to the Parker-Bobseines house

Everything went very smoothly from loading the truck to setting up at Cockaigne.  It was a gorgeous, warm and sunny day.  The kids were upbeat and excited.  

At the very first rest stop, we realized that Mike's group was missing, but that was not unusual.  I gave him a call and found that they had taken a right turn rather than a left at the Y on the trail.  When they finally arrived, the adults were standing at the head of the trail when a little Yorkie trotted out of the woods right into Jackie's arms.  Adorable! We kept expecting hikers to appear, but no one came.  The kids were immediately drawn to her.  When it was time to depart,  the little dog wanted to follow us.  Rick intervened with a dish of water and a leash that he happened to have in the trailer.  He decided to investigate and determine if the owner was near by.  

The trip up the south side of Cockaigne was especially tough.  Maybe we weren't warmed up yet.  Steve's hips were troubling him and I was already overheating.  It took a long time, but we finally made it.  He was very discouraged and considered going out to get the car.  He thought it was going to be a repeat of last year.  But, he went to bed early and was much better in the morning.  

Chris suggested that we change our campsite to the base of the bunny hill.  He reasoned that none of the adults could tolerate going up and down Cockaigne repeatedly any more.  He was absolutely right.  The new tenting area helped us keep track of the kids much better.

When we arrived at Cockaigne, Rick was there with the little dog.  He had found the owner who had basically abandoned the dog and gave Rick the kennel and bed.  Then Rick went to a store and bought some food because the dog was so thin.  He wanted to keep her, but he already has three dogs.  Jackie also offered to keep her and then Michael chimed in that he wanted her.  Throughout dinner, there was a lot of discussion among them and finally Mike won.  He immediately decided to call her Questy Dibble and sent her home to Susan.

Most of the kids decided to swim since it was so warm.  One water shoe was lost to the mud and we never found it.   We had a peaceful night, but of course, we did not sleep.  

Day 500: 9:16 pm

9:16 pm.  The time of the tenth call from a parent or student.  "Oh, maybe we should have called sooner, but you see we have this thing tomorrow..."

On the other hand, another parent brought us dinner tonight.  A homemade Korean dish that was so delicious!

Maybe we have made a serious mistake in making so many accommodations for other activities. For these folks, interrupting the expedition is "no big deal."  Truly, that's what she said.

Here's hoping the next four days are injury free, happy and fun.

Day 499: Almost ready

Everything is falling into place and we are feeling calmer.  There are so many personnel details to tend to at the end that we both got nervous. Fortunately, the kids are realizing that this is a once in a lifetime experience. Most have either dropped their plans or limited the time they will be absent to a few hours.

Lauren is taking care of the cakes and the t-shirts. Shane is on crowd control.  I dropped off the announcements for the rest of the week.  I called the Observer to ask where the news article is that I submitted, but they did not respond.  Ten kids came to help and we loaded all the cook bags very quickly.  All the bandanas are ironed and Doug has the picnic under control.  Relief!

Dogwood blooms

The hostas are lush and lovely.