Day 1247: Lazy day

Laziest day in years!  Torrential rains all day kept us inside.  It was hard to say goodbye to Laurie when she left late this morning, but I'll be seeing her and Nancy again in Atlanta on June 11.  From that point on, it was a Harry Potter Sunday.  No work, no swimming, no cleaning, no Quest, no pressure.  I watched four straight while Molly cuddled with me and Paddy slept with Steve.  When I brought out the maps, both of them became so curious.

I spent about five hours planning our September western trip and Paddy helped.  We finally settled on exploring the national parks of Utah and Arizona.  Our friends Pete and Sherry highly recommended Utah because their son lives near Salt Lake and they have spent time discovering its spectacular landscapes.  Plus, Shane, Leah and Heather have all said Arches National Park is the most essential park to visit because of its breathtaking views.

We'll fly into Las Vegas and then drive to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley and circle around the southern side of the Grand Canyon before heading back to Las Vegas.  Although we once visited the Grand Canyon, it was such a short, disappointing trip that we vowed to return.

It's a good thing I started planning the itinerary today, because many of the hotels and campsites are already booked.  Over the next few days, I will make a few reservations around the most popular parks and book the flights.  It looks like the trip will take fifteen days and span approximately 1500 to 2000 miles.  It's the same distance we covered in March and April, but we'll spread it out over a longer period of time and mix both camping and hotels.

Day 1246: June Beauty

It was a great day!  Sister time, talked to two sons, graduation party and dinner at Whiskey Hill with the family.  Plus, I fulfilled my goal of 1000 lengths for May, 5.11 miles.  Swimming did not aggravate my elbow injury while lifting the solar cover did.  Easy solution, don't lift the cover.

June Beauty

Day 1245: Black iris

We learned today that a former student who was serving in the Air Force in Germany was killed in a motor vehicle accident.  He was only 24.  His parents had just flown to Germany to meet him because they were going to travel together around Europe for a few weeks.  They never got to see him.  It's terribly heartbreaking.

On another sad note, our 76 year old neighbor and friend, died this week quite suddenly.  Seventy-six just doesn't seem old to us any more.

And Mary got news today that her precious cat Clara has a massive tumor and only days to live.  Certainly in comparison, a cat's life is not significant.  A young man and an old man, beloved by their families.  Incredibly sad.  But Clara is Mary's little girl and it will be a hard loss to take after sixteen years together.

Laurie and her friends arrived in early afternoon.  They came from Columbus, Cleveland, NYC, and Utica.   What a delight it is to hear them laughing and visiting, so happy to be together again.  They were effusive with their thanks, but for 360 days each year, three bedrooms sit empty and quiet.  I am so happy they are finally occupied.  Tonight,  they are off to attend a concert by a classmate and then meet other friends down town.

Conditions were perfect for swimming lots of laps today, but I couldn't do it.  Apparently I did not warm up enough or ease into swimming like I usually do in May and early June.  No, I had to swim two miles in two days and I'm paying for it.  Last night my elbow was so painful I could hardly lift anything.  Tonight, it's a bit better.  So, I have to lay off for a few days.   A cold front is moving through the area this weekend which will make it more palatable to miss pool time.  I had wanted to hit five miles in May, but I'll have to settle for 4.3.

Day 1244: Heavenly hostas

My sister Laurie will arrive tomorrow and I am so excited.  It's been a very busy few days getting ready, but well worth the effort.  The house needed some serious TLC after months of neglect from being embroiled in musical and backpacking.  She'll be in town with a few of her classmates for a friend's concert so we'll get plenty of sister time.

Besides all the cleaning, we also finished weeding and mulching two more gardens today.  The hostas are spectacular this year.  I just hope the deer don't start nibbling tonight.  

I also swam another 170 lengths to make a total of 4.2 miles.  

Day 1243: Two firsts

I swam a mile today for the first time this year and that brought the total up to 3.25 miles for the month.  It doesn't sound like much, but it's ahead of the last few years.  With each set, my arms felt heavier and heavier.  It wasn't graceful or fluid, but I did it.  

First lily of 2015!

Day 1242: Chipmunk rescue operation

While I was out watering my containers, Steve called to me urgently.  "Paddy brought a mauled chipmunk in the house.  They're in the basement."  I grabbed my trusty tools: a bucket, dustpan, gloves and ran to the rescue.  Fortunately, the sweet creature was hiding behind a stack of tile and we trapped it with the dustpan and a trashcan.  Steve carried it out to the woods, but we don't know if it will survive.  Paddy has learned to open the screen door by himself, so this will be a continuing problem all summer.

Sit on deck, work in the gardens, swim in pool, repeat.  It was a lovely day for my favorite things.
I swam 130 lengths today for a total of 350 thus far this month.  I'm ahead of the May 2013 total of 320.  In 2014, I never got in the pool till June 2 cause we were in Scotland.  The new thermometer says the water is 76 degrees which is pretty awesome considering the cold nights last week.

Day 1241: Memorial Day 2015

In honor of my soldier husband and son, here's an old photo from Colin's graduation from basic training in June, 2003.  He was so young and skinny!  And we were so terrified of what his next assignment would be. 

After his graduation, we all went out to celebrate.

Mr. Bobseine's hike group

My hike group

Mr. Brown's group

Mr. Thomas' hike group

Day 1240: Wedding shower

I can't remember the last time I attended a traditional bridal shower.  Ben and Jeannette's upcoming wedding was celebrated with a beautiful brunch.   I arrived at the door and was greeted by two hostesses and a mimosa!  A very promising sign!  It was an interesting collection of ancient relatives, the bride's young friends and five of us from Penelope, all friends of the mother of the groom.

There were no goofy games, just one crossword puzzle about the young couple.  A lovely buffet of homemade treats: quiche, fruit salad, muffins, and cookies.  In and out, simple and sweet.

The day was so lovely that I was reluctant to socialize at all.  We spent the evening at Rachel's, sitting outside, talking quietly and listening the birds singing.  Again, simple and sweet.  There's time enough for yard work tomorrow.

The bride, who was not too impressed with her bow bonnet

Two of my dear Penelope friends

Day 1239: Amish Auction

I didn't take any photos at the auction because the Amish do not like it.  We've been visiting the relief auction for at least ten years and we have yet to buy anything other than food.  Walking from the parking area, the aroma of fresh donuts captivated us immediately. Warm, sweet and a bit crispy, they are irresistible.  Later, we had barbecued chicken dinners with their yummy macaroni salad.  Steve and Mary topped off their meal with homemade ice cream.  All in all, we consumed thousands of calories, all for a good cause.

Mary registered for a number and we checked out the quilts on display.   She was shopping for one for our great niece, Alexandra.  Generally, the start the quilts at exactly noon, but today we waited till 1:00 and they still hadn't started.  Many of the classic patterns in traditional intense colors paired with black were available.  Although gorgeous, they weren't right for a seven year old girl.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon weeding, trimming, transplanting and mulching in the front west garden.  Then I raked the low areas in the far back to scrape off the matted leaves before the next rain storm.  It really needs to be seeded again.  Already, the yard looks amazing and that gives me great joy.

Day 1238: Memorial Day Program

Day 1237: The happy gardener

We slept nine hours last night and finally feel human.  Most of the day was spent outside, making beautiful flower arrangements.  It's one of my greatest pleasures.  I love to make new combinations of color, texture and shape.  So far, I've made ten container flower gardens and three of vegetables.

Chris and Sebastian eating cattails!  

Chris prepared one for me and I was surprised how tasty it was.  It's a combination of the texture of celery and the flavor of cucumber.  

One of the ponds near the Ruttenbur Trail

Leaving Cockaigne

The leek fields on the way to Arab Hill

Day 1236: First iris of the season

All equipment is now turned in!  The last boy in Fredonia dropped his pack in the office this morning, confident that he would not hear from us again.  Wrong.  Steve discovered a whole compartment full of his stuff: moleskin, compass, hat, ski cap, bandanas, flashlight.  Twice Steve called him to the office.  When he finally showed up and saw the pile of his gear, "Oh, but I checked the pack!"  Clearly, not well enough.

Josh brought the last of the Silver Creek gear over tonight along with a beautiful note from one of the lovely ladies.   She wrote:  "To: Quest family,   I would like to thank you guys for lending me the things I needed to do Quest.  It was a wonderful experience and I was truly  grateful to be a part of it. I with never forget it and life lessons it taught me.  Thank you."   It brought a lump to my throat.  We can never predict who will be touched by the program or how they will be impacted.  Reactions are always mixed.  Some are dismissive or scornful, others are exuberant and grateful, while a few quietly take it all in and process thoughtfully.  It may take months or years to realize what they've learned.

The first lily of 2015

The first iris of 2015

It was a lovely day for gardening, although even colder than last Wednesday at Cockaigne.  I planted green pepper, kale and thyme in the gardens along with yellow and green beans, Swiss chard and lettuce in containers.  Tomorrow, I'll move on to the flowers!

Day 1235: Tomato planting

One more backpack.  Yes, he understood the deadline was today.  But, it was his sister's birthday and of course that means he couldn't possibly empty the pack and bring it in.  He'll bring it in tomorrow.  Another was delivered to our house this evening.  And make another trip to Brocton and Silver Creek.  So much for finishing up today.

Last night I slept like a rock, finally.  It's just the beginning of catching up on our sleep deficit.  And we're making progress on cleaning up the house and garage.  Right now, there's just two sleeping bags and a few photos and certificates left on the dining room table. Another day or two and we can put this baby to bed.

Over Wednesday night, the temperature dipped to 28 degrees. Our breath froze on the inside surface of the fly and ice chipped off when we shook it.   Some kids slept, others not at all.  I think we slept maybe two hours.  Just enough to keep functioning.  

Thursday's conditions could not have been more perfect. Temps in the 60s, clear blue sky, not a drop of rain.  That didn't prevent kids from dropping from exhaustion and an injured foot.  Our hikers carried one girl's pack for much of the morning after she hyperventilated from crying.  

Thursday's camp

After we pitched camp, Mike and Shane took half the kids to the pond to swim.  We sent the Go-pro camera off with a student leader we trusted so she could record a bit of the fun.  A few minutes of peace to ease my pounding head, I thought.  But, the remaining boys were restless and started throwing a frisbee into tents and then peeking into the girls' tents.   I hollered at them and crawled into my tent to rest.  A short time later, Shane returned with news.  They lost the Go-Pro in the pond.  A student leader wore it on his head when he jumped in, even though Shane had told them, "NO JUMPING!"  We were furious, but at least the jumper didn't get hurt.  Steve, Shane and Sean returned to the pond to search the area.  Miraculously, on their last pass, Sean's foot caught the strap and he flipped it to the surface.  By the time they returned, they were shivering from spending so much time in the cold water.  All in all, it turned out pretty well.  No one was injured and we have unique footage of the jump and the camera settling the bottom of the pond.  

The best part of the day was planting tomatoes and peppers.  I dug compost and added it to the soil so maybe we'll have better results this year.  With the temps cooling over the next few days, I plan to do lots of gardening!

Day 1234: Close to the end!

Only four pieces of equipment came in today, two from Silver Creek and two from Fredonia.  Hope everyone meets tomorrow's deadline!

The pots and pans are now clean and packed away.  Steve hauled med supplies, packs, tents, coolers, and tools back to the storage area.  We loaded my car with the extra food to deliver to the Friendly Kitchen tomorrow.  Steve wrote the accident reports and turned them into the nurse.

I had a difficult conversation with a father whose son used plentiful profanity during Quest.  We decided to let the family deal with the situation and asked that the child write a letter of apology to the target.  Then I had to call a student leader and ask him to apologize to a student and grandparent for the comments he made at the welcome home celebration.  He called the child a "troublemaker" in front of 300 people, yet the camper was no problem at all on Quest.  The student leader based the comment on his observation of the child in detention back when the student leader was in MS!  I told him it's an opportunity to learn how to better deal with people and I hope he will grow from his mistake.

Mary and I spent two wonderful hours at Harvestview shopping for flowers!   It was just what we needed to relax after a long stressful period.  The spring semester ended and today was Mary's first Monday off from the college.  Between us, we spent nearly $300.00 on personal and cemetery flowers.  I can't wait to get planting!  A cool spell is coming tomorrow, so there will be plenty of time to plant, spread mulch and edit photos.  Then, maybe I will post a bunch of Quest pics.  Plus, on Saturday, we're going to the Amish relief auction which is always fun.

A strange fungi found in the glade near Park Rd.

The view from Dibble Hill on Friday

Day 1233: Repair and recovery

Eight loads of laundry, most of it from Quest: check
Leftover groceries sorted: check
Pots, pans and lids packed: check
Garbage removed: check
Equipment collected: Only one student out of eighteen returned gear: no check
Stoves cleaned and dried: check
Spices, hand sanitizer cleaned and sorted: check
Lawn mowed: check
Pool cleaned: check
Groceries purchased: check
House vacuumed: check

Time for two leaders to collapse!

Quest 2015 awesome student leaders

(except for Maddy and Denali)

A unique cloud formation over Forestville this evening

Quest 1232: Quest 2015 Saturday

Rick "Pigpen" Peebles "Cheebles

Polliwogs on the trail

Us at the reservoir

The craziest part of this day?  When Alycia took Steve to pick up our Prius at the school, the battery was dead.  We called AAA and had to wait over an hour for a jump.  Maybe he left the car on for four days, maybe the lights were on or something.  We were so busy and distracted on Wednesday when we arrived at school, that there's no telling what we did.  Alycia took him home so he could pick up the other car and then we sat and relaxed till help arrived.  Anyway, we never got home till nearly 6:00 and then still had to hang wet tents and flies, unpack filthy clothes, toss stale food, shower and do laundry.  Considering how little we slept, we feel pretty good.  It's 10:00 and we're still awake.   

It was a trip filled with highs and lows, injuries, illnesses, freezing cold, steaming heat, lightning and thunder, frustration and growth.  It provided enough material for a week of entries.    But no more tonight.   Now, we will sleep.

Day 1231: Quest 2015 Friday

Crew in the creek!  

My hike group on the Ruttenbur Trail bridge

Brigitte and Sean making trail pizzas

Vince and Shane, ready for the trail

Us at the top of Dibble Hill

We got no points for speed, but certainly earned a few points for endurance

Day 1230: Quest 2015 Thursday

Arab Hill destruction

Leek fields

Early morning frost

It was the coldest night ever!