18800 lengths = 96.1 miles!
It was a busy, difficult day, so I naturally turned to the pool. Swimming gives me such joy. All my concerns are released as I skim through the water and gaze at the sky. I keep my eyes focused on the tall white pine along the property line as I backstroke on the return. There's just a hint of color in the maples, now, and the nighttime sounds foretell the beginning of autumn. Of course, swimming is better when the water temp is increasing rather than dropping. Our heat wave has pushed the water temp back up to 80!
Aggie May spent the day working on our wood stove and its smokestack. A portion of the stack had rusted and two segments were crooked. It was a bear of a job for her, but she succeeded. She has taken care of our stove since we moved in here in 1988. She's been at the business for forty years now.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Day 1337: Late August delights
18, 500 lengths = 94.5 miles. Water is 78, air temp 80 ish.
Mowing lawn plus trimming lilies, plus three hours of video editing, plus cooking, plus laundry, plus swimming 1.5 miles, plus walk around the block = exhaustion.
Mowing lawn plus trimming lilies, plus three hours of video editing, plus cooking, plus laundry, plus swimming 1.5 miles, plus walk around the block = exhaustion.
This deck has been our home all summer long,. Although I spend very little time sitting, Steve reads for hours while Molly naps in the sunshine. We've savored long afternoons of reading, relaxing, resting between swim sets, always surrounded by glorious flowers and greenery that soothes and delights. Another week of summery temperatures awaits us and we will savor every minute.
I'm sad to see the lilies go dormant, but they were spectacular this year and need a rest. Trimming the leaves back means the strength and nutrients will go into the tubers instead. It's backbreaking work, but the gardens look so tidy when it's done.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Day 1336: Farm Festival Fun
I completed 18,200 lengths or 93 miles! Looking ahead to the rest of the week, temps will be in the mid 80s. I should reach my goal by Friday. Then what? Give up swimming? No way!
Usually we avoid crowds, but today we took a spin around the farm festival. It was delightful to meet up with lots of friends and that was only near the food court. We spent a couple hours and never even walked through the displays. A new food truck offered pulled pork, salt potatoes, cole slaw. Delicious! Next we tried meat pies and pork kebabs from the Spanish food truck. YUM! Plus, we splurged on waffles for me and a doughboy for Steve. Once a year, it won't kill us.
Several thousand people gathered in the parks to shop, visit, munch on goodies, sell crafts and farm produce. It provides an opportunity for community members to come together. That's one of the joys of living in a small town.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Day 1334: What to say, what to do?
I spent another four hours on the Quest video, adding stills, titles and Go-pro footage for the one and two day hikes. We've never included the first two hikes in the video, but we calculated that this one will be more of a recruiting tool than past videos. Since we're hoping to increase numbers in our partner schools, the video will play a very important role. The updated iMovie program on my new computer is actually easier to use and has a few new features to improve the quality of the finished product. Tomorrow, I hope to make more progress, but also get back in the pool.
The day was very cool and dark, so I didn't swim again. The pool lost 8 degrees and is down to 76. That wouldn't be an issue if the air was warmer, but I just wasn't up to the battle. Warmth returns tomorrow and promises to stay for at least a week. The first day of school will be in the mid 80s, of course. Everyone will be miserable in stifling classrooms, new clothes and real shoes.
Steve spent the morning at a musical meeting with all the directors and the afternoon at an accident. A tank truck carrying 65,000 pounds of milk went off a road and flipped over into a creek. The driver was fortunate to escape before the cab filled with water. They couldn't remove the milk, because the valve at the top was buried in mud. The DEC spill team was on site to monitor the clean up and prevent any milk from entering the stream so it would not kill all the fish and wildlife. It took about five hours to right the truck.
Steve was moving firewood into the basement when another chipmunk decided to have an adventure. I hauled Paddy out of his chair but he was no help at all. I spotted it darting into the sump pump room, but then it disappeared. I built a little wall of stuff around the entrance to direct it back toward the outside cellar stairs and Steve rattled firewood to chase it out. Finally, it ran right out and I slammed the door. The next trick was to get it out of the bilko. I kept throwing a plastic bucket down the stairs to scare it and finally, it leaped up the stairs and took off with Molly following close behind.
Then, news came. And it wasn't good. The spot is larger than originally thought and she needs more biopsies. How do we comfort and guide a loved one who is terrified when we're frightened too? What do we say to assure her? What can we do to help? We've been down this road before with other family members and it's so, so hard.
Lunch on the two day hike
A sunny day and lots of happy hikers!
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Day 1333: Old friends
Two days with no swimming! This is the first time since May that I've missed more than one day. It feels strange, but the weather was just too cool! Tomorrow, I'll be back in the pool, although I'll bet it lost ten degrees.
I had lunch with an old friend who recently lost her 93 year old mother to a brain tumor. My friend is stunned by how sad and paralyzed she feels. Her mom lived a full life, did not suffer at the end, and never lost her faculties. She realizes her family has much to be grateful for, but is still overwhelmed by the loss. It doesn't matter how old the parent is, their passing leaves us feeling disconnected, empty and a bit lost. What I would have given to have another twenty years with my folks!
Then another old friend stopped by the house to visit. Although only a year older than I am, her physical ailments have aged her an additional twenty years. How do we stay so fit, she wanted to know. Spending time with kids! That's the answer! Hiking, teaching, building, painting, laughing, joking, dancing, cooking, talking. Kids are invigorating! They keep us from focusing on the past or on illnesses or losses. Instead, they are bubbling over with an infectious enthusiasm for life.
I had lunch with an old friend who recently lost her 93 year old mother to a brain tumor. My friend is stunned by how sad and paralyzed she feels. Her mom lived a full life, did not suffer at the end, and never lost her faculties. She realizes her family has much to be grateful for, but is still overwhelmed by the loss. It doesn't matter how old the parent is, their passing leaves us feeling disconnected, empty and a bit lost. What I would have given to have another twenty years with my folks!
Then another old friend stopped by the house to visit. Although only a year older than I am, her physical ailments have aged her an additional twenty years. How do we stay so fit, she wanted to know. Spending time with kids! That's the answer! Hiking, teaching, building, painting, laughing, joking, dancing, cooking, talking. Kids are invigorating! They keep us from focusing on the past or on illnesses or losses. Instead, they are bubbling over with an infectious enthusiasm for life.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Day 1332: Editing and baking
Early this morning, I finally plunged into the Quest video. Cool temps and rain kept me from swimming, so it was the perfect day to tackle video editing. It's fortunate the day turned coolish because my overworked body needs a rest. There's only about an hour of footage from the main camera. Vince forgot to turn it off at the top of Dibble Hill and instead recorded an hour inside the camera bag.
The Go-pro footage is delightful and adds such dimension and variety. Most exciting are new perspectives on traveling down Canadaway Creek, splashing in the pond and the dowel rods game on Friday night. Charlie's leap into the pond is really funny and the camera kept recording underwater sounds for a long time. I couldn't hear any voices, but I could hear sloshing when someone passed close by in their search for the lost camera.
When I tired of editing, we decided to make a peach pie. Yesterday was Steve's birthday and all I made for him was homemade pizza. Steve peeled and sliced peaches while I fashioned homemade crust. I'm out of practice, so I had to follow instructions. The pie was fabulous!
Over the weekend, college students began moving into their dorms and apartments all over town. On Saturday, we walked through campus, which was packed with cars and people, and witnessed the rituals. Sad-eyed parents hauled baskets and boxes of supplies and clothes from trunks to rooms. Eager students huddled in clusters with friends.
We reminisced about those days many years ago. They are quite a blur now. It's been twenty years since we dropped Justin off at UB for the first time. He lived in a tiny room in an ancient tower on the Main Street Campus. He and his best friend from high school had decided to room together. We warned them that living together could be a real strain on friendships, but they were adamant. Six weeks into the semester, they had a big fight and that ended their friendship. Justin wound up rooming with a guy he met in line during registration and they have been close friends ever since.
His birthday was just a week into the term on Sept. 5. To celebrate, we took him presents and a cake. We ate it with him in the parking lot. He didn't come home till Thanksgiving and we knew then that things would never be the same for our family.
Leaving Evan at Oberlin in 1997 was equally traumatic, although it was much harder to drop him at the airport in 1999 when he spent the year studying in Munich.
No doubt many parents of new freshmen are feeling the same sense of loss, mixed with pride, anxiety and a bit of fear. I'm sure there are plenty of others, however, who are rejoicing!
The Go-pro footage is delightful and adds such dimension and variety. Most exciting are new perspectives on traveling down Canadaway Creek, splashing in the pond and the dowel rods game on Friday night. Charlie's leap into the pond is really funny and the camera kept recording underwater sounds for a long time. I couldn't hear any voices, but I could hear sloshing when someone passed close by in their search for the lost camera.
When I tired of editing, we decided to make a peach pie. Yesterday was Steve's birthday and all I made for him was homemade pizza. Steve peeled and sliced peaches while I fashioned homemade crust. I'm out of practice, so I had to follow instructions. The pie was fabulous!
Over the weekend, college students began moving into their dorms and apartments all over town. On Saturday, we walked through campus, which was packed with cars and people, and witnessed the rituals. Sad-eyed parents hauled baskets and boxes of supplies and clothes from trunks to rooms. Eager students huddled in clusters with friends.
We reminisced about those days many years ago. They are quite a blur now. It's been twenty years since we dropped Justin off at UB for the first time. He lived in a tiny room in an ancient tower on the Main Street Campus. He and his best friend from high school had decided to room together. We warned them that living together could be a real strain on friendships, but they were adamant. Six weeks into the semester, they had a big fight and that ended their friendship. Justin wound up rooming with a guy he met in line during registration and they have been close friends ever since.
His birthday was just a week into the term on Sept. 5. To celebrate, we took him presents and a cake. We ate it with him in the parking lot. He didn't come home till Thanksgiving and we knew then that things would never be the same for our family.
Leaving Evan at Oberlin in 1997 was equally traumatic, although it was much harder to drop him at the airport in 1999 when he spent the year studying in Munich.
No doubt many parents of new freshmen are feeling the same sense of loss, mixed with pride, anxiety and a bit of fear. I'm sure there are plenty of others, however, who are rejoicing!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Day 1331: In the Darkling Afternoon
One of the gifts Steve's mom left her family was a collection of poems she'd written throughout her life between 1937 and 1991. From childhood, she had written short stories, journals, and news articles, but her voice and heart were best revealed in her poetry. In 1991, she got a grant from the arts council that led to the publication of a chapbook titled, In the Darkling Afternoon.
We shared a love of writing and joined Penelope together in 1988 . I benefitted tremendously from her wisdom, guidance and unconditional love. Those days of collaborating were happy, satisfying times for us and our group was glad to help her edit and finalize her poems for the book. Since she passed away in 1994, I have often been drawn back to reread those treasured poems.
I read the book again tonight to seek her strength and insight for the challenges ahead. Betty battled breast cancer twice and often wrote about her fears. Now her daughter has begun the same fight. So much has changed in detection and treatment since her first bout in the 1960s and Mary has benefitted from those technological advances.
The radiologist said she is extremely lucky. It was caught very early and the malignancy is very tiny. Over the coming weeks, there will be more tests, consultations, assessments, a lumpectomy and then weeks of radiation. But the prognosis is extremely good! She is upbeat, positive and proactive. We'll be by her side for each step.
Oh, yes, and I hit 90.15 miles today! I'm in single digits!
We shared a love of writing and joined Penelope together in 1988 . I benefitted tremendously from her wisdom, guidance and unconditional love. Those days of collaborating were happy, satisfying times for us and our group was glad to help her edit and finalize her poems for the book. Since she passed away in 1994, I have often been drawn back to reread those treasured poems.
I read the book again tonight to seek her strength and insight for the challenges ahead. Betty battled breast cancer twice and often wrote about her fears. Now her daughter has begun the same fight. So much has changed in detection and treatment since her first bout in the 1960s and Mary has benefitted from those technological advances.
The radiologist said she is extremely lucky. It was caught very early and the malignancy is very tiny. Over the coming weeks, there will be more tests, consultations, assessments, a lumpectomy and then weeks of radiation. But the prognosis is extremely good! She is upbeat, positive and proactive. We'll be by her side for each step.
Oh, yes, and I hit 90.15 miles today! I'm in single digits!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Day 1330: 89 Miles!
Four hundred lengths (two miles) yesterday and three hundred forty lengths today brought my total to 89 miles. My goal is in sight, almost to single digits. Twenty-two days left to swim eleven miles. It worries me, though, because several unexpected circumstances have set new obstacles. A cool front is moving across the Great Lakes bringing cooler temperatures for a few days, although not nearly as cold as last year.
Tomorrow, we're off to visit an oral surgeon, because it seems I may have broken a tooth. Ahhh, dental drama. How will this story end?
Tomorrow, we're off to visit an oral surgeon, because it seems I may have broken a tooth. Ahhh, dental drama. How will this story end?
Fat Lady Sings again
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Day 1329: Among the treetops
Three mile walk and a two mile swim, laundry, baking, I think that's enough for the day.
Steve on the wire
Sue on the ropes
Friday, August 21, 2015
Day 1328: 44th Anniversary
My mom, looking on as my bridesmaids adjust their hair bands. She was 43 and very beautiful on our wedding day. She died fifteen years ago today and I miss her so much. Then, Laurie, who was only twelve and Mary who was eighteen. Steve's mom, Betty is helping my best friend, Laraine with her hair. Betty has been gone since 1994. I was so fortunate to have a mother-in-law who was also a dear friend.
Walking down the aisle as husband and wife
Eating wedding cake that mom made at the reception in our backyard.
And here we are today! A little heavier, grayer and far wiser, but still happy.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Day 1328: Peach pie
At the Mustard Seed, we always choose dessert first, dinner later. That's especially true with lemon meringue pie. Unfortunately, when the baker opened a cupboard, a can splashed into her masterpiece! We settled for peach and it was spectacular. We were going to save half for after dinner, but it was too delicious to resist.
Rain kept us in most of the day. We did no laundry, no dishes, no vacuuming, no chores. Wonderful! When the rain finally stopped, I swam another mile so I'm up to 84 miles! So close to the goal! Course, that means summer will be over.
In the morning, we're zooming over to Ellicottville to spend the day at Sky High Adventures. What else would we do for our 44th anniversary?
Rain kept us in most of the day. We did no laundry, no dishes, no vacuuming, no chores. Wonderful! When the rain finally stopped, I swam another mile so I'm up to 84 miles! So close to the goal! Course, that means summer will be over.
In the morning, we're zooming over to Ellicottville to spend the day at Sky High Adventures. What else would we do for our 44th anniversary?
We only have a few snapshots from our wedding rehearsal and dinner. Unlike today, rehearsal dinners were informal and typically held at home. Ours was at Steve's parent's house for just the immediate family and wedding party. After the hunt for the album this morning, a couple things struck us. First, we were really skinny! We both had super long hair. And most important, we were very much in love. And we still are.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Day 1327: Steamy day
We did entirely too much over the past week and it's caught up with us. The day was filled with stress so it was a relief to slide into the pool for a long swim. I hit 83 miles on this blistering hot day. A storm is coming tomorrow so perhaps we'll rest a bit.
The last two Trading Places
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Day 1326: Successful surgery
Our cousin Michael and his daughter Rebecca came through the kidney transplant surgery successfully! Rebecca went first at 8:00 am and was in surgery for two hours. Then Mike went in at 9 and was in surgery for four hours. Both are resting now, as is the family who waited, paced, fretted and prayed all day and night. The best news is the kidney is functioning! Now, Mike has a chance to live a long and happy life.
Jane was so afraid she would lose her son at just 53 years old. Her husband, Eddie, was killed in a terrible elevator accident at just 54 years old. Now, a gift of life, relief and joy. There will be a long recovery, anti-rejection drugs and and complications, but hope replaces fear.
Jane was so afraid she would lose her son at just 53 years old. Her husband, Eddie, was killed in a terrible elevator accident at just 54 years old. Now, a gift of life, relief and joy. There will be a long recovery, anti-rejection drugs and and complications, but hope replaces fear.
Little meerkat stands guard over the lilies
Monday, August 17, 2015
Day 1325: Down to two
It was fifteen years ago this week that our family gathered to say goodbye to mom. In her last days, she took control and met death on her own terms. She and her sister Jane were especially close so now Jane is almost like a mom to us, even though she's only eight years older than I am. I think Mom would have been very proud to see all of us together this weekend enjoying each other's company and helping each other through the challenges of life.
At dinner Saturday night, we raised a toast for each success: All of our sons are happy healthy, employed and insured, Alex's graduation from HS, Andrew's citizenship, Jerry's partial retirement, Mary's new car, Caitlin's approaching college graduation, Colin promotion and their move to California, Steve's retirement from the EMT class, and our 44th anniversary. Then, there were the birthdays, Nancy's mom's 93rd, Steve P on the 13th, Caitlin, Jason and Steve C on the 24th. And dear Glenn would have turned 60 and retired on the 13th.
And we paused to pray for our cousin Michael, Jane's son, who will undergo a kidney transplant tomorrow. His 20 year old daughter Rebecca will donate a kidney to save her father. It is an incomparable gift.
Uncle Jerry tapped on our door at 6:30 to say goodbye. He'd been awake since three, while Jane and Dan had been up since 5:00 so they figured they'd get going early. Nancy left at 9 and then there were just two of us where there had been twenty.
Recovery and resupply began immediately with a trip to the grocery store. The cupboards were cleaned out of everything from toilet paper to eggs, butter, and cookie mixes. The menu worked out very well, except that it involved too much time with the oven on. It's a good thing the turkey did not defrost in time for Saturday's dinner, because it was so small it never would have fed everyone. We went through one turkey, twenty chicken breasts, sixty meatballs, sauce, three pasta salads, baked potatoes, several pounds of ham, salami and cheese, four melons, five dozen ears of corn, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers, several packs of bagels and muffins, waffles, french toast, lots of eggs and bacon and more. Everyone pitched in to help, but my husband's performance was heroic! He washed a mountain of dishes!
Every day I am reminded of how fortunate we are and how very precious each moment is. Over the weekend, two more of my classmates died of cancer. We've had our share of grief, but during the past week, we swam, laughed, shared stories, played dominoes, redecorated a bathroom, visited the family plot and feasted. We'll do whatever is necessary to keep these happy reunions going so we're not just pulled together for funerals.
At dinner Saturday night, we raised a toast for each success: All of our sons are happy healthy, employed and insured, Alex's graduation from HS, Andrew's citizenship, Jerry's partial retirement, Mary's new car, Caitlin's approaching college graduation, Colin promotion and their move to California, Steve's retirement from the EMT class, and our 44th anniversary. Then, there were the birthdays, Nancy's mom's 93rd, Steve P on the 13th, Caitlin, Jason and Steve C on the 24th. And dear Glenn would have turned 60 and retired on the 13th.
And we paused to pray for our cousin Michael, Jane's son, who will undergo a kidney transplant tomorrow. His 20 year old daughter Rebecca will donate a kidney to save her father. It is an incomparable gift.
Uncle Jerry tapped on our door at 6:30 to say goodbye. He'd been awake since three, while Jane and Dan had been up since 5:00 so they figured they'd get going early. Nancy left at 9 and then there were just two of us where there had been twenty.
Recovery and resupply began immediately with a trip to the grocery store. The cupboards were cleaned out of everything from toilet paper to eggs, butter, and cookie mixes. The menu worked out very well, except that it involved too much time with the oven on. It's a good thing the turkey did not defrost in time for Saturday's dinner, because it was so small it never would have fed everyone. We went through one turkey, twenty chicken breasts, sixty meatballs, sauce, three pasta salads, baked potatoes, several pounds of ham, salami and cheese, four melons, five dozen ears of corn, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers, several packs of bagels and muffins, waffles, french toast, lots of eggs and bacon and more. Everyone pitched in to help, but my husband's performance was heroic! He washed a mountain of dishes!
Every day I am reminded of how fortunate we are and how very precious each moment is. Over the weekend, two more of my classmates died of cancer. We've had our share of grief, but during the past week, we swam, laughed, shared stories, played dominoes, redecorated a bathroom, visited the family plot and feasted. We'll do whatever is necessary to keep these happy reunions going so we're not just pulled together for funerals.
Beautiful nieces
Jane and Dan
Bobbie's trifle
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Day 1324: Departure day
Time to say goodbye. It's been wonderful, but we're pooped! Too tired to write tonight, even though I have lots to say. The last four will be leaving in the morning and then we'll collapse and return to our routine.
I didn't think I'd get to swim at all the last five days, but I've squeezed in a 100 lengths here and there to reach 80 miles! So glad!
I didn't think I'd get to swim at all the last five days, but I've squeezed in a 100 lengths here and there to reach 80 miles! So glad!
Goodbye, Justin and Kaoru
I took a lot of photos, but this is the only one with just our sons.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Friday, August 14, 2015
Day 1322: Family gathering
Happy, full day.
Evan's plane experienced mechanical trouble, so they provided a new one and he finally arrived at noon, three hours late. When he pulled in the driveway and saw the gay pride flag flying on our house, he burst into tears. He posted an photo of it on Facebook and got 181 likes! What he doesn't know is that it's been up there since the Supreme Court decision on June 26.
Sarah went for a fifteen mile run in her preparation for her first marathon in October. Brad rode along on his bike to protect her in unfamiliar territory. They left Steve's up on Webster and she ran to the lake. All down hill and very easy. Coming back up hill was an entirely different story. She's not used to hills and was so exhausted that she made it to our house and collapsed. After a long rest, Nancy gave her a lift back to Steve's.
Jason, Caitlin and her friend Monica arrived around five while we were playing dominoes. Then Jerry, Jane, Dan and Bobbie arrived at 8:00. Now everyone is here and ready for a party.
Evan's plane experienced mechanical trouble, so they provided a new one and he finally arrived at noon, three hours late. When he pulled in the driveway and saw the gay pride flag flying on our house, he burst into tears. He posted an photo of it on Facebook and got 181 likes! What he doesn't know is that it's been up there since the Supreme Court decision on June 26.
Sarah went for a fifteen mile run in her preparation for her first marathon in October. Brad rode along on his bike to protect her in unfamiliar territory. They left Steve's up on Webster and she ran to the lake. All down hill and very easy. Coming back up hill was an entirely different story. She's not used to hills and was so exhausted that she made it to our house and collapsed. After a long rest, Nancy gave her a lift back to Steve's.
Jason, Caitlin and her friend Monica arrived around five while we were playing dominoes. Then Jerry, Jane, Dan and Bobbie arrived at 8:00. Now everyone is here and ready for a party.
Family dominoes in August
Mary's new car
Molly and Sarah
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Day 1321: Near perfection!
A lovely day! Sunny, warm, mellow and busy! Mowed the lawn, baked cookies and brownies, prepared pulled pork, made southwest pasta salad, swam a mile, drove to Buffalo to pick up Justin and Kaoru, served dinner, cleaned up, visited, laughed and told stories. Then we wrapped up in towels and quilts, lay on the deck, and watched meteorites shooting across a cloudless sky. Tomorrow, more family arrives. So very grateful for our many blessings, but I just wish Colin and April could be part of the festivities.
Telling stories after dinner
Clockwise from left: Kaoru, Justin, Steve, Laurie, Brad, Nancy and Sarah.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Day 1320: Meteor Shower
Steve's remodeled bathroom
Well, the remodel went very smoothly and turned out beautifully. It took all four of us working for eight hours to complete the job. We planned on Steve arriving at 6:00, but then he came home early and had to sit and wait for the reveal for another thirty minutes. He loved it!
Right off the bat, I was careful not to spill paint on the floor. I opened the can, pulled over the drop cloth and carefully poured paint into the tray. EXCEPT, the fan caught the paint and splattered it on the floor. Later in the day, Nancy was carrying out a bucket of wash water when the handle broke and it dumped everywhere! No problem, the floor needed to be washed anyway. The finishing touch, however, was when the spout broke off in Nancy's hand. We didn't have time to fix it, so Steve will take care of it tomorrow. It was so much fun and it benefits everyone in the family. We celebrated with dinner at Whiskey Hill and watching the night sky for meteors.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Day 1319: 77 miles
How delightful to have dinner with my sisters and brother. A meal with the best summer has to offer: fresh corn on the cob, tomatoes, melon, sausage with peppers and onions, macaroni salad, potato salad. Good company and lots of laughter!
Steve doesn't know it, but today we got him a new toilet, fan light and shower head. When he gets home tomorrow, it should all be installed. The walls will be painted, light fixtures changed, all the new art work and curtains hung. What a surprise!
The question is, how much will go wrong? Laurie says she knows how to install a toilet and has done it twice in her house. But Steve's plumbing is ancient. Lots could go wrong there. Light fixtures. I don't do electricity, but Steve has installed most of our lights. There's potential for great success, but we could create more problems than he already has.
Miss Sue's Starburst
Monday, August 10, 2015
Day 1318: Ready or not, here they come!
I think we're ready. Family will start arriving tomorrow. The house is clean, food is purchased, garden is trimmed, plans are made. I'm sure there will be more trips to the grocery store over the next few days. There always are. But, at this point, I just want our family here, all together.
With a major thunderstorm predicted for the afternoon, I decided to swim early this morning. The storm fizzled, but it was good to have my laps completed earlier in the day. I did another 300, so my grand total is now 76.2 miles! Unless we have a snow storm during the first week of September, or I incur a major injury, achieving my goal is within reach!
With a major thunderstorm predicted for the afternoon, I decided to swim early this morning. The storm fizzled, but it was good to have my laps completed earlier in the day. I did another 300, so my grand total is now 76.2 miles! Unless we have a snow storm during the first week of September, or I incur a major injury, achieving my goal is within reach!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Day 1317: Apple class
An Apple tutorial at 5:30 on a beautiful summer afternoon? It was the only time I could get and I really didn't want to get out of the pool. If I could have done another 80 lengths, I would have hit 75 miles today, but I stopped at 74.6. Anyway, it was totally worth the time investment. All I could think was, how on earth will we get everything done in 30 minutes?
Steve, the instructor, was at the end of a long day tutoring little old ladies like me. Patient, but just a little exasperated, he quickly and efficiently addressed my questions. I wanted to know how to add photos to my blog when I use the iPad while we're traveling. Problem solved. Then, I wanted to download the GoPro camera to iMovie. Directions said the files would have to be converted, but it turned out that wasn't necessary. Now we can include footage of Charlie jumping in the pond wearing the camera!
After all of that, he still had time to explain and demonstrate a bit about accessing the Cloud. He downloaded Pages to the iPad and showed me how to access documents stored in the cloud on that device so I can edit while traveling. Awesome! Very productive time!
Steve, the instructor, was at the end of a long day tutoring little old ladies like me. Patient, but just a little exasperated, he quickly and efficiently addressed my questions. I wanted to know how to add photos to my blog when I use the iPad while we're traveling. Problem solved. Then, I wanted to download the GoPro camera to iMovie. Directions said the files would have to be converted, but it turned out that wasn't necessary. Now we can include footage of Charlie jumping in the pond wearing the camera!
After all of that, he still had time to explain and demonstrate a bit about accessing the Cloud. He downloaded Pages to the iPad and showed me how to access documents stored in the cloud on that device so I can edit while traveling. Awesome! Very productive time!
The first Fat Lady Sings
Ida's Magic in August
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Day 1316: Old friends reunited
Judy and I have been friends since the first day of seventh grade. She and Laraine attended Eagle Street School for elementary and then Laona school for sixth grade while I went to Wheelock for elementary and Webster Rd school for sixth grade. Finally, all students were reunited in the 7-12 building on Chestnut Street. Although it was torn down years ago, I have very fond memories of attending classes there for grades 7-9 before the new high school opened. I made several treasured lifelong friends that first year.
The three of us were very close all through high school, but after graduation, Judy became a world traveler while Laraine and I remained in Fredonia. Judy married a French Jewish Venezuelan and lived in Venezuela for twenty-five years. Laraine and I married local guys. Since then our friend has lived in Boston and Florida, and continues to travel. We always rejoice when reunited and the months apart just slip away. We simply pick up where we left off. She and her husband are in town for her nephew's graduation party, so tonight was a real treat because we had time together in person!
The last Solar Flare
The deer finished off all of the Flashers. So glad I was able to capture them at their peak of magnificence!
+220 lengths = 73.4 miles
Friday, August 7, 2015
Day 1315: Toothache
A visit to the dentist revealed an infection. No wonder my mouth and ear are throbbing. Now, I'm on antibiotics which upset my stomach. Fun day. I hope to feel better before everyone starts arriving. Nevertheless, I managed to swim 240 lengths for a new total of 72.3 miles. So, I have thirty eight days left before our vacation to swim 27.7 more miles.
This day reminds me again of my good fortune. August 7 is my best friend's wedding anniversary. We were married two weeks apart in 1971 and stood up for each other. But her life changed forever when her husband was killed by a drunk driver in the middle of an April afternoon in 2000. Every day since then has been a struggle for her. And tonight, we attended a memorial service for a classmate whose ill-health caused her to suffer dreadfully over the past few years. All I have is a little toothache. My husband and I are eating ice cream and soon our family will arrive to celebrate birthdays, retirements, graduations and our 44th anniversary. So many blessings!
The deer finished off the last few daylilies in the forest bed. Only about twenty plants still have a few blooms. I can still look forward to Fat Lady Sings which is still in the bud stage, although the deer nipped off the top buds. This was certainly the most productive and beautiful daylily season we've ever had.
This day reminds me again of my good fortune. August 7 is my best friend's wedding anniversary. We were married two weeks apart in 1971 and stood up for each other. But her life changed forever when her husband was killed by a drunk driver in the middle of an April afternoon in 2000. Every day since then has been a struggle for her. And tonight, we attended a memorial service for a classmate whose ill-health caused her to suffer dreadfully over the past few years. All I have is a little toothache. My husband and I are eating ice cream and soon our family will arrive to celebrate birthdays, retirements, graduations and our 44th anniversary. So many blessings!
The deer finished off the last few daylilies in the forest bed. Only about twenty plants still have a few blooms. I can still look forward to Fat Lady Sings which is still in the bud stage, although the deer nipped off the top buds. This was certainly the most productive and beautiful daylily season we've ever had.
Ever-so-Ruffled
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Day 1314: Goodbye and thanks, Jon Stewart
Tonight is the last Daily Show with Jon Stewart and we are going to miss him.
No one else on tv skewered the powerful and influential like Jon. The best thing about the show was that his stories were always based on solid research. He exposed hypocrisy, dishonesty, racism and duplicity. It's a terrible loss for thoughtful, news-hungry people, but particularly us raging liberals.
+ 310 lengths = 13900 = 71.07 miles
All guest rooms complete
Flasher
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Day 1313: Prospect Station in late summer
You know it's late summer when cross country camp holds its long run. We arrived early at Lake Erie State Park and Carol was ready with her car and location assignments. Our boys were dropped off at Honeysette Road which was an eight mile run to their destination on Thayer Rd. After the group departed, we took off for Prospect Station to wait for each group to pass through.
In the distance, Lake Erie glistened and grayed as clusters of clouds passed overhead. Sun spilled across the corn fields and bees buzzed around a row of nodding sunflowers. Surrounded by birdsong and wildflowers, it was a glorious morning to spend outside. When all the runners had completed the course, we caravanned to The Green Arch cafe for pancakes, French toast, eggs and sausage. It's one of our favorite annual events.
Then we took off to spend a few hours working at Steve's house. I think he'll be surprised when he sees the new beds tomorrow. The bedroom doors are closed and I don't think he ever goes into the guest rooms. I wonder if he'll even notice.
I swam 320 lengths for a total of 69.5 miles. And then I mowed the whole yard. And then I collapsed in my chair with Molly by my side to talk with Nancy. She had worked like a maniac to day, too.
In the distance, Lake Erie glistened and grayed as clusters of clouds passed overhead. Sun spilled across the corn fields and bees buzzed around a row of nodding sunflowers. Surrounded by birdsong and wildflowers, it was a glorious morning to spend outside. When all the runners had completed the course, we caravanned to The Green Arch cafe for pancakes, French toast, eggs and sausage. It's one of our favorite annual events.
Then we took off to spend a few hours working at Steve's house. I think he'll be surprised when he sees the new beds tomorrow. The bedroom doors are closed and I don't think he ever goes into the guest rooms. I wonder if he'll even notice.
I swam 320 lengths for a total of 69.5 miles. And then I mowed the whole yard. And then I collapsed in my chair with Molly by my side to talk with Nancy. She had worked like a maniac to day, too.
The view from Prospect Station
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
Day 1311: Why work so much?
Too tired to write much or spend time editing photos.
+250 lengths = 66.58 miles. That's 13.3 miles ahead of last year's pace. The pool cooled off to 88 degrees which is warmer than it was all of last year, yet today it felt comparatively cool. I slid smoothly over the water's surface instead of slogging through it.
The swimming came after a morning spent vacuuming, cleaning and washing windows at my brother's house. As we get ready for my uncle, sisters, nephews and nieces to arrive next week, there's lots of cleaning to do at both houses.
I'm not as tired as my brother by any stretch. He has worked 135 hours in the last two weeks in preparation for inventory on Sept. 1. And those excessive hours will continue for a month. HIs old job of meat cutting is quite attractive now simply because he was actually able to enjoy life on occasion. We'll do whatever we can to make this month easier for him to survive.
His schedule does raise serious questions over the work/leisure balance. Typically, he leaves his house at 5:30 am to start at 6 and doesn't return until 6 pm. Lots of folks do this, but he does it six days a week with another four to six hours on Sunday. We kept similar schedules while we worked, too, but some of the work could be done at home. Teaching, meetings, coaching, musical, EMT, college class, grading papers. It seemed so normal at the time, and of course we loved it. But, wow. When do you decompress and rest your body?
+250 lengths = 66.58 miles. That's 13.3 miles ahead of last year's pace. The pool cooled off to 88 degrees which is warmer than it was all of last year, yet today it felt comparatively cool. I slid smoothly over the water's surface instead of slogging through it.
The swimming came after a morning spent vacuuming, cleaning and washing windows at my brother's house. As we get ready for my uncle, sisters, nephews and nieces to arrive next week, there's lots of cleaning to do at both houses.
I'm not as tired as my brother by any stretch. He has worked 135 hours in the last two weeks in preparation for inventory on Sept. 1. And those excessive hours will continue for a month. HIs old job of meat cutting is quite attractive now simply because he was actually able to enjoy life on occasion. We'll do whatever we can to make this month easier for him to survive.
His schedule does raise serious questions over the work/leisure balance. Typically, he leaves his house at 5:30 am to start at 6 and doesn't return until 6 pm. Lots of folks do this, but he does it six days a week with another four to six hours on Sunday. We kept similar schedules while we worked, too, but some of the work could be done at home. Teaching, meetings, coaching, musical, EMT, college class, grading papers. It seemed so normal at the time, and of course we loved it. But, wow. When do you decompress and rest your body?
The last two Jane Trimmers
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Day 1310: News from sons
+330 lengths = 65.3 miles = hungry, tired and satisfied.
It was an awesome day cause we spoke with two sons! It's always good to hear their voices cause it helps us gauge how they're doing.
Evan is on his way flying over the Atlantic to the IGLA swim meet in Stockholm, Sweden. He's been preparing for a year, not only improving his strength and speed, but also in learning to speak Swedish. It's his first real vacation since he began his new job last April and he's so very happy. Ninety-eight team members are attending so they expect to make a big splash on the international swim scene. Plus, they'll have a great time.
Colin is content, too. Excited about making the move out west and building a new production team in their new facility, he's thriving on the challenges. He hired a new builder last week away from the studio of another designer. All amicably. They've been out to the beach a couple times and are always busy with friends. We can hear him growing in confidence and knowledge. We are so proud of all of three sons!
Paddy brought another mauled chipmunk into the house tonight and was playing with it in the living room. Again, he opened the back sliding door and strolled in with his prize. Steve rescued the poor creature and released it in the woods. I hope it survives.
It was an awesome day cause we spoke with two sons! It's always good to hear their voices cause it helps us gauge how they're doing.
Evan is on his way flying over the Atlantic to the IGLA swim meet in Stockholm, Sweden. He's been preparing for a year, not only improving his strength and speed, but also in learning to speak Swedish. It's his first real vacation since he began his new job last April and he's so very happy. Ninety-eight team members are attending so they expect to make a big splash on the international swim scene. Plus, they'll have a great time.
Colin is content, too. Excited about making the move out west and building a new production team in their new facility, he's thriving on the challenges. He hired a new builder last week away from the studio of another designer. All amicably. They've been out to the beach a couple times and are always busy with friends. We can hear him growing in confidence and knowledge. We are so proud of all of three sons!
Paddy brought another mauled chipmunk into the house tonight and was playing with it in the living room. Again, he opened the back sliding door and strolled in with his prize. Steve rescued the poor creature and released it in the woods. I hope it survives.
Susan Weber
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Day 1309: Chance twists
I reached 62.48 miles on July 31! That's twelve and a half miles ahead of last year's pace. With continued good weather and no injuries, I should be able to reach 100 miles by early Sept. Last July 31 was the hardest day of the 2014 swim season. I was two miles short of the fifty mile goal, the water was only 70 ish and the air was cold, too. Probably I had hypothermia by the end. What a difference this year. Today, I had to get out of the 90 degree water frequently to keep cool enough to swim.
Last night's show was delightful, but different from Keillor's performances we've seen in the past. He's turning 73 this month and this is his final tour. The assortment of songs they performed and his stories were very sentimental. Keillor talked about how lives are changed because of luck and the kindness of others.
From his own childhood, he related stories about two teachers who made a huge difference in his life. The first was his shop teacher who kicked him out of class because he couldn't successfully produce a tin flour scoop and he wouldn't stop talking. And where did he send him? To a speech class. Next, in class one day, his English teacher gave him a copy of The New Yorker and said, "I thought you might find this interesting." He read the collection of short stories by first rate authors from cover to cover multiple times. Did those chance events change the direction of his life? Probably.
Steve and I talked a lot about the twists that changed our lives. Bicillin saved his life when he came down with bacterial meningitis at age six. It had recently been developed and the doctors tried it as a last resort to save a critically ill child. How many other lives have been saved because he was?
My good fortunate was not quite as dramatic, but it changed everything for both of us. At the end of my third year of college, I needed only nineteen hours to graduate. As I planned another summer of courses, I realized I had to have New York State history to complete my social studies certification. By incredible luck, a visiting professor came to Fredonia and taught the course just once that summer. I was able to piece together all my remaining requirements by taking three courses each summer term. Classes went from 8 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 each day. I worked between classes and stayed up most of the night doing all the course work. The outcome? Six As. On August 21, 1970, I got my degree a year early.
Over that busy summer I also applied for jobs and got my first teaching position at Brocton MS teaching 7th grade social studies. Teaching down the hall was another Fredonia high grad from the class of 1964. I knew her a little bit because her younger sister was in my class. We became good friends. One night in early December we went down to the old Colonial Inn for drinks and dancing. And there she introduced me to a classmate of hers. He was a tall, skinny man with a huge mustache and his name was Steve.
If I hadn't been able to get the NYS history class that summer, I would have had to stay in college another semester and graduate in December. I would not have gotten the job at Brocton. I would not have gotten into Tier 1 of the retirement system. I would not have met Steve. Nor would I have married him on August 21, 1971. Think of it. No children. Consider all the people their lives have touched. No backpacking, Steve says he probably would have reenlisted if he hadn't met me. Vietnam went on for five more years. Would he have survived another tour as a medic? Ahh, too many ifs to think about.
So, Garrison Keillor's message was certainly true for us.
Last night's show was delightful, but different from Keillor's performances we've seen in the past. He's turning 73 this month and this is his final tour. The assortment of songs they performed and his stories were very sentimental. Keillor talked about how lives are changed because of luck and the kindness of others.
From his own childhood, he related stories about two teachers who made a huge difference in his life. The first was his shop teacher who kicked him out of class because he couldn't successfully produce a tin flour scoop and he wouldn't stop talking. And where did he send him? To a speech class. Next, in class one day, his English teacher gave him a copy of The New Yorker and said, "I thought you might find this interesting." He read the collection of short stories by first rate authors from cover to cover multiple times. Did those chance events change the direction of his life? Probably.
Steve and I talked a lot about the twists that changed our lives. Bicillin saved his life when he came down with bacterial meningitis at age six. It had recently been developed and the doctors tried it as a last resort to save a critically ill child. How many other lives have been saved because he was?
My good fortunate was not quite as dramatic, but it changed everything for both of us. At the end of my third year of college, I needed only nineteen hours to graduate. As I planned another summer of courses, I realized I had to have New York State history to complete my social studies certification. By incredible luck, a visiting professor came to Fredonia and taught the course just once that summer. I was able to piece together all my remaining requirements by taking three courses each summer term. Classes went from 8 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 each day. I worked between classes and stayed up most of the night doing all the course work. The outcome? Six As. On August 21, 1970, I got my degree a year early.
Over that busy summer I also applied for jobs and got my first teaching position at Brocton MS teaching 7th grade social studies. Teaching down the hall was another Fredonia high grad from the class of 1964. I knew her a little bit because her younger sister was in my class. We became good friends. One night in early December we went down to the old Colonial Inn for drinks and dancing. And there she introduced me to a classmate of hers. He was a tall, skinny man with a huge mustache and his name was Steve.
If I hadn't been able to get the NYS history class that summer, I would have had to stay in college another semester and graduate in December. I would not have gotten the job at Brocton. I would not have gotten into Tier 1 of the retirement system. I would not have met Steve. Nor would I have married him on August 21, 1971. Think of it. No children. Consider all the people their lives have touched. No backpacking, Steve says he probably would have reenlisted if he hadn't met me. Vietnam went on for five more years. Would he have survived another tour as a medic? Ahh, too many ifs to think about.
So, Garrison Keillor's message was certainly true for us.
Ida's Magic
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