Saturday, June 30, 2012
Day 182: Amanda's Wedding
It's been a long time since we've attended a wedding. Amanda is a young colleague of Steve's who has been backpacking with us for the last five years. We were delighted to be invited, but we were quite out of place among the many thirty somethings who were there. They are the ages of our children.
Weddings are always an opportunity to reflect and remember. Our wedding was over forty years ago, yet it remains vivid for us. We keep hoping that one day in the next few years, we will have more weddings in our family.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Day 181: Penny Kelly
I did it! I swam a mile today, although it was in four sets of 50 lengths. A cool breeze and low humidity kept the heat from being unbearable. We moved from pool to deck and back to the pool all afternoon.
Penny Kelly and Blueberry Swirl were spectacular today! Forty-five lilies are blooming. It looks like the peak will come around July 10. Tomorrow, we have three graduation parties and a wedding in Findley Lake with the reception in Erie. The big question is how to dress formally for 88 degrees.
Penny Kelly and Blueberry Swirl were spectacular today! Forty-five lilies are blooming. It looks like the peak will come around July 10. Tomorrow, we have three graduation parties and a wedding in Findley Lake with the reception in Erie. The big question is how to dress formally for 88 degrees.
Real Wind
Penny Kelly
Blueberry Swirl
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Day 180: Chautauqua Solar Flare
Forty of my 120 day lilies are blooming. One of my favorites is a deep golden yellow ruffled bloom called Chautauqua Solar Flare that was hybridized at the Nass day lily farm in Westfield. It's time for another trip to the farm to see their newest creations.
I had made a commitment to swim a mile in a day by the end of June, so tomorrow is my last chance. I did 3/4 of a mile today, so I think I'm ready.
The wildlife in our yard are not afraid of us at all. The squirrels are so addicted to the seed in the bird feeders that they don't run off when we approach. While I was in the pool, two young fawns emerged from the woods, no doubt to munch on my hostas. I found a trail of tracks right through one of the lily beds and a dozen buds were chomped off. I sprayed more stinky liquid fence, but it doesn't seem to drive them away.
I had made a commitment to swim a mile in a day by the end of June, so tomorrow is my last chance. I did 3/4 of a mile today, so I think I'm ready.
The wildlife in our yard are not afraid of us at all. The squirrels are so addicted to the seed in the bird feeders that they don't run off when we approach. While I was in the pool, two young fawns emerged from the woods, no doubt to munch on my hostas. I found a trail of tracks right through one of the lily beds and a dozen buds were chomped off. I sprayed more stinky liquid fence, but it doesn't seem to drive them away.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Day 179: Fires
A tiny bit of rain fell on the dry cracked earth. Only a trickle of water is flowing in Canadaway Creek. But we are far more fortunate than the people of Colorado. I am reveling in the lush lilies in my gardens while thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes as the fires rage out of control. Wild and domesticated animals are fleeing the fires.
I fear for all the firemen who are struggling to simply contain the fires, but the firestorm is so powerful, it is impossible.
We got news late this afternoon that a volunteer fireman from Sheridan died on duty today. He was a friend of Steve's and brother of another good friend. I hope the firemen in Colorado can endure the long blistering days and weeks of battling the blazes.
I fear for all the firemen who are struggling to simply contain the fires, but the firestorm is so powerful, it is impossible.
We got news late this afternoon that a volunteer fireman from Sheridan died on duty today. He was a friend of Steve's and brother of another good friend. I hope the firemen in Colorado can endure the long blistering days and weeks of battling the blazes.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Day 178: Mountain Violet
The lilies were spectacular today. Early morning sunlight speckled the Mountain Violet lily and the clusters of hostas in the stone wall garden.
Most of the adult and student leaders were able to attend the Quest party. We loved watching the video from when they were in 8th grade. I also made an album of photos for the seniors from their cross country meets, Model UN, Quest and musicals from seventh grade to the present that we streamed to the tv. Unfortunately, the DVDs I burned for them did not work.
Most of the adult and student leaders were able to attend the Quest party. We loved watching the video from when they were in 8th grade. I also made an album of photos for the seniors from their cross country meets, Model UN, Quest and musicals from seventh grade to the present that we streamed to the tv. Unfortunately, the DVDs I burned for them did not work.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Day 177: Balloon Flower
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Day 176: Pride Day
What a momentous and proud day: FHS graduation, Michael's party, Pride Day and the engagement of Heather and Leah! Each element of the day made me proud; the courage of my son and the entire LGBT population, the support of his brothers, our state, Michael's speech, loyal friends and Jen Suhr's victory in the pole vault!
I found graduation very moving and a bit difficult as we say goodbye to a class full of wonderful students. We have grown very close to them through musicals and Quest. In the Class of 1967 awards, I read the long list of classmates who have passed away. The number stands at 18 because two more were added this year. Plus, we lost two former teachers, Dick Glenzer and Dick Dawes, who had a huge influence on our lives. Every day is so precious.
Michael sang "To dream the impossible dream" and Ethan played the saxophone. Both performances were outstanding, really some of the best I've ever heard.
I am so very happy that two young women who love each other and wish to make a lifetime commitment to one another, may do so by getting married here in NY. I have known them since they were my students ten years ago and I burst into tears when I got the engagement announcement. Marriage equality is a basic human right that should not be subject to the votes of other citizens. Evan had an emotional day in NYC where he participated in the Pride parade and some of the other events. So much progress has been made in the past year, but more work must be done to assure all Americans of equality.
I found graduation very moving and a bit difficult as we say goodbye to a class full of wonderful students. We have grown very close to them through musicals and Quest. In the Class of 1967 awards, I read the long list of classmates who have passed away. The number stands at 18 because two more were added this year. Plus, we lost two former teachers, Dick Glenzer and Dick Dawes, who had a huge influence on our lives. Every day is so precious.
Michael sang "To dream the impossible dream" and Ethan played the saxophone. Both performances were outstanding, really some of the best I've ever heard.
I am so very happy that two young women who love each other and wish to make a lifetime commitment to one another, may do so by getting married here in NY. I have known them since they were my students ten years ago and I burst into tears when I got the engagement announcement. Marriage equality is a basic human right that should not be subject to the votes of other citizens. Evan had an emotional day in NYC where he participated in the Pride parade and some of the other events. So much progress has been made in the past year, but more work must be done to assure all Americans of equality.
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