Isolation

I've pondered for awhile what I can say about this city where I am staying. While crossing almost across the whole North American continent, I am oddly struck by the isolation of this city of religious mono-culture planted next to the Great Salt Lake by the Latter Day Saints. I'm again, as other times spent here, surrounded by a feeling of being on the outside, looking in, but I am satisfied that I am outside the Saints' culture. I will leave when my work here is finished.

In the meantime, I am celebrating that Tim has opened a new door for himself and his family. If Sonja's plan works out she and her boys will follow Tim and Valerie to Albuquerque in not too much over a year.

Sonja is now functionally settled into her place. Elijah still gets off the bus here after school, has a snack, and gets his homework started before Sonja gets him after work.

I caught Nandy napping next to the mainstream of activity. She is showing her age but still is wiggly happy for pets and walks.

This morning Sonja will come over to help her dad paint one of the two bedrooms now vacated. I find my work here is sort of going from one thing to another, but progress is showing.

I am missing my PA home, a little sad not to see the spring growth and listening to Keoni and Aidan making their music. Yet, I am glad that I came to help this endeavor. It is certain that Val is not healed enough to carry out all these tasks ahead. Tim will have to go to Montana for a month before taking up duties in Albuquerque he learned day before yesterday; leaves April 13th. That will complicate prepping, but we'll muddle through. The house will go on the market when he returns.

In the evening after supper it is nice sitting for a little while in front of the house and seeing a sunset, or taking Nandy for a walk. Val has taken a couple short walks with me now.

Big Sigh

Eleven A.M. was Val's hospital appointment. It was 5:15 p.m. when the procedure took place. Hmmm. Here's the good part: It went well and outcome very good. No sign of abnormality, nor cancer. The final say on the latter comes in a week from lab tests. No further surgery recommended. Now there is a wow factor, for sure.

This can be appreciated lying on a hospital bed waiting for six hours: A space suit material hospital gown with a sort of vacuum/hair-dryer attachment with buttons to push for warm or cool air.

Winter came back, but not the temps to sustain it. Tim made steaks anyway. I was so hungry I felt like snarling.

Wow Factor

The wf words have been spoken in this household; by the certified tile installer while gently letting us know the DIY tiling started awhile back had some serious flaws. Redone and the rest completed would be soooo very expensive. So, the kitchen's partly done, glass tile backsplash will be demo'd (the d word) instead of completed. Patching and painting lie ahead.

That was my contribution yesterday; the patching part. All over the house. Draws on my artsy skills.

Incrementally, the chaos of selling and moving is shaping into semblances of ordered progression.

Valerie has a medical procedure this morning. A late sleep takes her closer to the 11 a.m. time she needs to be at the hospital without food or drink.

Elijah rides the bus here after school and Sonja picks him up when she gets Dimetrios. She is going back to work today after four days of moving activities. Seeing Elijah's smile when he comes in the door is worth the drive through howling winds.

The kitchen wow factor might not take place, but it will be clean. The appliances are the sought-after stainless steel. There is much to recommend the structures of the house overall. The front doorway is as beautiful as any I've seen. I believe it will market well when we are done.

First things first: Val back on her feet.

Looking down the street at sunset after supper as I relax outside with an ice cream cone. Spring temps are here; though I've looked at these same mountains dusted completely with snow in June.
Sunset is a wow factor.

Sonja's Moving Day

A day of smiles and sadness. Isn't that the way when we begin a new phase of our lives...

Tim enlisted a friend and so did Sonja to help move the big stuff into the U-Haul. A lot had already gone over early with Sonja and I in our trusty ponies. 

Elijah started the day making as many hauls in and out as any adult.

And he kept this up all day long.

Sonja and Elijah

Sonja has a very nice 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhome. We all love her good fortune to have been able to secure this place.

Sonja and her new front door.

Everybody took turns throughout the day caring for Dimetrios. I didn't get snaps of everybody, but here a a few more.

Dimetrios

D and the pajama toss game.

Dimetrios and Grandpa Tim

Fervently, I hope these two household moves taking place will play out well in each of their lives. My thoughts surround them in love and light.

Moving Trend

Ten months ago Wendy and John, Keoni and Aidan; then, yours truly, started moving our dwellings. The trend continues. Niece Katy started off for a new home Boise this past week, and Kelly and Jeff are readying their home for sale in KC as they prep for his new work in Portland, OR. A real estate person comes this afternoon to negotiate terms with Tim and Valerie on the sale of their Harrisville home as they prepare their path to Tim's new work in Albuquerque. Yesterday, here, Sonja got the keys for her Ogden home she is renting for herself and Dimetrios and Elijah. It is a really nice 3 bedroom townhome about a mile, or so, away.

The trend continues; Toby has moved into the barn...

...at least, part of the time. Wendy sent this photo this morning. When I talked with her a few minutes ago she said that he runs into the barn when she is cleaning stalls, and comes back out in the evening through the stalls. He hasn't learned to jump through the cat entry sort of high up on one of the stall doors. He and the other cats continue a sort of Syrian truce.

Weather Report: 64 Degrees Feels Like 84

On the way to the local, Harrisville megawalmart for cleaning stuff yesterday afternoon, the temp registered 64 degrees and it felt like 84 after winter in PA this year.

The blasting, blasted, terrible, no-good, very bad, Wyoming wind pitted my windshield with the sand (I repeat SAND) they use on highways instead of salt. Bah Humbug! I'll hate driving back through there when I am finished here. Tim says Colorado is just as bad. Ugh.

Praying for positive thoughts here now...

Ah, The Big Prep: 

A busy day focused on cleaning/laundering, and making electronic notes of stuff to remember on my iPhone. Yea! It's in my pocket; I don't have to go find where I left the notebook/pencil. 

There were moments to relax with each family member here and there through the day and catch up a little. Even got a pot of bean soup and cole slaw made for supper. I was totally surprised the beans went over so well. I thought I might have to eat them myself. 

Sat outside a bit late afternoon to watch Elijah and his next-door buddy, Schuyler, mix it up across the street at another youngster's basketball court.

Add caption

Elijah scores.

Schuyler scores.

Just now waved Elijah off to his school bus a half block up the street. While I stood outside sand hill cranes flew by. Yesterday morning when I let Nandy, the Love's dog, out the back door, a pair of pheasants flew up out of the backyard and disappeared between the houses.

Sonja finds out today whether or not her rental choice passes inspection. Our loosely held plan is to get her and Dimetrios and Elijah moved to their new quarters; then, phase two is finish readying the kitchen and bedroom for Valerie's convalescence while continuing the general moving prep process.

Valerie is able to sort stuff for short spells.

One small chunk at a time.

A long time ago I read My Friend Flicka, and Thunderhead. I loved the stories and their Wyoming setting. Part of my horse passion. Well, now I know about Wyoming and I can't imagine spending a winter there ever. After yesterday's arduous snowstorm trek in western Nebraska, Wyoming was a hope for better.

By morning, today, the wind had died down and the temp was in the teens. The storm had passed. I set out at dawn to get in as much mileage as I could before the wind might start up again. The snow had all blown off the highway so it wasn't slick at all though the landscape was covered with about 3-4 inches. About an hour and a half into the trip with a bright morning sun the wind began to howl mercilessly. It blew that snow intensely, reduced visibility (had to have sunglasses to see), slowed everything down. The roadway didn't become icy except in the side roads and rest stops.

Wyoming rest stop at 9,000 feet. There is a sign there that says wind often gust to 90 mph. I doubt it did today, but not too far from it.

With predictions of more weather to come I kept going. Wyoming people and the big trucks were persevering; so, I did, too, and prayed for the wind to die down. It didn't until around mid-day when the elevations began to drop and the temp warmed up to the 40s. Most of Wyoming is very high altitude though the mountains are scattered so you don't have a sense of high country.

Coming into Utah was a relief...the wind was gone and the temp rose to the 40s.

Utah rest stop. I wasn't the only one taking a picture. I love my trusty pony Subaru.

Lola directed me well, and I got to the Love residence at 4:30 p.m. How good it was to get all the hugs.

Unloading the car I found Toby's footprints were still on the hood. How on earth did they survive all the wind, frost and snow.  Hmmm. Was I dreaming he came along...

Lewis and Clark Didn't Have It This Good

All day the highway was not far from the Platte River. The sun came up while the moon set. It was calm. The trucking industry rolling along with me. Birds, ducks and geese appeared again and again.  Some were Sand Hill Cranes. I thought of how hard the labor must have been all those years ago for the Voyage of Discovery men making their way up the Missouri River that was now well to the north of me.

The quiet morning gave way to the wind by about 9:30 a.m. By 11 there were snow flurries. By 12:30 it was serious enough to begin to looking for a place to stop; then, it was as if it was just a storm cell and the wind dried the road, so I'd see how far the next town was and give it another try. By 2 p.m. snow was blowing so hard that at times the wind blew it across the road cuts so thickly that it was a white, impenetrable dust storm. The signs for Sidney, NE, were welcome and I found a Motel 6 that is really a nice one this time.

What good cheer it was that Keoni text messaged the news that he has been accepted into Meadowmount for this summer's music. And, he got the teacher that he wanted. He is awaiting results on another one or two other auditions he put out there, but must give Meadowmount the word he is coming by a certain date. A nail-biting time.

A quiet time here and rest beckons. Lewis and Clark just had tents and furs. I have a well-run (!!!) Motel 6.

Aawwoooo

That's me howling like the wind. For about a half day crossing Missouri from Hannibal to St. Joseph, the wind died down; then, resumed as I turned north along the Missouri River valley. Looks like the predictions have wind ahead of me for the next two days.

It's warm here just west of Lincoln, Nebraska in the Cobbler Inn. When they call their place an Inn they get to charge an extra $20 per night. Still, I was promised a Continental Breakfast tomorrow morning which beats the place in Hannibal that didn't bother with making coffee. This place is downright comfy-cozy. It's the Inn thing.

I was in Iowa about five minutes before passing into Nebraska that begins with a big bluff overlooking the Missouri River. There is a private museum there dedicated to reproductions of the Lewis and Clark equipment including the pirogues and boats. Its location at the top of the bluff is where, according to the journals, that Clark first saw the great plains. Here is a snap of the view back toward the river below...

Ever since I left Telford I have had this funny feeling that Toby should be on the seat next to me in the car, getting out of the car in his harness and leash, wandering all over the motel room and sleeping on part of a big bed. Wendy texts that he is fine.

Weather Report: March Madness Is Howling Wind

Yesterday and today...all day long the wind blew mightily. In Ohio the wind looked like this...

...and in Indiana and Illinois. I'm sure by this evening these Ohio flags are shreds.

The day was accented by conflicting weather reports that sent me zigging and zagging across the Midwest. The tail end of the day was I-72 and there weren't many handy stopping places for this road warrior. Made it to Hannibal, Missouri. I think there is a good story behind our enterprising East Indians motel businesses. Maybe I'll ask sometime. I hope they have coffee ready early.

There was a beautiful sunset.

Night-night, y'all. Sleep well.

Hasta mañana. Thanks, auto-correct, for the tilde.

On The Road Again...

Zanesville, Ohio, home of the Zane Grey Museum is, I think, what the sign said. I'll bet he never stayed in this Motel 6.

The trip is already easier driving since I went to the Subaru dealership over on Bethlehem Pike and got human instructions how to work the cruise controls. I didn't hold the little lever down long enough for it to engage. Just think, only 7500 miles on the Outback when I find this out.

Still, there are the potholes. That situation is improved here in Ohio, and also it was a bit better starting the trip via Allentown instead of Philly. The roads closer to Philly are more beat up.

Starting out this morning there was a Spring rain falling. I don't know how to explain it being a spring rain other than it was in the high 40s and something just made it smell like Spring. When winter approached and a snow storm was coming, it smelled like snow. I can't explain that either.

I saw no snow anywhere here in Ohio, nor West Virginia as I traversed its northern sliver of territory that surprised me again this afternoon. The northern aspects of the PA wooded hills still had patches of snow. I cleaned my muddy shoes in a patch next to the WaWa's gas station/store in Quakertown this morning.

I think about Keoni, Aidan and Wendy and John as I drive along. Then, a few moments ago my iPhone chimed again and again with texts that we exchanged while I write this. The fuss that is made about how electronic devices keep us apart can't be all true. 

_______________

Yesterday mid-afternoon we all piled in my car including Aidan's cello and Keoni's friend Nathan; then, went to Haverford School near Bryn Mawr where PRYSM orchestra that Aidan plays in was performing a piece with about a dozen of the Philadelphia Orchestra members. A special moment for these young people and for all of us. John was able join us just in time from his work day in Bala Cynwyd. This, also, was a gathering of harps from small youthful players to Philly concert size and talents. The whole thing from PRYSM through the entire performances was special.

Gloria dePasquale leading the PRYSM orchestra and Philly Orchestra members.

Aidan playing his part.

Harps assembled onstage.

Helen in white; Nathan and Keoni's friend.

Paula and Carl in Tucson are ahead on the Springtime happenings and surprised me with a picture they took of a cactus that once was on a patio of mine before I moved away from it. It was one of my favorite bloomers...

Thanks, for sending this, Paula and Carl, and for giving it and its comrades such a lovely home.

It's Melllttiiinnnggg!!!!

We can turn around down at the barnyard again...

Day before yesterday.

Yesterday, Aidan found the snowmelt making a stream off the far, low end of the property. He made a video of it, but you'll have to check it on my Facebook page. Blogger won't upload my videos, and I haven't found out why yet.

Late this afternoon we walked over to the stream place again. It was raining and fog lay on the landscape.

Here is where the goats will live again soon. They mostly are in and around the barn this winter.

We're almost to the low end of the property.

It was well worth the walk to listen to the water running in the foggy, wet world. Aidan and I are going to keep this in our minds for the 96 degree summer days.

The barn dimly beyond.

Running out from under the ice; then, back under the ice.

Soon these trees will have leaf buds.

There are jonquils coming up by the side door. Pansies have lived all winter under the snow and ice. I think I see some crocus poking through, too. And, there was a fly sitting on the gate latch.

Saturday, I'll be starting off for Utah to give Valerie, Tim, and Sonja and boys a hand with the moving they are starting to do that I mentioned around a week ago. Valerie has surgery and rehab ahead, as well. God willin' and the crick don't rise, I should get there in about a week. I'll miss my Pennsylvanian family mucho, and my friendships that are beginning to grow here. So, I will look forward to the return later on, and maybe get some visiting in as I drive back. I hope so; there are so many people I'd truly love to see.

The roads are all snow-free at this time,and I think the weather will cooperate though I'm hoping I don't drive into one of the myriad, gigantic pot-holes and disappear. Wow! are they a menace.

Breathing Outdoors

For several weeks the landscape has been too difficult to negotiate on foot. Strata of ice lay obscured in and atop the foot or two of snow; some drifts higher. As the driveway has reappeared with sunshine thawing during the past few days the snow depth has slowly diminished. Today each step crunches. When it does it is a good sign that the step is not onto slick ice. A blue sky and outdoor air  beckoned. I broke a walking stick off a fallen branch from the maple tree by the side door; then, set out to resume my walks around the perimeter of the property. I can't remember what week it was I stopped because of the depth of the snow and the slick ice.

The 18 degrees surprise me when I look at my smart phone. I am comfortable in my outerwear; a vest and a light jacket, scarf, hat and gloves. No longer do I need the extra warm jacket for the 'teens. I wonder as I walk along if summer's heat will be more difficult after acclimating to this cold. 

My tracks become part of the story.

Winter really isn't barren at all. Every shade and texture of white and brown surround us.  The early and late daylight is amazing just like everywhere else on earth. This season is hard on heating bills for Wendy and John, and certainly it's a challenge getting three vehicles in and out of the one-way driveway, but that will change. Everything takes longer to do starting with what I wear. 

Appaloosa colors.

Melted and refrozen.

Deer tracks

Ice where melt flowed out of the woods into the pasture.

The deer again.

Critter tracks. 

Aidan tracks from a week or so ago.

Aidan and I take a break from his packet of homework that we do together most Thursday evenings. He gets his binoculars, and I get my new ones. We go out past the barn, but the back gates are still immovable from snow and ice. Toby follows; then, the dogs who were with the goats and Wendy at the barn. We give up on the gates and the sun sets. Just as it does we hear honking and first one V formation flies close overhead; then, another three times as many. We can see them well with our binoculars.

Toby and Sebastian deciding whether or not it is playtime.

Hey, come back to the porch and feed me.

The sun sank and the air rapidly chilled. We warmed up in the dining room while Aidan completed his homework.

I'm breathing differently.

Good Morning World

Charlie greeting Wendy from the barn cat entrance/exit in the upper part of the Dutch doors. 

The snow is diminished enough now to see the ground here and there...

Big Frezz in charge.

The latest snow storm that hit the country and Philadelphia stopped southeast of us about 3 miles. We got a dusting of snow and certainly some cold, but fared well this time compared to many others of our country-men and -women.

Frezz on his throne.

The boys' school teachers are having an in-service day so all kids in the district are home.

Aidan is busy with the bow and arrows he has been making for himself the past couple of weeks. Interesting. Denied the store-bought weaponry he was lusting after a couple of months ago, he resorted to his own constructions. Today, one of his arrows went about 100 yards. He is proud of it and has marked which one of the arrows was responsible.

Nimble Aidan fetched his best arrow in no time.

Keoni as I was finishing the paper this morning...

Many family members are on the move. Valerie and Tim are moving from Salt Lake area to Albuquerque. Sonja is moving with the boys to other Salt Lake housing to have her own home; maybe, a year there and can then move to Albuquerque, too. Cousin Marilyn and Alan are selling and moving into larger quarters in their Des Moines neighborhood. Niece Kelly and Jeff are moving from K.C. to Portland, Oregon. Niece Katy and Tori are moving from St. Louis area to Boise, Idaho.

The kitchen is busy with the grandsons making vanilla wafers for the banana pudding that is next on their list. Oh my, I am delirious with granules of sugar combining with butter dancing in my head.

Every now and then Aidan and Keoni do some jamming on tunes they love. A video I made last night had too many pixels and failed to hop from my iPhone to the computer to the blog. It's on my Facebook page though. They are aware of their wobbles, but, still, it is great hearing and seeing them work with great concentration and make music. For long, long moments the order of siblings is nonexistent. Here is a still...

Wendy is shampooing the carpets she hates; that is, all of them. I mind the washer loads and our day progresses well.

'Bye.