Outside looks white this morning with a light covering of snow. Seems like we go from snow, to wet and sloppy or icy and slick. Sometimes I wish it would just snow a foot and stay that way.
Had an enjoyable lunch yesterday with friend, Kathy Hunter. She is a story teller, writer, teacher, gardener, and "raiser" of chickens. Her smile lights up the room when she is present. We split a sandwich and I had a bowl of the cauliflower soup. Lunch at "Ruby Peak Naturals", is home made, and more healthy than other lunches in the county. Good choice Kathy!
Before coming home from Enterprise, I stopped at Soroptimists, and the grocery store. I had a hankering for oyster stew, but no oysters to be found at Safeway. At home I fixed a pork chop dinner for Herb, then put together a rhubarb custard pie, using frozen pie crust and rhubarb. Later in the afternoon we ate it warm with a scoop of ice cream. Herb thinks I have the crust just right. Does that mean I can quit practicing now? Probably not.
Have another busy day today. I will prepare chicken thighs for Herb to cook later today for his dinner, because I will go to write group and lunch, then to a funeral service. One of our sorority members, husband, passed away last week and we will attend his funeral service at 1pm. Also I will fix a plate of olives and pickles for the family dinner after the funeral.
That's all for today from Barton Heights, OWAV:)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
OWAV:) 01/07/11, 5am, Windy
I do love sitting here listening to the wind as long as the gusts don't get too hard. We moved here thirty eight years ago and have gone through some "hellacious" wind storms.
One storm early on broke our boat dock, on Wallowa Lake, loose from its anchor and set it adrift. The damage could be repaired and we spent many summers, boating, water skiing and fishing while using the dock with friends.
Another year when Rusty had his sheep, during lambing time, we struggled to get from the house to the "sheep shed" to check on the ewes at night. Not only was it hard to stand or walk but pieces of tin roofing were flying through the air. On those windy nights, both Bobi and Rusty could be found sleeping downstairs because the wind shook the house with each gust, rattling windows and blowing through the cracks. These winds usually came, along with a warm front, so the melting snow turns to a solid sheet of ice. Standing is difficult and walking is impossible. Cars driving up or down the hill on our road, have ended up over the steep bank, in the field below.
Then in December of 1982 when it blew the roof off of the school cafeteria, filling the school with water as the rain and wind lasted for two days. School was let out for Christmas break two days early and construction crews replaced the roof, suctioned up gallons of water and school started on time in January, as if nothing had happened.
Just four years ago, wind and rain raged through the night and we awoke to find our lean-to shed in a heap of rubble and the neighbors carport roof practically in our backyard. The latest wind storm toppled trees and blew the top out of our yellow pine, depositing it on our deck, inches away from the big window in our living room. So far our house, nearing its one hundredth birthday, is still standing and with a new roof, insulation and windows, is more wind proof than it was thirty eight years ago. Every year we think that the wind has blown away everything, that is possible to blow away. But it never ceases to amaze us as it exerts its power, letting us know that it is still in charge.
Bunco party went very well yesterday. We had four full tables in Willa's nice big living room. The perfect place for a party of that size. Our Phi Master chapter hosted the party, for the fourth straight year. Our members furnished a nice array of finger foods for everyone to enjoy. We played four rounds of bunco and over the din of sixteen voices, you could barely hear the bell as yet another bunco was scored. Cash prizes in the amount of $40.00 were awarded to the winners and an equal amount will be donated to the local food bank. A good time was had by all on this blustery, winter day.
On with my day as my thoughts turn to preparing for our Arizona trip. OWAV;)
One storm early on broke our boat dock, on Wallowa Lake, loose from its anchor and set it adrift. The damage could be repaired and we spent many summers, boating, water skiing and fishing while using the dock with friends.
Another year when Rusty had his sheep, during lambing time, we struggled to get from the house to the "sheep shed" to check on the ewes at night. Not only was it hard to stand or walk but pieces of tin roofing were flying through the air. On those windy nights, both Bobi and Rusty could be found sleeping downstairs because the wind shook the house with each gust, rattling windows and blowing through the cracks. These winds usually came, along with a warm front, so the melting snow turns to a solid sheet of ice. Standing is difficult and walking is impossible. Cars driving up or down the hill on our road, have ended up over the steep bank, in the field below.
Then in December of 1982 when it blew the roof off of the school cafeteria, filling the school with water as the rain and wind lasted for two days. School was let out for Christmas break two days early and construction crews replaced the roof, suctioned up gallons of water and school started on time in January, as if nothing had happened.
Just four years ago, wind and rain raged through the night and we awoke to find our lean-to shed in a heap of rubble and the neighbors carport roof practically in our backyard. The latest wind storm toppled trees and blew the top out of our yellow pine, depositing it on our deck, inches away from the big window in our living room. So far our house, nearing its one hundredth birthday, is still standing and with a new roof, insulation and windows, is more wind proof than it was thirty eight years ago. Every year we think that the wind has blown away everything, that is possible to blow away. But it never ceases to amaze us as it exerts its power, letting us know that it is still in charge.
Bunco party went very well yesterday. We had four full tables in Willa's nice big living room. The perfect place for a party of that size. Our Phi Master chapter hosted the party, for the fourth straight year. Our members furnished a nice array of finger foods for everyone to enjoy. We played four rounds of bunco and over the din of sixteen voices, you could barely hear the bell as yet another bunco was scored. Cash prizes in the amount of $40.00 were awarded to the winners and an equal amount will be donated to the local food bank. A good time was had by all on this blustery, winter day.
On with my day as my thoughts turn to preparing for our Arizona trip. OWAV;)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
OWAV:) 01/06/11 4am, 32° snow n rain
Nasty looking outside this morning. Good day to stay home and inside, but not to happen. Our sorority is hosting a bunco party this afternoon. Looks like we might have four tables and guess it is a good thing to do on this "particularly nasty day". This will be the third annual bunco party and I seem to have the job of organizing it each year. I often wonder why that is? Because I'm good at it or because I'm bossy and other people let me take over, rather than challenge me. I think it is because "they" are happy to sit back and let me do it while they enjoy a fun time. I keep saying someday I'm going to get "smart". It's probably not going to happen. I know it will be fun, all having a good time, and next year I will do it all over again.
My sister Mona called last night. She and her family went to Morgan for Steve's funeral. Mona said it was a very nice service, over two hundred people in attendance, a large part of them family. Steve was buried with a full military service. Then back at the church, dinner was served. She said, she thought there must have been about 100 kids under the age of five all wanting to be fed. Had never seen so many little ones all in one place before. She also said that last count Steve and Loraine have, one hundred six, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whew!! Wish I could have been there.
It is super bowl sunday today, used to be an afternoon spent in front of the television for us. Herb was a great fan and our kids and I grew up with it. None of us liking it very much. I haven't watched television on a regular basis for over twenty years. Herb watches very little of it anymore. I think back forty years ago to the time when we watched it as a family on Sunday nights. Every Sunday, late afternoon, kids bathed, jammies on, we would make popcorn and watch "Marlin Perkins, Wild Kingdom" and "The Wonderful World of Disney". Oh for the good ole days of, I Love Lucy, Mr Ed, Petticoat Junction, Leave it to Beaver, Andy Griffin Show and Father Knows Best, Bewitched,just to name a few. When did the moral decline begin? "Three's Company"? I liked that show but looking back can remember the innuendo's and the gradual shifting of what was proper or not for a family show. In other shows it became common to use put downs and show disrespect for parents and peers alike. Bigotry and sexist remarks reared its ugly head on television, giving children the idea that is was the way to talk and act in real life. Somewhere we lost the fine line between what had been done in the way of comedy, was now okay to use as a way to degrade and make fun of people. More later, maybe.
My sister Mona called last night. She and her family went to Morgan for Steve's funeral. Mona said it was a very nice service, over two hundred people in attendance, a large part of them family. Steve was buried with a full military service. Then back at the church, dinner was served. She said, she thought there must have been about 100 kids under the age of five all wanting to be fed. Had never seen so many little ones all in one place before. She also said that last count Steve and Loraine have, one hundred six, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whew!! Wish I could have been there.
It is super bowl sunday today, used to be an afternoon spent in front of the television for us. Herb was a great fan and our kids and I grew up with it. None of us liking it very much. I haven't watched television on a regular basis for over twenty years. Herb watches very little of it anymore. I think back forty years ago to the time when we watched it as a family on Sunday nights. Every Sunday, late afternoon, kids bathed, jammies on, we would make popcorn and watch "Marlin Perkins, Wild Kingdom" and "The Wonderful World of Disney". Oh for the good ole days of, I Love Lucy, Mr Ed, Petticoat Junction, Leave it to Beaver, Andy Griffin Show and Father Knows Best, Bewitched,just to name a few. When did the moral decline begin? "Three's Company"? I liked that show but looking back can remember the innuendo's and the gradual shifting of what was proper or not for a family show. In other shows it became common to use put downs and show disrespect for parents and peers alike. Bigotry and sexist remarks reared its ugly head on television, giving children the idea that is was the way to talk and act in real life. Somewhere we lost the fine line between what had been done in the way of comedy, was now okay to use as a way to degrade and make fun of people. More later, maybe.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
OWAV:) 02/05/11 7am 38° breezy
Awake again at 4am, up and worked on scrabble, dressed but not quite time for breakfast so will write a few lines.
On my mind this morning is my sister Loraine and her family. On Tuesday February 1st, her husband, Steve, passed away, after being ill for some time. His funeral will be held today.
Steve and Loraine, married for over sixty years, raised eight children. George, Stephanie, Melvin, Vicky, Blanche, Joel and Lynelle. Daughter, Mona died in a car accident at the age of ten in 1964. Most of their lives they lived in an old stone house, with one bathroom and four bedrooms. It was situated on acreage, with a creek running nearby. A perfect place to raise there large family, it was located in Porterville, Utah. For most of those years they raised a garden, had a milk cow, raised beef and also bummer lambs.
Steve was a decorated veteran of WW11. He came home from the war and went to work at the cement plant running heavy equipment. They lived in "Devil Slide" in company housing until buying the house in Porterville in about 1957. Loraine worked for many years at the Internal Revenue offices in Ogden. They both had a love of horses and raced their horses for many years. They both loved the out of doors, hunting, and fishing. When the time came to retire, they retired from jobs but never stopped working and playing. They were alway busy and on the go helping children and grandchildren. They were forever proud of their large family and counted it as there greatest blessing.
Within the past ten years life has dealt them some serious blows. First they lost the old stone house to a fire that started in the wood stove flue. Their family helped them regroup and a new house was built on the same site. Then about two years ago, November of 2008, while looking for Christmas trees near their home, a fire in the wiring of the four-wheeler they were riding, disabled the four-wheeler and in late afternoon they started walking for home. In the aftermath of this incident Loraine lost one of her legs below the knee, from frostbite. Steve recovered, but was not in very good health before, and this accident added to his ills. After many days in the hospital and months in a care center for Loraine, they did resume life together in their home, with family nearby furnishing meals and taking care of their many needs.
When we visited with them in October, they were taking care of each other as best they could, secure in the love of their family and each other.
These are just some of my thoughts as I think of all of you today, as you attend your dad's funeral and wanted you to know that my thoughts and love are with all of you. I'm sure I don't have all the "facts" straight but this is how I remember it as of today.
Love, Aunt Della OWAV:)
On my mind this morning is my sister Loraine and her family. On Tuesday February 1st, her husband, Steve, passed away, after being ill for some time. His funeral will be held today.
Steve and Loraine, married for over sixty years, raised eight children. George, Stephanie, Melvin, Vicky, Blanche, Joel and Lynelle. Daughter, Mona died in a car accident at the age of ten in 1964. Most of their lives they lived in an old stone house, with one bathroom and four bedrooms. It was situated on acreage, with a creek running nearby. A perfect place to raise there large family, it was located in Porterville, Utah. For most of those years they raised a garden, had a milk cow, raised beef and also bummer lambs.
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| Fragrant Tulips |
Within the past ten years life has dealt them some serious blows. First they lost the old stone house to a fire that started in the wood stove flue. Their family helped them regroup and a new house was built on the same site. Then about two years ago, November of 2008, while looking for Christmas trees near their home, a fire in the wiring of the four-wheeler they were riding, disabled the four-wheeler and in late afternoon they started walking for home. In the aftermath of this incident Loraine lost one of her legs below the knee, from frostbite. Steve recovered, but was not in very good health before, and this accident added to his ills. After many days in the hospital and months in a care center for Loraine, they did resume life together in their home, with family nearby furnishing meals and taking care of their many needs.
When we visited with them in October, they were taking care of each other as best they could, secure in the love of their family and each other.
These are just some of my thoughts as I think of all of you today, as you attend your dad's funeral and wanted you to know that my thoughts and love are with all of you. I'm sure I don't have all the "facts" straight but this is how I remember it as of today.
Love, Aunt Della OWAV:)
Friday, February 4, 2011
OWAV:) 01/04/11 6pm, 41°, Breezy
Good trip to LaGrande today. Roads were bare, not much wind about 50° out there. Got our shopping done at the "Grocery Outlet" before my eye appt. Not any real great buys, but always manage to fined plenty. Shouldn't have to buy much now before we leave for Arizona. Went to the used book store, took books to sell and bought a couple.
One book I bought is "The Big Burn" by Timothy Egan. It is about a forest fire in 1910 that burned through national forests of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. In the aftermath of this fire, the idea of conserving public lands for all citizens was spawned. Supposed to be very good.
I love the used book store in LaGrande, it is big, and well arranged. It has just recently changed owners. I liked the previous owner, but must say these people are taking it to a new level, lots of new ideas about displaying the books. They added seating areas, a coffee bar and just made it more inviting and homey. Also seems brighter, more lighting maybe.
BiMart is another place we shop, when in LaGrande. Today we brought a tiny greenhouse home, that I have been looking at for three years now and finally bought it. Will put it on the deck this spring where it will get the sun and hope we can anchor it to the deck, so the wind can't blow it away. I only want it for about two months in the spring to start some bedding plants, then will put it in the old garage until next year. See how it works. Drove through the parking lot at Wal-Mart and I told Herb to just keep going. Too many people, too much stuff. Don't need it!!!
Went to Bear Mountain Pizza for the lunch buffet, good selection: Salad bar, two kinds of soup, chicken wings, (I like), JoJo's, bread sticks, plus pizza and drinks. Don't need anything to night, just a snack. I hear Herb getting into the ice cream.
Eye appointment went well, haven't gotten any worse in the past four months, so that is good. Hope they stay that way!
Chatted with Rusty, he is in Vietnam, headed to Saigon tomorrow for a few days. He will be back in China on the 10th and home to Bend on the 14th.
Enough for now OWAV:)
One book I bought is "The Big Burn" by Timothy Egan. It is about a forest fire in 1910 that burned through national forests of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. In the aftermath of this fire, the idea of conserving public lands for all citizens was spawned. Supposed to be very good.
I love the used book store in LaGrande, it is big, and well arranged. It has just recently changed owners. I liked the previous owner, but must say these people are taking it to a new level, lots of new ideas about displaying the books. They added seating areas, a coffee bar and just made it more inviting and homey. Also seems brighter, more lighting maybe.
BiMart is another place we shop, when in LaGrande. Today we brought a tiny greenhouse home, that I have been looking at for three years now and finally bought it. Will put it on the deck this spring where it will get the sun and hope we can anchor it to the deck, so the wind can't blow it away. I only want it for about two months in the spring to start some bedding plants, then will put it in the old garage until next year. See how it works. Drove through the parking lot at Wal-Mart and I told Herb to just keep going. Too many people, too much stuff. Don't need it!!!
Went to Bear Mountain Pizza for the lunch buffet, good selection: Salad bar, two kinds of soup, chicken wings, (I like), JoJo's, bread sticks, plus pizza and drinks. Don't need anything to night, just a snack. I hear Herb getting into the ice cream.
Eye appointment went well, haven't gotten any worse in the past four months, so that is good. Hope they stay that way!
Chatted with Rusty, he is in Vietnam, headed to Saigon tomorrow for a few days. He will be back in China on the 10th and home to Bend on the 14th.
Enough for now OWAV:)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
OWAV:) 01/03/11 7pm, 34°
Well Mona guess I'm writing this for you, hate to have you get out of bed for no reason. It is Thursday night but we will leave early in the morning for LaGrande. I have an eye appointment at 9:30, then we will do some shopping, have dinner and back to Wallowa County in the afternoon.
I did some housework today, but mostly odds and ends of things I needed to finish. But I did get the bathroom cleaned and kitchen floor mopped. Yesterday I spent three hours, volunteering at the library, buffing dvd's, (actually the machine did the buffing) before I put them back on the shelf for people to check out again. It is pretty boring stuff, but once in a while some people come in so I get to visit while I work.
Today I signed up for a writers retreat in Imnaha Canyon, to be held the month of April. I signed up for the last available spot, the first week of April. Not sure what I'm getting into but I have to try. That is one reason I got the laptop computer, so maybe I could take advantage of this kind of thing. I want to edit the stories I have written about Wood Grove School and Lake Fork. See if I can put them in some kind of order like chapters, add photos and then make it into a book. I'm thinking I will use the format, that Apple has for making a photo book but it will be more writing than photos. I did calendars through that program for Bobi and family, photo's of times they have been in Joseph. One for us out of photo's of our trip to Hawaii last year. They turned out very nice. That's my plan anyway.
Well my pen seems to have run dry so I'll say goodnight and don't let the bedbugs bite.
OWAV:)
I did some housework today, but mostly odds and ends of things I needed to finish. But I did get the bathroom cleaned and kitchen floor mopped. Yesterday I spent three hours, volunteering at the library, buffing dvd's, (actually the machine did the buffing) before I put them back on the shelf for people to check out again. It is pretty boring stuff, but once in a while some people come in so I get to visit while I work.
Today I signed up for a writers retreat in Imnaha Canyon, to be held the month of April. I signed up for the last available spot, the first week of April. Not sure what I'm getting into but I have to try. That is one reason I got the laptop computer, so maybe I could take advantage of this kind of thing. I want to edit the stories I have written about Wood Grove School and Lake Fork. See if I can put them in some kind of order like chapters, add photos and then make it into a book. I'm thinking I will use the format, that Apple has for making a photo book but it will be more writing than photos. I did calendars through that program for Bobi and family, photo's of times they have been in Joseph. One for us out of photo's of our trip to Hawaii last year. They turned out very nice. That's my plan anyway.
Well my pen seems to have run dry so I'll say goodnight and don't let the bedbugs bite.
OWAV:)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
OWAV:) 02/01/11, 4am, 8° Frosty & Clear
Have a busy day, with write group this morning and dinner at Margaret's house this afternoon. Margaret called last week and said, "Lets do lunch". So we arranged to meet at the Cheyenne Cafe at noon. Last night she called and said I'm fixing food at 2:00, so bring Herb and come to my house.
Margaret is a dear friend, first she was my boss at school for seven years, and during that time she became a life long friend. I think of the different roles, first a boss, sometimes a mother figure, a teacher of life's lessons and just the common ground of being women. Women, who were raised on a farm, married young, had children. She being older with much more experience and heartache, she became the mentor. I don't remember having cross words, if we thought them, both of us kept them to ourselves. I remember this as a time in my life, when I worked hard, and laughed a lot.
Margaret retired from her job at school as the "head cook" with plans to join the Peace Corps. After much frustration, filling out paperwork, jumping through hoops etc. She, this country girl, got on a plane and flew into the great unknown. Yes, she told me, she was afraid and had second thoughts about her decision. But once Margaret made up her mind to do something, it was going to happen!
She spent two years in Belize, where she loved working with the local people and made friends with her fellow Peace Corps volunteers. She didn't care for the bureaucracy or the politics but took it in stride and made the best of the opportunity to travel and explore a different country and culture. She came home with stories to tell and one of her many talents is to tell a good story. She regaled us with stories of bus trips, on broken down buses, but mostly about the love and kindness of the people. She was referred to as "li white lady" or "Magwit".
Back in Wallowa County, she lived in a small cabin in the Imnaha Canyon country, where she wrote and readjusted to life in Oregon. Always an independent sole, she did some traveling, in and around the western states, visiting family and friends. She traveled in her station wagon, sometimes camping, sleeping in the back of the car. She spent time, as a cook, in Alaska and at Reds Horse Ranch. She enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren that blessed her life.
She was blessed in another way, when she and an old family friend, Vandon Martin, shared their lives for the next ten years. They spent some winters in Arizona as "snow birds", soaking up the sun, and exploring the desert. They both blossomed in this relationship, comfortable with the love and companionship of each other. I loved Vandon's dry wit, quick smile, and great hugs. He was always welcoming and ready for a visit. When Vandon's emphysema worsened and "canned" oxygen was his constant companion, Margaret was still there, by his side. He passed away in September of 2009.
With the help of her family, Margaret once again packed up her belongings, and moved on with with her life. She lives in Joseph and it is not uncommon for her to drive her faithful little red car to Asotin to visit family. But mostly she meets friends at the senior center or local cafe to catch up on the latest happenings, in and around the place where she grew up and still calls home, Wallowa County Oregon.
Note,♥ Margaret, if you read this, remember it is from my prospective and my memory isn't what it used to be. Just wanted to let you know how much I value your friendship and think you are an amazing lady. Much love, Idella♥ OWAV:)
Margaret is a dear friend, first she was my boss at school for seven years, and during that time she became a life long friend. I think of the different roles, first a boss, sometimes a mother figure, a teacher of life's lessons and just the common ground of being women. Women, who were raised on a farm, married young, had children. She being older with much more experience and heartache, she became the mentor. I don't remember having cross words, if we thought them, both of us kept them to ourselves. I remember this as a time in my life, when I worked hard, and laughed a lot.
Margaret retired from her job at school as the "head cook" with plans to join the Peace Corps. After much frustration, filling out paperwork, jumping through hoops etc. She, this country girl, got on a plane and flew into the great unknown. Yes, she told me, she was afraid and had second thoughts about her decision. But once Margaret made up her mind to do something, it was going to happen!
She spent two years in Belize, where she loved working with the local people and made friends with her fellow Peace Corps volunteers. She didn't care for the bureaucracy or the politics but took it in stride and made the best of the opportunity to travel and explore a different country and culture. She came home with stories to tell and one of her many talents is to tell a good story. She regaled us with stories of bus trips, on broken down buses, but mostly about the love and kindness of the people. She was referred to as "li white lady" or "Magwit".
Back in Wallowa County, she lived in a small cabin in the Imnaha Canyon country, where she wrote and readjusted to life in Oregon. Always an independent sole, she did some traveling, in and around the western states, visiting family and friends. She traveled in her station wagon, sometimes camping, sleeping in the back of the car. She spent time, as a cook, in Alaska and at Reds Horse Ranch. She enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren that blessed her life.
She was blessed in another way, when she and an old family friend, Vandon Martin, shared their lives for the next ten years. They spent some winters in Arizona as "snow birds", soaking up the sun, and exploring the desert. They both blossomed in this relationship, comfortable with the love and companionship of each other. I loved Vandon's dry wit, quick smile, and great hugs. He was always welcoming and ready for a visit. When Vandon's emphysema worsened and "canned" oxygen was his constant companion, Margaret was still there, by his side. He passed away in September of 2009.
With the help of her family, Margaret once again packed up her belongings, and moved on with with her life. She lives in Joseph and it is not uncommon for her to drive her faithful little red car to Asotin to visit family. But mostly she meets friends at the senior center or local cafe to catch up on the latest happenings, in and around the place where she grew up and still calls home, Wallowa County Oregon.
Note,♥ Margaret, if you read this, remember it is from my prospective and my memory isn't what it used to be. Just wanted to let you know how much I value your friendship and think you are an amazing lady. Much love, Idella♥ OWAV:)
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