Forrest Gump Suite

Tonight there's a re-run of Forrest Gump.  The theme song has special meaning for Grandma's Cottage!

I was introduced to Judy by default.  Married to Al's-brother's-best-friend, Jim,  Judy laughed easily and often.  With rustic elegance she taught that camping & fun really could be possible at the same time!  Judy knew how to wash clothes when tent camping...at heart she was minimalist when it came to "stuff."   

Often on return trips to Indiana  (later Missouri) from camping in Canada, Jim and Judy called us from the Minnesota border. Homeward bound, they asked permission to refresh at Grandma's Cottage.  We never knew when they might show up...or who they'd have with them!  Those brief phone calls would always end with "Sure!  We'll leave the light on for you."

Judy was an early coach for business at Grandma's Cottage!  Jim was an Episcopal priest.  Judy was an exceptional mother and minister's wife.  Actually she was a whole lot more and as my role-model of highest caliber, we shared long talks on the beach.  Judy loved kids and animals:  two of her dogs were named Jocko & Peony.   

Before our son was to move to St John's University as a freshman (1996), Judy called to see if her family could use Grandma's Cottage on their way home from Canada.  I'd already been invited to stay home when Hugh was to move, so I said "Sure. We'll leave the light on for you."

And on the morning Hugh moved to St John's, Jim and Judy also left to drive back to Missouri. 
I processed with a walk and the sound track from Forrest Gump.  The music fit emotions & the day.

That was the last time I saw Judy.  In 1999 a fast-moving cancer ripped through her body. 

Tonight Al's in Canada with some deacons who can still manage modified camping.  It's a thought-filled night.      
I miss my friend Judy.  Journey and I will take a long walk tomorrow.

Welcome Andrew Michael!

A very handsome little boy... we are head-over-heels in love with our new grandson!

Guessing from those long fingers Andrew may play viola or piano like his mommy!

Andrew's thriving, loves to cuddle with his parents outside of the protective isolette. 

His eyes are so amazing... and he will have much to see in the Woods!

 

The Rube

It's 25 years since our family waited  for the birth of a baby.  (Baby's pictured here with Dad.)  Today we await the birth of our grandchild.  And waiting, we remember a wonderful  friend who rented Grandma's Cottage 25 years ago.  Known as Randy (the Rube)  his baby gift was first to arrive at the hospital when Erin was born. 

Randy was a math and computer teacher.  More than that he was a neighbor &  friend to our son.  Sometimes Hugh ran away to Grandma's Cottage.  Randy made popcorn and they'd watch movies. Hugh's bike would  parallel-park next to Randy's car.

Soon after Erin was born, Randy was diagnosed with melanoma.  There wasn't much time to say goodbye.  For anyone wondering why a kindergarten teacher  does hospital chaplain work,  I share Randy's story.  Random portions of a poem written & given to Randy are below.

"The sword of fate has made its thrust and whether right or most unjust the love and laughter and the strength are precious gifts that will at length reward this good, great endeavor.  The best of life will last forever.   Jennifer Rose and Sarah Mae when they are grown, will someday say I won't forget the love that he in spite of all things gave to me.  Whatever else the world may see, he'll always be 'My Dad' to me. "

 As for the young friend who loved watching movies with him and named his first car Thor...Randy would congratulate our son as he prepares to celebrate his first Father's Day!    

Teddy Bear Picnic

Special thanks to friends Michael & Kathy across the lake for taking this picture!

Happy Birthday Al!

Happy Birthday Al!  Today he refinished floors at Grandma's Cottage.
(Here's how he looked when the family first started bringing him to Lake Arbutus.)
How can you not love that face?

We checked this morning.  There are still some nice bass in the lake!

Let Me Tell You a Story

Thirty five years ago I packed up my room after college graduation.  The above picture was with me.  The message remains...certainly at Grandma's Cottage!

You'll understand today I was very happy to discover a fresh patch of arbutus near the lake!

Someone else delighted in wildflowers, mushrooms & all-round sense of wonder.  Let me tell you a story.

Picture it:  Still a newlywed,  Al's living 4 hrs away at summer school.  With our toddlers playing on the beach, a strange car one day pulls into the yard.  Out walks a big Bohemian with bushy dark eyebrows &  booming voice announcing he'd "been waiting to meet me."  I was not able to run away...so we talked.  I learned he was Al's 8th grade athletic director (newly ordained) and a family friend from Chicago.  Somewhere in the visit he said his first canoe ride on our lake quickly ended in capsize.  Al's mom line-dried his wallet and contents.

His name was Fr Joe.

The encounter (for me) was pivotal.  My orientation to people and life could have been very different.  Without his advice and support I might  never  have enjoyed working in a church for many years! 

Fr Joe simply made time for us.  With great capacity to enjoy...appreciating  woods and water, nature and family, Fr Joe helped keep our family balanced during  growing up years.  Sharing Bohemian skills, we enjoyed his annual visits...especially treks to northern Michigan for fall color.

In truth Fr Joe liked to make friends wherever he went.  Sometimes we couldn't drag him out of a public place because...well...conversation was his gift. 

Morning mass before breakfast in our dining room was tradition.  Special masses in the living room coincided with family first communions.

Visitors may wonder who's in the framed picture on the mantle at Grandma's Cottage.  That's Fr Joe and our extended family after a drive to Porcupine Mountains.  I also keep a book at Grandma's  Cottage to honor Fr Joe.

Fr Joe died in 2005, now buried next to his parents in Chicago.  We were blessed to have loved and learned with him.   God bless you Fr Joe!

Before the Rush of Summer...

Introducing the Goodwich

Consider a Goodwich ( original sandwich creation by Erin) after your next bike/hike!

Ingredients:  whole wheat bread, peanut butter, sliced strawberries, bananas, honey & granola

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms & Grandmas!