Starting October 1st, I spent nine days driving.
It began at Logan Airport and Greater Boston here in Massachusetts. Then there was a trip back and forth to Rhode Island for a funeral. Then Brookline, Massachusetts to New Jersey, driving back and forth to New York City, wrapping up at JFK airport.
I’m a mediocre passenger and a middlin’ navigator for another driver - even with a GPS unit to assist. So for nearly 1,000 miles I was at the wheel, Chuck served as navigator and his sister Carol was the passenger. With Carol being from the land of very polite drivers, along with the very well signed and very well marked roads of Greater Seattle, she was sometimes “unsettled” by the driving in Greater Boston. (Yeah, we’ll go with “unsettled”!) But with this being Carol’s first visit east in seventeen years there was much to see and do, along with family to visit and catch up with.
In advance of the trip, I had been concerned about finding parking when needed in any of our city destinations and especially about driving in New York City. But it was all perfectly fine. Well, there was a certain amount of swearing, mostly by me (with occasional echoes from my companions) at a a few drivers who had apparently escaped from a NASCAR track or were perhaps fleeing the police. And there was one close call on the Lenny Zakim Bridge in Boston, in a torrential downpour, when a Subaru Forrester spluttered to a crawl right in front of us while in the passing lane. The parking in New York City, specifically in The Bronx, was easy peasy - except for that pesky $115.00 parking ticket we found on the windshield upon our return from visiting a family friend. (I thought “No Standing” meant no loitering. Lesson learned, sigh...)
But I was never worried about the driving. Maybe it was my two season foray into Autocross racing in a previous lifetime, which, while not wheel-to-wheel racing, does sharpens one’s skills on and off the track. Or perhaps it was just that driving was what needed to be done. The nice thing was that while I was enjoying my stint behind the wheel, my traveling cohorts were happy as well. Carol paid me great compliments, repeatedly using the word “guts” - and she assured me that she needed neither dramamine nor tranquilizers.
So at the end of nine days and nearly 1,000 miles I managed to get us and the car home safe and sound. But I have to tell you that the best driving moment of the trip came on day nine. I overshot the turn for the Midtown Tunnel which I needed to take in order to get Carol to her flight out of JFK. I evaluated the relatively quiet Sunday morning traffic conditions, paying no heed to the line of police vehicles parked curbside to my right, and pulled a U-turn on E 34th Street in New York City. It was just a couple of blocks down from the Empire State Building. It wasn’t like a scene out of “Sleepless In Seattle” nor “An Affair To Remember”. It was just ridiculously empowering and a whole lot of fun!
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
About 50 To 311,832,658
When we were in Washington state for Chuck’s sister’s surprise birthday party, our timing afforded us a bonus event: our nephew’s senior prom! “A” is a great kid with a good sense of humor and a whole bunch of musical and artistic talent. He’s been friends with “B” for many years so we’ve enjoyed getting to know “B” during our visits to the Seattle area. The afternoon of the prom, 16 couples gathered at the home of one of the girls for photos. That’s 32 high school kids dressed to the nines, along with lots of parents, some siblings and the occasional Auntie and Uncle!
It was like a mini-prom without the dancing and completely unlike any of my high school prom experiences. We had a great time. “A” and “B”, along with their dates, were going to the prom and post prom together. So after the photo op there was a bit of coordination and combining of stuff into one car back at “A’s” house. “B’s” parents swung by to deliver something their son had forgotten. After waving goodbye to the prom bound kids, Chuck’s sister invited “B’s” parents in for a drink. The six of us sat out on the deck and chatted about the kids, the prom, the post prom, our own memories of how different things had been back in the day, etc.
We had never met “B’s” parents before but it was an easy going conversation. At one point I mentioned Rhode Island in passing. “B’s” mom asked if we lived in Rhode Island. I said no, but then gave the typical Rhode Island thumbnail sketch: born in Providence, grew up in Warwick attended such and such schools. “B’s” mom repeated the name of my parochial elementary school and followed with “I went to that school!” An extremely fast paced exchange ensued until we both said we had graduated in 1972! Yes, “B’s” mom and I were part of the same graduating class, she in one classroom, me in the other! Amazing. We spent another hour connecting the dots and reminiscing about growing up together.
There were only 50 kids in our 8th grade class. But there I was, 2500 miles away from that little school, and I was sitting across from one of my classmates. What were the odds?
It was like a mini-prom without the dancing and completely unlike any of my high school prom experiences. We had a great time. “A” and “B”, along with their dates, were going to the prom and post prom together. So after the photo op there was a bit of coordination and combining of stuff into one car back at “A’s” house. “B’s” parents swung by to deliver something their son had forgotten. After waving goodbye to the prom bound kids, Chuck’s sister invited “B’s” parents in for a drink. The six of us sat out on the deck and chatted about the kids, the prom, the post prom, our own memories of how different things had been back in the day, etc.
We had never met “B’s” parents before but it was an easy going conversation. At one point I mentioned Rhode Island in passing. “B’s” mom asked if we lived in Rhode Island. I said no, but then gave the typical Rhode Island thumbnail sketch: born in Providence, grew up in Warwick attended such and such schools. “B’s” mom repeated the name of my parochial elementary school and followed with “I went to that school!” An extremely fast paced exchange ensued until we both said we had graduated in 1972! Yes, “B’s” mom and I were part of the same graduating class, she in one classroom, me in the other! Amazing. We spent another hour connecting the dots and reminiscing about growing up together.
There were only 50 kids in our 8th grade class. But there I was, 2500 miles away from that little school, and I was sitting across from one of my classmates. What were the odds?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mount Rainier
On every trip we have taken to Seattle, Washington we have always been able to glimpse Mount Rainier at least once. You would think that at 14,411 feet or 4,392 meters, it would be a constant presence. But it is frequently shrouded in clouds, fog, rain or snow. On our most recent trip, we saw Rainier on the clearest day we have ever experienced in the Northwest. It was absolutely stunning. We saw it repeatedly as we drove around the area - but only from the highways. I never got a photograph of it that day. Sorry. The next day we were out on Lake Washington on the boat belonging to Chuck’s sister and her husband. In the distance, slowly but surely being cloaked back in clouds, was Mount Rainier. It was, as if, on our last afternoon in Seattle, it was bidding us farewell.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Urban
I may have been born in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, but I grew up in suburbia. I have lived in a few cities, including Worcester, Massachusetts. Now I make my home in a rural community. So my city forays are for shopping, education, cultural activities, entertainment, sporting events and dining. That’s why this photo opportunity was irresistible to me.
The Amtrak train we were on called “The Empire Builder” (I know. It is so very cool they name their routes!) made a stop in Spokane, Washington. The back half of the train was being separated and would follow a southerly route to Portland, Oregon, while our “consist” would continue along to Seattle, Washington. Spokane was one of the few stops long enough to allow the passengers the chance to get off onto the adjacent platform. When the train glided to a halt, this wonderful old brick building was right outside the window of our sleeping car.
I love photographing the natural world in all its splendor, but now I have a strong urge to look at the city with fresh eyes; a camera in hand.
The Amtrak train we were on called “The Empire Builder” (I know. It is so very cool they name their routes!) made a stop in Spokane, Washington. The back half of the train was being separated and would follow a southerly route to Portland, Oregon, while our “consist” would continue along to Seattle, Washington. Spokane was one of the few stops long enough to allow the passengers the chance to get off onto the adjacent platform. When the train glided to a halt, this wonderful old brick building was right outside the window of our sleeping car.
I love photographing the natural world in all its splendor, but now I have a strong urge to look at the city with fresh eyes; a camera in hand.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Sweet Surprise
It took two weeks and nine modes of transportation to complete our recent trip.
Several months ago we received an Evite from our brother-in-law. He and the kids were planning a surprise 60th birthday party for Chuck’s sister. We couldn’t resist. But we decided to do something different. We decided to travel by train - - - to Seattle, Washington. Yes, four days and three nights on the train vs. five hours by plane. We looked on it as an “adventure”. Well, sometimes we saw it as an adventure; sometimes we saw it as a what-have-we-gotten-ourselves-into?
But at the surprise party, in the moment when Chuck’s sister ran into his arms, we knew it had all been worth it.
Several months ago we received an Evite from our brother-in-law. He and the kids were planning a surprise 60th birthday party for Chuck’s sister. We couldn’t resist. But we decided to do something different. We decided to travel by train - - - to Seattle, Washington. Yes, four days and three nights on the train vs. five hours by plane. We looked on it as an “adventure”. Well, sometimes we saw it as an adventure; sometimes we saw it as a what-have-we-gotten-ourselves-into?
But at the surprise party, in the moment when Chuck’s sister ran into his arms, we knew it had all been worth it.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Red Robin
On our trips to Washington state we discovered the Red Robin restaurants. They began in Seattle during the 1940s. The food was always good; not terribly expensive. The restaurants were clean, bright, with interesting posters, photographs and artwork on the walls. And the staff was unfailingly cheerful. I’ve mentioned in previous posts that the helpfulness of many employees in Washington state initially took us by surprise. So it was easy to assume that the positive vibe we experienced at Red Robin was simply part of the cultural fabric of the Northwest. Then Red Robin opened a restaurant in Millbury and we gave it a whirl. With the exception of the southern New England accents, we could have been back in Greater Seattle!
Last night we stopped at Red Robin on our way home from Rhode Island. Friday night found them busy and bustling. The gal at the desk told us we would have about a twenty minute wait. It turned out to be closer to twenty-five, but that was close enough. While we waited, Chuck and I entertained ourselves by watching the Red Sox game on the television sets and listening to the names of diners being called when their tables were ready. When I was a kid, my Dad always gave our last name to the host. Nowadays, folks tend to give their first name, us included. (The exception would be when we call and make a reservation or use a service like Open Table.) As the names were called out, we began pretending famous people were in the house. We would hear “Taylor, party of two.” and one of us would exclaim “Taylor Swift is here!” We kept this up with rapid conversions from ordinary people to mostly young, hip celebrities including Matt Damon, Lindsay Lohan, Kenny Chesney, Josh Beckett and so on. The one that stumped us was “Julie, party of four.” We wracked our brains for a contemporary celebrity named Julie. Chuck finally offered Julie Harris and I volunteered Julie Andrews. At that point we felt really, really old! But the time sure had flown by!
When we were comfortably seated in a booth, Chuck noticed that the staff had something embroidered on the sleeve of their polo shirts. It read “Honor, Integrity, Continually Seeking Knowledge and Having Fun”. Turns out that’s what Red Robin describes as their core values. No wonder we like Red Robin!
Last night we stopped at Red Robin on our way home from Rhode Island. Friday night found them busy and bustling. The gal at the desk told us we would have about a twenty minute wait. It turned out to be closer to twenty-five, but that was close enough. While we waited, Chuck and I entertained ourselves by watching the Red Sox game on the television sets and listening to the names of diners being called when their tables were ready. When I was a kid, my Dad always gave our last name to the host. Nowadays, folks tend to give their first name, us included. (The exception would be when we call and make a reservation or use a service like Open Table.) As the names were called out, we began pretending famous people were in the house. We would hear “Taylor, party of two.” and one of us would exclaim “Taylor Swift is here!” We kept this up with rapid conversions from ordinary people to mostly young, hip celebrities including Matt Damon, Lindsay Lohan, Kenny Chesney, Josh Beckett and so on. The one that stumped us was “Julie, party of four.” We wracked our brains for a contemporary celebrity named Julie. Chuck finally offered Julie Harris and I volunteered Julie Andrews. At that point we felt really, really old! But the time sure had flown by!
When we were comfortably seated in a booth, Chuck noticed that the staff had something embroidered on the sleeve of their polo shirts. It read “Honor, Integrity, Continually Seeking Knowledge and Having Fun”. Turns out that’s what Red Robin describes as their core values. No wonder we like Red Robin!
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Trip & A Song
Back in 1998 Chuck and I had the occasion to drive cross country from Washington to Massachusetts. It wasn’t a vacation. It was a trip. I don’t mean a hippy-dippy trip. I mean it was basically a means to an end. Chuck’s parents had generously offered us their car; ours being on its last leg - er- wheel. All we needed to do was to fly out to Seattle and drive it back home. I won’t say we were poor, but money was very tight and we were frugal. So even though Chuck had only a limited amount of vacation time available, we went for a quick visit with the family and then loaded up the new-to-us car and headed back home.
Most days we just got up and drove, from early morning to sometimes late into the evening. We made brief stops for fuel - both for the automobile and the humans. We had no reservations, so each afternoon we would begin looking in the AAA guide books for a place to stay, somewhere up the road. It was a long trip - according to Google Maps some 3,316 miles (5,336 kilometers). We did squeeze in three fun things: Yellowstone National Park (which is mostly in Wyoming), Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Lehman’s Hardware Store in Kidron, Ohio. All of which were done at something just shy of a dead run; all the while we kept promising ourselves we would come back, some day. Most importantly, while we were in Ohio, we visited with Chuck’s beloved Aunt Frieda. She was seriously ill and passed just one month later.
Cell phones existed back then. We actually owned an enormous “bag phone”. But because of roaming charges we didn’t even consider bringing it with us. What we did do was to set the alarm on my wristwatch to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Every day that we were on the road, the alarm would go off and we would look for a phone booth. Then I would call home to my Mom in Rhode Island to let her know where we were and that we were fine.
The radio was our constant companion. NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered bookended our daylight hours. Delilah filled our evening hours. And whoever wasn’t driving was in charge of tuning something enjoyable in on the radio as the miles clicked by on the odometer. Often, what we found clear as a bell was country music - classic, contemporary and a blend of country/rock/pop. We heard one song over and over again. It was “26 Cents” by The Wilkinsons (Music plays!), a Canadian family trio of a sister, a brother and their dad. It told the story of young woman on her own, who treasured a letter from her Mom with 26 cents taped to it. The song went:
“...When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all...
...Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your Momma's love...”
It just fit, you know?
Most days we just got up and drove, from early morning to sometimes late into the evening. We made brief stops for fuel - both for the automobile and the humans. We had no reservations, so each afternoon we would begin looking in the AAA guide books for a place to stay, somewhere up the road. It was a long trip - according to Google Maps some 3,316 miles (5,336 kilometers). We did squeeze in three fun things: Yellowstone National Park (which is mostly in Wyoming), Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Lehman’s Hardware Store in Kidron, Ohio. All of which were done at something just shy of a dead run; all the while we kept promising ourselves we would come back, some day. Most importantly, while we were in Ohio, we visited with Chuck’s beloved Aunt Frieda. She was seriously ill and passed just one month later.
Cell phones existed back then. We actually owned an enormous “bag phone”. But because of roaming charges we didn’t even consider bringing it with us. What we did do was to set the alarm on my wristwatch to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Every day that we were on the road, the alarm would go off and we would look for a phone booth. Then I would call home to my Mom in Rhode Island to let her know where we were and that we were fine.
The radio was our constant companion. NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered bookended our daylight hours. Delilah filled our evening hours. And whoever wasn’t driving was in charge of tuning something enjoyable in on the radio as the miles clicked by on the odometer. Often, what we found clear as a bell was country music - classic, contemporary and a blend of country/rock/pop. We heard one song over and over again. It was “26 Cents” by The Wilkinsons (Music plays!), a Canadian family trio of a sister, a brother and their dad. It told the story of young woman on her own, who treasured a letter from her Mom with 26 cents taped to it. The song went:
“...When you get lonely, call me
Anytime at all and I'll be there with you, always
Anywhere at all...
...Here's a penny for your thoughts
A quarter for the call
And all of your Momma's love...”
It just fit, you know?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fun With Photoshop
I promised Sue that I would pass along any nifty Photoshop tips and techniques. I found one which seems to have limitless possibilities. Over at Ree’s Pioneer Woman blog, if you’re able to tear yourself away from the recipes and the love story, you’ll find her photography page. Recently she has been focusing on adding textures to photographs. The reader examples she has been posting have been fabulous and inspiring (start here). Happily, back in June, she offered a texture tutorial by Jodi Friedman of MCP Actions. It’s a very clear tutorial with lots of screen shots. The nice thing is you can keep the web page up in the background of your computer screen, while you try the techniques in Photoshop in the foreground.
Here’s the very first thing I tried using a photo from Washington state as posted last November:
And here it is “aged” and “textured” using Jodi’s downloadable “Rust” and “Brick” photos as texture overlays.
Have fun!
Here’s the very first thing I tried using a photo from Washington state as posted last November:
And here it is “aged” and “textured” using Jodi’s downloadable “Rust” and “Brick” photos as texture overlays.
Have fun!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday?
Our front lawn the day before we flew to Seattle.I’ll snap some springier photos tomorrow...
Here we are at Wednesday, April 8th, a full week after our returning home, and I still feel all at sixes and sevens. Sheesh! I thought for sure that Monday would dawn and my calendar addled brain would miraculously reset and I would stop asking “What day is it?” No dice. I also thought I had caught up with all the laundry from the trip. Then the boxes we shipped from Washington arrived. Chuck and I had packed up some of his Mom and Dad’s family mementos and household items. To get them home safely we used our clothes (both clean and destined for the laundry) to carefully wrap up each item. It worked well, except now my laundry room is overflowing again.
Sheesh again! Did I just tip over into full blown whining? I did didn’t I? So sorry. But as long as I’ve started...
Just kidding!
On the up side: We do have crocuses (croci?) pushing up through long cold soil. Even daffodils with their deep, dark, green leaves and heavy buds tinged with yellow, are insisting on braving the still chilly spring weather to mass on the border of the driveway. In the past week, a fuzzy haze of green has begun to overtake the scraggly, winter brown and wildly mole tunneled front lawn (as evidenced above). We’ve seen gorgeous red robins and heard spring peepers at stunning, attention grabbing volume.
So really, why should I give a hoot that my laundry baskets are full to bursting? We're home.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Deception Pass
The second week we were out in Washington, Chuck’s sister urged us to do a little sightseeing. Despite many trips out there over the last decade and a half, we rarely got out to see much of the area and never had gone anywhere on our own, just for fun. The focus was always to visit with Mom and Dad and later, Dad alone. The day started out with heavy rain, but as we drove north the rain clouds scudded away, blue sky became visible and soon the sun was shining. We had been advised to take a ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. But when we arrived at the ferry dock we were informed that the ferry had broken down. Plan B was needed.
We decided to poke around on our own. After touring Washington Park we headed off to Deception Pass and the northernmost part of Whidbey Island. Just before we got to the bridge over the Pass, we pulled over into a scenic overlook. We could see that some sort of work was being done on the bridge. Chuck snapped a few photos and then began to walk back up the road a bit to get a better view. He spotted a television film crew wrapping up and figured they must have scouted the best vantage point. As Chuck approached, the cameraman hoisted his camera back up to his shoulder and the on air news guy popped out of the van and began interviewing Chuck. After just a few moments, Chuck returned to the car saying we needed to watch the Seattle news that night.
Sure enough, back at our hotel in time for the KING-5 5:00 news, we watched as they ran the story about the Deception Pass Bridge. I had hoped to embed the video clip, but I couldn’t do it. You’ll have to be sure not to blink, but Chuck’s there, about 55 seconds in, for all of four or five seconds! I guess that means Chuck has about 14 minutes and 55 seconds of fame left to go!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Orexi
The Monday we interred Chuck’s Dad’s remains, eight of us went back to the same American seafood restaurant we had gone to with Dad after Mom passed away ten years ago. It seemed fitting to keep walking in his footprints. After a nice lunch, tired, we all went our separate ways. Chuck and I went back to the hotel and napped, a mixture of sadness and pride washing over us. Later, we needed to eat dinner somewhere. Neither of us could imagine facing the bright electric cheerfulness of Red Robin nor did we want to just grab a salad to go and eat it in our room. Then we remembered Orexi, a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in Bellevue. We had been there a couple of times for lunch with Chuck’s sister Carol on previous visits and it was always pleasant and low key.
We arrived past seven to find easy off street parking. Other than a large party of perhaps ten people at one long table, there were just a few other diners. We were seated immediately in one of the comfortable booths. The lighting was soft, the music the same; both were soothing. The service was perfect, attentive without being intrusive; neither too fast nor too slow. I ordered the Moussaka, Chuck ordered one of the sampler plates. We both started with a cup of Avgolemono soup which was not too lemony-tart and had a smooth consistency. When our entrees arrived they were delicious. If my parents had been Greek, it would have been “just like Mom used to make”!
Throughout the meal, we felt completely taken care of - so much so that Chuck (ever the one to share) decided to tell the waitress about our day and our reason for being there. She was very sweet and once she realized Chuck’s Dad had lived such a long and happy life, she relaxed and enjoyed the story. We thanked her for taking such excellent care of us. A few minutes later she appeared with plate of warm and decadent Galaktoboureko, with two forks and told us it was courtesy of the restaurant. She said they appreciated our coming to them at such a special time.
More tears came unbidden. This time they flowed from being touched by such lovely, thoughtful kindness.
We arrived past seven to find easy off street parking. Other than a large party of perhaps ten people at one long table, there were just a few other diners. We were seated immediately in one of the comfortable booths. The lighting was soft, the music the same; both were soothing. The service was perfect, attentive without being intrusive; neither too fast nor too slow. I ordered the Moussaka, Chuck ordered one of the sampler plates. We both started with a cup of Avgolemono soup which was not too lemony-tart and had a smooth consistency. When our entrees arrived they were delicious. If my parents had been Greek, it would have been “just like Mom used to make”!
Throughout the meal, we felt completely taken care of - so much so that Chuck (ever the one to share) decided to tell the waitress about our day and our reason for being there. She was very sweet and once she realized Chuck’s Dad had lived such a long and happy life, she relaxed and enjoyed the story. We thanked her for taking such excellent care of us. A few minutes later she appeared with plate of warm and decadent Galaktoboureko, with two forks and told us it was courtesy of the restaurant. She said they appreciated our coming to them at such a special time.
More tears came unbidden. This time they flowed from being touched by such lovely, thoughtful kindness.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Home!
We’re back home safe and sound! After two weeks in the lush, green, manicured, organized, right angle gridded, numerically logical, contemporary Greater Seattle, I was delighted to touch down in the far grungier, grittier, winter brown-gray, pothole-riddled, meandering unsigned roadways, of the far more elderly Massachusetts! It’s terrific out there - really. But after spending six out of the last 52 weeks away, home feels like the real world and I began to get the uneasy feeling that Greater Seattle was way too much like Barbie and Ken’s Dream House/Dream Neighborhood. I’m not talking Stepford Wives, just a preternaturally tidy and unsullied environment. Believe you me, I know this says way more about me than it does about out there!
We’re mostly unpacked. We’ve begun the laundry. We’ve slept almost enough to recover from the red-eye flight on the once again excellent JetBlue. The cats are home from the Kitty Spa and almost ready to forgive us. We remain grateful for your kindness and support. All in all, all is well.
More tomorrow...
We’re mostly unpacked. We’ve begun the laundry. We’ve slept almost enough to recover from the red-eye flight on the once again excellent JetBlue. The cats are home from the Kitty Spa and almost ready to forgive us. We remain grateful for your kindness and support. All in all, all is well.
More tomorrow...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Drawing To A Close
Hi All -
Tomorrow is our last day here in Greater Seattle, Washington. It has been a wonderful trip as well as an emotional one. A few weeks ago, I referred to the "business of death" - not the commerce of the funeral industry, but all the paperwork and details which need to be attended to after a loved one dies. There has been so much to do and now it feels as if time is slipping away from us. But we believe that before we fly out tomorrow night, we will have done all we can practically do out here. Thank heavens for land lines, cell phones, e-mails, fax machines and all the other modern technology which makes long distance communication so effortless. I fear I would not have fared well in an era without at least a telephone system. Thank you Mr. Bell!
Chuck and I have both so appreciated your comments of support and good cheer. I've missed visiting the blogs, but the other day, George (http://george-geder.blogspot.com/) reminded me to try to be patient. He wrote: "Take your time, the internet and its netizens aren't going anywhere soon!" Netizens - what a great word!
In a break with tradition, while we haven't used the camera much, Chuck has taken nearly all the photographs on the trip. Hopefully, by the end of the week, I'll be able to locate and upload a couple of pics of a Great Blue Heron Chuck had the presence of mind to snap.
More soon...
;o)
- Lee
Tomorrow is our last day here in Greater Seattle, Washington. It has been a wonderful trip as well as an emotional one. A few weeks ago, I referred to the "business of death" - not the commerce of the funeral industry, but all the paperwork and details which need to be attended to after a loved one dies. There has been so much to do and now it feels as if time is slipping away from us. But we believe that before we fly out tomorrow night, we will have done all we can practically do out here. Thank heavens for land lines, cell phones, e-mails, fax machines and all the other modern technology which makes long distance communication so effortless. I fear I would not have fared well in an era without at least a telephone system. Thank you Mr. Bell!
Chuck and I have both so appreciated your comments of support and good cheer. I've missed visiting the blogs, but the other day, George (http://george-geder.blogspot.com/) reminded me to try to be patient. He wrote: "Take your time, the internet and its netizens aren't going anywhere soon!" Netizens - what a great word!
In a break with tradition, while we haven't used the camera much, Chuck has taken nearly all the photographs on the trip. Hopefully, by the end of the week, I'll be able to locate and upload a couple of pics of a Great Blue Heron Chuck had the presence of mind to snap.
More soon...
;o)
- Lee
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Beloved Best Friends
I don’t know where to begin.
All is well.
That seems the best place to start.
The memorial celebration of Chuck’s father’s life last Sunday afternoon went just the way Dad wanted it. Actually, it was precisely the way Dad wanted it. Ten years ago, when Chuck’s Mom passed away, Dad asked us all to prepare a funeral ceremony as well as a memorial celebration for Mom. We did and after it was all over, Dad said: “When my time comes please do it exactly the same way for me”. We were happy to honor his wishes. About twenty people who had known Dad gathered together; we visited, we had refreshments. Folks took one of the memorial cards we had created. Chuck read the eulogy he had written for his Dad. Then we sat around and shared stories about Dad (and of course, Mom - it's hard to reminisce about the one and not include the other, and no-one tried). We laughed; there were tears shed and we know everyone left glad to have been there.
Monday morning ten of us convened at the Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery under early spring sun and mostly clear skies. The ceremony took place in a lovely open, roofed-shelter. Dad's urn was at the front along with a lit candle in glass. There were two parts to the ceremony. The first part was provided and was a complete surprise to us. It was organized and presented by a Veterans of Foreign Wars chaplain, and a five-person VFW honor guard with rifles, all volunteers, and two active duty soldiers. The chaplain welcomed us and said some appropriate words, then Dad received a salute of three five-gun volleys from the honor guard. The two active duty soldiers performed the military flag ceremony, crisply folding a nine-foot American flag into a triangle with five stars showing on the field. One of the soldiers knelt in front of Chuck where he was sitting to present him with the folded flag telling him of the "thanks of a grateful nation" for Dad's Army service. A bugler played taps. It was profoundly moving and brought us to tears.
The bugler and the honor guard quietly evaporated, the chaplain excused himself and we proceeded with the second part of the ceremony, the part which we had pre-planned. Our part included a variety of readings delivered by the immediate family. Together, all present recited the Mourner's Kaddish and another prayer, El Moleh Rachamim. We then caravanned to the gravesite and all gathered around the grave which had been pre-excavated in front of Mom's stone marker. The cemetery staff lowered Dad's urn into the hole then moved off to a corner of that section of the cemetery. Chuck’s sister read aloud a letter she had written to Dad, then added the letter next to the urn. One of us placed a small stone, the kind you leave when you visit a family grave, in on top of the urn, then we all followed suit. In keeping with another Jewish tradition, Chuck shoveled some soil over the urn and passed the shovel to each person present, each of whom added some soil on top of the urn. We spoke some more of Dad, placed flowers either side of Mom's marker, then withdrew to allow the cemetery staff to complete their duties.
In a few weeks, a new marker will be placed which will have both Mom and Dad’s dates and a new inscription: Beloved Best Friends.
It was all just the way Dad wanted it to be.
All is well.
That seems the best place to start.
The memorial celebration of Chuck’s father’s life last Sunday afternoon went just the way Dad wanted it. Actually, it was precisely the way Dad wanted it. Ten years ago, when Chuck’s Mom passed away, Dad asked us all to prepare a funeral ceremony as well as a memorial celebration for Mom. We did and after it was all over, Dad said: “When my time comes please do it exactly the same way for me”. We were happy to honor his wishes. About twenty people who had known Dad gathered together; we visited, we had refreshments. Folks took one of the memorial cards we had created. Chuck read the eulogy he had written for his Dad. Then we sat around and shared stories about Dad (and of course, Mom - it's hard to reminisce about the one and not include the other, and no-one tried). We laughed; there were tears shed and we know everyone left glad to have been there.
Monday morning ten of us convened at the Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery under early spring sun and mostly clear skies. The ceremony took place in a lovely open, roofed-shelter. Dad's urn was at the front along with a lit candle in glass. There were two parts to the ceremony. The first part was provided and was a complete surprise to us. It was organized and presented by a Veterans of Foreign Wars chaplain, and a five-person VFW honor guard with rifles, all volunteers, and two active duty soldiers. The chaplain welcomed us and said some appropriate words, then Dad received a salute of three five-gun volleys from the honor guard. The two active duty soldiers performed the military flag ceremony, crisply folding a nine-foot American flag into a triangle with five stars showing on the field. One of the soldiers knelt in front of Chuck where he was sitting to present him with the folded flag telling him of the "thanks of a grateful nation" for Dad's Army service. A bugler played taps. It was profoundly moving and brought us to tears.
The bugler and the honor guard quietly evaporated, the chaplain excused himself and we proceeded with the second part of the ceremony, the part which we had pre-planned. Our part included a variety of readings delivered by the immediate family. Together, all present recited the Mourner's Kaddish and another prayer, El Moleh Rachamim. We then caravanned to the gravesite and all gathered around the grave which had been pre-excavated in front of Mom's stone marker. The cemetery staff lowered Dad's urn into the hole then moved off to a corner of that section of the cemetery. Chuck’s sister read aloud a letter she had written to Dad, then added the letter next to the urn. One of us placed a small stone, the kind you leave when you visit a family grave, in on top of the urn, then we all followed suit. In keeping with another Jewish tradition, Chuck shoveled some soil over the urn and passed the shovel to each person present, each of whom added some soil on top of the urn. We spoke some more of Dad, placed flowers either side of Mom's marker, then withdrew to allow the cemetery staff to complete their duties.
In a few weeks, a new marker will be placed which will have both Mom and Dad’s dates and a new inscription: Beloved Best Friends.
It was all just the way Dad wanted it to be.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Safe & Sound & Busy
Hi All -
We arrived safely and are settled in at our hotel (which still has the buggy internet connection). We've had a chance to visit with family. The weather is mild, drizzly and sunny - all typical and a good change from deeper winter at home. So all is well. We're working on the arrangements for this weekend's memorial service/celebration of Chuck's Dad's life as well as the interment on Monday. I'm guessing that my posting will be understandably light until next week.
Thank you for all your good wishes and most especially for the wonderful, enthusiastic birthday greetings for Chuck! He and I both got a huge charge out of all your comments! You guys are super and if I may be a little mushy, it's like having this great big hug coming at us from many points around the globe. Thanks!
;o)
- Lee
We arrived safely and are settled in at our hotel (which still has the buggy internet connection). We've had a chance to visit with family. The weather is mild, drizzly and sunny - all typical and a good change from deeper winter at home. So all is well. We're working on the arrangements for this weekend's memorial service/celebration of Chuck's Dad's life as well as the interment on Monday. I'm guessing that my posting will be understandably light until next week.
Thank you for all your good wishes and most especially for the wonderful, enthusiastic birthday greetings for Chuck! He and I both got a huge charge out of all your comments! You guys are super and if I may be a little mushy, it's like having this great big hug coming at us from many points around the globe. Thanks!
;o)
- Lee
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saol Fada Chugat!
As I understand it, “Saol Fada Chugat!” means “Long life to you!” That greeting may be a day ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, but is heartfelt.
The cats are at the Kitty Hotel. Most of the “must do” items are crossed off the “to do” list. Tomorrow we’re headed off to greater Seattle, Washington for Chuck’s Dad’s memorial service and interment. So there may be a gap in my posting until we get settled out there. Also, a heads up in advance to my fellow bloggers; if last trip is any guide, the internet connection at the hotel freaks out when I try to leave a comment on a blog. I’m hoping that is not the case this time, but I won’t know until I get there. In the apology department, I’ve been so busy the last week or so, I’ve missed stopping by and keeping up with everyone’s news. I sure wish JetBlue had internet access on the plane. Man, could I catch up then!
The cats are at the Kitty Hotel. Most of the “must do” items are crossed off the “to do” list. Tomorrow we’re headed off to greater Seattle, Washington for Chuck’s Dad’s memorial service and interment. So there may be a gap in my posting until we get settled out there. Also, a heads up in advance to my fellow bloggers; if last trip is any guide, the internet connection at the hotel freaks out when I try to leave a comment on a blog. I’m hoping that is not the case this time, but I won’t know until I get there. In the apology department, I’ve been so busy the last week or so, I’ve missed stopping by and keeping up with everyone’s news. I sure wish JetBlue had internet access on the plane. Man, could I catch up then!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Catching Up To Ourselves
We began flying home a week ago tonight. I am almost caught up with the laundry! Happily, paying bills during our two week absence was very convenient due to our on-line banking. Enduring thanks to all of you who encouraged us to take the leap into the 21st century last year! Other than purchasing perishables locally, I’ve been cooking out of the pantry and the freezer for the last week. Chuck’s sister and her family welcomed us to their table nearly every night for dinner, but breakfasts were at the hotel breakfast bar and lunch was mostly “to go” soups and salads from grocery stores. So cooking at home has been a pleasure. (Chuck wants me to point out that the pleasure has been his as well!)
Today we made our first major foray to the grocery store and ran several other errands. It felt good to be out and about in our home territory once again. But we were both struck by how incredibly convenient and accessible nearly everything under the sun had been to us out in Washington State. Our commute from the hotel to Chuck’s Dad’s place took us by Safeway, Top, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe’s grocery stores, along with myriad gas stations, drugstores, restaurants and shops. It truly was an embarrassment of riches. Our little town here in central Massachusetts has everything one could need in a pinch. What it doesn’t have is vast variety and super low prices. So while we dine and shop locally, we also schlep for big grocery shopping and other bargains.
This evening, at the end of running around, crossing many things off our to do and to buy lists, we went to Chopsticks in Leominster for dinner. Oh it was nice to look at the menu and know exactly just how yummy something was going to taste before we ordered it. And yummy it all was. And friendly. The staff at Chopsticks is always very cheerful and they greet us warmly whenever we stop in. Tonight we calculated that Chuck and I have been going to Chopsticks for 23 years - Chuck even longer than that. When we walk in the door, it’s not exactly like on “Cheers” to the sound of “Norm!” (well, “Chuck and Lee!”), but it’s close enough to feel like a wonderful welcome home.
Today we made our first major foray to the grocery store and ran several other errands. It felt good to be out and about in our home territory once again. But we were both struck by how incredibly convenient and accessible nearly everything under the sun had been to us out in Washington State. Our commute from the hotel to Chuck’s Dad’s place took us by Safeway, Top, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe’s grocery stores, along with myriad gas stations, drugstores, restaurants and shops. It truly was an embarrassment of riches. Our little town here in central Massachusetts has everything one could need in a pinch. What it doesn’t have is vast variety and super low prices. So while we dine and shop locally, we also schlep for big grocery shopping and other bargains.
This evening, at the end of running around, crossing many things off our to do and to buy lists, we went to Chopsticks in Leominster for dinner. Oh it was nice to look at the menu and know exactly just how yummy something was going to taste before we ordered it. And yummy it all was. And friendly. The staff at Chopsticks is always very cheerful and they greet us warmly whenever we stop in. Tonight we calculated that Chuck and I have been going to Chopsticks for 23 years - Chuck even longer than that. When we walk in the door, it’s not exactly like on “Cheers” to the sound of “Norm!” (well, “Chuck and Lee!”), but it’s close enough to feel like a wonderful welcome home.
Friday, December 5, 2008
JetBlue Comes Through Again
We’re home safe and sound!
Our flight began in Seattle Wednesday night after eleven p.m. and we arrived in Boston yesterday morning just after seven. Along the way, the JetBlue crew did another excellent job of taking care of all the passengers with cheerful good humor. The trip was mostly smooth, but punctuated with significant turbulence. However, during each round of bumpy air, the captain calmly explained it and accurately projected when we would travel into less eventful air.
About two thirds of the way into the flight, the captain announced a medical emergency and the need for any doctors, nurses or emergency medical personnel to press their call buttons. Two buttons rang out immediately. Apparently, an older woman, seated just a few rows in front of Chuck and me, had suddenly lost consciousness. The three flight attendants behaved calmly, efficiently and quietly as they worked with the folks with medical training, to assist the passenger who had taken ill. After a flurry of activity, including the administration of oxygen by mask from a tank, the initial fear and tension dissolved as we noticed some smiles begin to emerge from those involved.
Shortly before arrival in Boston, the woman and and the gentleman sitting next to her were moved to the front of the not full to capacity plane. Their carry on luggage was also relocated. Before landing, the captain notified us that we might see emergency vehicles and personnel in evidence around the gate and not to be alarmed. He also informed us the passenger was feeling much better, but that she would be met by an ambulance. The flight attendants asked us to remain seated until she was safely off the plane. Chuck and I were seated near the back of the airplane and as we emerged at the gate several minutes later, we saw EMTs with a gurney, along with police and security officers all quietly in attendance around the passenger. As we walked by, we heard a Massachusetts State Trooper radioing in that the passenger was well enough not to need transport to the hospital.
I commend JetBlue and their wonderful crew for handling it all so beautifully. Heaven forfend I ever find myself as an ailing passenger, high in the skies over North America. But if I did, I would want it to be a JetBlue crew attending to me so warmly and efficiently. We’re writing a letter to that effect today.
Our flight began in Seattle Wednesday night after eleven p.m. and we arrived in Boston yesterday morning just after seven. Along the way, the JetBlue crew did another excellent job of taking care of all the passengers with cheerful good humor. The trip was mostly smooth, but punctuated with significant turbulence. However, during each round of bumpy air, the captain calmly explained it and accurately projected when we would travel into less eventful air.
About two thirds of the way into the flight, the captain announced a medical emergency and the need for any doctors, nurses or emergency medical personnel to press their call buttons. Two buttons rang out immediately. Apparently, an older woman, seated just a few rows in front of Chuck and me, had suddenly lost consciousness. The three flight attendants behaved calmly, efficiently and quietly as they worked with the folks with medical training, to assist the passenger who had taken ill. After a flurry of activity, including the administration of oxygen by mask from a tank, the initial fear and tension dissolved as we noticed some smiles begin to emerge from those involved.
Shortly before arrival in Boston, the woman and and the gentleman sitting next to her were moved to the front of the not full to capacity plane. Their carry on luggage was also relocated. Before landing, the captain notified us that we might see emergency vehicles and personnel in evidence around the gate and not to be alarmed. He also informed us the passenger was feeling much better, but that she would be met by an ambulance. The flight attendants asked us to remain seated until she was safely off the plane. Chuck and I were seated near the back of the airplane and as we emerged at the gate several minutes later, we saw EMTs with a gurney, along with police and security officers all quietly in attendance around the passenger. As we walked by, we heard a Massachusetts State Trooper radioing in that the passenger was well enough not to need transport to the hospital.
I commend JetBlue and their wonderful crew for handling it all so beautifully. Heaven forfend I ever find myself as an ailing passenger, high in the skies over North America. But if I did, I would want it to be a JetBlue crew attending to me so warmly and efficiently. We’re writing a letter to that effect today.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What’s Next
Just a few weeks ago, we thought Chuck’s Dad might be very near the end of his life. That’s what prompted our earlier than scheduled return visit to Greater Seattle. But Dad has continued to rally and have some good days in amongst the increasing number of lower and slower days. We are grateful that we have had these nearly two weeks with him. We are especially thankful that there was that one lovely moment when he knew who we were and was able to communicate that so clearly.
So it is with mixed emotions that we will be heading home later this week. We are looking forward to sleeping in our own bed; cooking our own food; tossing a load of laundry in without checking to see if there is a line in the hotel’s “Guest Laundry”. But our hearts will be heavy knowing this may well be the last time we see Dad before he passes. While no one has a crystal ball, in his final days, we wish Dad peace and comfort and dignity. And perhaps most importantly, the knowledge certain that all his life he acted out of love as he cared for his family and is loved in return.
So it is with mixed emotions that we will be heading home later this week. We are looking forward to sleeping in our own bed; cooking our own food; tossing a load of laundry in without checking to see if there is a line in the hotel’s “Guest Laundry”. But our hearts will be heavy knowing this may well be the last time we see Dad before he passes. While no one has a crystal ball, in his final days, we wish Dad peace and comfort and dignity. And perhaps most importantly, the knowledge certain that all his life he acted out of love as he cared for his family and is loved in return.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Change of Pace
We spent the late afternoon and early evening out on Chuck’s sister’s and her husband’s 60 year old Grandy boat. A daylong, heavy, dense fog lifted enough to allow us to cruise across Lake Union, moving through Portage Bay to Union Bay then out onto Lake Washington. We then headed over to Cozy Cove, just off Kirkland and dropped anchor. The boat floated gently in the still water as we ate our dinner. As the sun set, the Christmas lights bedecking the homes on shore and the boats moored nearby, all began to glitter and twinkle.
A sea plane about to land on Lake Union
The Space Needle across Lake Union
The often elusive Mount Rainier in the distance
Cozy Cove at twilight
A sea plane about to land on Lake Union
The Space Needle across Lake Union
The often elusive Mount Rainier in the distance
Cozy Cove at twilight
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