CLEANING OUT THE HOUSE...

I came home from ArtFest, full up with the experience and then had my colonoscopy procedure a few days later...hmmm...guess I'll save the ArtFest joy and wonder until I've regained my energy and composure.

Why they call the "prep" drink "GoLyhtley" is a cruel joke!

This was my third dip into this short stay surgery procedure. The first was six years ago, and then another three years later. The second one turned up a small polyp, which was removed, s0 the doc wanted to a repeat three years post -which was this week. Fortunately, this time I was deemed clean and clear - so now I get to wait five years - yippee!

Enough said about the minor unpleasantries. Please, get your self and your loved ones over fifty years old tested. Caught early, colon cancer has excellent cure rates.

And so, ArtFest fun and games will posted soon - hopefully, tomorrow.

Out of the Ashes - or Kitchen Disasters Lead to Discoveries

The night before last, we experienced a disaster that could have been much worse (now that I look back on it). Dave was cooking dinner (yes, he does that) and had broccoli steaming on the stove. I was in the other room when suddenly the fire alarm went off. The cat, dog and I all came from different directions and in the kitchen, there was Dave - holding the now-melting pot - over the floor. We all -yes, the cat and dog too- stood there for a moment in total disbelief. I had a fleeting thought that I was glad it wasn't me who had done this (forgotten to put water in the bottom of the steamer), as I watched the quickly hardening metal gouging the hardwood floor in at least a dozen spots. But, nobody was hurt, the floor was going to be refinished soon anyway and the pot can be replaced. After the metal cooled, Dave pried up the pieces from the floor, placed them into a bowl, handed it to me and said, "Go forth and make jewelry!" I must say, the shapes are pretty interesting...

afterwards...

The family departed yesterday, flying to Illinois and home (for them). We were fortunate to have them here for ten days - fun, food, merriment with friends along for the ride. Lindsay is now almost two - and is an articulate little one - all she wanted to do on Christmas morning was to go outside and tromp in the rain puddles. She could have cared less about presents, stockings or anything else. It certainly makes you think about what's really important...

The birds are out in full force this morning, the first day in almost two weeks of constant rain. I wish the kids were here to see it. We are so lucky to be able to live in such a beautiful spot. After thirty years of looking out the kitchen window, I never tire of the scenery.

Happy New Year everyone!

septic systems and such...

Oh Boy! Today we had our septic system cleaned out - what a yucky job for the "septic guy". I guess that's why he gets paid to do what he does...

This activity made me think of cleaning out the White House - it needed to be done!

I'm making a stuffed doll - not really in my comfort zone, but I'm learning a lot. My best friend, Sally, talked me into doing this with another friend of hers. Yikes...too many crafts on my table - literally!

I'm looking forward to our trip to Illinois. First we'll visit Matt and Julie (our son and daughter-in-law) in Chicago. And then, we'll take the train to Champaign (I know it rhymes) and spend about ten days with our daughter, son-in-law and baby granddaughter - yipppee! Ah...retirement is so much fun...

a larger than life man...

Today, Dave and I went to a memorial service for John Campbell. John was the current mayor of our town (Fortuna) and a member of the city council. He was the former CEO of Pacific Lumber Company (PALCO) in Scotia - one of the last remaining logging towns here in Humboldt County - and part of another era. John was a "larger-than-life" man in so many ways, and several of the eulogies today spoke to that very description of him. He was also the father of a close friend of our own son, Matt; coincidentally he is named Matt as well (thirty five years ago Matt must have been the name of choice, as we always joked that you had to be called Matt to belong to this particular group of friends), but I digress and that is a story to be told at another time...

The memorial was held at River Lodge in Fortuna, a community center of sorts, all redwood timber and glass, set alongside the Eel River - a fitting location to celebrate the life of a lumberman well known throughout our remote area and beyond. But John was oh, so much more than a lumberman. Born in Australia, he came to the United States as a young man, yet always rememained the quintessinal (is that a word?) Australian gentleman - impeccably dressed, polite and charming, with an accent that was ever present. Thirty years ago I was his sons' preschool teacher, and I have vivid memories of the boys (now men) flying around our gravel driveway on "big wheels" - handmade capes billowing out behind them. We talked about that today after the service, and how well they do remember those days. Where have thirty years gone? And how did this giant of a man lose his 14 month long battle with cancer, at only 67 years old?

Many stories were told by family members, close friends, and political icons of our community. Some were familar, but many were new to me. There was laughter, nodding of heads, and yes, even grown men's tears. And so, on sunny Fortuna morning, we listened as the bagpiper played and we said our goodbyes. Be kind to one another, friends, and receive each day as a gift.

7:45:00 PM
by Ilene Harris
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The Relatives Left!

Oh my - a whole month of relatives...

Today the last one left - my Mother-in-law - a really dear person (at 91 years young). My husband drove her to the Oakland airport and they are flying together to Albuquerque tonight. I was supposed to go with them, but opted out and cancelled my plane reservations last week. The desperate need for solitude and quiet outweighed my guilty feelings about staying home.

Yesterday, our daughter and eighteen month old granddaughter left to return home to Champaign, Illinois. That was the sad part - saying goodbye after a wonderful two week visit. It was amazing seeing little Lindsay bond with her Great Great Grandma Ginny (Lindsay shortened this to GG). It was a very special time, indeed, for all of us.

I won't go into the nine day stay of the other relatives which took place earlier in the month. Suffice it to say that it won't happen again...

Today, I had breakfast with a group of quilting friends and then we all went to the Humboldt County Fair. I had so much fun - haven't been in years.

Tomorrow - I CRAFT!

Ilene

The relatives came...

We've been hosting family (Dave's) from Albuquerque the past week. If any of you enjoy children's books, as I do, see if you can find The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. It is one of my all-time favorites. Both children and adults find it hilarious (and very close to the truth, too).

So...it's been non-stop here for the past seven or eight days (I've lost count). We've experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. I need to get back to the sanity of my crafting - help!

My reward comes on Friday (when some of the relatives actually leave) and my Daughter and Granddaughter fly in from Illinois to join the remaining crew. I can't wait to see the smiling face of eighteen month old Lindsay...

...to be continued

Hugs,
Ilene