Monday, September 3, 2012

Back home

Had a great visit with Helen. Richard and his wife drove down on Friday and Cheryle came on Saturday. We ate much too much food and got in lots of newsy conversation. Hadn't had much time before with Richard's wife, so it was fun to get to know her. She's an artist, so that was added interest.
We had fun going through ancient pictures including Helen tap dancing and striking pin up poses.

Helen is not well, but still able to enjoy life. Her knees hurt and she gets out of breath easily. At 89 the doctors will no longer operate. She misses Rich terribly and is exhausted from her move to a small room in Assisted Living and making decisions about what to give away, etc. With her trusty red scooter Helen runs around the large continuing care center. It's quite upscale with beautiful gardens, lots of things to do and places to gather. My guest room was larger than our Colorado cabin! She has many friends and is going back to playing bridge this coming week.

The overnight train trip is still not my favorite time to travel. It made me mad that it was kept so cold that you needed a blanket which you had to buy for $15. Of course I could afford it, but decided to see if the Washington Post would be enough for a blanket. A young guy across the way bought a blanket for me. That was pretty embarrassing, but I decided to accept it.

Started the book I Rigoberta Menchu for my American Indian course. It really adds info to what I learned in Guatemala.
Love, KMom

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Sermon went well. Glad I don't have to do this every week!
Did Sheryl have a good birthday?
Love, KMom

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Happy Birthday, Shmer !!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sheryl says she doesn't know about the sermon.  Sorry. Thought I had told everyone this. Maybe not.

Our interim pastor is off for several weeks recovering from double knee replacement. His home is in Williamsburg, so he isn't even in town. Since I went to a sermon writing class years ago with Bob Criswell, I was one of the people asked to fill in. I'm calling it The End Game. It's about some life lessons I learned working at The Hermitage. I'm using resident favorite hymns, their advice, their poetry, etc. One of them said I should start with a joke, but the joke is----I've forgotten the joke! 
Love, KMom

Happy Birthday and etc.

Good thing I sent off a package to Sheryl early last week, because my good intentions about making a card have not yet been realized. Hopefully I'll get to that soon. Happy Birthday, honey.

Lisa suggested I use some of the art work from the Hermitage for my sermon this Sunday. Just got back from the church. Looks like we'll reproduce a resident drawing on the bulletin cover, I'll display a quilt on a rocking chair up front and the lamb's picture from our 23rd Psalm window on the communion table.  May bring a couple of calendars and reminiscence books, as well. Last week I collected hymn and scripture suggestions and will use at least one poem as a prayer.

There has been lots of editing for the Pastor Nominating Committee. Scott has helped me get better with Mac computer tools.

Sunday I was able to get to the final day for some great exhibits at American University's gallery. There were fun things like nail and garlic sculptures and sticker art. My favorite was a group of Washington artists' work and portraits from 30 to 40 years ago and now along with a written page of what art means for them and what they hope it means to their audience.

The last Wednesday evening in August I'll travel by train to Georgia to spend some time with Aunt Helen. Could only find night travel. Will arrive back here Sunday morning, Labor Day weekend.

It's always fun to spend time with SMEE here and hear from the rest of you.
Love, KMom



Saturday, August 4, 2012

Scott tutorial

Scott is showing me how to post to the Wood Herd blog. Love, Mom

Friday, August 3, 2012

Death of Ben's Grandma

Hi guys - I wanted to post a quick note here to let you all know that Ben's grandmother died. Glendola (Dola) Loers was his mom's mom. She was 92 years old and Kathie says she believes it was peaceful for her. Bernie and Dola were married for 67 years!

Brenna flew in to Portland and the three of us drove up to Oak Harbor yesterday evening. The funeral service will be tomorrow morning.

Ben's grandpa Bernie is doing okay. We'll see him in about an hour, then again tomorrow.