Memorial Day Walks: "So many stories", I muse...

I decided to walk through the local cemetary west of Dent, MN and look at as many gravestones as possible for this Memorial Day "pre-week".   The idea came about today on my (2nd, yahoo!) morning walk. 

Day 1:  Carl & Agnes Hanson.  "So many stories", I said to myself.  The first story was almost immediate:  a man had died 3 months after his wife.  What was the story?  I concluded he had died from grief, (or not caring for himself) which is a well documented statistic from studies around the world.  This led me to do a quick bit of Google research to affirm this belief.  It was affirmed.  Studies done (even in other countries) prove that men more often die sooner after their spouse dies. 

Day 2:  Jack Mondt.  Today I straightened up Jack's flowers and admired the rock on his grave. He must have been a unique person to get that unusual rock.  I brushed newly mown grass off gravestones. I am glad they care for the graveyards here. Quite a few men in their 50's had wives living 30 more years after their deaths...together again.

Day 3:  Chad Soderstom.  Day 3 of my Memorial week walk. It's around 7AM, the bright sun is filtering through the trees into the graveyard.  The sunshine blinds me and makes some stones temporarily unreadable.  I walk up and down the rows, sometimes stopping, taking a picture here and there.  Then I see Chad's stone.  A few words and pictures can tell so much. Chad was a young man, when he left this world, I don't know how.  He was very involved in sports and loved by many. A lovely stone.

I will join my mother and some family members for what is becoming an annual trip to Roosevelt, MN to put flowers on graves (maternal grandmother, aunts, uncles and other relatives), then drive to Rose Cemetery west of Roseau, MN...where my paternal family has plots.  We will also wander around Rose Cemetary and talk about all the other people we knew...distant cousins, neighbors, etc.  "I didn't know he died!  When did that happen?"  My mother will know all the stories. 

We will visit my sister's grave, of course.  Gloria died of cancer a few years ago in the early morning hours after her 52nd birthday.  We had just visited her in Portland, OR.  We returned to Minnesota and were driving from the Minneapolis airport heading for home when we received the call.  Some of my family returned for the funeral. (We are grateful to nephew Jason and all his frequent flier miles that made those trips possible).  It was expected, but the sadness and grief mixed with gratefulness that her pain was now gone are emotions I am sure felt by many in similar situations.  My mother purchased a lovely stone for her from Dent Granite.  I am sure we will speak of her stubborness. Talk about her children and how they are doing. Gossip, smile and hide our tears.  


Knight, Smith Gloria Jean (Norstebon), b. 30 Dec 1954, d. 1 Jan 2007, for no one loved is ever lost and she was loved so much
http://www.interment.net/data/us/mn/roseau/moe_rose/moe_ak.htm

I think I will do this next year too.  Maybe my Memorial Week Walk will morph into something different.  Whatever happens, the morning walks were pleasant, thought provoking and made me appreciate life even more. 

Decorating - adjustable height cocktail table

I found what might be a perfect adjustable height table. Coffee table as well as a dining table.   I was looking for something a bit more sleek/modern, but this is quite nice.

Decorating a log home living room-eclectic style: What would you recommend?

I may just redo my floors in a few weeks.  Then, break down and buy some new furniture.  It takes me a long time to make a large purchase, so I thought about my requirements.

Goal: to decorate and refurnish my living room to support family/friend gatherings and communications.  No TV.

1. Comfortable
2. Attractive
3. Easy to clean (cat will lay on furniture, but I can add blankets)
4. More chairs than sofas
5. Conducive to communications/visiting
6. Sofa Color:  Perhaps oatmeal with bright/modern pillows?
7. Chairs: solids or modern prints.
8. Tables: several so people can sit drinks/food beside them.  Open to style.

Look at sample rooms below and use your imagination.  What would you recommend?

The Pacific Northwest

Mt. Rainer, Washington State

Flying into Seattle is always a joy.  Last Saturday morning Mt. Rainier and Adams were covered with gleaming white snow and the Puget Sound sparkled under a partly sunny sky. 

Rhodies in Seattle area

The lush green and bright splashes of color from magnolias, rhodedendrums, azaleas, daffodils and tulips were a delight.

The first couple days were nice, but then it got cloudy and rainy, a bit chilly.  The last morning we were there the rain and cold was a bitter chill, reminding me of when I used to get bad colds when I lived there.

We spent time with Carol and Richard, having breakfast at "Jacks" a local cafe and indulging in some lovely wines.  Played lots of aggravation.

Carol took me to look at an example of a modular home they may put on their Marrowstone Island property.  It was well done, dry wall had large, rounded corners and it was modern and open.


We also looked at a lot of lovely Mercedes cars, including a new gull-wing at the car dealership while we were waiting for the modular home place to open Sunday morning.  The sales person brought us a red convertible to try out.  As we stood there chatting, the car ran out of gas.  Carol stated, "how nice, you have an automated shut-off device?"  Hahahahahahahhhh....Lucky we had not gone for a "spin" down I-5.



Gull-Wing Mercedes



We had dinner at a new Polish restaurant with our friends George, Lori and their son Evan.  It was a real treat!  I hope my company hires Evan as a network intern, he would be a real asset.

We spent a few days in Olympia, WA visiting with Bruce's parents and assessing their situation.  They are 94 and 98.  Such a tough time.  It is better right now, with Gary (Bruce's brother) coming by two times a day to fix meals/give meds.  Melba has dementia...it can only get worse, I guess.  Sad to see this stage.  I think Ed, at 98, is doing very well.  He heads down the hallways at a little trot with his rolling walker.  He speaks intelligently and still has his wit.  We can tell he is slowing and needs help with Melba.

I was able to work some while I was there.  With my Sprint Air Card, I can now work anywhere Sprint is available.

Overall a successfull visit to the Seattle area.