We stopped to pause many times while cleaning out my mom and dad’s house last weekend. There were hidden treasures with memories and stories shared, along with mysteries that were uncovered. We found two old Royal typewriters that belonged to our grandfather. One was a portable model, secured in its case. When we clicked opened the case, it was as shiny and clean as the day it was purchased. The other was an old heavy tabletop style. This one was weathered with age and dust-covered. The keys and the carriage return still worked and the ribbon still had some color to it. I wonder at its age, and all the stories and reports that had been typed on it. The desk that my grandfather used remains in the family, and perhaps this old typewriter will feel at home where it once sat.
family
A Thanksgiving celebration of work and family
We’ve just returned from a quick Thanksgiving trip south – for warmer climes and family. After large dinners and feasts, this group gathered together at my parents’ house. Following both my mother’s and father’s deaths in the past year, their house of 57 years has many things in need of clearing and cleaning. This group of people who I am so happy to claim as family all chipped in with sweat, work and lots of laughter to fill a huge dumpster in a short period of time. Decisions were made on what to save, what to donate, and what to pitch. The pool table in the basement required the strength of the younger generation, along with the assistance of a chain saw and many recommendations (some heeded and some not) to find its way up the stairs to the dumpster. What could have been a week-long project filled with angst and tears, became a joyful celebration of the family that my parents were so proud of.
A change in the seasons and in life
We are in the glorious midst of fall – the change of seasons from summer to winter. One day we have bright sunshine and the next day is cool and cloudy, and throughout them all the colors of our landscape continue to change. So too I’m reminded of the changes in our lives. It was a year ago that my father passed away and that was a change I was not prepared for. But I’ve come to realize that change is the one constant in life. With three deaths in the family, a change in jobs, a kitchen remodel, and a different car, I sometimes wonder if I recognize my life anymore. But I’ve learned something with each change, and I know that the best way to honor my father is to live the values that he helped to instill in me. He laid the basis for my sense of adventure and my joy in being outdoors in nature – two of the traits I enjoy so much in my photography. As I was photographing this slough the air would be still, and then the wind would come up. It caused the water to ripple across the surface and the cattails to dance in front of me. The movement and the colors of the trees were all a glorious celebration of change.
Graduation celebrations
Springtime brings many new things including new starts and celebrations. We journeyed to Kansas last weekend to celebrate the college graduations of my oldest nephew and niece. After the hardships and sorrow our family has been through recently, this was all a grand opportunity to be joyful and celebrate. The weather was wonderful, the ceremonies were filled with the usual pomp and circumstance, and everyone came together to note their accomplishments. I’m so very proud of all of my nieces and nephews – it’s been a delight to watch them grow up and to be able to share in their lives.
A trip south for family and warmth
Yesterday I made a quick trip south to warmer climes – about 200 miles to Ames, Iowa. The landscape was devoid of snow and the temps were in the low 50’s (almost tropical for this person from Minnesota where it had just dumped seven inches of snow on Friday!). My nephew plays on the Kansas State Rugby team and they were playing the Iowa State team in Ames. I don’t have much experience with rugby, but it is a fast-moving game, rough and tumble, and a testament to endurance and teamwork. This match was very physical and included some tough injuries too. In the end, the Iowa State team prevailed over Kansas State. But the day provided time for catching up with my nephew and my brother & sister-in-law — well worth the drive!
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