 |
| Hiking Blue Ridge Mountains |
The Folly continues as none of the condo's which appeared to be almost done, get closed by year end. Ours has had little progress for the last few months as the focus has been on the first and second floors. Good news is that we will be back from our upcoming Hawaii trip in time to oversee installation of cabinets, floors, tile, etc. Staying positive about the snails pace is challenging at best. We are reminded of the story the Cherokee grandfather told his grandson about the two wolves fighting inside him. One was angry and mean. The other was happy and mellow. When the grandson asked, which one wins, he replied "the one you feed". WE FEED PATIENCE!!!
 |
| Zoe at National Arboretum |
 |
| Dartmouth Bonfire |
We met up with Zoe in DC where she was attending a bridal shower and wedding for some high school friends. Seeing the National Arboretum in Fall was breathtaking as was hiking with her, Marcia and Bill.
John is working hard on a new project documenting activities of the last 21 years of the SSG when word comes that the current CNO has disbanded future groups. A wonderful 45th reunion/homecoming weekend in Hanover with old Dartmouth buddies was fun especially hanging out with Pat and Dave at their beautiful log home.
Zoe and pal Amy (from her days in Denver) have started an online venture called TheOnenessInitiative.com. It is 'dedicated to connecting all sentient beings as one heart, one community, through personal empowerment and enlightened conversation.' Check out their monthly online programs, and inspiring empowerment action statements. Adding to global healing is their ultimate goal which is badly needed as our nation reels in divisiveness after an ugly campaign and election of Trump. In a conversation where I was overcome by shock and fear, the kids repeating my mantra "everything happens for a reason", help put it into perspective. Maybe he had to be elected at this time so his Presidency will be so disruptive as to raise the consciousness of our electorate so future candidates rising from the ashes will seek to cooperate instead of divide. There is truth in the saying that sometimes you've got to hit bottom before you can change. It's going to be scary and ugly but let's hope by the time my future grandchildren can vote, our self serving political parties get their act together and do what's right for the country instead of themselves.
 |
| San Diego Hike |
Jack is finding time to enjoy paradise as he volunteers with other shipmates to teach local school children to kayak, paddle board, etc. Here he is paddle boarding with one of his charges in Kailua Bay. He had so much fun that he bought himself a paddle board! While in San Diego for Antisubmarine Warfare School he joins up with fellow classmates for a hike. He quickly realizes he has seriously underestimated the challenge of the hike when he shows up in sneakers and a cup of coffee, while they are in full hiking gear with lots of water.
And not to be outdone by his kids adventures, let's not forget John's pre-Thanksgiving golf outing. Taking a break from writing early on a beautiful sunny morning, he has the whole course to himself.
On the second hole, like any good Irishman whose ball veers off course, down a newly brush cleared hill, he takes out to fetch it (as well as any others whom less adventurous golfers choose to ignore). Tripping on a vine, he falls and impales his calf on the sharp point of a newly cut sapling. Once again, cool headed Navy training kicks in as he uses his belt for a tourniquet, calls the clubhouse for help and drags himself up the hill where he is spotted by a passing grounds keeper in a golf cart. The traumatized driver takes him to his truck where he calls Debra to take him to the hospital. She arrives to this bloody scene knowing there is no way he is getting in her car. Even cooler heads prevail as the golf course manager has already called an ambulance. After surgery, the doctor writes on the discharge instructions "next time your ball goes into the rough, take a drop." Needless to say, he is infamous at the Winnepaug Golf Course next to our new condo, where a sign is now posted on "the hill" stating DANGER - KEEP OUT. We now call it Hanley Hill.
 |
| Nieces and Nephews Gather |
 |
| Aunt Norma With Her Children |
Debra continues to "refine" as she now calls it, her condo selections, hiking with the Westerly Land Trust, and spending time with family and new friends. Aunt Norma retires after working 16 years in her Church's nursery. She is clearly beloved by the children and their grateful parents for her years of loving service.
 |
| Seattle Underground |
 |
| Chihuly Glass |
Packing for a 5 week trip which includes snow skiing in Washington state over New Years and boogy boarding in Hawaii for almost a month is a blissful challenge. Especially because Deb knows she needs to leave room for shopping. OK it works if we wear our snow boots on the planes to Washington state and to Hawaii but still not much room for shopping. Meeting up with Zoe and Jack in Seattle, we again tour the fabulous Chihuly Glass Gallery and take a most interesting tour of subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. We learned the history of Seattle's founding and development from this must do tour!
Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/living/family/article22204641.html#storylink=cpy
Jack is finding time to enjoy paradise as he volunteers with other shipmates to teach local school children to kayak, paddle board, etc. Here he is paddle boarding with one of his charges in Kailua Bay. He had so much fun that he bought himself a paddle board! While in San Diego for Antisubmarine Warfare School he joins up with fellow classmates for a hike. He quickly realizes he has seriously underestimated the challenge of the hike when he shows up in sneakers and a cup of coffee, while they are in full hiking gear with lots of water.
