Great Northwest Trip - LaConnor Landing

With the Cheese Factory and Portland Traffic behind us, it was a race with the setting Sun to up to Bob and Ann's place for our night's landing in LaConnor.  Around 5 we called to say we would be arriving later than we expected.  Bob asked where are you?  Sue said, well, we are in Washington.  Bob asked how far in to Washington.  Sue said, well we've made it about 3 miles in so far, so go ahead and feed the kids we'll be there in about 4 hours.

We arrived just as the Sun sank below the watery horizon.  Bob had a couple of nice steaks waiting to be cooked to our specifications.  But, looking around at the nieces and nephew - it was good thing Bob fed his kids before we arrives, as the way they had grown, it sure looks like they've been eating a lot of food!

Our host and hostess filled us in on many of life's adventures from there part of the world as they watched us consume a wonderful meal.  Bob's got a new addition on the place for his office, but for our visit, it was turned into a dog pound.  Ann is still kicking, by that I mean kicking ass and taking names, as she wrestles with laws, policies, management and attitudes involved with nursing in a nursing home.  It wears me out just listening to all that stuff, I don't know how she holds up - but she does.

We got filled in on Roberts summer violin camp and music interests while he sat in the corner electronically dispatching evil-doers on the computer screen. In fact, Hannah attended the same summer music camp as brother Robert as is working on her music reading skills with an eye toward joining the youth orchestra.  Katy Ann continues developing her skill with the piano, and her teacher says she has real talent, but at least to this point, not the "fire in the belly".  That passion Katy Ann reserves for her animals and has a list of exotic beast to acquire.  Dad says "no way" - but he has said that before.  

We talked into the night until it was time to take over the girl's room and bar the door from that curious cat.  The curious cat wanted to come in and see what we were doing lying on our backs in the dark.  I am afraid if the curious cat did get into the room and jumped on my face, it may have suffered the fate of many a curious cat.  Come morning, we found Bob at his post, serving pancakes, eggs, bacon and juice to all comers.  We took terrible advantage of his hospitality once again.

Our plan was to visit our rental on Pilchuck Creek and see how things were going, especially since we had to have the in-coming power line and breaker box repaired and rewired to meet code.  Unfortunately it was surprise visit, on account of our unplanned and somewhat erratic vacation travel schedule.  We were met in the driveway by our tenant, who once we assured her of our identity, was pleased to tell us everything was working well and how pleased she was to have such a place for her and her family.  Good reports all around.

Next stop: Beach Picnic!

Great Northwest Trip - Cheesy Tourist Stop

Sue looks upon Tillamook Cheddar Cheese
Assembly Line

As has been mentioned several times on these pages; Sue has become quite the home cheese-maker and connoisseur of cheese.  Accordingly, we scheduled a diversionary trip to Tillamook County, in the Northwest corner of Oregon to visit the large cheese factory there.  It was a happening place, the 20 acre parking lot was stuffed with RV and international folks ready to sample a small free cheese cube and then get enticed into buying an ice cream cone.  We enthusiastically joined the cheesy throng of tourist.

The "tour" was self-guided, meaning that you were allowed to look through windows from above the manufacturing floor and read educational signs post below the observation windows explaining the basic process.  We watched as 40 lb chunks of cheddar were automatically delivered, sliced into retail sized blocks, wrapped and boxed.  Of course Sue wanted to know more details than the basics, but was pleased to see and figure out much of the industrial process.  As it turns out, half of the Oregon labor force was canned earlier this year and much of the Tillamook Cheese process has been relocated to Idaho.  I am not sure why, but my suspicion is that Oregon has a regressive, anti-industrial mentality and set of policies and it makes economic sense to move those jobs 1,000 miles away from the Tillamook County cows.  We were not mooved to buy at the Tillamook Factory Store, since all of the products are readily available at local grocers throughout the NW.  We did move a few blocks down the road and stopped in to the Blue Heron French Cheese Creamery.  Again free samples.  I asked if these sampled were locally made varieties of cheese?  The Cheese girl said, "No.  Blue Heron has made all of their cheese in Wisconsin since 2007".  This relocation of jobs from a state that makes it illegal to pump you own gas. Just so backwards.  It is little wonder that Oregon has the 2nd highest unemployment rate of any state in the country.

Our cheese expedition to the old County Tillamook was a worthy and inspiring one.  However, it put us way behind schedule.  Once we cross to Washington State on the north side of the Columbia River, I filled up my own gas tank, washed the windows and made our "whey" to LaConner for a brief stay with Bob, Ann, Robert, Katy Ann and Hannah + pets.

Great Northwest Trip - Saltwater Between Our Toes

When we were packing for 2 weeks in the Great Northwest, we forced ourselves to put long sleeve shirts and light jackets into the suitcase.  None of those items have been used since last February 7th around here.  As always, it seems like it has been a hot and humid 102 forever.  It seems like it is hot everywhere in the world.  But wisely we each tucked clothing with extra fabric into our single piece of luggage - what a waste.  It was in the 90's in Montana, in the 90's in Idaho.  And the day we arrived in what was expected to be rain sodden Eugene, Oregon, it was 101 degrees!  Hell.  It was only 103 degrees back in Garland that day.

Inga took to the couch, while Sue and I had her bedroom.  The windows were open to allow the cooling night vapors seep into the blistering interior.  It being a hot Friday night meant that all of the raucous revelers also had their apartment windows open, so we had several competing parties from which to choose from and vicariously revel.  The loud, but rather poor singing was only punctuated by the inebriated voices emanating from 18th Avenue.  Kind of reminds me of being back in college. 

Take Off Your Shoes
Come and Get Some Saltwater Between Yer Toes!
Sue & Inga at Newport, Beach

Looking for some of the fable Oregon cold, wet air, we opted to go as far west a possible.  The next day was declared a beach day.  Inga preferred Newport over Florence, so it was north on I-5, cut west at Corvalis on to Newport, home of the Japanese dock that washed ashore after being broken loose from it moorings by the tsunami.  Alas, the tsunami dock which had travel across the Pacific had been removed.  All that was left for us to enjoy was a sunny day on an expansive beach, wading through the surf.

Ladies In Wading

Inga Makes A Splash

*** IT IS HERE THAT MY CAMERA BATTERY DIES ***

I realize the next day that the camera battery is past the point of being able to be recharged.  Not to fear, my phone can be a camera.  I can still take photos during our vacation.

*** IT IS NOW TIME TO FEAR ***

[Two week after my return from vacation, my phone (with stored vacation photos) has it's touch screen go kaput.  For those of you that log in just to look at the pictures.  Sorry, no vacation photos for rest of the blog.]

We wandered into Newport for some lunch.  The ever and over popular Mo's Chowder House was packed out the door.  We were hungry, so Ocean Bleu Restaurant a few blocks down the street worked just fine for us.  We picked up a bag of saltwater taffy to give our dog-sitter once we got back to Texas.

I drove the 50 miles down Highway 101 to Florence, then cut inland to get back to Eugene.  It would be nice to pull in to one of those coastal camps and stay awhile.  But I'll have to return some other cool and foggy summer day.

Great Northwest Trip - The Good Life, Ducks & "Sasquatch Sighting"

We were delighted to be counted among those who joined in the celebration of Nephew Daniel's achievement of Eagle Scout Rank, it was us no-bodies and a whole lot of Famous Potatoes.  After scraping the bugs of the windshield, it was off to Oregon.  Eugene, Oregon to be specific.

Inga will be a senior this year at the University of Oregon, Land of the Ducks. The University Registrar's office sends me quarterly reminders that "You can't be a Duck without a Bill".  Inga is living the good life in her hobbit-hole apartment across the street from the University with her two apartment mates.  Inga is volunteering several hours most days at the Campus Health Clinic where she is screening and doing preliminary advising for students interested in the Smoking Cessation Program.  Inga will be doing her Honor's College Thesis on Health Policy and Smoking Cessation as part of her Public Policy and Planning major with a eye toward a career in the health policy sector or perhaps a lobbyist (all expenses paid!) for health policy.  In September she will go through training as one of the select Clarke Honor's College Campus Guides, interacting the best and brightest prospective students visiting the Oregon campus.  Whoever gave her that (paying) job, knew what they were doing - she will be an excellent and enthusiastic representative of the really smart Ducks.

On our last visit to Eugene, Inga's mother heard mention of new interest by the name of Sean.  When discreet inquiries were made about a possible introDUCKtion, the response was that Sean was a very kind and caring man with many similar interests to Inga's; however, he was also pretty quiet and on the shy-side, not confident in his ability to make good first impressions.  So, Inga told Sean to lay low while her loose-cannon Dad was in town.  I took to referring to this Sean as the "Sasquatch boyfriend", a beast of the Northwest who is widely believed to exist, but who has rarely ever been spotted by credible witnesses (such as myself).  I was told that there was evidence of this Sean on Facebook, but I am not on Facebook; and besides, with Photoshop and everything, am I really supposed to believe the internet and Facebook? I checked Swope.com and found no evidence of this Sean.

After a year of hammering by the colluding wife+daughter team on old "Troll Dad" to layoff on the Sasquatch business, it was hoped that Dad was under proper control so as to be able to unveil Sean once we arrived in Eugene.  I am now a firm believer!

Sean Battee & Inga

We met Sean as soon as we pulled up to Inga's apartment.  Inga and Sean met us as we stepped from the car and Sean graciously carried my wife's luggage up the stair to Inga's room where we were to stay.  We offered to take Inga and Sean out to dinner.  Agreed.  We all 4 walked to the Maple Garden Chinese Restaurant.  Inga and Sue did most of the talking, Sean and me both stayed kind of quite.  Our waitress had pierced her nasal septum an had two small black horned toad lizard horns protruding from her nostrils.  She also displayed very dark eye-liner and spiked hair in a non-natural color while wearing a crocheted top over her perfunctorily covered black brassier.  It is a left-coast college town, so get used to it.  I didn't think commenting on our waitress was necessary (even after we had left the premises), but the nasal reptilian horns kind of undid my wife.  In retrospect, if only by coincidence, it was a nice contrast between the heavily tattooed & pierced population making a bold and permanent statement and the courteous, introspective and soft spoken Sean.  

Planned ahead of time was for Sean's mother, Annie, to make the hour trip down from Salem and the 3 Sunesons (soon-a-son) and the 2 Battee's (bah-TAY) to enjoy dinner together.  Inga and Sean had selected the Agate Cafe for dinner a few block up the street with dessert at the Sweet Life, across town.  We all enjoyed a very pleasant dinner together, and Sue and Annie quickly discovered they had an acquaintance (now living in New Zealand) in common. And as a mater of fact, Sean and Annie are planning a September trip to New Zealand and Australia.

Annie and Sean, Inga and Sue
Ready for Dinner at the Agate Cafe

Inga & Sean Enjoying the Sweet Life (metaphorically)
As we all Enjoy Dessert at
The Sweet Life (literally)

We all enjoyed having Sean around quite a bit over our 3 day stay. Sean talked of his interest in a career in law enforcement and his status in no-man's land as the previous tenant refused to move out of the apartment he had leased for the Summer and Fall as well as other topics.  And contrary to whatever reservations existed before our arrival, Sean made a very good (first) impression on us all - I guess that would include Inga as well.

Inga certainly has impressed us with her good choices, and those choices are all being savored with a set of good close friends, roommates and of course Sean.  She is excited about her future and faces life with great zeal.

You go Inga! -- and enjoy the journey.

Great Northwest Trip - Famous Potatoes & Eagle Court of Honor

The morning light came gently through our window as we awoke to the rhythmic lapping sounds of small waves on the cobbled shore of Flathead Lake just below our window.  We washed up and stepped down the stairs to load up on cinnamon rolls and fresh local cherries.  Last thing to pack was the toothbrush and it was a quick load into the SUV with our traveling supplies and comforts. 

South through Flathead valley, still in the morning shadow of the Mission Range jutting up just to our east.  We soon connected up to I-90 and nodded at the ancestral ranch of Great Grandfather Jonas Suneson on the hills bordering the outskirts of Missoula.  South into the Bitter Root Country, then through Hamilton and over the pass to catch the headwaters and then flow with the Salmon River through Idaho.  Our destination 9 1/2 hours away was Sister Sheri & Family outside of Boise.

We were pleased to be able to arrange our vacation schedule to coincide with Nephew Daniel's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  We arrived a day ahead of the big Eagle Scout event which was to be held in the backyard.  We were able to help in setting up tables and chairs for the 31 guests and the next day Mom and Dad arrived from where we had just departed.  I was able to demonstrate my expertise as a super-duper melon-ball scooper; both cantaloupe and water melon balls where skewered and mounted on pineapples.  It was looking real festive all around the place.

Daniel's Grandmother
Preparing the Melon Ball
Sampler

The troop members came a bit early for some rehearsal, then came the guests, ready to take their seats strategically located in the evening shade.  There was a powerpoint presentation of Daniel's adventures through years in the Boy Scouts scrolling on the family room TV; from Pinewood Derby Days through the 5-Day raft trip down Oregon's Deschutes River.  The program began punctually at 7 PM, short remarks by Assistant Scout Master, Daniel's Father, Tony (who has been heavily involved with both of his boys in Scouting) and then presentation of the rank of Eagle by his Eagle Scout brother, Scott.  

Daniel's Proud Father Address the
Eagle Court of Honor
Tony has Two Eagle Scout Sons

Daniel Taking the Scout's Oath

Daniel finished with some remarks of his own.  Then Jaz-Dog was released from the garage wearing her own scout neck scarf and the party got into full-swing.  Cheese, cookies, a special Eagle Cake and of course, melon balls. 

Congratulation to Daniel attaining the Rank of Eagle Scout!
A feat accomplished by a mere 1% of scouts, deserving of a fete.

Daniel Presents Scouting Awards
To his Mother and Father

Eagle Scout Daniel
Eagle Court of Honor

Great Northwest Trip - Big Sky & Hot Water

Hot Water - No Photos Please

Our little hike in Glacier National Park from Logan Pass to the Hidden Lake overlook was the day before.  As hikes go, relatively short and up a gentle incline.  I've done this hike many times before, but either the mountains have gotten steeper, or my lung have gotten older - not sure which is true.  They say the "legs are the first to go".  My experience was that the legs are willing, but it is the lungs that are weak.   

The morning after our jaunt through the snow, I decided what we needed was to "take the waters".  Not that I was feeling any ill effects - it is just nice to take the waters.  In this case, it was a 45 minute drive from Polson to Wild Horse Hot Springs.  For $3 per hour per person one could get a 4-foot deep cement pool inside a dimly lit room that was filled with 121 degree mineral water. 

Spoiler Alert! --- Underneath these adult clothes, I am really naked.

Me and the wife cut off the lonely 2-lane Montana highway and turned north at the well weathered sign that seemed to point toward the Wild Horse Aqua Park & Hot Springs.  For a mile or two we traveled very dusty ranch roads until arriving at the Aqua Park.  The place was surrounded by a rusted-out house trailer or two, ample scrap iron and old pipes and what was probably a 60-year old low slung structure connected to the bath house.  We paid $6 and were shown which of the rooms had working plumbing.  I thought #4 looked the best.  That is not to imply that these could in anyway be thought of as the now popular "spa" type of setting.  But for $6, it was a deal.  I am all about value.  Me and the misses took off our clothes (I warned you this was coming) and stepped down the aqua green painted cement steps into the broth.  A pool of hot water is really a civilized way of letting worries and aches of body and soul melt away.  It was a good soak, for about an hour.  Once reaching parboiled prune stage, it was time to dry off.  All muscles restored by hot mineral waters.  Probably a good idea, but someone in our party said "of course there will be no pictures of this event on your blog."  So, let your imagination run wild as your peruse this very literature. 

I decided to take the long way home.  Just east of the town Hot Springs, is the world famous Camus Prairie Giant Ripple Marks http://www.glaciallakemissoula.org/virtualtour/camasprarie.html.  A must see for the geologist and and natural history affectionados of the cataclysmic Glacial Lake Missoula.  We stopped and marveled at the indications of deep and swift moving waters from the last glacial age, but seen deposited in a now arid valley.

Stupid Joke Alert!
     Q: What did the Mother buffalo say as she sent her boy off to school?
     A:  Bison!

Still cooling down from cooking in the Wild Horse Hot Springs, I pulled into the Moise Mercantile for a Huckleberry milkshake.  The couple from Washington parked next to us asked if we were going to tour the National Bison Range?  They breathlessly told us that they had just finished driving the 19-mile tour and had seen a bear picking berries, an elk, Big Horn Sheep and many bison cows with their calves!  Sue was intrigued.  I remember the Bison Range as a less-than-thrilling slow ride over a big hill, which may or probably may not have any wildlife to see.  I've been there about 4 or 5 times.  No doubt, after our Huckleberry shakes, I was going to go again.

We saw Big Horn Sheep in the shade on the slope of mountain.  We saw several solitary bison bulls.  Then toward the end, we saw off in the distance, the herd of bison.  I guess these critters are a must see, as part of Sue's family lore, her Grandfather raised buffalo (bison) on his ranch in Miles City, Montana.  That endeavor has since been referred to in the Cook family as "those damn buffalo!"  Among other things, they don't take to fences too kindly.

On a sad note for lovers on nonsequiturs, driving through Charlo, Montana, just outside the National Bison Range, I saw that the Hawaiian Cafe was no longer in business.  I always wanted to stop and sip a mai tai at the Hawaiian Cafe in Charlo, Montana as I looked upon the great ungulate beasts of the North American Plains and the snow-covered crags of the Mission Range while trying to think of the the tropics with spouting whales, and hula dancers on the sunny beach.  I guess the Hawaiian Cafe in the land of melted glaciers, bears and bison was never meant to be. 

The Great Northwest Trip - Big Sky

I find it strange how those grooves get worn by a person spending time in one place.  The grooves are not readily visible, at least until it comes time to get up and move, and then one realizes you're up to your neck in a well-worn rut which is called my place or my job.  And even if my place and my job are not that special or enviable by any of the other observers of your location and condition, one feels those strong tethers of routine or of place that hold one fast.  I find it strange that is so hard to just climb out of that groove and just go away.

But go away we did.  The impetus was primarily to spend a few days with my folks, see how they're doing and gettin' along.  And as they are sort of worriers about me and my lifestyle, it was expressed that I had to get up to Montana where they reside and give an accounting of myself and my life.  There needed to be talks of the estate and of affairs to come and likewise there needed to be assurance from me that the wolves are not baying at my front door.  All of that was accomplished in a grand tour and with a get-up-and-go-away abandon.  It was good - and I've got the pictures to prove it.

     ******************************************

It was to be a big loop, as many things in life truly are; we would cover 2,702 miles and hit the usual high points, as will be documented.

We flew Dallas to Spokane, thus avoiding outrageous taxes and fees at Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle, but we did succumb to $100 in round-trip checked baggage fees, amounting to an additional +10% charge to the ticket!  I prophesy the coming day when we will just fly naked with no checked baggage and we will not even pack a toothbrush while we are on vacation.  It may not be pretty, butt it is going to happen.  

Perhaps it was because I did not fly naked this time, but the guy at the Spokane car rental counter gave me a free up-grade on our reserved mid-size model to an SUV.  By mid-afternoon we were heading up over the bump that is the Idaho panhandle east of Spokane on our way to see the folks for dinner at Flathead Lake.  After enduring two consecutive butt aches (which I never get) from sitting in the airplane seats, it was a great feeling to get on the road.  I always feel great driving the St. Regis to Ravalli route in Montana, it is my favorite stretch of road in the West, hugging the banks of the Clarke Fork and Flathead Rivers, and it is especially pleasant in the illumination of a late summer's day.  I am feeling good about this.

We check-in at the Chateau Mom & Dad and select the upstairs "Chimney Room" for our stay.  The menus were already penned and the plan was to not be a tourist, but just take it easy and on the lake shore and visit like just plain folks.

We chucked that easy-going plan the next day and took a trip to Glacier National Park.  We caught a free shuttle bus in Apgar Village and rode it up the Going-to-the-Sun road, currently experiencing long traffic delays due to construction repairing the parts of the road that slid off the cliff.  We debarked at Logan Pass and Sue challenged me to a hike to the Hidden Lake overlook.  Game on!

Dad, Sue & Mom
Logan Pass Visitor's Center
Trailhead to Hidden Lake

We had to cross several slushy snowfields on the trail, and we were gleefully mindful that it was 105 degrees in Dallas, and a sunny 66 degrees atop the continental divide.  We saluted the federally employed Mountain Goats posing for the tourists along the trail.

Mountain Goat placed in snowfield by Park Service to entertain  the Taxpayers visiting the park

Nanny & Kid taking a break from Job
Snowfield Posing for Tourists
(Goats with Kids are allowed 30 min breaks after 3 Hrs in the Snowfield)

On the way down we both took a tumble as we crossed the slippery snow - it felt good.


We passed several Rangers briskly walking up the trail with there radios full of chatter while we were returning; I asked, "Are you closing the trail because of the bear at Hidden lake?"  She answered, "Yeah, you got that right."

I read in the Missoulian paper the next day that a seasonal worked from Michigan had disappeared on a lone hike from Hidden Lake in Glacier NP. The article wrote of slippery rocks and steep cliffs as hazards; I fear a bear et 'im up.

Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park
Glacially carved landscape

Mark has chased Billy Goats Gruff out from
Under this Bridge
And is now acting as a "Troll" Dad
I am ready to mess with by-passer's minds - for no good reason
As they tromp across my bridge

Sue Crosses the Treacherous Ice

Snowbank Sue - Nothing like Dallas in August

Wife basking in high-altitude marvelously cool air

My parents were waiting for us at Logan Pass Center when we returned after being chased off the mountain by the bear.  We all hopped on the bus and took the ride down the road carved precariously on the vertical wall of the glacial valley.  We got off for a small hike through the "Trail of Cedars" and the beautiful Avalanche Creek.

Avalanche Creek
Glacier National Park
Along the "Trail of the Cedars"
Named after it discovered, Cedar Yopantz -
An early explorer who was known for
striking off into the wilderness without  a map or compass.
This random navigation technique is now known as:
"Flying by Cedar Yopantz"

Time for some Time

Time: Nature's way of keeping everything from happening at once.

Vacation Time: A parallel universe developed by humans that dares nature to make everything happen at once.

What the heck!  Let's go on vacation, what is the worst that can happen while we are gone? [Actually nothing very bad happened, but it could have you know]

We dared the fates.  We scheduled two whole consecutive weeks for vacation.  

Summer is the busiest time for Sue - other than Advent/Christmas... and also Easter is very busy.  Come to think of it, she is busy planning for Christmas in the Spring, and busy planning for the summer camps in the winter and busy planning for Easter at Christmas... What the heck! Let's go on vacation!

Sue had the proverbial full plate.  She seriously contemplated skipping the 1st week of our vacation so she could do some more work.  Doesn't sound like a good idea to me, but then again, I was not asked.  She had finished 4 consecutive weeks of day camps where one day the wheels almost came off the church bus (literally literally) because the servicing dealership forgot to tighten the lug nuts after rotating the tires. Whoops! We just killed 9 church kids.  It didn't happen - but it could have you know.  Then it was right on to VBS.  Her secretary screwed up registration and paper work.  Once the registration mess was sorted out, the week went pretty well.  Not even getting the helium-filled 4 ft motorized clown fish balloon stuck way up on the sanctuary ceiling was too much of a problem.  Then it was time to fire her secretary (for a number of reasons) - but only after more long hours documenting and filling out secretary's "failure to meet expectations".  Human Remains Dept. told her what was needed to be done before the firing (since they know about this sort of thing); but when it came time to lower the boom, HR said I'll just watch to see if you do it right, this is really your job (I am thinking if you know so much about the proper procedure, why don't you be the one?).  Then it was time for another camp of her own design, mixing kids with residents of an elderly care facility for a week.  That camp went really well.  Sue was actually thinking about sticking around 107 degree Dallas for another week (because this was so much fun) - but I repeat myself.
What the heck!  Let's go on vacation anyway.

While we were cruising through barren stretches of the Great Northwest Inland Empire, she was fielding 2-3 call a day from a boy scout who decided to do his Eagle Scout project all-of-a-sudden in one of her Sunday School classrooms.  He had to have it done by end of August.  [Isn't a boy scout supposed to be prepared?]  Then come the calls from the secretaries filling in for the one who is no longer employed, "What does this mean? Can you explain it to me?"  "I don't understand how this is supposed to work."
Meanwhile back in the Oil Patch; my 6-week simple effort to get 14 people to sign 2 pieces of paper and send them back in the provided SASE was dragging on and on.  Anything but simple.  The last signature page arrives at noon on the Friday before vacation.  We have only 6 months before our gas well lease expires, and these folks take 1 1/2 of those 6 months (25% of time wasted) to sign a paper?  Nothing like a scheduled vacation to make the final paper come in, thus requiring much final effort to process the package of legal documents in my final work hours.

Then I get calls from the partners, "Hey, what's happening with that well?  We are running out of time - better do something quick!"  Sorry, I am on vacation.  I'll get to it in 2 weeks.

"URGENT: Immediate Relocation" reads the email on my phone during the first days of vacation.  The building management has decided to move all tenants off of floors 3 through 6 in your building.  Sunstone Exploration, Inc. is in Suite 305. I call and say, "Sorry, I am on vacation, I'll deal with this when I return."  Then the mineral interest owner in the afore mentioned gas well calls, "Our FedEx package to Sunstone Exploration has been returned!  Why doesn't some one sign for it?"  Because I am on vacation and there is no one there to sign for it, until I return.  So sorry, but I am on vacation.

It was a heck of a vacation.  Film at 11.

Pea Ridge Battle - The footsteps of Lewis Maris

While returning from visiting Grant in Columbia, Missouri, we made a side trip to dig up some of Sue's family roots.  The bloodline took us to Savannah, Missouri where Sue's Great Great Grandfather, Lewis Maris farmed after returning from fighting in the Civil War.  Though Lewis Maris was born in Pennsylvania, he moved to Missouri in 1857 and when the nation turned to a bloody Civil War to settle its differences over slavery, he threw his lot and loyalty in with his neighbors who had come to Missouri from Kentucky & North Carolina; joining the Missouri State Guard, allied with the Confederacy and served as a lieutenant under General Sterling Price.

Maris and the Missouri State Guard engaged Federal troops in numerous engagements. Lewis Maris was capture and sent to Johnson Island on Lake Erie as a prisoner of war after likely being captured when Vicksburg fell to General Ulysses S. Grant on July 4th, 1863.  After visiting Lewis & Martha Maris old farm and their final resting place in the Savannah cemetery, our last stop was to Pea Ridge National Battlefield in very northwest Arkansas, a battle in which Lewis Maris fought.

On the way to Pea Ridge from our overnight stay in Overland, Kansas (outside Kansas City), I stopped for gas in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Sue noticed the sign that pointed to the Fort Scott National Monument and suggested we not leave until taking a look.  We topped off the tank and spent a little more than an hour viewing the restored grounds of Fort Scott, and we were glad we did.

Fort Scott, Kansas
Headquarters & Entrance into National Monument

Powder Magazine
Dragoon Quarters to the right & Officer's Quarters to the left

Fort Scott (www.nps.gov/fosc/) was built to be a permanent in eastern Kansas as an outpost separating the European population to east and the relocated Indian population to the west.  Fort Scott was intended to enforce the "Permanent Indian Territory", a solution put in place by the Andrew Jackson administration to provide the Indians who were driven out of the southeast along the Trail of Tears and relocated beyond European settlement to the west.  The "Permanent Indian Territory" did not last long as European settlers ignored the restrictions and overran the Indian Territories.  Acknowledging the failure of the "Permanent" solution, the government abandoned  the fort, and auctioned off the building to the civilian population.  The US Government then re-established Fort Scott as a major supply hub to equip Union soldiers in the campaigns throughout the western theater of the Civil War.

In the afternoon we arrived at Pea Ridge, Arkansas (www.nps.gov/peri/) and toured the museum and the battlefield.  Pea Ridge Military Historical Site preserves over 4,000 acres that have been untouched since the battle.  Sue's Great Great Grandfather, Lewis Maris fought on the very ground on which we stood.  We drove slowly from Union general, Samuel Curtis' entrenched south-facing line across the important "telegraph road" where he hoped to engage Confederate General Van Dorn moving north from Arkansas to retake control of Arkansas and Missouri.  Gen. Van Dorn left his supply wagons behind and drove his troops at a feverish pace, intending to out-flank Curtis and attach with his 16,500 soldiers from the north, Curtis' rear.

Elkhorn Tavern
Much as it looked to Sue's Great Great Grandfather
Lewis Maris who stood on this ground fighting under
the Missouri State Guard Flag

Curtis was able after an unorganized onslaught by the Confederate forces, Curtis was forced back, but managed to regroup in the night and with his outnumbered 10,500 soldiers lined up shoulder-to-should in a solid line; and attacked Van Dorn's line at Elkhorn Tavern and drove the Confederates from the field.  A Union victory against superior numbers that essentially ended the rebel threat west of the Mississippi River in March, 1862.

Elkhorn Tavern
Union & Confederate soldiers fought for two
consecutive bloody days riight in front of the
Elkhorn Tavern
March 1862

Union Batteries lined up hub-to-hub
Mercilessly shelled Confederate Positions at the base of the Cliff
The Confederates retreated under artillery fire to Elkhorn Tavern
Where the Entire Union Line of 10,000 Men charged and Drove
General Van Dorn's Army from the Field of Battle
Pea Ridge - Day 2

General Van Dorn had much of his command removed and shipped to the east.   After several more defeats in engagements with Union generals, Gen. Earl Van Dorn was not trusted with the army and was given a cavalry command.  Earl Van Dorn set up his HQ in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where it might be said that  he focused his tactics on conquering the ladies in town - unmarried and married.  A reporter at the time dubbed General Van Dorn as "the terror of ugly husbands."  And so it came to pass, Earl Van Dorn was shot to death in his office by a local physician who explained that the General had "violated the sanctity of his home."  The doctor who fired the shot was at first arrested - but was never even tried in court.

Pea Ridge Monument
Erected by Union & Confederate Veterans
Returning to Pea Ridge on the
Fiftieth Anniversary (1912)
"The Proud Gray and The Unsullied Blue"
as carved upon the monument

Digging UP Roots

Who are you?
Who are your people?
What formed and influenced you?
Where have you come from... And where are you going?


As I have aged, I have gradually come to understand the transformative power of the narrative and even come to recognize the unsuspecting and undue influence of one's history upon the future.  I believe nature rules over nurture and the past, influence life's trajectory far beyond wishes and desires of the future.


One of Sue's assignments for her development as a Spiritual Director [see Spiritual Directions blog] was to investigate the stories and lives of her mother. her mother's mother and grandmother's mother.  The narrative of who you are and from whence you came, the anthropological "Origin Story" e.g. The Book of Genesis if you will; is an important chapter to write if you are seeking to discern your own place in the world and significant in directing others in finding their place too.  In researching her assignment, she was able to cast a light back through the generations and pry open doors all but sealed by the  passing of people and time.  She got just a glimpse of the life and times of her people that are now greatly a mystery to us, and their stories all but unknown.  The particular research brought her from the Pacific salt air of western Washington, back to her mother's ranch in eastern Montana where grandmother was raised her parents who had come from Missouri.


We had a trip scheduled to Missouri in early July to see our son Grant.  As long as we had a reason to be in that part of the world she reasoned, wouldn't it be an interesting sidetrip to see what kind of family roots could be dug up in the Savannah, Missouri?  I agreed, it would be an interesting jaunt to see a place in which our family is rooted.


We had a noon appointment with the staff genealogist of the Andrew County Historical Society Museum in Savannah, Missouri for July 3rd.  We were led down into the bowels of museum and by the young genealogist.  In the record room, several volumes were pulled from the shelf as we started at the end, the 1908 obituary for Lewis Maris, Sue's Great Great Grandfather.  He had come to Missouri from Germantown, PA as a young man, working as skilled carpenter in the area of Savannah and St. Joseph in western Missouri.  Tensions were already running high between the Free-State and slave-holding population in Missouri, being so close to "bleeding Kansas" where violence between partisans for Free State and Slave State frequently spilled blood on the soil of middle America, a prelude to the Civil War.

Searching  Genealogy Records
Andrew County Historical Society Museum

When war did come to the country, Lewis Maris his lot in with his slave-holding neighbors who had come to Missouri from Kentucky and North Carolina as they all joined the Missouri State Guard under General Sterling Price.  Lewis Maris we believe was a Lieutenant, fought in numerous engagements and was captured (Siege of Vicksburg?) and ship as a prisoner to Johnson Island Federal Prison Camp on Lake Erie.  Following the war, he returned to Savannah and married Martha Farrow, and began farming 160 acres on the west bank of the Platte River.  

Farmhouse (Likely not original) on the hill
Great Great Grandparents - Lewis & Martha Maris
Andrew Co., Missouri

Looking north along Platte River
Maris Farm extended to the West of here

Corn growing on land once farmed by Lewis  Maris

The genealogist helped us located the 1877 census plat that showed the location of the Lewis Maris farm as well as a few other documents that showed that they retired from farming and moved into a house in town on the corner of 1st Street and Main Street.  Martha was very active in the Methodist Church and was instrumental in aiding the reverend in reviving the congregation toward the end of the 19th Century.

Locating the Lewis Maris Farm
7 Miles east of Savannah

After Lewis' death in 1908, upon the recommendation of her doctor, Martha and her youngest daughter relocated to Los Angelos for health reasons.  Apparently it was good recommendation, as she thrived in California.  Upon her unexpected passing, she was buried next to her husband in the Savannah cemetery.


Once we had gather this elementary information, we set out to drive to the old Maris farm, and then returned to town to look at the houses at 1st and Main, the Methodist Church and finally we slowly searched the headstones in the Cemetery until we had located the family plot.

We paid our respects to the people who had gone before, to the land on which they made a life and then lamented that the surviving narrative is so short.

Lewis Maris

Born 1835 - Died 1908 

Yes, the dates are recorded, but what happened where those dates carved into the tombstone granite?

There was a young man leaving Pennsylvania for the American West, a war, many battles, a prison cmap, a farm and a family.  But what do we really know?  Having been there now, it helps us imagine.

The Maris retired from the farm and moved to town
lived at 101 Main Street

Savannah Methodist Church
Martha Maris was instrumental in
organizing and growing the congregation
in the late 1800's

Pre-Re-Gifting

"Regifting" - The giving of a gift you had received (but did not want) and presenting it to someone else, rather than giving a new, personally selected gift to the recipient.


Pre-Re-Gifting - I think we may have invented this phenomenon.  Read on McDuff!


On his birthday we treated Grant to an afternoon at the Rag Tag Cinema watching Moonrise Kingdom, (his request) a quirky and very enjoyable film shown at the art-house theater just a few blocks from Grant's place and later a dinner with his housemate Carson and Carson's family visiting from Chicago; it was then time to have cake and open gifts.  We had brought along a couple of household items at Grant's request, purchased some new tires for his car while we were in town and carried with us two wrapped gifts.  Grant's request was for a Texas State Flag to hang on his wall, the other gift had been sitting in its original mailing envelope on the dinning room table for weeks - if not months.  The envelope was addressed to Sue, and it she who told me that the package was a birthday gift for Grant from his sister Inga.  I did not question this stated fact.  Nor did any one of us open the envelope, since it was known to be a "birthday gift for Grant".


We had refolded the Lone Star Flag in a proper triangular fold.  Grant easily guessed the contents of his first present by its shape and fabric feel beneath the wrapping paper.  No surprise there.  


Once he peeled the gift wrap from his second present, he noticed the envelop was addressed to his mother.  Grant turned to his mother and said, "Mom? I don't think this is supposed to be for me.  This looks like it belongs to you.  Actually it looks like what I sent you for your birthday Mom."


Grant handed the mailing envelope to its rightful recipient, his mother, who opened up a DVD containing the first season episodes of the TV show, Northern Exposure.  A Big Happy Birthday Surprise!  Happy Birthday Everyone, albeit, 5 months late for Sue.


Basically the gift giving unfolded like this: Grant sends his mother a birthday gift ordered through the mail.  The gift arrives addressed to Sue.  Sue receives the birthday gift in the mail but does not open it and leaves it on the table, believing it to be a birthday gift meant for Grant from his sister.  Sue wraps her own unopened gift to deliver to her son Grant.  Grant opens his birthday gift only to discover it is the very gift he had sent to his mother for her birthday.
We believe this is the definition of pre-re-gifting.

Sue's face turns a to a festive blush
when the gift she gave to her son
turns out to be the very gift
her son had given to her
Season #1 - Northern Exposure DVD

Walkin', Walkin', Walkin' Through Missouri

We let Grant sleep in on his 19th birthday.  
But while we waited for him to get out of bed and put on his bunny slippers and get ready for the day, we were burning daylight.

While the newly minted 19-year old was catching ZZZ's;
we were ready to explore.  We drove down to Rock Quarry Road (a very auspicious start for two geologists) and found the trailhead for the Katy Reserve.


It was hot and steamy, but we crossed the creek on a bridge and peeled off down the bank to the stream.  We found a bunch of frogs the size of my pinkie nail.  Guessing they were just finished with their tadpole stage, and now hopping around on the cherty limestone cobbles in the creek bed.


I had read every single "Reptile and Amphibian" book in the Rancho Elementary School library; so I knew, if you find amphibians, there has got to reptiles nearby.  My instincts were correct, as I soon made friends with an Eastern Box Turtle that I met on the woodland trail.  


Having worked up a sweat and seen life in the woods, it was time to see if our own youngin had emerged from the box springs to celebrate the final year of being a teenager.

Sue crossing Katy Trail bridge off of
Rock Quarry Road

Laughing Lady looks upon lacy leaf

An Ornate Eastern Box Turtle
Meets & Greets in the Katy Trail Reserve

Then we met a poor little robin with a tear drop in his eye...
Walkin', walkin; walkin to Missouri - he can't afford to fly