On Saturday, July 16, there was a delightful family get-together at daughter Monice's. My sister's daughter, Kim, along with her husband, Kevin, and granddaughter, Kierra, drove down from north-central Wisconsin. Son James and his wife, Aimee, and seven-week old Ruby joined us as well. The plan was for me to hand down some of the Vorland/Richardson memorabilia to the next generation. In addition, we would cook some of my mother's (Ingrid Vorland Richardson) Norwegian recipes, which I had copied for everyone.
The day began and ended with hugs and laughter. Everyone shared memories past of family gatherings at holidays, weddings, funerals, births and graduations. I asked everyone to pitch in and unload my car of the many boxes of family history I had brought with me. I had painstakingly made a box each for Kim, Monice and James...items I knew would strike a chord with them. In Monice's box I included a pink poodle figurine for grandson Zach...a lover of both the color pink and animals of all kinds. Kim's eyes lit up when she garnered Grandma Richardson's antique jewelry box. James and Aimee, connisseurs of good wine, delighted in the wine-bottle Christmas ornament.
Our first meal of the day was Norwegian pancakes...paper-thin and delicate vanilla-infused crepes which were rolled up after being slathered with butter and a generous scoop of sugar. I made three batches, and we probably could have eaten more, but the day was passing quickly.
Comla was next on the list. A dumpling made of finely grated potatoes and stuffed with several cubes of salt pork, they are boiled in water along with the rind and fat of the salt pork for added flavor. They can be eaten right out of the pot, or chilled well, then sliced and fried in butter. We would have them fried later, along with Norwegian meatballs and gravy, fresh green beans and hearty slabs of bakery bread with thick crusts and soft centers. James had brought hard nuts of mace, which we grated and added to the meatballs. Mace is used in many Norwegian recipes, and is what gives a unique and tasty twist to the cooking.
While we waited for the comla to chill in the refrigerator, I had everyone draw numbers. Starting with the person who drew number one, they began to choose from the items that were not designated for anyone in particular. Monice chose Grandma Richardson's wooden salad set first, as I knew she would. There were lots of laughs as Monice would grab three or four items that she wanted when it was her turn, or Kim would sit back in her chair saying, "I'm not even going to bother because Monice will get what I want anyhow." The banter was light and jovial, and everyone seemed very pleased with what they had chosen. The only item no one seemed to want was a pair of brass candlesticks, and I brought them back home with me for my final moving-sale day.
The two grandchildren, Zach and Kierra, were oblivious to the sentiment in the room and amused themselves with Wii Sports. Even they seemed to enjoy the Norwegian food, however, and I was relieved that I was able to pass the recipes along. I hate to see traditions like that die, and I'm thinking that the family will most likely not be coming to Utila for Christmas anytime soon.
I have resigned myself to making new traditions on Utila. The first Christmas away from my family may be a little sad, but I will make the best of it...as will they. We will talk on Skype during the Christmas festivities, and they will show me via the webcam what a terrific job they did making Norwegian Christmas bread. I will, undoubtedly, be sitting in my beach chair drinking mojitos and listening to the waves lap the shore.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Summer Fun
Additional moving-sale days were rather unremarkable and disappointing. However, I was able to read two new books while waiting for my expected buyers. "Game Change", the back story of the 2008 presidential campaign, was both interesting and insightful. "The Mulberry Tree" by Jude Devereaux was filled with romantic intrigue, and I stayed up later than I'd planned in order to finish it.
I had run around town placing half-off flyers everywhere I could the night before the final day of the sale, and spent an additional $10 on a sign to put in front of the apartment building in the hope of luring people in. The one bright spot in the day was when the young neighbor girl...who had already come four times on various sale days...came to buy the antique Weller pottery which had been my mother's. Each time she had been there previously, she had admired the piece, but the $12 price tag was probably too steep for her. Voila! On the last day of the sale it was only $6, and I had a feeling she would be back to get it. I'm so happy that someone who truly loves the piece now owns it.
As I look around my half-empty apartment, I can't help but chuckle. I am without a bed, a microwave, a bedside table, and I fumble around in the half-dark since most of my lamps are gone. But the Christmas decorations are plentiful, as are the varied sizes of storage containers, craft supplies and hand tools. A number of people wanted to buy my toaster, but I had to tell them to return in August. A carb addict, albeit a healthy one since I only eat whole wheat or sprouted grain breads, I simply couldn't deprive myself of toast or an English muffin for breakfast for almost two months.
An unexpected phone call from the Social Security Office relayed wonderful news: not only is my monthly payment going to be almost $200 more than I was initially told back in February, but I will get my first check on August 24...much sooner than I had anticipated. Guess I should prepare myself for being one of the nouveaux riche on Utila!
For the next couple of weeks I will "amuse" myself while sifting through a lifetime of photos and archiving them for the children. I'm sure there are many that I will throw away...all those professional shots of people's feet, chopped off heads and fuzzy faces that we can't seem to part with once they're developed. Then on to purging files, shredding, and compiling necessary information to leave with my son. Sounds like a fun-filled summer, does it not?
I had run around town placing half-off flyers everywhere I could the night before the final day of the sale, and spent an additional $10 on a sign to put in front of the apartment building in the hope of luring people in. The one bright spot in the day was when the young neighbor girl...who had already come four times on various sale days...came to buy the antique Weller pottery which had been my mother's. Each time she had been there previously, she had admired the piece, but the $12 price tag was probably too steep for her. Voila! On the last day of the sale it was only $6, and I had a feeling she would be back to get it. I'm so happy that someone who truly loves the piece now owns it.
As I look around my half-empty apartment, I can't help but chuckle. I am without a bed, a microwave, a bedside table, and I fumble around in the half-dark since most of my lamps are gone. But the Christmas decorations are plentiful, as are the varied sizes of storage containers, craft supplies and hand tools. A number of people wanted to buy my toaster, but I had to tell them to return in August. A carb addict, albeit a healthy one since I only eat whole wheat or sprouted grain breads, I simply couldn't deprive myself of toast or an English muffin for breakfast for almost two months.
An unexpected phone call from the Social Security Office relayed wonderful news: not only is my monthly payment going to be almost $200 more than I was initially told back in February, but I will get my first check on August 24...much sooner than I had anticipated. Guess I should prepare myself for being one of the nouveaux riche on Utila!
For the next couple of weeks I will "amuse" myself while sifting through a lifetime of photos and archiving them for the children. I'm sure there are many that I will throw away...all those professional shots of people's feet, chopped off heads and fuzzy faces that we can't seem to part with once they're developed. Then on to purging files, shredding, and compiling necessary information to leave with my son. Sounds like a fun-filled summer, does it not?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Steps and Missteps
I worked so hard all last week in preparation of my first moving sale at my apartment. I never make things easy on myself either. I hate going to sales where people have thrown things in boxes that you have to rummage through, or sales where they've laid out their "treasures" covered in grime, cobwebs and, oftentimes, in pieces. Therefore, I spent hours making sure everything was clean and in good condition, and also took the time to group things on various borrowed card tables.
My Christmas corner was exceptional. It took an entire day to set up my table tree & decorate it, then surround it with all the other holiday items I'd unpacked. Another table showcased all the antique and collectible items handed down from my parents. I checked on the price of one Red Wing vase at the library...was actually surprised when I found a picture of the exact vase in the Red Wing book...and found it to be worth $60!
The day prior to the sale was spent putting sale tags on everything and little SOLD signs on things already purchased by co-workers. I never finished until 11 PM that night, and fell into bed so exhausted that I set my alarm in case I slept so sound as to not get up at the break of dawn.
Before I was able to rest my weary self, I checked the local paper for my ad. Uh oh...not there! Panicked, I called my friend to ask if she would put a hasty ad on Craig's List, online. I don't have Internet access at my home anymore, and my friend had posted on Craig's List in the past so I knew she could do it efficiently. I was concerned that my moving sale was not going to bring many buyers, but fatigue trumped the concern in the end.
I awoke, refreshed, and got down to business...double-checked everything for price tags, readied the cash box, propped the outer door to the apartments open and put signs up where necessary. I didn't have to wait long for my first customer...someone who had seen the Craig's List posting. ' She bought one of the ashtrays my father had comissioned from an artillery shell at the end of WWII. Surprisingly it did not bring on a wave of nostalgia or regret. Perhaps because I had already "made peace" with my father's spirit over this issue.
Later in the day, however, when a friend and co-worker came to pick up the antique deacon's bench she had bought, my voice caught as I thanked her and said goodbye. I was happy that it was going to a friend. I had moved the bench from Massachusetts to Colorado in a small camper when my mother sold her house. It was a labor of love. Many times, as a child, I had pulled tablecloths, hand-crocheted by my maternal grandmother, from the storage seat in the deacon's bench to play dress-up. That one piece of furniture had played a huge part in shaping the child I was and the adult I became. A moment of sadness.
Only five people graced my sale yesterday, and still I made over $200. Tomorrow I will call Madison Newspapers and scold them, then run the ad...again?...for next weekend. Since I've already done all the work, I'll have the sale on Thurs. and Fri. as well as Sat. I can live in a "furniture showroom" for another week or so, I guess.
My Christmas corner was exceptional. It took an entire day to set up my table tree & decorate it, then surround it with all the other holiday items I'd unpacked. Another table showcased all the antique and collectible items handed down from my parents. I checked on the price of one Red Wing vase at the library...was actually surprised when I found a picture of the exact vase in the Red Wing book...and found it to be worth $60!
The day prior to the sale was spent putting sale tags on everything and little SOLD signs on things already purchased by co-workers. I never finished until 11 PM that night, and fell into bed so exhausted that I set my alarm in case I slept so sound as to not get up at the break of dawn.
Before I was able to rest my weary self, I checked the local paper for my ad. Uh oh...not there! Panicked, I called my friend to ask if she would put a hasty ad on Craig's List, online. I don't have Internet access at my home anymore, and my friend had posted on Craig's List in the past so I knew she could do it efficiently. I was concerned that my moving sale was not going to bring many buyers, but fatigue trumped the concern in the end.
I awoke, refreshed, and got down to business...double-checked everything for price tags, readied the cash box, propped the outer door to the apartments open and put signs up where necessary. I didn't have to wait long for my first customer...someone who had seen the Craig's List posting. ' She bought one of the ashtrays my father had comissioned from an artillery shell at the end of WWII. Surprisingly it did not bring on a wave of nostalgia or regret. Perhaps because I had already "made peace" with my father's spirit over this issue.
Later in the day, however, when a friend and co-worker came to pick up the antique deacon's bench she had bought, my voice caught as I thanked her and said goodbye. I was happy that it was going to a friend. I had moved the bench from Massachusetts to Colorado in a small camper when my mother sold her house. It was a labor of love. Many times, as a child, I had pulled tablecloths, hand-crocheted by my maternal grandmother, from the storage seat in the deacon's bench to play dress-up. That one piece of furniture had played a huge part in shaping the child I was and the adult I became. A moment of sadness.
Only five people graced my sale yesterday, and still I made over $200. Tomorrow I will call Madison Newspapers and scold them, then run the ad...again?...for next weekend. Since I've already done all the work, I'll have the sale on Thurs. and Fri. as well as Sat. I can live in a "furniture showroom" for another week or so, I guess.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Ready to Fly!
Daughter, Monice, and I just made our plane reservations to Utila...hooray! And only $300, which made me deliriously happy. We leave at the crack of dawn on Monday, August 22. Monice will stay for five days...I will stay forever! I'm so thrilled that Monice will be traveling with me. She has been my cheerleader throughout all of my research, decision-making and planning. I'm so grateful to have her shining light in my life.
I've been so busy getting ready for the big moving sale on Saturday. Hopefully most of the stuff will sell...more money to get me started on Utila! I feel like I live in a furniture showroom at the moment! In front of my patio doors is a card table with my table-sized Christmas tree on it...fully decorated, as I thought people would be more interested in buying ornaments if they could see them hanging on a tree. They'll be knocking on my door at 7 am, and I hope they bring lots of cash!
Not much work driving bus this summer...only averaging 10-16 hours/week. Between that, occasional days helping my friend, Ann, with her daughter, Celia (a former student on my bus), and a hefty bonus check for the second semester of driving, and I hope I'll be able to see it through financially until I leave for Utila.
I'm beginning to say my goodbyes. Visited with a former student and her parents last evening. They were so excited with my news. I invited them to visit me at any time on my island, then realized they most likely would never be able to, as their daughter has severe disabilities and no one to care for her during a long vacation so far away. They are good and loving parents...how sad is it that they have to be in this situation?...and yet never a complaint, just loving care for a daughter they adore.
Well, I'll get some rest now, for I know the next two days will be extremely busy with final preparations for the moving sale. I'll let you know how it goes!
I've been so busy getting ready for the big moving sale on Saturday. Hopefully most of the stuff will sell...more money to get me started on Utila! I feel like I live in a furniture showroom at the moment! In front of my patio doors is a card table with my table-sized Christmas tree on it...fully decorated, as I thought people would be more interested in buying ornaments if they could see them hanging on a tree. They'll be knocking on my door at 7 am, and I hope they bring lots of cash!
Not much work driving bus this summer...only averaging 10-16 hours/week. Between that, occasional days helping my friend, Ann, with her daughter, Celia (a former student on my bus), and a hefty bonus check for the second semester of driving, and I hope I'll be able to see it through financially until I leave for Utila.
I'm beginning to say my goodbyes. Visited with a former student and her parents last evening. They were so excited with my news. I invited them to visit me at any time on my island, then realized they most likely would never be able to, as their daughter has severe disabilities and no one to care for her during a long vacation so far away. They are good and loving parents...how sad is it that they have to be in this situation?...and yet never a complaint, just loving care for a daughter they adore.
Well, I'll get some rest now, for I know the next two days will be extremely busy with final preparations for the moving sale. I'll let you know how it goes!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
So Many Goodbyes
Wed., June 8, was the last day of school for my seniors. It was difficult to say goodbye to them. Some I had been driving the entire eight years I've been a school bus driver.
This year was Celia's last year too. She and I have really bonded over the years. Last summer I spent time with her while her mom took some classes. We went to movies, the splash park, visited a farm and went out for lunches. Her mom and step-dad are great people, and I have a pretty good feeling that they'll visit me on Utila.
Zach became very agitated, as autistic children sometimes do, when I told him I would not be his driver next year. He was a new rider on my bus this year, so I was surprised that he had become that attached to me.
At the beginning of the week my Early Childhood & Speech students finished up their school year. They were so unbelievably adorable, and I will miss each and every one. I was especially fond of Nevaeh, a tiny, sweet chatterbox who had so many funny stories to tell. Riley, a handsome little ball of energy, was another favorite, but they all had endearing qualities that were unforgettable.
At the end of the last day of school...Thurs., June 9...some of the drivers went to a local bar & grille for pizza and drinks. Even the boss joined us, and a good time really was had by all! I never realized that my boss thought so much of me but, he not only gave me an excellent review, he also told me that he was really going to miss me and that it wasn't too late to change my mind. One driver friend has been coming up with one reason after another why I should stay...even saying he has an extra bedroom I can live in and share the rent with him! Another keeps saying to me, "Oh my gosh, you're really leaving, aren't you?".
It's getting a little easier to say goodbye. Oliver (my cat) was the most difficult a couple of weeks ago. I've decided that I should not look at this as "losing" those I love. They have all brought something meaningful to my life, and I will treasure those memories for the rest of my days. What I have gained is far more than what I am losing, so I choose to embrace the delight of these relationships and not the sadness of leaving them.
This year was Celia's last year too. She and I have really bonded over the years. Last summer I spent time with her while her mom took some classes. We went to movies, the splash park, visited a farm and went out for lunches. Her mom and step-dad are great people, and I have a pretty good feeling that they'll visit me on Utila.
Zach became very agitated, as autistic children sometimes do, when I told him I would not be his driver next year. He was a new rider on my bus this year, so I was surprised that he had become that attached to me.
At the beginning of the week my Early Childhood & Speech students finished up their school year. They were so unbelievably adorable, and I will miss each and every one. I was especially fond of Nevaeh, a tiny, sweet chatterbox who had so many funny stories to tell. Riley, a handsome little ball of energy, was another favorite, but they all had endearing qualities that were unforgettable.
At the end of the last day of school...Thurs., June 9...some of the drivers went to a local bar & grille for pizza and drinks. Even the boss joined us, and a good time really was had by all! I never realized that my boss thought so much of me but, he not only gave me an excellent review, he also told me that he was really going to miss me and that it wasn't too late to change my mind. One driver friend has been coming up with one reason after another why I should stay...even saying he has an extra bedroom I can live in and share the rent with him! Another keeps saying to me, "Oh my gosh, you're really leaving, aren't you?".
It's getting a little easier to say goodbye. Oliver (my cat) was the most difficult a couple of weeks ago. I've decided that I should not look at this as "losing" those I love. They have all brought something meaningful to my life, and I will treasure those memories for the rest of my days. What I have gained is far more than what I am losing, so I choose to embrace the delight of these relationships and not the sadness of leaving them.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Importing My Blog
Okay, so this particular blog will be boring. I'm changing my email address and must go through this long, involved process in order to import my blogs from one email address to another. I'm cancelling my Juno account, which costs me $10.95/month and have gotten a Google account, which costs me nothing. When I had my old computer, I needed the Juno to provide me with Internet access. Now that I have a laptop, I can get free wi-fi at coffee shops, at work, and...once I'm in Utila...free with my apartment rental. A much-improved scenario!
A very busy weekend in store. I must get started filling out the paperwork to receive my pension, go online to apply for social security, place more items for sale on the bulletin at work, and box up all my winter clothes for donation next week. Hooray!!! I will never again need a winter jacket, gloves or boots. I think it will be one of the happiest days of my life when I discard them.
More in a few days. Hope this silly import works!
A very busy weekend in store. I must get started filling out the paperwork to receive my pension, go online to apply for social security, place more items for sale on the bulletin at work, and box up all my winter clothes for donation next week. Hooray!!! I will never again need a winter jacket, gloves or boots. I think it will be one of the happiest days of my life when I discard them.
More in a few days. Hope this silly import works!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Shedding the Layers of My Life
I sold my mother's small dresser to the parents of a lovely little girl named Hope on Saturday. She is old enough now to have a grown-up bed and needs a dresser for her clothes. Her mom said she always buys old furniture because the quality is so much better. The dresser she bought from me had a serpentine front with four drawers and was very sturdy and quite heavy for such a small dresser. I had painted it white and decoupaged an ocean scene on the drawer fronts...perfect for a little girl's room. Knowing that a sweet little girl like Hope was getting my mother's dresser made it much easier to part with it.
Later in the day my friend, Melva, came by for a visit. We chatted about my move to Utila, shared a pizza, and then she took my best friend, Oliver, home to live with her and her female cat, Pixie. The pain I felt was every bit as intense as the pain I felt when my first son died in infancy. Oliver knew something was up when I packed up his toys and his food & water dishes. The first attempt at getting him into the cat carrier was a bust. He's not a good traveler and hates being enclosed in small spaces.
He flew out of the carrier and bounded up the stairs to hide under the bed. I followed close behind and, with soothing words, coaxed him out from under the bed and carried him downstairs. The second attempt was a success, but at the cost of Oliver's fear, discomfort, and most likely a sense of betrayal. I carried him to Melva's car as he howled and struggled to be free. Placing him on the front passenger seat, I told him I was so sorry, but that I loved him and knew he would be happy at his new home. Sobbing, I hugged Melva and thanked her for giving Oliver a loving home. "I'm sorry, I have to go", I said, then turned and ran to the empty, quiet apartment which has been home for me and Oliver for the past two years.
The tears came swiftly and seemed in no particular hurry to end. My mind flip-flopped between heartbreak, guilt and sheer loneliness. I had two glasses of wine to ensure being able to fall asleep quickly, but I awakened often, reaching to feel where Oliver was laying before I rolled over to change position. Then I would remember that Oliver was no longer with me...no warmth at my side, no soft purring when I would scratch behind his ears, no mewling when he thought it was time for me to get up. The apartment was too quiet.
The next day was unbearable. Just thinking about Oliver brought tears to my eyes and a sick, empty feeling would spread across my mid-section. If I heard birds chirping outside, I immediately looked to see if Oliver was laying in wait by the patio door...his favorite pastime. Something stirring in the soft breeze coming through the patio door would cause me to turn and look, expecting to see him coming toward me...must be time to sit with Mummy in the chair.
I realized just how much I was going to miss feeling his silky fur, his greeting me at the door when I come home from work, his little hugs and kisses, his understanding of my moods and the way he can see into my soul. He was the perfect cat for me, and I think I was the perfect human for him.
I know Melva will love him and take wonderful care of him, and I hope he and Pixie become friends and enjoy playing and keeping one another company. I'm sure once he settles into his new surroundings he will be happy and forget that I betrayed him. You see, I promised him when I brought him home with me that I would always be there for him. Of course I had no idea at that time that my life would change so drastically. I hope he can forgive me. I hope I can learn to forgive myself.
I know the pain will ease, the tears will one day cease and the sadness will diminish. I will always be grateful for the two wonderful years Oliver and I shared. I guess I have to expect that shedding these layers of my life will be challenging. And when I'm done and arrive at my new life in Utila, I'll be that much lighter and newer and, hopefully, stronger.
Later in the day my friend, Melva, came by for a visit. We chatted about my move to Utila, shared a pizza, and then she took my best friend, Oliver, home to live with her and her female cat, Pixie. The pain I felt was every bit as intense as the pain I felt when my first son died in infancy. Oliver knew something was up when I packed up his toys and his food & water dishes. The first attempt at getting him into the cat carrier was a bust. He's not a good traveler and hates being enclosed in small spaces.
He flew out of the carrier and bounded up the stairs to hide under the bed. I followed close behind and, with soothing words, coaxed him out from under the bed and carried him downstairs. The second attempt was a success, but at the cost of Oliver's fear, discomfort, and most likely a sense of betrayal. I carried him to Melva's car as he howled and struggled to be free. Placing him on the front passenger seat, I told him I was so sorry, but that I loved him and knew he would be happy at his new home. Sobbing, I hugged Melva and thanked her for giving Oliver a loving home. "I'm sorry, I have to go", I said, then turned and ran to the empty, quiet apartment which has been home for me and Oliver for the past two years.
The tears came swiftly and seemed in no particular hurry to end. My mind flip-flopped between heartbreak, guilt and sheer loneliness. I had two glasses of wine to ensure being able to fall asleep quickly, but I awakened often, reaching to feel where Oliver was laying before I rolled over to change position. Then I would remember that Oliver was no longer with me...no warmth at my side, no soft purring when I would scratch behind his ears, no mewling when he thought it was time for me to get up. The apartment was too quiet.
The next day was unbearable. Just thinking about Oliver brought tears to my eyes and a sick, empty feeling would spread across my mid-section. If I heard birds chirping outside, I immediately looked to see if Oliver was laying in wait by the patio door...his favorite pastime. Something stirring in the soft breeze coming through the patio door would cause me to turn and look, expecting to see him coming toward me...must be time to sit with Mummy in the chair.
I realized just how much I was going to miss feeling his silky fur, his greeting me at the door when I come home from work, his little hugs and kisses, his understanding of my moods and the way he can see into my soul. He was the perfect cat for me, and I think I was the perfect human for him.
I know Melva will love him and take wonderful care of him, and I hope he and Pixie become friends and enjoy playing and keeping one another company. I'm sure once he settles into his new surroundings he will be happy and forget that I betrayed him. You see, I promised him when I brought him home with me that I would always be there for him. Of course I had no idea at that time that my life would change so drastically. I hope he can forgive me. I hope I can learn to forgive myself.
I know the pain will ease, the tears will one day cease and the sadness will diminish. I will always be grateful for the two wonderful years Oliver and I shared. I guess I have to expect that shedding these layers of my life will be challenging. And when I'm done and arrive at my new life in Utila, I'll be that much lighter and newer and, hopefully, stronger.
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