Yesterday was Ken’s Memorial Service. After hearing Ken say frequently after a funeral, “That minister (priest) didn’t even know …. (fill in name of deceased).” Like writing his obituary, I decided to take on the planning for the service. I have a tendency to be that little red hen in the children’s story. First I realized an open air setting would be best, but I wanted a shelter in case of rain. Then I …
Last weekend kind friends helped me continue a decades old tradition of selling Ken’s pottery and produce for our “Spring Opener” the first weekend in May. Since Ken’s death, many people have asked me what my plans are. Until now I have simply answered truthfully, “I don’t know.” But after last weekend some things have become clear. And I can state unequivocally that I have no desire to do pottery and produce retail sales on …
Many years ago, back in the day when men avoided doing any form of house work because it called their manhood into question, my father did help my mom. But he helped on the sly to avoid being teased by other less secure men. One year he was at the back door hanging up a dish towel on the line when a thin reedy voice piped from across the street. “Happy Mothers Day, Mr. Gravel!” …
Ken was a real do-it-yourself guy. But even he knew his limitations. Back in the day people built their own houses rather than having them built. And they got knowledgeable friends to help with their weaker areas of skill. Ken was excellent at concrete, wood, sheet rock, etc. Electrical and plumbing, well he felt less confident. So he asked Stan to check all his work. Stan came and checked. Ken asked what he could …
It was a long winter. April was an amazing month. The start had nights in the single digits – unseasonably cold. The middle had major snow storms of heavy wet snow – sometimes in excess of a foot. And the end had a day that reached eighty degrees in the nearby Twin Cities of St Paul and Minneapolis. When the first snow crocus popped open I was glad to see them Then the …
Ken always enjoyed the amaryllis. My parents had sent him a bulb here and there; most went to a friend when we went to Japan. Last fall they sent one to me, and now its blossoms remind me of both them AND Ken. It is short, has two stems and is BEAUTIFUL.
