The Babbling Brooks

Someone I Knew...

It's usually a little exciting when someone you know or have crossed paths with makes the news. Especially if it's big news...national or maybe even international. Not this time. In the mid-80s the FAA hired people to work as Air Traffic Assistants (ATAs). Thoseof us who were in training to be air traffic controllers also learned the position and worked as ATAs while we waited for an opening in the next training phase, but those in permanent positions did not train to move on. There was a nice man, just about my age, who had been furloughed from his job as a pilot who came to work in Area B (where I worked) while he waited to be recalled by the airline. I remember him as rather tall, baby-faced, always pleasant and smiling and fun to work with. He died Monday morning. His name was Kevin Mosley and he was the pilot of the Federal Express MD-11 that crashed at Narita in Japan. It's been years since I'd seen or heard about Kevin, but I imagine he was someone's grandpa by now and well loved. Peace be with you and your family, Kevin...

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Yes, indeed, there are mountains in Oklahoma! Who knew?!! I'm told there are some better ones on the eastern side of the state. We'll find out in late April when we are planning a visit to Grand Lake. This time we headed west. Tony and Tonya took us hiking in the Wichita Mountains last Saturday and we went to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where there are wild longhorns, bison, prairie dogs and elk (so we're told, no one in our party had actually ever seen any here). We made our first stop at the top of Mt. Scott. 

     

The wind was howling at the top! But we had a great view all over western Oklahoma. (You may recognize that first photo from Sunday's post:)

Our next stop was a quick one at the visitor's center and then we went on to Holy City...built by a man who decided to build a replica of Jerusalem where he could hold Easter services. I'm pretty sure it falls a little short of the real thing, but the thought is there. The chapel is very pretty inside and the stone architecture is interesting. It was very popular when it was built in the 1920s and drew huge crowds for decades. It's a little lacking now and could use some serious work, but they still hold Easter services.

                        

After the holy tour we headed down the road to our hike. Along the way we stopped to see some of the residents.

                 

Our hike took us out along a small river and up to a boulder field. Tony and his brother had scrambled over it a few weeks ago, we didn't...maybe next time :)

                                     

We were more than ready for lunch when we returned to the car. The Martinis took us to the hot spot for lunch, the Meers Cafe. It was built over 100 years ago and had to be moved when the wildlife refuge was established. It was moved to Meers and placed on a bed of granite rock. As the restaurant expanded rooms were added here and there at whatever level the granite allowed. The floors inside are sloped and uneven. Tony was sitting with his side leaning on the wall all during lunch :) The "famous" hamburgers here are made with longhorn beef only and were delicious!

  

Love the addition to the sign :)  

On the way back to Yukon we drove around the wind farm and got as close as we could to the turbines...

      

And then the last stop of the day...something I remember well from my FAA tours of duty to the Academy in the 80s and 90s!

  

   

Meet Ups with RCS Friends!

Several days ago John and I got to meet my friend, Diane (who lives in California), for lunch. She's one of my RCS (rec.crafts.scrapbooks) friends whom I've known for almost 9 years now! Our group chats over the internet like we're all in the same neighborhood and occasionally we're able to get together in little or large groups. Diane's mom lives in Oklahoma City and she comes once a month to stay with her. So we met at one of her childhood favorites, Johnnie's, for burgers and we also got to meet her friends, Cora and Don who we've heard about before. Tony came along with us, too. So here we are trying to keep our eyes open for the camera! It was good to see you, Di!

  

And tonight we were finally able to meet Dawn for dinner! Dawn (whom I've also known for those 9 years)lives here in the Oklahoma City area. It's so great to have an RCS friend nearby! Her husband wasn't here today, but we got to meet her sweet kids...Corey, Kayla, and Casey!

   

I think John made a new little friend. He was sitting across the table from Casey and they had quite a chat. Dawn says when they left Casey declared, "I like him, I want to see him more!" Here he is...he's just adorable!

   

Next month I'm going to pick up Legend and we'll be meeting Brad in southern California where we'll get to visit with several RCS friends ( and Disneyland). We're staying with Gigi and Darrell and Mickie from Texas will be there at the same time. It's pretty funny that here I am just a few hours away and we'll be going all the way to the west coast for a visit! 

Happy Birthday(s)!

     

Happy Birthday to two very special people in my life...my dear friend, Gigi, who lives in California (wearing her signature red visor)...and my dear sister, Corki, who is celebrating a "milestone" birthday this year. We love you both! 

Happy Birthday, Lynn!

  

We shared dinner at Salty's on Redondo Beach yesterday with Lynn and Arthur to celebrate Lynn's birthday. It was a great meal and great company...Happy Birthday, Lynn!

 

Oh, Canada....

Yesterday we went for a drive north into Canada to see the fall colors and went to Cranbrook for lunch. The photo was taken near Fort Steele, British Columbia. We stopped in a jam-packed antique/second-hand store and poked around. Came out with some fun items...an old steel lunchbox in great shape (which will make a fun storage box for something!), a couple of hand tools for John, some old mercury glass Christmas ornaments, a four-paned window that is going to become a picture frame for pictures of the four grandsons, and a few other odd items...it was fun! Our friend, Elaine, has been here all week visiting so we got to enjoy her company, too!

Surprise Visit!

While we were in Kalispell today we got a phone call from friends that are in the antique airplane club in Washington with us. Surprise! They were in Montana with the motor home and were driving to Eureka to see us! When we got back to town, we picked them up from the campground and brought them out to our place for dinner. We had a fun visit and got caught up on all the news. Thanks Rich and Carol for stopping by, we loved it!

In Honor of Gigi...

Our friend, Gigi, is the #1 Mouse fan and the best tour guide you could ever hope for at Disneyland. And besides that, she's a truly great friend and we love her dearly (you, too, Darrell!) She loves taking little ones to Disneyland to see the magic in their faces and smiles. Legend had such a fun time staying with us at Darrell and Gigi's, they are just like having another set of grandparents!

Miracles Do Happen!

In mid-June I told you about our friends, Dennis and Jeanne . Dennis had just been diagnosed with advanced stage cancer and had no symptoms up until then. His doctors felt that the cancer was too advanced and too aggresive for chemotherapy to do any good. Dennis was put on hormone treatments to try to slow the cancer. His progress has been checked and the doctors found that not only has the progression slowed, but the existing tumors have shrunk by 98% ! His doctor says that he has never seen this dramatic of a change in the 30 years he's been practicing. The prognosis for Dennis has changed from months to years!

Keep those prayers coming!!!

Orvin Day

A few months ago John heard about a Eureka old-timer who still flies his Piper Cub and has his own airstrip on his property. John has been interested in compiling a history of aviation in the area. So, he contacted Orvin and made arrangements to meet with him. He's been there several times to see Orvin and his wife, Echo (Isn't that a great name?! I've been out there with him once and met them, too). Orvin was a crew member on a B-17 bomber stationed in Europe during WWII. Like most veterans he has lots of stories to tell and he's been able to tell John a lot about aviation in the Tobacco Valley, too. John read a few weeks ago that the Wings of Freedom Tour would be stopping at Glacier Park International airport (Kalispell). They are touring with a P-51 Mustang and three bombers...the B-24, the B-25 and the B-17. He knew Orvin would have a great time seeing the B-17 and reminiscing. He contacted some other Eureka pilots and they cooked up a plot to take Orvin to Kalispell for the famous $100 hamburger (those of you that fly know what that is :). John also contacted the head of the tour to make sure Orvin would get a tour of the plane and this man called The Daily Interlake to let them know that Orvin would be there. It all worked out perfectly. Orvin flew to Kalispell with Dale thinking they'd be meeting some of the rest of us for lunch. The rest of us carpooled and were there to greet them. Orvin was full of smiles and today was the front page headliner in The Daily Interlake.

Here's the Eureka pilot contingent watching the planes land and taxi to the display area...Roy (whom you've met before as our "hangar angel"), Willy, Dale, Orvin, John, and Bob.

 

More Glacier Park...

as promised...here's a few more glimpses of our latest trip to Glacier Park. I can see that we'll be spending a lot of days here and loving it. We had a wonderful visit with Elaine, our former coworker and dear friend, and this trip was part of her week with us. John suggested we take the morning boat tour of Lake McDonald. It was a good choice as the water was calm. Later in the day the breeze had picked up and the reflections were gone. After the boat ride we had lunch at the Lake McDonald lodge, one of the old historic lodges in the park. The road still was only open to Avalanche Creek (they'd had another 2 feet of snow up at Logan Pass on the 10th of June). We parked there and took a walk through the woods on the path along the creek. If you're coming to visit with us, be sure to include a day at Glacier on your wish list!

When bad things happen...

to good people we always ask "Why?". And there is no answer. Almost 8 years ago I read an article in Memory Makers (a scrapbooking magazine) about a wonderful lady named Jeanne. She had beaten breast cancer and was then in remission. (She is now considered a survivor as she has been cancer free for over 5 years.)It was while she was going through treatment that she started scrapbooking. She wanted to leave her memories with her husband and two sons. And now here she was in the magazine...a wonderfully creative woman with an idea. She had persuaded Memory Makers to hold a "Crop For The Cure" contest to raise money for the Susan B. Komen foundation. (That contest led to a "Crop For the Cure" event that happens at scrapbook stores nationwide every September.) As I read the article and saw her beautiful smile, I thought to myself that she was someone I'd like to know. I could tell that she was a loving, compassionate person. It turned out that someone in my little internet scrapbooking group did know her and she was invited to join us. I got to meet her in person in April of 2000 at our first gathering and she is just the person I knew she would be. She has turned out to be one of my dearest friends and now she and her family need all the prayers you can muster. (You can see a photo of Jeanne here .She is the one with red hair and a beautiful smile.)Her husband, Dennis,became very ill recently and was taken to the emergency room. It was discovered that he has advanced stage cancer with no symptoms until now. It began as prostate cancer and has spread very aggressively to his bones. Chemotherapy and radiation will not help him. Please add Dennis, Jeanne, and their two sons (David and Douglas) to your prayers. The best they can hope for now is a miracle.

Wise Words from Dottie...

It's been two and a half months since my friend, Dottie, passed away. Today I found something she'd sent a month before she died and wanted to share it with you.

Posted by Dottie (February 6, 2008) 

Tips for an Exceptional, Superb & Powerful Life!

1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3.) Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4.) When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'
5.) Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6.) Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.
7.) Always pray and make time to exercise.
8.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.
9.) Dream more while you are awake.
10.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class ... but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24.) Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.
25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27.) Forgive everyone for everything.
28.) What other people think of you is none of your business.
29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31.) Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
32.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides remember?!
34.) The best is yet to come. (in Heaven)
35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36.) Do the right thing!
37.) Call your family often.
38.) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I am thankful for __________.' Today I accomplished _________.
39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A GIFT ... UNWRAP IT! Have a Blessed day. Please share with friends!

Those of you that knew Dottie know that she lived by these words. She blessed us by passing them on...let's remember her by living that exceptional, superb, and powerful life she wanted for us. Miss you, Dottie!

Rest Well, Dottie...

Been thinking of you all day, Dottie...I wish I could have attended the celebration of your life today. We'll miss your spunk, your bright smile, your quick wit, and firecracker personality. Rest well, Girlfriend!

Saying Good-Bye to Dottie...

we'll miss you! My friend, Dottie, passed away this morning. She was full of fun and laughter and packed a lot into the life she was given. Dottie will make a lasting impact on so many people. She'd lost several friends in the last year, but no one ever imagined that we'd be losing her, too. It was just over 6 months ago that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment was going so well and then suddenly it took a turn for the worst...more tumors which were determined to be inoperable and incurable. It was not expected that her life would be lost so quickly, but she contracted pneumonia and found herself in the hospital for the last time.  Dottie's last post to her blog reminds me so well of her take-charge attitude...

"Wish I could end this on a happy note, but that isn't happening so I will share a piece of advice I have learned so far on this journey. No matter how learned your doctors might be, cause we all go to only the best, if they toot their horn and love the sound of their voice more than the sound of yours, turn around and walk out the door. One does not have to sacrifice compassion and understanding for all those certificates on the wall. Search out a doctor that you can relate to, one who will listen and has a person in his office you can get hold of when you need to....not 9 choices of buttons to push!"

We'll miss you, Dottie...thanks for the laughs and the fun we've shared along the way!

My Friend Has Cancer...

and if you're the praying type she could use your prayers. I met Dottie through my internet scrapbooking group. I've known her for over 8 years. She is a strong woman, has a heart of gold, and is always a barrel of fun to be around. She's been through chemotherapy and a recent surgery and things were looking good. Now it's been discovered that she has another larger breast tumor and that the cancer has spread to her lung. She is hearing words from her doctor like inoperable and incurable. We'll be praying for you, Dottie, as you journey along what is sure to be a rough road ahead. Love ya!

Party!

Yesterday we helped Lynn and Joy decorate for the big party that starts in just a couple of hours. The balloons and streamers are hung, the music is ready complete with disco ball and strobe lights, and Lynn is putting the food out. Party!

Mary and Jerry...

two of our favorite people. We got a chance to visit them at their cabin in Carbonado while we're here in Washington. Mary fixed some delicious turkey stew for lunch and we had a rousing game of dominoes afterward. We first met Mary when she became our massage therapist several years ago. (And there is none better! If you live in eastern Pierce County or southern King County and need a good massage I'd be happy to give you her phone number, just send me an e-mail.) We became good friends and have even vacationed with them on Lake Powell. Mary showed me her newest hobby (and financial endeavor), making hats! They are beautiful and so soft! I picked out a gorgeous purple one for myself.

Thanks Mary and Jerry for a great day, can't wait to see you again when you come to Montana!

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We spent a quiet day at home with a simple pot roast dinner. Tomorrow morning we'll be leaving for Washington to visit family and friends over New Years. We were invited to friends for Christmas Eve and had a wonderful time. Paul (as in Paul the Builder) and Kathy Beaumont hosted us, Diane (their daughter), Louie and Julia (Kathy's parents), and Rob and Nancy (you've met Louie and Rob before when we've been pouring concrete :) Kathy fixed a yummy prime rib dinner, including homemade french bread which was awesome. Thanks, Kathy! After dinner we played Mexican Train. If you've never played this game, you need to learn. It's a fun group game that has a tiny bit of strategy, but doesn't require oodles of brain cells, so it's easy to visit and play at the same time :)

Thanks again Paul and Kathy! We had a great time and it was good to be among friends for Christmas...