Revisiting America

I was so disappointed to wake up the morning of November 18, in Socorro, New Mexico, not feeling well, certainly not feeling good to participate in any of the activities of the Crane Festival(more about that in the book). This is an annual happening with hundreds of people involved-tours, lectures, movies, receptions, many activities having to do with the crane population and migration. But how lucky can you be, one or two days of not feeling well out of the many months traveling. No way I could complain, so I packed my things and began the trip home.
Had planned all along to find I-10 for easy traveling, but Onstar routed me differently and I didn't change because this would be my opportunity to see a different part of the country. And, it was different. Two-lane roads, four-lane roads, small towns, beautiful scenery.
Stayed a night on the road and got to Janie's in Austin. Texas late afternoon. Good to see her but a little disappointed that she is still not able to get around well at all. But that didn't hamper our visit. It was good to see where she lived, meet some of her friends, and to be able top see her son Davis, Ann, boys, Josh and Jacob. Pictures never do justice to boys that age. They are blonde-tow-headed, active boys and very well-behaved. It was so good to be with them.
November 22, 2011, 12:00 noon was the time frame for my arriving, but traffic caused me to be a little late(12:15), but again I was greeted by family, friends, balloons, banners, and a sign on the library marquee, "Welcome home, Miss Lou, we missed you, neighbor". For those that don't know, my house is directly across the road from the Washington County Public Library, easy to find and give directions to.
Thanksgiving was just that, a time of giving thanks, being together with family and friends, eating wonderful food, HOME. Wouldn't trade that decision with anything, that I chose to be home for Thanksgiving, eventhough it meant a shorter stay in New Mexico.
And now, I pray for your prayers for me, I know you've done that all year, and for patience as we begin this new experience, writing a book.
We've had so much inquiry, encouragement, offers of writing expertise, and good wishes, it's like, "how can we fail".
And I'll have to say again, thanks so much for being a part of my adventure.

Revisiting America

First Baptist Church Taos was a block from my house, but rain necessitated my driving to church. Beautiful, simple inside, maybe 20 people in all. Several young couples, singles, but the rest older couples. Good music, with a piano and songs from the hymnal. The pianist was Dr. Ellen Warren, general practitioner, so nice to talk to and a very popular doctor in town, from comments made by others when I mentioned her name.
My morning walk the next day ended with me slipping and falling on the ice and thankfully I didn't break anything or have to limp home. Just several scratches on one hand and of course, a good jar all over. A reminder that I needed to watch carefully where I'm stepping which is so hard to do as you're walking and trying to take in the scenery too.
Did have a chance to visit the Sage Gallery that I had mentioned earlier and got a card, a small sample of painting by Barbara Bartels. Was able to see some of the Mabel Dodge Luhan house. It is a "bed and breakfast" and they were busy checking in a group of students so I poked around by myself. The location makes up all that might be lacking in the house, it is old, but beautiful. The name, "Illusions" is a perfect name for the house, and of course there's a wonderful story about Mabel Dodge Luhan, the house, and her reason for being in Taos.
I had been curious about a particular restaurant called, "Lambert's" and had to find out if it at all resembled the Lambert's in Foley, Alabama. Well, it didn't. It was a beautiful, older, remodeled building, quite elegant, white cloths on the tables, crystal and china, beautiful lighting, and impeccable service. My splurge was a filet mignon, cooked perfectly, potatoes thinly sliced, in a sauce, and served like a slice of pie, asparagus, woncerful bread, and after telling about my trip, which everyone in the restaurant was interested in, a complimentary chocolate mousse dessert. Forgot the salad, with the house dressing, was as good as all the rest of the meal.
My plans to leave Taos on Wednesday, November 16, by 10:00 a.m. were delayed because I slept later than I should have, and it took longer to pack the car, which I would be doing for the last time, a little sad to think about that.
My landlady was not there when I left, she and daughter and son-in-law manage other properties, but did get to tell Christie and Ron goodbye.
No particular time schedule, but several places to visit that are mentioned in Kuralt's book.
Georgia O'Keefe, a famous painter, lived for a while at the Ghost Ranch, in Abiqui not far from Espanola, so I spent some time there, on to Chimayo, a beautiful small town, with a famous church, then arriving in Sante Fe after dark which was not a good idea but did find a good motel without too much trouble.
On to Albuquerque, not too early the next morning. Such a pretty town, and day's worth of things to see and do, but I limited myself to several things mentioned in the book. A particular men's hat shop that made hats by request and order was visited by and Kuralt, and me. I did try on some of the hats and had my picture made in one. Nice men working there who had met Kuralt and not sure if he bought a hat. Then on to "Old Town" which was the old town, but now is maintained as a shopping mecca, naturally an old church,famous at one time,
Went through Belen, New Mexico but couldn't find the barbershop or any of the people in the book. Quite a large town, but still many old, preserved buildings. Really wanted to spend time there, but didn't feel like I had the time.
Arrived in Socorro around 4:00 in the afternoon and was lucky to find a room because of the "Crane(bird)Festival.

Revisiting America

I do hope I haven't lost all my readers because I so abruptly stopped blogging.
I assure you it was not intentional, and I do apologize for my "whatever"; laziness, excitement of coming home, not sure how I wanted to close out the adventure, all of the above and more.
I will try to finish the Taos experience and "homecoming". It is January 1, 2012, and I plan, in several weeks, to begin writing the book. Several things are on my calender, then I want a clean slate, and time to recall, revisit, and begin. I'm excited, but very apprehensive, and feeling the pressure of what lies ahead. But, I've had so many encouraging words and offers of help in any way, so it must be done.
November 7, taking my usual morning walk, I met Chris Kane, she was walking her dog, and after talking, with the usual questions, "what are you doing in Taos?, etc: she suggested I call the newspaper and set up an interview. Well, I did that and was pleasantly surprised to have the interview set up for Wednesday, the 9th. Delightful lady, Teresa Dovalpage, Ph.D, Spanish instructor at University, New Mexico, Taos, a native of Cuba, but in the states for many years, came to my casita and we talked for hours. Not sure of a printing date, but I've since received a copy of the article,from my landlady, since comming home. Very nice re-count of the trip.
November 8th, and everything covered in snow, must be 4 to 5 inches deep, bright sun-shiny, trees glistening, everything quiet and hushed, and to me, this dictated a "stay-in" day for fear of a fall or some other catastrophe.
The beauty of a snow here is that it stays around awhile, eventhough its sunny, it's cold enough to keep it from melting. It is so beautiful.
Realizing my time in Taos was very limited I made a list of things I hadn't seen that needed to be visited.
Los Comadras Women's Cooperative Gallery had a wonderful selection of jewelry, sculpture, paintings, representing many women artists of the community. Geraldine Liermann was "manning" the store that particular day and had a beautiful display of Christmas gourds she had painted. I only bought a small one, they were rather expensive.
This is a walking spree so I visited several more galleries, Lasko Gallery, met Geoffery Lasko, artist and printmaker, easy to talk to, very talented, interested in my trip. The Hulse-Warman Gallery with more modern works, the Brodsky Bookshop, owned by Rick Smith, from Baton Rouge, La, nice to talk to about family, football, and comments about writing my book.
A lunch break, then a ride to the "Red Willow Farmer's Market, housed at this time of year, but quite a large endeavor in the spring and summer months. Visited the Town Hall, Library, San Francisco de Asis Church, one of the most photographed in our country, Tony Reyna's shop with all kinds of Indian artifacts, met Jack Hill in the shop who has his creative work in stone and steel visible around town, then revisited Dannie Townsend in the clothing shop, The Spotted Bear, I'm sure there's a reason for that name, and talked awhile. I'm still amazed that shop owners are so willing to just sit and talk, and never seem in a hurry.
Continued visiting the next day. A ride back to the Rio Grande River Bridge, I came over the bridge coming to Taos but was too eager to get to Taos that I. didn't stop and take pictures. This is another scenic spot that is photographed often, and it is beautiful.
Many of these places I'm mentioning will be explained in more detail in the book, and with pictures,I hope.

Revisiting America

I'm sure most towns have interesting, unusual characters that have played a part in their history and one of these in Taos was Long John Dunn, an entrepreneur, who now has a bridge and area of town named for him. Getting to town in the early 20th century wasn't easy, only one road to get in and out of town. To arrive from the north, you took the train south to Tres Piedras, hired a carriage, later a car, for a ride to the Rio Grande River. The length of the trip necessitated staying overnight at the Bridge Hotel, owned by Long John Dunn. The next day, for a fee, he brought you to Taos, everything timed perfectly to his advantage. He built the road, the bridge, and the inn, and there are remnants of the inn east of the bridge. His former house in Taos is now a bookstore, and there are a number of quality shops around the bookstore called the John Dunn Shops.
After church yesterday I stopped for brunch, eggs benedict, wonderful, at the renowned Doc Martin restaurant housed in what used to be the offices of Doctor Martin who came to the area in the early 1890's. He was the typical rural doctor, making chouse calls in a buggy, later a tin lizzie, accepting any kind of payment, chickens, potatoes, meat, whatever. Over time he and his wife bought several properties around a small plaza and these are now the lobby and patio of the hotel. After the doctor's death, the wife continued to buy and expand into what is now the Hotel Martin. It is well known for its celebrity clientele, but I didn't see any at the time I was there, too early probably. The place becomes quite lively at night with the Adobe Bar in the hotel, nightly entertainment, and the quality food. The ownership has changed many times but this bar and restaurant has really been the center of social activity in the town for many years. The people I saw in the restaurant yesterday could have been born there?

Revisiting America

One day this past week, I was in Mariposa Boutique, not shopping, looking, and the owner, Katie Iko invited me to church. That's where I attended today, Taos Valley Baptist Church. Pastor Nick Shields delivered a great message from Revelation 3:14-22, concerning "luke-warm" Christians and churches. A very good crowd, lots of children and youth, off-the-wall music, but good, a full calender of activities, so friendly, and something I haven't seen before, a list of church member services. Everything from specially designed cards to plumbing and firewood.
The day I went to Arroyo Seco I also visited the Taos Pueblo. I'm sure most have read about or seen this unusual village. It's considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the USA. The Native legends and detailed oral history trace their existence back to the beginning of the evolution of man and all of creation. The Native Language, Tiwa, is unwritten, unrecorded, and will remain so. The details of their traditional values are guarded as sacred and are not divulged. The past oppressions upon this culture has required them to keep the details unspoken.
The two main structures of the Pueblo, Hlaauma/North House, and Hlaukkwima/South House are believed to be well over a thousand years old. The buildings are made entirely of adobe and have to be plastered annually with adobe due to the exposure of the four seasons. The Pueblo maintains a restriction of NO ELECTRICITY, and NO RUNNING WATER within the sacred village. Some homes adopted the use of wood stoves for cooking but many still continue to cook right in the fireplace.
Conservation and preservation of the Sacred Village and the Blue Lake Wilderness Area are the primary concern of the Taos Pueblo. Their goal is to maintain the area of over 100,000 acres in it's most natural state-protecting trees, water, fish, wildlife, soils and land from damage. The Taos Wilderness Act provided the tribe with exclusive use of the area for traditional purposes and is closed to the geneeral public.
There is a fee to walk the grounds, as well as camera use, and guides are available as well.
Many of the houses are open and have jewelry, breads, and leather goods for sale. It sorta contradicts itself, but it is well worth the visit, and I will explain more in the book, plus pictures.

Revisiting America

Thursday night when I attended the marionette show two ladies spoke to me, they were admiring the coat I had on, they asked if I was by myself, then they asked me to sit with them. Both are artists, Barbara Bartels and Margaret Baucom, so I found out where they were showing some of their work and visited the stores. Both very talented in my estimation, but entirely different techniques. I was only able to see one of Barbara's because the gallery was closed, but will be open later. But Margaret's paintings were in Arroyo Seco, a small town maybe five miles from Taos.
Arroyo Seco is described as a combination of historical adobes used for shops and enough other experiences to surprise anyone. I was warned to go very slow because the streets are very narrow and many pedestrians are roaming around.
Someone suggested taking your time because the store owners liked to visit with everyone. I found that to be true. Probably 20 shops in all but one of the favorites was The Taos Cow. I took a picture outside because one of the benches is painted like a cow, didn't go in, but found out later that this shop was voted one of the top ten ice cream shops in America by Bon Appetite Magazine. Comments were, "it's pricey but worth every penny". You'll never know if I revisit the town. They do serve breakfast and lunch, so maybe.
One block off main street is a rather plain, but beautiful church, cared for by Manuel a specially designated caretaker called a mayordomo, and this honor and privelege of caring for the church is handed down from generation to generation, Manuel's father and grandfather before him. I was unable to get in the church, but someone said there were priceless alter screen paintings inside.

Revisiting America

The Taos Plaza, a plaza being the town center, in Spanish tradition, always housed the church and governmental offices, is over 200 years old.
My guidebook suggested you stand in the center of the Plaza and make a 360 degree scan of the important things in the area. The first being the statue
of Padre Antonio Jose Martinez whose influence as a legislator, leader, priest, and educator had an incredible impact on Taos and New Mexico.
The Hotel La Fonda stands on the site where many hotels have stood, but since 1937 has been the official name and place of one of The places to stay in Taos. Another story tells about this site being Long John Dunn's casino, later.
East, a US flag flies over the Plaza. During the Civil War, Kit Carson and some of his friends raised the Union flag to give the message of sympathy with the North, and they stood guard over this flag around the clock.
Taos has special government permission to fly this US flag 24 hours a day in honor of this event.
A Bronze Cross Memorial, to the east also, memorializes the many members of the New Mexican National guard who fought in the Phiippians, were captured by the Japanese, at least half died in the infamous Bataan Death March and in prison camps.
To the north you face what used to be the County Courthouse, but now the building houses shops. During the depression in the 1930's the WPA employed artists to paint murals in the building, this area now being blocked off from public view. Up exterior stairs in the back are paintings by the famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, also kept from public view.
Facing north is a small gazebo used for concerts and other performances. Stairs going under the structure once housed part of the town jail.
The church Our Lady of Guadalupe, once part of the plaza, can be seen back of the gazebo and was first built in the early 1800's, replaced in 1911, burned and rebuilt in 1961, but definitely a small beautiful structure.
This plaza, as most centers of small towns, will continue to change, but the fact remains, the history is captured by the memorials and the fact that the area will always be known as The Plaza.

Revisiting America

Thursday night I attended a most amazing performance, "The Cashore Marionettes" at the Taos Community Auditorium, a part of the park complex.
A marionette is a puppet controlled from above by strings. The word "marionette is derived from "Mary" and originated in Europe in the Middle Ages when nativity plays were performed using the stringed puppets. However, marionettes themselves are much older and no specific date can be given. In the U.S. puppet shows are often considered to be exclusively for children but throughout the rest of the world, puppet and marionette plays are classicly adult entertainment.
Joseph Cashore created his first marionette from clothespins, wood string and a tin can. His goal, after making that first puppet, was to create the illusion and sensation that the puppet was alive. He soon realized that in order to have the fluid motion he sought in his puppets, he would have to create his own control designs. He spent the next nineteen years, while pursuing a career in oil painting, experimenting with the construction of the marionettes and divising totally new control mechanisms.
Cashore resides in Colmar, PA, graduated from the Uni.of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and has been making marionettes for more than 30 years. He is an accomplished artist as well as puppeteer, and his talent in sculpture and portraiture is evident in his marionettes. The marionettes, their clothing, all the props, the vingettes, the selection of the classical pieces he uses as background, all create a magic controlled by the subtle movements of Cashore's hands. A bucking horse, wrinkly elephant, young rock star, and old woman are some of the few characters Cashore has brought to life. In spite of his own shyness, Cashore has finally become comfortable with the attention he receives. But he says the audience isn't looking at him, but at the creations that come to life under his hands, to play a guitar, place flowers on a grave, rock a child to sleep, pick up certain objects and place them.
I wish I could have counted the number of strings on some of the characters, there must have been at least fifteen or twenty on some that did very intricate things.
Cashore hgas been awarded the highest honor a North American puppeteer can receive, the Citation of Excellence from the United States branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette. Its citations are "awarded to shows that touch their audiences deeply; that totally engage, enchant, and enthrall. I was totally engaged, enchanted and enthralled.

Revisiting America

On my way to the park I pass the Fechin House which was opened as a museum in 1981, although it wasn't open at all when Fletcher and I visited Taos at another time.
Nicolai Fechin is considered one of the greatest portrait artists of our time. He earned a scholarship to the Kazan Art School, graduated from there, received another scholarship to the Imperial Art Academy of St. Petersburg, and later taught for ten years at the Kazan school having been appointed State Teacher of Painting. The Kazan Art School's Director suggested his daughter to help Fechin translate his correspondence, which became monumental after he began showing in exhibitions in Munich, The Carnegie Institute in Pittsburg, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Chicago Art Institute. Having won many awards his work attracted buyers from many nations. Fechin later married the Director's daughter and they had a daughter.
An invitation, to come to America, interrupted by World War I, delayed his emigration and establishment of a stable career. Portrait commissions, important exhibitions, and teaching supported the family while living in New York and Pittsburg, but the climate was ill-suited to his delicate health. Accepting an invitation to visit Taos, in 1926, the land and people reminded Fechin of his Russian home, so he moved here in 1927. After a divorce in 1933, he and his daughter moved to the area of Los Angeles, California, where he taught, painted and exhibited for the remainder of his life.
The house contains many influences, Russian, Spanish, and Pueblo. Fechin's training included a thorough study of architecture and theater design. Buying seven acres of land including a small studio, outbuilding and two-story house, he used local laborers to renovate the studio and rebuild the house increasing its size by three times. Being a tireless
worker he painted all day long when the light was right, and then worked on the house.
Fechin's extraordinary use of wood showed the influence of his years in the forested land of Kazan, and his many carvings reflect his love of wood. The metal work, (light fixtures, door hardware, etc:) was designed by Fechin and forged by a local blacksmith. He never used power tools, but used an adze, textured the wood, then hand carved it with an amazing array if designs. You can tell I was impressed with the home, as well as the black and white drawings and portraits on display.
There is a WALMART in town.

Revisiting America

My casita, I should ask someone, but I think it means, "little house", is so charming, nice-sized living room, big fully-equipped kitchen, with eating area, big bedroom, bath, and utility with washer, dryer, plenty of storage space, and a little covered front porch. There are 8 units in the complex, all separate houses with different configurations, stucco finish, walled in with "coyote" fencing and adobe pillars at the entrance and exit. One block off main street, but you hear no traffic because of the many trees and fencing, so, "New Mexicoish, I know that isn't a word, but that's how I want to describe it. I walk two blocks down main street to the Kit Carson (remember him, I'll go into more detail about him later)Memorial Park. There is a walking trail, benches to sit, tennis and badminton courts, ball fields and bleechers, an amphitheater, restrooms, beautiful landscaping and trees, even in this winter weather, and at the back of the park, a small cemetary, the burial place of notables such as Kit Carson, etc:.
The first morning I walked, Wednesday, I got back to the house and was locked out, the screen door having locked on its own. My landlady, Lovey, so kind and nice, assured me it had happened before. An hour later I was inside thawing out, having wished for my tool kit, locked in the car, and Lovey having to go to another apartment to get her tools. Neither of our tool kits were necessary, we finally tore the screen and used a table knife to lift the latch. I leave home now with every key I own, but the screen door has no key, so.

Revisiting America

My accomodations on this ferry were a little larger, the room having two sets of bunk-beds rather than one, giving me more floor space, and the bathroom was a little nicer. The dining was cafeteria-style, good food, as many as five entrees for the night meal, cafeteria open 24 hours. I'm sure most of the ferries are about the same, this one only a little smaller and older than the trip to Ketchikan.
Met some interesting ladies touring with an Elder Hostel group, having been to Ketchikan for tours and study. All on board were invited to watch 2 movies concerning their study. A nice way to travel-people your own age, inexpensive, many, many areas of study, everything planned and coordinated for you. Something to look in to.
There are three crossings where you are in unprotected waters, and I had begun to dread the Port Charlotte one, which usually lasts two hours, but this time I considered it rather rough, and it lasted three hours, but one of the workers, when I asked, said it was an "average" crossing.
Anyway, we were on time getting to Bellingham Friday morning, around 8:15.
I was so glad to get on the road again, and I was non-stop when I drove off the ferry.
The scenery, having changed drastically in the month I was in Ketchikan, was so beautiful, most of the trees having turned every shade of yellow and gold, and stacked up against the mountains. I couldn't take pictures and drive, so I chose to make time. Spent the first night in Baker City, Oregon(the scenery gorgeous through the state), drove on to Provo, Utah (the scenery so different with the bare hills and mountains) the second night, and having called Mack and Marie Jones, spent Sunday night with them in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I've always considered true friendship the kind that regardless of the years of abscence between visits, you pick up right where you left off. It was a great visit, and they are such welcoming and attentive hosts.
Only about 140 miles from Pagosa Springs to Taos, so I was checking in my Casita in Taos by 1:00 p.m., just so thankful for a safe journey.

Revisiting America

There are two things I intend to accomplish today, catch up on my blogging, and watch Alabama beat LSU.
There are several things scheduled in town that I wanted to attend, a fundraiser for the Charter School featuring soup and pottery. Local potters, with the students participating in the glazing, make the bowls, and the soup and bread is provided by local restaurants. Plus, original music by Charter School students.
And, there is an opening reception and trunk showing for November's artist Faith Welsh, who will be demonstrating knitting and crocheting techniques of her hand-knit wearable art peices featured at the Museum Store at the Harwood Museum of art. Not that I knit or crochet, but it would be an interesting event.
My reluctance in not going out is the fact that it has been snowing steadily for the last several hours, everything, including my car, covered in snow. A beautiful sight, but I'm not too sure that I want to venture out in it.
I do need to "back-up" and get me to Taos, which was a wonderful trip in itself.
I woke up to rain, on the 26th, and wondered about getting my car packed, but it did slack enough for that, and I was able to get some thank-you's to certain people, eat lunch again at The Point with Nicole, tell Dave Rubin good-bye again, and get in the line for the ferry by 2:00 p.m.
Should be no hurry, because once you're on you're not going anywhere. But as I said before, I certainly didn't want to miss it.

Revisiting America

This will be my last posting from Ketchikan, a quickie, and I'll go into more detail later, you've heard that before?
Last Sunday I attended First Baptist Church again. Had intended to go to the Catholic church, but didn't realize the Mass started at 9:30, even though I was up, just not ready. Baptist church met a lady who grew up in Mobile, here because her husband is in the Coast Guard. So nice, and we knew about the same places and a few people.
Sunday afternoon Nicole and I attended a rehearsal of the production, "Anything Goes", since I wouldnt be here for the actual performance. Very talentedmix of people, some teen-agers, young couples, middle-aged, and a delightful 80 year old,former mayor of Ketchikan and the Bourough and a mainstay of the theater and performing arts here. He was singing and dancing as ably as everyone else. All areas of the arts is really promoted here.
Then we went to The Narrows restaurant for a bowl of clam chowder, and sampled appetizers. Many of the restaurants are participating in something like a "Bobby Flay Throwdown" and they were trying out different sauces, cooking techniques, etc: on the foods they were given, and we got to give our opinion on the results. Lot of fun, eventhough we were inn the Bar on a Sunday night (the restaurant area was closed).
Met a friend of Nicole's, a professional diver, native of Ketchikan, and in the conversation he asked if I had ridden in a float plane, my answer being "no", he said he would make arrangements for me to do that on Monday.
So, Monday at 1:30 p.m., I was at Pacific Air and was the "ride-along" for the trip to deliver people and cargo to four different places on Prince of Wales Island. How exciting, and I'll never be able to adequately describe the scenery. So fun, and such nice people.
And yesterday I was interviewed by the local daily newspaper, "The Daily News", pictures and all. She really didn't have to ask me questions because I have so much to say about the trip. Anyway, they'll send me copies whenever they run the story.
This ends another great month. Leave on the ferry at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, arrive back in Bellingham, Washington, Friday morning, and then to Taos, New Mexico.
I'm packed, but the car isn't yet, such heavy rain, but I will not miss the ferry, the next one in another week. More news later.

Revisiting America

Thursday night Nicole and I visited the Pioneer Home for the Thursday night Family and Friends dinner. It was an opportunity for me to meet James' mother, Nicole's mother-in-law, Jane Church, a resident there for the last year and a half. She's a beautiful lady, in her early nineties, and very aware and able to talk about everything.
The home was beautifully decorated with Halloween things, if you can say Halloween stuff is beautiful, and the five-course meal was great, thanks to the new food director, a nice lady from Georgia, we sounded the same. An appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert, and all tables were waited on, your water glass never got below half-full, by Boy Scouts from one of the local troops. They were so young, efficient, handsome in their uniforms, polite and I'm sure participating to help earn one of their badges. Regardless, they did a great job, probably something most of them had never done before.
The entertainment was by Dave Rubin and band, and I'm beginning to see that they are such an important part of the community because they play at so many events. (I did go by The Point yesterday while they were there playing and Dave and I swapped tapes, his mostly featuring him and some of his songs and mine, the one that Regina and I had done at the concert.) So, I will leave a little bit of me in Ketchikan).
The Pioneer Homes are like our Nursing Homes, this one right on the main street making it so convenient for family and friends to visit. The average age for the residents is "86 years young", Jane being is her early nineties.
Another feature of this home is they are registered as an Eden home which has the philosophy that family, friends, pets, and plants all contribute to creating a "human habitat" by revitalizing relationships and encouraging residents to be involved with activities that help alleviate loneliness, helplessness and boredom.
Also, the Home provides a respite care program which provides 24-hour care for up to two weeks for individuals in the community who need short-term assistance for a scheduled period of time.
Another focus is the enlistment of volunteers and there were many there that night.
It was a very enjoyable evening, and just another part of life in Ketchikan.

Revisiting America

Out of the 26 days I've been in Ketchikan, it has rained 23 days, most of those days, all day, sometimes taking a lunch break, but most days non-stop. Usually a soft, slow rain which can be taken care of with a rain-type windbreaker. I'm still amazed that it is not very cold, but of course being on the water, etc" all that makes the difference. I knew it would be that way so it hasn't stopped my getting out and doing things. Now today, 8:00a.m., and there's a mimi-storm raging, wind blowing, raining very hard, still quite dark. This will probably be a day I won't venture out, it's Saturday, nothing really happening, good day to finish my book and plan the things I have left to do here.

Revisiting America

My blog is supposed to be about me and my travels, but what could be more important and exciting than telling about a new great-grandson, born several hours ago, to Lauren and Elliot Brown, 7lbs. some ounces, I didn't listen to that part well enough, 21 inches long, and named Mason Reed Brown. Baby and both parents doing well, and having already seen pictures, Mason is a beautiful, healthy, baby boy. How exciting and wonderful that all is okay!
It started raining Sunday morning and has just now stopped, not quite full daylight yet, and the wind isn't blowing. But that didn't keep a friend, Agnes Moran from picking me up yesterday for a ride up in the mountains, following some roads that she hikes on everyday. I went to the end of the road again, but this time all that was left was the hike, straight up, the mountain, Brown Mountain. The scenery couldn't have been more beautiful, sun shining or what. You could almost see the top of the mountain through the mist, but you could see the waterfalls. There was no start or finish, just the waterfall. Hope my pictures turn out. Made several stops to be able to view the Harriett Hunt Lake, Knudson Cove, and made a rest stop at Agnes's home, beautiful, right on the water, big picture windows in the living and dining areas. Why would you ever want to leave home?
But Agnes does, being a very active, wife, mother, Bourough Council member,on many other boards and committees, and being a Ketchikan native, so in tune to the needs and wants of the community. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her, and how would I ever have seen that part of Ketchikan without her taking the time. I loved it and hope I was able to convey to her how much I appreciated and enjoyed the tour and spending the time with her.

Revisiting America

Saturday night, the 15th, Nicole and I attended the 16th Annual Alaska Day Auction, benefitting the Holy Name Catholic School. Wow, was it an affair. Probably close to 300 people there including those behind the scene workers, kitchen help, auctioneers,(2), five emcees, those selling tickets for the different raffles and door prizes, the bookkeepers, the teachers connected with the school. A crowd, but a fun time. Nicole said any given year they would clear between $75,OO0 to $80,000 dollars. There were wonderful things for the live auction and many tables of things for the silent auction. And did I mention the wonderful buffet cooked and served by parents of children of the school. You can imagine the food it took to serve that many people, and it was all quite good. The evening was so well organized, but with 81 items, plus some add-ons, we only stayed through item number 61, after 9:00 p.m., so never heard when it finally did end, nor have I heard the amount raised, it will be interesting to find out. Just another wonderful example of community supporting community.

Revisiting America

Ketchikan was cited a few years ago as one of America's Top 100 Small Arts Communities. 2011 was designated as the Year of the Artist, this bringing to the community focus a wide range of events, highlighted by carvings to video, bluegrass to weaving, culinary art to watercolor. Native artists, some internationally known, work in traditional forms from carving to weaving, and most local galleries are owned and operated by resident artists. Maybe it's good that some are closed for the season because you would never be able to visit all of them. I've already mentioned some that were recommended, but not by any means a good represenative list of all that is here to see.
I met Dave Rubin at The Point last Friday, after lunch and his music session, and we visited "The Rock", a staturary monument featuring representations of Ketchikan's pioneers. I had mentioned this monument before but he told me all about his idea for the monument, how it all came about as far as city approval, financing, location, etc:. It is a most detailed staturary, 7 figures representative of the many diverse occupations of the settlers.
I am so impressed with this person, Dave, who arrived in Ketchikan in 1983, at the urging of a friend, part of a folk-rock band, "Tattoo". Dave is a New York City-bred painter, songwriter, singer, guitarist, saxophonist, and has been described as being able to turn up anywhere with a brush, or a horn, or a six-string. He started painting as a child, attended several New York schools of art, and is still painting landscapes, portraits, and of course, is well known because of "The Rock". After pictures on the dock with the monument we went to The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, which was closed, but Dave knew the director and we were able to go in and see a series of portraits of Native elders and young leaders, so beautiful I might add. While there we did tour the Center, with Dave's explanations, and I didn't have to read every plaque. He also has an exhibit representative of his work hanging in the Center. It's amazing the doors that have been opened for me because they have a key, or someone knows someone. I'm so fortunate.
Church yesterday at First Baptist Church of Ketchikan was great. A real Southern Baptist, active, mission-minded, prayer-led church. Their purpose, "To lead people to God through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ and to equip the whole church to become Great Commission Christians." His message did focus on equipping and preparing ourselves, as well as the church, for service.
Raining, which is quite incidential now, so rather than come home and wonder what to eat, went to "Annabelle's" for their wonderful clam chowder and crab cakes, plus a salad, no dessert this time. Then came home to an evening of reading and dozing, and sorta looking at the things I need to do in the 10 days I have left here. It's exactly what the saying means, Time Flies".

Revisiting America

One more totem sight to mention. The Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park is located 2 1/2 miles south of Ketchican, has similar artifacts as those at the other locations, but during the tourist season you can see carvers at work. Nathan Jackson is considered the foremost Tlinglit artist, in wood carving and jewelry making, and I understand works mostly by commission.
We met Woody Anderson walking around the park and he graciously consented to talk to us about Saxman and the area in general. He does some carving and it's displayed at "Crazy Wolf Studio". I did visit this studio and met the owner-artist, Ken Decker, a native of Ketchikan, wife-owner, Monica. Ken paints, makes drums, teaches art at one of the local schools, and was so easy to talk to and question about the area and his work.
Marge, Shirley, nor I opted to take the tram, 130 feet up the hill, to the Cape Fox Lodge, situated above downtown Ketchikan. One feature of the Lodge is a collection of Native art unlike any other found in the world, very interesting and displayed so beautifully. The Heen Kahidi Restaurant was waiting for us for lunch and Shirley finally ordered King Crab (such a helping, well over a pound of meat, that I got to bring it home and finish later). The food was good, but the setting was spectacular, we did linger a long time after lunch. Such a beautiful building, built in the trees, looking down on Ketchikan, Creek street, and you're even able to see the main street. A good view too of so many of the houses that have only steps leading to them, not streets. That is one of the most unique things about this place.
I definitely need to visit an "Overeating Anomyous Meeting" and I think Shirley and Marge would agree, because after our meal at Cape Fox Lodge we all were miserable. So, stayed in for Shirley and Marge to pack, play a few more cards, get up early Tuesday morning and I did take them to the airport, via the ferry, it was raining(so what), and this would make it easier for them, besides I hated to see them go and wanted to visit as much as possible. (long, run-on sentence, okay?) Nice airport, very accomodating and easy to get around in. Marge, needing a wheelchair, said everyone the entire trip had been so helpful and accomodating, which is great. Once past check-in I couldn't talk to them anymore so came on home , really to do nothing for a while.
Nicole and I met for lunch on Wednesday, at The Point again, especially to go with Dave Rubin to see the monument in town that commemorates the settlers of the town. After that we visited The New York Hotel (1924), still in business, up-dated rooms, somewhat, beautiful woodwork, The Scanlon Art Gallery, very up-scale, and in business since 1972,considered Alaska's Major Art Center, the owner a friend of Nicole, I've already mentioned Crazy Wolf Studios, Parnassus Book Store, in the process of moving to a new location, but able to see the wonderful collection of books, art, gifts, etc:, then strolled some on Creek Street, wooden streets with the rushing Creek below. I do hope some of my pictures in the book will help you get a feel of the uniqueness and quaintness of this place, along with the business of this place. It's like it never really stops.
Out my windows you see planes, helicopters, boats of every description, and we're right on the main street, so cars, motorcycles, constantly. But, then you realize there is "one main street" and one Narrows Inlet for everything that moves.

Revisiting America

There are hundreds of retail shops, art galleries, restaurants, different types of lodgings, transportation services, buses, ferries, rental cars, water taxis, float planes, charter fishing, guided tours, museums, public restrooms, phones, cash machines, all geared to the huge influx of tourists arriving from May to September. Since I'm here in the off-season, many things are closed, but there is enough to become acquainted with Ketchikan, and it's great without the crowds.
Tongass Trading Center offered every kind of wear for this weather, every brand, every price range, and hundreds of every item, it seemed.
Friday for lunch, we met Nicole at The Point, a trendy cafe, on the waterfront, a combo playing during the noon hour (wonderful, happy group playing and singing my kind of music), wonderful soups, salads, and sandwiches, and a special, home-baked cookie, your dessert, with each order.
Another reason for going there was to meet with Dave Rubin, wonderful artist-sculptor, musician, that I'll tell you about later. The Point is also a one-stop shopping area for all kinds of yarn, beading, (classes are offered in knitting, beading, etc:)as well as a great display of local artists works.
From what we are seeing, there are many, many talented, gifted, people in this town.
After lunch we rode to the north end of the island, not quite as picturesque as the south end, but nevertheless beautiful, along the water, very dense woods, and again, took a picture of the, "END".
Visited The Totem Bight State Park to see another selection of totems and a clan house carved beginning in 1938 by Natives working with traditional tools to copy fragments of historic poles that had mostly rotted away. Who remembers the CCC, the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps? This project helped save a Tlingit and Haida culture that had been essentialy outlawed until that time. There must have been 20 poles, some 60 feet tall, most very intricately carved, and in a perfect spot. The clan house was quite large and would house as many as three families. The setting, at the site of an old fishing camp, beautiful cove on the edge of Tongass Narrows.
Friday night took us to The Narrows for supper. Again, on the waterfront, good food, owner who came to our table and talked about Ketchikan. Of course, we all want seafood, but haven't tried King Crab yet.
Denise and Nancy did some shopping Saturday a.m. while we stayed home and geared up for the Alabama game and I cooked a tail-gate meal, barbecue ribs, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, even a dessert.
Sunday, early a.m., took Nancy and Denise to the ferry(they would not let us take them across to the airport), bid them good-bye, and came home to get ready to visit the Lutheran Church at 11:00.
It's like every Sunday, whatever church I'm attending, knows the message I need to hear and prepares it just for me. That was the case again this time. Wonderful message, friendly people, beautiful, old building, good crowd, and I'm happy to say, some children there, very out-going, up-beat pastor, communion, coffee hour after church, and a credo worth mentioning, "Called by Christ, to Invite, Equip and Send".
The Landing Restaurant at the Best Western Hotel called us to lunch where, again we had clam chowder, salmon steaks(which were very good, I had been kinda dreading ordering it because I had eaten some before that was "tasteless", but this was an exception), and by this time, my refrigerator is almost full having taken "doggy-bags" home with us, with no dog at home, and most of the left-overs never eaten.
The "Tongass Trading Triangle" had every kind of souvenier imaginable, clothing, jackets, raingear(every store has this), a nice rather inexpensive shop.
I haven't mentioned cards at all because I'vve had no one to play with since Janie(by the way, she is better, responding to medication, therapy, and all else that goes along with it)went home, so it was nice to play again, but not to lose as badly as I did.