"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime"-MARK TWAIN

Friday, September 18, 2015

Life is Never Scheduled

 

Let’s see if I can do a compilation of the last four weeks.

First off is the death of an uncle.  Not just any uncle, but the patriarch of our family.  At almost 88 years of age, he was still going strong.  Taking care of his wife of 65 years, and being the conscious of his nieces and nephews.  He was the one always reminding us to visit the sick, attend the funerals, give to the needy, and much more. We talked often, and though the calls were to check on him and his wife, afterward you realized he was really checking on us.  From a fall, to a broken leg, to a blood clot, and death; all within five days.  A reminder that one never knows.  Also,I’m not sure I like being the oldest member of the clan.

Afterward, we decided to get on the road for a while.  We attended the Kansas Eggstravaganza, of which I didn’t take one picture.  Had a great time with friends, old and new.  I did visit Ft. Riley, but was left feeling more a criminal than a U.S. citizen.  The things we must do to visit historical sites within military facilities has become a real pain.  Though I had plans to visit the Museum of Cavalry, the Custer home, and the Kansas Territorial Capitol, the lack of maps, directions, or information in general, had me feeling unwelcome.  Only visited the museum before departing the grounds.

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How to protect yourself, and your mount during a gas attack.

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We drove to Abilene one day to visit President Eisenhower's home and library.  His boyhood home.

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Library.

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Grave marker.

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On the way to Abilene, we happened upon a namesake town.  Always thought Chapman was of English origin, but Irish will do.

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Eased our way up into Iowa.  First stop was Pella.  A beautiful small town which is home to Pella windows and Vermeer agricultural equipment.  A town created by Dutch settlers in the mid 1800’s, and very proud of their Dutch heritage.  A real windmill, built by Dutch craftsmen, anchors a corner of downtown. It powers a mill that grinds wheat into flour for the local bakeries, as well as sale to the public.

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Replica sod house that the settlers lived in.

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A Dutch bedroom. Did you know they slept sitting up?

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Wyatt Earp lived here for a short period of time.

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Of course, there is a tulip festival each year.

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Tulip queens from years past.

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Some of the Queen’s costumes.

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Leave your shoes at the door.

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Did I mention Dutch bakeries?  How does one decide what to purchase?

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We had plans to visit the butcher shops the next day.  Shops that still make sausage, bologna, and other products just the same as 1900.  A phone call changed all that.

A friend from my childhood had passed away.  We started first grade together, reconnected again in the 1970’s, and our kids grew up together.  His family requested that I be a pallbearer.  Homeward bound….jc

13 comments:

  1. So sorry for your losses. Life gets more fragile at 88...my mom is almost that age.

    But excited to see a post from you...I really must go see that windmill!
    Thoughts are with you as you say your goodbyes.

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  3. Jerry, this time of our lives is fragile - and difficult. We think of our relatives and friends as going on forever; but not so. My thoughts are with you as you love and grieve.

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  4. More and more, I realize how a day can change in a flash...so sorry for your loss. My 92yo mother in law has the strength unbeknownst to so many...what a different generation so strong and mighty. Pella and that whole part of Iowa has some great hidden gems...you'll have to try and visit again. Great COE parks too!

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  5. More and more, I realize how a day can change in a flash...so sorry for your loss. My 92yo mother in law has the strength unbeknownst to so many...what a different generation so strong and mighty. Pella and that whole part of Iowa has some great hidden gems...you'll have to try and visit again. Great COE parks too!

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  6. Life isn't scheduled for sure Jerry and Wanda--so sorry to hear of your losses.

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  7. Like you, we've entered a time where the losses of loved ones seems to come more frequently. We cherish the time and are inspired by folks like my 94 y.o. father-in-law, who just recently stopped chopping his own wood for the stove, goes dancing, and loves the time spent with his 90 y.o. "lady friend". I'm sorry for your losses; there are no words, only feelings, and memories.
    I enjoyed the photos of your recent travels! My grandparents lived in Chapman, KS when I was a young girl; I was blessed to spend four or five summers with them in that sweet little town. It was destroyed by a tornado a few years ago, but has healed and rebuilt since then. Thank you for sharing; you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

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  8. Sorry to hear about your recent losses. Unfortunately as you said life changes within a moment and there is no way of changing it. It's also a bit unnerving to be at the top of the ladder as most of us find ourselves sooner or later.
    Be Safe!

    It's about time.

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  9. Now that was a month truly tinged with sadness. So sorry.

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  10. Thinking of you and your loss, Jerry. Glad you found your namesake place. I tripped across mine outside of Duluth, Mn.

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  11. Thinking of you and your loss, Jerry. Glad you found your namesake place. I tripped across mine outside of Duluth, Mn.

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  12. Sorry to hear of your loss...Thoughts and prayers for you and your Family! As been said, Like is fragile .

    Nice to see you Guys on the road...and wonderful shots...take care and may good memories occupy your thoughts...Horst sends

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