Home again

I am back home in the North Country!  It is chilly but at least the sun is shining and the snow melted. 

What a wonderful retreat we had.  I am trying to absorb it all.  It will take awhile!  I will draw a labyrinth on my own (I opted out of that exercise).  The nice part was that we could participate as much or as little as we liked.

The remembrance ceremony was so meaningful.  I will always remember that day.  I was touched by Elissa's husband Richard playing the trumpet as we approached the park where we planted the Sycamore tree.  He played a piece he wrote for Cara.  I know our children were there with us.

I enjoyed the camaraderie, the catching up, and getting to know new moms!  The moonshine wasn't bad either. 

Sunday night was a perfect end to the weekend.  We had a quick dinner and attended a show that the concierge recommended. There were only 2 shows on Sunday night so we chose the Shoji Tabuchi show.  Shoji is a classical violinist who fell in love with country music and emigrated to the United States.  He built a large theatre and puts on shows.  He is a great entertainer - he played a variety of music (not all cowboy stuff) and had a wonderful sense of humour.  He lost a son some time ago so does a tribute to him in each show.  He mentioned us when did it.  Oh yes; I mustn't forget the rest rooms!  They were elaborate to say the least! 

Joe and I explored a bit of Missouri before and after the retreat.  We had to go to Hannibal - Mark Twain is one of Joe's favorite authors.  And then Route 66.  We visited a lot of the famous places on the route and met some wonderful people.  For example, we met a retired gentleman who now owns the old bus station on Route 66 in St. Clair.  He had it as a pizza restaurant but retired and decided to give back to the community.  He now has a coffee shop/art gallery.  He makes next to no money - a coke and iced tea with complementary cookies were $2:00.  We left a $3.00 tip.  He displays and sells the art of local artists; some are very good.  And the prices were very reasonable.  Of course we bought a painting - I have no idea where I will put it!  He doesn't take a commission and he hosts artists to come and paint and drink wine once a week!  We enjoyed our visit with him.

Missouri was not what we expected, though I have no idea what we thought it was.  I guess people singing cowboy songs and strumming on a banjo  or guitar!  At our age, I doubt we will be back to Missouri but we are glad we went!!

Lisa:  I know you were there with us.  I think you were responsible for having things fall in to place.  You were always the organized one!  I miss you always and love you forever, Mummy