Old People/Houses: The same rules apply!

March 18th, 2024

Remember that old joke — after you reach 40 it’s Patch Patch Patch but after 60 it’s PatchPatchPatch?  Well. I’m here to tell you that the same goes for houses, but since this house was built in 1869 (and never mind that I’m way past the Age 60 Date Stamp!), I’m not just sure how to express the maintenance issues.  For both of us, of course.  But mostly for the house!

Last year at this time I was having the wonderful ChimCare crew rebuild our west chimney — just from the roofline up, thank goodness.  Spendy doesn’t even come close to what it cost but, considering it was ready to tumble down and take a good part of the roof with it, I didn’t quibble.  No Sirree!

This year this old lady needs a bit of facelift.  (Well, yes, that could definitely apply to me but, we need to choose our priorities, eh?)  So… in April the house is getting some necessary refurbishing by my friend Painter Jay whose last name (Short) belies his six-foot-seven height!  But, I must say his long reach is perfect for his profession  — never mind that we made an interesting sight as we walked about this morning, side-by-side, assessing the needs of the house!

Also, I like it that Jay prioritizes by what the public sees first — the street-side view – which is especially important in a National Historic District that encourages our thousands of yearly visitors to take a walking tour through the village.  After that area, priorities run to what is most needed #1 for the health of the house and #2 for the particular places that bug me the most.  This is the way we’ve been doing it for a good many years now, and the house has stayed in fine shape — visually as well as physically.

I wouldn’t say the process is easy… but it sure is easier with this Old Lady House than with the Old Lady Owner..  But then, I really don’t expect to be around at age 155! (I wonder what expectations the house had back in 1869?}

 

 

‘Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit’

March 17th, 2024

Bill Grennan, all decked out for St. Patrick’s Day 2024. (And Me).

Since our Friday Night Gathering was the nearest date to St. Patrick’s Day that we’d all be together, Bill Grennan took the opportunity to come in full regalia — an Irish Green Kilt with all the accoutrements, including a matching Green Bowler!  He looked terrific — a photo op waiting to happen.  I was sorry I didn’t have “a kilt o’ me own” but was pleased that Tucker asked me, anyway, to pose with the Kilt Man of the Peninsula!

Though kilts are definitely part of Ireland’s culture (and anyone can wear one). there is a bit of disagreement about when  they became popular.  Many say the Irish first played the bagpipes, and the Scots first wore kilts.  Since they are both Celtic nations, both wear kilts with pride and both remain silent on what is worn underneath. (Though I did read recently that kilt wearers are about “half and half.”  Half wear underwear; half go commando.   I can’t help but wonder who exactly did that survey.  And how.)

Bill in his Kilkenny Kilt, 2012 — and check out those Ghillie Brogues!

While Scottish kilts can be traced back to the 1600’s, Kilt-wearing became common in Ireland during the mid-1800’s, although not long ago, an aged Irish kilt was dug up in a farmer’s field. It was traced to the year 1590.  So the discussion continues.  Even so, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that kilts became synonymous with Gaelic heritage.

While there are thousands of family or clan tartans in Scotland, in Ireland, there are only a few families with registered kilts, including Murphy, O’Neil, and Fitzpatrick.  Kilts in Ireland are tied to a person’s county or region. There is a designated tartan for each of four Irish provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. A man from Cork would probably wear the Cork Tartan, and so forth.  Bill Grennan’s people come from Kilkenny, the county town of County Kilkenny in Ireland. It is situated on both banks of the River Nore, at the center of County Kilkenny in the province of Leinster in the south-east of Ireland.  He usually reserves his Kilkenny tartan for very special occasions.

 

 

 

 

Remembering Carolyn Glenn

March 16th, 2024

 

 

 

Laurie Anderson, Darlene Battles (hidden behind), Una Boyle, Lorna Follis, Sydney Stevens, “44”, Bette Snyder, Karen Clarke, Karen Snyder,  Marion Oman.  (March 27, 2009  Bette Snyder’s 86th Birthday Tea at Carolyn Glenn’s)  Photo by Carolyn Glenn.

This photo was sent to me by Lorna Follis and, I’m chagrinned to admit that even though I’m standing next to her in the picture, I have no memory of her.  I think that the occasion of this “Tea” — which I actually remember as an elegant, full-blown luncheon — was our first and only meeting.  But, she reads my blogs and wanted to share this amazing photograph.  She remembered almost all of the women’s names (I knew maybe half) and she reached out to Karen Snyder to make sure of the one or two she didn’t know!

I remember the occasion very well. indeed.  Carolyn was working in the kitchen when I arrived and had commandeered two or three other early arrivals to help her arrange salads on plates, finger sandwiches on platters and carry things into the dining room.  Our hostess gave gentle suggestions but, as usual, appeared totally relaxed with plenty of time to introduce those of us who didn’t know one another and to answer the door and make each newcomer welcome.

I remember being impressed that she was using the antique green Wedgewood plates that were identical to my paternal grandmother’s set which are now treasured and on display in our home, but never used.  Hers had faded from their forest green color to a light green — the glaze having washed off over the hundred years or so of their use.  “I don’t know how old they are,” she said.  “Marguerite always used them for special occasion, so I do, too.”  (I tried to follow her example afterwards… but I could feel my father’s concerned disapproval and wished that he and Marguerite and Carolyn and I could have a philosophical discussion about the use of family keepsakes and treasures.  But… I digress.

I don’t remember much about the afternoon except that I only knew the hostess and the guest of honor and one or two others very well.  Indeed, some of us hatched the idea of having a movie nigjht (at Carolyn’s) once a month or so which might have lasted a half year until, perhaps, one of us got sick.

That the cardboard cutout of Obama was “part of our group” was typical of Carolyn during those years.  I remember that she brought him (affectionately called “44”) to one of Nyel’s and my Christmas parties and he was there, of course, when Carolyn and Guy brought in the New Year with eggnogs for the masses (or so it seemed to me.)  Always, Carolyn was the relaxed and interested hostess — whether it was a Tea for the Senator’s wife or a “Coffee” for a candidate for local office.

And for the last several years of Nyel’s life, she was his most faithful visitor — both here and in Seattle.  She mever failed to bring a half dozen of his favorite dark chocolate bars, always including a “new discovery” and wanting his expert opinion on its merits!  Her generosity of spirit, her gentleness of personality, and her forcefulness of belief were a combination that I at once admired and approached with awe.  I am so glad she made me a part of her life!

 

THE OYSTERVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE!

March 13th, 2024

The Oysterville School – Under Oysterville Community Club Stewardship since 1957

YIKES!  Miss Giraldo, my first journalism teacher at San Rafael High School, would never forgive me!  In my blog yesterday about Maggie Stuckey’s Soup Event I left out the fourth crucial W that every beginning journalist knows by heart.  WHERE?  The answer:  THE OYSTERVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE!

I think I covered the other W’s adequately, but just in case you missed that blog, here is the crucial information:

WHO?  MAGGIE STUCKEY, THE QUINTESSENTIAL QUEEN OF NURTURING

WHAT? MAGGIE WILL BE SHARING THE JOYS OF THE SOUP NIGHT TRADITION AND THE MAGIC IT BRINGS TO OUR SOMETIMES FRACTIOUS WORLD.

WHEN? WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20TH, FROM 2:00 TO 3:30 (OR SO)

WHERE?  THE OYSTERVILLE SCHOOL HOUSE

WHY?  MAGGIE BELIEVES IN “TEACHING BY DOING” AND SO SHE’LL SHARE A NO-STRESS WAY OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS, OVERCOMING ISOLATION AND FEARFULNESS — ALL WITH FRIENDSHIP KINDNESS, AND OPEN-HEARTED CARING.  AND SHE’LL BE SERVING  SOME OF HER DELICIOUS SOUP AND TALKING ABOUT THE SUCCESSES HER “SOUP NIGHT” BOOK HAS HAD ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! (And she’ll have copies of her book for sale: $20 cash or check only.)

And sometimes that H question, HOW is included as essential to an informative article.  But, in this case, we’ll leave the HOW up to Maggie.  She, after all, is the one with the magic formula and we will be the lucky recipients of her secrets!

Many thanks to Blog Readers who caught the error of my ways and full apologies to Maggie for my gaff!  Whatever was I thinking???  (Probably that all roads lead to Oysterville and, OF COURSE you’d find your way! )  I do hope you catch this follow-up information and spread the word to Maggie’s fans and, especially to those of us who are all about community and a wonderfully simple and delicious way to reinforce our friendships and togetherness!

 

March 20th! One week from tomorrow!

March 12th, 2024

Maggie Stucky, The Queen of Nurturing!

Mark your calendar.  Save your appetite!  Maggie Stuckey is coming to town!  And if you know anything at all about Maggie, you know that she is the Quintessential Queen of Nurturing — whether it be growing a garden, serving up a delicious homemade meal, or just showing us how to do it ourselves!

On Wednesday, March 20th from 2:00 to 3:30 (or so!), Maggie will be sharing the joys of the Soup Night tradition and the magic it brings to our sometimes fractious world.  She’ll share a no-stress way of bringing people together breaking down barriers, overcoming isolation and fearfulness — all with friendship, kindness, and open-hearted caring.  And the magic formula?  Soup!!

In this free program, we’ll sample delicious homemade soup while Maggie shares stories of Soup Nighters all around the country who are creating a real sense of community through the age-old idea of getting together for a simple meal on a regular basis.  In our greater Peninsula community, many of us do such get-t0gethers already — but perhaps not with the magic ingredient of soup.  (And somehow, that always reminds me of the old folk tale “Stone Soup,” but Maggie’s formula for Soup Night carries that idea just a bit farther along the magical neighborhood highway.)

Her book, “Soup Night” which is filled with recipes — several by community members you might know, including yours truly — will be for sale at the event — $20, cash or checks only, please, says Maggie.  And, you might even get her to autograph your copy!  Bring a friend if you wish.  And $20 if you’re smart.  Otherwise, just bring a bit of appetite for some delicious food and delightful discourse!  See you there!

History Forum on You Tube!

March 11th, 2024

Pacific County History Forum 3-6-2024 On YouTube!

Gillnetter Kent Martin explains how a drift works.

I hope you have time to look at this video.  It’s the best one yet!  As usual a great Forum AND the best video. Except for the body in the red jacket that keeps getting in front of the camera in the first few minutes.  Sorry.  I need to find a different place out of the camera’s relentless eye.

I LOVED hearing everything again!  And was I seeing all of us for the first time?  It sort of seemed like it.  This time around, I could really listen and look at the faces and the interest and the buy-in.  It was grand.  There’s something about being able to revisit an activity that you’ve participated in that makes it really special.  I suppose sportsmen know this in an absolutely visceral way — and probably are looking at their performances with a critical eye.  I’m sure I should have been, and maybe will next time, but mostly I was interested in hearing and seeing without having a little voice nagging at me about what I needed to do next.  Or not.

Dick Wallace tells about his summers at Derbyville when he was a kid.

I’m sorry all over again, of course, that we ran out of time before we got to see Michael’s presentation on the Ilwaco Fish Wars.  Maybe we can convince him to share it before we actually get started with our Wrecks ‘N’ Rescues Forum in April.  Speaking of which, we are already lining up some community experts to talk about shipwrecks and the long-lasting impact many of them have had on our community and on our development of rescue techniques and early warning systems.

Meanwhile, do look at Michael’s YouTube posting.  It is inspirational!  What a great community we have!

Surprises and Fun All Day Long!

March 9th, 2024

Nancy Lloyd – Photo by Andy Dolan c. 2003

Today was the day that I was to Get Things Done.  It said so on my calendar in my own handwriting.  And so I did — but not at all as expected!

At the top of my list was to call my old friend Nancy Lloyd which I did, but had to leave a message.  Then I spent three or four good productive hours writing before going to Colleen’s to meet with another friend, Patricia Moss.  She has moved and this is the first time we’ve managed to catch up with one another in many months.  We had no sooner hugged and settled in with a cup of coffee than Nancy called and I had to beg off and tell her I’d call later.

Patricia Moss, Art Historian

Great “catch-up” with Patricia — hearing about her latest art sleuthing projects and, as always, being blown away by her meticulous research in her work as an Art Detective.  (Well, that’s what I call her, though I’m sure there is a proper and more academic title for her job.)  I always feel inspired by her single-minded dedication and, as usual when we parted, I was filled with resolve for getting right back to work.

But first… I headed south to Long Beach to the Performing Arts Center to see Spud Siegel and the Snakeskinners. Sandy Bradley, one of the band members, had called me earlier in the day to ask if I was coming  (No. Gormless, as usual.  And, yes if there was still room.  And yes, again, if I didn’t mind sharing a table with her brother.)

From The Bottom: Spud, Mick, Sandy, George

I was greeted at the door with a big hug from Spud and a request to do a House Concert here in Oysterville again next Fall.  Wow!  Details to be worked out later.  The last time he played here, he was with Mary Flower; next time it will probably be with one of the other Snakeskinners.  In addition to Spud on the mandolin and Sandy on guitar, the group includes Mick Doherty on hammer dulcimer and George Penk on fiddle.  Only Spud and Mick sing.  And I meant to ask George if he always performs barefoot, but I forgot.  Most of their numbers were Irish in deference to Saint Patrick’s Day — or perhaps they bill themselves as an Irish Band but from the smattering of non-Irish music they played, I doubt it.  They are totally eclectic and multi-national.

It was a fabulous evening and, despite pouring rain, glaring headlights, and pitch black surroundings, I made it home safely.  I called Nancy immediately, but no luck.  I hope I did not miss my opportunity entirely when I had to postpone things earlier today.

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Sometimes it’s complicated!

March 8th, 2024

Well, today was one of “those” days when I (once again) suspected that I was losing it — probably It with a capital I which is the part that I seem to be losing.  But, it turned out all right, so that’s the bottom line that I’ll keep in mind. Once again.

It all began when I received a lovely note from my friend Patricia Moss.  She has moved out of the area and was going to be here visiting for a few hours on the Peninsula.  Against that end, she arranged with Colleen at Tapestry Rose to “reserve” a corner in the back room where her friends could drop by and see her during the early afternoon.  Great idea, thought I, and wrote that I’d try to get in for a quick hug and catch-up around one.

Meanwhile… and isn’t this where things always get complicated? — I needed to be at the Hospital in Ilwaco for a “procedure” around 11 and thought it would be the perfect time to meet with my friend Patricia Fagerland for a bite of lunch afterwards.  (Can you see the problem building?)  So I wrote to Patricia F. and suggested a meeting place at 11:45-ish and sent off my email.

When I didn’t get a confirmation from Patricia F. about our lunch date, I went back to double check that I had sent it.  (That seems to be a recent trick, either of mine or of the computer — my “sent” documents end up in my “drafts” waiting patiently.)  But, no.  I had sent the message to… drum beat… Patricia Moss!  So. now what?  I wrote Patricia Moss, hoping she’ll disregard the lunch note and that I’ll be able to keep my “date” with her at Colleen’s.  And I wrote to Patricia F saying I’d see her around noon for lunch.  Lordy, Lordy!

Of course, I tell myself that if one were a “Pat” rather than both being Patricias, I could (perhaps) cope better.  But being a Sydney and definitely NOT a “Syd” I try to respect people’s name preferences.  So… I proceeded with my day to see what would transpire.  My back-up plan was to call Patricia M. if it looked like I’d be running late… and about the time I got to the hospital, I realized that I hadn’t brought my phone with me.  Lordy!  Lordy!  No phone.  No contact information.  No phone booths or phone books or back-up plan that I could think of.

So… I forged ahead, got out of the hospital early, drove to Patricia F’s and suggested we go to lunch a bit earlier than planned.  (Maybe I could still make it to Colleen’s in time… or at least by 1:30.)  We were just tucking into lunch when one of the workers came to our table with a phone and told me there was a call for me.  (How did she know my name?)  And on the other end was Patricia M. saying that she was in Astoria and our date was for tomorrow, not today!  WOW!

P.S.  My lunch with Patricia F. turned out to be in honor of my recent birthday!  It was so so fun!  And thanks to those birthday gods smiling on me, I enjoyed it all with a clear conscience about my confusion.

God willin’ an’ the snow don’t fall…

March 7th, 2024

Color!

In three days, Daylight Savings Time begins.  In twelve days, Spring begins.  And I am SO ready!

Every time I’m out and about, I seem to acquire more seed packets.  The brighter the colors, the less my resistance!  I bring them home knowing full well that I am WAY early weather-wise and that I must work on cultivating patience rather than garden flowers.

More Color!

My friends remind me that it’s not the first March that has had a seemingly inordinate amount of frosty, slushy, even downright snowy weather.  But… somehow, I’ve forgotten.  March is supposed to be the time when we begin getting ready for the delights to come.  We’ve already cut and enjoyed most of the daffodils.  We’ve given the camelias and rosebuds up to the deer.  ENOUGH say I.  Bring on the sun and the warmth and the joys of Spring!

I AM SO READY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fish Tales & Memories at the History Forum

March 6th, 2024

Irene Martin. her foghorn, and me!

Today’s History Forum — our seventh! — was all about fish!  Pacific County fish tales going all the way back to the 1860s  and right up into present times.  The changes on the river and the riverbank — the methods, the equipment, the boats, and the memories — were shared by fishers who had been there, done that and loved it all!  Many of the rest of us joined in with our own memories.  And we asked questions:  “What’s a drift?”  “Where, exactly, was McGowan?”  “How did the Boldt Decision affect Sports Fishing?”

The experts were there to answer us and tell us so many things we wouldn’t have known to ask.  Irene Martin brought artifacts — a foghorn which looked a lot like a toy horn but was the only “protection” an early-day fisher had when fog shrouded the fishing grounds.  She also shared one of the earliest cans made on the river, with ends probably soldered with lead in those days.  The “opened” can (actually only barely opened and pried up — lethal looking) and an early can opener that looked a lot like a bayonet and for good reason.  Until some time after the Civil War, bayonets were exactly what were used for opening cans — until someone got inventive!

Oysterville Schoolhouse 2008 Today it wasn’t snowy but even though the heat had been turned to “comfort zone” yesterday afternoon, it was chilly around the edges!

Irene’s husband, Kent — a fourth generation fisherman with 40 years experience gillnetting on the Columbia and in Bristol Bay– explained what a “drift” was — how it was prepared, how the fishers used it, how one differed from another.  (You had to be there!)  It was a side to fishing that most of us landlubbers knew little about — and you could feel our appreciation expand!

Bill Garvin gave us an overview of his great-grandfather’s “company town” McGowan — how many year round workers lived there, how many seasonal workers, and an overview of living in a place where the only transportation out or in was by water.  Bill also had some great memories of  the McGowan of his childhood and of the stories  his mother told about growing up there in the teens and twenties.  (His mother and my mother were lifelong friends and, when I come to think about it, had many things in common, including grandfathers who had founded a town and growing up where transportation by land was the exception.)

Dick Wallace shared his boyhood memories of Derbyville which was a sports fishing summer camp owned and managed by his Grandfather Provo in the 1940s and 50s — a magical place for a young boy to make enough pennies to buy a pop at the Derbyville Store and to learn the ins and outs of boat-launching and fish-cleaning and all the other fishing lore necessary to an eight- or nine- or ten-year-old boy.  So many memories of a time along the River just west of where the bridge is now.  And so many heads nodding and that far-away look in the eyes of his listeners.  Remembering history!

Residences at McGowan, “A Company Town”

Pat Schenk shared great stories about his charter business — it, too, now in its fourth generation.  He spoke of the changes since the Boldt Decision, but not with complaint — mostly with a huge appreciation for his years in the business and the wonderful memories and fish tales he still enjoys telling.  And then… we were out of time!  I hope Michael Lemeshko will find a way to work in the Ilwaco Fish Wars next time.  I was looking forward to that.

But even so, it was a morning to remember and to share.  It was exactly what the History Forum is meant to be.  Thank you to all the participants.  Once again I felt the joy of living in a small community where we can learn from those who have lived history and so willingly share with the rest of us!  Now if only we can pass it on to those who are coming up — those whose memories will be of screen time and traffic jams and maybe, just maybe, if they are lucky, of catching their first salmon on the River.