Nyel and Kris, Replete

What a day we had yesterday with Kuzzin Kris! It began with the Rhododendron Breakfast and Lecture at the Shelburne – a sell-out with forty of us in the audience enjoying our choice from David’s breakfast menu and then a power point presentation by John Stephens and Steve McCormick with Steve Clarke adding his expertise now and then.

I confess to feeling downright teary (in a proud, motherly sort of way) when John and Steve mentioned the part that the Community Historians Project played in encouraging/supporting their research on the amazing Dr. J Harold Clarke whose work was the subject of their talk. Many in the room were members of the Portland Rhododendron Association, a group that Dr. Clarke supported tirelessly during his lifetime.  I have no doubt that most of the ‘locals’ in the audience besides ourselves were well familiar with Clarke’s Rhododendron Nursery, founded by Dr. Clarke and carried on by his son Paul and grandson Steve.

The Oldest Rhododendron on the Peninsula

Replete with breakfast and gorgeous images and information, we toured the rhododendron gardens, oohing and aahing and meeting friends along the way. The variety in gardens was astounding – from the (probably) oldest rhododendron tree (Yes! Tree!) on the Peninsula to vistas of unexpected colors, textures and sizes.

Along the way, we checked out several “possibilities” for living/working space for Kris so that she can fulfill her plan of moving to the beach next fall. Wherever she lands, it has to include space for her baby grand piano as wel1 as room for her voice and meditation students. We found at least one interesting possibility.

And… in our own backyard!

And then… across the river to the Bistro for dinner where, of course, we enjoyed a fabulous meal, Tom Trudell’s piano music, and container ships moving down the river practically at our table’s edge.  Oh, and did I mention seeing and visiting with more friends during the course of our meal?  Then, home to more of that exploding chocolate cake from yesterday. All the while talking, talking, talking – even my usually quiet husband chiming in frequently with stories and anecdotes of his own. Kuzzin Kris has that effect on people!

It was definitely a full day – loaded with rich experiences and intriguing people. And here we are, ready to hit the road again to join yet another cousin at the Cowboy Breakfast in Long Beach. Speaking of which, I’d best ‘get on my horse’ – time’s galloping on!