Spokane, Wa. trip
Posted by Gerry!
My mother was one of eight children! She was born in 1904 and her last surviving brother is now 97! His wife is also still alive and they have been married 70 years. Something to be really proud of!
Both have been recently hospitalized after having bad colds. They currently live with one of their 3 daughters in her home with an attached smaller apartment complex.
When I was only 6 and years to follow, they took me fishing in the lakes of Idaho. My mother, father, brother and sister and I have remained close with this Uncle Ralph and Aunt Edith. He was an inspiration to me: in 2002, he bought a red pick up truck and continued driving and delivering newspapers. This he did for 25 years. Prior to that he was employed as a printer setting type via wooden type pieces which no longer exsist, of course, with computers.
Pat was impressed with a family tradition called Cider Days. Ralph has apple trees on his place in Idaho near Mica Peak. His land was beautiful with tall grasses and taller trees. Bears came down to eat the apples but Ralph had a plan for that. We will leave the solution to your imagination! Anyway, Cider Day was referred to by Pat as a slice out of National Geographic. As we had hand pressed apples to get the juice we produced 75 gallons of cider in 2005. Ralph saved plastic milk jugs all year to collect the cider in after the grinding. Along with that activity 4 generations enjoyed each other....without the aid of electronics:)
I just got back from visiting them for 3 days and can't help but paying tribute to their approach to family. Pat suggested I put together a scrapbook for them which they delighted in. Even more so as I went through photos ( not nearly as many as Pat has) it made me proud to be a part of their family and yours.
Looking forward to Craig's wedding
Gerry
Great entry .. thanks for sharing! I've heard stories from mom about your family and this helps frame them in my mind. Good seeing you at the wedding.
brian
Thanks for sharing Gerry. I've had some fresh cider from an old fashioned apple press and it was delicious - thanks for the nostalgia.
Gerry regular apple juice just wont cut it for me now. I need the home made stuff----sounds AwSomE. Mabee my apartment complex will allow me to plant an apple tree to begin a new tradition here in Cali.(LoL)They would have to have a lawn first I guess. Glad your trip went well. It was probably nice to visit with the family. I'm sure it meant the world two the two of them. Cider days sounds like a great tradition, and the story makes me think of simpler times that for me are a part of history. It's memories like yours and with my childhood that always has me questioning my life direction especially involving where to settle down.
Yes Gerry the smaller farm towns just seam so peacful and homey. I enjoyed eating dinner with you this week every once and a while and I'll see you 2morrow for the computer pick up.
Sounds like good folk; thanks for telling us good stories. The apple trees sound beautiful. As much as I like exploring highly prepared / novel foods, I've decided that a good piece of fresh fruit is particularly sublime. I guess only god can make an apple (with some help from dedicated people who tend the trees, like your kin).