BLOG SIX

BLOG SIX

February 3, 2009

Jennie, my sister in law, passed away last Friday. I will be flying home tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4. Visitation is on Thursday and the funeral is on Friday. I’ll be staying in Brampton until Monday and then will fly back down to Arizona.

The people here in the park have been extremely supportive. Stephen and Anna offered to drive me to the airport; Linda and Wayne (also from Ontario) are flying home tomorrow and also offered to take me to the airport, so I will go with them. Stephen will pick me up when I return on Monday.

Penny and Doug unhesitatingly offered to take care of Ripley while I’m away. They’ve got it worked out so that when one of them is busy, the other one will stay with Ripley. It is very reassuring to know that Ripley will be in good hands, and she really likes Penny and Doug. And, as a back-up, Anna has offered to look after Ripley if Penny and Doug are busy. Anna lives on the no-pet side of the park so she can only do it for short periods of time.

Those people who know about my bereavement here have been very kind, offering sympathy and encouragement. It really is like having an extended family.

Since life goes on, I have still been getting involved in activities here. Penny taught another craft class last Friday (that was before I learned of Jennie’s passing) and I made a skin drum noisemaker under her guidance. I did skip the potato bake that evening, having just learned about Jennie.

On Monday, February 2 eight of us drove down to Tucson to the huge Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Lorraine, Penny, Doug, Sandra, Karen and I went shopping while Denny and his 86 year old father sauntered around. I found some wonderful beads for future projects – things that I probably couldn’t have found in Canada, at excellent prices. The highlight for me was finding a booth where I bought six hand-carved wooden animals suitable for pendants. My animal friends will love these. All in all, we had a really fun day.

So today, February 3 I have pulled out my winter snowboots, sweaters, etc. and packed up ready to head north to the land of ice and snow tomorrow.

During my absence this coming Saturday is the craft sale here at Indian Skies. Penny, Sandra and Linda have very kindly offered to man my booth for me and hopefully sell some of my jewelry. I can’t thank them enough for all their kindnesses.