Hello WIPsters,
Hope you are feeling hip and happy. Goodness knows, that is hard these days. I am here to reflect the light and love on several of our classmates.
Back in May and June, Randi, Madison and I set off on a road trip. First night’s stop was with Robbie, Dee and Robbie’s sister Jane, and their dog Raymo. In classic WIP style, I called Robbie the day before (in what could be termed out of the blue) asked if we could come and stay the night and he said "Hey Bari! Will be great to see you and Randi!! I just listened to your voicemail message. As I understand it, U2 will be arriving tomorrow evening, which is Sunday departing Monday morning. That’s fine fine! Will be great seeing you both" Then when I included Madison "Madison! My dreams are coming true!!".
It is the saying yes part that came to be classic for me.
Three other calls or texts were also answered with yes.
Being with those four in their beautiful PA home on a lovely warm late May evening, talking and sharing stories while fireflies bopped around, was a great way to launch our trip. They shared that Kentuck Knob, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's designed houses, was around thhe corner. Randi and I took an early and eludicating morning tour. What a cool neighbor Robbie and Dee have.
As a bonus, not only did we have the time with Robbie, Dee, Jane and Raymo, I could charge my truck with their dryer outlet.
Having spent a hot day on the south Rim of the the Grand Canyon we three road warriors needed to find our next nights stop. So another suprise phone call, this time to Cynthia. Our call was answered with a "yes and it is perfect timimg". So off through the desert to spend the night with Cynthia. How fun to see her, in her home, and living in a sweet neighborhood. We went out to dinner and laughed and enjoyed yet another warm evening outside and the high mountain air (before the most recent fires).
Leaving Cynthia we headed to northeastern Co. I have driven to Las Vegas three times and back once via 15 and I70. They are stunninginly beautiful drives. I mean you drive through the rockies then Utah then down what seems like a chute next to the Virgin River into AZ then a jog to Mom’s in Nevada. Deserts, mountains, woods, streams, rivers - that is a lot of beauty When we drove that route this time it did not disappoint.
Having another way back towards Chicago was pleasing and intriguing. Our drive through New Mexico and easter Colorodo was also gorgeous, in places stunning and in general pleasing. Really my face was usually grinning.
From our northern Colorado hotel, we texted Lisa asking if she was in Des Moines and if we could stop for the night.
Lisa lives in her famiy home which could be a mid century museum. It is a beautiful house and Lisa keeps the gardens tended and thriving. She was also in the midst of a photo archiving project which you may note in the attached photos. We sat outside for a while after we arrived and by the time we thought to inquire if we could order in some food we realized it was to late. So we pooled what we had in our vehicle food stores with what Lisa had and made a wonderous pasta, tomato and chickpea dish.
The next day we helped move a chair from the basement into Lisa’s car so she could take it to her other home in MN.
We left Lisa’s (which for accuracy sake is in Johnston, Iowa, not Des Moines) and headed to Chicago to visit with friends of Randi from her growing up there.
For our last stop we asked Connie (we have stayed with her a couple of other times on the way back to Vermont from Chicago) if we could once again spend the night and visit. And in classic WIP style she said, well- "I have to be off my feet because of recent foot surgery but you can make yourself at home".
Which we did. Randi made a delicious Salmon dinner which we planned to bring and got the ingredients in Chicago before leaving for the day. Don’t fret, we keep food cooled with regrigeration in the truck. Connie shared stories of her daughter and granddaughter. They are all doing well and enjoying life.
We got back to Vermont and got to work on the homestead in prepeation of holding a fundraiser at the house. We raised $5000 for a fledgling organization that helps queer Ugandans get asylum and find resources to be successful in this country.
The founder and one of the beneficiareies of the organization made a Ugandan feast with Goat from a friend who raises goats down the road. To help us first world people get a slight glimpse into the chaos of being a refugee, rain poured down just as the event was beginning. Forcing the muscians to relocate from the back deck into the living room, removing furnature, and then finding candles because the power went out. Stayed out too for the duration of the event. And what a spendid event it was. Everyone leaving well feed, and pleased by the music and comraiderie. Asking if we could do it again in a year.
Summer activities continued with a two week trip to West Virginia and now back for a short while at least.
And before I end this first a pro tip from my 92 y/o mother. Who we visited in Las Vegas. Really, seeing her was inspiration for the trip. And we got so much more.
She puts the sticker on the statue of Rebecca that has been with her since I was a kid, outside her front door. She says it tells the canvessors not to stop. She also thinks Biden is to old. She knows what it like. Anyway, hope you vote early too.
Lastly. Now it is time to share with you all such a depth gratitude. Our summer trip was boayed by you. Anchored too. Wonderful memories shared and made. I am grateful for you being you and being there, for saying yes and sharing yoursleves and your lives with me and mine. I love you all.
Bari
PS Randi and I began musing next years adventure flowing up the pacific coast before heading back east.
