September 4, 2007 at 5:21 PM

My parents came to visit me from Oklahoma. I almost wish they hadn't been so nice and we hadn't had quite as much fun, since their departure has made me miss their immediate presence in my life a little more than before.

We took a ferry over to Cordova and saw swans and calving glaciers.

We also drove across the Bridge to Nowhere, which turned out to be a misnomer because apparently leads to a boat ramp on the other side.

My dad and George designed and built a new pigeon coop, and my mom and I painted it red and white.

They also bought me a gorgeous 1920's style sequined black recital dress, which I will share with you later.

And now I have the week off all by myself while George hunts for caribou up on the north slope with a bow and arrow and a couple of friends. I have all the time I want now, to draw and hike and play music. And not be lonely (so I tell myself).

I picked up my instrument for the first time since its repair from the bridge accident last week, and a lovely little waltz popped out of it, one that I remember hearing when I was young. It's funny, I'd never played it before, but the notes seemed so fresh, and fit the mood just right. So here's a waltz for my parents, who might still have that old tape somewhere, with the name of the waltz on it and the name of the old fiddler who played it. I can't seem to remember, myself.

From Terez Mertes
Posted on September 4, 2007 at 6:43 PM

>I almost wish they hadn't been so nice and we hadn't had quite as much fun, since their departure has made me miss their immediate presence in my life a little more than before.

Aw, that was a good visit, then. I love the pic of the two of them. One I'm sure you'll treasure forever, yes?

From Tom Holzman
Posted on September 4, 2007 at 8:04 PM

A lovely picture of your folks that you will always treasure along with the memories of their visit. I hope you will enjoy the week of freedom.

From Albert Justice
Posted on September 4, 2007 at 10:19 PM

The photos are beautiful Emily, as was your sharing just how much you love your mom and dad. I can relate.

I'm looking forward to hearing your waltz. I absolutely believe in the power of simple songs as the first 'language' of music--and probably the most lasting?

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on September 5, 2007 at 3:16 AM

Your photos are beautiful, as always, Emily. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with your parents so much. Memories of it should nourish you in your next week by yourself.

From David Russell
Posted on September 5, 2007 at 10:35 AM

Beautiful places and beautiful visit, it seems. I envy your chicken coop! I raised a flock with my oldest son. They were "free-ranging"---that means all the neighbors had surprise visits (and presents) from them. Actually, they were quite the neighborhood personalities. Finally, my wife, who was 6 months pregnant, tired of chasing them aound the neighborhood with a broom developed a sudden taste for chicken.... so I quickly called some friends who run a fantastic bed and Breakfast in a National Park. The chickens now reside there in style and provide fresh "hen fruit" for the fabulous breakfasts. Its the least I could do for such charming friends.

I also wish George a succesful hunt.This too, I envy. (Fellow bowhunter) :-)

From Emily Grossman
Posted on September 5, 2007 at 7:45 PM

Homegrown chicken sounds good. I haven't eaten any of my pigeons. So far. We're still trying to get the numbers back up after the bear disaster.

The caribou hunting isn't so great up here for the average Soldotna citizen. George and his buddies are traveling over 700 miles up north to find a legal caribou, because our current hunting regs are pretty restrictive. Last year, they didn't get one at all. They went on and on about how everything went wrong during their trip, and how much fun they had.

You archers are amazing. I can't believe it when I see George hit a bull's eye at 80 yards.

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September 4, 2007 at 5:21 PM

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