Autumn

It is time to get the yard cleaned up for the winter snow. There are plenty of bushes to trim and weeds to pull as well as the sprinkler system to turn off and the pool to cover. It doesn’t sound very exciting but it’s therapeutic to pull everything out of the ground and put it into the compost bin.

The Halloween madness has begun as Lucas is obsessed with this holiday. We have shopped at the Dollar Store, 50% Card Shop and Target so far. The one thing he wanted was a huge plastic chain which cost $12.99 and I just couldn’t bring myself to purchase it. I suppose I will go back this week and get it for him just because if you want a plastic chain that badly you should get one when you have a doting grandmother.

Hasn’t it been nice hearing from all the members of our Earthwatch Team? I loved reading about your visit to Veronica’s school. Maybe someone would like to check the Meru photos on Hank’s Picasa site. Veronica looks about 15 or older I’d say.

My mom remembered me and I was pleased. She seems to be adjusting to all her friends and the routine where she lives. She still asks to go to her house however when I take her for a ride, it takes only about 30 minutes and then she begins asking to go back to her place. She is very healthy and feels well I think.

It is so exciting that we will get to go to Brooks Memorial Park again. Maybe you can bring Hank and visit Maryhill Museum on your way.

Bon Voyage to Nancy and Larry on their 1st Class trip to Shanghai. Do you think she’ll love it?

Out of Africa

Today when we left most of us were in tears. We began this trip wanting to learn about the animals and after all Africa has been about its people. The tears began when we spotted our guards, Vincent and James, dressed up in their best attire for our group photo.

Driving from Nanyuki to Nairobi today has been a blur of walking Kenyans carrying water, wood and crops on their backs. Everywhere the landscape is dotted with broken, old, run-down materials seen from our bouncing, rattling
minibus careening down the bumpy, patched highway.


The remaining eight of us had lunch together at the beautiful Fairview Hotel. Some of us tried to walk around the neighborhood but the broken sidewalks, rocky paths and wild traffic soon sent us back to the hotel.

This has been a once in a lifetime experience that was very moving and thought provoking. How lucky we are with our lives when we do not question lights, water, food and safety and how can we assist Africans so they can also take these things for granted?

Judy's 66th Birthday-September 13

For almost 13 years I spent your birthday with you and finally after 50 years we are again spending your day at the same place. In case anyone doesn’t know you are always happy all the time in Africa. I’m learning that many people get the African craze and then think of little else.

You are also being the directive cousin by being kind to me sharing your extra washcloth, cleaning my muddy boots, loaning me your warm jacket, and by helping our tree measurement team on your day off. When you run around being organized and organizing you remind me of your mom and the early training she gave you regarding taking care of life’s little details.

So far this trip you have adopted one chimp, two goats, and given to William Holden’s Animal Conservancy. I think I am only buying solar flashlights for children as I can't fathom these homes with no electricity.

Anyway if this turns out to be the last of our birthdays celebrated together it has been memorable. Africa is truly unforgettable.

You Were Right!

I didn't care that much about seeing Africa but after the second day it was so moving to be here walking around near the magnificent animals with the kind African people nearby. The area is not that different from Warden but the animals are everywhere and we can see them so closely. Everyday we see different ones and my favorite so far are the elephants and the rhinos. The giraffes and zebras are so common that I am beginning to ignore them. I am enjoying the rhino patrol that goes out twice a day to find the newly relocated rhinos since riding in the open back of the pickup truck is the best way to see everything.

Today 9 of us came to town in the Land Cruiser during a huge downpour which caused us to slide sideways a few times on the very muddy roads. We stay two hours and then will head back to our huts we stay in while you and Hank have the suite inside the main building. I'm glad we are here and that you invited me to experience Africa. Thousands of pictures will follow in a week or so.