In Mike's Memory

Three years have passed since we've seen Mike's smile or felt one of his big hugs.  Following are some pix, Mike's scrapbook pages and poems written by Mike, Me and Emily Dickinson in Mike's Memory.  We love you Mike and miss you every day.

Where I’m From

I’m from a brick house

Love engulfing the walls like insulation

This is my world

An everlasting home

My everything

I’m from the whiff of freshly cut grass

The smell of dogs

The scent of the hot tub’s steam

An aroma of the afternoon’s sweet breeze

My nose is kept busy

I’m from humming computers that keep rhythm

Noises of barking dogs in every direction

The clamor of metal pots echoing in the kitchen

Shouts of sports commentator’s booming voices

My ears are kept busy

I’m from rich flavors in spaghetti

Tastes of hearty chili

Samples of home-style cookies

Bites of roasted chicken

My mouth is kept busy

I’m from soft blankets in winter

The feeling of a warm pillow early in the morning

The soft bubbles of a hot tub’s jets

The essence of a thick rug beneath your feet

My sense of touch is kept busy

I’m from a brick house

Endless spirit of family

Indestructible memories

My everything

by

Mike Weiss

My Hugging King

Sparkling Blue Eyes

A smile known to melt any heart

reaches arms up

encircling grandma, grandpa,

mom and dad,

sisters, brother,

friends

The Hugging King

Sparkling Blue Eyes

now outlined by wire rims

 arms reaching down

enveloping grandma, grandpa,

mom and dad,

sisters, brother,

friends

The Hugging King

Gone too soon

Eyes now closed

sending robins

hugs remembered

smiles memorized

Always

My Hugging King

The first stanza of this Emily Dickinson Poem on my painting reads:

"Hope" is the thing with feathers

that perches in the soul ----

And sings the tune without the words ----

And never stops - at - all

Love You Mike

The Healing Powers of Howick

The past few weeks we've taken advantage of  what's around us.  David has kayaked at Howick Bay, taken sailing lessons at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, and even attempted the plunge into  the water.  We continue to be amazed at how some locals just go right in the water while we are sitting there with multiple layers of clothing, the wind whipping through us, huddling on the bench while enjoying the ever changing view before us.

It was sailing day for juniors at Howick Beach ---- We hadn't realized the "juniors" part so David thought he might get a go at sailing but had to be content with kayaking --- this too was for juniors but they let David and the gentleman in the kayak behind him paddle around for a bit.  That gentleman could not stay upright --- every time I turned around he was upside down --- David did us proud!

The following week he got a call from Bucklands Yacht Club that they were starting a 3 week course for adults wanting to learn the basics of sailing.  So off he went for some tacking and jibbing.  I couldn't help but make Popeye some spinach that night to replenish him.

Weekend 2 of sailing gave David an exhausting day of constant tacking, jibbing and reef sailing.  The winds were at 20 knots the entire 6 hours. Waves crashing!  The engine died when starting the entry to the narrow channel of the harbor ---- the coast guard actually had to pull them in.  O'kay -- I'm thinking George Clooney in The Perfect Storm ----

While George was out there in the wind,  I went for a final hike with Carol to Duder Regional Park.  Carol has finished her year contract and will be leaving soon for her new home in Nashville.  David and I will so miss this dear friend.   We had the perfect hiking day --- light breeze/ partly cloudy/ cool temps ---lots of talk ---- lots of lazy sheep along the rolling hills ---- incredible coastal views  and a great lunch out in Clevedon.  If you don't remember here is a pix of Carol at Duder from back in July.  (Yes I blew it ---I missed taking a pix this time)

I have been enjoying being back teaching and taking painting classes.  Here are some photos from the school I volunteer at.

Here is the space I use. I actually had my choice this term and chose the Resource Room for easy access to the books.   Beside this counter is a sliding door to a wooden hallway ---- all classrooms open so nicely to usable outdoor space.  This room also houses leveled books.  Here is a pix of the sliding shelves --- what a smart way to do this.

Here's a few more photos of the general lay out.

The top floor with the tables outside the glass doors is the teacher lounge  ---  a great place for tea time!!

This morning's view of Howick Beach

Over and Out