55th Class Reunion - Greenfield~

 It had already been five years since our 50th Greenfield Class Reunion.  We had planned to meet again this weekend at the Greenfield Country Club.  Sadly, since our plans had been made, the town was struck by a horrific  F4 tornado on May 22nd. 

Greenfield Country Club~

The class as a group, decided instead of a catered luncheon; we would donate those funds to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation.  We had arranged to meet at the Greenfield Country Club.  Thankfully the Club & golf course had been spared.

Beautiful views~

I drove over in rain for about the first forty miles.  By the time I reached Griswold, the rain had stopped, but the cloud cover remained.  The road check points had been removed since our trip last week & the driveway to the club was just before that point on Hwy 92 anyway.

Socializing~

Snacks & water had been provided.  It took me a while to recognize my classmates.  After all, it had been another five years!  We lost one member to the tornado & our group has been diminished by the loss of 4 others since our 50th.

Doug Armstrong, Connie & my fraternal Cousin Larry Glade~

Doug & I had been childhood friends, living just a couple blocks apart. Larry is the middle son of my dad's oldest sister my Aunt Evelyn.  His wife Patty was one of my best friends.  (Another best friend - Susan Williams was unable to attend.) 

Our group photo~

I think there were five others who were unable to make the trip & we missed them.  The afternoon conversations centered around the tornado; lives lost & damage to almost 200 homes.  

We held a business meeting, deciding to liquidate our bank account & donate that money to the GGCF.  Four of the Greenfield Firemen lost their homes to the tornado.  We donated another portion of the money to the Fire Department & another to the school district.  

When we were oh so young!

After I left, I stopped at my favorite store, Ed & Eva's, in the Opera House, on the square.  I found another handmade metal butterfly for the yard.

The Explorer in front of Ed & Eva's~

Everyone agreed, what a blessing it was the town square & historic buildings there were spared.  

Adair County Courthouse~

The majority of my early childhood memories are associated with this Midwest town.  Returning here is always like returning home.  Being recognized by name & associated with members of my family, is always an honor.

Our class has decided with the current attrition rate, our next gathering will be in three years, instead of five.  Same time, same place!  I look forward to it & I hope we're all still around to attend!

Greenfield ~

It seems every year now, when the holiday's come round - we make the drive over to Greenfield.  It's the seasonal shop local weekend.  Since we do what shopping we can locally in Glenwood, it seems only fair to give Greenfield business owners a small boost too.

Inside Kelly's Flowers~

Butch had an activity to drive on Sat. & worked Friday morning.  He called just as I was leaving for the Y, to say he'd be home in time for us to make the day-trip. It was a gray, drizzly day, but not as cold as it looked. We took Hwy 34 to Creston .

On our way through town, I wanted to stop at Kelly's Flowers.  Always so beautifully decorated for the holidays & with a wonderful assortment of poinsettias, wreaths & gift.  What I'd forgotten, was that they also serve food!  We stayed for lunch & I found a cute light-up cardinal canvas print for the cabin!

Vicker Welsh Pony Farm~

Going north on Hwy 25 toward Greenfield, I had to stop for a photo of the miniature team!  Sadly, the herd was dispersed in 2006 due to the owners failing health.

Beautiful old signage~

Just a short drive & we were in Greenfield. Our first stop is always Ed & Eva's.  Featuring art-work from Iowa artists, it's a great place to find unique gifts.

Butch at the door~

I always remind Butch of a reason I need to buy more garden art!  The metal & stone animals always draw my attention, as do the metal flowers.  Metal in Iowa works through the harsh extremes of hot summers & cold winters!

Looking out the display window at the Adair County Courthouse & Butch's Truck

The little owl, came home with us.  I've collected a few owls & he won't blow away either!  Another bonus to outdoor garden art of metal & rock.

Nutcracker Collection~

We made our way around the square, finding a few unusual gifts.  There's always a fresh selection every time we visit.  A variety of gift & antique shops that make small town shopping fun.   Just as we were walking back to the truck, a thunderstorm hit!  We stood under an awning, looking at the truck just across the street.

At Sherbondy's

The truck came with a remote starting system & Butch used it.  I told him - I have to wonder if by the time we are really old - he'll just be able to drive the truck to us by remote control!  We finally made a run for it - getting us & our packages in without getting totally drenched.  We ran out of the rain just a few miles out of town!

I did end up buying our yearly Poinsettia at Sherbondy's - they grow the most beautiful plants~

50th Greenfield Class Reunion~

I received a call from my cousin Larry's wife - also one of my first school friends.  The class I started school with, fifty-years ago invited me to their reunion.  It took me a minute for Patty's words to sink in.  Was she kidding?  There's no way we could be old enough for that number to have crept up! 

Where Kindergarten was held~

Since dinner was to be held the day after the Fourth, we didn't have specific plans & Butch agreed it would be a fun trip.

The Opera House, Warren Cultural Center~

The ladies were also planning to meet for lunch at the Olive Branch.  We arrived in time for me to attend.  Patty & one of my best early childhood friends Susan would introduce me to people I either hadn't met, or possibly didn't remember.  Those of us who'd started school in the church basement, had a connection that the newcomers didn't really understand :-) One classmate said she would have remembered me better, if I knew the color of the floor mat, I'd used for nap time!  I do have a photo of me holding it, in black & white!

We filled two-tables!

Larry & Patty had attended Dad's graveside service in 2012, we'd had time to catch up a little with each other then.  But Susan & I hadn't seen each other since a summer her family visited mine in Boulder.  We were probably in our early teens.

Sign for our Class of 69~

That evening, the square filled with cars & we filed into the Warren Cultural Center.  So well organized - with name tags on the registration table.  The next line, was at the top of the stairs, for the bar! :-)  It was a full room of people talking non-stop!  I would turn one way & see a face I remembered, or someone would come up to me & say;  "Connie?!"  There were 68 in the graduating class, twelve have passed away.

Before dinner, the photographer wanted to get a class photo on the stairs.  Sounds easy right?  It's not!  He kept telling us to move down another step, then another.  Things got pretty friendly to say the least!  The guys just couldn't help themselves & offered to put ladies on their knees :-)

Greenfield H.S. 50th Class Reunion~

One classmate mentioned something about being unsteady on her feet!  That really brought out a laugh!  We told her that if she went down, we'd all go down with her!

Besides catching up on where everyone lived, what our occupations had been, or still were, the Hot Topic was Grand-kids!  Most everyone had them, everyone loved them & we all agreed that they were Way more fun than kids! :-)

The organizers had hoped to have people bring enough old photos for a slide presentation.  I was one of the only ones who brought any.  They were from way back when.  I've promised those involved I'd forward them on.

My birthday party 2-11-1957

Doug is up front, along with my cousin Larry on the right.  There were so many kids, Mom couldn't get us all the photo!

Connie, Doug, Patty & Susan~

The four of us played badminton at Susan's every summer. Grandma lived catty corner from Doug.  Susan was just a block away, making it easy to continue our friendship during my summer visits.  The last time we'd been together was 1964.  Doug has become the most recognized of our class. He's the Director of Animal Health at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.

Patty, cousin Larry & me~

As the family of our childhood gets smaller year by year... ties become closer. Though we seldom see each other, when we do, it seems like yesterday.
The class invited some of their teachers & a very special Optometrist. When I heard someone say that Dr. Purtzer was with us for dinner, I couldn't believe my ears.

Dr. Purtzer & me~

My Grandmother Carrie worked for Dr. Purtzer for many years before she moved to the farm.  He instantly remembered her & said that she was one of his very best friends.  He also immediately remembered my mother & her two sisters.  I had been into his office as a child to visit grandma & he even remembered that!  What a wonderful man, he made me feel like a kid again!

Sat. morning after driving past the farm, we had coffee in Greenfield with Susan, Jeff & a couple other classmates. Before leaving for home, we took Nika on a walk around town.  I was stunned by the hollyhocks in this beautiful yard!  We stopped to chat, the kids were playing with a fast remote controlled car & wanted to pet Nika.

Jennifer's beautiful front yard~

Since my black hollyhocks have done just outstanding this year, we're going to exchange seeds next time we're in town.  It was a really fun time for me.  Butch was the long-suffering husband to attend - but he really enjoyed meeting some of the people who were in Mom's photo's from my childhood.

I'm so thankful that these wonderful people included me & my friend Marilyn too!  She's now lives in Kentucky!  I asked if she ever attended the Derby?  That brought up the story of how a blind date to the Derby - became marriage!  Plenty of stories, plenty of years to have lived them!

Ken Sidey Nature Area ~

I was searching Google Earth, looking at parks in Adair County.  The Ken Sidey Nature Area is only a couple miles from Greenfield.  I love the story behind this area & how long it's been left in a native state.  For over fifty-years, Mr. Sidey took weekly walks here & wrote about the area in his Notes & Notions column in Adair County Free Press.   My Aunt, Blanch Tracy worked at the Free Press for many years.  She enjoyed the work there; I think I would have too!

I convinced Butch we needed to take a short hike, before continuing on to Creston.  The day had started out cool, with a nice breeze, but turned downright hot.  The humidity was high, after what must have been more overnight rain.

Entrance Sign~

Nika was with us & ready for a walk. The start of the trail was soaking wet, with water running along over the top of the already muddy soil.  I had on sandals; Butch gave me a look :-)

Nika & Butch on the trail~

The one sign we found wasn't too informative. It showed what looked to be nice circular trail system, but there was no signage as to what trail you were on. We found a couple turns off what we thought was the main trail.

In the Timber~

It was beautiful! So lush, so green & so quiet! It was also very, very wet! We were slipping & sliding with almost every step. Under the layer of mud & water, we could see gravel here & there.

Columbine~

The Columbine above is the second I've seen this season, each at a different park. The ground covers here were more diverse. I only saw a few honeysuckle - I hope they're removed before they have a chance to spread!

Nodaway Lake

The first turn we made, took us down to the lake! The second, we were climbing a hill along the side of a open field. We could just see a house at the top, so we both thought we'd made a wrong turn. By now, my Garmin said we'd covered a half-mile. The sweat was dripping from us both & even Nika had slowed down.

Connie & Nika

We decided to turn back - after taking a short break on one of the benches along the trail.  The sign below was near a gate at the edge of the lake.

Yuck!

From that point on, I felt every drip of sweat & thought it was a tick! I think it's great we're to mail in the form & a study is on-going.

Our trek~

By the time we were back to the parking - the three of us were more than ready for the air-conditioned comfort of the truck! This will be another place for exploring on a cool fall day!

Memorial Day Weekend ~

  Originally to honor those who died in service to their country, over the years, Memorial Day has become a time to honor all Veterans who have served.   When I was little, it was called Decoration Day.  We would go to the cemetery to decorate family grave sites.  The meaning of the holiday, has changed somewhat over the ensuing years, but in the heartland, the true meaning is still very much in evidence.

  As we've done each Memorial Day weekend since moving to Iowa, we drove to my hometown.  Having packed the weed whacker, preen, new artificial flowers & the tools we knew we'd need to spruce up the area's at each of the two cemetery plots where so many of my family are buried.  My parents, paternal grandparents, aunts & uncles in Greenfield.

The Veteran Sunken Garden, Greenfield Cemetery~

The crosses in the garden hold the name of each Veteran who has served his country.  At this mornings ceremony, the names of each & every Veteran was spoken.  They now total 644 names...   Since the town's population is only around 2,000 - many men from this area have served over the years.  My Dad, my brother, several of my Uncles.

Looking toward the cemetery entrance.

I removed the old flowers from last year & placed the new ones. Since the weather was forecast to be awful, the American Legion decided to not place all the flags. The ceremony itself was scheduled to be held at a very large fitness club at the edge of town.

My Parents & youngest brother~

It is always a very introspective time for me.  Both Mom & Dad were 85 when they passed, just four-years apart.  We lost my youngest brother in 2000.  The cemetery was a busting place - cars coming & going, everyone out decorating & honoring family & friends that are no longer with us.

Nika waits~

Our next stop was again, the little cemetery, on a high hill.  My maternal family plot has been here, since before I was born.  It's always so quiet & so restful.  Some of the stones are very old, it's like walking back in time to see dates going back to the early 1800's.  Nika has made this trip with us several times now & likes this place the best.  

We can notice changes now.  Last year it was much drier & the peonies were already in bloom.  This year, they were still in the bud stage & everything was very wet & green.  We planted a new white peony & added a thick ring around it for protection from the mowers.  

I still remember my Grandmother bringing me out here each summer to pull weeds & think of how she would appreciate our taking over these duties.

Memorial Day ~

We were up & on our way to Greenfield early.  I wanted to arrive in time to decorate our families graves & find a place in the shade for the Memorial Ceremony.  Grateful appreciation has to be expressed to the members of the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357 

Entrance~

 We were among the first to arrive & it was nice to have the quiet of the morning to place flowers on my parents & brother Russ's graves.  My fraternal Grandparents gravesite is nearby, where we placed branches of wild red roses.

Honor Guard~

Butch had our chairs under a large tree in the shade & I was thankful for that - as the day was heating up incredibly fast.  The ceremony was beautiful, with the names of each & every Veteran called out.  The American Legion sets crosses in the Memorial Garden for each Veteran, in alphabetical order & by War or conflict.

Poppies placed on the crosses~

  Volunteers were asked to help place a poppy on each cross.  It's a staggeringly somber sight, to think of all the men, just from this small town, who have served & died for our country.

A field of Honor~

Both my father & my youngest brother have crosses here, along with several Uncles.  Many family names were familiar to me.  After the ceremony, family members could collect the poppies & we brought my two home~

Dad's Flag~

We took the walk to visit Dad's flag - no wind on this day - so Butch held it out for the photo.  A fitting tribute to so many who served valiantly & died for the freedom we enjoy today.

Last View~

As we drove south - Butch stopped for me to take in this last view of the Cemetery.  It's still very hard for me to think of the family I have lost.  I was so very lucky to know my grandparents so well as a child & as the oldest, have the most memories of them. 

From here we traveled on to where the maternal side of my family is buried.  It's in a quiet, almost forgotten part of the Iowa countryside.  We were the only ones there, with only the songs of the birds drifting in the light breeze.  

Family plot~

When we were planting all the emerald green trees at the Homestead, Mom got the idea of planting one at each corner of the plot here.  Even under very harsh conditions & getting hit by a mower on occasion, they've managed to live.  

A quote from the only early history I've managed to find on this area, entitled;  "A Parson's Vacation", describes it this way in 1855.  "He was especially impressed with the native wealth of western Iowa's never-ending rolling divides, then so luxuriantly covered with waving grass in a sea of green & dotted with wild flowers of every hue;  all tossing their radiant greetings to him in the gentle summer breezes."

We drove past Grandma's farm on our way back to Greenfield.  Lunch was overdue & by the time we'd finished, a thunderstorm had rolled in.  Driving through it, at home the temperatures were up in the high 90's yet again.

The Cold Commeth~

We'd been having the most beautiful sunshine days, except for the wind, which I'm told is pretty much normal for fall.  But within just the last few days, the temperature's have dropped & we experienced three hard freezes.  Oh joy!  Killing off the last of the bugs!  Farah was happy to finally be rid of her fly mask.

Sunday, after church & lunch we worked all afternoon at home.  Butch mowed & edged, while I emptied pots & transplanted.

Mr. Squirrel with his Fall attire~

This morning - the winds of yesterday were gone!  I'd be riding, but our high is only supposed to be in the mid-30's with a possibility of snow showers.  I'm just not as in to riding in the cold as I once was.  Tomorrow the weather man is promising 50 - hopefully that will make a nice riding day.

Nika on her morning round of the yard~

It seems that time moves faster for me with each passing year.  Last year we were empting out the final storage full of furniture & spent our first night in our own bed - rather than in the camper.  We'd had a busy couple of weeks waiting for the flooring installation to be finished & working on the house remodel. 

Bottom corner~

This is my favorite area of the yard.  Yesterday even in the cold & wind, Nika & I went exploring along the creek.  The freeze has wilted the tall weeds, so even though we did some brush whacking, we made our way quite a distance.  The air smelled so fresh & full of the scents of fall!

Nika in the NW corner~

I went ahead & planted the Dusty Miller that had been in buckets all summer, into the ground.  We'll see how long they can hold up.   My most of my red germanium's made it through their first Summer here in good shape.  They were in the ground longer than they had ever been in WA.  I had to cover them twice, when there was a chance of a freeze & I was worried that I was stretching the limits of the weather!

Last of the blooms~

All the bigger plants are now in pots & on shelving in the craft room with lights.  I had more than I had room for, so I took cuttings that will soon be in pots.  Still nice to be able to enjoy the last of the blooms.  I've so many projects stacked up for the cold Winter months that I doubt I'll run out any time soon!