Category: Family

Could I say a mother’s work is never done?

Having just celebrated Mother’s Day by making my mother and myself prepare brunch for the multitudes (okay – it was totally impromtu), I have been reminising lately about motherhood.  Maybe it is because Alena has been off island attending school so much lately and we have had the added responsibility of looking after grandson number one.  You know the drill -making sure homework is done, and vitamins are taken, and enough sleep is obtained.  Schedules of school time, early release days, when is the after school program?, boots for PCR, and the ultra important – inside and outside shoes.  Of course having to also take care of the dog and cat is reminisent of something Caleb and I have already done, and vowed to never do again.  We can’t stand it when they die. 

Wild geranium (cranesbill) and wormwood (artemesia)

Perhaps it is the coming spring that is making me so introspective.  Maybe it is all the things about Unangan values and culture that I am still learning from my mother and am passing on, in a continuous stream of consciousness, to my children, who must pass it on to theirs.  It could be that life seems to be rushing me along, each year getting shorter and shorter – or so it seems.  I do find that I no longer have time to spend on folks who focus on the negative, so I have made a conscious choice that my time is no longer their time.  I know.  Radical, but good for the soul.  I would hazard a guess that turning to the far side of 50 has had a great impact on what I do and what I think!

Ah, motherhood.  The one thing I don’t miss about it because I am still totally immersed in it, is worrying about the welfare of my offspring.  So, I guess this all started on Mother’s Day, when after helping with the dishes, Laresa said, “Gotta go”, to her grandmother and me.  Off sailing.  Her second sailboat ride.  The first in the near bays.  I know that this one will be out of the bays.  And like any mother, I am a worry wart. 

She says that the sailor sailed it all the way up here by himself, on his way to Russia.  It is safe.  There are survival suits. 

I have to say that I am a bit ashamed of myself.  When Laresa got back home from her sail, she mentioned that she got a little seasick at one point.  I was tickled; full of glee.  Safe in my hope that she won’t make a real habit of sailing off into the Bering Sea.  Good god!  I am hopeless!

Projects of the day.

With the sun shining brightly, mom and I took a brisk walk up to the graveyard to assess the necessary repairs to the graves.  Something we try to do every year before Memorial Day.  And let me tell you it was brisk!  That northish wind really puts a chill in the air.  On the way back, we walked the front beach looking for wood for the smokehouse this summer.  We threw it up the bank, at intervals, and then Caleb and I used the Exploder to pick it up. 

Then, after Caleb got up from trying to take a nap (hahaha) before having to go back to work, we heard some bumping and thumping around outside.  Caleb says, “Now what is your dad up to?”  Me – “I don’t know.”  Caleb – “Is he fixing up a new oil drum for the smokehouse?”  Me – “Looks like it.”  And…..he’s off and running.  I swear.  No rest for the wicked!  The old one was having some major issues with the door last year. 

Many, many years of service!

A few measurements, some god-awful noise, and we have something that will be ready for use….after they burn the gunk out of it….or, as Caleb said, divorces will ensue. 

Caleb and Sam - they can do anything and everything!

We are all looking forward to fishing this summer!

…and the whirlwind of life continues.

Well, how about this life in small town America?  Are you all getting enough activities to be content?  I am continually amazed at how life never seems to slow down in Unalaska.  I think I just need to zone out for a bit to recouperate, but the really busy times are right around the corner.  The spouse and I are currently enthralled with all the arguments that are even remotely possible concerning such things as the greenhouse, getting the boat ready for fishing, the messy house, when Alena is leaving again for her classes, how come the tomato plant isn’t blossoming, where in the heck do you get seed potatos in the State of Alaska, and if I have meetings, what’s for dinner?

We had a great time last weekend cheering on all the wonderful folks who shaved their heads to support children who have cancer and typically lose their hair during treatment.  During the St. Baldrick’s Day event, the community raised around $20,000 to support research.  My nephew, Jacob, was one of the shavees.  I am very proud that he is compassionate about life. 

Jacob 'before'.

And off to the left, is CB, from Dutch Harbor Dirt http://dutchharbordirt.blogspot.com/ .  He was also a shavee. 

OMG! Feeling the head for the first time!

And look at that pile of hair!  Thanks also to Jacob’s mom, Wendy, for signing that permission slip, allowing Jacob not only to get his head shaved, but to raise money for the cause. 

And, yes, Mamma approves.

And two of my favorite guys, CB, of the above mentioned blog, and Steve, whose blog, A Sense of Place, keeps many of us centered with his thoughtful posts.  You can read him at http://senseofplace63.blogspot.com/ 

CB on the left, and Steve, front and center!
Aren't they just the handsomest?

We have had a couple of beautiful days in Unalaska, teasing us with spring-like weather. 

Dad - checking out the salmon stream at Summer Bay.
Mom and Caleb walking the beach at Summer Bay.

And just look at all the beauty and then look at the crap that washes up on shore. 

How in the heck are we going to get rid of this?

Next week is Clean Up Week in Unalaska.  The snow is melting quickly and it is time to pick up everything that has been blowing hither and yon over the winter.  Bags are available at PCR.  Pick up a handful and have at it!