Random thoughts on a summer day
The Consumnes River Preserve beckoned one early summer morning to enjoy a peaceful interlude. What struck me immediately was the wetlands which were so wet during the winter and early spring (flooded) were now dry. It was a first for me because even in the drought the ducks, geese, egrets and herons had water. That section was dry and quiet with few people. The volunteer explained it was dry to grow hay and grass for winter feeding.
When I crossed the road to the oaks, water was there but less plentiful. Ten weeks previously the river was high and spilling into lower land. This time the water was rapidly receding. The quiet added another dimension with only a lively squirrel occasionally running across the path.
I’m grateful to be close to this nature preserve as I was grateful for Lodi Lake and its nature trail when I lived in Lodi. Receiving emails from you is special. They often develop into a column, or at least a piece of a column.
Karen Everett Watson wrote she has lived in Galt for over 30 years. “I raised my kids here on 2 acres just a few miles from town. Now seven of my 10 grandkids are also growing up here. It’s a wonderful place to put down roots, even though it has grown by leaps and bounds since we moved here.”
She writes for the Galt Herald and played softball with my step-daughter Paula Garten. A happy late 90th birthday to John Tymkowych, who celebrated on July 10. His step-daughter Patsy Gorczyca wrote me about the Ukraine columns. She wanted to share them with the family so they could learn more about present day Ukraine. Judy Halstead returned to Ukraine for another stay and we’re anxious to hear about latest developments. Enjoyed a mini reunion with two former Vine Street neighbors at Velvet Creamery recently — Gail Evans and Marilyn (Peters) Harrington both of whom are retired from Lodi Unified. They fondly remembered Chuck (my first husband) and his teasing of their young sons — Ryan Peters and Russell Evans.
Gail had wonderful memories of the Tokay High library and the students who gathered there at lunch time. I assume this was a safe place for students where they could relax as well as read or search computers.
Gail’s daughter Laurie is good friends with my grandson’s wife Monique Raimundi. Back to those synchronicity moments again!
Gail’s granddaughter attends Reese Elementary where Marilyn taught They talked about the teachers there along with more fond memories of other Lodi Unified personnel as well as students. Pleasant memories for all. Note to Gwin: Just finished another Pat Conroy book and, like you, wish he was still alive to share his excellent prose and characters with his fans. When finishing one of his books I feel I have a new set of friends and want to continue being in their lives. That was the power of Conroy’s writing. While in the desert I met a former South Carolina neighbor of Conroy’s. He said conversations with Conroy were always fascinating. I imagine they were. Whoops! I committed a big error because I didn’t refer to my notes while proofreading (and always told my students to do that!).
Janis Barsetti attended and graduated from the University of the Pacific. Sincere apologies, Janis. Considering I worked there, I have no excuse.
While mentioning Janis, must talk about the Galt Historical Society’s “Sip and Snack at the Mac” on July 29. According to Janis, over 450 people made their way to this event at McFarland Ranch. The snacks provided by local restaurants, caterers and merchants were so good we ate more than we meant to. And the wines and brews were excellent. What a great setting under the oaks with pleasant music and charming talks with visitors from many areas.
Many event goers took advantage of the restored house tour, awe struck by the exact details of each room. Charlene Walters is a great niece of John McFarland and talked of her memories when she visited as a child. She described many of the pieces in the smoking room as well as showing pictures of the past.
On Aug. 6 the Galt Historical Society then had an Ice Cream Social at Rae House, another of their historical house projects. They gave tours as well as providing yummy treats. Their next event is a Ladies’ Tea and Champagne Brunch on Oct. 7.
Speaking of ice cream — don’t forget the Lodi Historical Society’s Ice Cream On Pine event on Aug. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Yes, they still are having their August Ice Cream Social — just in a different place.