Summer Memories

After arriving in Ontario in late June, I attended the Brubacher Family reunion. The commitment of cousins and aunts and uncles to travel from 4 Canadian provinces and territories and 5 US states for the gathering was appreciated. Greetings from Germany and British Columbia were also much appreciated.


The only place to be on June 30, if I'm in Ontario, is along the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich. While the sun sets over the habour, the beach fills as the crowds anticipate the annual July 1st fireworks. The echo of the fireworks across the habour and the reflection of the fireworks on the water is something not to be missed, even if I have to sit on the beach covered by three home made quilts to escape the cold. This year an Edmontonian and a Torontonian joined me.


After attending MCC orientation in Akron, Pennsylvania in early July, I traveled to Wayne County, Ohio to experience rural Ohio. Touring the countryside in a 1964 Plymouth was definitely a highlight. While there, I was also reminded of the terror thunder and lightening can put in me during a summer thunder storm. Having lived about 30 minutes from the most stable climate in all the world for the past 11 years, I'd forgotten the power of a summer storm. Aimlessly driving through Amish country stopping at thrift stores, Lehman's Hardware, Heini's Cheese Chalet, and random little Amish shops to search for footwear proved to be a very enjoyable day spent with a friend. I then travelled to Goshen, Indiana to spend a day catching up with forever friends from Goshen College.


From Goshen, I was on the road to Tisikawa, Illinois to visit another very good friend. While traveling through the urban mid west I gained appreciation for the wisdom of GPS. Not once did my car companion fail to provide absolutely accurate directions with no last minute hesitations. Picking blueberries at Plow Creek Farm; spotting a wild turkey with 13 offspring in the Menno Haven hay field; and enjoying a "Cow Poke" sandwich at a local diner in Tisikawa were several weekend highlights.


In early August I flew to Alaska to spend quality time with two precious nephews. These two little guys never cease to amaze me. Aware of every barking dog, summer flower and plush toy, the two year old keeps my senses alert. The 3.5 year old, on the other hand, is fascinated by the mechanics of every door and never misses opening a door for me and inquiring how it works.

And these are the things they say,
"I like when you sit beside me auntie."
"The B says 'b' . . . every letter makes a sound . . . the B says 'b' "
"This is the best ever cake!!"

Before I leave for Laos, I will spend time with more friends and family in Ontario and continue to add to the summer 2008 memory collection.

Thanks to the many friends and family who contributed to my summer memories!