tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75876843562087591232024-03-19T03:17:06.010-07:00HamsterTalkStraight Talk about Issues in BellinghamJohn Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comBlogger563125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-72566302797302874192023-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:002023-05-12T11:00:25.063-07:00figuring stuff out<div>Now, 4 days before what could have Joan's 75th birthday and just over 7years since she passed, Joan remains a wonderful part of every day for me, as I remember her presence continuously in my consciousness... </div>After reflection upon my 32+ year relationship with Joan, the following recollections apply:<br />
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1. Joan always loved an active life, which was by her definition, <u>never</u> dull. When it began to get dull, she would do something to change it! [THAT'S HER OWN STATEMENT]<br />
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2. She had many interests, friends and circles which she kept up with; diversity had its appeal - within certain limits of propriety, political perspective and, of course, relevance to her goals in life.<br />
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3. Joan was a high energy person, even when physical demands exceeded her comfort zone. She liked to stretch herself to achieve, as long as she felt a safety net nearby, because she was careful and aware of her real or self-imposed limitations.<br />
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4. Joan loved having fun, and seemed always willing to engage in planning or having a fun adventure. Usually, this involved something cultural, political, natural or culinary. And in Nature...<br />
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5. As much as Joan liked her independence and freedom, she always preferred to have a warm nest to return to as her base of operations and loving support. I was more than willing to accept that role, especially when it came to Buddhist events, birding and opera/concerts.<br />
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6. I was greatly attracted to Joan's zest for life, adventurous attitude and energetic pursuit of interests.<br />
Thus, I was very willing to have her 'do her thing' - with or without me along. I had unshakeable trust in her ability to fend for herself, despite knowing she might require reassurance at times. Often, I shared these adventures, enjoyed them and was thankful for her encouragement.<br />
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7. Joan loved to learn, but liked doing so in a relaxed fashion, without requirement of tests, deadlines or much formal homework. She audited classes, even her Buddhist studies with her teacher and sangha, thereby acquiring much absorbed wisdom, upon which she pondered and meditated. She read extensively everything that interested her.<br />
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8. I liked just being around Joan since her persona was so magnetic, real and inviting. I will never forget that attraction and the rewards it produced. I loved it, and still love the memory of it!<br />
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9. Joan and I were one of a kind in many respects. We both loved the outdoors, activity, shared similar views on many subjects, valued important principles, liked humor, food and friendships.<br />
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10. Trust was important to Joan and me. Early on, I trusted Joan because she was so real, and seemed incapable of deception. She needed longer to evaluate me, especially when it came to making a long-term commitment to our relationship. Joan had experienced disappointments earlier in life, which she needed to process thoroughly. After 5-6 years of living together, Joan's doubts were alleviated and she happily agreed to our marriage prior to my accepting a new job in Bellingham, WA, a place neither of us had lived before.<br />
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11. I had never witnessed the type of sustained joy that Joan exhibited on our wedding day! She was simply radiant, smiling incessantly until her cheeks must have ached! That kind of happiness cannot be anything but real! It seemed like we married the whole church!<div>The best part is that same happiness continued until Joan passed away, 16+ years later. What a terrific marriage we've had! The memory of it will last forever...</div><div>
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12. Joan Casey, Missus Joan, is as immortal in my mind as the soloist at our wedding sang -'even death won't part us now'. Her smile at that moment sustains me in my grief for her passing; truly death has not parted us in any way except physically! I will love Joan and her spirit forever! She had already taken that 'to the bank', as exhibited by the penetrating look of love in her eyes, while I promised to be her faithful husband!<br />
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13. Together, we could be a dynamite couple, each complimenting the other's personality. Highly compatible personalities were part our secret; she an INFJ, me an ENFJ. I always felt proud to take Joan anywhere because she was such a class act and enjoyable companion. As the Irish say 'she cleaned up well'. She felt the same way about me, at least most of the time.<br />
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14. A final thought. As much as I miss Joan being around, I can't imagine me just grieving in a corner! She would not have liked that at all! Instead, it is easy for me to remember our many 'moments' together, they were so precious. Those memories are what help sustain me now. Just the thought that Joan truly loved me makes my whole life seem so blessed! How many are blessed with a love like that? I will always feel so grateful for having Joan in my life; she was more than a companion or wife, she was a lasting inspiration!<br />
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15. I once called Joan a 'sassy, lassie Miss Cassie', which seemed to fit her well. </div>John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-84578176704581173552017-06-17T00:01:00.001-07:002023-05-12T10:40:21.328-07:00Joan Casey: Our 27th Anniversary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmpvi7VxpUq5MkK4r9k7vRjTZ0X6_u8Z_WA0foyje6ePILdbzjIU5zcIN10MA87JiWWNsOGLME2T5pTWW_VeSk4hXnOQ6QWSf-yjJMWM3PYk3Vpe8VtxptfhvLBGJjTwPWPX1TVH8bAWU/s1600/Marriage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmpvi7VxpUq5MkK4r9k7vRjTZ0X6_u8Z_WA0foyje6ePILdbzjIU5zcIN10MA87JiWWNsOGLME2T5pTWW_VeSk4hXnOQ6QWSf-yjJMWM3PYk3Vpe8VtxptfhvLBGJjTwPWPX1TVH8bAWU/s400/Marriage.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wedding June 17, 1990</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Six and a half years before this picture was taken, I first met Joan.</div>
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Don't know if it was love at first sight, but it might have been.</div>
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I say that because at my first recollection of Joan, I distinctly recall a bright twinkle or sparkle radiating from her. </div>
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I never forgot that. </div>
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Because it was delightful! </div>
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Wish I could capture that image, but my graphical skills lag far behind my memory and especially, my imagination....</div>
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Anyway, this will remind folks of our wonderful wedding day and our life together!</div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-70990634024807990282017-06-08T19:56:00.003-07:002017-06-08T20:16:39.098-07:00Poetry?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #454545; font-family: Times; font-size: 22.7px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">On Incense</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tendrils</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wisps</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Curling mainly upward, riding barely heated air</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Subject to vagaries of drafts and unseen currents in space, like fleeting shadows</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wafting freely, unbound by gravity</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tiny particles forming temporarily visible smoke</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Later will settle unseen and unheard, but leaving a faint scent reflecting the care of those who made incense</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like a stream of potential Prana trying to reclaim what is gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Settling slowly and silently, lightly covering surfaces that offer willing destinations</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Awaken feelings of joy, reverence, respect</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Creating fleeting glimpses of past joy from days long ago but not far away</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sense only by breathing in, a metaphor for life</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Forgivable clinging?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Remembering great joy- can this be done without sadness?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wonderful habits are not lost easily</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Lingering memories sustain happiness</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Imagine new dimensions!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Honor the good</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Respect actions made with good intent</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Value constancy of love</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Infuse wonder into everything</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ephemeral</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Gossamer</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Veiling and sailing</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Glimmering</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Glistening</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sequins</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Pearls</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Diamonds</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Silvery stuff</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fine f</span><span style="font-size: 22.7px;">luff</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Threads</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Weaving</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Twisting and turning</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Reinventing</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Reflecting</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Matted and overlain into the grain</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Randomly</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unpredictable </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Effortlessly made</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Columnar </span><span style="font-size: 22.7px;">Clouds that last for brief moments</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Entwine the elusive ether</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Engulfs the senses</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Encloses the vastness of intensity</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Indecipherable </span><span style="font-size: 22.7px;">Shapeshifting patterns</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Morphs re-morphs and unmorphs</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unimaginable complexity and randomness</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Conceivable - only briefly</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Puzzling twists and turns</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Flowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tumbling</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Circling</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Surrounding</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Engulfing</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Gentleness personified</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Incomprehensible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Free wandering spirits bound only by imagination</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Complexity beyond expression, simplicity beyond belief</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Magical</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Imperceptible transitions</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Transparent or </span><span style="font-size: 22.7px;">Translucent at will</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sinuously swirls, curls, winds, climbs, dips, doubles back, beckoning, always teasing, tempting</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Traces and spaces and paces itself into complexities constantly changing, barely perceptible in transition</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tickles and trickles and dives and contorts and cavorts into forms and non-forms, not normal or formal </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Erratic and spastic and plastic and elastic - fantastic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Errant, Aberrant, go-where-ant, bleary and blurry</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">InCoherently lazy, hazy and crazy</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Faded and shaded and graded </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">delicate traces, dreamlike</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My dream…</span></div>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-13979513754827508782017-05-13T03:09:00.000-07:002017-05-16T00:57:41.035-07:00Joan Casey: Some Wonderful Reflections<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; line-height: normal;">
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The Whatcom Land Trust has been a favorite activity for Joan Casey for years. Recently, they have helped me find the Jade Stone (Olivine) Bench, obtain permission to place it at the Pt. Whitehorn Marine Reserve, and installed it.<br />
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Here's two photos I took today from Point Whitehorn Park, at the end just before the walk down to the beach.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcsr7s09em6DFw6LQ0zdien0MjEcvfhjsldFkrnYqVIob7EaiiJshlLv1hnGBeOFw91XojmYRk92MJqFlkVE-HOTmMNKFa7-ZsA6XZomODv9uRTB3VZGddsdZL3CzG4K_kEPVWCrKK-Bl/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcsr7s09em6DFw6LQ0zdien0MjEcvfhjsldFkrnYqVIob7EaiiJshlLv1hnGBeOFw91XojmYRk92MJqFlkVE-HOTmMNKFa7-ZsA6XZomODv9uRTB3VZGddsdZL3CzG4K_kEPVWCrKK-Bl/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pt. Whitehorn Marine Reserve</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m7ijOL4W0gVgxyS_pS6lPxIBjf4qdivPfzf8wn-kYnwAi4kXXLg6IIIaG5impVpJzmm42YnEQAQah1vPFDZYNpZfPVdGtTLUzzsqR2NCod-7XqaxpJycb8paFqyj51Pby9Zxh2yTPvkr/s1600/Joan%2527s+Bench.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m7ijOL4W0gVgxyS_pS6lPxIBjf4qdivPfzf8wn-kYnwAi4kXXLg6IIIaG5impVpJzmm42YnEQAQah1vPFDZYNpZfPVdGtTLUzzsqR2NCod-7XqaxpJycb8paFqyj51Pby9Zxh2yTPvkr/s320/Joan%2527s+Bench.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joan's Bench at Point Whitehorn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Inscription etched into left side:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">So beautiful...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Joan Casey</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">1941-2016</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG5sSrT9jYUdarAkZyQYm3Ge6_z1IzvFEPgzAiI4j4NZfX1Ga957vax1B_sWJCtYIDxEfsF6ULSPeDfFBzVIjbE9L1mo5BIQiLIdt-JYRvTy64T9r3ePcBR9gZzMxOPDmJ_-lnDy8qnmC/s1600/View+from+Joan%2527s+Bench.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG5sSrT9jYUdarAkZyQYm3Ge6_z1IzvFEPgzAiI4j4NZfX1Ga957vax1B_sWJCtYIDxEfsF6ULSPeDfFBzVIjbE9L1mo5BIQiLIdt-JYRvTy64T9r3ePcBR9gZzMxOPDmJ_-lnDy8qnmC/s320/View+from+Joan%2527s+Bench.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from Joan's Bench - The Salish Sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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-------The following was written a few days ago early in the morning with a mystical scene capturing my attention----</div>
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The predawn stillness is reverential in nature, with the almost full moon setting slowly in the west. </div>
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A mist layer permeates the sky above bay and isles, both near and far.<br />
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Soon it will be gone...</div>
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Beautiful in every aspect except one; impermanence.</div>
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Ah, impermanence, an elegant cruelty; but don’t worry there will be another moment, then another; every one impermanent in their very uniqueness!</div>
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This reverie reminds of my first glimpse at one, Miss Joan Casey, arriving breathlessly at a carpool across a crowded parking lot.<br />
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That’s not as romantic as across a crowded room, but it will have to do.</div>
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Her main expression, observable at a distance, was one of pure exhilaration at being at that place and time, anticipating a wonderful walk in nature with friends.<br />
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What a very apparent joy she must have felt to elicit that aura of lightness of spirit!</div>
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Anyway, it certainly caught my eye and became the beginning of the long journey we happily took together.</div>
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Now, Joan isn’t physically around any more, but her presence remains, not so much as a protest to the whole idea of impermanence, but the expectation of ever-appearing new experiences.</div>
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As our love grew over the miles we hiked, there was always room for another adventure, then another, and another.<br />
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And, you know what; it’s still happening!!</div>
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That was how Joan was, constantly on the lookout for another wonderful experience! </div>
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And you know, that kind of wonderful expectation was bound to succeed, as it did, over and over again.</div>
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Now on the eve of what might have been Joan’s 76th birthday, I am again experiencing great joy in having known her and recalling that moment.<br />
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The memories we shared do have a way of sticking with you…</div>
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---------</div>
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One such memory comes to mind of the time we walked the 95-mile West Highland Way in Scotland;<br />
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I made up a silly marching song as we walked along in misty cold, seeking to raise spirits, which it did.</div>
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It went like this, to the tune of “Oh Britannia”:</div>
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<b>Oh, the Deebit, </b></div>
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<b>The Deebit walks with me</b></div>
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<b>Oh, the little Deebit walks with me.</b></div>
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<b>Oh, the Lambit,</b></div>
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<b>The Lambit is so fine,</b></div>
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<b>Oh, the little Lambit’s love is mine.</b></div>
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<b>Oh, the Joanie,</b></div>
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<b>The Joanie is my wife.</b></div>
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<b>Oh, the little Joanie lights my life.</b></div>
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Note: since Joan had 2 dimples when she smiled, I called them Deebit and Lambit</div>
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Now that’s written, as the sun is rising….</div>
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The duty crow has already begun its futile dive-bombing attempts at making the gulls leave his roof.<br />
========================================</div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-29511157802468868952017-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:002017-04-12T09:45:45.453-07:00Phase 2: A Love Story That Will Never End<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'helvetica neue'; line-height: normal;">
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<br />
Today I cried, but only after reflecting again upon the most wonderful experience in my life, 32<span style="text-align: center;">+ years with Joan Casey.</span><br />
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I’d like to think that these were tears of joy, but they were also mixed with tears of sadness and loss.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">How could they not be so?</span><br />
I am after all, human.<br />
Sometimes very human.<br />
One day I will perhaps become less human, but until that time, why not cry when I feel the need?<br />
Little boys are taught not to cry, but I haven’t learned that very well.<br />
Now that I’m an old guy, who cares? </div>
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I cried today after another insightful reflection, about who Joan & I were and what made us so attracted and devoted to each other.<br />
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Both of us had relatively comfortable lives and fairly strict upbringing, which proved to be both blessing and curse.<br />
Blessing, because we were healthy, obtained good educations, had solid values and were good with other people.<br />
Curse, because we almost expected life to be on cruise control, that all we ever needed would be provided, that troubles and misfortunes were for other people.<br />
How wrong we were!</div>
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While neither us suffered from real hardship or deprivation, we did have individual challenges that involved issues like trust, acceptance of the lives we had, and issues of what constituted love.<br />
I suspect anyone would experience such confrontations in life, but only some might have them be a cause of despair and deep questioning of beliefs and faith. </div>
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Each, in our way, had experienced the urge to do something different, live in another place, enjoy adventure and the companionship and love everyone wants.<br />
And, each in our own way, dealt with these desires only after suffering some real ruts and bumps in the road of life.<br />
Time does heal wounds, but lessons to be learned also require time to digest and figure out how to use.</div>
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Both Joan and I had reached similar places in our lives, when we were open to interaction and change of the most profound kind.<br />
We were fortunate to meet under circumstances so conducive to friendship.<br />
We had each gone through disappointing relationships that soured our appetites for more of the same.<br />
Something we had lacked was the main culprit, although unsaid at the time.</div>
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Nevertheless, we were ripe for a positive change, and when we met a mutual attraction was triggered, slow at first but maturing quickly into real love - and healthy respect from where we had been.<br />
About 2 months later, we were writing each other love letters, a really old-fashioned thing to do!<br />
But, we were both somewhat old-fashioned and didn’t care about much except getting to know each other better; something we never ceased to do.</div>
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Being bruised and cautious does slow down relationships, but ours progressed steadily. Nine months later, Joan invited me to live in her house; something I did willingly, to be closer to her more often.<br />
Soon after, I asked her to marry me.<br />
She didn’t say no, but did want more time to consider the proposal.<br />
We continued to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities and learning experiences.</div>
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Five years later, we were still considering my proposal when a job opportunity came, requiring a move to Bellingham.<br />
Joan could see the opportunity was a good one, and we agreed to go together - after getting married!<br />
Wow, Joan’s first marriage at age 49 was such a joyous occasion I couldn’t believe it!<br />
We moved and bought her dream house together, where we lived for 26 happy years, while again enjoying all kinds of activities, friends and memories. </div>
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After such an extended time of happiness, Joan died, unexpectedly on our way home from San Francisco, where she had just completed the renovation of her ‘little old lady’ home. What a shock!<br />
She was in hospital in Redding, CA for 3 weeks before she passed from this life.<br />
We alternately felt encouraged at her recovery prospects and saddened by her serious condition, which prevented her from being moved.</div>
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Although we had discussed end-of-life issues, neither of us was ready for what happened - me least of all.</div>
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The day before Joan passed was awful, except one Vajra Sister, Nora, was there to comfort her and assist with the Buddhist practices for which Joan strongly wished.<br />
Even though she was minimally conscious, I remained hopeful that a miracle would manifest and make Joan well again. </div>
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At her bedside, I held her hand; something we often did.<br />
Then, late at night, I went to rest.<br />
At 4 AM, the phone rang and the nurse said I ought to come to Joan’s side; her vital signs were dropping and were was little hope she might improve.<br />
I was there in minutes, holding her hand, lightly rubbing her head and whispering sweet nothings meant to comfort her.<br />
I believe this reached her consciousness, before I gave the signal to stop the intubation on the nurses advice. </div>
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Joan descended peacefully, with very little physical movement, then slowly a peaceful smile appeared on her face.<br />
I will never forget that moment, torn between grief and prayers for her joyful passage into the bardo of dying.<br />
Then, very quickly, it was over.</div>
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Almost automatically, I sprang into action; so many things to do and attend to - it was almost overwhelming!<br />
But, I needed to do it, to honor Joan, to set the necessary legalities in motion.<br />
So much to do, so little time.<br />
Then, it occurred to me this was a metaphor to life; our rushing around was always to meet some deadline - real or imagined. </div>
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That is when I calmed down enough to truly honor Joan, her delightful spirit, always good aspirations, and wonderful smile, all stamped indelibly in my consciousness.</div>
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I am so thankful for the inspiration Missus Joan gave me, to go on strongly and determinedly, to do all the good I can - and no harm!<br />
That has kept me going so far, and perhaps much longer than I expected. </div>
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But, today I am writing this in preparation to posting it at 9 AM tomorrow, to mark the first anniversary of my Dear Joan’s passing.</div>
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May her spirit endure forever!<br />
I love her still…and always will…</div>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-49167008923464750142017-02-20T00:23:00.002-08:002017-02-20T00:23:48.860-08:00WYSIWYG: tRump Revealed<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;">
After weeks of misery, shock & awe at facing the sorry reality of our latest Presidential Election, I at last found -at the bottom of my glass- a very toxic revelation. Empty. </div>
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So, I had another in hopes that my mood might brighten right here, right now, in my own private Institute for Institute for Attitudinal Adjustment. That didn’t work either.</div>
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So, after a wee nap, I awoke with the ANSWER! Nothing weird like a vision, but simply cold, hard facts -not of the Alternate Variety. </div>
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<b><i>What You See Is What You Get</i></b>. </div>
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That’s right, WYSIWYG. So clear, so simple, it clears up everything! What took me so long? </div>
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Hell, what took everyone so long! Even those stupids who voted for this 't'-creature, and those who didn’t vote at all, and those thought their vote was worth wasting by voting for someone NOT HILLARY. </div>
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I’d better have another drink now, sorry. </div>
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I’ll be quick. </div>
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There, that’s better. </div>
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Others may feel cheated by this short unnecessary delay, but get over it, neither you or I are likely to feel better in the morning…</div>
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Anyway, what was revealed to me was this: </div>
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tRump never gave us any good reason to vote for him, except wishful thinking. </div>
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He never spelled out any plan except in the most general, hazy way. </div>
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He refused to answer any normal questions.<br />
Neither the Press, nor his fellow candidates were able to penetrate his deviousness.</div>
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He bullied and intimidated his supposedly R competition, until they all dropped out, victims of poll tea-leaves reading, plus an epidemic of weak spines, fear and disgust. </div>
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He still defies releasing something as American as Tax Returns, unlike Warren Buffett, et al. He claims the ‘unfairness’ of his releasing tax information because he is involved in ‘litigation’ </div>
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-Huh? That ought to be a red flag, doncha think? Besides, the man is just plain litigious , with something like 3500 lawsuits reported.</div>
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Bottom line is ’t’ ain’t gonna change, unless he’s <b><i>forced</i></b> to. </div>
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His colleagues have so far been too chicken to really press the issue, so partisan is their view that they hope he will become the ‘tip of the spear’ for pushing through selective legislation, or repeals thereof, that they want to impose on the rest of us. </div>
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Until it proves too hot for the R’s to handle, they won’t do much about it, except the usual jawboning and posturing so typical of groups who operate as a block, desiring so mightily to stay in power. </div>
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Unless, their rather high tolerance for shame is reached, ’t’ is their man, despite the chaos he causes daily. </div>
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When that trigger point is reached, they will turn on ’t’ with a vengeance, and it won’t be pretty! </div>
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The World will be treated to a spectacle it won’t forget, and hopefully not of the violent type. </div>
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So, its up to you, Congress, to get this right -it’s not a PARTISAN issue!</div>
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Question is, what will it take to turn up the heat quickly enough so that the frog knows it’s being boiled?</div>
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Likely, that may be the Russian Connection which is NOT going away. </div>
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If that is the trigger that impeaches ’t’, then so be it. </div>
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But please let it happen sooner than later! </div>
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Then, we get to figure out What Mr Pence brings to the Off-White House. </div>
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Plus, all the excitement of finger pointing and scrambling for power seats.</div>
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I’ve already seen too much of this movie, which unfortunately, cannot be un-seen! </div>
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So, go ahead little ’t’ and make my day; screw up just enough -but not too much- to flush that throne you’re trying to sit on. </div>
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Go back to where you belong! </div>
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Air Wick, anyone?</div>
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Maybe Fabreze…</div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-12740164264787473352017-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:002017-01-14T17:05:09.572-08:00A Day to Remember: January 14, 1984<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebWo5gMDt2DTHKX6MCfDjEYKBH3cKT7W-QgAYHcxcD4C9UAjgIqvU_KMEM0_zHK545o-oJtzvtQOe9y0TxE28z6rs_m_dHVusJ8yCrav77a1GV2olzEohhTcVpEsUI9lNf73mdkaP7ERC/s1600/butterfly-quote1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebWo5gMDt2DTHKX6MCfDjEYKBH3cKT7W-QgAYHcxcD4C9UAjgIqvU_KMEM0_zHK545o-oJtzvtQOe9y0TxE28z6rs_m_dHVusJ8yCrav77a1GV2olzEohhTcVpEsUI9lNf73mdkaP7ERC/s320/butterfly-quote1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Thirty three years ago today, I met Joan Casey, who became my dear butterfly...<br />
We went on a long hike at Point Reyes National Seashore, and until April 12, 2016, we have hiked many, many miles together!<br />
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Despite the sadness of Missus Joan's sudden passing, the joy we shared during our life together certainly outweighs the pain of me missing her physical presence.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I will always have the precious memory of her, her zest for life, and the love we shared.</span><br />
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Here are a few photos that recollect moments our journey together:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1Neysjv1atK1dFIxLB5CDiInomEAEviY7YTyEOKMCOqP0lnEIgGQDZ7BnIyOmuFgL6EOn72ZmwDbBXzIfg21yg4s8VVJ0m4qyeRiGYFI_dd1fTdtLY90fu42pawWVp-hXf2sH1V6prTI/s1600/chincoteage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1Neysjv1atK1dFIxLB5CDiInomEAEviY7YTyEOKMCOqP0lnEIgGQDZ7BnIyOmuFgL6EOn72ZmwDbBXzIfg21yg4s8VVJ0m4qyeRiGYFI_dd1fTdtLY90fu42pawWVp-hXf2sH1V6prTI/s400/chincoteage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trails & Picnics - 2 Favorites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTy-DhpUaQg2qFli2uYJdOSvsomJ_YyNAmDUmtnveEdaqGyGxgrOrzfzMOt_Rm68AjW0m78ps5pMDFibWEUoCpcblUK2R18ZNiV9f3u8d_VtB27n1yPIyfY2jeapVNqML5bCvnmsMxDCs/s1600/P1000577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTy-DhpUaQg2qFli2uYJdOSvsomJ_YyNAmDUmtnveEdaqGyGxgrOrzfzMOt_Rm68AjW0m78ps5pMDFibWEUoCpcblUK2R18ZNiV9f3u8d_VtB27n1yPIyfY2jeapVNqML5bCvnmsMxDCs/s400/P1000577.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Camping Home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke6HkmIK9N3NTIzz_7qYnjIn4yV4KP4GG__G-SANNaEOoYbBrxx4EHmDwVxSeVSfB93GP_eLEk_9-FbDF_xcE7JqIved0_mZkO-SrPxFjlMV3ytKFjjLueBRuNUt2LvAI30JcbvQzWXkF/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke6HkmIK9N3NTIzz_7qYnjIn4yV4KP4GG__G-SANNaEOoYbBrxx4EHmDwVxSeVSfB93GP_eLEk_9-FbDF_xcE7JqIved0_mZkO-SrPxFjlMV3ytKFjjLueBRuNUt2LvAI30JcbvQzWXkF/s400/IMG_3752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We never regretted living at 1015 Toledo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUOY8SaKzeQjolPYHvk-dn3noa3qPRoyMGuZs4Y0EuNHDdvOjysPNP-HIUWuYKFjFXOcNkNtRsp_gG_hgRPnh6s6wUx4_sFhkkrmXqwkZrEFg8DPY0thT5_ho-ihcZfYR26_TFnb1GqfW/s1600/ash+lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUOY8SaKzeQjolPYHvk-dn3noa3qPRoyMGuZs4Y0EuNHDdvOjysPNP-HIUWuYKFjFXOcNkNtRsp_gG_hgRPnh6s6wUx4_sFhkkrmXqwkZrEFg8DPY0thT5_ho-ihcZfYR26_TFnb1GqfW/s400/ash+lawn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Ash Lawn - James Monroe's Home (2011)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63YjvrbOY2I1arUws2dwh4GGVsmKaTk66XteU5YCV8N_LQltHhTyuexlr35QCjQuxfgulxl-8a1AGZ3ChUFXwnGClrIHAg4u2867C2thuOJpH6bOZaD19t_5fq0H8yPfRjwkD4KexL0sn/s1600/deck+with+ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63YjvrbOY2I1arUws2dwh4GGVsmKaTk66XteU5YCV8N_LQltHhTyuexlr35QCjQuxfgulxl-8a1AGZ3ChUFXwnGClrIHAg4u2867C2thuOJpH6bOZaD19t_5fq0H8yPfRjwkD4KexL0sn/s400/deck+with+ipad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan's iPad, a gift that kept on giving!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYXJKzVXefCnRXb2lBG-tkXm9GnNWVINlRf1yQom9-bHEEmun_Oh63aO5mAaNzLv3xZlpH0-7izHeHFQHmAUD5PaSzZSZBWlVNDVlqOc87-RmVyRie9MvudMMVAuG-fSd_GkXgsCCEHgY/s1600/P1000384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYXJKzVXefCnRXb2lBG-tkXm9GnNWVINlRf1yQom9-bHEEmun_Oh63aO5mAaNzLv3xZlpH0-7izHeHFQHmAUD5PaSzZSZBWlVNDVlqOc87-RmVyRie9MvudMMVAuG-fSd_GkXgsCCEHgY/s400/P1000384.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UVA President's Home (2011)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW48jIwD_fpL8Fwct_zidDravm1gKKp7H75nL_82JSocGnmpa_OyAq1UmH61IGEFLv00OW52zQx2wGvHxrmSPAVgyaTiYkzd_io1HzqiUNBSq8jvQTdmKshhfAilveHyr2cMaozJNi8V1R/s1600/P1000144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW48jIwD_fpL8Fwct_zidDravm1gKKp7H75nL_82JSocGnmpa_OyAq1UmH61IGEFLv00OW52zQx2wGvHxrmSPAVgyaTiYkzd_io1HzqiUNBSq8jvQTdmKshhfAilveHyr2cMaozJNi8V1R/s400/P1000144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chincoteague Birding</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgGo48i4afLt2hEtWABK8V5HNs5-NAXkByVJwsOKo3asfujrl-L8l59821CZGjfOE32ZMiuKbV0DOJhpTT_AeknnXZeqz6_Rm-5XhlTQ71xYekLSF_Kyyg5hYLsjowtux712T_F_gfgKv/s1600/P1000849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgGo48i4afLt2hEtWABK8V5HNs5-NAXkByVJwsOKo3asfujrl-L8l59821CZGjfOE32ZMiuKbV0DOJhpTT_AeknnXZeqz6_Rm-5XhlTQ71xYekLSF_Kyyg5hYLsjowtux712T_F_gfgKv/s400/P1000849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan with Bud & Juanita McCormick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe3mCrnAGBigP6y1-3QYZwd2vtmaNoPx-bBvtpcKHbdh-9QDifVqnnov5Vg6YODgWWHt_7apiS4xJOcifokX0lCI0tQ1KLFeJ1hzFKWKg0wpqq-wwIfnzyTJAsudihusv9ekjMWAY2XRb/s1600/Dingle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe3mCrnAGBigP6y1-3QYZwd2vtmaNoPx-bBvtpcKHbdh-9QDifVqnnov5Vg6YODgWWHt_7apiS4xJOcifokX0lCI0tQ1KLFeJ1hzFKWKg0wpqq-wwIfnzyTJAsudihusv9ekjMWAY2XRb/s400/Dingle.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J & J - Dingle, Ireland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVHnNL1E0XOt_vsbRXe1N0NYQ0eRnA1IPs7mHSzr9cGL41G4sWMtlXtZ0Da-sUTW6jhCEFkRoY7ry936YzP3bNEVL_ZKOnppefU2sXw1pO_faBxKdZFI4CP3cz7sYUXWyS0HHp2VkOX3D/s1600/ski+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVHnNL1E0XOt_vsbRXe1N0NYQ0eRnA1IPs7mHSzr9cGL41G4sWMtlXtZ0Da-sUTW6jhCEFkRoY7ry936YzP3bNEVL_ZKOnppefU2sXw1pO_faBxKdZFI4CP3cz7sYUXWyS0HHp2VkOX3D/s320/ski+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan on Patio @ 291 Surrey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_5ftd0juf1e68slYnl2ZCFjJ_x-e-pI_xBnZTielA-6iDk5WznBrpW7RWn4FpXxjAhhSjWWZ1EgauUx-eleDBCWcPHY_myd6c6QxRBX9eLifrXootgajp45PrunMgyOsJSa9Uf_bvVWP/s1600/giddy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_5ftd0juf1e68slYnl2ZCFjJ_x-e-pI_xBnZTielA-6iDk5WznBrpW7RWn4FpXxjAhhSjWWZ1EgauUx-eleDBCWcPHY_myd6c6QxRBX9eLifrXootgajp45PrunMgyOsJSa9Uf_bvVWP/s320/giddy.png" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giddy Gato - Our Wonderful Cat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNXG30_wxIWQST_ffBNcPh1xucUi-gO-53q2mhIJPNl4KozfzQTDn5lMTX4QSZmeq7gg1ovtth96Ixrm5YPWT5GVq1hzYXhdzczSbMkOR14FM9-vuhu-wRL78MwIfmy9a9JVuNG03Qvzk/s1600/%2540sistermary%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNXG30_wxIWQST_ffBNcPh1xucUi-gO-53q2mhIJPNl4KozfzQTDn5lMTX4QSZmeq7gg1ovtth96Ixrm5YPWT5GVq1hzYXhdzczSbMkOR14FM9-vuhu-wRL78MwIfmy9a9JVuNG03Qvzk/s320/%2540sistermary%2527s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J&J with John's son Tom, Sister Mary & Richard - Tullahoma, TN</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRosVMCts-0BudbRQUuRK4UO7blT0YJyh6hGlJmkzmc_drL0flhtg10tt5lwNDQJOw_AJg3wH5U6U0-psc8lY8JpmYyv8xQAmL_YGmyUy0BMpwcCP13EQSkjtHkH5swm6gBDpoJGSB686A/s1600/JoanCabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRosVMCts-0BudbRQUuRK4UO7blT0YJyh6hGlJmkzmc_drL0flhtg10tt5lwNDQJOw_AJg3wH5U6U0-psc8lY8JpmYyv8xQAmL_YGmyUy0BMpwcCP13EQSkjtHkH5swm6gBDpoJGSB686A/s320/JoanCabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missus Joan @ Moose Lodge - ca 1998</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J&J with Mr Jefferson - 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clowns Lily & Big Red</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCNn_0yaViUdHkNqK7bC5tnE0KSM2PRk62DH7moT9GLF1wPqyiTef_ao9lpYHNZHsaAPE0D4vvkU9Rl__kd8gxdaEPPqoTu2a6xTS0944j4fdeDY0k9b1-xrvlNSJbkPn5537nx6gpKKa/s1600/Joan-+Hiking+in+Mountains+with+husband+John+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCNn_0yaViUdHkNqK7bC5tnE0KSM2PRk62DH7moT9GLF1wPqyiTef_ao9lpYHNZHsaAPE0D4vvkU9Rl__kd8gxdaEPPqoTu2a6xTS0944j4fdeDY0k9b1-xrvlNSJbkPn5537nx6gpKKa/s400/Joan-+Hiking+in+Mountains+with+husband+John+JPEG.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking at Mt Baker - our backyard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHpKEb4z4Eco9S_jFZPEtS6WItUNXqqpuXPvYAsmnrbx3Ju9FCAtcNbsTUxVahP3AURjkqeO7FrG2VuSoBzq7Oy6Rmz3zsXORRw3WBji0OYhucUhxLXGnINxjt5aLRQgcnbouRhj0huM_/s1600/Marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHpKEb4z4Eco9S_jFZPEtS6WItUNXqqpuXPvYAsmnrbx3Ju9FCAtcNbsTUxVahP3AURjkqeO7FrG2VuSoBzq7Oy6Rmz3zsXORRw3WBji0OYhucUhxLXGnINxjt5aLRQgcnbouRhj0huM_/s400/Marriage.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan & John - June 17, 1990<br />
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-84733614870221489482016-12-26T17:39:00.001-08:002016-12-26T17:39:32.402-08:00Holiday Doldrums: Integration with RealityI've been lazing-ass around since returning last Thursday from points South, but I'll get over it soon.<br />
Picked up sniffles and wee cough that are now going away without infecting anybody else, I hope.<br />
Lots of rest, warmth and liquids -all kinds- have helped; now to answer the mail that accumulated will require all the attention that I worked so hard to minimize during my meditative retreat.<br />
Guess that's called 'integration', or applying calm to the material world.<br />
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So, if identifying a problem is half of its solution, I should only need a few more lines...<br />
The drive home was longish, but it mostly broke into bite-sized chunks, since I came late to the realization that the journey is just as important as the destination. That's something Joan knew since birth I believe.<br />
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Picking up from where I left off in Dec blog; all the visitations planned were enjoyed, plus an additional one! Vitaly Kolesnikov, Irina and their 4 kids were in Sacramento visiting his Pop & Mom, so I went by Tuesday AM for a reunion and the picture below:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJftSiCL5ZC8EM0RN-CgAjRKanAp45R4pfjs8PS5ljqBXQYAa9xGGLScmmSZbins4EqV-QFmJvEi10eqpehzy1P7M-WcL9CTOkxBb-g1ODjYyJHL4S3yzJxbU2dpKj40WM_j4oJhBeB6Zz/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJftSiCL5ZC8EM0RN-CgAjRKanAp45R4pfjs8PS5ljqBXQYAa9xGGLScmmSZbins4EqV-QFmJvEi10eqpehzy1P7M-WcL9CTOkxBb-g1ODjYyJHL4S3yzJxbU2dpKj40WM_j4oJhBeB6Zz/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front: Mama Yelena, Papa Fedor, Mr John<br />
Rear: Dina, Leah, Irina, Andre, Vitaly, Tanya<br />
Missing: 16 other children of Papa & Mama K!</td></tr>
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After having a great dinner with Tom & Peggy at the historic Jacksonville Inn, near their new home, I drove to Eugene, OR for rest before returning to good 'ole Bham. In-route, I was extraordinarily lucky in dodging potentially dire storm warnings and pulling into the garage just prior to more snow on Thursday afternoon.<div>
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Then, I crashed. I'm still semi-crashed, but satisfied about meeting many friends and getting 'stuff' done. Haven't left the building since arriving, except for rounds of electronic volleys in all directions.</div>
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Actually opened the mail, not answered it mind you!</div>
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Now, Christmas has passed, along with my son, Tom's, birthday and mine, without watching a single minute of football - or the news. Silence has been golden! I'm thinking I prefer no sound to the types of sounds that now pollute our space.</div>
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Silence ought to help me in coming to grips with the so-called 'reality' situations in which we find ourselves these days.</div>
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But, so much for ranting about silence; after all, if you rant about it that requires interrupting silence!</div>
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My wish is that 2017 is a better year than many of us expect! </div>
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It's just that simple; don't enter a 'reality' you can't deal with in equanimity.</div>
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Here's hoping we all experience the type of simple, basic meditation we need, know how to do, and that brings peace to the world as we know it....</div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-14327349472454788142016-12-16T17:29:00.000-08:002016-12-16T17:37:18.659-08:00Holiday Greetings!As 2016 draws to a close, many reflections and thoughts arise in a grand mixture of joy, sadness, hope and some concerns. So much has happened, much of it unexpected and troubling, yet my predominant state of mind remains hopeful and at peace. And, that is the way I want it to be until the end comes, whenever it will... I do believe that is what Missus Joan prefers, and so do I.<br />
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Since I've begun receiving Christmas letters from friends and family, it must be time to respond in kind, now that over two months have elapsed since my posting which summarized my activities for the 6-months prior period.<br />
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At this moment, I am in Joan's house in San Francisco, where our friends Ilya & Rina Kolesnikov and their family have recently moved in at my invitation. Missus Joan's direction was to have them occupy her home as long as they wish. That's happening, despite the fact that Probate and transfer to my name won't happen until early 2017.<br />
The Holiday Season has already been made real in the neighborhood, as evidenced by several dinners with neighbors, colorful lights and decorations and carols being sung - just what Joan would have wanted!<br />
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I've been in California since driving down in my new Honda CRV just before Thanksgiving.<br />
Weather has been good except for a few days of needed rain.<br />
My 10-day Retreat with the RIGPA Fellowship in Ventura was wonderful, as I rejoined the study of Buddhist teachings while meeting many old friends.<br />
This has inspired me to continue learning mindfulness, regularly and peacefully.<br />
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After the Retreat, I met with my paternal 1st Cousin Robin McCarthy in Woodland Hills for the first time in 64 years! Can you believe it? Of course, I had communicated with her by phone and e-mail, but not in person all that time.<br />
At 17 months younger than me, Robin remains at her professional fighting weight of 92 lbs on a 5' 2.5" frame! BTW, she was a world class ice skater, who with her husband and partner starred in Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice, and various Hollywood productions - a true celebrity.<br />
While her current husband is seriously incapacitated, her main companion is Sunday, a feisty little Rescue dog, part West Highland Terrier, part Poodle, part Chihuahua. What a treat to spend time with Cousin Robin!<br />
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While in Southern California, I swung by Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage to meet Joan's Cousin Clifford McCormick and his wife of 68 years, the wonderful Juanita.<br />
They are both 91 and planning next year to move East to be closer to their 7 children + umpteen grand kids.<br />
What great friends they were to Joan; inviting her to family functions, reunions and the like!<br />
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Coming back to San Francisco, I was able to take care of business; visit with Lawyer re Probate; visits to the Sausalito Presbyterian Church; minister; friend Paul Meade at VA Hospital; California Alpine Club on Mt Tamalpais; San Francisco Parks Alliance; Fromm Institute of Life-Long Learning at San Francisco University.<br />
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Five Memorial Benches were donated in Joan's Memory -count 'em 5- each with a different inscription. Glen Canyon Park [2 blocks from Joan's home], Golden Gate Park [Concert Concourse between DeYoung Museum and CA Academy of Science], CA Alpine Club Lodge [close to Mt Tam], SPC [outside front entrance to Church], Fromm Institute [outside concourse/patio].<br />
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These 5 memorial benches will supplement the three I have already donated in Bellingham; Point Whitehorn Overlook above the Beach [Whatcom County Parks]; and 2 for Bellingham Parks & Recreation Dept- [locations to be determined].<br />
Truly, future Missus Joans will find places to sit in many of her favorite places!<br />
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This weekend marks both my son's and my birthdays; Tom the 17th; mine the eighteenth.<br />
RIGPA in SF will have a meditation on 12/18, after which I will begin my return to Bellingham, by way of Sacramento, Jacksonville, OR, then on North.<br />
In the Sacramento Area I will visit friends Sherri & Peter Brown, Nancy Carleton -maternal 1st Cousin, and Lynn & Carol Stradley - very good friends since 1970.<br />
Then, to Jacksonville, OR, where good friends Tom Pratum & Peggy Leviton have recently relocated. Thence, to home - Lord willing and the ice permitting!<br />
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That's it for now, unless something happens quickly of note.<br />
So, please enjoy this Holy Holiday in safety and Happiness!<br />
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John<br />
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<br />John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-36808706137841012272016-11-09T19:30:00.000-08:002016-11-09T19:30:06.744-08:00A Reverse 9/11; 11/9 What we've done to ourselves: A Poisonous Dark Day for America<div style="line-height: normal;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZTnevYukwnnZDyr8UMRgXvZ-JG7i-1nLYhqWxyWs0dNNPY4pUalXp-0n3DWtA-X7yqiK_rpV68ktNjvoSO0_Uy9xcEj3N8Uxq5FqnmgJ892UhW5y-ZEGMMxk544lv_SoXh61Sk-IYYcY/s1600/Pasted+Graphic.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZTnevYukwnnZDyr8UMRgXvZ-JG7i-1nLYhqWxyWs0dNNPY4pUalXp-0n3DWtA-X7yqiK_rpV68ktNjvoSO0_Uy9xcEj3N8Uxq5FqnmgJ892UhW5y-ZEGMMxk544lv_SoXh61Sk-IYYcY/s320/Pasted+Graphic.tiff" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cause of human suffering, as explained in Buddhist terms, are greed, anger and ignorance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These negative traits and fundamental evils are called the <b>Three Poisons</b>, because they are dangerous toxins in our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These <b>poisons</b> fill our lives with suffering, and unhappiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A cockerel, snake and a pig represent what are often referred to as The <b>Three Poisons</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cockerel is greed, the snake is hatred and the pig is ignorance</span></div>
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<b style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe this Election was won largely based upon negative emotions, including a large dose of apathy on the part of many who ought to be ashamed they let this happen, and doubly ashamed of letting Trump get away with a campaign based upon ignorance, fear and greed. </span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, it may take a long time for America to recover from this gross lack of collective wisdom. But, let's hope we do without bringing on more grief than we -and the world - can handle.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>It is well known that emotional appeals have a time advantage over more rational arguments. We can see this demonstrated everyday. Maybe it would be helpful to examine this simple phenomenon from an ancient perspective, including the Greek Philosophers and Buddhist Scholars.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Emotion</b>, in everyday speech, is any relatively brief conscious experience characterized by intense mental activity and a high degree of pleasure or displeasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Destructive emotions<b> </b>and Their Antidotes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greed/Attachment<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> - </span>Generosity</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anger/Aversion<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> - </span>Compassion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ignorance<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> - </span>Wisdom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Several years ago, when I was just starting to study Buddhist philosophy, I learned about these negative traits and fundamental evils that are called the <b>three poisons. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fortunately, I also learned these also have antidotes; meaning if we are aware of the causes of the <b>Three Poisons, w</b>e can counter them with three effective cures, but first, we must become aware!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes <a href="http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Pride"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">pride</span></a> and <a href="http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Jealousy"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">jealousy</span></a> are added, with pride being a combination of ignorance and attachment, and jealousy a combination of attachment and aggression.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV6O-3ouAKKpCNYY9WAaeD-gYDYUlIVdn9zNhm7n3YQHg44eYgBQDOvdGbFb1-vkWfCaG4bdLCQWvV2eNyXMgywHWDD-z-cq8pKTq2s44QNvhybaaWqd9TaIF1E9TwznLDoKpRVc_eHYO/s1600/540px-Plutchik-wheel.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV6O-3ouAKKpCNYY9WAaeD-gYDYUlIVdn9zNhm7n3YQHg44eYgBQDOvdGbFb1-vkWfCaG4bdLCQWvV2eNyXMgywHWDD-z-cq8pKTq2s44QNvhybaaWqd9TaIF1E9TwznLDoKpRVc_eHYO/s1600/540px-Plutchik-wheel.svg.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e4af0a; text-align: start;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_Plutchik&action=edit&redlink=1">Plutchik</a></span><span style="color: #454545; text-align: start;">'s Wheel of Emotions</span></span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Robert Plutchik's theory says that the eight basic emotions are:</span></td></tr>
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<ul><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Plutchik-wheel.svg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Fear</span></a></span> → feeling afraid. Other words are <i>terror</i> (strong fear), <i>shock</i>, <i>phobia</i></span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Anger</span></a></span> → feeling angry. A stronger word for anger is <i>rage</i>.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadness"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Sadness</span></a></span> → feeling sad. Other words are <i>sorrow</i>, <i>grief</i> (a stronger feeling, for example when someone has died) or <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(illness)"><span style="color: #e4af0a;"><i>depression</i></span></a> (feeling sad for a long time). Some people think depression is a different emotion.</span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Joy</span></a></span> → feeling happy. Other words are <i>happiness</i>, <i>gladness.</i></span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgust"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Disgust</span></a></span> → feeling something is wrong or dirty</span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(social_sciences)"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Trust</span></a></span> → a positive emotion; admiration is stronger; <a href="https://simple.wiktionary.org/wiki/acceptance"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">acceptance</span></a> is weaker</span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wiktionary.org/wiki/anticipate"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Anticipation</span></a></span> → in the sense of looking forward positively to something which is going to happen. <a href="https://simple.wiktionary.org/wiki/expect"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">Expectation</span></a> is more neutral.</span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surprise_(emotion)"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Surprise</span></a></span> → how one feels when something unexpected happens</span></li>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Anger</span></a></span>, opposite <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calm"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">calmness</span></a> (not feeling excited).</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendship"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Friendship</span></a></span>, opposite <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Enmity&action=edit&redlink=1"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">enmity</span></a> (feeling hate)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Fear</span></a></span>, opposite <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">courage</span></a> (having no fear)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shame"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Shame</span></a></span>, opposite <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Confidence&action=edit&redlink=1"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">confidence</span></a> (shame: how one feels about one's past bad actions or thoughts; shamelessness: one does not feel shame, but others think one should.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kindness&action=edit&redlink=1"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Kindness</span></a></span> (benevolence), opposite <a href="https://simple.wiktionary.org/wiki/cruel"><span style="color: #e4af0a;">cruelty</span></a> (kindness: when people are good to other people)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pity"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Pity</span></a></span> (when people feel sorry for other people)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indignation&action=edit&redlink=1"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Indignation</span></a></span> (feeling angry because something is not fair, such as undeserved bad fortune)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Envy"><span style="color: #e4af0a; line-height: normal;">Envy</span></a></span>, jealous (pain when people have something that one wishes for oneself)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love, a strong emotion of attachment one feels for someone else. Ranges to family, pets, friends, boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Emotions</b> are what drive us and what drive us astray. You cannot persuade without understanding them well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This leaves us with four "basic" emotions, according to another study: happy, sad, afraid/surprised, and angry/disgusted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is common to think that <b>emotions</b> interfere with rational thinking. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plato described <b>emotion</b> and <b>reason</b> as two horses pulling us in opposite directions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Modern dual-systems models of judgment and decision-making are Platonic in the sense that they endorse the antagonism between <b>reason</b> and <b>emotion</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are persuaded by <b>reason</b>, but we are moved by <b>emotion</b>. Several studies conclude that up to 90 percent of the decisions we make are based on <b>emotion</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, this seems all too true regarding the American public's selection of Trump as the most important elected official in the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God help us, and may God save the United States of America from the dangers of hate, greed and ignorance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is my fervent wish for us all, and the World....</span></div>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-83182239974974955122016-10-31T23:59:00.000-07:002016-11-01T00:19:10.704-07:00Halloween: My Irish ColleenI received this today from a dear friend of Joan and asked her if I could post here.<br />
She agreed, so here it is:<br />
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As you might expect, this brought a tear to my eye, as I remembered our unique time together...John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-40511986854370365972016-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:002016-10-05T00:01:08.758-07:00An E-blast Update: Six Months After Joan’s Passing<div style="color: #454545; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry I've been too slow in updating this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One week from today will mark six-months since Dear Joan passed away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought about that today, while driving to/from Seattle under a gray sky that drizzled intermittently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Amidst the grayness, tree leaves stood out in their changing colors, yellows, reds and in-between green.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The seasons are definitely passing, as they always do, even in a man’s life; I thought that while remembering a book on the same theme which helped me through an earlier tough patch - a mid-life crisis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That other time, hard lessons were learned and much suffering endured, with memories of sadness, a sense of irretrievable loss, questioning of what had gone wrong and why, and yet somehow knowing that despite this set-back, I needed to get on with my life. [so glad I did!]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe, that earlier time helped prepare me for the suddenness of Joan’s departure, but it’s hard to say, because this current pain doesn’t seem to fade much either, despite my determined efforts to focus on the love we shared as true kindred spirits. All I have to do is watch that 8-minute You-Tube clip of our wedding. Talk about the experience of joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the car this morning, every time I reached over for her hand, it wasn’t there. Hard to not miss that warm feeling…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But, I know her beautiful spirit lives! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just knowing that really helps inspire me to keep going strong, and rejoin the world of the living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This last 6 months there has been so much to do, getting affairs organized and beginning to plan for my own ending.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am very thankful for the help so many people have given me to make this transition proceed so remarkably smoothly!</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s a synopsis:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Memorials</b> - The series of six planned Memorials served to allow many of Joan’s circles of friends and family to remember her bright smile, love of life and joyous spirit! Those events also helped me share the wonderful support of the many others who also loved her. I greatly appreciate that! Also, many other gatherings and remembrances were held in Joan’s honor, and these were truly amazing in their combined effect! Thank you all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Legal</b> - I’ve now gotten much more familiar with lawyers and their trade, both in Bellingham and in San Francisco. These folks have been essential in handling the provisions of Joan’s Will and the Probate process. I’ll be using them again soon, for my own end-of-life planning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Real Estate</b> - Our beloved Bellingham home of 26 years has been sold and is now occupied by a couple with 2 teenage sons. I know they will love living there as much as we did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have purchased and moved into a Condominium in the Fairhaven [Old Town] section of Bellingham, near the Bay, trails, eateries and instant social life - should I want it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joan’s wonderful Victorian house in San Francisco’s Glen Park Neighborhood is in Probate, now being valued so that her Estate can be finally settled. Her wish was have our good friends, Ilya & Rina Kolesnikov, live there with their 2 sons, and this will happen soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joan bought that house in 1978, as a single woman, and paid it off! Wish I had made such a good investment! [Come to think of it, I did - by marrying Joan!]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joan’s beloved Cabin of 18 years, called "Moose Lodge" in Winthrop, WA has not yet been sold; but it has been rented for 6-months over the Winter and will be put back on the market next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Monetary Assets</b> - These are all being consolidated to simplify accounting needs, including the IRS, using the expert advice of advisors who will coordinate these efforts with me and the Legal folks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Autos</b> - I sold my 2003 Volkswagen Eurovan, traded in Joan’s Subaru Outback, and bought a 2016 Honda CRV Touring model that seems much smarter than I am! It does fit my needs, and my basement parking spot better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ongoing Stuff</b> - I've already gotten rid of, literally, a ton of stuff just to fit into my smaller space; now, the job of sorting through remaining books, correspondence, files, pictures, slides, memories, Buddhist publications and notes demands attention. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Next Steps</b> - What are my plans now, you might ask? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Several essential tasks include updating my Will, developing a Revocable Living Trust, Updating my Advance Healthcare Directive and creating a Durable Power of Attorney. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Next, I’ll be getting IRS returns prepared and submitted, using a CPA this time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am also now motivated to maintain a better level of physical health to help enjoy life; practice regular spiritual meditation; visit relatives and friends; stay in touch with others better; continue reading and all-life-learning pursuits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Above all, I am going to continue to honor Joan’s Memory in the very best way I can...</span></div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-56120697178487398532016-07-27T17:49:00.001-07:002016-07-27T17:49:39.556-07:00Another Joan Casey Tribute: Special Thanks to the "A" Team!This last month has been a bear!<br />
Never thought this much could be done in so short a time, but now it's happened and the home Joan & I thoroughly enjoyed for 26 years will go on the market tomorrow, Thursday July 28, 2016.<br />
Meanwhile, I am ensconced in my new Condo in Fairhaven - something Joan & I had considered for some time, and that I am sure she would approve!<br />
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Here are six pictures taken by my good friend, Mark Turner, which will be used to advertise our former home at 1015 West Toledo Street:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2GUMHq7AETL-JGtmkcJXQXr_UCh0pA_d4NVqj-BtOtFYYdWC9VkJN3yQwvs5IPopnSc6RwmRFRmtomVD4sLvw8weYHHgUbPD15QCgLufWiPnMloit48JG40OB15w_QhT66CxVXgcn-iB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2GUMHq7AETL-JGtmkcJXQXr_UCh0pA_d4NVqj-BtOtFYYdWC9VkJN3yQwvs5IPopnSc6RwmRFRmtomVD4sLvw8weYHHgUbPD15QCgLufWiPnMloit48JG40OB15w_QhT66CxVXgcn-iB/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior, showing view to NNW across deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmr48LzX0UHEVonB29rLJKFI0AtwYkth_b1ouTNWqQexIIzc8UhM4MHXNe_6kPyPrftv-SBr0DU0cWmpMCo2TtlsegvWvd325wY7OKjaJJvjQk0MTMzuutaj5TPN5K7GBddPGtRYdP4sA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmr48LzX0UHEVonB29rLJKFI0AtwYkth_b1ouTNWqQexIIzc8UhM4MHXNe_6kPyPrftv-SBr0DU0cWmpMCo2TtlsegvWvd325wY7OKjaJJvjQk0MTMzuutaj5TPN5K7GBddPGtRYdP4sA/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior, showing Living Room & Kitchen in background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIU2COEnVY1rOZNjqLM5dF7ofbXNamh4-NQJ_Hhyh7LZflRK0PDvV6GqMJNNqDwYCnFM1BRdGDKW0uyAb9DmzniNFJOaAbAaMznLisSDHeRTCuf0CB_3qH7MK2HDO_mwmFrL18Spy1TWl/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIU2COEnVY1rOZNjqLM5dF7ofbXNamh4-NQJ_Hhyh7LZflRK0PDvV6GqMJNNqDwYCnFM1BRdGDKW0uyAb9DmzniNFJOaAbAaMznLisSDHeRTCuf0CB_3qH7MK2HDO_mwmFrL18Spy1TWl/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior, from Kitchen through Dining Area to Deck & View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kQPVJ7WUo7USbp8afrvR28xnfIQxwY2bu5PjGan21JwhcYZfrRQOLjj8rM6TRFUnl_TutZF9-d8FcrWc7_E7kDNpog0fW3SP-RT2HWtXH85ezYwXM0umLCcLR5OY_45q4csOJ05AifDz/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kQPVJ7WUo7USbp8afrvR28xnfIQxwY2bu5PjGan21JwhcYZfrRQOLjj8rM6TRFUnl_TutZF9-d8FcrWc7_E7kDNpog0fW3SP-RT2HWtXH85ezYwXM0umLCcLR5OY_45q4csOJ05AifDz/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrh_lWYiCMNJqPOXlHO9WoYjmZnuV_yS9e0g7f5HNzyjVNNgLEvqxsMzAsdh7otVYacWgXuSQZ1gV-YMpKUmq1HOA6gSUdLtTnbp9c7-PlA_7-L1TQKMOYtY5KUf91grF-3riS9Q2OJfv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrh_lWYiCMNJqPOXlHO9WoYjmZnuV_yS9e0g7f5HNzyjVNNgLEvqxsMzAsdh7otVYacWgXuSQZ1gV-YMpKUmq1HOA6gSUdLtTnbp9c7-PlA_7-L1TQKMOYtY5KUf91grF-3riS9Q2OJfv/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Deck to NNW, Canadian Mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXdIT2j8ZgBRFQtOGv_Ixaax3K1d3j5C9r5J2LqYgXivNRMJHzNCwLp-ehyphenhyphenN-_dYxxExHK2s1vZbko9GtWhq2s3x-q2_35T8qDO2k42OaUdpMc7yJ0Cn5OrGfygxuZ7HxKwcE-qBOkekQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXdIT2j8ZgBRFQtOGv_Ixaax3K1d3j5C9r5J2LqYgXivNRMJHzNCwLp-ehyphenhyphenN-_dYxxExHK2s1vZbko9GtWhq2s3x-q2_35T8qDO2k42OaUdpMc7yJ0Cn5OrGfygxuZ7HxKwcE-qBOkekQ/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterior, showing Solar Array atop Garage & Front Entrance</td></tr>
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Not much of this progress could have been accomplished in so short a time, without the amazing help of my "A" Team! <div>
All of these folks were friends of Joan and me, who pitched in and greatly helped me make this transition happen so smoothly and -relatively- painlessly. </div>
<div>
I am very thankful for the help they all offered.</div>
<div>
Here's a list, that hopefully includes -almost- everyone:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Ilya Kolesnikov</li>
<li>Klara Weis</li>
<li>Anne Mosness</li>
<li>Mary Durbrow</li>
<li>Jim Hildt</li>
<li>Roni Lenore</li>
<li>Mike Kaufman</li>
<li>Naomi Bunis</li>
<li>Helen McLeod</li>
<li>Kurt Lindemann</li>
<li>Regina Montano</li>
<li>Shelly Murray</li>
<li>Ann Davidge</li>
<li>Donna Rushing</li>
<li>Tim Burnett</li>
<li>Bob Davis</li>
<li>Margaret Weiland</li>
<li>Bob Carlitz</li>
<li>Katie Carlitz</li>
<li>Rina Kolesnikov</li>
<li>Vladimir Kolesnikov</li>
<li>Anatoly Kolesnikov</li>
<li>Laurie Heck</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
To these special people goes my heartfelt thanks!</div>
<div>
They prove that when things are tough, true friends arise to occasion!</div>
<div>
Joan is smiling - as always...</div>
<div>
====================</div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-47987105073923752292016-06-06T22:24:00.000-07:002016-06-06T22:24:15.190-07:00Joan Casey Update # 26: BUF Celebration of Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fXG7RVuUw1fwgdTzVj_cfnkMe53875xHKn711o78sOTLBSYk9oMWuzOyZVb0kImc7ieBFy6vQD-7LXfuaJn5KJfxTQx_zUD89EZdWygytYwVAZ_v15CAIgIt5spamZlScUz6TEoPcFTo/s1600/DEE+CLOUD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fXG7RVuUw1fwgdTzVj_cfnkMe53875xHKn711o78sOTLBSYk9oMWuzOyZVb0kImc7ieBFy6vQD-7LXfuaJn5KJfxTQx_zUD89EZdWygytYwVAZ_v15CAIgIt5spamZlScUz6TEoPcFTo/s400/DEE+CLOUD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DEE Cloud</td></tr>
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From a friend: As I left the fellowship celebration I snapped this picture of a singular cloud floating above and lingering well beyond the others leaving. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whispering marvelous wishes. </div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">PS: for some reason the email from my phone on Saturday went around the world for a few days and back .</span></div>
</div>
<br />Does this remind you of anyone?<br />
Missus Joan was famous for lingering at an enjoyable event until she was the last to leave...<br />
Would it surprise you that she may have enjoyed this last celebration of her life?<br />
<br />
The event at BUF worked well, with about 60 folks signing the guest book and 12 rising to say a few words recalling experiences they had with Joan. All seemed to really enjoy seeing 8-minute short video of wedding, which displayed the joy which pervaded our lives together.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, the reception continued for about an hour.<br />
Then, it was over - except for the memories of a life well-lived.<br />
No wonder Missus Joan may have lingered!<br />
It really was a celebration of her life...<br />
---------------------------<br />
<br />John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-17222365083011813292016-05-25T17:56:00.002-07:002016-05-25T17:56:33.234-07:00Joan Casey Update #25: Our Wedding @ SPC<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cmw23r5OL2g" width="459"></iframe><br />
This is a 8-minute video clip that highlights our wedding on June 17, 1990<br />
<br />
What a Happy Day our wedding was!<br />
And, what a happy marriage it produced.<br />
The Celebration of Joan's Life at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church on May 21 recalled the earlier event and infused its happiness into people's hearts all over again!<br />
It certainly lifted my spirits to recall, experience again, and anticipate such infectious joy in the future.<br />
And, I know Joan was very happy!<br />
Just take my word for it...<br />
<br />
A trip to the <span id="goog_233420544"></span><a href="http://sausalitopres.org/celebrating-joan-casey/" target="_blank">Sausalito Church website</a><span id="goog_233420545"></span> will provide another chance to view the above clip, plus more pictures taken and posted by our friends afterwards - which was also amazing!<br />
Enjoy this as I have.<br />
I expect to show it at the final Memorial for Joan - at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship on Saturday, June 4 at 2 PM.<br />
Come one, come all to remember Joan's irrepressible persona...<br />
Recorded music and light refreshments to follow.<br />
An AD in the Herald will repeat this invitation more widely, starting this Sunday and running for 3 days...<br />
=====================================<br />
<br />John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-74233592677492333712016-05-25T17:35:00.002-07:002016-05-25T17:35:30.049-07:00Joan Casey Update #24: On Clowns <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGrhL8BtiLtAlB1gAoOPgwJ1QdFNwNTOyJyyPmq11Mp1z0S0kocXdqhMLah_aCyGGOrFkDllLHnfU44UoXZ078-Sr4sPAHavzX9drZJQsBEatS8DIf1PLKvqJdbrn3q1byz3WT25uSCNf/s1600/Joan+before+John.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGrhL8BtiLtAlB1gAoOPgwJ1QdFNwNTOyJyyPmq11Mp1z0S0kocXdqhMLah_aCyGGOrFkDllLHnfU44UoXZ078-Sr4sPAHavzX9drZJQsBEatS8DIf1PLKvqJdbrn3q1byz3WT25uSCNf/s400/Joan+before+John.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan - before John</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7E3x37Cn5YLNrHHZKyxj1bmFrTDs5USKLnkgBC40dstuDBIimRRv4XMKErbY6YOhxfWhh5MEQFsI0ztSqko544hYFfMCafoqM7N-3u2iBGUeuuLcKxOnD0_mTjl2YQ_aErW9DGuhBFRB/s1600/Clown%2527s+Prayer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_efuVRWQP6prvI2Xsa0IBIS42Qhv6mCFvTS4YhJmkCydgrpcMqc_zWm43-EEqokUBOtvLh7sr3wBAhFTaH7x4cc-jnyn5NAfVnxsLkgEpQ3dPRwUfzUbyA4f2TgBIwi0nOpHanRK5PUG/s1600/Clown%2527s+Prayer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_efuVRWQP6prvI2Xsa0IBIS42Qhv6mCFvTS4YhJmkCydgrpcMqc_zWm43-EEqokUBOtvLh7sr3wBAhFTaH7x4cc-jnyn5NAfVnxsLkgEpQ3dPRwUfzUbyA4f2TgBIwi0nOpHanRK5PUG/s640/Clown%2527s+Prayer.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UlJ6dhWZ2jBFjFcOTchaBVAr2FwEWIFqyqGDe-Poml9ip-8mIEWEgAGHQmAU74xq2Ws0eY9DCwheXYdrhyBCTUq4ryP2DmrOPXkmJ1EUtFBNAqIQGVfzyqTG9atM1bVquZauAr2yP-wh/s1600/Joan+as+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UlJ6dhWZ2jBFjFcOTchaBVAr2FwEWIFqyqGDe-Poml9ip-8mIEWEgAGHQmAU74xq2Ws0eY9DCwheXYdrhyBCTUq4ryP2DmrOPXkmJ1EUtFBNAqIQGVfzyqTG9atM1bVquZauAr2yP-wh/s640/Joan+as+Lily.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan as Lily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wjVMt1Qw0_eWWsb1hVautqQyhTmM9c0EP8mj5UKxaJvcmrN0VudiU0Fz9kZ-jTteDZb1tKLI-qQRun_ROPcWlOLspIAqOtYb2qqB_vyxI-OVEX_cJwaZR92bx541dQSqPeMGzPyP-T6j/s1600/J+%2526J+as+clowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wjVMt1Qw0_eWWsb1hVautqQyhTmM9c0EP8mj5UKxaJvcmrN0VudiU0Fz9kZ-jTteDZb1tKLI-qQRun_ROPcWlOLspIAqOtYb2qqB_vyxI-OVEX_cJwaZR92bx541dQSqPeMGzPyP-T6j/s400/J+%2526J+as+clowns.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily & Big Red - A Clown Couple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIVlnHxp2CnqdVXi7-GWNMY3rAcmePkb3o9hNLRE0f1bNFRQwwFRUbNLaxax6Au85htsaJrssPETj9BTuRZhyphenhyphenEAIEebCA9E-LFy0rbA2QQb_cXGoeIoxQMWstM6aMKiKYCfdaGIRPsNN6/s1600/Joan+%2526+Corpulent+Critter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIVlnHxp2CnqdVXi7-GWNMY3rAcmePkb3o9hNLRE0f1bNFRQwwFRUbNLaxax6Au85htsaJrssPETj9BTuRZhyphenhyphenEAIEebCA9E-LFy0rbA2QQb_cXGoeIoxQMWstM6aMKiKYCfdaGIRPsNN6/s400/Joan+%2526+Corpulent+Critter.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan meets Corpulent Critter (Big Red has grown really big!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdCPCUs5Kxu2cuH8JJnlTOIEUPiAu9dgrccniqg5EaWfK1z7lBolSXBWlE3h5gi5xgQ2_-NxNrQxOtZs2fzFKcZyKDowKLXWIqjBUTvCSKmVyq1KhmndHJtjLSsPt9AA3gNT43x1mDDNO/s1600/Critters+as+ushers+at+Joan+%2526+John%2527s+Wedding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdCPCUs5Kxu2cuH8JJnlTOIEUPiAu9dgrccniqg5EaWfK1z7lBolSXBWlE3h5gi5xgQ2_-NxNrQxOtZs2fzFKcZyKDowKLXWIqjBUTvCSKmVyq1KhmndHJtjLSsPt9AA3gNT43x1mDDNO/s320/Critters+as+ushers+at+Joan+%2526+John%2527s+Wedding.jpeg" title="" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Critters as Ushers @ Joan & John's Wedding<br />
============================================</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-46046431627127987632016-05-20T15:37:00.002-07:002016-05-20T15:37:08.284-07:00Joan Casey Update #23: Celebration of Life Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYinM2ZmrcJYzl75yv9wgN7BtesHNmpEVXbJZ4ad0iDU1Q6cj0XKoUymQoPjr0J-N_qu_7YRS02LglzKyHdcfBMf8F-FqY7fttfVHKRF4JKhgoTVGxzz7MvfcUXyMC5uOSNGCnNqtrkvJt/s1600/Ms+Casey.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYinM2ZmrcJYzl75yv9wgN7BtesHNmpEVXbJZ4ad0iDU1Q6cj0XKoUymQoPjr0J-N_qu_7YRS02LglzKyHdcfBMf8F-FqY7fttfVHKRF4JKhgoTVGxzz7MvfcUXyMC5uOSNGCnNqtrkvJt/s640/Ms+Casey.PNG" width="417" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms Joan Casey<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I arrived in San Francisco yesterday and came straight to Joan's house with our friend Ilya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The house was immaculate and I can imagine Joan exclaiming it was so wonderful. The weather was bright but windy, giving motion to trees and clouds outside the kitchen windows</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Joan's oldest Cousin, Clifford McCormick and Juanita, his wife of over 67 years, arrived before 6 PM after driving up from Palm Springs in one day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our friend Fedor came soon after with bags of groceries to cook his famous 'weapon', a potato dish with other veggies, herbs, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It smelled wonderful and tasted even better! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He also made a great salad with cabbage, lemon and pomegranate seeds which complimented the 'weapon' very well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And, he made a terrific mushroom dish with beef that rounded out the meal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Of course, a little wine was also in order, followed by cookies and chocolate.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This welcoming dinner ended up including 8 people, plus a neighbor who dropped in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Missus Joan would have been proud - and very happy!</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Afterwards, we watched our Wedding Ceremony on DVD/TV - all 90 minutes of it, with just a few fast-forwards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A good time was had by all, especially under the circumstances under which we had gathered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A really good sleep followed.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This morning, Rev George McLaird came by to meet with me and ended up talking with Cliff, Juanita, Ilya and me for almost 2 hours! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He had brought a printed program that looks just great.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, tomorrow is the day we travel to Sausalito for Joan's Celebration of Life. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBCikEdZ5wEAxDbRpcII3clAeOqR7dA6gGauCEQZAw4gNjN0-MAM9WDz9ZMBiBU9OsRTHEESvYDOpqj1eSnF6TPy49NqF2TStL8qILkZrAER58S2nKhlWKFTISYQs-3YUlxaDvH7k8e3V/s1600/Dingle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBCikEdZ5wEAxDbRpcII3clAeOqR7dA6gGauCEQZAw4gNjN0-MAM9WDz9ZMBiBU9OsRTHEESvYDOpqj1eSnF6TPy49NqF2TStL8qILkZrAER58S2nKhlWKFTISYQs-3YUlxaDvH7k8e3V/s640/Dingle.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan with some Lad in Dingle, Ireland</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I expect a pretty good crowd to exchange pleasant memories in good fellowship - another thing much valued by Joan.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our friend, Robin Sinclair - who sang at our wedding - produced a short clip of our wedding from the original tape which will be added to the <a href="http://sausalitopres.org/celebrating-joan-casey/">website at Sausalito Presbyterian Church.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN85BDY1v2c00cCwW9MIO5l2Tc1JuHS785raILtZj4D1faPpBDgY8Y22at9M0By1QX2NvwoRtbf8XNvhTLzPJbkJkPt2QP2GiylTEyAQIC3Gj3hcKXeObaRwKdtwT0QYqHxiTavgkUVZZ/s1600/j%2526j%2540bunrattycastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN85BDY1v2c00cCwW9MIO5l2Tc1JuHS785raILtZj4D1faPpBDgY8Y22at9M0By1QX2NvwoRtbf8XNvhTLzPJbkJkPt2QP2GiylTEyAQIC3Gj3hcKXeObaRwKdtwT0QYqHxiTavgkUVZZ/s400/j%2526j%2540bunrattycastle.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John with some Irish Lass</td></tr>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-22328317708705524952016-05-18T11:30:00.003-07:002016-05-18T11:30:55.170-07:00Joan Casey Update #22: A Rose 4 U<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSmQmI_wwT4zH8m_VjvZvBpnQEq9PDTxcOefm2FTV618Z-um0qxf1q8TocFWV-WazGChrENHULZ5sRIwZugXUyM8e7lN9ErQMnmEu0ZumaISOPDO38PNtSyncEGFl1lI6K0nWmhkndocr/s1600/Mt+Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSmQmI_wwT4zH8m_VjvZvBpnQEq9PDTxcOefm2FTV618Z-um0qxf1q8TocFWV-WazGChrENHULZ5sRIwZugXUyM8e7lN9ErQMnmEu0ZumaISOPDO38PNtSyncEGFl1lI6K0nWmhkndocr/s640/Mt+Baker.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Baker - Photo by Friend who also took 'Mountain Bliss'<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Bliss</td></tr>
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I'm now getting ready to visit San Francisco again, this time to participate in Joan's Celebration of Life at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church. </div>
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That is expected to be a big event, just as she might like. </div>
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The Program looks great, as does the Video of our Wedding, the Music selected, and the Speakers.</div>
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But, the main thing Joan liked were the People! </div>
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Many will be there, missing a few who have also passed away.</div>
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Yes, the occasion will be as joyous as possible, even without Joan's delightful presence!</div>
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My son, Tom, sent me a picture of a Rose from Joan's Memorial Service in Yonkers.</div>
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This is for you, Wee Lambie...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXOFWXEvqSIBubhxtIweILcMUrUqftuWJMvPhtpES4bqxb8y3PZ1wX00MUCI7IeAsilEzflGC7pEX09LBWliyKviLbkmTPU5yhQU5WZDI-LS5oy8ci2sTfcj4UuHn-HkxcjCkfo-W5XUW/s1600/rose.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXOFWXEvqSIBubhxtIweILcMUrUqftuWJMvPhtpES4bqxb8y3PZ1wX00MUCI7IeAsilEzflGC7pEX09LBWliyKviLbkmTPU5yhQU5WZDI-LS5oy8ci2sTfcj4UuHn-HkxcjCkfo-W5XUW/s400/rose.jpeg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rose for Joan<br />
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-56566333525169721012016-05-16T12:28:00.000-07:002016-05-17T09:24:42.469-07:00Joan Casey Update #21: A 400-Word Speech +/-<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our deck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After Joan and I were married by Reverend George McLaird on June 17, 1990 at SPC, I made the small mistake of introducing her as my wife, Joan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She quickly informed me that she was <i><u>Joan</u></i> [COMMA] my wife! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I ever forgot <i><u>that</u></i> again...<br /><br />Joan was unique among anyone I ever met. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She seemed to operate at a faster, higher, and more motivated pace in her life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I saw this as good, and immediately was drawn to her - as fortunately, she was to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We connected on many levels, and still do.<br /><br />Joan was/is a true seeker for the meaning of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Dalai Lama's simple definition of Buddhism as a school of thought was <i><u>"loving-kindness"</u></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That resonated, and was all Joan needed to begin her vigorous exploration of Buddhism!<br /><br />Buddhism is based upon the Three Jewels; <i>Buddha</i>, <i>Dharma</i> and <i>Sangha</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Buddha</b> means enlightenment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Dharma</b> means the path one chooses to achieve enlightenment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sangha</b> means the people one chooses to associate with during their search.<br /><br />Joan also found all three elements at SPC; <i><b>inspiration</b></i>, <i><b>opportunity</b></i> to turn inspiration into good works, and <i><b>wonderful people</b></i> who helped and were with her along the way!<br /><br />To Joan, the number <b>3</b> had significance: <i>The Three Jewels</i>; <i>Body, Speech and Mind</i>; and the <i>Holy Trinity</i> - Father, Son and Holy Ghost.<br /><br />Other numbers were also significant: 05/16/1941, 01/14/1984, and 06/17/1990. <i>(Her Birthday; the Day we met; the Day we married)</i>.<br /><br />As I flew home today from Joan's Memorial in Yonkers, NY - her home town - it occurred to me that she may still prefer those numbers, all with the years left out.<br /><br />I also suspected she may have become reborn as I was thinking about it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I hope she was, so she could continue her <i>loving-kindness</i> from a new, broader and even more beneficial perspective!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Maybe as a </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Dakini</i> or even a </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Bodhisattva</i>? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Why not?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That would be very good, and I'm certain she would love her new <i>Role in the Greater Scheme of Things</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />I will always love Joan, as her Spirit will live into Eternity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The singing group, Alabama, created lyrics, which said <i>"She's close enough to perfect for me"</i>.<br /><br />Little Joanie Casey; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lily of the Pink Spirit, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chickadee; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Debit; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lambit: J-KC; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">my Dear Dee!<br /><br />A very small part of you is now reunited with your Father, Mother and Brother, under the Casey Headstone at <i>Gate of Heaven Cemetery</i>, Valhalla, NY.<br /><br />Just like you said when you first saw the Home we bought together, <i>"What do I have to do to live here?"</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Easy answer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just </span><i style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;">"keep beaming your radiant Dee-ness"</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> through your bright eyes and wonderful smile!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9HLzVrG0SBZupRZunII3JStMGwDmKg_teFFw5NNSL4cqUsZFgdRhyphenhyphenJ2V4AOrE9GPFZQf9lrNA53jbSkxZLMdnBaBU9QXrIh_Mxexo2az7zjUDJZY_7aKCYXjb6hDzv1xj9BOCeVazum5/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9HLzVrG0SBZupRZunII3JStMGwDmKg_teFFw5NNSL4cqUsZFgdRhyphenhyphenJ2V4AOrE9GPFZQf9lrNA53jbSkxZLMdnBaBU9QXrIh_Mxexo2az7zjUDJZY_7aKCYXjb6hDzv1xj9BOCeVazum5/s400/IMG_0152.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><i>P<a class="spell" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=padmasambhava&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiX5eC_qN_MAhUO6WMKHUcgDn4QBQgaKAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">admasambhava</a></i></b> Thanka hanging in our home<br />
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-44502790127675760032016-05-15T19:28:00.002-07:002016-05-15T19:30:30.549-07:00Joan Casey Update #20: Yonkers Memorial<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3oxWdo5q3NJzel7y71Vt8zXF4RD1rXhZ8cF25OfXMm66hMx5KOM_RpbSAwN6bQR1at9VeKOCzkObl83O5VK1YRZvzYs22jPZH858Qoy4b6aNcPTQ3Lc7ZsgC7f9mHirkbyf5zlgQY1hg/s1600/Tom+%2526+John+%2540+Rory+Dolan%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3oxWdo5q3NJzel7y71Vt8zXF4RD1rXhZ8cF25OfXMm66hMx5KOM_RpbSAwN6bQR1at9VeKOCzkObl83O5VK1YRZvzYs22jPZH858Qoy4b6aNcPTQ3Lc7ZsgC7f9mHirkbyf5zlgQY1hg/s400/Tom+%2526+John+%2540+Rory+Dolan%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom & John @ Rory Dolan's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy Casey & Patsy McCann @ Rory Dolan's</td></tr>
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Joan's Memorial Celebration of Life at Flynn's Memorial Home was done well, including Fr Michael Connelly, a Franciscan Priest. He had prepared by reading about Joan in this blog and in talking over the phone. He read from Saint Francis of Assisi, recognized Joan's Buddhist beliefs and Christian upbringing, said a moving prayer and recognized several people who had vivid memories of Joan.<br />
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I had selected music to play on my computer and said a few words about my dear Joanie.</div>
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About 2 dozen were in attendance, including the following relatives and friends: Me and my son, Tom Watts; Sister-in-Law Kathy Casey & and her friend Karen Sharman; Cousin Barbara Hollander & her husband Ted; Cousin Bob Casey & his wife Kathy; Cousin Brian McCormick & his wife Lynn; Ethel Bridbury, friend of Sister-in-Law Kathy Casey; Catriona Borlan, friend of Sister-in-Law Kathy Casey; Cousin Eileen Morison; Cousin Kathleen Wallace; Cousin John Wallace & wife Carolyn.</div>
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There were 2 nice pictures of Joan displayed, 4 Flower arrangements, and 3 artifacts I wanted interred with Joan's cremains; a Necklace made by her Teacher, which she wore as she passed away, a Tele with relic she often wore, and a piece of GIDDY's [her favorite Cat] - collar. </div>
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Printed Prayer Cards were also available. Those attending were invited to take a red rose in remembrance of Joan.</div>
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Afterward, the group was invited back to Kathy Casey's home -1 block from where Joan grew up - for a reception and viewing of Joan's Wedding DVD. Later, a smaller group met for dinner at Rory Dolan's, a local Irish Restaurant & Bar.</div>
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The following day, Sunday May 15, Kathy took us to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY, where we viewed where Joan's final resting place the Casey Burial Plot, where her name will be added. Now, on to the next Memorial - at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church - on Saturday May 21 at 1 PM. All are invited...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFz1adHooQbeBY8Rz-c9uTaP5iyu75QieEkf8DwpmVyorBnV_bIhfMSvl_5cpkvzTHOJfvo3kZRA4uE3TJxlZryhYgfuLvt4DzKbWzB3gduBgXui9bSDPYW133DJ-dfDP6XnSGRtIEyNM/s1600/Tom%252C+John+%2526+Kathy+%2540+Casey+Burial+Site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFz1adHooQbeBY8Rz-c9uTaP5iyu75QieEkf8DwpmVyorBnV_bIhfMSvl_5cpkvzTHOJfvo3kZRA4uE3TJxlZryhYgfuLvt4DzKbWzB3gduBgXui9bSDPYW133DJ-dfDP6XnSGRtIEyNM/s400/Tom%252C+John+%2526+Kathy+%2540+Casey+Burial+Site.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom, John & Kathy @ Casey Headstone</td></tr>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-62402533119978859712016-05-13T18:52:00.001-07:002016-05-13T19:02:33.094-07:00Joan Casey Update #19: Rarest of the Rare!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGklzC_Pk9d8Nr0bn2gIoaSdDO7tpu11lsoecrUiMM8PM5Q7fG2PDqSR2FWkUaEH1LiF17JanssoLbNch6eFvrCjH4-hBIARwAPZ2dvqLApj6tMRipi3Z_Fybnm2_EYnXgmSfp04f9DzjJ/s1600/20151128_164849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGklzC_Pk9d8Nr0bn2gIoaSdDO7tpu11lsoecrUiMM8PM5Q7fG2PDqSR2FWkUaEH1LiF17JanssoLbNch6eFvrCjH4-hBIARwAPZ2dvqLApj6tMRipi3Z_Fybnm2_EYnXgmSfp04f9DzjJ/s640/20151128_164849.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing in Arizona</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqZ-xFtBRnRkOxuDpuHomAOYhjaP2uQqhxU1CKHGv6FR-dEN11_lRDA246OpTfppoRSe7RPDtYn4RkBMaZSs5eQToRCGEjB56sFYub6xsefwhBkP8xuUyGIA3Z17ifYs5C9XiIAYxkOUG/s1600/IMG_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqZ-xFtBRnRkOxuDpuHomAOYhjaP2uQqhxU1CKHGv6FR-dEN11_lRDA246OpTfppoRSe7RPDtYn4RkBMaZSs5eQToRCGEjB56sFYub6xsefwhBkP8xuUyGIA3Z17ifYs5C9XiIAYxkOUG/s320/IMG_0176.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Rainbow Bodies Are Welcome to Our Home</td></tr>
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<div style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
During our early relationship, I found myself at a career crossroads, having to seek help from a professional Career Councilor in an effort to seek a new job.<br />
This was the first time anything like this had happened to me, but I determined it was needed.<br />
The guy was quite helpful and proved a relief from the do-it-yourself approach of using the book ‘What Color is Your Parachute’.</div>
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As part of the counseling, a Myers-Briggs Personality Type test was given, and because Joan & I were a couple, we both took the test, individually.<br />
The results were interesting to say the least; showing that we were very similar, sharing the indicators N (intuitive), F (feeling) and J (judgmental).<br />
Only the first indicator showed a difference; Joan was an Introvert and I was an Extrovert.<br />
Go figure!<br />
Joan was about as outgoing a person as I have met, while I an somewhat reserved most of the time.</div>
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But the difference between an I and a E can be big, I’s represent about 25% of those tested, while E’s account for 75%. The types just view things from a different perspective, both necessary and important. </div>
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Joan reacted to these findings with joy and amazement, because she found answers to questions about herself that she had often wondered about.<br />
The MBPT test revealed to her things that explained why she had always felt a little different from most people, almost a misfit at times.<br />
At last, she felt satisfied with this explanation.<br />
After all the years when she worried, now she didn’t have to.<br />
What a relief that was to her!<br />
She actually became proud of her uniqueness, literally as the rarest of the rare Personality Type; only 1% of those tested were INFJ’s.</div>
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As it turned out, my type -ENFJ- is the second most rare, at about 4%. Together, we made a rare couple, that shared rarities!</div>
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This was a memory that we never forgot, because it helped both of us better understand ourselves. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj1fLhWnXu-4f-IYA_7rsCo4GyH-NDjQhQKAcykQIidnxRbLKmFJ6w_AfzlD46A_KAyPhgqCiM4F6suZHXZgoCW1VGU8p7lY7uNKDbTgiaL1qDw6fqpylCLu7PqgVkYUkWb9kHJAWhtZl/s1600/IMG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaj1fLhWnXu-4f-IYA_7rsCo4GyH-NDjQhQKAcykQIidnxRbLKmFJ6w_AfzlD46A_KAyPhgqCiM4F6suZHXZgoCW1VGU8p7lY7uNKDbTgiaL1qDw6fqpylCLu7PqgVkYUkWb9kHJAWhtZl/s320/IMG_0151.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Tara Thanka<br />
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-33336583344717818062016-05-10T23:45:00.001-07:002016-05-10T23:45:50.952-07:00Joan Casey Update #18: Photos from Mt Tamalpais 1998 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SebDaoTbHpSD_EyBz7fxfF-Q_pK4U1dAQIJAIcRF0pN6jJJLBTuN9TTOfIjD5-ioePri1zrs70Z2mIWyw0yd_HPqEXF6eNytvXnVdBuQyRiaYlXydq7rCctmrDB6rV9ss_rAjazSbjP/s1600/Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SebDaoTbHpSD_EyBz7fxfF-Q_pK4U1dAQIJAIcRF0pN6jJJLBTuN9TTOfIjD5-ioePri1zrs70Z2mIWyw0yd_HPqEXF6eNytvXnVdBuQyRiaYlXydq7rCctmrDB6rV9ss_rAjazSbjP/s400/Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan on Mt Tam 1998</td></tr>
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Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is a very popular hiking destination, especially in the Bay Area.<div>
There are good reasons for this; it's close to SF and the Golden Gate Bridge; there a variety of trails traversing several types of terrain; there are world-class views! At the summit -a little over 2500 feet- one can see panoramic views of San Francisco & beyond, East Bay cities and skyline, the Bay itself; the GG Bridge & surrounds, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Pacific Ocean. Trails range from coastal, to steep, to ridge lines, to wooded areas, to creeks with waterfalls. It is a uniquely beautiful area, and it hosts many hikes every day of the week. No wonder it is so popular!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMMjk1hklN3y5g4TGY2eE7pfB-X2cEFmnQ9ZLMjE4logC3m1tflejl2ugfGao_lVPTTyWE3jB7MKRuDjUHivObHEPiwfPv6BaBTh1c0LVZKE48AfKY-dznfsPJ5XqzU_c-kj8WgxfxHgO/s1600/John+%2526+Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMMjk1hklN3y5g4TGY2eE7pfB-X2cEFmnQ9ZLMjE4logC3m1tflejl2ugfGao_lVPTTyWE3jB7MKRuDjUHivObHEPiwfPv6BaBTh1c0LVZKE48AfKY-dznfsPJ5XqzU_c-kj8WgxfxHgO/s400/John+%2526+Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John & Joan on Mt Tam 1998</td></tr>
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This day, we took good friends from east of Sacramento up to explore a few trails and views, despite the blustery weather. One of Joan's oldest friends, Maryanne Beckford, with whom she came to California in 1965 - that's right - and her husband Joe with us to see what we could see, which was plenty!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKQfAJet8pbeA71zNGE1yOXCiyL4w2YpV__A3zzlJiby0EoIPUCtpCG93KqGPYgTFsBNPk2ZE4oMNeNvXqbZO5Ylb3PYAjx1bsuG5be574EfnKW2lX5rcnO4MqigChcXD3edmCCXrOl1M/s1600/Joe+Beckford+%2526+Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKQfAJet8pbeA71zNGE1yOXCiyL4w2YpV__A3zzlJiby0EoIPUCtpCG93KqGPYgTFsBNPk2ZE4oMNeNvXqbZO5Ylb3PYAjx1bsuG5be574EfnKW2lX5rcnO4MqigChcXD3edmCCXrOl1M/s400/Joe+Beckford+%2526+Joan+on+Mt+Tam+1998.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Beckford & Joan on Mt Tam 1998</td></tr>
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Joan posed with Joe, while Maryanne took the picture. Both Maryanne and Joe came to our wedding in 1990. Those were happy days! Unfortunately, Joe had passed away about a week before Joan did, in April 2016. Maryanne didn't want to tell us while Joan was in the hospital, which was a good thing. Maryanne will attend Joan's Memorial Service at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 21 at 1 PM. Bless her, she will say a few words...<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-39369109871716586172016-05-09T23:17:00.000-07:002016-05-10T10:24:38.518-07:00Joan Casey Update #17: Happenings You Might Like To Hear About<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhscWqximIUqcGL6Mbo3njVx5pm7m37mXEb8_1kPR-H8GFX7U9rrF7LhZJpF_v9Y0gKW862ansljrjwP8i6hzR2M6XQXproEhNFC6NALtS8gIXEZaS-J1Ufs1TohRwzAYIT4vM3zFuHH7L/s1600/Marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhscWqximIUqcGL6Mbo3njVx5pm7m37mXEb8_1kPR-H8GFX7U9rrF7LhZJpF_v9Y0gKW862ansljrjwP8i6hzR2M6XQXproEhNFC6NALtS8gIXEZaS-J1Ufs1TohRwzAYIT4vM3zFuHH7L/s640/Marriage.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wedding @ Sausalito Presbyterian Church - June 17, 1990</td></tr>
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• Hey Deebit, remember this day?<br />
I just had our wedding video digitized so I could watch it again on my computer.<br />
Guess what? It was even more of a happy event than I recalled!<br />
Maybe, I can get it edited enough to show the highlights on May 21!<br />
You were absolutely stunningly radiant - something I have remembered, as have many others who were there...<br />
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<div>
• Another interesting development is that the US Corps of Engineers have now officially denied a permit to SSA-Marine for the huge Coal Terminal proposed for Cherry Point!<br />
The reason given was that the expected additional negative impacts to tribal fishing rights violated the Treaty of 1855.</div>
<div>
Remember the day we went to the Lummi event at which they burned a big check in effigy? </div>
<div>
It must have worked! Now, maybe a realistic use can be found for this site.<br />
What? You want to buy it for a memorial park? Maybe, a buyer can be found who will protect this fragile shore area....</div>
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• Also, remember when you had doubts about the weather here? One of the things that helped ease that anxiety was when you first drove past the Mt Baker Winery and Vineyards - that convinced you that if grapes could be grown here, the weather mustn't be so bad!<br />
Well, today, that winery is for sale - is that a harbinger of worse weather? I don't think so, but you never know...</div>
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<div>
• Regina came for a third day to gather, sort and list your clothes; still not finished. Hate to remind you, but you had WAY too many clothes!<br />
Don't worry they're going to a place where they'll be put to good use - the Assistance League. I know you'll approve...</div>
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<div>
• The Memorial Service in Yonkers is coming up next Saturday. I'll be flying into Newark where son Tom will meet me for the trip to Yonkers and back.<br />
We'll stay with Kathy Casey, your brother's widow, whose been very helpful in the arrangements. Brian is coming and bringing your Cousin, Jeanne.</div>
<div>
Your friend Patsy will be there, too. We plan an Irish meal at Rory's after the Memorial.</div>
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• Your Cousin, Jed, sent me a great poem that will be included in the Sausalito Memorial the following Saturday.<br />
Bud & Juanita will be coming and stay at Surrey Street with me.<br />
The Brothers K will be cooking a 'weapon' the day I arrive.<br />
Rev George is going to officiate at SPC and has been a terrific help, along with your friends Mimi and Georgianne.<br />
And, the Dzogchen Community has been invited, along with your friend Nora.<br />
No idea how many may come, but a bunch!<br />
I picked a lot of songs and music, but expect the main ones will be One Hand, One Heart - sung at our wedding - and the Song of the Vajra, also chanted at our wedding...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqiiuz7XxlaOBBeHUNpyHr8i9GfFeTL6colG2-dRvBYwMRE7B2STZgNkrhLheFeRoPLQJzPCSbLJrHDxqDl_z4SH-n7kjYi_i1VDfUWIx1ljINzWOICRv6ZiIWNndmya-EVg2ol6tjl3/s1600/Jed+and+Joan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqiiuz7XxlaOBBeHUNpyHr8i9GfFeTL6colG2-dRvBYwMRE7B2STZgNkrhLheFeRoPLQJzPCSbLJrHDxqDl_z4SH-n7kjYi_i1VDfUWIx1ljINzWOICRv6ZiIWNndmya-EVg2ol6tjl3/s400/Jed+and+Joan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan & Cousin Jed, the Mountaineer</td></tr>
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• Here's the Poem Jed sent, especially with you in mind!<br />
<div>
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here in Kathmandu </span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">by Donald Justice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have climbed the mountain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's nothing more to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is terrible to come down</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To the valley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where, amidst many flowers,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One thinks of snow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As formerly, amidst snow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Climbing the mountain,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One thought of flowers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tremulous, ruddy with dew,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the valley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One caught their scent coming down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is difficult to adjust, once down,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the absence of snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clear days, from the valley,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One looks up at the mountain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What else is there to do?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prayer wheels, flowers!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let the flowers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fade, the prayer wheels run down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What have they to do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With us who have stood atop the snow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Atop the mountain,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flags seen from the valley?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might be possible to live in the valley,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To bury oneself among flowers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If one could forget the mountain,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, once looking down,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stiff, blinded with snow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One knew what to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile it is not easy here in Kathmandu,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Especially when to the valley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That wind which means snow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elsewhere, but here means flowers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Comes down,</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: start;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
As soon it must, from the mountain.</div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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======================================</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goodnight...</div>
</span></div>
John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-85409013513823877252016-05-07T15:59:00.003-07:002016-05-08T13:13:27.217-07:00Joan Casey Update #16: Obituary<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 13.1px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan Casey - Beaming Radiant Dee-ness!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan Kathryn Casey - Born 05/16/1941 in Mount Vernon, NY to her parents, Paul E Casey & Eleanor Hunter Casey, she took her last breath on 04/12/2016 in Redding, CA with her husband, John and her Vajra Sister, Nora McKay, at her side.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan’s death was peaceful, resulting from respiratory failure and other complications while at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, CA</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">She is survived by her husband & life companion for over 32 years, John Watts of Bellingham, WA, her Step-son, Tom Watts of Charlotte, NC, and her Sister-in-law, Kathy Casey of Yonkers, NY</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan valued the higher meanings in life, and having viewed Catholic, Presbyterian and Buddhist perspectives, she saw commonalities rather than differences. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan was a devout Buddhist, first introduced to Buddhism by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, leader of the Dzogchen Community, in the Vajrayana tradition. She passed away while surrounded by precious Buddhist prayers, artifacts and friends, which greatly eased her transition from life toward rebirth. She valued meditation as a skillful means to discover Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and to practice with translating Body, Speech & Mind into action.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan dearly loved Nature, in all its aspects; Mountains, Forests, Fields, Streams, Ocean, and especially, Birds of the Sky. She freely supported causes dedicated to conservation and preservation of the natural world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">She strongly supported the cause of Social Justice and helped people through giving to various charities, as well as issues including Water Supply protection and Public Parks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan was a believer in World Peace, and often participated in the political process to make her values known. She also gave tangible assistance to worthwhile organizations to help people of Tibetan culture.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The people Joan loved most were her family and friends, which were many, because she made friends easily and often. She was a member of a number of circles, both formal and informal, which discussed and advocated good will. Her extended family included in-laws, outlaws and special persons, including a large Russian immigrant family she loved.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Music was important to Joan and she loved opera, theater, and meditative music best.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan lived for adventure and having memorable experiences! Outdoors, she enjoyed hiking the best, followed by van camping, backpacking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. She was a Taurus Earth Mother and liked being that! She was a member of Sierra Club, CA AlpineClub, Mountaineers, Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, Whatcom Land Trust, WAKE, Nooksack Nordics, Mt Baker Hiking Club and others.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">She was an avid traveler, constantly seeking new places to visit and explore. Her travels extended through Southeast Asia, Nepal, India, Europe, Scotland, Ireland, Central America, Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Russia.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan was naturally smart, but continued to love learning and read prolifically on religious themes, popular books, NYT Editorials, New Yorker, health, and food. All-Life-Learning was a frequent pursuit, in particular the Fromm Institute at the University of San Francisco.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan was a Feminist, and cared about the special roles that women play, and their growing roles into the modern day and beyond. She was strongly independent in her thinking, and comfortable in her own skin, but also valued the opinions of others. As a single woman for 49 years, she excelled at computer programming, using intense focus and intuitive skills to determine solutions to problems. She and two friends made their way to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1965, where she made it her home until moving to Bellingham, WA in 1990, the year she married for the first time. She was proud of the fact that she was able to secure a loan in 1978 for the purchase of a small Victorian house in the Glen Park Neighborhood of San Francisco, a place she made a Home, and continued to own and remodel until her death. She loved all her neighborhoods and frequently was involved in gatherings - her specialty!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan enjoyed ‘pinking and fluffing’ in a hot shower every day, and was the willing recipient of many nicknames assigned by her husband. Most of these contained reference to the word ‘Dee’, as in ‘Bird-a Dee’ and the like. Her look of love she called ‘Beaming Radiant Dee-ness’!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan loved Food! She cooked, endlessly reviewed recipes, and ate with gusto - whether at home, dining out, or with groups of friends. But, she had to be careful with food because of a severe allergy to peanuts and tree nuts in general. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan had a bit of a clothes fetish, enjoying the search for comfortable, yet classy looks. Most of the time she wore outdoor wear, like hiking shorts, T-shirts, fanny pack, rain gear and the like. But, she ‘cleaned up’ nicely - as the Irish say - and felt at ease in almost any setting. In short, she was a ‘Class Act’!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">She became an Apple nut, when introduced to iMac, PowerMac, iPad and iPhone. Though opting not to become a ‘techie’, she enjoyed using these electronic tools as a means of keeping up with news, contacting her friends and generally having a good time on the Amazon site and other Internet venues.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Joan seemed to have boundless energy, even when challenged by various physical ailments. Nothing seemed to slow her down for very long, although she also liked relaxation, too - when she had time for it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">But, the main memory of Joan has to be her innate honesty, strength of character, clean-cut features, her outspokenness, bright smile and absolute love of laughter and joy. What a wonderful, loving spirit she was! A lasting legacy for such a beautiful human being can only be inadequately described….</span></span><br />
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7587684356208759123.post-56524418080613941552016-05-06T23:26:00.002-07:002016-05-06T23:26:55.820-07:00Joan Casey Update #15: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Memorial Service<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan Casey</td></tr>
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Today, plans have been firmed up for Joan's Memorial Service at the <a href="http://buf.org/" target="_blank">Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship</a>.<br />
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It will be held in the Fellowship Hall at 1207 Ellsworth, in Bellingham on Saturday, June 4 at 2 PM. <span style="text-align: center;">Reverend Paul Beckel </span>will officiate. Details follow later.</div>
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John Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440739234507886512noreply@blogger.com