Blog is Back

Since July, this blog's door has been closed. Finally, today, Day spent an hour or two opening the door. 

This is a scattershot blog without a theme--though I'm thinking up a few possible ones.  It began 11 years ago when I celebrated turning 65 by driving solo in my Mini Cooper to the west coast.  By the time that trip was over, I'd already moved in here with all its comfy furniture and open windows, so I just kept writing.  

Gerlinde Pyron has been one of my most loyal readers, and she often wrote me notes responding to posts. Because of that, I always had her in mind as I wrote.

I was so saddened to learn from our mutual friend Barbel that Gerlinde died two weeks ago. The two of them had been friends for almost 60 years. Both moved here from Germany when they were  young--around 17 or 18--and neither spoke English. Both learned the language and built careers and friendships in Texas and beyond.

Gerlinde was a wonderful writer.  She published a memoir about her childhood: Shadows and Joys of a Life in Bavaria.  She also wrote long and newsy emails that I treasured and re-read each time one landed in my box:

Here is an excerpt from a recent email:

One of my go-to’s while being so troubled by this mean-spirited political climate is to go back to the past, all the way to 1776 and read histories that give me some perspective and understanding to make sense of this time. The most helpful to read at this point is Joseph Ellis’s enlightening and wise book: “American Dialogue”.  I also loved the Hamilton book which is so fascinating. Particularly when you read how hateful Jefferson and  Madison were toward Washington’s protégé and trusted friend which  Hamilton was for him.

While English was not her native language, she--like Barbel--mastered it impressively.  (I could never beat Barbel in Scrabble!). Gerlinde and I shared a love of reading and often discussed books via email.

During the last few years, she rarely met friends for outings, as she devoted every day to caring for Tim, her husband.  She drove him to doctors' appointments and took care of him at home as he fought cancer and dementia.  In spite of everything, she said he never departed from his characteristic kindness and easy-going nature. 

Gerlinde loved flowers and nature.  Last spring she sent me this photo of her backyard filled with poppies.  A lover of books, painting, gardening, cooking, and a Christmas tree loaded with ornaments, Gerlinde was a memorable creative and generous friend.