Nancy and I arrived at Susan's farm near Dorrance on Friday evening, May 22. Our plan is to stay at the 'the farm' for several weeks this summer. I hope Susan can stand us that long.
The first 24 hours at the farm have been very busy - lots of child care, an auction, company, and a few errands. We have two family reunions on Sunday - one for the Pierano family which is my paternal grandmother's side; the second is for the Siefers family which is my dad's side. We will see many of the same people at both events. Monday is actually my favorite day because of Memorial Day activities at Dorrance. We walk from main street to the cemetery, we call it a parade. Many children will decorate their bikes or wagons or fourwheelers or mowers with red, white, and blue and ride them in the parade. Then we gather at the cemetery for a short ceremony honoring service members who are no longer with us. Dad's name will be read in the honor roll, I am sure it will be emotional to hear his name in the World War II group. There is something special about coming together as a community in a small-town cemetery to reflect on our loved ones who served our country. It is not a flashy ceremony, but it is heartfelt and authentic.
Well, enjoy the first round of photos from our summer vacation. I realized after looking at my photos and thinking about Susan's house/farm that the PORCH has become the meeting place. Most of us gather in the kitchen to talk and share stories and to just BE together, but Susan's porch is the other kitchen. It raps around the south and east sides of her house and is covered so it is always in the shade. There is a table and several chairs, even a swing. It is surrounded by a sidewalk so the children can ride their trikes, bikes, tractors, cars, and anything with wheels. Susan installed a play park (as Anna calls it) so the children can play and be seen by the adults sitting on the porch. The porch also has lots of open grass areas for games and other foolery.
So I am sure you will see lots and lots of photos from the porch area of Susan's house. As evidenced by these photos, lots of visiting, business and sharing takes place on the porch.
The first 24 hours at the farm have been very busy - lots of child care, an auction, company, and a few errands. We have two family reunions on Sunday - one for the Pierano family which is my paternal grandmother's side; the second is for the Siefers family which is my dad's side. We will see many of the same people at both events. Monday is actually my favorite day because of Memorial Day activities at Dorrance. We walk from main street to the cemetery, we call it a parade. Many children will decorate their bikes or wagons or fourwheelers or mowers with red, white, and blue and ride them in the parade. Then we gather at the cemetery for a short ceremony honoring service members who are no longer with us. Dad's name will be read in the honor roll, I am sure it will be emotional to hear his name in the World War II group. There is something special about coming together as a community in a small-town cemetery to reflect on our loved ones who served our country. It is not a flashy ceremony, but it is heartfelt and authentic.
Well, enjoy the first round of photos from our summer vacation. I realized after looking at my photos and thinking about Susan's house/farm that the PORCH has become the meeting place. Most of us gather in the kitchen to talk and share stories and to just BE together, but Susan's porch is the other kitchen. It raps around the south and east sides of her house and is covered so it is always in the shade. There is a table and several chairs, even a swing. It is surrounded by a sidewalk so the children can ride their trikes, bikes, tractors, cars, and anything with wheels. Susan installed a play park (as Anna calls it) so the children can play and be seen by the adults sitting on the porch. The porch also has lots of open grass areas for games and other foolery.
So I am sure you will see lots and lots of photos from the porch area of Susan's house. As evidenced by these photos, lots of visiting, business and sharing takes place on the porch.
Aunt Joan
Aunt Joan and Susan
Anna blowing bubbles
Anna and Garrett like to howl with the coyotes.
More howling for a coyote
Sam
It looks like Sam gave his brother a little help down the slide
We went for a Saturday afternoon drive
Garrett enjoyed his first day of summer on Friday by helping his dad work cattle. I love Garrett's outfit: t-shirt, camouflage shorts, and worn-out boots. That's a great way to start summer vacation.
Sam and Hallie spending time on the porch visiting about life. Even a one-year-old and a two-year-old understand the value of time spent talking on the porch. PRECIOUS.....
More porch time: Lori and Matt with Hallie and Anna in the background. Oh, and Kramer is there, too. I think he is begging for food!! Kramer doesn't seem to appreciate the diet Nancy has him on.
Hallie contemplating life.
Kramer - instead of the porch, Kramer likes to spend his time on the grass near the porch.
Sam, and more Sam in the photos to follow
1 comment:
I don't know what it is about Memorial Day in Dorrance. It has become my favorite holiday since joining the Thielen family. I think MK hit it on the head....the celebration is simple, nothing commercialized, very heartfelt!! Now I must go decorate the bike and wagon so we are ready for the parade.
Kelly
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