Adventure 631: Franz Dome/Post E

It's all about the sisters today. The three bellied up to the kitchen counter all day, helping each other prepare breakfast, lunch, Kraut Runzas, cookies, and an afternoon tea of sorts to entertain Jan Gibbs. They fell into an ancient practiced rhythm as if they'd not been apart in recent years. They made it seem easy. Jan, a good friend and former colleague of Karen's, has an affinity for the sisters and a special connection with Arlene. Maybe Jan just likes the treats because she doesn't bake, after all. The four women sat in Karen's backyard paradise spinning tales, sipping raspberry lemonade, and generally enjoying the propinquity only good friends and sisters can enjoy. At dinner, the ladies transformed before my eyes, each of faces sparkling as they took turns recalling childhood memories, one following the other- way too many to remember. Karen remembered losing her glasses in Boulder Creek one summer and having to attend band camp the next week as blind as a street peddler. Arlene remembered stopping at a restaurant called the "Drumstick" in Denver on their way to vacation in Boulder Canyon. Judy remembered buying an antique tea crucible that she still has, and they all remembered buying redwood initials that they pinned to their white collars. They told stories about the time their dad gave them dimes to ride a plastic horse, which stuck in their memories due to their dad's legendary frugality. They remembered having strict budgets when they stopped at roadside restaurants, and they all chuckled at the memory of their dad drawing a diagram for the suitcases because they would only fit in the trunk one way. No mention this time was made of their mother's migraines, and only fond thoughts were shared about their late sister, Jane, maybe because this visit is all about joy. For me, it was delightful to see their eyes shine as each of them tugged another memory from the past. As Louisa May Alcott wrote,

"Four sisters, parted for an hour

None lost, one only gone before

Made by love's immortal power

Nearest and dearest evermore."

In these times of trials and strife, nothing seems more important than embracing family, for surely love is one thing that makes life good, especially today.

Nearest and dearest evermore.

Much of the day was spent in the kitchen. These delightful Kraut Runzas were served at dinner.

Falcon photo of the day: Just thinking about being part of this family makes him smile.

The ladies said they ate this tuna spread every Saturday growing up: hard boiled eggs, tuna fish, cream of mushroom soup, celery, onions, and green peas.

Served on toast, some would call it **** on a shingle.

Art shot of the day: Petunia portrait.

A game of "Sevens" and of course (not pictured) quite a bit of puzzle time.

The ladies enjoying an afternoon in the garden.

And one thing is true at Karen Franz's house: sweet treats are plentiful. These oatmeal sheet cookies, for example, are so easy bachelors could bake them. Just mix and spread.

Let peace bubble over.