Kansas

Greetings from Kansas, Dear Family, I'll write an update of just things coming and going on here in Kansas. It will no doubt be "I did this, I did that" but it's unfortunately all entertwined. We awoke to a nice cool gentle rain here and remembering "April showers bring May flowers" I enjoy it! Diane does not. Yesterday I picked up Robert Dyck, an old and best high school friend, and we went together down to the farm. We tried our best to find the original homestead site but no luck. Heck, there is evidence that it might actually be on the Duncan place just south, but who knows. I think that book "Footprints in Time" is not accurate. Nevertheless, I have more to do down there and I am so happy to hear that A. Diane wants to go down as well. The land looks good. And, Uncle Ken, if I have to hear one more time that you saw where some "big animal" bedded down, I will shoot myself. That's what wild animals do. They do not make the bed. And, since deer and turkey live in Kansas, there you go. Anyway, I am happy to report the T bar F Ranch (aka T-F, aka Tick Farm) looks good. In fact, A.D. and I are taking some potted plants down for your 8th grade flower urn you saved in one of the barns, just to spruce up the neighborhood some. We are still undecided about the "WildCat Parking Only" sign. But I digress: we are going down when time allows (between garage sale, nicer weather, visits to Topeka to be with Mom to visit with Gary Jensen etc. I will take her to lunch in Allen...one of my favorites. To answer some questions folks have been asking; I wish I could help with the planning issues and I fully understand, believe me. I have a good friend in Tucson whose Mom had a similar experience, and she held on for a few weeks at the age of 90+. Mom could hang on for 6-8 weeks or so, unless there is an event that would trigger a sudden change. Or, she could just let go over night. Thanks for your note, Doug. There are in fact many many photos, old documents, items of interest saved from 1579 still here in the Mittenmeyer Storage Facility, and if there is something in particular any of you out there you remember and have special memories of, please please let us know. Do not be afraid of offending anyone by asking. And, please remember and keep in mind an important fact; just because one or two of the old folks (aka Me, Ken, Diane) want to hang on to something as well, it is in fact temporary. We own/"have" nothing. Things of interest/value to our family, Dickson and Marx, are just on loan, for us to keep safe for the next generation as they become either interested or disinterested. So, be patient, but do not hesitate to speak up. There will be items hard for us old folks to let go of as well. Love to all, UR/Dad