Saturday eve

One last thing: Like I said before, I will try to get some dinner reservations for Sat night at a nice club in Topeka, "Top of the Tower". I will need a fairly solid head count. A Diane said that she feels that cost should be borne by the estate, and I agree; something like this is what Mom and Dad would want, to be sure.

 I am not sure when people are going to be available, and the latest I think we can get a certain volume in (hopefully) will be 7-7:15.

 If interested, and if can make it, please let me know.

 UK, "maybe's", and "have to run hither and yon" might not be enough for this place. I took Mom and Dad there once, and it's not a large place and they value reservations, shall I say...a little late should be no problem though in my opinion.

 Love, UR/DAD

Kansas

Greetings all, just some updates.

 It's late, should be asleep, but this is for your info as you come into Kansas.

 Today was a "nuts and bolts" day at Penwell Gable funeral home, spoke with Chaplain Vikki, and went to Brewster Place. Mom was a popular resident there as I think we all know and many staff members expressed their condolences. Most of Mom's belongings are with me, a lot left for other people there who are in need. I have pictures, so erstwhile CA Dicksons, bring enough luggage to retrieve them. Ken has (had) his version of disposition but, "been there, done that, got the T shirt" experience has, well, discouraged his theory....

 Anyway, plans:

 For my lodging, the next couple of nights with Augusta here in Emporia. Friday night Lynn and I stay with Robert Dyck, same with Saturday night. Sunday night we'll stay with Randy and Cheryl Gregg, more high school friends who stayed a few days with us in Tucson this winter. Their home is a couple of blocks from the Residence Inn where I believe Inger/Ash/Erica will stay. At an impromptu lunch that came together today in Topeka it was a good feeling to have these people open their hearts and homes to me; I couldn't turn down their offerings of help but had to decide on just two, Robert and Randy/Cheryl.

    Monday, since the funeral is at one that day with interment in Reading Cemetery, we'll stay in Emporia. The exact Place is to be determined, and the motel rooms are very scarce here this week-end due to basketball tournament. Bob Symmonds has two bedrooms available, Augusta has one, and Joyce's house is available. Once again, our people are eager to help.

 We are anticipating a visitation period on Sunday afternoon but the details are yet to be determined. I'm waiting on Diane to help with that one. The service will be Monday at One, Penwell Gabel funeral home on 6th street. The interment follows down in Reading, and then a family gathering at Augusta's Monday afternoon/evening. I meet with a local caterer tomorrow to see what I can arrange on that score. 

 And then we are finished, and it's "if we don't leave we can't come back", and "see you when I see you". We remember where that comes from.

 Ken and Diane: Friday morning and early afternoon we have meetings to decide some things. Friday night I will get to MCI and pick up Lynn, drive down to Robert's place/farm, and spend Friday night and Sat night there. Saturday is open as is Sat night. We can get together and all have a nice dinner at Top of the Tower Sat night if we want; I have reciprocity through the Mountain Oyster Club and that has been arranged if we want. We would need a head count. Or, whatever.

 Sunday is open, but probably visitation Sunday afternoon as above. With Dad's service we had an impromptu dinner at McFarlands as Diane reminded me.

 It's been a rather full day here but roots go deep. I'm not doing these things alone. I hope this makes some sense...

 Love to all,  Dad/UR

From Erica

Dear All:

The Krobots are booked at the Residence Inn, located at 1620 SW Westport Dr., in Topeka this Sat & Sun night. It's $119 for one bedroom king suite. Has full kitchen and pull out couch in living room. If this works for you, would love to stay in the same hotel. I had to find a place with a kitchen and extra room since we now have Megan - so I took a little initiative. Hope that's ok.

Going to look for a place in Emporia now for Mon & Tues night. We leave Wed at 6 pm.

Also, will have a rental car for those that need a ride. Looking forward to seeing those that can make it.

Love,
Erica

Sent from my iPhone, please excuse errors.

Kansas

Dear all,
What would you all think about,  instead of staying in Topeka the entire time,  staying in Emporia for Monday and Tues night?  A Augusta and Jim would like to have a gathering of family after grave side services at their home here.  There are a couple of motels here (Candlewood, a Best Western) that would be more convenient I would think.  There really is little reason to return to Topeka if one thinks about it,  especially immediately thereafter.
Tues to "decompress", and then it sounds like Wed people mostly getting back to their own.
Lynn arrives KC Fri night about 7:30.
Love to all,
Dad,  UR

Night time

Anyone have a tranquilizer gun? (Ash brought this up,  Not Grandpa)
A wonderful time in Colorado.

Winter Park!

Or This?
Skied out of course. Good sports all!

Winter Park

Sunspot!  12 deg below zero wind chill,  what to do,  This?

Fwd:

Photo bombed mashing s'mores, Devil's Thumb Ranch!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Lynn Bianchi" <lbianchi09@gmail.com>
Date: Mar 3, 2015 6:06 PM
Subject:
To: "Richard Dickson" <rcd6600@gmail.com>
Cc:







Sent from my iPhone

Mom

 Dear Ones,

 Greetings from Winter Park CO, the "big" condo. Lynn and I and Ashley and Noelle and Addison and Matteo and old and dear friend Robert Dyck and his son Hayden are here. Whoa.

 To be succinct, Mom is struggling in Brewster Place. I've been in close contact with the staff there and Hospice and here are some conclusions;

 While I still don't feel her passing is "imminent", that event is definitely getting closer. She has not eaten any solid food for several days but seems to be getting by with milk shakes and ice cream now and then. For the first time today when the hospice staff visited she was still in her house coat, and she becomes more frail every day or so. The other night her oxygen content dropped to a very low level and heart rate became irregular, but the next morning she was stable and she is stable today.

 As most/many of you know, we are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach for a week the week after next, which is including a visit to see Kristin in Charleston. I am really uncertain as to how to proceed in this endeavor. Even during the last few days while I've been up in Colorado I fully expected to need to return to Topeka and in fact have a dedicated suit case packed to leave at anytime.

 For now, however, we have stayed here in Winter Park, and have kept our own plans consistent. Future plans, however, may need adjustments. This is a sad time, and there are ghosts here in the "Big Condo" of Winter Park, but hear the chatter and squeals and laughter of the Fourth Generation to enjoy this beautiful place makes this transition just a little bit easier...

Love to all,

UR/Dad