Off Island for Three Weeks

DEO on STX #27
“Off Island” for three weeks: April 7th - 28th

We returned to Clarkesville, Georgia
We came back to settle into our new residence on Wednesday (4/7); the following day, we drove a U-Haul to Cumming to transfer the final contents of the storage unit, the last delivery of furniture and “stuff”. We are all moved in! We need find locations for pictures and unpack numerous boxes! Tim came over from Cartersville (Pine Log) and was an invaluable asset; he is so strong; we drove together to Cumming in the U-Haul early in the morning and returned just after lunch hour; turning in the rental truck in Clarkesville. Tim mowed our lawn! The mower had been set up for over a year and took loads of cranking to turn over the engine; He cleaned out our Koi fish pond filter system and got the water pump functioning; our outdoor “wet pet” pond now has a flowing water fall!

On Tuesday another trip to Cumming
This time for Doctors appointments, lab tests-blood-work and banking; we emptied our safe-deposit-box; (we rented another at Habersham Bank); Babs made a material run for added quilting stuff. We purchased a toy “T-Ball” set for Phoebe; enjoying a great lunch at Atlanta Bread Company!

Escape to Phoenix
On April 16th [Tax Day plus One!] we flew to Scottsdale, near Phoenix, Arizona; rented a car and drove North along I-17; stopping at Arcosanti, the experimental urban alternative achcology “city” established by Soleri the famous designer of compact cities; there we enjoyed a lovely organic lunch and purchased a Solari bronze cast bell wind-chime. Stopping in Mayer, Az. for a steak at the Smok’in Harley Bar; we spent the night in the lodge above along the quiet river and slept soundly in the cold A/C; next morning a Jacuzzi bath then coffee on the porch with a view of the desert in full bloom. We drove north into and around the red rocks of Sedona; then returned to Scottsdale; Saturday we checked in early at the Camelback-Inn; great dinner in the hotel restaurant (one of five!); then into a long weekend at the National Conference at the Camelback Inn for Chaplains to the Episcopal Retired Clergy, sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. The sessions begin on Sunday, ended Noon on Tuesday. Our final night was a traditional Evening Prayer and Rite 1 Eucharist at a local Episcopal Church; then a lovely dinner at the Sanctuary restaurant (superb!). After a morning session, we checked out of the Camelback-Inn; I drove to the airport and turned in the rental car. We stayed Tuesday night in a Days Inn near Phoenix; eating with Ross and Gwinn Jones from Asheville, NC; they represent the Diocese of Western NC; we enjoyed the fine Mexican food at Sylvia’s as four-some. [Splitting the bill, Ross and I accidentally traded credit cards!] {We mailed each other’s card and received each by Monday!}


Then to Jacksonville
We returned to Atlanta late Wednesday afternoon; collected our car and trailer parked at St. John’s Church, College Park and headed south, spending the night in Cordelle; on Thursday we drove into Jacksonville, Florida and stayed with Terry and Archie Alderman thru Sunday. We attended our 50th Class reunion for Terry Parker High School.; a cock-tail party on Friday evening and banquet on Saturday at the Hyatt Hotel on the St. John’s River, Jacksonville; it was a great time of memories and seeing “old friends and acquaintances.”

Lots of friends
It was just important and a good return and knowing we were vertical; most of us were in our late sixties; some of our class had died; the memorial list is getting longer! Babs and I thought we looked pretty good comparing ourselves with others, some are becoming rather feeble and most are “over-weight!”

Back to Clarkesville
Departing on early Sunday morning we drove back “home” to Clarkesville. On Monday we spent time settling-in; unpacking, washing clothes and shifting stuff around in our new home.

Georgia was alive with spring time flowers!
It has been beautiful drives; white and pink dogwoods are in full bloom scattered in the woods; purple wisteria vines glow in the sun as grapes of wrath ending winter and announcing spring has sprung! Yellow oak and pine pollen, of course, cover the roof and cars; my black Ford 500 appears “green.” We hired Cory to “blow the gutters” and mow the yard; I cleaned out the Koi pond and unstopped the water pump; got the water fall flowing again! Our wet pets are happy and hungry!

Cousin Bob is dead!
Tuesday, with daughter Robin, we drove to Woodstock for the funeral of my 1st cousin, Robert Stirk who died by heart attack and lung infection at age 71! We were close relatives as our Mothers were “as sisters yet cousins,” also making us “cousins.” He had joined the American Russian Orthodox Church. His funeral was a “traditional orthodox service” with lots of chanting, icons, and incense and Priestly vestments. It was an open casket ceremony.

Last Kiss
Robin said, ”That was the weirdest service I have ever been to!” I did not offer “the last kiss,” by reverence of the Icon or Crucifix in the open casket; but did “pay my respects” by standing and praying before the deceased body of my cousin in the casket! An “open casket funeral”; long time since I had experienced
and worshipped with a family celebration.

STIRK Family gathered
The family celebrated afterward at the home residence with beers and sandwiches following the service. Robin and I returned to Clarkesville mid-afternoon.

Back to STX on Wednesday, April 28th
Awaking early near 4:30am ; we drove to Roswell, leaving our car at Missy and Ty Harmon (Babs’ niece); taking MARTA to the Airport; departing on Delta non-stop back to Saint Croix!  We arrived mid-afternoon to warm sun and trade winds; it was good to be back on Saint Croix and return to our rented Condo #433 @ The Reef on Teague Bay!

Precious Robin’s birthday
Today is Robin Ogier Warren, PhD; our precious daughter; her 47th birthday!
Happy B’ Day Robin! April 28th changed our life on 1963; great day of memory
in Jacksonville, Florida.

Saint Catherine of Sienna
On April 29th, 1972 at Holy Trinity Church, West Palm Beach, I was ordained a Priest; today (4/29) is the 38th anniversary; blessed Catherine rejoices with me!

Come See Us, Mon!
La Paz y Buen Camino!
DEO+