Saturday, March 13, 2021
Oh Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss of your dear sweet mother. She was a very kind and generous woman. Sooo many delicious meals, and no one could make better cookies! She loved your father's wonderful sense of humour (Canadian Tire money, snails in the graveyard -- he always saw the humour in his surroundings, and he always had that twinkle in his eye).
Your parents graciously trusted us and wanted us to enjoy ourselves by letting us use your lovely cottage on so many weekends.
It still amazes me that your folks brought me along with you for a whole summer in Austria, and brought me along to visit your many welcoming relatives in the many beautiful parts of that country. That wonderful experience broadened my mind like nothing else could! I think of it often.
Your grandmother's farm: moving the beehive, fresh honey on rye bread every morning, blood pancakes, wine and onions with pig's fat at the discotec, washing our jeans at the pump...
In the mountains: hikes up the mountainside looking down at the clouds, line dancing 'the bus stop' in the discotec, wonderful feather puffs on the bed, more wine...
In Salzburg: so many cheeses and cured meats for breakfast, daily market shopping, orangensaft, beautiful strolls along residential gardens, full orchestra in the cathedral at Sunday mass, crowded rides on the Autobahn in your cousins Austin Mini, more wine...
A crazy teen filled train ride to visit Munchen....to name only a few memories...
One day when you weren't feeling well your mother was very concerned for my comfort and entertainment, and she came and chatted with me. I always felt cared for and safe around your parents. They opened the world to us without curtailment.
Your family always seemed ahead of their time in their self-sufficiency with pigs, a trout pond, gardens, etc....some of which I have tried to emulate.
I will continue to think of you and your parents often, and be grateful for the many blessings you have given me in my life.
I look forward to the end of Covid and a time when we can rendezvous at 'The camp'!
Love,
Cathy
(Katrina de la von McManuis)
