The "period of reflection" is over! And Gabe and Penny Lane have successfully completed their quarantines! We are Free! I think a walk on the seawall is in order for Gabe and me this afternoon. It will be windy but fun!
Grace and Peace,
rachel
Monday, March 3, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Locked Down...
You may or may not have heard... sometimes it's hard for Marines on a tropical island to be on their best behavior. They rape people. They get drunk and pass out in the police chief's living room. They ruin it for the rest of us.
Yes, due to the bad behavior of a few, the entire SOFA status (Status of Forces Agreement) population on Okinawa is "locked down" in a "period of reflection" indefinitely. We are allowed to go to base. And that's all. Suddenly, the gym, the exchange, the post office, and the commissary have never sounded so good...
Daily, I try to find an excuse to get out of my house and drive to base. Any base. This week I've been to Camp Lester to get registered for Tricare, I've been to Kadena AFB to take Gabe for a "quarantine check-up" and Camp Foster for everything else! Burr doesn't have to make up reasons to go to base; he works there! But it does severely limit our weekend options!
Unofficialy, there may have been some dinner "gatherings" over the past two weekends. But that's all I know... Well, that and that the 12 quart pot of gumbo I made suddenly disappeared last Saturday...
Oh well. I know that in past posts I've gone on about how bad I feel that I'm on base so much and that they offer so many American Amenities. I take it back. When you're locked down, with no place to go, it doesn't seem so indulgent to trek over to the Maccaroni Grill on Camp Foster! Let's hear it for the movie theatres with American movies! And a big hooray for the Food Court! And, don't forget the FLEA MARKET this weekend! Base is good.
It's nice to have a place to go.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Yes, due to the bad behavior of a few, the entire SOFA status (Status of Forces Agreement) population on Okinawa is "locked down" in a "period of reflection" indefinitely. We are allowed to go to base. And that's all. Suddenly, the gym, the exchange, the post office, and the commissary have never sounded so good...
Daily, I try to find an excuse to get out of my house and drive to base. Any base. This week I've been to Camp Lester to get registered for Tricare, I've been to Kadena AFB to take Gabe for a "quarantine check-up" and Camp Foster for everything else! Burr doesn't have to make up reasons to go to base; he works there! But it does severely limit our weekend options!
Unofficialy, there may have been some dinner "gatherings" over the past two weekends. But that's all I know... Well, that and that the 12 quart pot of gumbo I made suddenly disappeared last Saturday...
Oh well. I know that in past posts I've gone on about how bad I feel that I'm on base so much and that they offer so many American Amenities. I take it back. When you're locked down, with no place to go, it doesn't seem so indulgent to trek over to the Maccaroni Grill on Camp Foster! Let's hear it for the movie theatres with American movies! And a big hooray for the Food Court! And, don't forget the FLEA MARKET this weekend! Base is good.
It's nice to have a place to go.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Niseko Rocks!
Over the long President's Day weekend we traveled to Niseko, Japan with some of the other pilots from Burr's squadron. It was in incredible trip. First we flew from Okinawa to Tokyo, then on to Hakkaido (sp?), the northernmost island of Japan. Upon our arrival at the airport, we boarded a bus and settled in for the three hour ride to the Annupurri Lodge. We were absolutely giddy as the snow fell... gearing up for what promised to be a great day of skiing on Saturday!
The lodge in which we stayed was very neat. I can best describe it as a hostel for adults! We stayed in rooms of five, had breakfast in the dining room every morning, and waited in line for a chance in one of the two showers! The American who ran the Lodge was beyond helpful, and our new Australian friends were quite fun.
Now, on to the important things... here are some pictures of the trip! Click the link on the left to see even more.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
The lodge in which we stayed was very neat. I can best describe it as a hostel for adults! We stayed in rooms of five, had breakfast in the dining room every morning, and waited in line for a chance in one of the two showers! The American who ran the Lodge was beyond helpful, and our new Australian friends were quite fun.
Now, on to the important things... here are some pictures of the trip! Click the link on the left to see even more.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Friday, February 8, 2008
Stupid American... that would be me.
It's true. I am that person. The one who travels to a different country ignorant of that country's language, customs, and traditions. And who hasn't tried to figure them out. Shame on me.
Yesterday I went to a department store in town (OFF BASE with locals working there!) to buy curtains, lightbulbs, and a dresser. Curtains, check. Lightbulbs, check. Dresser, well... I found the one I wanted... but how would I tell someone that I wanted it? How would I get it home? All things I wish I had thought of before I went up to the nice sales clerk, smiled and said, "English?"
Now, to give the guy credit, he did smile as he went off to find another clerk who spoke my language. But I felt like a foreigner. An interloper in a place I did not belong. As we finished the transaction I stuttered out a broken, "thank you," in Japanese and resolved to do a better job of learning the language and culture. (For those of you wondering, it is my understanding that the dresser will be delivered tomorrow between one and five in the afternoon. I think...)
You see, unlike my other travel abroad experiences, I came to this country knowing nothing. No language, only basic history of the WWII invasion, and no knowledge of the art or music. I have always enjoyed Japanese steakhouses, but I don't think that counts... And now that I'm here, I find it very easy to remain "American." It is easy to be here and not become immersed in the Okinawan culture and lifestyle. The gym I go to is on-base. As is my grocery store. And my basic needs shopping center. And the church, library, restaurants, furniture store, etc, etc, etc...
Our friends are Americans. And when we do go out in town, we choose restaurants with
pictures of the food and preferably an English translation on the menu!
I'm ashamed to say that when we/I shop in town, I expect the sales clerks to at least speak basic English. Yes, I'm that "Stupid American" who expects everyone to know my language but makes little effort to learn even the basics of my host country. Shame on me.
So, I am resolving to take a language class (on-base, but at least it's a start!), and to begin to educate myself about this land I will call "home" for the foreseeable future. It's the least I can do, right? These lovely, kind, PATIENT people are my hosts, afterall.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Yesterday I went to a department store in town (OFF BASE with locals working there!) to buy curtains, lightbulbs, and a dresser. Curtains, check. Lightbulbs, check. Dresser, well... I found the one I wanted... but how would I tell someone that I wanted it? How would I get it home? All things I wish I had thought of before I went up to the nice sales clerk, smiled and said, "English?"
Now, to give the guy credit, he did smile as he went off to find another clerk who spoke my language. But I felt like a foreigner. An interloper in a place I did not belong. As we finished the transaction I stuttered out a broken, "thank you," in Japanese and resolved to do a better job of learning the language and culture. (For those of you wondering, it is my understanding that the dresser will be delivered tomorrow between one and five in the afternoon. I think...)
You see, unlike my other travel abroad experiences, I came to this country knowing nothing. No language, only basic history of the WWII invasion, and no knowledge of the art or music. I have always enjoyed Japanese steakhouses, but I don't think that counts... And now that I'm here, I find it very easy to remain "American." It is easy to be here and not become immersed in the Okinawan culture and lifestyle. The gym I go to is on-base. As is my grocery store. And my basic needs shopping center. And the church, library, restaurants, furniture store, etc, etc, etc...
Our friends are Americans. And when we do go out in town, we choose restaurants with
pictures of the food and preferably an English translation on the menu!
I'm ashamed to say that when we/I shop in town, I expect the sales clerks to at least speak basic English. Yes, I'm that "Stupid American" who expects everyone to know my language but makes little effort to learn even the basics of my host country. Shame on me.
So, I am resolving to take a language class (on-base, but at least it's a start!), and to begin to educate myself about this land I will call "home" for the foreseeable future. It's the least I can do, right? These lovely, kind, PATIENT people are my hosts, afterall.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Monday, February 4, 2008
Mt. Katsuu
Burr and I have had a great weekend! On Friday night I got to go to the end of a "Hail and Farewell" with his squadron (HMM-262 the Flying Tigers) and then out to dinner with some of his cohorts. Sushi Zen was as perfect as the name suggests. We finished out the night at Eclipse, a bar on the Sunabe Seawall... nothing starts the weekend off like a nightime view of the ocean!
Saturday morning led us to the gym for a spinning class - we worked very hard! And our hard work was not finished... with Josh Miller we went adventuring in the north island. We traveled up the Okinawa Expressway to the town of Nago then veered onto a winding jungle road up to Mt. Katsuu. An intensive hike to the mountaintop followed. We were not rewarded with a knock-out view at the top; instead we found ourselves in the middle of a cloud! It was an incredible hike though and one we will likely repeat on a clear day. In reward for our hard work we sought out a renowned restaurant called "Pizza in the Sky." The curvy road to this picturesque location and delicious food was totally worth it.
Here are some pictures from our hike and our lunch.
The winding jungle road
Pre-hike, looking out over the ocean
Sign at the trailhead... hope it didn't say anything important!
The beginning.
These signs were scattered throughout the hike. Anyone read Kanji? (Sp?)
Giant crevice.
Summit
View from the top. Of the clouds...
So dramatic!
Pizza in the sky!
Saturday morning led us to the gym for a spinning class - we worked very hard! And our hard work was not finished... with Josh Miller we went adventuring in the north island. We traveled up the Okinawa Expressway to the town of Nago then veered onto a winding jungle road up to Mt. Katsuu. An intensive hike to the mountaintop followed. We were not rewarded with a knock-out view at the top; instead we found ourselves in the middle of a cloud! It was an incredible hike though and one we will likely repeat on a clear day. In reward for our hard work we sought out a renowned restaurant called "Pizza in the Sky." The curvy road to this picturesque location and delicious food was totally worth it.
Here are some pictures from our hike and our lunch.
The winding jungle road
Pre-hike, looking out over the ocean
Sign at the trailhead... hope it didn't say anything important!
The beginning.
These signs were scattered throughout the hike. Anyone read Kanji? (Sp?)
Giant crevice.
Summit
View from the top. Of the clouds...
So dramatic!
Pizza in the sky!
As I said, it has been a great weekend. Sunday we went to church, then rested up in the afternoon. We had a great steak dinner in honor of a friend who deployed today, and this morning (Monday) we watched the Superbowl! Burr had the day off, so we enjoyed a traditional Superbowl Brunch. Yum.
So, from wherever you are reading, we hope that all is well. And don't worry, we will take you to Pizza in the Sky when you come!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
So, from wherever you are reading, we hope that all is well. And don't worry, we will take you to Pizza in the Sky when you come!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Random Facts On My New Home
1. The streets are made of crushed coral and become slippery when wet
2. The key to driving on the other side of the road is to repeat to yourself "left is right" and go with the flow!
3. It's hard to order out of my comfort zone at Japanese restaurants... I have had some measure of success by simply not thinking about what I am about to eat!
4. Watching the Today Show live at 9PM is kind of weird...
5. All of the poultry at the commissary is sold frozen, yet the beef appears to be fresh...
6. We only have ten TV stations... good thing for the writer's strike or I would be seriously bummed about some of the shows I'm missing.
7. In the same vein... although the networks have full episodes of shows on their websites, they are only accessible to viewers in the US.
8. My car is a '98 Diahtsu Terio... purple... so cool!
9. We still don't have a microwave. The dilemma is whether to buy an American one that we can understand but might not work well b/c of voltage issues, or to buy a Japanese one that will work great, but we won't know how to set the timer (b/c all the instructions are in Japanese)!
10. Getting Gabe his food might be a challenge. The website from which we order does not work in Japan... if anyone has an awesome vet who will write you a prescription for some duck and potato dog food... and will then send it to us... that person will be our FAVORITE!
11. I am going through some serious "Friends" withdrawal... yes, I know, it's been off the air for a few years now, but I still always enjoy it in syndication. If anyone wants to hook me up with Seasons 1-10... you would be my FAVORITE!
12. Burr thinks that because we are living in Japan we should do as the Japanese do and remove our shoes as soon as we walk in the door. I have promised to comply as soon as he gets me some UGG slippers!
13. I comply with the shoe rule already. But am still waiting on some slippers.
14. I have seen the sun twice since I have been here... and both times it was beautiful.
15. The rain isn't really that bad... it's actually nice to hear on the roof at night, and most days it's either misty out or just overcast.
16. Gabe and Penny are becoming lazy slobs due to their quarantine.
17. Burr loves flying with his squadron over here.
18. SKYPE is awesome!
19. Gunners Gym on base is quite good. The treadmills are very high-tech (each has a built in TV screen), and I went to a Spinning Class today. (Somehow, I crashed on my stationary bike... it takes special talent!)
20. Burr and I are placing bets on who will be our first visitor. Get your passports and tickets and we'll see who called it right!
Stay tuned for more... as our place comes together, I will post pictures of it. Promise!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
2. The key to driving on the other side of the road is to repeat to yourself "left is right" and go with the flow!
3. It's hard to order out of my comfort zone at Japanese restaurants... I have had some measure of success by simply not thinking about what I am about to eat!
4. Watching the Today Show live at 9PM is kind of weird...
5. All of the poultry at the commissary is sold frozen, yet the beef appears to be fresh...
6. We only have ten TV stations... good thing for the writer's strike or I would be seriously bummed about some of the shows I'm missing.
7. In the same vein... although the networks have full episodes of shows on their websites, they are only accessible to viewers in the US.
8. My car is a '98 Diahtsu Terio... purple... so cool!
9. We still don't have a microwave. The dilemma is whether to buy an American one that we can understand but might not work well b/c of voltage issues, or to buy a Japanese one that will work great, but we won't know how to set the timer (b/c all the instructions are in Japanese)!
10. Getting Gabe his food might be a challenge. The website from which we order does not work in Japan... if anyone has an awesome vet who will write you a prescription for some duck and potato dog food... and will then send it to us... that person will be our FAVORITE!
11. I am going through some serious "Friends" withdrawal... yes, I know, it's been off the air for a few years now, but I still always enjoy it in syndication. If anyone wants to hook me up with Seasons 1-10... you would be my FAVORITE!
12. Burr thinks that because we are living in Japan we should do as the Japanese do and remove our shoes as soon as we walk in the door. I have promised to comply as soon as he gets me some UGG slippers!
13. I comply with the shoe rule already. But am still waiting on some slippers.
14. I have seen the sun twice since I have been here... and both times it was beautiful.
15. The rain isn't really that bad... it's actually nice to hear on the roof at night, and most days it's either misty out or just overcast.
16. Gabe and Penny are becoming lazy slobs due to their quarantine.
17. Burr loves flying with his squadron over here.
18. SKYPE is awesome!
19. Gunners Gym on base is quite good. The treadmills are very high-tech (each has a built in TV screen), and I went to a Spinning Class today. (Somehow, I crashed on my stationary bike... it takes special talent!)
20. Burr and I are placing bets on who will be our first visitor. Get your passports and tickets and we'll see who called it right!
Stay tuned for more... as our place comes together, I will post pictures of it. Promise!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hello One and All!!
It has been a long month and a half since I last posted and SO MUCH has happened! I had a great winter in Park City with Burr's family and really enjoyed the snow and skiing. I got to work at Dugin's West for Robert, and enjoyed preparing for and going to different holiday parties and events with Linda and the family. Kristy came out my last week there, and we tore up the slopes and hit Sundance for lunch. It was great fun all around. Mom arrived on the last Saturday there; she, Linda, Kristy and I had a great time snow-shoeing and sightseeing on Sunday before I had to leave on Monday.
Last Friday Gabe, Penny and I made the trip from Seattle, WA to Okinawa, Japan. And, let me say, that without my mom (who traveled with us from Park City to San Diego and saw us of there) and Caroline (who met us in Seattle and saw us off to Japan) I think I would have died! It was so wonderful to spend my last few days in the States with them and to to have their help and support as the stress came crashing down! Gabe and Penny made the trip like seasoned pros, and we are coming up on one full week in our new country!
Burr did a FANTASTIC job finding our home and we are loving being back together and starting our new life! I promise to get some "house" pictures to you soon, but the movers are coming today to deliver the rest of our things, so give me a few more days to pull it all together! In the meantime, enjoy these photos and the new links on the left.
All the Best,
Rachel
It has been a long month and a half since I last posted and SO MUCH has happened! I had a great winter in Park City with Burr's family and really enjoyed the snow and skiing. I got to work at Dugin's West for Robert, and enjoyed preparing for and going to different holiday parties and events with Linda and the family. Kristy came out my last week there, and we tore up the slopes and hit Sundance for lunch. It was great fun all around. Mom arrived on the last Saturday there; she, Linda, Kristy and I had a great time snow-shoeing and sightseeing on Sunday before I had to leave on Monday.
Last Friday Gabe, Penny and I made the trip from Seattle, WA to Okinawa, Japan. And, let me say, that without my mom (who traveled with us from Park City to San Diego and saw us of there) and Caroline (who met us in Seattle and saw us off to Japan) I think I would have died! It was so wonderful to spend my last few days in the States with them and to to have their help and support as the stress came crashing down! Gabe and Penny made the trip like seasoned pros, and we are coming up on one full week in our new country!
Burr did a FANTASTIC job finding our home and we are loving being back together and starting our new life! I promise to get some "house" pictures to you soon, but the movers are coming today to deliver the rest of our things, so give me a few more days to pull it all together! In the meantime, enjoy these photos and the new links on the left.
All the Best,
Rachel
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Burr is There!! And I am Here.
On Friday, November 30, Burr arrived in Okinawa, Japan after a 16 hour flight from Seattle, WA. He crossed the international dateline, and is now a day ahead of those readers who live in the Continental US. As I post this at 11:27 AM on Saturday, Dec. 1, in Park City, UT, it is 2:27 AM on Sunday Dec. 2 in Okinawa!
The best way to contact Burr at this point is email. His address is: uaferg@gmail.com
I am in Park City, UT with the Dugins Family until mid-January. As we don't have an address yet in Japan, if you have any correspondence for us at Christmas, the best place to send it is here:
1 Walker Court Park City, UT 84060.
Gabe and Penny are doing well... Gabe loves playing in the snow, looking for food, and chasing Linda's cats. Penny Lane is being very bossy to the other cats and working to establish her turf. Par for the course, I'd say.
You'll notice on the left a new pictures link. Check it out for photos of Burr's arrival in Okinawa. Hopefully he will get us more and more pictures so we all have a sense of what it's all about!
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Movers Are Here!
The movers are here RIGHT NOW packing up all of our things! FINALLY!! We are moving to Japan! (well, Burr is... I'll move in about six weeks!) Just to refresh, Burr leaves tomorrow (Wednesday) and then flies to Japan on Thurs. I'll be in Park City, UT until mid-January.
Here are some recent pictures... some of the pets, some of Burr and Robert skiing at Alta, and some dating back to Halloween! Enjoy!
Gabe, Penny and I... Ready to go!
Burr and Family at the University of Utah - last homegame... legendary Tailgate at Fred's.
Alta.
At Grandmother's.
Penny Lane was Bat-girl for Halloween!
Gabe and I, checking out what's going on outside.
Here are some recent pictures... some of the pets, some of Burr and Robert skiing at Alta, and some dating back to Halloween! Enjoy!
Gabe, Penny and I... Ready to go!
Burr and Family at the University of Utah - last homegame... legendary Tailgate at Fred's.
Alta.
At Grandmother's.
Penny Lane was Bat-girl for Halloween!
Gabe and I, checking out what's going on outside.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lots of Updates!
Hi Friends!
Sorry it has been so long since I last updated - a lot has been going on... so read on to find out what's new with us!
Sunday Oct. 28 - I wrecked my car on the 5 coming home from work. Amazingly, given that I did a 360 in traffic, I hit no other cars and no one hit me. The back door to the Liberty was damaged because I hit the cement divider backwards, but other than that you would never know what had happened.
Tues. Oct. 30 - My last day of work at Mistral. I was sad to be done, but it puts us one step closer to our move.
Wed. Oct 31 - Halloween!! Gabe and I carved a great looking pumpkin! Burr and I headed down to San Diego to have dinner with our friend Torrey Smitherman who was in town from Alabama for a conference. We had a great time and saw some very impressive Halloween costumes.
Thurs. Nov. 1 - We (FINALLY) found out what our travel dates for Japan will be. Burr will leave on Nov.29. I will leave on Jan. 17. The military flight did not have any space available for Gabe and Penny Lane until the January flight, and Burr's squadron needed him before mid-January. It's sad that we'll be apart for six weeks and Christmas, but there are some perks to Burr getting there first and getting things set up and going before the pets and I arrive.
Sun. Nov. 4 - We flew to Nashville, TN and Caroline picked us up at the airport. We spent a fun night at her house and she treated us to a great home-made soup.
Mon. Nov. 5 - Burr, Caroline, and I went to Bowling Green to visit Grandmother. First we stopped in at Jackson's Orchard to pick up apple cider and fresh apples to use for applesauce. We went on to Chalybeate and spent a great afternoon with Grandmother. The visit was even better because we got to visit with Aunt Jenny and Aunt Chickie. Caroline and I prepared a meal for Grandmother (quite a role reversal) and our applesauce was fantastic!
Tues. Nov. 6 - Most of the day was spent with Burr and me hanging out at Caroline's, but in the evening we got together with Kristi Vick-Stratton and went out for a great dinner with Caroline and Andy then on to Borders for books, etc.
Wed. Nov 7 - Burr and I headed down to Birmingham and spent a great day with Anita and her family.
Thurs. Nov. 8 - Our trip took a very unexpected turn when we arrived at Burr's grandmother's (Peggy) house and found her unconcious. She was rushed to the Emergency Room and later in the day passed away.
Fri. Nov. 9 - Was spent at Peggy's making arrangements for her service. In the morning, I was able to have a meeting with Dr. Richardson (I was in his voice studio at Samford) and reunite with some SU friends. Various members of Burr's family arrived in town throughout the day and all were trying to come to terms with the events of the day before. Peggy was very special to Burr, Katie, and Fred. Her prescence will be greatly missed.
Sat. Nov. 10 - Peggy was laid to rest beside her husband at the Elmwood Cemetary in Birmingham. The family regrouped at Rick and Terri Ferguson's house after the service, and in the evening the McKraneys (spelling?) invited everyone to their home for a BBQ dinner.
Yesterday, Sunday, my mom and I returned to Tallahassee, FL where I will stay with her through the rest of the week. Burr remained in B-ham and will go to Park City, UT to see his mom and family there today. We will both return to California on Sunday and will be there until Burr leaves for Japan.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers during this tumultuous time in our lives.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
Sorry it has been so long since I last updated - a lot has been going on... so read on to find out what's new with us!
Sunday Oct. 28 - I wrecked my car on the 5 coming home from work. Amazingly, given that I did a 360 in traffic, I hit no other cars and no one hit me. The back door to the Liberty was damaged because I hit the cement divider backwards, but other than that you would never know what had happened.
Tues. Oct. 30 - My last day of work at Mistral. I was sad to be done, but it puts us one step closer to our move.
Wed. Oct 31 - Halloween!! Gabe and I carved a great looking pumpkin! Burr and I headed down to San Diego to have dinner with our friend Torrey Smitherman who was in town from Alabama for a conference. We had a great time and saw some very impressive Halloween costumes.
Thurs. Nov. 1 - We (FINALLY) found out what our travel dates for Japan will be. Burr will leave on Nov.29. I will leave on Jan. 17. The military flight did not have any space available for Gabe and Penny Lane until the January flight, and Burr's squadron needed him before mid-January. It's sad that we'll be apart for six weeks and Christmas, but there are some perks to Burr getting there first and getting things set up and going before the pets and I arrive.
Sun. Nov. 4 - We flew to Nashville, TN and Caroline picked us up at the airport. We spent a fun night at her house and she treated us to a great home-made soup.
Mon. Nov. 5 - Burr, Caroline, and I went to Bowling Green to visit Grandmother. First we stopped in at Jackson's Orchard to pick up apple cider and fresh apples to use for applesauce. We went on to Chalybeate and spent a great afternoon with Grandmother. The visit was even better because we got to visit with Aunt Jenny and Aunt Chickie. Caroline and I prepared a meal for Grandmother (quite a role reversal) and our applesauce was fantastic!
Tues. Nov. 6 - Most of the day was spent with Burr and me hanging out at Caroline's, but in the evening we got together with Kristi Vick-Stratton and went out for a great dinner with Caroline and Andy then on to Borders for books, etc.
Wed. Nov 7 - Burr and I headed down to Birmingham and spent a great day with Anita and her family.
Thurs. Nov. 8 - Our trip took a very unexpected turn when we arrived at Burr's grandmother's (Peggy) house and found her unconcious. She was rushed to the Emergency Room and later in the day passed away.
Fri. Nov. 9 - Was spent at Peggy's making arrangements for her service. In the morning, I was able to have a meeting with Dr. Richardson (I was in his voice studio at Samford) and reunite with some SU friends. Various members of Burr's family arrived in town throughout the day and all were trying to come to terms with the events of the day before. Peggy was very special to Burr, Katie, and Fred. Her prescence will be greatly missed.
Sat. Nov. 10 - Peggy was laid to rest beside her husband at the Elmwood Cemetary in Birmingham. The family regrouped at Rick and Terri Ferguson's house after the service, and in the evening the McKraneys (spelling?) invited everyone to their home for a BBQ dinner.
Yesterday, Sunday, my mom and I returned to Tallahassee, FL where I will stay with her through the rest of the week. Burr remained in B-ham and will go to Park City, UT to see his mom and family there today. We will both return to California on Sunday and will be there until Burr leaves for Japan.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers during this tumultuous time in our lives.
Grace and Peace,
Rachel
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