July 2020, a month to celebrate and remember....a little nostalgia

Elsie, Jessie and I celebrated July 4th together with a delicious waffle and egg breakfast, watched "Lincoln" and sat on the lawn in front of Hoover Tower (most of the tower houses the library of War and Revolution) at Stanford to enjoy listening to Jim Welch play patriotic songs and hymns on the carillon bells up on top of the tower. Social distancing and masks kept us safe as we visited with others listening.

J

Jenna and Johnny Hickey are a fun family in our ward

Jessie and Elsie listening to the carillon hymns and songs

 Much has changed dramatically since the university's beginning in the late 1800's (including the loss of the high dome/tower in the church toppled during the 1906 earthquake). The acres of apricot, prune, and pear orchards and farmland I knew as a child in the mid-20th century have been replaced with homes, businesses, especially high-tech companies of Silicon Valley, connected by freeways with lots of traffic. But our valley is still beautiful, the climate is about perfect. The schools and cultural opportunities are excellent, and the cultural diversity is enriching. 

Below in the background was the old women's gym pool where I learned to swim and dive from the 3 and 10 meter board.  It has now been replaced with this recreation center with its own outdoor pool. John Arrillaga lived at my grandparents' home as a student, which home he eventually bought and gave in perpetuity as home of the Athletic Director. Homes on the campus may be owned for 99 years or until the owner is no longer affiliated with Stanford (in our case, our family home, built by my grandparents in early 1920's, was returned in 2006 to the university). We miss celebrating Thanksgiving, weddings and other events there.

Roble Hall was freshman dorm for my mother and for my generation female students.

The Old Union Building where I ate some Friday dinners with my grandmother in the cafeteria. Below is the old firehouse. During my childhood a whistle blew to signify "noon" and another at 5 PM to end the work day.

Lake Lagunita's old boat ramp has not been used for about 20 years since there is little rainfall and the lake is usually dry. It was created as a reservoir in 1870, to irrigate the orchards and alfalfa fields for Stanford's stock farm. It was the site of water carnivals and huge bonfires in November (when dry) before the traditional Stanford versus Cal Berkeley "Big (football) Game."

One side of the quad leading to Tressider student Union and the Bookstore, with the libraries and other dorms and classrooms off to the left. Sandstone and Spanish tile are the typical building materials so characteristic of Stanford.

Local artists have created a BLM mural on the street in front of the Palo Alto city hall...some letters are controversial.

Most countries have sacrificed and fought, and we must continue to to fight for justice and independence and 

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

July 24 is Bastille Day, or la fete nationale in France. 

I enjoyed the video presentation hosted by the French Ambassador to the U.S.(below), honoring the 200,000 French citizens who live here, many of whom have made great contributions during Covid, as first responders. The long history of support and cooperation between Americans and French was applauded. Leading French athletes, chefs, astronaut, musicians, leaders of the 10 French consulates spoke! I have many fond memories of watching Bastille Day Parades with my student groups before I retired from teaching French in 2006!

Early members of the Church of Jesus Christ left homes and sometimes family in Europe and New England, to make the arduous, dangerous trek on foot, by handcart and covered wagon to escape persecution and discrimination. Thousands died, many lived, as they settled in the west, areas with desolate lands unwanted by others. We celebrate their sacrifice and faith each year as we commemorate their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley on July 27, 1847. They made the "desert bloom as a rose." They have now spread across the world. Of the 16,000,000+ members today, more live outside the United States, all united as they live by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that we are all brothers and sisters, children of a Heavenly Father. 

Happy Pioneer  Day! Thanks to all pioneers, immigrants, for your legacy!

  As present day pioneers, (including the men and women throughout the world) we must set the patterns by teaching and exemplifying the principles we want future generations to live by. 

Good schools (mostly still closed during the pandemic) nice parks (somewhat open), where we can enjoy exercise and fresh air and camaraderie.
The small acts of kindness, toleration, forgiveness, the service we give can cast a long shadow. 

I miss my friend Ann-Kristin (my English speaking partner/tutoree) who has just returned to Sweden with her husband, a Stanford post-doc, to renew their visas. Unfortunately he will be unable to return to complete his second year, as flights not allowed into U.S. currently. International friendships, of which I am blessed to have many, help bridge divides, form bonds of understanding and appreciation.

With the Covid pandemic still not under control, even growing, we miss even those close, who feel out of reach....
Hasta luego!  Au revoir! See you again soon!