August 2025, End of Summer Reunions and other Activities

Amazingly the Utah hills are still somewhat green despite the unusual heat and drought, but it was good to spend some time in cooler Northern California visiting family and friends.

A walk in the Redwoods with my brother Roy and sister-in-law Julie

A celebration of my Aunt Julie's 96th birthday in Napa. (a few of the family that attended)

Julie Mears Marx with her four children: Larry, Randy, Doug & Nancy

My youngest sibling Roy, my cousin David and son Oscar enjoyed a day at Muir Beach in Marin, even though the dog ate our delicious sandwiches while happily riding in the back of the car!

     We stopped at the historic Pelican Inn on our way from the beach

Another weekend trip, to Palo Alto to visit friends and to attend Judy Faltz's memorial service. We flew over fires and smoke in central CA

Sue Allen took me and their Russian friend Natalie for a ride in her 1956 Thunderbird to see friend Don Nielson. I was also delighted to visit with a childhood friend Carol who was surprised to see us after so many years. We forgot to take a photo!

Together with long time Palo Alto friends ( Karen Bradshaw, Alice Miller, Phyllis The, Miriam, Nanci Thomander, Dottie Sager) at a church barbecue/swim party

And a special visit with Peter and Leanne Giles

Stanford University was founded in memory of Leland Stanford Jr. the 15 year old son of the Stanfords who died of typhoid in Italy. His father, who had been California governor, U.S. Senator, and President of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, died in 1991, shortly after the opening of the University, which accepted 555 students. It was non-denominational and accepted men and women of various backgrounds, unusual at the time. Jane Lathrop Stanford used her personal finances at first until the estate could be settled, and exerted a great deal of time, vision, and energy to its becoming the amazing university we know today. My children attended the Palo Alto middle school named after this respected woman.

I always enjoy walking around Stanford's unique campus which formed much of my life from childhood through adulthood

The interior and exterior architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Gothic, Romanesque with gorgeous stained glass windows, a wonderful organ and quotes on the walls. I attended church here off and on, was married here, and have listened to convocations and concerts throughout the years.

The Hoover Tower houses an immense library of war and peace, carillon bells, and a great view from the observation deck. My grandfather was collecting books for the library when he passed away

Memorial Auditorium is the venue for many performances/ceremonies.

In the background is Bing Concert Hall and Frost Amphitheater

The nearby Tressider Student Union is named after Stanford's fourth president, Donald Tressider. At the age of 20, he took a trip with his sister to Southern California but due to washed-out railroad tracks, they ended up visiting Yosemite Valley instead. During his time there, he had the opportunity to meet several faculty members from Stanford University, who convinced him to enroll at the University. During his visit to Yosemite, Tresidder also met his future wife, Mary Curry, the daughter of David and Jennie Curry, who were the owners of Camp Curry. Tresidder spent his summers working in Yosemite, taking on various jobs. However, he was briefly fired for taking his future wife rock climbing on the backside of Half Dome. Tresidder and Mary Curry got married on June 17, 1920.

Speaking of libraries, I'm grateful to have the Provo City Library so close and filled with wonderful books to enjoy and to savor.

                                               *******

The end of July and the beginning of August have seen the passing of 3 dear friends. One was my neighbor across the street for 45 years in Palo Alto, Jackie Geist. We traveled together to South Africa.

Judy Faltz, wise and kind friend and neighbor who, among other community activities, organized our annual July 4th block parties, caroling parties, neighborhood women (the "Evergreen Girls"), and "Palo Verde Moms" (moms of our elementary school kids during a number of years). I was thrilled to gather with so many friends and neighbors for her memorial service. I was too busy visiting to remember to take photos.

Peter Weiler (July 3, 1933-August 9, 2025) and his wonderful wife Amy (deceased), who moved several years ago with their family to Alpine, Utah, from Palo Alto, had a greatly positive influence on our children and youth and on us. We, who loved them, gathered to share memories and friendship.

At the service, son Spencer and daughter Heidi (with Emily) are only part of their great family with whom we shared stories and fond memories. 

 Above: Brad Taylor, Ken Jenson, Amy Taylor Ringer, Emily de Schweinitz Taylor, Marian Taylor, Sara and Paul Gilman and Luis Kemeny are some of our former Palo Alto friends who came to honor Peter. Below, with Dawne Hollis.

It is back-to-school for everyone except those of us who are retired, but every August brings back memories of my own school days and my teaching years. May we all continue to learn and grow in skills, intellect and wisdom, and share learning with others.