Submitted on 2011/03/21 at 8:16 am from Mary Metcalf Hill:
Chena and Heather,
I have been thinking a lot about all of you of late, your dad and mom, especially; so I thought I would look you up on the web, and lo and behold, here you are. It’s nice to see that, even with Niilo’s declining health, that you are all still close. My mother passed away not long after we left Fairbanks and moved to Yakima, Washington. My dad joined her about 26 years later.
Do you still have horses? I have had one or two off and on all my life, except that I had to have my last one put down last summer and haven’t had the opportunity to get another yet.
I know that this is primarily a blog about your dad and his health, so I want to share a memory of him. I remember being up at your house for dinner one night and as we all sat around the table he was telling us about his parents. How they had met in Finland and moved to the US. How his mother had been born in the US of Finnish parents who then took her back to Finland. He said that she spoke Finnish with an American accent and English with a Finnish accent. I thought that was so funny.
I remember, too, how wonderful your house used to smell. I’ve wondered ever since what it was that your mom did to give it such a sweet-lemony scent. I’ve tried leaving cut lemons on the counter, but it doesn’t work. I alway felt very welcome in your home.
Hi Mary!
Sorry to report horse news: Greyling died after she foundered and then a few years later Galaxy was put down when his ancient joints refused to give him peace. They were a pair of White Wonders, the end of the line for many great horses at the homestead.
When Mom had her head injury, Roda Brown was amazing for her enduring support of the horses both at the homestead and then when they were temporarily housed at a stable. While at that stable, Aldona discovered Orion and took over his care: we felt she had a close bond with him and appreciate that. Greyling and Galaxy then came back to the Ridge and had many lazy days enjoying themselves.
Many trophies and ribbons are still in the house, as well as many photos and videos of the good old competitive times.
This is not only a blog about Dad. Your comments and memories are so welcome. There is still a lemon the counter, alongside a huge jug of honey. Heather has been spinning honey with the Kalens recently, I think, and that combo still contributes mightily to an inviting feeling.
–Chena