Ach, so...next semester, I will NOT take 15 credits. I will NOT take 15 credits. I will NOT take 15 credits...this is insane. Elementary Algebra (3 credits), German 202 (4 credits), History 341 (Alaska History) (3 credits) and Beginning Handbuilt Ceramics (3 credits) and CIOS Powerpoints (2 credits)...as well as a Hebrew class from ETeacher in Tel Aviv. What was I THINKING?!? Sometimes I think I'm like the starving person who sits down at a lavish banquet...my eyes are bigger than my (metaphorically speaking) stomach. Don't get me wrong - my GPA seems to be pretty good...but I'm never home and I get very little sleep and my cat, Arthur, has taken to putting up "Have You Seen This Woman?" posters...
You can imagine, then, that my spring break has not been what one might call "restful"...quite the opposite. Definitely productive, but restful? Nnnnn...no. Sigh.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, July 24, 2011
My Perfect Day
Okay…so. I said yesterday that I would write about the incredibly amazing day that God gave to me..so here goes.
To begin at the beginning, my great uncle Chester David Jaques was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He flew B-17 bombers (aka Flying Fortress). He was trained in Iowa and New Mexico and when it came time for him to go to war he was transferred to a former RAF base in Molesworth, England.
Like so many others, Chester Jaques actually flew very few missions. His final mission, on 15 May 1943, was only his fifth credited; he was dispatched on a total of seven missions, but on two of these was forced to abort and return to Molesworth. On his final mission he was accompanied by a crew of nine men. They were:
Since the day I received her note, I have been praying that all the pieces of this remarkable puzzle would fall into place easily and that has indeed been the case. Sally and her daughter Ruth arrived on July 22 at 11:30. My daughter Kate and I met them at the airport. Sally and I have been exchanging emails since our initial contact and she joked that she would wear a bow in her hair so I could recognize her, to which I replied that I would be carrying a sign with her name. So we both, proudly flying our badges of recognition, met at the arrival area of the Ted Stevens International Airport. The instant I saw Sally and Ruth, there was a bond established and the four of us were fast friends, chattering away as we headed downstairs to the baggage claim area. We collected their luggage and headed off to the Anchorage Hilton, where they were to stay overnight prior to embarking on the cruise.
Over lunch at the Hooper Bay Café, we talked about her brother Ward and how very young he was at the time of his enlistment. He graduated from high school in 1941 at the age of sixteen. Naturally, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Ward could see nothing else but enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He told their father that he wanted his permission, because at the time he was just barely seventeen years old and the American military would have refused to allow him to enlist at such a young age without parental consent. Ward also told their father that if he refused to sign the enlistment papers, he would go to Canada and enlist with the RAF. Sally said that their father agonized for an entire weekend over the decision whether or not to sign those papers. At last he gave his consent and signed Ward’s enlistment papers.
On December 27, 1941 Ward Kirkpatrick enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force, and quickly became such an expert ball turret gunner that he was, for a time at least, an instructor. After completing his training he was shipped to Europe in the fall of 1942, joining the 303rd Bomb Group, 427th Squadron. He flew a total of twenty-four missions, the final one being the same flight that claimed the life of Chester Jaques, my great uncle, as well as the rest of the crew.
It was a bittersweet visit, talking about who these men were and how they must have met in the States during training, as both were posted to Iowa and New Mexico during the same period of time. Chester Jaques, however, was a pilot and as such was able to fly a B-17 over to England via Morocco. Ward Kirkpatrick went over on the Queen Mary, which at the time was enlisted as a troop transport.
For me the most poignant part of our visit was when Sally shared with me the memories of her final contact with Ward, who was 8 years older than she. The family received word that Ward and his group were due to ship out to an unknown destination and were afforded the opportunity to see their son and brother one last time before his departure. They were not allowed to come through the fence surrounding the military installation; nor were they permitted physical contact. Sally said there was a guard present at all times during their visit and they were sternly warned not to do this or that, or to pass objects to Ward. And so he was shipped off to England…and they never saw him again.
On May 24, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Kirkpatrick received a telegram from the Adjutant General that Ward was missing in action following a bombing mission on May 15. After seven years, the War Department declared a finding of death in the case of Ward Kirkpatrick, but his body was never found. Of the ten men who took off on May 15 for that mission, only four were located following their deaths, and one of these was my great uncle. The bones of Ward W. Kirkpatrick lie somewhere in the North Sea, approximately 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Following our lunch, we headed down the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which is located near Portage. The drive down was glorious. Temperatures hit a high of 81 degrees and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky; and while it was warm, there was also a following breeze and this lessened the heat quite a bit. The Center is a great place to bring visitors who want to see Alaskan animals in a relatively natural setting. Granted, musk oxen are not exactly “native” to Southcentral Alaska, but this can be forgiven when you consider the beauty of the setting and how well-cared for the animals are. I have never seen such glossy fur on a bear! All of the animals were relaxed, well fed and well adjusted, in clean enclosures with water and plenty of space. A visitor can either park their vehicle and walk all around the Center, or drive slowly through and get out for a closer look at the animals. In our case, we opted to drive through and get out when we wanted to see more or take pictures. It was beautiful ; I think that both Sally and Ruth were well pleased with the experience. I know that Kate and I certainly were.
Needing to be back at the Hilton to take care of some issues with their room, we opted to head north to Anchorage. The day continued as fine as could be. We saw quite a few slightly insane people out on the water windsurfing(!) and agreed that, while it looked like fun, there would be no way any of us would consider doing such a thing…but it was fun to see. We stopped at our house to pick up Rhys so that he could join us for dinner.
We arrived back at the Hilton in good time. Sally and Ruth took care of their room and we headed off to the Sourdough Mining Company for dinner with my mom and dad. I had hoped that my parents would hit it off with Sally and I am pleased to report that this was indeed the case! Dinner was a resounding success and we had a wonderful meal and conversation. Mom brought both of her books (Journey to a Dream and Suddenly…It’s Spring!) which she autographed and presented to Sally as a memento of the trip. By the time we finished dinner, all of us were exhausted, especially Sally and Ruth who had been on the go since early that morning. We made our farewells to Mom and Dad at the restaurant and took our guests back to the Hilton for a well deserved night’s rest. They were to board their cruise ship at 4 PM today (Saturday) and embark on a 12 day trip to Alaskan ports, with the final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia, and then home to Spokane, Washington by plane.
It has been a rare and wonderful experience. I have connected in a very special way with someone whose family has also made the supreme sacrifice of a loved one in the service of our country. As I told Sally and Ruth, the connection we have is one that very few people are able to make and it is one that I cherish.
Finally, the day was like receiving an unexpected gift from God, all the more appreciated because of the surprise of making the connection with Sally, and then to actually meet on such a beautiful day – my heart is full and words fail me…I can only say thank you, thank you Lord…toda raba, Abba, and vielen Dank, liebe Gott! A perfect day.
To begin at the beginning, my great uncle Chester David Jaques was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He flew B-17 bombers (aka Flying Fortress). He was trained in Iowa and New Mexico and when it came time for him to go to war he was transferred to a former RAF base in Molesworth, England.
Like so many others, Chester Jaques actually flew very few missions. His final mission, on 15 May 1943, was only his fifth credited; he was dispatched on a total of seven missions, but on two of these was forced to abort and return to Molesworth. On his final mission he was accompanied by a crew of nine men. They were:
- Co-pilot Lt. Alvin D. Holder
- Navigator Lt. John W. Bradshaw
- Bombardier Lt. Robert C.A. Carlson
- Engineer T/Sgt. Lester O. Corns
- Tail gunner Staff Sgt. Keith L. Clapshaw
- Radio operator Sgt. Warren T. Vasel
- Ball turret gunner Staff Sgt. Ward W. Kirkpatrick
- Right waist gunner Staff Sgt. W.G. Morrison
- Left waist gunner Sgt. Clayton W. Ryan
Since the day I received her note, I have been praying that all the pieces of this remarkable puzzle would fall into place easily and that has indeed been the case. Sally and her daughter Ruth arrived on July 22 at 11:30. My daughter Kate and I met them at the airport. Sally and I have been exchanging emails since our initial contact and she joked that she would wear a bow in her hair so I could recognize her, to which I replied that I would be carrying a sign with her name. So we both, proudly flying our badges of recognition, met at the arrival area of the Ted Stevens International Airport. The instant I saw Sally and Ruth, there was a bond established and the four of us were fast friends, chattering away as we headed downstairs to the baggage claim area. We collected their luggage and headed off to the Anchorage Hilton, where they were to stay overnight prior to embarking on the cruise.
Over lunch at the Hooper Bay Café, we talked about her brother Ward and how very young he was at the time of his enlistment. He graduated from high school in 1941 at the age of sixteen. Naturally, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Ward could see nothing else but enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He told their father that he wanted his permission, because at the time he was just barely seventeen years old and the American military would have refused to allow him to enlist at such a young age without parental consent. Ward also told their father that if he refused to sign the enlistment papers, he would go to Canada and enlist with the RAF. Sally said that their father agonized for an entire weekend over the decision whether or not to sign those papers. At last he gave his consent and signed Ward’s enlistment papers.
On December 27, 1941 Ward Kirkpatrick enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force, and quickly became such an expert ball turret gunner that he was, for a time at least, an instructor. After completing his training he was shipped to Europe in the fall of 1942, joining the 303rd Bomb Group, 427th Squadron. He flew a total of twenty-four missions, the final one being the same flight that claimed the life of Chester Jaques, my great uncle, as well as the rest of the crew.
It was a bittersweet visit, talking about who these men were and how they must have met in the States during training, as both were posted to Iowa and New Mexico during the same period of time. Chester Jaques, however, was a pilot and as such was able to fly a B-17 over to England via Morocco. Ward Kirkpatrick went over on the Queen Mary, which at the time was enlisted as a troop transport.
For me the most poignant part of our visit was when Sally shared with me the memories of her final contact with Ward, who was 8 years older than she. The family received word that Ward and his group were due to ship out to an unknown destination and were afforded the opportunity to see their son and brother one last time before his departure. They were not allowed to come through the fence surrounding the military installation; nor were they permitted physical contact. Sally said there was a guard present at all times during their visit and they were sternly warned not to do this or that, or to pass objects to Ward. And so he was shipped off to England…and they never saw him again.
On May 24, 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Kirkpatrick received a telegram from the Adjutant General that Ward was missing in action following a bombing mission on May 15. After seven years, the War Department declared a finding of death in the case of Ward Kirkpatrick, but his body was never found. Of the ten men who took off on May 15 for that mission, only four were located following their deaths, and one of these was my great uncle. The bones of Ward W. Kirkpatrick lie somewhere in the North Sea, approximately 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Following our lunch, we headed down the Seward Highway to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which is located near Portage. The drive down was glorious. Temperatures hit a high of 81 degrees and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky; and while it was warm, there was also a following breeze and this lessened the heat quite a bit. The Center is a great place to bring visitors who want to see Alaskan animals in a relatively natural setting. Granted, musk oxen are not exactly “native” to Southcentral Alaska, but this can be forgiven when you consider the beauty of the setting and how well-cared for the animals are. I have never seen such glossy fur on a bear! All of the animals were relaxed, well fed and well adjusted, in clean enclosures with water and plenty of space. A visitor can either park their vehicle and walk all around the Center, or drive slowly through and get out for a closer look at the animals. In our case, we opted to drive through and get out when we wanted to see more or take pictures. It was beautiful ; I think that both Sally and Ruth were well pleased with the experience. I know that Kate and I certainly were.
Needing to be back at the Hilton to take care of some issues with their room, we opted to head north to Anchorage. The day continued as fine as could be. We saw quite a few slightly insane people out on the water windsurfing(!) and agreed that, while it looked like fun, there would be no way any of us would consider doing such a thing…but it was fun to see. We stopped at our house to pick up Rhys so that he could join us for dinner.
We arrived back at the Hilton in good time. Sally and Ruth took care of their room and we headed off to the Sourdough Mining Company for dinner with my mom and dad. I had hoped that my parents would hit it off with Sally and I am pleased to report that this was indeed the case! Dinner was a resounding success and we had a wonderful meal and conversation. Mom brought both of her books (Journey to a Dream and Suddenly…It’s Spring!) which she autographed and presented to Sally as a memento of the trip. By the time we finished dinner, all of us were exhausted, especially Sally and Ruth who had been on the go since early that morning. We made our farewells to Mom and Dad at the restaurant and took our guests back to the Hilton for a well deserved night’s rest. They were to board their cruise ship at 4 PM today (Saturday) and embark on a 12 day trip to Alaskan ports, with the final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia, and then home to Spokane, Washington by plane.
It has been a rare and wonderful experience. I have connected in a very special way with someone whose family has also made the supreme sacrifice of a loved one in the service of our country. As I told Sally and Ruth, the connection we have is one that very few people are able to make and it is one that I cherish.
Finally, the day was like receiving an unexpected gift from God, all the more appreciated because of the surprise of making the connection with Sally, and then to actually meet on such a beautiful day – my heart is full and words fail me…I can only say thank you, thank you Lord…toda raba, Abba, and vielen Dank, liebe Gott! A perfect day.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sad News.....
Sometimes life really, really, REALLY sucks. Nick Raitt, the son of my friend Lori Brower, passed away in Salt Lake City at 2:19 AM, Thursday, June 2. Nick fought cancer almost to a standstill for four years...he had a very rare type called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which occurs in about 1% of all cancer patients. He was a patient of the same sarcoma specialist as my adopted sister, Lisa Buechler, which is how we got to know one another. When Lisa was dying, Lori and her friends Ruth Taillac, Jennie Magnesen and Denise Cummins (aka The Fairy Godmothers) were there for me 24/7 and I most certainly could not have survived the whole ordeal without them. They are a gift from God.
For those who are interested in learning a little more about rhabdo, here's a link to Nick's website, "My War With Cancer." http://nick-raitt.blogspot.com/ Reading it certainly has helped me to put MY problems into the proper perspective...Lisa only had rhabdo for less than a year before her death and Nick dealt with it for four years. I can't imagine going through all of that and not getting totally depressed, but he never quit. Not once.
Back to school tomorrow. I'm telling you, summer school is insane! In five short (and I do mean SHORT!) weeks we're covering the same amount of material that is normally covered in a full-length semester...oy. I'm very glad I chose to take just one class, as it's seriously kicking my butt...! I have an A at the present time, and if I can pull it together and write my 6 page paper in a somewhat coherent fashion, there's a good chance I may actually end up with an A. One can only hope. Anyway, just three weeks left and I can get my summer back. I am soooo looking forward to just existing...at least until August 29 when the fall semester starts back up! Both of my kids will be attending UAA with me, which will be fun. ;-)
For those who are interested in learning a little more about rhabdo, here's a link to Nick's website, "My War With Cancer." http://nick-raitt.blogspot.com/ Reading it certainly has helped me to put MY problems into the proper perspective...Lisa only had rhabdo for less than a year before her death and Nick dealt with it for four years. I can't imagine going through all of that and not getting totally depressed, but he never quit. Not once.
Back to school tomorrow. I'm telling you, summer school is insane! In five short (and I do mean SHORT!) weeks we're covering the same amount of material that is normally covered in a full-length semester...oy. I'm very glad I chose to take just one class, as it's seriously kicking my butt...! I have an A at the present time, and if I can pull it together and write my 6 page paper in a somewhat coherent fashion, there's a good chance I may actually end up with an A. One can only hope. Anyway, just three weeks left and I can get my summer back. I am soooo looking forward to just existing...at least until August 29 when the fall semester starts back up! Both of my kids will be attending UAA with me, which will be fun. ;-)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Revised Fall 2011 Schedule and Some Random Thoughts
Summer in Alaska is the greatest gift from God...there is nowhere else on earth that I would rather be than right here, especially when the sun is shining and the clouds are lacy and high above me. It makes me think of the poem by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. It goes like this:
HIGH FLIGHT
By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
When I was a child, this poem was something we heard every night at midnight when KTUU Channel 2 signed off the air. (And yes, once upon a time there was only 12 hours of programming broadcast every day!) It was recited by someone with a wonderful speaking voice...and was accompanied by a beautiful video of an Air Force jet streaking through the clouds. Brings back such memories...and a feeling of peace.
My son came to me late last week and mentioned that his classmate, Brianna Aspelund, had invited him to help her family place American flags and crosses (decorated with American Legion poppies) on the graves of each veteran in the Catholic section of Angelus Memorial Cemetery. So that is what we did this morning...it was an honor. When we finished and looked back at all those crosses and flags, it quite took my breath away.
Decided to ditch the Physical Geology class and am taking Prealgebra instead. I hope I'm not making a mistake...I think, however, that I'm much closer to graduation than I had originally thought. What's complicating things is my change of major. It adds about another year at least, so it looks like I may graduate in 2013 or 2014. Sooner would be nice, but what the heck, it's taken over 28 years to get to this point - so what's another two or three years?
I've been thinking a great deal recently about our veterans, past and present. Two of "my boys" are in Afghanistan or Iraq right now - one in the Army, one in the Marines. I'm very proud of them...and terrified at the same time.With Memorial Day coming up, this is the perfect time to pay tribute to our men and women in uniform all around the globe..thank you for your service, each and every one of you!
Chester D. Jaques
Army Air Corps
Killed in Action 15 May 1943, 25 miles west of Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Wayne E. Lovel, United States Navy (and his baby sister Lulubelle)
Clyde W. Lovel, Sr. (my dad), United States Air Force
Glen V. Lovel, United States Army
Served in Burma
and
Charles A. Lovel, United States Army
Served in WWI, in France
THANK YOU...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Finals Week is HEEEERE!!
I learned a lesson this week about not holding on tight to my expectations. It's finals week here, and I see tired faces all over the campus. Sleep deprivation is the norm and people are studying well into the night, and waking up exhausted the next day. So, what is the lesson, you ask? Ah, listen my children! It's not complicated at all. I was dreading this week, because unlike last semester, I had to actually TAKE my German final...and tests in German can send me into a tailspin like nothing else. I also have a final in Anthropology and a final paper in Western Civilization, so there are MANY hand grenades in the air at the present time.
Monday and Tuesday evening I was able to work with a German tutor, which eased my concerns about that particular final. The University also makes free food available to those who are attending late night study sessions, so I didn't have to stress about my dinner for either evening. The University also makes tutors available in almost every subject taught here, and there is a wonderful Writing Lab where you can go for help. I have been using the Writing Center a great deal, and my final paper is nearly finished. This is important to note as it is also due TOMORROW. No pressure!
Finally, I was able to secure extended time for my German final, which meant that I could take as long as four HOURS to finish. I was so much more relaxed...it made all the difference! Then we had a study session for Anthropology which went really well, and I was able to work some more on my paper for Western Civ. Ran into a good friend from German class and bless her heart, she bought dinner for me! So you see, if you just let go of the controls, God can bring all things into their proper order and supply all of your needs!
And now, dear friends, I must finish my delicious dinner and get back to work on that paper. Western Civ waits for no man!
Monday and Tuesday evening I was able to work with a German tutor, which eased my concerns about that particular final. The University also makes free food available to those who are attending late night study sessions, so I didn't have to stress about my dinner for either evening. The University also makes tutors available in almost every subject taught here, and there is a wonderful Writing Lab where you can go for help. I have been using the Writing Center a great deal, and my final paper is nearly finished. This is important to note as it is also due TOMORROW. No pressure!
Finally, I was able to secure extended time for my German final, which meant that I could take as long as four HOURS to finish. I was so much more relaxed...it made all the difference! Then we had a study session for Anthropology which went really well, and I was able to work some more on my paper for Western Civ. Ran into a good friend from German class and bless her heart, she bought dinner for me! So you see, if you just let go of the controls, God can bring all things into their proper order and supply all of your needs!
And now, dear friends, I must finish my delicious dinner and get back to work on that paper. Western Civ waits for no man!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Well, It's Been AWHILE...
I looked up finally from the crushing weight of homework, papers,classes and more of the same, and realized it's been like...since February? since I last posted on this...oh well,I'm maintaining a respectable GPA and getting my course work done and turned in, so something's happening as it should. We're getting down to the wire with less than 2 weeks of classes left before FINALS WEEK...aaaauuuuuggghhhh........................alles is GUT.
Signed up today for Fall 2011 classes...I must be insane. German 201, English 121 (Literature), Physical Geology and...last but not least....PreAlgebra! Shoot me, just SHOOT ME NOW.
Signed up today for Fall 2011 classes...I must be insane. German 201, English 121 (Literature), Physical Geology and...last but not least....PreAlgebra! Shoot me, just SHOOT ME NOW.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thoughts on Writing College Papers
Did I mention that I HATE WRITING papers? Reeeeeallly hate it. Don't like it at all. Would rather stick NEEDLES in my eyes, in fact. I'm fine if you tell me, "Write something! Be creative!" but when you tell me that I have to write NO MORE than TWO pages (who the sam hill writes that little?!?) and that it has to be 1/2" from the top and bottom of the paper, with left and right margins at 1", and that you have to use this stupid style or that stupid style (APA, MLA, Chiacgo-Turabian)....screw that!! Bite me.
Okay, done venting now.....back to writing about something I DO NOT CARE about....and I'm paying to do this...isn't that AA's definition of insanity?
Okay, done venting now.....back to writing about something I DO NOT CARE about....and I'm paying to do this...isn't that AA's definition of insanity?
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