What’s at the top of your “bucket list”?
My BIL and I think Alaska's beauty is worth seeing again because our trip left us wanting to see more of the vast state than we saw four years ago. Our two granddaughters and their parents (one of our daughters and her husband) went with us, making it a family vacation we won't forget. We especially recall the baby whale swimming with our ship, alongside its mother—a rare, wonderful experience. The blue glaciers and high waterfalls also radiate in our memories as well as mother otters holding their babies on their tummies to keep the babies' fur dry. Thus, we've put this return trip at the top of our "bucket list," hoping to share Alaska with those in our family who've never seen it.
Jan Graham, EY,
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Having lived in eight states, Korea, and traveled around the globe, a bucket list isn’t easy for me to write. However, at the very end of my two years as President of Chapter EQ, I read the following bucket list to my chapter as my farewell to them as their President.
February 10, 2010
Today ends my two years as your President. Before leaving, I’d like to share my bucket list with you, as told through the voice of the lady on my GPS.
“Begin at Saint Street where you’ll find two versions of Mother Theresa living, Judy Spencer & Patty Dale who are constantly taking care of sisters in need.”
“Continue down Saint Street.”
“Go to Wisdom Way where Mother Superior aka Jerri Miller lives. She will be a valuable asset on this trip. Have her sit shotgun while you drive”
“Continue 300 yards and stay to the left. At the top of the hill, look for Martha Lee Pulley on Lady Lane. There you will find the beauty of being a lady and a stand up comic all rolled into one lady!
“Continue past Lady Lane and take a left.” “RECALCULATING” “Do a u turn when it is safe.”
“Turn left onto Calm Corners to be soothed by the caring persona of Carolyn Hensler. After your driving fiasco, you need soothing.”
“Next, is Bubbly Blvd., where you will see the homes of Judy Herold and Beth Haley, making your trip brighter with their smiles.”
“Continue straight and look for the House of Laughter on the left. Laugh out loud and enjoy the humor of Lucy Ewbank and the sharpness and wit of Luanne Spenceley.”
“In 200 yards, stay to your right and you will come upon Caring Circle where Betty and Jan Reinhart live their lives to love and care for others, including shoveling snow off the driveway for a neighbor in need.”
“Stay to your right. Watch for ~ RECALCULATING. Turn around and go back to Easy Street Look for Carol Flee and Evelyn Black, who wrote the book on being easy going.”
“Retrace your steps AGAIN and turn right onto Faith Street. Look for the Presbyterian Church where you’ll meet Lynn Cronk and Joyce Bolon, volunteering time and talents.
Continue down Faith Street until you see Devotion House, the home of Veda Etheridge and Carol Bowers. They epitomize devotion to an ill spouse and loyalty to a friend.”
“Slowly, go past Devotion House until you can see Hospitality House. There you will meet Marsha Haffey and Jo Reinhart. Go on in and sit a spell.”
“Stay to the right. In 100 yards ~ RECALCULATING” “Do a u turn when it is safe. ARE YOU LISTENING??” Go back 100 yards and pass Paige Powell’s house.”
“Volunteer Blvd. is coming up to the left. You can’t miss seeing Jane Kelly, Tari Tharp, and Pam Deahl as volunteers of the year.”
“YOU ARE AT A DEAD END. TURN AROUND AND GO BACK.”
“Continue straight for 1 block. On that block look for:
Cooking Cove. Stop the car. Exit now. You are at your destination for the excellent cuisine of Carol Kane, Carolyn Ratliff and Patti Krehbiel.”
“Continue driving until you see Gracious Grove to your right. Lori Lanni, accompanied by Bobbie Norman will be at Hotel Hospitality with ever present smiles to greet you.”
“You are now entering Friendship Circle. Continue as you drive the circle so you do not miss Teddi Robeson, author of Being a Friend. Continue past her until Mary Jane Roberts pauses from her many jobs to greet you & assist in any way she can.”
Continuing the circle, look right and see Resilience Road and wave to Louise Limper. Take time to listen to her inspiring stories. At the top of the circle is Attitude Ave., where Karen Niedenthal resides and demonstrates her “can do” attitude.
Go slowly so as not to miss Writer’s Way, the homes of Candace Crist, Jaimie Pribble, and former English teacher Jane Hollingsworth. All demonstrate the art of communication with the written word. Look for Detail Drive almost at the end of the circle and see Nancy Crell taking care of details.”
“RECALCULATING for the last time. THIS IS WORSE THAN DRIVING MISS DAISY”
“Go back to Servant Street and see the home of Elaine Rauckhorst. She will be out serving others. Stop at Love Lane and receive a shower of love & hugs from Mary Jean Priest and Pam Termeer. Talent Trail will be on the right and Shirley Younts and Nancy Rolfes will greet you and complete any task that needs doing. Finally, at the end of the circle is a short dead end street called Thoughtful Avenue—the home of Laura Cohen and the author of Being a Thoughtful Friend.
“You are at your destination. You are looking at it. On this trip, if you had followed the directions, you would see it spelled EQ ~ the BEST place to be!!
Lyn Martin Schloemer, EQ,
Oxford, Ohio
