West Bethel
West Bethel
Last Wednesday saw another April surprise with a snowfall of five inches of wet, heavy stuff. It drizzled rain and snow all day long, but the exuberant cherry blossoms in our back yard seemed none the worse for wear. Also blooming in the Garden of Eden is shadbush along the back property line and hundreds of violets, both purple and white, in the lawn.
Our Sunday morning walk took us to Peter Grover Road, which goes off Paradise about 1½ miles up from Eden Lane. There we saw lots of bluets in flower and hobblebush blooming in the woods. Hobblebush always reminds me of the spring dogwood blossoms in my native Ohio. On the way back we stopped to pick a bag of dandelion greens, which we enjoyed as dandelion salad on Monday evening, along with some creamed asparagus on toast, courtesy of the new owners of the Hoehstead. They said we could help ourselves, and we did.
On Sunday afternoon Mike and I drove to Farmington to hear the Community Chorus in their spring concert, “Music with a French ‘Twist’.” It included “Gallia” by Gounod and a Requiem by Fauré, as well as a choral medley from “Les Misérables.” Our son-in-law, Paul Stancioff, had a solo in the Requiem. The whole concert was lovely, and afterward we shared a meal with daughter Cyndy and granddaughter, Louisa.
Saturday evening saw the first public supper of the season at the West Bethel Union Church. Jane Hosterman, who was waiting table, judged that there was a very good turnout and commented on how pleasant it is to meet again with people one hasn’t seen since last year.
Austin Westleigh turned eight last weekend and had a party on Saturday at “Mimi’s” house, aka Grandma Linda Westleigh. He had about a dozen friends who brought their bikes and skateboards. The children created a piñata in the form of a skateboard, which seems to be the current mania among little boys. With light refreshments, ice cream, and cake, a good time was had by all on a beautiful day.
We were scheduled to attend Grandparents’ Day at Gould Academy on Tuesday evening and most of Wednesday. On the agenda were meals with our granddaughter, Molly Siegel, an assembly in Bingham Auditorium, and attending classes with Molly. There were also afternoon sports and ac-tivities to watch, as well as an art exhibit in the Art Cottage. Next week I’ll be able to tell you how it all went.
Speaking of Gould, tonight and Saturday night the spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” will be presented. We’re looking forward to seeing our young lady perform, as well as all the rest of the talented cast.
Not to be outdone, Mt. Blue High School will be performing Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. We’ll be attending Friday’s presentation and will see Louisa in that one. Our grandchildren certainly keep us entertained and occupied!
This is another big day in the Westleigh family. This evening at 7:30 p.m. Linda and Reggie’s daughter, Lisa Pivin, will be graduating from Central Maine Medical Center’s College of Nursing and Health Professions with her degree in nursing. The ceremony will take place at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston. Heartiest good wishes and congratulations to Lisa for a good job well done!
The weather patterns continue to zig-zag crazily from freezing temperatures and precipitation to outright summer weather, which has us throwing off the covers at night. Oh, for a normal spring day with moderate temperatures, gentle breezes, and clear skies! Be in touch with your news and thoughts: dhoeh@megalink.net; 824-2917.