May 15: Mother’s Day
Put house in order after workmen built new deck and made new board doors for the entry way. (Landscaping badly needed).Brought the Christmas gift (from Nina & Caroline) of Blueberry dishes. 4 new wicker chairs.

Mid-May wildflowers in bloom:

• Spring beauties
• Trout Lily, Adder’s Tongue
• Gold Tread
• Violets – white, yellow, blue
• Jack-in-the-Pulpit
• Trillium
• Dutchman’s Breeches
• Canada Mayflower (almost in bloom)
• Toothwort (lots of these lovelies this yr.)
• Sessile-leaved Bellwort (very delicate)
• Colt’s Foot
• Dwarf Ginseng?

5/26/95: It’s incredible – Abby Kay

5/29/95: Hello everybody
We came here at 1:00 in the morning & met Jason & his friends who were still awake & playing some game. We came & ate & lit the fire. We have brought some guests like last time. They are:
Unnikushnan – a musician from India
Priya – Unnikushnan’s wife
Gaya & Subbish. – a family which resides in New City, new York. I think they enjoyed the stay
& then there is well, US: Vinay, Venkatesh, Vijaya, & Vinita.
We came here after going to Niagara falls for Unnikushnan & wife. This is their first visit to America which means their first visit here. Gaya & Subbish also came here for their first time. Before coming here from Niagara we went to Appa (Dad’s) corporate apartment in Toronto, Canada. We had fun there. Well anyway all eight were piled in one van & came here to enjoy one short night.

This is the first entry of mine after my Sacred Thread ceremony. It was very nice. If you ask Appa, he may send pictures and/or video. If anybody reads this, say hello to Uncle Ford & Antie Ford (the latter doesn’t sound right, I don’t know why). And if you, Uncle & Antie Ford reads this, say hello & convey our regards to all of the kids. We will be leaving later today. I will write just before we leave (I mean I will try to)! Till next time we come to Shunk. I will be waiting for a “getaway of a lifetime” (Quote Vinay Venkatesh’s journal entry May 28, 1994 pg119)
Sign off at “The Shunk”
by Venkatesh (Vinay)
(2:00 – 2:30)
P:S. We are sitting around the fire & I am sitting in front when writing this.
P.P.S. Look for more later.

Hello Uncle Ford! Howde! We came here yesterday. We met Jason and his friends here too. We arrived around 1:00. We looked in the log book and found that it has been exactly 1 year and 24 hours and half an hour since we came here last. Each time we come here, we miss you. The only time I saw you was at your 25 anniversary party. I remembered the chocolates: they were wonderful.

Anyway, this time we brought some friends, ganya & Subbish, and some artists from India, Unnikushnan & Priya. They are nice. In the car (van) we were 8 people, it was so wierd. It was a 7 seater. This is how we were sitting:
I kept moving
I (it) was uncomfortable. Finally we ended up sitting like this:
That was comfe. We went to Niagara Falls on Sat. and Toronto that night. We must have spent at least 24 hours in the car! (not that bad) Well it was really, really fun! We went on Maid of the Mist, and the cave of the winds trip. I got drenched: We also saw the illuminations
My Dad’s calling me!
Vinita Venkatesh
Bye! (1995) RIPIBAN (rest In Peace In bed At Night)
(1983 – 2071)

May 28, 95: Exactly after a year (we were here last Mem weekend w/ Kannan). We have Mr. P. Unnikushnan a famous Indian classical musician and his beautiful wife Ganya – a dancer – of course Indian classical! We also have Mr. Sabbish – like a brother – that too a big (fat) brother and his very nice wife Gany – like Gange … … – full of fun and, …. . Vinay & Vinita are thoroughly enjoying. Vijaya has been teching Vinay some …macy. Vinay wants everyone to write. Vijaya will write now.
Went to Eby’s to fetch some fresh milk. Due to rains for stuck in the drive way. But the Previa H1R 1JB NJ plate was faithful as ever to get us out there … . We will now (10:30 am 5/29) go to see Grandpa & Grandma before heading out to New Jersey.
As even thoroughly enjoyed the over night.
May you have a safe trip.
We will be back.
Venkatesh

5/29/95: Dear folks – Exactly after a year, we are here again showing off the serene place to our other friends. We came last night (early this morning at around 1:00 AM!). It was nice to see Jason after a long time. As I went to bed, I realized Jason was about the same age as Vinay now (14) and how time flies! – Jason has been working for the last six years with the govt.! I can’t believe it! So, Vinay & Vinita will be off just like the kids of the Ford family before we know it! May be we will continue to celebrate some … reunions here in Shunk! We would love to see all of you here as Vinay is saying. It is 10:15 AM now. The fog has cleared up. Grass is wet with last night’s rain. Off we go to the grandpa and grandma and to take a walk around the lake before we head back to the city’s huzzle buzzle! See you again, Shunk! – Vijaya

5/29/95: This is my first visit here with our close friend venkatesh and Vijaya. To an incurable urbanite like me who has never left the companion of concrete jungle whether be it in Bombay, Tehran or New York City this is teh first experience with a commune with nature. I find this visit … with nature refreshing. Weather was little un-cooperative this time. I am sure I will have more opportunities like this to recharge my mind and bofy. Thanks
Sabbish

This is my first visit here and I enjoyed it even if the weather was not that great. Hopefully I can come during the summer and enjoy the woods: we came with Vijaya and venkatesh.
We will be back
Gonga

Well its me again
It is now 11:00 and we are ready to leave. I packed everything & now Appa is sitting in the car. We will go see Grandpa & Grandma & then we will all leave to Murray Hill. We all had a great time even though we stayed for only about 11–12 hours. Goodbye & Good luck to all.
Venkatesh (Vinay)

5/29/95: Once again the weekend here has been relaxing and wonderful! What more could one want than a clear lake for swimming & canoeing, trees and walks and a wood fire!
Rebecca Neilson

5/29/95: Another fine weekend! I love it up here, it’s a great place. Getting lost in the woods, … – I love it!
Sean Blinn

5/29/95: This is my first time here and my last day – a grim experience as we all prepare to return to our lives. Small things begin to annoy me about my companions, but I realize that it’s just my annoyance at returning to a life without trees, land, canoes, lakes, games and friends who are ready to sing with your music, laugh at your jokes, and smile when you walk in the room. It has been lovely here. For an all too brief weekend, waking hours were the way you thought life would be or even should be even if it’s never been that way before. Goodbye. And just what are the top 10 reasons for kicking off jurors at the O.J. Simpson trial? – Clinton

5/29/95: I have been coming to the lake for almost 29 years, and this is the first time I have ever seen anyone swim in the month of May. rebecca pulled it off, although the cold kept me away.
I had five friends (including myself) here this weekend. Abby and Clinton were here for the first time. Rebecca and Sean were here for the 3rd time, and I was here for the 27th time. (I think). On the ride up, we discovered that Abby knew Lucas (Ian) from high school. Small world.
Ann pointed I was lucky hat all my siblings lived out west, because it meant I got the three-day summer weekends to myself.
Well, almost to myself. See pp. 132–137. Venkatesh and family was looking good. Hadn’t seen him in 15 years. Anyway, the lake is still fine. So long, Jason

7/2/95: Fourth of July weekend – Paul and I are enjoying a fine Saturday–Sunday experience with excellent company – Joanne, Ken, Nina, Jason and his friends in this wonderful setting. We are so thankful to be able to visit.

Flowers in bloom.

• Common Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana)
• Smoothhush Hawkweed
• Heal-all (prunella vulgaris)
• Gold thread (Coptis groenkin…)
• Partridge Berry (Mitchelka re…)
• Orange Hawkweed
• Mountain Laurel
• Ferns – sporulation
• Interrupted Fern
• Christmas Fern
• Rattlesnake Fern
• Cinnamon Fern

Love, Donna and Paul Wilhelm

7/4/95: Amy P… best porch swing ever!

7/4: I’m … – but probably not when you are reading this!
– Sean Blinn

7/4/95: First time since – – hmm, maybe first time EVER – – that I’ve been here twice, in one summer. My relatives are reproducing like mad. It’s hard to keep up. Anyway, good to be here. Adios,
– Jason

7/4/95: It’s been seven years too long since I’ve last canoed this lake or sunned on the dock. And I’ve missed it—it’s good to have come back. Banquets, Taboo, rearranging company, etc. I’ve enjoyed it. May Pasta always abound… Thanks for the hospitality! Until next time,
Audrey (Phil, in absentia)
(@ a crossroad, yet again)

7/4/95: Will long for the swing + hammock for a long time to come. Great to meet Nina – she was here in person this time! When I’ve been here before, Jason’s siblings have been here only in photographs. Jason has said things this weekend like “you’re all great people.” Never heard him sond more like Barney the dinosaur than here in Shunk. It’s an amazing place. I had a great time w/ Jason, my travelling companion, and all who were here over this weekend.
Erica

July 20–25 1995: Dick & Sheila Thompson visiting

Wild flowers in bloom, or identifiable from fruit or leaves

• Morocots:
  • False Hellebore Veratinum viride (leaves & stem only)
  • Breeched Beer Reed Sparganium ardrocladium (leaves triangular in … …)
  • Canada Mayflower Mai… canadien (berries, green with brown spots)
• Decots:
  • Star Chickweed Stillania pubura
  • Indian Pipe Morotropa uniflora
  • White Baneberry Actoea pachypoda (berries)
  • Tall Buttercup Ranunculus acris
  • Partridgeberry Mitchella …
  • Common Wood-Sorrel Gacalis montana
  • Yellow Wood-Sorrel Oxalis …
  • Starflower Tre… borealis (reed heads)
  • Common Evening Primrose Gerothera b…
  • Speckled Lobelia Lobelia spiriato
  • Queen Anne’s Lace Daucus canota
  • Knotweed (species?) Polygonella
  • Yellow Sweet Clover Melilotus officialis
  • White Clover Trifolium repeas
  • Yellow Lo… Lysimachia terrestria

• Decots (cont.)
  • Steeplebush Spiraea … (shrub)
  • Meadow… Spiraea latifolia (shrub)
  • Dewdrop Dalibanda repus
  • Tall Meadow Lace Thalictitum polygenaeum
  • Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
  • Jewelweed, spotted Impotiens capiensis
  • Nettle (species?) Urtia possibly procea, stem smooth
  • Common Milkweed Ascepeas syreaca
  • Elderberry (Common Elder) Sampucus canadiensis (shrub)
  • Pearly Everlasting Anaphobis margaretacea
  • Ox-eye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
  • Dandilion Tusacaceum officiale
  • Daisy Fleabane (white) Erginen arnceus (over 50 … florets)
  • New York Ironweed Vernaca …
• Bat Counts (little Brown Bat)
  • July 20. Belfry of Wheelerville Menonite Church, overcast, 72°F. 8:37 – 9:05 pm. Three counters: 364 (JF), 360 (ART), 355.
  • July 21. Baumunk lawn at end of lake near dam. Numbers (in log10 form) are 2-137 from porch area or 1-832 from roof area near back door. 8:35 – 9:05 pm, ART & JF.
• Angling
  • Action at the lake has been rather slow for the first few days. Caught a few small bass & one pickerel on plugs, including an Abu Hi-Lo … . On 24th, our last full day here, there was fairly heavy rain during the afternoon obscuring in the evening. About 8 pm went out in the canoe & caught two bass 14½” & 15″ (approx 1½ lbs each) on fly rod using a deer-hair mouse pattern of bass bug. Ken handled the canoe & proved to be a most excellent fishing guide.

Our thanks to Joanne & Ken for the most delightful time.
Sheila and Dick.

Aug. 11: I NAMED HEMLOCK HARBOR. I LIKED PLAYING WITH LINDLEY. I LEARNED TO PADDLE A CANOE.
Charlie (6½)

Thomas (2½) – bursting with new words & enchanting us all.

Aug 11: Caroline & Bill here 8/2/95. Left for trip thru New England 8/4 – 8/9: Bill put in new garden at top of driveway – Bill’s back hurts.

I’ve enjoyed hanging out here, playing Scrabble, reading – wish we could stay a few more days!! I built the Chartres Cathedral for computer mouse. Caroline

14 AUG 95: “A person who has a friend and some logs to split doesn’t need a psychiatrist – ever!” Henry Herbert Kolm

18 Aug. 95: Major changes this summer: new portion of road through woods making a large circle driveway, replaced deck, many loads of topsoil to build up area around end of house & small stone wall at driveway entry. New vacuum cleaner & weedwhacker have made those jobs easier.
Henry split wood & plied it neatly under the windows.
It was a wonderful berry/cherry season – I picked cherries, raspberries, blueberries, & some blackberries & made 60 jars of jam! Very busy summer. Hot. Reluctant to leave.
J.

16–Oct 95: FIRST ANNUAL LAKE HOUSE II WORK WEEKEND
beautiful day Friday when Paul, Nate & I arrived. Ken came up late that night. Saturday it rained all day. There were many waves of rain flowing across the lake. It was wonderful to be indoors by the fire reading to Nate & talking. rearranged the furniture to the winter layout & had Grandma, Ann, Bob, & Lindley to a turkey dinner Saturday evening. Then Paul, Nate & I visited Popop in the hospital. Sunday we actually did some work cleaning the future fern grotto & visited the Fall Foliage Festival in Forksville. (Great apple fritters) We plan to go home the scenic way to see more of this beautiful foliage. This is truly a paradise.
Wendy

Oct. 16, 1995: Lawrence Larue Baumunk (Pop Pop) died at Troy Community Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack one month before.
Sarah Nick & Jasper (aged 17½ months) were here for a too-short visit but very happy to be here. With very fond memories of Pop-Pop, a kind, honest, generous man with a great sense of fun, who did so much for so many people. He touched all of us.

95.10.21: Saturday
Paul and Nate are slipping out in the wee hours of the morning (8:00 AM!), long before the rest of the clan is stirring, on our way back to Chicago. We arrived Thursday afternoon. Nate immediately began to introduce himself to his aunts, uncles, and cousins. I’m glad Nate has had this chance to meet (& remeet) so many of his relatives, glad that Nate got to meet his PopPop last weekend and wave goodbye.
After seeing PopPop in Try last Monday, Wendy Nate & I headed back to Chicago on the back roads winding our way through the hills and valleys on Highway 6. We took a side trip to the Grand Canyon as well. The day was clear and bright and the trees still had good color. Absolutely beautiful. It seems appropriate that PopPop’s last day and our last visit with him should be joined in my remembrance with the splendor of the Pennsylvania woods that we enjoyed that afternoon.
Paul

So long Pop Pop, thanks for the lake, the lessons on tree identification, the chats, the checker games, and everything else too long to list here.
It’s a rainy autumn day, and I’m driving back to Washington completing a 5th trip up here in 1995.
Jason

10/22: Just reading what my siblings wrote makes me cry. I’ll miss Poppop a lot. It was hard to say goodbye. I’m glad all the family was here together. It was nice to meet all the friends & relatives of Poppop and know how he touched so many lives. Charlie & Thomas and I flew out here on Wednesday, are leaving this morning, but it seems too soon. I talked to Poppop the Saturday before he died and he sounded like himself. His speech was a little bit harder to understand but he was telling me about his visitors & the weather & more. I’m glad I kept talking to him during his time in the hospital. All the grandchildren watched his casket lowered into the ground and we threw in roses and a green ribbon that said “Pop Pop”, our beloved grandfather.
Caroline

This wasn’t supposed to happen to Poppop. He seemed immortal. I adored him.
Nina 10/22/95

10/29/95: This will be a short note… since it was such a short visit – oh well – we’ll have to try again! – Thanks Adam for a lovely relaxing visit, and a birthday surprise cake! Ah… its good to be out of NYC.
Linda Jarmulowicz

10/29/95: Thank you for the hospitality, very relaxing and beautiful. Will have to visit next summer or have you visit Michigan (ADAM). Thanks.
Brett Doty

Oct. 31, 1995: Ian and i drove here from Albuquerque in 44 hours to attend Poppop’s Funeral. We’ve stayed here since then with a short jaunt to Philadelphia for both of us and a slightly less short jaunt to Boston for Ian. I chopped a bunch of wood and moved things around with the tractor per mommy’s requests. We’ve just shut down the house for the winter and we’re loading up my pickup for the drive back. Teco, my dog, LOVED it here!
Adam

Dec. 22, 1995: Joanne was here – Much snow!