Fernlodge Log

May 5, 1996: Perhaps the earliest time we’ve come to open the house. Daddy had done this big task for all the years we’ve been here – and now we’re set to get it done by ourselves. It seems very complicated – and indeed, we called Mr. Eby to help with the broken parts caused by frost. It was a heavily snow-ladened winter. (snow-fall records were broken in Philadelphia.)
The day is warm, sunny, & still. red Maples are in bloom – creating a red haze. Beech buds are nearly bursting. Bare trees. The hemlock near the dock has died. Sad.
Wild flowers in bloom:

• Spring Beauties
• Trout Lilies – ground covered!
• White Violets
• Colt’s foot – (yellow-dandilion-type)
• Hellebore – will I ever see this bloom?
• Daffodils around.
• Several Canada Geese
• Nut hatches

Ham & Leek Supper at the Fire Hall last night.

Peace & serenity prevail. Chilly fireplace weather. Nice first weekend! K

Adam – Thanks for the neat foot path bridge! And thanks too – to Nina & Caroline – for the addition of Blueberry plates and bowls!
J.

May 27: Memorial Day
Tree-planting weekend: three Blue-spruces planted for Thomas, Nathaniel, & Jasper – now, 4 Grandchildren Trees!
Also, transplanted a cherry tree in honor & memory of Daddy.
Wild flowers in bloom:

• Gold Thread (near fire pit)
• Toothworts
• Starflower
• Painted Trilliums
• Common Gingerfoil
• Tiny White Violets
• Blue Violets
• Colt’s Foot Seedheads
• On Hogobone pl. – White Lilacs, Honeysuckle – perhaps Canadien H. (white, type C flower, red fruit, pith)

J.

July 4–8, 1996: Lots o’folks here this weekend! My second visit was just as magical as the first!
Jennifer Manwell

July 9, 1996: – Arrived here on June 28 and proceeded to build paths and bridges. 3-day excursions to Philly and to Greenfield, Mass. for Linda & Brett’s wedding. (Teco hated being left behind.) I hope that the path is still here the next time i come. Must go drive to Chicago now. Adam

July 9: Barbara Widhalm and Ian (formerly Lucas) Ford here for a week.

Aug 3 96: Elizabeth and Henry Kolm’s annual week – haven’t missed one in 36 years – The first visit without Pop-Pop – yet he seems present in everything around us! he is the creator of this world – few people have given as much to their descendants and their friends, nor touched as many lives! Winter of the century – Boston had record snowfall of 120 inches, with 3 thaws. Ice broke lake‘s spillway, level is down 30″ waiting for concrete repair crew. Cold spring & summer, rained every day; hill across lake being logged. Helped Joanne plan barn – met Lynn Myers, replaced line-up bench under RR sign. No swim, no canoe ride – too muddy (clay) to reach water. henry hurt right knee. FAA revised weather report format (it is now half French). returning to Weir Meadow for one week, before trip to Albuquerque for Ian/Barbara wedding. This was the summer for blueberries and corn!! Music, talking, reading and sleeping – and much meditation.

– Rain every day for a week! Isn’t it a good thing we enjoy each other’s company? – Picked blueberries (in the rain), took a bog walk to see pitcher plants, sundews, flowering rhododendrons in the sphagnum moss, scarlet tanagers and much beauty (in the rain), studied Greece for upcoming trip there, and had a lovely visit ~

Sep 1, 96: This labor day we made a trip to the Pittsburgh temple with Tata & Pati, Verkat & Hema (the newly weds). Early this morning (Actually lat last night) we came here from Pittsburgh. We ate & slept peacefully after a lovely ”chatting session.“ Ken & Joanne had come here just for us. It was really great to see mom, here in Shunk after a very long time. In the morning went to Eby’s to fetch the milk. Late in the day we got some C. milk. Joanne had made “…” a cake both of which were absolutely great. Joanne took us on a peaceful walk on the trail to the “meditation” point. Spent an hour with “Grandma” She is doing great, but feels lonely. We will come to her 90th in two years. ken, Venkat, Ken, Vinay, Ken & Tata had good discussions.
We had corn on the cob, roasted on the grill outside by the lake. All of us went in the canoe taking turns. Took lots of pics and video. Even though we want to stay here tonight, Vinita & Vinay have to prepare for school the following day.
The lake has a lower level water. The dam is being built again. We have named the lake, it’s new name is “The Serene Lake.” We will be back
Venkatesh and Vijaya

Sept 1, 96: It’s been a long time since I last wrote. I came here, and had a great time, as usual. We came, played cards, board games, and did puzzles. We read comic book magazines, and also some good books. We went canoeing, even though half the water in the lake was not in the lake.
We came in a group of eight: Tata, Pati, Appo, Amma, Venkat, Hema, Vinay, and the greatest of all, me. I was hoping to sign some fungus, but we will, next time. Everybody loved the place, as usual. We lit a bonfire, and had corn on the cob. I had four, even though I have braces. But I brushed my teeth.
When we went canoeing, Vinay and I wanted to go as far as the other side, but got only about ¾ of the way.
We also went to Grandma Baumunk’s house. She is very lonely, but in good health. I miss Grandpa.
Oh yes, we also had home grown blueberries and Aunt Joanne’s yummy cake. It was absolutely marvelous. Well my grandpa wants to write, so I’ll hand over the pen, as soon as I hand off.
Luv, E.V. Vinita Venk
Vinita Venkatesh

There may be seasonal falls of leaves from the trees but our sojourn here remains evergreen in the memories of me and my wife … …. The hearty welcome when we arrived was most inviting. The most invigorating walk early in the morning amongst the cornfields, was most enjoyable. Our walking around the plantations with Mrs. Ford demonstrating the various botanical plants was very interesting. Our canoeing in the lake was fantastic. Words fail to sufficiently express of our gratitude for the hospitality with which we have been hooked. I (K…) had started feeling getting old particularly with illness of ones life. This trip has made me feel again youthful and has had a tonic effect only on my wife
… Goda Ka…

Sept. 1: Hi!
It was a wonderful surprise to arrive at Shankh & meet some truly great people. It was very touching that Ken and Joanne stayed up late waiting for us. To top it all, they had made some excellent cake, blueberry pie & lots more food.

We hope to come here more often. The canoe-riding was great & so was the corn-roasting near the lake. Thanks, thanks & more thanks.
All love & affection
Venkat & Hema
Hema …

SUN 9-1-96: Hello. It was a year and a half since I had last come to the lakehouse. Wee the tide of the lake was out, but the amount of fun we had was the best in a long time. It was extremely enjoyable to discuss the meeting I had two weeks ago with Uncle Ford in Philli about Physics. I was very surprised this time when Uncle Ford told me that he had obtained a copy of Conceptual Physics (by PG Hewitt) signed by PG Hewitt (the author.) It was even more enjoyable to eat freshly roasted corn on the cob, to eat home picked berries & to also drink home milked milk (well almost home– at the Eby’s). The canoeing with Uncle Ford was the best time I have had ever.
Like the last couple of times, we brought some guests with us. We brought a close friend, Venkat (that’s Venkatesh without the “esh’) & his wife of 1½ months. We all had fun by the fire, canoeing, etc. I hope to see Uncle Ford again in October if not earlier. I saw Mrs. Ford (Auntie Ford does not sound right! Did I mention that before?) at our July 4 Function celebrating my grandpa’s 80 birthday.

It is now 8:45 pm and after being here nearly 21 hrs (last time it was only 11–12 hrs) we are about to leave & I am delaying everybody by drawing out my log entry in order to enjoy this place a few moments longer.
Thank you very much for a wonderful labor day weekend retreat. It was just what I needed before my school opened.
See you guys soon!!
by Venkatesh (Vinay Venkatesh)
(My signature’s changed a bit!!)
BYE for NOW

Oct. 24, 1996: New events: Colin Cleaveland Ford born to Paul & Wendy on Sept. 17, 1996.
Barbara and Ian Lucas Ford married on Sandia Mt. in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 16, 1996. Whole family (not Nina) including mother at 88, attended – in their hiking clothes! Lovely reception. An international affair. Barbara is Austrian. her mother and two brothers (violinists) came.

Here, an earthen area has been filled in for the future barn!
Adam built several bridges & connecting path – which was essetial this summer for getting to the blueberry bushes. (Name: “Adam’s Path” / “Blueberry Path”)
Steps off deck replaced by long wide ones.
Planted a Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Great blueberry harvest this year. Bushes all along the lake side from here to the source. Now, Mr. Eby has helped put this house to bed for the winter. Always reluctant to leave.
J.

Dec. 14: Christmas visit.
Mommy and Nina were here for a snowy visit. We played some Christmas music for the mice and took a tour up the path. All was beautiful.