On summer, Goldenrod and Monarchs, Adnan and Dad

Three days of dodging bicyclists on DeWitt Road made it clear - Labor Day Weekend is here.

I have nothing against the DALMAC'ers. In fact, it's fascinating watching their brightly colored shirts - a harbinger of autumn and its equally vibrant show of leaves - slip past the car window as the cyclists glide along the roadway.

It's the passage of time that's disconcerting.

Where did the summer go?

It seems like just last week that we took end-of-the-school year pictures of Ricki Dean's retirement at Oakview Elementary. In reality, last week's photo was the start-of-another-school year for Diane Harte's Oakview kindergarten class.

Every summer season seems much too short, of course, but this Summer of '01 had a feeling of particular swiftness.

There wasn't nearly enough time spent wandering along the Lake Michigan shoreline, or watching brilliant sunsets over water. No trip to the Keweenaw to bring back thimbleberry jam from the Jam Lady in Eagle Harbor, or eat "real' pasties at the Suomi Bakery in Houghton.

Perhaps the coming season of fall will provide those opportunities - a nice, looooog Indian Summer, please.

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One thing there appears to be an abundance of as summer draws to a close is goldenrod. Bright yellow blossoms are everywhere - it's a bumper crop for sure.

Too bad area farmers can't harvest and sell it. Some goldenrod cash would come in handy with corn and soybean yields in jeopardy thanks to the long, dry growing season.

A more pleasant work of nature also seems plentiful as summer yields to autumn. A host of Monach Butterflies have made a temporary home in a tree here in the yard. Others flutter around milkweed in the lane on nightly walks with Mollie, landing every so delicately on the stalks.

It would be interesting to know if there's a connection of some sort between the two - why so much goldenrod and so many butterflies?

Answers will be gratefully accepted.

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A response to a query about the hot weather at the recent Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair was supplied by someone who's been to lots and lots of them for lots and lots of years.

Charlie Silm, the 'veteran' leader of Charley's Gang, called to say that 1988 was by far "the hottest Fair."

Unless someone comes up with a different claim, we'll abide by Charlie's memory. My 'old' leader would never tell a lie.

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Fairs are part and parcel of summer, and so are festivals. Several weeks ago I had the chance to spend an enjoyable evening with a friend listening to Doc Watson at the East Lansing Folk Festival - what a treat.

Just as much fun was the experience of meeting and talking with a very interesting individual at a MAC Avenue eatery, Raydan, prior to the show. I promised Adnan Shannag that his name would appear in a column - and that I would tell everyone his yummy Taboula-hummus, potato masala, and falafel.

A native of Jordan, he provided a first-hand perspective of the tribulations being experienced by all peoples who live in that region of the world. His commentary was fascinating; the love of homeland is universal. The wish he expressed was for 'everyone' to find a way to get along.

Maybe someday, that wish will come true.

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Finally, a word of thanks to the many individuals who have helped care for my father in recent weeks while he was hospitalized and since his return home.

Dr. Lars Anderson, the nurses and office staff at Clinton County Medical Center have been wonderful - as always. Your patience in explaining congestive heart failure and ways of managing it are much appreciated.

Similarly, the crew at Clinton Memorial Hospital was extremely helpful during Dad's week-long stay. He admits he can be a "grouch," but the nurses and other staff members were caring and considerate to the sometimes "Grumpy Old Man."

A special thanks to Julie Abraham who visited with us on several occasions and explained the process of the continuing home health care that Dad is receiving, and to the CMH Home Health staff and visiting nurses - what a tremendous group of professionals.

Dad is making very good progress - and has even managed to maneuver around the house quite well with his long oxygen-tube that is attached to a spify condenser unit. Gwendolyn helped him with that, saying, "Great-grandpa, you have a tail - that's cool!"