In Their Path - Where's Joan?

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Date: May 28 2009

Weather: Sunny and warm this morning and not to hot. It has been raining almost every afternoon since I have been close to home.
Where I walked today: Real close now I walked in Willoughby, Willowick, I am almost through Wickliffe.
The ”Safe house” where I stayed: When I left George’s in Austinburg. May 19th to May 21st then home for Dr. Sakina Rose’s http://www.ocpm.edu/  graduation then back in Austinburg May 23rd and 24th. Lisa Link and Family Monday 5/25 then her sister Alynn & Rhea Mahle House in mentor http://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv11790.php  Tuesday and Wednesday 5/26 and 5/27 (Gee My head is spinning just looking at it written out like that.)

Who walked with me: My son Dan was my driver 5/27 the day before was Jason Reed who teaches and works with young men at St Ignatius High. http://www.ignatius.edu/  Jason was such a wonderful and attentive driver. It was as if he was raised in a different era: Such door holding and holding my arm as I stepped out of the car, going to get the car after we had lunch. What a guy! We were quite a crowd today Khadijah Muhammed, Gloria Fearon, Sakina Rose, Jamal Houble, Son Robert and Daughter Teci www.linkedin.com/in/lbaldwin Her kids Helena and Alex. Thursday 5/28/09

One thing I really want you to know: All four of my grown children Martha, Robert, Letitia and Dan will be in attendance for the big celebration on May 30th. Here is a prayer to the weather gods to let it be sunny for a few hours this Saturday. Martha www.Marthasouthgate.com Made a comment on my blog http://joansouthgate.blogspot.com/ How exciting. She told me about a website to look up when I get home. http://www.thedefendersonline.org/ sounds like it right up my alley.

Date: May 25, 2009

Sally and I did a relay yesterday. That means that since we did not have a driver Sally walked alone, for a while then I walked a while as we took turns driving. As I was waiting in the van for Sally a guy came up to me to ask if I was having car trouble. I said no and explained what we were doing. His Name was David Crookshank. He told me about Ron & Kay Wright who have a house that is a documented underground railroad site. It is the Seth Marshall house in Painesville OH.

Date: Sunday May 24, 2009

Went to church with George, his sister Jo from Tennesee and Sally.  All white choir, all white UCC church and the opening hymn is Lift Every Voice and Sing. Lovely.

After church we talked with 93 year old Margaret Ticknor and her daughters. Although she is small, rather frail and has had a stroke, today, during our brief conversation she was alert and engaged, even correcting some details of Austinburg's rich history. Her daughter, Ginny was pleasantly surprised. Later Ginny gave an exciting tour of the Cowles family home.  Ginny is an historian and tour guide, who showed us many authentic artifacts and one room, a study, that had been kept in its original state as stipulated in Betsey Cowles will. Betsey was an amazing strong woman who was one of the first female students at Oberlin College, an abolitionist and a suffragette. And her strong sense of history has made it possible for the family to still have all of these important pieces, furniture, books, documents, journals and stories.

Date: May 20 2009

Weather: Weather http://www.weather.com/is again bright and sunny/blue skied. It is the warmest that it has been yet. I came back from my walking today and looked up at the temperature flashing on a sign that was by the road and it said 86 degrees. Whew! No wonder I was dripping wet today.
Where I walked today: Crossed the state line today. Pennsylvania to Ohio. Hmm or was that yesterday? The days run together sometime.
The ”Safe house” where I stayed: George Barnum’s house in Austinburg OH now Andi is here with me as well.

Who walked with me: By myself today.
One thing I really want you to know:
Did I mention that I lost my phone? My driver Glenda helped me get new cell phone at Radio Shack. Slow process clerk hung up on adding minutes on line. I am so tired, so is she. Now Glenda has to drive all the way back to Toledo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo,_Ohio  when she drops me off at George Barnum's house in Austinburg.

This very old brick (Perhaps 1800's) house is filled with period furniture http://ararefindllc.com/18th19th_century_period_furniture  and old photos in a worn black paper album where you insert the corners of the photos into black triangle stick on, much like the one we had when I was a child. There are framed larger family and team or staff group pictures framed on the walls. George says that he has only owned it a couple years. He is working in Washington DC right now, but I can’t wait to hear his stories about the pictures in this house.

I found a book called BEING DEAD IS NO EXCUSE The Official Southern Ladies to hosting the Perfect Funeral, http://www.undergroundhumor.com/books/being_dead
_is_no_excuse.htm not old or Victorian, but lots of fun. I am exhausted; I sit down without exploring to settle in and wrapped in a heavy flannel cotton sheet and beautiful quilt. I read and giggle myself into a sound sleep. I wake four hours later wondering and frozen. Now I search and find the thermostat and turn it up to 67. Brrr! Also figured out the radio and listened to NPR opera in background as I sorted my medicine pills into weekly container and checked maps and receipts. ALONE. I lived alone a long long time so this was relaxing (once I was warm and could munch on a chewy granola almond and cranberry bar.) http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-make-cranberry-almond-chewy-granola-bars

Date: May 19 2009
Ok evening of the 18th actually.

Weather: A lot warmer today and sunny. Good walking weather.
Where I walked today: near the Pennsylvania, Ohio state line.
The “Safe house” where I stayed: Glenda dropped me off here at George Barnum’s house in Austinburg, OH. Now she is headed back to Toledo, OH. I will stay at George’s house alone tonight. My new driver Andi Schmidt will be here in the morning.

Who walked with me: Marilyn S. one day and then I walked alone the next couple of days.
One thing I really want you to know:
I am so full of wonderful stories; I often think that I have told a story to Teci when I was actually talking with my son Danny. In any case here goes: We were just letting me off at my beginning spot and the car behind honked to be let through. I offered a news/flyer and they pulled off and I stepped off. Way down the road I looked up and thought I saw a dog walking toward me, and then, when my old pre-cataract surgery prescription glasses finally focused, it was someone on a bicycle pedaling for all he was worth towards me in the wide berm. And he stopped right in front of me smiling to beat the band and extended a cold can of Pepsi. There was this adorable young kid in tee shirt and torn-knee jeans, saying, "That was my sister and me in the orange car...and I had to come and meet you. I need to give you a hug." I of course was ready to melt how wonderfully sweet and loving. A teenager, actually graduating teen, Jacob Heitzer. "You are so inspiring, I want to do something like that but I don't think I ever will. I want to bike across the country, from California to the east coast... but I don't think I ever will” I told him I thought he would someday just find the time and maybe with some friend just be able to plan and to do it. I told him about Doris Haddock http://www.grannyd.com/  (he never heard of her and not enough people have) who walked across the country when she was 90 years old; her mission was campaign finance reform and she had been a social justice activist all of her life. When she got to the east coast, a terrible snow storm blocked her walking so she sent back to her home in New England for her cross-country skis and skied 100 miles to keep her appointed time in Washington DC. Jacob hugged me again twice more and I told him I knew he would bike across the US someday probably long before he was 90. Reminds me of my daughter’s friend Robert Owens who got on a bike at 10 and never stopped riding. He belongs to a bike club http://www.majortaylor.com/
He said, you are so inspiring then asked for another hug which is exactly what I needed from him.

JACOB HEITZER WILL CROSS THE US ON BIKE AND IT WILL BE A GRAND ADVENTURE; PROBABLY WITHIN THE VERY NEXT FEW YEARS.

Do you know why I am so sure of this? I think it.

May 17th 2009

Weather: Cloudy but not cold. Good walking weather
Where I walked today: Near Lake City PA
The “Safe house” where I stayed: Tom and Barbara George They are members of Holy Cross Church. We went to 8 am mass this morning. Yes I said 8 am! The church is in the round like a theatre. It is really exquisite, there were beautiful sculptures throughout. One of Jesus on the cross, except there was no cross, so interesting. I was told that the sculpture originally had a cross except that it was too heavy to display with the cross, truly striking without it. This is one of the many churches that Teci called back in March and they connected me with my hosts Tom and Barb George.
Who walked with me: Both Hope and Glenda were drivers so that they both had a chance to walk with me. I think both Teci and Sally were kind of worried to leave me “alone”. There was no reason to worry. I am well cared for and having a grand time.
One thing I really want you to know: Remember a special Underground Railroad home that I mentioned? Well we went back to the house to take some pictures. I wasn’t sure if my friends the Deiners still lived there. I met Albert and Shirley Deiner when I walked back in 2003.

Here’s the story and it is a great one. I was with Hope and Glenda and we pulled into the drive way thinking that we would take some pictures even though no one seemed to be home. The Gals got out first and then Shirley Deiner walked out on to the porch. She just appeared. We hugged each other like long lost relatives. Shirley kept saying to me “It’s a miracle. I saw in the paper that you were here but no one knew how to reach you.” I didn’t even hear you knock. If you had come by 15 minutes earlier we would not have even been home.” I found out later that Shirley had even called the paper in Erie PA to see if they knew how to reach me.

I have met and reconnected with so many kind, loving, wonderful, people. I have run out of words to describe it all. I spend much of my time saying wow, wow and wow. Teci tells me that she made sure to call the Deiners and invite them to the May 30th celebration.

May 16 2009

Weather: Sort of over cast but no rain.
Where I walked today: It’s Saturday and we were walking near Erie Airport, and Avonia. Glenda took some great pictures.
The “Safe house” where I stayed: Paul & Hope Desante, then moved on to Tom and Barbara George both in Fairview. Paul & Hope have an interesting story, they are an ex nun and ex priest. She was a nun for 14 years, can’t remember what he said.
Who walked with me: Sally Tatnall had to go back to work for a week or so. She and Teci worked to make sure I was in very capable hands. Glenda Hathaway is my driver now and my friend of more than 20 years Andi Schmidt will drive next week.
One thing I really want you to know: We saw a special Underground Railroad home today. We were in a hurry so did not get a chance to take pictures.

May 14th and 15th

What a day! It seems like 3 days because so much has happened.
Weather: Sort of Chilly maybe in the upper 50s
Where I walked: moved on from Chautauqua NY early because we have walked a good bit past it. We are in Erie PA
The “Safe house” where I stayed: There was Dani Kinney the other day and in Erie we are staying at the Avalon Hotel. Our original host Sheri Nelson has a cat and Sally is allergic. So Sheri and her partner Michelle got us a room at the hotel on them. Paul & Hope Desante in Fairfiew PA.
The people I met: Whew there is quite a list. Sheri, Michelle, reconnected with Lisa Gensheimer, (from my walk in 2003). We met a teacher and local historian by the name of Johnny Johnson.
Who walked with me: Sally Tatnall, my good friend, fellow walker and planner extraordinaire, Johnny Johnson and Marilyn Sobotinic.

One thing I really want you to know: We visited the Watson-Curtze Mansion.
We were out and about and came across a group of 3rd graders on a field trip to a local health fair. Next thing that you know Johnny explained who I was and they gathered around to hear my story.

We were on TV channel 24 in Erie PA.  Johnny Johnson took pictures and video.

Wednesday, May 13th

Hello All,

I am very behind; I have had trouble getting to a regular computer. I am on strike from the laptop; we just don’t get along. It has a mind of its own well perhaps it’s my mind.

My host Carole Williams’ home is exquisite, filled with wonders and right on Lake Chautauqua. She is a sweet, wonderful host. I know Stu and Carole Williams because; they are the parents of my hiking friends/mentors from the In Their Path journey in 2003 Eric & Petra Williams. Petra is the woman who hiked with me 88 miles in 2003. She carried both our back packs when I was too sore to keep going with mine. She taught me to stretch 5 minutes for every hour of hiking or walking. A lesson I have learned the hard way. :-)

I have a sore little toe-nail on my left foot and an arthritic/bunion big toe on my right foot. Then I focus and say toes loose mantra to ease the pain. It is much better since I changed to new shoes. They were worn out from the inside.

Monday, May 11th

Our ten mile relay (no driver today) is done for the day and it is off to the lovely Dunkirk Library to use two of their computers. Today we stay with a host Dani Kinney that Teci found for us at Fredonia state College. 

When we were at lunch the other day in Fredonia NY. We ran into some ladies from the red hats society. They saw the signs that Sally had made for us and asked about our walk. When they found out what we were doing they took up a collection on the spot and donated $29 to Cozad-Bates House. 
 
Tired, I lean forward like an old woman and wear myself out. The cure is to sing aloud an old Dick Powell movie song:  "Over the seas let's go men. We're sailing right off, sailing right off again. It maybe Shanghai farewell and goodbye.  Sally and Sue don't be blue. We'll just be gone for year and years and then.  We're sailing right off for, sailing right off for, sailing right off for home agaiiiiinnnnnn.”   I can’t help but giggle as I go along.

5/10/09 Mothers Day

Quaker meeting with Dr. J's gathering and Friend Janet Lundgren who offered a quote from Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels ( because I mentioned I had started to write my middle name Evelyn in signing it, without really being aware, sometime during the last few months. It is of course now a realization that my mother who is always with me is a more prominent presence lately) "Truth grows gradually in us, like a musician who plays a piece over and over until suddenly she hears it for the first time."

We rushed back to Buffalo to spend a glorious Mothers Day with the Hornberger family. This the family who put me up in 2003 when we had a sudden gap between RV'ers. Then came Dr. Bob's heavenly appearance and his six year old son Ryan offered me the "best bed in the house:" his bottom bunk with a special new mattress. What joyous chaos with 35 Hornbergers all together acting as if Sally and I were Hornbergers too. Bob's mother is tiny, about my height, white haired, strong, smart, sweet, dear and constantly ready to serve. Anyone, everyone, can I get you... do you need... have some more... She had made three salads; cutting fresh fruit and cubed potatoes starting at 6:30 AM – cakes, pies, and more and more grilled shrimp, hamburgers, hotdogs and and...

Lillian's sister Kathryn is larger, rounder, louder/laughing and also brought food food food. as did second generation Hornbergers. Lacrosse and hockey in the driveway. small trampoline jumping on the front lawn. Bob had been heating the pool for days and the hot tub was a toasty 103degrees. 8-10 young Hornbergers were in pool all afternoon and I watched in my sweatpants, warm hoodie and smartwoolsox and mittens ( actually the mittens are a fib but the rest is true because the temperature was a brisk and overcast 50 until very late towards evening when the sun tried to peek through.) None of the kids knew how cold it was.

Age range from two year old Lauren to 79 year old Lillian, Bob's mom called Mema.

Loving, lovely family. Wow

Sister Debbie, a nurse anesthesiologist (sp) gave me a manicure (silvery-bronze desert-sand)and explained cataract surgery Then (SAND BAGS AT SIDES OF HEAD PARALYZING ANESTHESIA, MAJOR CUTTING AND RECUPERATION) & Now. I had cataract surgery just a sfew months ago and did not ask details at the time. Fascinating, amazing; they emulsify the cataract now and they unroll the new lens from the tip of an instrument slipped through a tiny cut to unfold into place on MY EYE!!! Takes about ten minutes. Aren't scientists/doctors/nurses something else?

You may not have wanted the gory details but there is so much to tell I typed that story too. whoops.

Who walked with me: Sally Tatnall: my good friend, fellow walker and planner extraordinaire. One thing I really want you to know: That since it was mothers day they gave both Sally and Me a moon plant. It only blooms in the dark or at night. I also need to mention that I got a manicure with a special nail polish that changes color in the light. It goes from silver to bronze. I surprise myself every time I look down at my hands.

Sally and I walked a few miles even though it was mothers day.

All too long...
So long & Love,
Joan Evelyn

Saturday May 9th
I feel slow/old, in van calming mini-panic, feeling slow/helpless, lost without Sally who is such a smart efficient loving friend. So I am hiding/calming by cleaning/sorting straightening van clutter confusion. That will help clean/sort/straighten my internal confusion. Thank you, God.

Saturday at 1:00 PM drove back to Buffalo from Dunkirk where we had walked to attend Dr. J. Lanye's 1st National American Spirituals Solo Voice Competition at Buffalo State College. 10 contestants, male and female, white and black, all wonderful, and Melissa Davis from York University in Toronto won a solo performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a part in Dr. J’s soon-to-be opera about the Underground Railroad called HIGHWAY TO CANAAN. At reception met David Blackburn, minority and international affairs director at Niagara University and he was excited about RCH and the walk and wants to have me come to a September Celebration at the school. Doris Harris, J's godmother, who has walked all over the world: Indonesia, Burgundy etc. etc. and lives in D.C. will come walk with us at the end-of-the-month celebration.

Friday May 8:

We are having trouble finding internet along the way and my lap top & I are struggling because I am so non tech savvy. Anyway, I am now in a library in Dunkirk NY.

What a blessed send-off! What a beginning to the walk! (May 1st in Canada).

We stopped at Wilma Morrison's to see that she has had a lot done since I was here in 2003. The church and museum look great. At Norval Johnson Heritage Centre many books have been added in the library and painting and refurbishing to the outside. I am so in love with all the St. Catharines folks and invite every one to come to Cleveland soon. I noticed a book at her house about widows. Wilma and I got to talk about our husbands. It is always good to go back and remember out loud. And of course, Wilma had a wonderful punch line about waiting to see her husband on the other side so she can tell him off about leaving all his train hobby stuff for her to clean up after he was gone.

Lesley gave a running one-on-one tour guide recitation as we walked to the bridge with stories of URR history and history of her family too.

Except for yesterday morning, which was chilly and foggy and mist turning to real rain, the weather has been warm bright and breezy, perfect for walking. When we reached Niagara Falls we each took $5.00 into the Casino and my daughter Letitia won $60 on the very last pull of the handle.

Even with tech/internet problems and ignorance, we finally got my cranky borrowed cell to work so maybe I'll tweet and twit and twitter as often as we can get and keep a signal as we walk through the small towns.

All along the way folks have been eager to help and listen. More than one person has used the phrase "we are a caring community”. So genuine and no one has to say it all just prove it by their actions. We are surrounded by love, walking in miracle day by day.

Thursday May 7:

The weather has been great with a good breeze! I am near Silver creek NY.

Tuesday May 5:

My sister Tish and my play sister Marilyn are here to drive now. Another truly beautiful day: the weather is perfect, blue sky, warm, nice breeze. I woke stiff, as usual, but the stiffness unusually stayed the rest of the day. A massage at Breathe Away, just down the street, and I am cured. Sally and I are both renewed. Sally and Dorothy's treat, as if they had not already done enough. My, my…

These days with all of Sally's sisters and and mine have been gloriously filled with giggles and love. I am so blessed. Dorothy has a framed plaque: The Circle of Women weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we are weary and sing with us when we are strong.

Monday May 4:

Walking on wide-bermed rte. 5 we met a young couple who declared, "Nice day for a walk." I'm doing a looong walk, I told them. When I explained they asked how they could help and I directed them to the web. "We’re Rick and Jane..." they said, "like Dick and Jane, the story books." And they didn't look old enough to know about Dick and Jane.

We took a rest and Sally started out first and then I started. There we go ....in opposite directions. Whoops.

We are having problems with the phone. Please send email messages and questions to: gonnawalk439@hotmail.com
You may also leave comments on my blog:
http://joansouthgate.blogspot.com/

A nice article was written about Joan and her walk in a St. Catharines newspaper:
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1549808

A video is also posted on "The Standard" website:
http://photos.stcatharinesstandard.ca/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=23417663&event=744163&CategoryID=20080

Sunday, May 3:

Sally bought yogurt and granola. [Sally Tatnall, the President of the Restore Cleveland Hope board, is Joan’s walking companion these first two weeks. Sally has relatives in Amherst, NY.] We are focusing on health after delightful gorging on homemade delicacies in Canada: Ada & Margo’s pasta, corn muffins etc. etc. and in Amherst: Dorothy's broccoli and garlic pasta. Flo, Sally's other sister, is driving and telling off the disrespectful drivers who arrogantly cut her off. Wednesdays Flo bowls in a women's league called the Ball Busting Belles. Sally's niece brought copies of the St. Catharines paper (www.stcatharinesstandard.ca) with a nice video. I love Sally and her family so much.

Saturday, May 2:

We are over the border via the rainbow bridge.  and we are past Niagra Falls US side and up near Amerherst NY.  20 miles so far.