Rose Cottage

  This weekend marked the 15th birthday of achaf-hammi , the plankhouse at nearby Grand Ronde, which 'provides a traditional space for countless activities, events and ceremonies.'    Pre-European contact, these long plankhouses played a vital role for the indigenous people of the rainy Pacific NW, serving as winter homes, store houses, and meeting places for the large extended families, who've been here over 10,000 years. (Similar Longhouses were used in Europe and Asia)  Tribal Histories - David Lewis I am so grateful we were invited to attend this celebration, and went with 2 of my Native Voices bookgroup friends, Emily and Judy!  Our g roup members read and discuss books by indigenous authors, and we've visited  Chachalu cultural center   at Grand Ronde several times. C hachalu, which translates to 'the place of burnt timbers' the name given the area after a massive forest fire in 1856.     The reservation is home to members of mor...

  Last weekend, Mary and Josh (my daughter and son) and I were invited to celebrate my cousin Merlyn's 90th Birthday! Merlyn brought along her lifelong friend Marilyn (they met in kindergarten!)  - don't they make 90 look great?! And what a beautiful day we had for this party in a park! Marilyn and cousin  Merlyn's mom Myrle was my dad Byrle's twin, and when my folks married in her parents home, my cousin  played the piano for the ceremony. Their older brother, our Uncle Ole, lived to 103, and Merlyn helped organize a 100th BD party for him nearly 20 years ago!  Josh and Mary I'm so happy my kids joined me for this celebration! Our other first cousin, Ole's son John (94) wasn't able to come, but we were happy that Merlyn's brother Don (79) and his wife Lori made it. Our folks' cousin Carolyn is nearly 100 - Merlyn phones her regularly for a chat.  Merlyn shared my mom's birthday, and they always enjoyed each other, and sent cards in celebration. ...