marcielsims.com Blog

Halloween

It was 1980 and my Hal was notified by AT&T that we were being transferred back to Seattle October 30th. We had been waiting in anticipation for this day for 10 years, since this transfer from Seattle to Longview and Vancouver was only supposed to be for two years and it ended up to be almost 13 years. I had been working all these years for two wonderful Doctors in their Clinic as manager and accountant. I drove from Vancouver, our home every day to Longview and back to Vancouver.

The two doctors were wonderful to work for, but they were very strict and conservative on how the nurses, technicians and employees in bookkeeping should dress and appear. The nurses especially should be dressed professional in white uniforms, dresses not pants and white nurses shoes. I was the person who purchased them in Portland in a uniform shop. It got harder each time to find the white nurses dresses. My last trip there – no more dresses, they were replaced with tops and pants, but luckily they were white, which made it a little easier to present to Dr. Neal, the older of the two brothers. His word was law in the clinic.

I had a difficult conversation with him, but the outcome was, he had to give in. The requirement though, his last word: “They have to be white not these McDonalds colors.” After a deep breath I went on my way, relieved.

In another few years I had to confront Dr. Neal again, this time no more white tops! Unless we could have them special made, they would now be in color. I chose solid color, like navy blue or light blue, dark green or maroon. So far, they were accepted by Dr. Neal, I could take a deep breath and went on my way.

I am telling all this for a reason. My last day of work would also be Halloween. I thought to bring it to a lighter side, since I was very sad to leave my Doctors nor did they wanted me to go, they offered me an Apartment in their building and a car to stay during the week and drive home to Seattle for the weekend. My thought was to dress up for Halloween but not sure as what. I went to a party shop in Portland to look around . I found a Witches Costume, all the trimmings, a tall, pointed hat, a big ugly nose with gold-rimmed glasses attached, a black

robe, a dress held together with a rope and a broom. I rented it for two days.

My Hal was out of town for his job and will come back that night of Halloween and I will pick him up at the Portland Airport. Time after work was short, so I left the costume on. Walking through the Portland Air Port, I got a lot of looks, laughter and “thumbs up” Hal did not recognize me at first, but when he did, he was shaking his head in disbelieve.

On Halloween day I left Vancouver in my costume and drove to Longview, hoping I would not be stopped by a Trooper.

I got to Longview and went directly to the Montecello Hotel where we gathered with both Doctors for breakfast and a meeting. No one recognized me, when I walked in, but as I took off my hat, the nose with glasses, they all stood up and gave me a heartwarming ovation, even Dr. Neal.

It turned out not to be a sad and heavy meeting, but lighter and congenial. I took a deep breath and listened.

Memories of Germany

One of our many summer destinations in Darmstadt, Germany: (Der Woog) the lake Woog (in English pronounced with a long O). A most beautiful, landscaped and prepared lake for swimming, cold clear water for swimming, jumping from a high tower and swimming lanes marked for events and competition. An island in the center with an area of white sand for relaxing and taking in the sun, cabins for changing to bathing suits and showers for after swimming. It was in the outskirts of the city, a 15 minute streetcar ride from the center of the city. A beautiful, park-like area with orange-colored stucco buildings with flats for our city employees, like Professors at our Universities and city government. Landscaped with beautiful gardens with exotic trees, colorful flowers, little ponds with water-lillys and a lot of benches to rest and take in these colorful surroundings.

Once one realized at a certain age, the treasures we had right here in the city and the surroundings all reachable by street car, one could enjoy and treasure all this beauty, but… there always seems to be a “but” at the finish of a sentence like this.

I was born in 1927 and these beautiful wonders, gifts from our Seat of Power, the Duchy of Hessen, our Grand Duke and Duchess to the State of Hessen and the City of Darmstadt we were privileged to live, play and enjoy all the beauty surrounding us. Until 1939 when our lives were forced into a different direction. Dictatorship in Germany in 1933 when Adolf Hitler came to power not much did change for me up until then, we enjoyed all these gifts with gratitude toward our Royal Family until we lost it one by one when WWII and the bombings of cities started. Being children, we did realize then what we once had and now lost.

Two weeks of summer vacation from school, sunshine, swimming in the Woog, visiting the Gardens of the L’Orangerie, feeding the ducks in that beautiful pond in the Herren Garden with carefully saved crumbs in a napkin from our afternoon tea at the outdoor cafe in the Garden with our Mrs. Kramer.

Another memory is our trips to the island of Ruegen with mama, our Mrs. Kramer, my dear sister Friedl and me. Once at home, summer was still present and we could enjoy swimming at that beautiful lake Woog. We sometimes got to go by ourselves, but were told by Mrs. Kramer:

“stay safe, don’t stay too many hours in the water and get overly tired, come home safe and in time before supper”. We made the most and the best of our time – in the water. At some evenings we realized, when getting out of the water to get showered and dressed, that our lips were blue. Being aware, that was contrary to our orders we had received by our Mrs. Kramer, so we made a point on the way home to run, keep the blood pumping and not to forget to “bite our lips”. Mostly, it worked. Arrived at the correct time and looked very refreshed and smiling.

Reward from mama and our Mrs. Kramer? Big hugs!

Another Evening with Harry Belafonte

It was September 1988 and my beloved husband, Hal and I were looking forward to our trip to Germany to visit my dearest sister, Friedl and her family.

It was a beautiful, sunny day as we landed at Frankfurt International Airport. My sister and her husband, Georg waited for us to clear customs. After an emotional greeting we were on our way to Darmstadt, my sister’s home. We will spend two weeks with them this time. We have tickets for Saturday evening at the Musik Haus (music hall) to enjoy the great artist Harry Belafonte. We felt very lucky to hear him again. His concert many years ago in Seattle, Washington during the “World’s Fair” at the new Opera House was a wonderful experience. My sister, Friedl, my Hal and I have never forgotten that beautiful evening.

Saturday afternoon arrived. We enjoyed a glass of champagne to toast our upcoming experience with the most beautiful music in some years, a toast to Harry Belafonte.

Dressed, not formal as the time previously in Seattle, but very nice: Friedl in a cashmere suit with chic suede high heels. Georg in a dark gray suit, white dress shirt with a silver/gray tie, very elegant. My Hal wore a brown wool/silk suit with white dress shirt and brown with silver pattern silk tie. I wore a brown silk dress with a narrow gold leather belt, long, full sleeves with gold buttons and high heels in brown suede. I thought we all looked very spiffy.

We found our seats, center and almost up to the stage and settled down in anticipation of a repeat of a great performance many years ago. Midway through the concert we enjoyed a break with conversation and a glass of a beautiful Riesling from the Mosel Valley. The second part of the concert was more relaxed, his songs more nostalgic, slower in rhythm, beautiful and sensual. Like Friedl’s and my favorite: “My Island in the sun” the lyrics bring tears to our eyes.

My Island in the sun,

willed to me by my father’s hand

all my days I will sing its praise

of your golden shores and your shining sand.

We were still humming some of the songs on the way home. It was an unforgettable evening, and so very special because it was again with, not just my Hal, but also with my very dear sister Friedl.

The dinner that evening was equally unforgettable, at least for my Hal: “Pastete” his favorite dish. It is pastry dough and layered onto are layers of Swiss Emmenthaler cheese, thinly sliced, Jambo, (French ham) thinly sliced, a layer of thinly sliced apple, on top a layer of caramelized sweet onions, thinly sliced. The dough is folded over to make a pocket and baked in the oven until golden. It was served with a green salad with tomatoes, cucumber and endive with Friedl’s own dressing. Georg brought from his cellar a white, beautiful, fruity Burgundy.

Yum!

For dessert, served in the living room, aromatic coffee and Friedl’s Rum-Baba cake, very delicious.

A wonderful vacation with my Hal and my beloved Friedl, always to remember!

Love Affair with Paris

But our choice for a retired life settled on Provence, the south of France, close to the Luberon mountains. Heavenly, mother nature in its prime, lush lavender fields, relaxed, friendly and congenial people. Sun ripened melons, beautiful, lush vines, nice fruity table wine, Truffles, delicious food and outdoor living, relaxed, a deserved life. Outdoor markets with the abundance of all your heart and taste buds could desire, offered by jolly merchants, happy to please.

Music and writing an occasional short story of love and contentment, what more could we, my beloved Hal and I wish for?

We tried our hand at an early retirement at Lake Chelan, but it was not what we had imagined. After six years we returned to our city on the West side in the State of Washington. I went back to work, it was to be for a year, but turned out to be four more years. Our plans were still open to retire in beautiful Provence. Our trips during my summer vacation, were more frequent over seas, to Germany and France. More frequent were our visits just to Germany, maybe just a few days to Paris, beginning of our trip. Mostly we visit my sister Friedl and her husband Georg. By that time they had lost their younger son, their third child. Georg was not doing well at this time and the following year he passed away. My duty now was to see my sister Friedl as often as I could manage, to give her love and support. My beloved Friedl was longing for a visit from me and my Hal. Her sad and upsetting news she had for us, she had cancer, already in the advanced stage.

Our retiring destination, sunny, beautiful Provence was put again on hold.

My beloved Friedl, my lovely sister had cancer.

I quit my job to be able to stay longer to be with my mouse, as I called her when I was tender with her all our lives. My precious Friedl died during that year.

Forgotten, at least not making plans for our retirement at this painful time in my life. It was, for me, unimaginable my life continuing without my beloved Friedl. Pain and hurt every hour of the day and often tears on my pillow during the nights. The year 2010 would again be a year with unbearable news. Thoughts of retirement for my Hal and me moved further and further away, just a glimmer, looking on the time, we first had made aloud this dream.

My Hal, my life, my light was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Visually, it already was here. The short steps, no more manly gate, not too steady in his walk and falling often. The brain-scan at the clinic showed it clearly. It was devastating news for my Hal and me.

Our love will take it in stride!

I vowed, my Hal will be mine to care for from now on until that dark day, when I will also lose him.

That day came, seven long years, but I treasured those years every day and every night. Thankful for another day I would have with my precious Hal.

I had books on Paris, the Luberon, Provence with wonderful stories, no longer our dream, but I thought reading the stories out loud by my Hal’s bedside and hoped, he could take in the romance and get some enjoyment out of it.

My Hal left me January 2017, a very dark, dark day for me. Once in a while I sit down and read a story about Paris and Provence a loud, I cry, put the thoughts out of my mind.

Right here, in America, is my love and my life, at Tahoma, Washington State and that is where I belong too.

Provence, not in the distance and memory any longer.

June, 2^nd 2025 My 98th Birthday Party

It is Monday, June the 2^nd my birthday and Marcie, Karin and Jessika, my loving friends have organized a birthday celebration for me. I reserved our dining room here in our building from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

We had twenty guests. By 3:00 PM they were all seated, time to start the party.

Before I continue, I would first like to mention several new guests. It is about Joanne and her husband Doug. She is one of my dear friends from our “French Connection” Group, we were in French class together many years ago. Joanne has been very ill, still has trouble walking and we had not visited with one another for about five years. It was my biggest wish to have her join us, celebrating my 98^th birthday.

The other guest is Teri and her lovely daughter Mekena. We lost the connection with each other twenty eight years ago, but Teri kept searching and just a few weeks ago found me through my “Short Stories” which I have been writing for almost five years now. July 1^st, there will be the story about Teri finding me. The website, my dearest friend Marcie’s: “marcielsims.com Blog The Write stuff” you will find the story.

I was elated and very happy to greet Teri, her gentleman Gene and her beautiful Mekena.

Champagne was being poured and the food, very delicious food, all arranged on a beautifully decorated table with my favorite birthday cake, Karin had brought. I am so very grateful, Marcie again has done such a fine job and thought of everything. Every one was enjoying the food and drink, conversation and laughter. And as I observed, my thoughts came alive. I am so very blessed and rich to have all these wonderful friends. I am so very lucky and so very grateful! I should have never let these thoughts come to my heart and mind, that I would rather not be here any longer. Why?

I have such a warm feeling, full of joy, when I look at all these smiling faces who are here to celebrate my day with me.

And since I love every one of them, and I am so thankful to have them in my life, it came to me right there, that it would be lovely if I was allowed to stay a bit longer. Maybe another whole year?

My 98^th Birthday

Today is Sunday, June 1^st and I am planning a little get together with food and drink for a wonderful group of friends, right here at an Apartment Complex, called Woodland at Forbes Lake in Kirkland where I came to live, after I lost my dear husband, Hal eight years ago. This little group of wonderful individuals has been getting together evenings to visit, converse about all kinds of subjects, even politics. We tell about daily happenings, funny or sad, have happy or serious conversations. Over the eight years I have resided here, we have lost some of our dear friends, we still miss them.

Tonight I baked some mini pizzas, some Spanakopitas, a fruit salad with different berries and my dear friend, Bonnie, brought a green salad. Another dear friend, Jeanette, brought a delicious chocolate cake. We had different things to drink and I also made coffee and tea. We were ten individual, congenial men and women and have become great friends. After coffee and this yummy birthday cake came the time to pay attention to the table, set up with birthday cards and gifts. I received beautiful cards, some with a generous gift, two bottles of wine and a box of the most beautiful, little pink note cards with gold Butterflies attached. Beautiful kitchen towels, dark chocolate.

Then there were two packages left. Brett, one of our little family, came and joined me to help opening the packages. A cute little bag held two sculpted, bears. A brown bear and a black bear. Had I mentioned: “I love bears” everyone around the table knows. Next, was a pink tissue wrapped big roll with ribbon on both ends. At my advanced age, one would think of comfort, a cushion either for neck or back. As Brett was removing the ribbons, I started to pull the gift out. It was not a cushion, No! It was a beautiful, soft, cuddly bear!

Brett is a gentleman and a good observer, who heard me say, I love bears, looking in a book of wild life in Alaska. This little cuddly bear will fit perfectly with the other two bears, I had for many years. This very special little softy, I named: “Schnucky” in German it means “Darling”.

It was a precious day today.

Yes, it even happens to me, where my days mostly seem very uneventful. After I got up, had taken care of all my duties and was ready to allow myself a good cup of coffee, I opened my computer to check if I might have received a comment to my Valentines short story on Marcie’s website. To my surprise, my mood went from unbelievable, to happy to cloud nine!

I found a comment, not to my story, but a name and a text to me.

                                                 “Teri Herrera”     Feb 17, 2025

“ILONA!! I have finallly found you! I have tried to find you for a number of years, but always came to a dead end.”

Oh, what a miracle, what a gift! I have to see how I can contact that sweet little lady now. Her comment had no current phone and address included.

Many years ago Teri lived in one of Bellevue, Cougar Hills condo’s and so did I with my husband Hal. She was not just a neighbor, but also a Realtor  and when my Hal and I retired and wanted to move to Lake Chelan, she was willing to sell our condo for us and she did a great job for us. I had become, not just a neighbor with Teri, I also became friends with this lovely lady.

After six years we came back to Bellevue, but Teri had moved away and we lost touch. Life took over, life moved on. In the meantime my life had changed dramatically, I lost my beloved Hal to a devastating long illness and moved into a small apartment here in Kirkland. For me, there was so much sadness, feeling of loss and being disheartened, living now by myself.

An offer to write short stories, weekly, for my dearest friend and wonderful niece’s website Marcie gave me a new outlook on life. Writing short stories, I loved it and it gave Teri an opportunity to find me. A beautiful gift!

Today, is the day we will meet, Teri is coming here to my apartment to visit, only a 23 minute drive from home in Redmond, almost neighbors again.

When we parted, Teri had a little precious daughter, she is now 28 years old and recently gotten married. She is Mekena and I do hope to get to see her very soon too. I hope for a repeat of today, I was so very happy.

Delighted and ecstatic over this extraordinary chance, at my age, to reunite and see my little friend, Teri and her “baby daughter Mekena” again.

This does not always turn out that well. How lucky and fortunate am I.

And so very grateful!

An Up to Date Little Tale on The Rescue Dog “Momo”– Now Three Years Old

Three years ago, I wrote a short story about a very ill puppy, that was near death several times, after Jessika, a very dear friend of mine taken a long trip to rescue this poor little baby and brought it home.

That lady is my caretaker and confidant and loving friend, Jessika. She flew a long distance to rescue this little very ill puppy, not sure, that he could survive just the flight. It was a very stressful flight when they finally arrived at Sea-Tac airport in Seattle, Washington.

With all the care and love that Jessika gave to this little, very sick puppy he not only survived, he flourished and grew into a playful, happy and beautiful dog with a cute face and fur of red/brown curls. Jessika’s joy and success story.

I am always delighted when Jessika can bring little Momo with her to my home. I believe that he also enjoys visiting me. During her visit here, if we have a bite to eat or have lunch, Momo will lay down under my chair.

I find myself so very privileged to have witnessed this touching and beautiful story and realized, again in my long life of 98 years, what caring, love and endurance is capable of accomplishing. Jessika, a single  lady, a home care nurse was determined, that this puppy can live, will live, if she has anything to do with it. She gave all she had, the monetary means, the care in making his food, hospital visits, long days and worry some nights and lots of prayers and love.

This is such a powerful story, telling what we as humans are capable of accomplishing, if we use all the positive and good things we have within ourselves, and use them, when life asks for it.

And what better times are there, to concentrate using these precious gifts, than right now.

Blessings to Jessika and Momo!

Note:

Oh my goodness! How cute is that little pup?! I love how much joy and support Jessika has given Ilona over the years, and Momo now adds to the equation too!
Enjoy this little tale of the rescue and these adorable pictures from Ilona. Marcie

Another Outing with our Professor Stern, Food for Mind and Soul

Catherine the Great

Friday morning, as we entered our classroom, here was our beloved Professor, Dr. Stern, big greeting and big smile. As we all got situated by our Pults (desks), he informed us that he has an evening planned for Saturday. Our tickets and paperwork were in an envelope right on our desks. “No cheating please”, said Dr. Stern, “we will have our lecture first and then look”.

This day was the continuation of our lessons about literature, art, and the cultural differences of our neighbor country Mother Russia in the 18^th century. The main character in this study was Catherine The Great, Empress of Russia. Her momentous influence on expanding Russia’s borders well into Central Europe. She was Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, born May 2^nd 1729 in Stettin, then part of the Prussian Empire, now it is Poland.

She was the daughter of a German Prince. She became Catherine II, Empress of Russia and she reigned for over 30 years. She was the Empress, who invited German citicens to come to Russia and settle the land along the River Volga and in Siberia.

These German settlers, called Volga Germans dealt with harsh and stressful lives. We had learned in previous lectures, how these Germans came to be in a settlement in southeastern Russia. We learned all about their desperation, wanting to return to their homeland. I remember hearing that beautiful song, very sad and it touched our hearts, called “Das Wolga Lied” the Volga Song, the music by Franz Lehàr composer, born in Hungary now it is Slovakia. The music is touching and beautiful, I always cry.

               Das Wolga Lied:

               Hast Du dort oben vergessen auch mich,

               es sehnt doch mein Herz nach Liebe sich.

               Du hast im Himmel viel Englein bei Dir,

               schick doch Einen davon auch zu mir.

               My translation of the Volga song

               Have you in Heaven foresaken me.

               My heart yearns so much for love from thee.

               You have in Heaven many angels around thee,

               Please send just one down here to me.

The lecture ended and so did the complete history about Catherine The Great, Empress of Russia. During Hitler’s reign (and terror) they did not have the chance to return, they were forgotten, but after WWII the democratic government of Germany brought them back to their beloved home land.

Now, we had permission to open our envelopes.

Tickets to the Opera!

“Der Zarewitch” The Tzarevich, an operetta, music by Franz Lehàr and libretto by Heinz Reichert and Bela Jenbach, based on the story of Alexei, son of a Russian Tzar, Peter The Great, composed in 1927.

Saturday evening arrived and the curtain went up and for me it was a mesmerizing performance, but I came to hear this heart wrenching song. The music throughout was beautiful and touching! The words unforgettable. “The Volga Song” by a great composer, Franz Lehàr another masterpiece!

We all ended up at the beautiful Rath Haus Cellers in mid town by the castle for a supper, a glass of wine and a discussion session.

What was funny was, we all noticed as we sat around a big round table, that everyone still had tears from crying throughout the song.

A big thanks to our beloved Dr. Stern!

A once in a lifetime experience!

AN EXCITING JOURNEY TO LAKE CONSTANCE

It was the beginning of a beautiful summer in 1938. Our Mrs. Kramer is taking a week’s vacation to get together with her two sisters. The older sister, Maria and the younger one, Marga. Both live quite a distance from here. She will drive her beautiful car, pick up her sister Marga in Baden Baden, in the Black Forest and drive all the way down to the (Bodensee, German) Lake Constance, English. Her sister Maria has a Pansion (a B and B) in Constance with a charming Café.

When my sister Friedl and I, Ilona heard this, we were very sad, we will miss our Mrs. Kramer very much… a whole week?

At the dinner table that evening Mrs. Kramer told us about the trip and also told us, after looking at our sad faces, that she received our parent’s permission for us to come along. Oh, there was so much joy around the table! We will start our journey this Friday morning to the Black Forest, to pick up the sister, Marga. After, we will be on our way to Constance with one night of rest. We should get to Maria’s by Saturday afternoon. Of course, it was too late for lunch and too early for dinner, but we were hungry. But by the time all the greetings and introductions were done and our suitcases were delivered to our rooms, it was time to freshen up and get dressed for dinner.

We entered a beautiful dining room, lighted candles on all the tables and Maria leading us to our table, set for five. She was by the entry of the dining room with a beautiful smile and menu for the guests coming in. She will join us a little later. Since Maria knew, that we must be hungry after our long journey, she arranged with the chef something for now for us to pick on, until we have ordered our dinner. Everything looked good on the menu, we could not decide.

Our Mrs. Kramer offered to order for us all? We were happy about that and agreed.

A big platter with some fine, smoked seafood, beautiful, arrived at our table, with  salmon, big shrimp, bueckling (smoked trout), a delicious sauce made with cream, apple, grated, and little horseradish, black bread with butter, and a bottle of Domain & Chandon. Friedl and I were allowed a little in the glass and our waiter filled ours up with soda.  Just for the toast. This looked and also tasted yummy. By now, Maria had traded places with a young lady by the entry and joined us. It was a congenial group, with conversation, laughter and love. So happy to be together.

Maria started the conversation about keeping us busy during our week here. She had gotten tickets (five) for a summer concert tomorrow at the big beautiful meadow by Lake Constance. The Guest Conductor is Victor Alberto de Sabata, conducting Wagner’s overtures from Lohengren, Wallcure and Tannhauser. All kinds of pleasurable noises around our table. Friedl and I loved that kind of music.

Another day will be filled with a boat ride on Lake Constance to the island of Mainau, to see and admire all the most beautiful flowers blooming there, this island is known for. Lake Constance is an awesome, breathtaking lake, it is 40 miles long and 9 miles wide, making it the largest lake in the German speaking world. As a young man my father enjoyed vacations there sailing on that beautiful lake.

Our Mrs. Kramer would like to have one day for shopping, especially for Friedl and for me, she had a beautiful smile on her face, looking at us.

Two waiters brought our food, it looked and smelled great. Big plates, beautifully arranged food, slices of beef tenderloin roast, a dark shiny sauce, and arranged in a circle a melange of vegetables in a butter sauce and potatoes “Anna.” So beautiful to look at.

I have to admit, it tasted yummy, but like always it was too much for me. But our Mrs. Kramer would honor that, since someone else dished it up for me. The dinner was memorable  and delicious! All, including Ilona enjoyed. The three ladies ordered coffee and we awaited the dessert. The desserts were rather simple, but the presentation! On a beautiful, large plate, in the center a basket made of “melt in your mouth” crust filled with large, ripe raspberries, sprinkled with cognac and out of gold leaf a cut, round doily to cover the berries. Lovely and a lot of work, not to mention, expensive. We were staring at it, amazed but had nothing to utter. It tasted yummy, the doily was eatable.

Maria revealed that she has the week off and loves to join us. It was today a perfect day. As we said our “Good night” we were looking forward already to tomorrow.

The week was full of adventure and it was awesome to explore this little, most beautiful corner of the world. The time went fast, our Mrs. Kramer, Friedl and I enjoyed our shopping trip in the city. We loved our gorgeous summer dresses, white cotton batiste with a little light blue embroidery on the sleeves and around the hem, were fitting us nicely. And, of course, hats! They were white straw hats, wide brims and looked beautiful. And as I had promised, I will wear mine into our home, when we arrive next Saturday. More, I can not promise.