Donna

My childhood friend, Terry, and his mother came to RR every summer to stay with his grandparents in their wonderful old log cabin at the mouth of Bittercreek Canyon. As kids, we played all over that cabin and the meadow in which it set. It was a magical place and probably influenced my decorative style more than any place that I can remember. The living area was one big open room from the floor of the cabin to the ceiling of the second story. Even the walls of the bedrooms upstairs did not reach the ceiling and could be climbed over. The staircase was handmade out of rough-cut lumber, and it made two turns before reaching the balcony that ran the length of the cabin overlooking the living area. There were two big windows overlooking the meadow and letting in lots of light. I loved that cabin.

Terry’s grandparents were usually home, but spent their time in the back part of the cabin, which was a shed-like room that had been added on at some point (probably so that it could have a modern kitchen ang bathroom). During the day Terry’s mother, Donna, played bridge, and at night she danced at the Community House. She and her partner, Fred Roe, could cut a rug like no one else. I remember being in awe when they did the Salty Dog Rag. She was beautiful in her square-dance dress gliding over the floor in Fred's arms. Donna and Terry often picked my brother and I up taking us to the CH to dance. I often danced with Terry, but all the young boys had a crush on Kathy, my best friend. Terry and I were still big buddies. Those days playing at his cabin and out on the Island were great fun. The nights dancing at the CH were also special. Those friendships are still there, although we do not see each other often.

Terry’s mother, Donna, died this last week. Terry was an only child and I feel for him. I remember our times together and with his mother fondly. Terry’s grandmother, Mrs. Lowrance (Willie) is still alive at 103 and sharp as a tack. Terry has been looking after both his mother and grandmother. Of course, they raised him to be a good son, and they did well.