In Memoriam John J. Robinson

This wonderful man, my surrogate father, died today. I cannot begin to tell you what a hole he will leave in my life. I've known him for fifty years and he was always a great support to me. I loved him and will miss him forever.

He and his wife Hazel had a great love story.  They'd been married for over 50 years. Except when he was in the hospital once, they'd never slept apart. They spoke to each other of their love often. The last thing she said to him was "I love you."

With John's  support, Hazel founded the Montford Park Players in Asheville, now the longest running Shakespeare in the Park series in the country.

John didn't talk much about his past, though he would tell a little if you seemed really interested. He was in the Merchant Marine during WW II and served along the Alaska coast. Later, he became senior account at Beacon Blanket in Swannanoa, from which he retired several years ago. He was 92 at death.

He was a master card-player. Years ago, the group of us who hung out at their house played Hearts (cutthroat), but more recently (i.e. the last 20 years) the house game was Crazy Rummy. Saturday nights found a floating group of us gathering to play for a few hours. Last Saturday (7/4), Joe Young and I were there and played a game with John -- and he won.

We're considering keeping the weekly ritual going in his honor.

I asked how he was going and he said "slow." His son Ken had just been home for two weeks, which he told me he'd really enjoyed. Much family business was discussed and settled, and I think he was ready to let go.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Bon voyage, beloved person.

Weather

We're getting copious amounts of rain and the high today should be in the low to mid-50s. Spring, right? At least we're not getting snow, like they did in Branson MO yesterday. How can people still deny climate change (a more accurate term than "warming" as it isn't just warming up, it's change from historical patterns).

Anyhow, Freya (aka Houdini) has been tamed by a stout cable that snaps on her harness. Out back, there's a tree we pass the cable around and she can snuff around about 12 feet but can't quite reach the road. We haven't been able to put her out front in the fenced yard because of sewer line replacement so the yard's churned up. Even in front, we have to cable her to the porch so she can't climb the fence. She's a great dog, though. I like her a lot. It's going to be sad when her owner finally takes her away. He hasn't even been to see her, the rat. Said he was going to come by yesterday but didn't. Humph.

Am going to the Living Treasures induction ceremony in a couple of hours. This is an organization that honors Asheville folk who've had an impact on the community, and my surrogate parents, Hazel and John Robinson, are being feted today. They founded Montford Park Players about 30 years ago to perform Shakespeare in the Park and it's now the longest-running such troupe in the country.

Uh oh, the wind's picking up. Lovely weather to have to go out in.