FOTO FRIDAY: A LOVE STORY

Although it's FOTO FRIDAY today's photos have to come with a story.  Hey, it's my blog...

Sadly, a week ago one of my childhood friends lost her partner who passed away in his sleep.  And while sometimes we wonder how certain couples are together, this particular one was something special. Here in the country we'd say "they pulled well in the harness together."

Shep, who I just recently learned was named Charles Sheppard Miers, brought a calmness to my friend Kaye. His Southern charm matched hers and Shep was a terrific listener. When he spoke his southern accent enveloped you. 

The two fostered each other's strengths and interests. Together they were quite a pair in beating the pans in the kitchen.  Both Kaye and Shep have the reputation of  being wonderful hosts in sharing their culinary delights and setting a mighty fine table. It wouldn't be unusual to end up in their cozy well equipped kitchen around the stunning center table Shep had made. You see, he was a master arquitect of wood, turning pieces of wood into gorgeous functional pieces of furniture.  

Their adventuresome palates included more than just Southern fare although Shep's grits and griddle corn cakes were among my favorites. One visit they were game to learn how to make Chinese dumplings the way I had learned while living in Taiwan. It was always a gastronomic delight being together.  

We even shared Crystal Bridges in northern Arkansas and, of course, I had to order shrimp grits for lunch that day...

On FB we all could enjoy their cooking endeavors and travels to discover eateries they had heard about, returning to their favorites over and over again and even replicating recipes in their own kitchen. 

Shep turned their back deck into another 'room' to enjoy both gardening herbs and veggies in raised garden beds and entertaining. After brining meats, they would be smoked out back. The two made a mean pastrami/ brisket and bar-b-que.  And most recently the front yard was transformed into another outside room to really enjoy during social distancing. 

The two also made the most of local bike trails and beautiful days to get some exercise together. They had enjoyed Rendezvous 'ing with like folk who dressed up and lived like early settlers for weekends ( not utilizing modern day equipment) Shep had made the fanciest wooden concealed potty. While not quite as rustic, they even journeyed to southwestern Wisconsin to visit us in the End of the Rainbow Valley and Amish country. We cherish their visit.

 

In the last couple of years the two put their heads to learning about spinning wool as Shep made / honed the necessary equipment for Kaye's knitting projects. 

Kaye and Shep shared church going together. We never spoke about religion but now I know have missed that possible conversation where I'm sure I would have been enlightened by him. But Shep's 'being' exuded his beliefs. 

One visit South Shep took Natureman and me to visit his workshop. His home away from home. It was an educational field trip. Over the years Shep had shared his craft teaching hundreds of Art Center students wood working including my Dad, no less. I hold regrets of never having something custom ordered but I thought there was time...

Through difficult health issues over the years these two took turns caring for the other with emotional and physical support. I loved the way Kaye was protective of her Shep. 

Thanks Kaye for sharing your 'Love.'  Indeed you two are quite a love story... You really did get lucky in love.

I, The Sherm, will be among others who will miss the gentle giant with the greatest enveloping bear hugs... May Shep's memory always be for a blessing.  xoxo