Aunt Bonnie's Memories

It's a beautiful November day here in Ojai and another day of thinking of my special brother-in-law, Dahl. He is never out of our thoughts and prayers here, and it's fun to talk of ways we've enjoyed him through the years. Of course, Buzz has lots more memories than I do but I've got a LOT myself. Mine begin with my marriage into the Brown clan back in '1957......and the very first memory that pops up is when Dahl stayed with us here in Ojai for awhile after his mission. We had a huge growth of bamboo in a corner of our backyard that had grown so tall and sturdy that it didn't belong in a residential area anymore. Buzz knew it had to come out and had begun the project, but Dahl wanted to be useful while here, so offered to work on it. Little did he know what he had volunteered for. The roots were deep and strong and it seemed more like a jungle than a corner in a backyard. I remember him working diligently in that one spot for days and I'm not sure how long it took, but I do think Dahl had no particular liking for bamboo after that.
As the years went along, the experiences were much more fun. In fact, when he and Elaine came and lived in Ojai for a short time after they were married, we couldn't believe our good fortune~! Dahl worked for Ed Remund until there was no work left, but we loved it when-ever they pulled up in their cute little 'bug' to spend time with us. They lived out in the East End in a tiny little apartment. The kids grew to love 'Uncle Dahl' and 'Aunt 'Lane' so completely that they have never lost that love. And oh, the camping trips we've had together. Dahl was always so patient with the little kids and helped them all catch fish......something our kids and grandchildren considered 'the best part' of the experience. I just have to add that 'Aunt Elaine' stands out in their minds as someone who could make any camping trip a 'delicious affair'~! I think she would get applause from all of us~!
My time spent with the Browns has been a cherished thing in my life......each and every one of them.....but since this is 'for Dahl', I'll just say that no three brothers have ever enjoyed each other more than Buzz, Dahl, and Ross......and Dahl must be 'the link in the middle' that kept the trio strong. What a great guy~!
Written by: Aunt Bonnie Brown Nov. 16, 2010