Jim Banman

What are three things that happened in the month of May that were pretty exciting?

May was just a blur of this and that but nothing headline worthy.

* First, I launched my latest volunteer career as a docent, a fancy word for tour guide, at the Four Mile Historic Park. Clothed in the historically--some might prefer hysterically--accurate clothing of an 1860 farmer, which Judy sewed, I became “certified” to give tours inside Denver’s oldest standing house, a log house built by the Brantner brothers in 1859. Oh, and can anyone diagram that sentence? It’s near Leetsdale and Kentucky for the Denver-geography conversant. In addition to the three “training” tours I gave, I also was there three days for Westward Ho, an event in which school kids learn about the western migration and pretend to be emigrants. This went on five days a week for the entire month. My job: What do we pack into our covered wagon for the two-month journey to Denver? I know I’ll enjoy this volunteer job because it fits so nicely into my interest in the history of the West.

* Second, we drove to Grand Junction for Mother’s Day. TJ and Jennifer had an incredible dinner: Crab/shrimp sandwiches with deep-fried leek rings. They discussed their wedding plans, though then the date was not set. Now it is, of course, and that will be August 4. BTW, that was also our first longer drive in the “new” Camry Hybrid, and stayed in a less-than-Super 8 motel. Susan, that made our Days Inn in Gettysburg look like a Ritz Carlton.

* Third, I worked a number of days on another one of those downtown projects. This one actually was for MediaNews Group, the owner of the Post. You will need to ask persistently for more details since I have noticed eyelids falling in the past as I describe this work.

* Last, Judy and I attended a memorial for Jim Haggard, our friend at Ocean Journey who died all too suddenly in Kansas City. Then, we also have become very much a part of Stan and Linda Massey’s lives in the loss of their son Brian in a mountain-climbing accident. How horrible, and devastating. I wonder how parents find solace and peace after the sudden loss of a child, or if they do? We read almost daily of these kinds of things, but never has it struck so near to us. The memorial service at Regis High, where Brian graduated, was yesterday (Sunday).

What worries you about the month of June?

Worries are plentiful around here, like will rabbits take over the country, occupy the White House and invade Iran? Will the sale of Yarrow Gardens collapse anytime soon (we hope it will and hope it won’t in a perverse way)? Why does the stoplight at Arapahoe Road always, always turn red just when we arrive?

Is there anything in June that looks pretty darn interesting or fun?

Jennifer and her sister, Bonnie, will be here three days to shop til Judy drops for the Perfect Wedding Dress.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the entire Banman family?

You bet. This is Allison’s idea, so here goes. We need another Banman Family Reunion like the one at least 10 years ago in Snow Mountain. We’re thinking about a locale in North Carolina called Maggie Valley, which is about half an hour west of Asheville (google for it and look it over). Paris is always nice if Maggie Valley doesn’t work out. What we need to move forward: The best possible dates next summer (2008) for everyone, and everyone’s commitment to be there. Everyone. Maybe immediately after school ends? How long? Maybe three days, and then we can all barge in on Christine, Paul, Jake, Zack, Glenda and Nemo. At least that’s our plan.