It has been a long few weeks...8 as of this past Sunday. The time has gone slowly. The time has flown. Time doesn't seem like itself anymore.
I haven't known how to use this blog going forward. Perhaps it will find its own use as plans unfold for the Down Yonder Fund for the Arts, and also for PeterFest. But first...
PLATELETS FOR PETER - February 10th
Most of you know that Peter was a regular platelet donor at the Red Cross. Not only did he give, but he recruited donors and at times organized friends (and family) to donate at the same time...a kind of party atmosphere.
Our good friend Holli Crawford and the Red Cross' Mary Spradlin teamed up to schedule another such event for Peter on February 10th. DONORS ARE STILL NEEDED. Here is the information:
The Red Cross is planning a Platelet Donation Day as a memorial for our friend, Peter Kramer, on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at the American Red Cross Donation Center in Durham. This promises to be a day filled with food, music, and fond remembrances of Peter. Please join us on this day with a platelet donation in his honor. We have openings from 7 am to 2 pm. Please reply to this email (barry.mckillop@redcross.org) with a time that fits your schedule and I will respond with a slot as close to your request as possible. Help us to make this a loving and sharing day for Peter’s family and friends.
For those who have never donated platelets, they mainly are used to help cancer patients. The donation starts out just like whole blood, but instead of taking a pint of blood, we only take a quarter cup of platelets from the blood stream thru a filter method and then we reintroduce all the remaining blood products which include your white and red cells and most of your plasma back to your body thru your other arm. Please plan to spend about 2.5 to 3 hours with us that day. While doing the donation however, you are given the ability to watch TV or a movie of your choosing as you have your own video screen and headphones at your donation chair. You may also talk and share memories of Peter.
You should eat a good meal the night before and breakfast and get a good night’s rest. Also, drink plenty of water a few days before coming in and try to increase your calcium intake by eating more yogurts, milk and ice cream. To make sure your iron is ok, try not to drink any caffeine products the day before or the day of. You must also refrain from all aspirin products or any antibiotics 2 full days prior to coming in and bring a picture ID. We look forward to seeing you on February 10th..
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PETERFEST 2015 - April 18th, 1:00 p.m.
I think it was on our second date that Peter started telling me what music he wanted played at his funeral. He has added and subtracted some over the years, but the list has stayed pretty consistent. Does anyone know Dickie Betts? Peter really wanted him to come play Blue Sky. In lieu of that, I have a list that Peter gave me in late November.
We could not pull this together for the gathering that took place 12/13 (thanks to all of you who came) and since we had to wait, we decided to wait for spring and outdoor weather.
So, we have a date and we have a time - Saturday April 18th, starting at 1 p.m. The afternoon will consist of a service and then a re-gathering at the farm, much like the event of 12/13/14 but with more structure this time. We're calling it PeterFest!
More details will follow. Please email downyonderfarm@gmail.com with your name and email address to be sure that we have you on the list to get information.
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SUNNY GINZBERG DRIMMER 02-23-1926 TO 01-28-2015
We are sad to report that Peter's mother, Sonia (Sunny) Ginzberg Drimmer died early on the morning of January 28th. Sunny was a delightful person, a grandmother par excellence, and a loving mother-in-law who checked in on me frequently following Peter's death. Peter's ability to remember song lyrics no-doubt came from his mother who knew every show tune ever written.
Sunny called me on the 27th, and Jessie spoke with her that afternoon as well. She made a solo trip down in September to meet her great-grandson, Levin. That turned out to be the last time she saw Peter. Sunny will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with her daughter, Karen, her granddaughters Jessie and Amanda, with her brother, David, and her sisters-in-law, neices, and nephews.
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Thank you all for keeping up with the blog.
Foods that can help increase a low platelet count may be good. :)
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