RE Log Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 Ransom Everglades LOG 39 Maria Elena Prio and Francine Smith Rizzotto visited Irina Erickson von Korff in Germany. Francine wrote, “We were thrilled when Irina made the long haul back to Miami for our 50-year reunion in 2016. Don’t know if anyone was paying close attention when she invited us to visit her over the pond, but Maria and I took notice. We discussed it and finally decided to make it happen in ’18. After many emails and arrange- ments we booked our flights and left Miami on August 21 on SAS headed for Dusseldorf. We decided to visit Irina in Dusseldorf and have her show us ‘her city’ before heading off to her family re- treat in Mallorca. We spent five wonder- ful days staying with Irina and Sandro von Korff, her husband, in Dusseldorf. Their beautiful home is a block off the Rhine and within a few blocks of dining, museums and terrific shop- ping. Dusseldorf is the fashion capital of Germany. Irina wowed us with great breakfasts every morning and treated us to evening dining al fresco on the gorgeous patio surrounded by flowers, plants and fruit trees that she lovingly cares for. In addition to being a fabulous cook, raising three sons and mastering German, in her spare time she became a goldsmith and master jeweler, designing and creating exquisite wearable pieces of art. Irina and Sandro have filled their home with art, artifacts, one-of-a-kind furnishings and a rich blend of the histo- ry and culture of both her family and his. After breakfast each day, Irina herded us out the door to explore Dusseldorf, on foot of course. We would visit a museum, a book store or a point of interest. We took a boat ride on the Rhine, walked, shopped, ate, drank and shopped some more. She also hosted us on a day trip via train to Cologne to see the amazing cathedral and Roman history museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum). We then left Dusseldorf behind and flew to Palma, jumped in Irina’s car and headed out of the city about 40 miles east to the family retreat, aptly named Can Xamba (pronounced Chamba), which translates to ‘House of Happiness.’ What can I say about Can Xamba except WOW. The house is a 300-year-old stone wonder. There are olive groves, fig, plum, orange and lemon trees, bougainvillea, gorgeous palms, a beautiful pool and lots of room for Irina, Sandro, their three sons and their families, including eight grandchil- dren. We toured the countryside, enjoyed the farmers market (such beautiful veg- etables, all varieties of fruits, hand crafts and one of the best cheese selections I’ve ever seen). We enjoyed sampling, tasting and strolling along the narrow streets and alleyways with a surprise shop or craft display around every corner. It was a feast for the senses. We drove into Palma for the day and visited the incred- ible cathedral there, had lunch, of course, and took in the sights, the shopping and the vibe of Palma. Irina took us to the coast for another amazing lunch by the sea. One night we went into Felanitx (pronounced Felaneetch ) for a gourmet dinner al fresco. The fresh seafood and Spanish wines were delicious and enjoy- ing all of this with our charming and knowledgeable hostess was a treat. In the evenings at Can Xamba we would lounge on the lanai enjoying more wine and reminiscing about our days at Everglades and beyond. We laughed, drank and re- counted more stories. We watched Irina make fig and plum jams and whip up delicious little tapas-style meals. The ol- ive oil we used is from the olive groves at Can Xamba. A neighbor has a press and Irina says it’s a family tradition to gather the olives and get them to the press. The olives are pressed into Can Xamba Olive Oil. What a treat! After five magical days we headed back to Dusseldorf for our return flight to Miami. Maria and I had a fabulous trip. It’s funny how friends can be apart for so long but, once together again, pick up where one left off so many decades ago. We will be forever grateful to Irina for opening her heart and home to us and making our trip an adventure we will never forget. Photographed at dinner L-R: Maria, Francine and Irina.” 1967 Class Agent: Liz Cowen ( ejcown@gmail.com) Liz Cowen and Gracie flew out to Marin County, Calif., for a visit with Jane Margulis and her Chugs to welcome in the New Year. 1968 Class Agents: Laurinda Spear (arqlhs@gmail.com ), Jeanne Weinkle (jeanneweinkle@gmail.com) 1969 REUNION YEAR Class Agent: Lili Krech Neale (liliandy@bellsouth.net ) “Dear Everglades Class of 1969: We are really looking forward to seeing you April 12-13, 2019, to celebrate our 50-year reunion in Miami. Please save the date and we’ll see you soon! Love Lili.” Lili Krech Neale , see Cherry Krech Fulcher , In Loving Memory 1970 Class Agents: Gail Beckham (gailbeckham@gmail.com) , Melinda Cowen (melinda@cowendesign.com) , Cree McDougal Scudder (creescudder@gmail.com ) Darryl Larson shot this beautiful pho- tograph, which was featured on the cover of the Arabian Horse Times.