It was tough to see a man who loved vocabulary struggle to find words. Someone who loved to calculate percentages and probabilities now just saying "I don't know". Someone who determined to always know the way now not knowing which way to turn.
The father who has a great sense of humor, likes to whistle while he works, and eats with gusto is still there though. That gave me solace and during my stay we often made our best memories, eating and laughing.
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| self-portrait |
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| This dog makes me love the breed. She's got a lot of personality for someone so short. |
These are some vintage wooden puzzles that I put together. They had pieces that fit together to make their own shapes (see bicycle):
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| This embroidery in the guest room reminded me of the beautiful poems Claire writes |
Jim and Jill
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| Shadow would cleverly hide here before hunting down any yard insects that were threatening the safety of the lawn |
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| Dad in his Joe Cool shades |
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| Dad would often stand up on the patio, semi-reading the daily news |
Ellen came up to visit while I was in California. It is always a kick to see my parents together again.
Sonoma Town Square. It has some funky, cool stores and food hangouts...as well as the overpriced tourist-trap stores. Best part was the big park in the center.
I shrieked when I saw these 2 piggy banks on my Dad's dresser!! These are as old as my first memories and I know they have traveled a long road. I used to pilfer quarters out of them (Dad never put any other coins in as he thought anything less than that was useless change) and buy candy. Back then, a few quarters would satisfy a week's worth of a sweet tooth.
I was sure to tell Maida that I MOST DEFINITELY wanted these banks and they should never go in the Goodwill box! (Hey if I'm lucky they will be loaded with quarters still!)
