Happy Birthday, Alix!

A day with Mimi and Paw Paw

North Pole...

Christmas Eve

Presents, presents and more presents!

Thanks for my new friend!

 

The winner for biggest present goes to Mr. Steve and Mr. Brett. Brase's hip and cool new ride!

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Cards from Granny...

Grandparent's Day

Granny Olive and Brase

My Grandmother Polly had an enormous apricot tree in her garden. The branches reached far beyond twenty four feet in circumference. It reached so high that the fruit at the top kept the bird’s bellies full all summer. I still remember sitting under that mammoth tree on hot summer days gobbling apricots. It was an amazing sight as you sat watching the leaves flickering in the breeze. In addition, you had to be tiny to maneuver between the branches that anchored the ancient prunus armeniaca. It was a sanctuary for me and my Grandmother’s other thirteen grandchildren.

I have not laid my eyes on that amazing old tree in almost thirty years. I truly doubt it still exists as it was older than Methuselah. The life I also remember, inside the cocoon of branches, has long vanished. My family has been spread apart by death, distance, differences and our evolving lives.

Jose' and I have few leaves remaining on our family trees. Most of the branches are inscribed with the word... died. This is why we are so very grateful to the collective group of friends that act as family. It is through their efforts that Brase gets to experience the joys of Grandparent's Day. Our friends love him unconditionally. I am thankful to all of our friends that act as grandparents and participate in Brase's life.

The words of the ancient great tragedian Euripides speaks volumes, “One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.”

Jeanie

Wanda Jean

Jeanie and Bonita

Baby Shower 1955

My Mother and Jeanie were childhood friends.  I think they met in the 2nd grade and maintained a lifelong friendship.  They were married within months of each other and raised families side by side. 

Bob and Jeanie 

My Father and Bob, Jeanie's husband, were also childhood friends.  They each had big personalities and shared many adventures together. Jeanie is the sole survivor of the foursome.

Clint and Bonita

(my parents)

My parents did not live to know my son.  It thrills me that Jeanie can participate in Brase's life and look upon his many milestones. 

Jeanie and Brase

March 2011

Jeanie and Brase

March 2010

Jeanie and Brandon

April 1996

I have known Jeanie my entire life.  She has been a second Mother to me.  She greatly helped mold me into the person I am today.

Jeanie

having fun around 1973

One of my fondest childhood memories is swimming in Jeanie's cement goldfish pond.  Jeanie and I had many fun times together. 

Jeanie, Brandon and Robert

(I did not wear glasses in 1974)

Jeanie

1984

Thanks for my nifty new plane!

We had dinner with a distant cousin over the weekend.  This was Brase's door prize for showing up.  Thanks, Ms. Starr and Kammy!

O is for Olive...

The Good of Charity is signified in all that an olive tree provides. Fruit bears life giving sustenance, oil anoints the sick and wood creates canvases for intricate works of art. The olive is ever giving to mankind.

Olive trees are evergreens that tolerate heat, cold and arid conditions. The root systems are sturdy and span enormous lengths. The trees are tenacious and continue to prosper even when pruned of all branches. They are survivors!

The olive has historical significance within societies. Greek, Roman, Jewish, Christian and Islamic writings reference this holy tree. In the Jewish Tanakh or Old Testament a dove returns to Noah with an olive branch signifying God’s mercy on humanity. This leafy branch is a predominant symbol of peace that spans centuries.

My Friend Olive exemplifies the attributes for the tree she is named. In reality, she was named in honor of her Mother. This is a genealogical fact but the above descriptions of ever giving, surviving and peace making truly describe her.

I can never repay her for all she has done or the kindness she has shown my family.  She is one of a kind.  Thank you Granny Olive!

Lunch with The Rat...

Alix (The Birthday Girl) and Brase

The other big kid!