Great Strong Family Times

April 1994

Well, the Gold Gate Bridge was the view from Ed's first office in San Francisco twenty years ago. No wonder he had a good work ethic, right?

It didn't take Dad and Mom long to fly west. This photo is not from their first trip, but about 5 years into our life in California. This time Mom and Dad had brought Trisha too. I have pictures of everyone in California! Dad really enjoyed these trips, and I like to think Mom did as well, after the plane ride was over. 8-)


This one is Mom's 72nd Birthday, on May 9th, 1994. I couldn't be there, but Mom sent me this photo. It shows Dad, Stan, Trish and Tracy and Mom. Patsy took the photo.

Celebrating the Work Ethic

Ed doing what he would rather do than work.



This June 2009 was the 20th anniversary of Ed's beginning of work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. They recognized his dedication to service by sending him a nice pin in the mail that has the "20" on it. It was June 1989 when we drove across country in our red Chrysler Town and Country station wagon with the Sears Roebuck egg on top of the car. And, of course, our two energetic and squirrely kids inside.

T W E N T Y years. We should have some cake!

Our visit in Biloxi

This is the beachfront right across from the old VA Med Center in Gulfport.

Light fixture in Treasure Bay Casino, note the view of the ocean, these places are right on the water.
Man, it is hot and very muggy though......

Joey's Marathon in Seattle

Brookside Gardens ~ My personal Sanity Spot

Can you spot the turtles? My favorites!



This fountain makes the most lovely sounds, there is a neat bench nearby where I like to meditate if it is a quiet day there.





Just wanted to take a minute to share with you some images of Brookside Gardens. This is where I go for peaceful walks and exercise - sanity savers. There are not many places as nice as this one is.

My friend and peer of nearly 18 years, Ginny DuPont died on Thursday. She had fought ovarian cancer for about 2 years. Ginny, single most of her life, had found the love of her life and just married him right before they found the cancer. He was at her side when she died at home. She did manage to retire, although she certainly wasn't ready to. She had been the mainstay of the VA Library network for many years. Her husband was her rock during the rounds of chemo and treatments.

ch-ch-ch-changes

I woke up this morning:
I go to bed tonight:
10" of hair will be mailed to locks of love tomorrow.

Mom's 87th Birthday

Mom on her 87th Birthday at Sun Valley




Saturday was Mom's 87th birthday. Ed came in from California and we were able to drive home for Saturday. We got the cake at Bonnie Belle's, which is a real family tradition. I think she enjoyed it. I ordered the lemon filling, which I think she likes. She seemed to enjoy it. I was glad to spend that day with her.

Mother's Day we drove back to DC and I got Ed to the airport in time for his flight. We got to have dinner together in the airport before he left. Heard from both my offspring! All in all, a very nice Mom's Day.