Father's Birthday

It is still hard to believe Dad turned 80. My brother, his son and daughter and their families and I went to Kirk's house. Kirk is Billy's , my brother, son. We had a lovely dinner and played Texas Holdem. It is always fun. Dad enjoyed his day.
Yesterday went to visit Mama. She thought Billy was her brother and that she and her sister were her mother's only children. Then she came back to herself. It makes my heart very sad. Mom and I were so very close. She frets when she can't remember. I just tell her not to worry her memory has holes and it doesn't hurt me to repeat things for her.


Dad at 17 when he joined the Marines. Dad at 80. You have to turn your head sideways.
Mama and me in 2006 at Matthew's wedding.

I took pictures of pictures at Dad's. Some turned out some didn't but its the memories I wanted.

Here is a picture of Mom and Dad in the 80s. They were very good friends. Dad feels guilty but both Bill and I tell him not to be. It isn't his fault. Now if we could just get our sister to see things our way. She seems to think Mama is just putting on an act and that it is Dad's fault she is not home. He should be able to take care of her. Not when she falls all the time and is incontinent. She just needs to much assistance. He goes to visit her just about every day. She usually doesn't remember the visits and calls to ask him why he doesn't come or where does he live.

Mama is only 17 and a month older than me.

Well, this weekend is Paper Pal's retreat. I am looking forward to it. It is ever so much fun.

Then I am going to be ever so busy for awhile. I have to go to Chewelah for my granddaughter's, Kymberly, 2nd birthday. Won't be home until Sunday or Monday. Then once home I have to return on March 8th for family pictures.

I enjoy seeing my family but I do wear myself out. Three little ones all wanting full time attention. So sad so very very sad:)

One last picture of an oil painting I did for my Brother, Norman. Norm died in 1997 of Melanoma. This is titled Norm's Retreat.


You all have a good week and I will write again when I get back from my Son's house.

Its February

I love February. It means we are getting closer to the end of winter. I also have always enjoyed Valentines Day. I think it is the lovely cards. I used to look forward to them when I was a child. Wish I had some of them now. Today's child
Valentines are just missing something.

In grade school, we would make a Valentine's box for others to put their cards in. That, too, was fun. I remember decorating an oatmeal box. Mama always helped decorate it and make it pretty. Then when I brought the Valentines home we would pour over each one. We had double the fun cause my little sister, Cammie would have Valentines to look at too.

All that of course went by the wayside in Junior High. It wasn't until I was an adult and married that new lovely Valentines came into my life. I loved receiving them and giving them. I would carefully pick each one for my Marvin. Later I would get cards for my sons and now my grandchildren.

Through the years, of course, my parents and grandparents gave Valentines. I do still have some. But, I still miss the ones children gave one another back in the day.

I love the vintage Valentines and always look forward to Karen's class where we make our own. Now, I need to get busy and make my cards for my family and friends.

Not much going on in my life right now. Just being me. Oh, my cousin, Dwight, invited me to join Facebook. Imagine my surprise and delight when many of you have shown up as friends.

February 13 is my Father's 80th. How is it possible that the man who could do anything and was always there and so strong is now 80 and not quite able to do what he could. I know it must frustrate him. He has a wicked sense of humor. Sometime I will have to share some of his emails to me with you.

Cammie, Billy and myself are taking him out to dinner on the 15th. We are going to Zanies in Lewiston. (probably spelled that wrong. Not that Zanies.
Here are a few pictures of my Father then and now.
Dad at 16 with his Mother.
Dad at about 12.

Dad and his brother, Marvin. A successful fishing trip.

Cammie and me with our Dad. About 1956.

Dad and Billy about 1966.

Dad and my mother's brother, Noland. Their birthdays are just a week apart. This is Dad's 75th birthday.

Dad and my Grandson, Daniel. 2007

Dad playing Texas Holdem New Years Day 2008. Kirk, Billy's son and my Nephew is sitting next to him. No Dad is not on the bottle that is Madison's Billy's Granddaughter by his daughter, Jamie. This was a very fun day. We had a blast. Kirk won. We play poker every once in awhile.


Dad and my insane Brother-in-Law, Derek. He is very proud of his Scottish Heritage and wears his Kilt for special occasions. This is at my cousin Steven's wedding May 2008.

There now you have a snapshot of my Father. Hope we all reach 80.
Have a great day, enjoy life, and laugh often.