Seeing the Sights

Here we are at Ephesus in Turkey in 1980. I have been looking through a lot of old photos the last few days and I am thinking how great it was for us that our husbands worked for a company that gave us the chance to see a bit of the world !! Even though living conditions weren't always as convenient as we would have liked, I know that I would never have traveled to all of the places we traveled, otherwise !! These historic ancient city ruins were one of many of the sights we saw together. You know your Dad was never much for sight-seeing trips, so I am ever thankful that you were more adventurous. I wonder what is in that huge tote bag I'm carrying !!

Baby Ringo

When you posted this photo on your blog and I asked you to send me a copy, your comment in your email about the day after Ringo came to live with us, you hated having to have to go to school and leave him behind. AND then all you could do was think about him ! It reminded me of how much we have loved our dogs and how much love they have given us. They live in the moment and teach us so much if only we are willing to listen !! He really was a cute little puppy -- it is still hard for me to believe your Dad just brought him home one day without there ever being a discussion about getting a dog !! Or, did you talk to him about it ??

Lady Luck

I suppose this could have been called "child endangerment" !! I often tell the story of the trip you and I made to Las Vegas in the fall of 1976 -- I always remember it as being a super fun time and hope you do, too. Seeing two shows a night -- all those great old entertainers, many of them no longer with us, was the best part. Your Dad would indulge me and see a show now and then, but, it wasn't his favorite thing to do !! Oddly though, he enjoyed them as much as I did, once I got him there !! The Lady Luck Casino/Hotel where this photo was taken has been closed for a couple of years, under renovation. Ironic that it was the first place I worked as a blackjack dealer nine years later !!

Watchers

This is one of my favorite candid shots of you and your Dad. It would have been the early 80's, I think maybe at Christmas time. I believe you were playing "Pong", but, you could have been watching Wiley Coyote cartoons !! The two of you were Saturday morning cartoon buddies from time beginning !!

We Three

Our journal, named "We Three", started in 2005, is nearing completion. It has been a thought provoking, creative journey for the three of us and I for one, am happy with the avenues we have traveled !! That was the year I retired and Hilery asked me to join her in an altered art class. I was hooked !! My first pictorial journal was the one I created in memory of your Dad, "The Book of Douglas". Mary, our teacher at many of the classes we attended that summer, was telling us about a written journal that she and her grandson exchanged with each other. I began to think about a creative journal for the three of us to participate in and share. We have each taken turns choosing a theme and created a page around that idea, then wrote a paragraph about it. Of course, I think you two girls are more creative than I am, but, I am more than thrilled with how this project has taken form. Will we do another when this one comes to a close, or will we come up with a new idea ??

Happy Easter.

The Cook's Helper

Needless to say, I think you were probably better equipped to put a meal on the table when you got married than I was. I don't remember when you did NOT want to help in the kitchen. And, I must have had a lot more patience when I was younger !! It does not seem to be one of my virtues as I have grown older as I am often accused of not having any !! Anyway, I am always proud to say that you could put a meal on the table as well as I could before you were even a teenager !! This photo was taken around '62 in the kitchen of the duplex we rented in Ogden after your Dad got out of the Navy. You needed a step stool to reach the counter.

Something Old, Something New

Your wedding day, December 11, 1976, seems like yesterday to me !! Did we ask you if you wanted the money versus all the wedding expenses ?? But, when I look back at the cash that was spent, it was really quite a modest amount. My favorite memory of the planning was the day we found your gown. I can still picture you coming from the dressing room and the "aha" moment of "this is the one" !! As in all beginnings, do any of us have any idea where the years will take us ?? Or, what surprises those years will bring ??

Ringo was His Name

Ringo graced our lives for 16 years. Your Dad brought him home to us when you were about 5 years old. It was a total surprise for me as well as you, our first family dog -- I don't remember that we even discussed getting a dog ! Your Dad was always full of surprises. Ringo proved to be easy to house break and learned a few tricks. His first Christmas with us, he opened a few of the presents under the tree while we were at work and you were at school. I remember your Dad being a little put out with him the day he brought him home because he got carsick. It was always difficult to get him into the car after that ride to his new home if we wanted or needed to take him somewhere. He was a good companion, friend and watchdog.