california friends

I love them.

thirteen

Thirteen years ago a baby girl was born to us in a few short hours, in a small town in California. It is really hard to believe that much time has passed. It has been, and continues to be, a joy to watch this girl grow from a chubby toddler to an elegant and beautiful young lady. Happy birthday to a daughter who brings so much happiness, humor, goodness, and love to our family. We are so blessed. This is going to be a great year.

I love you, Mama

my mother's garden

Images from this summer ...Girls making fairy houses. Yucca dug up from my grandparents' yard, a plant they so loved, bloomed five explosive branches while we were there; the first time ever since my mom planted it. A common fixture -- my dad -- happily put to work. A simple buttercup. My discovery of yet more edible flowers...the purple blossoms of sage, thyme, and of course lavender. My mom's lavender was gorgeous in full bloom all summer long, loaded with sweet flowers

I learned gardening by osmosis it seems. I love to visit gardens of all kinds. I so wish I had photos of my grandparents' gardens, especially my grandfather's veggie garden. But at least we have the yucca.

erie canal walk

Imagine how things used to be living along this canal...

"I've got a mule, her name is Sal, fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.

She's a good old worker and a good old pal, fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.
We've hauled some barges in our day, filled with lumber, coal and hay.

And we know every inch of the way from Albany to Buffalo.

Low bridge, everybody down.

Low bridge for we're coming to a town.

And you'll always know your neighbor,

you'll always know your pal,

if you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal.

We better get along on our way ol'gal, fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.
'Cause you bet your life I'd never part with Sal, fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.

Git up there mule, here comes a lock, we'll make Rome about six o'clock

One more trip and back we'll go, right back home to Buffalo.