Grandpa

My grandfather passed away on Monday evening. He was almost 95 years old and was the patriarch of our family. While I'm glad he's not suffering any longer, I still wish I had one more chance to talk with him. Here's our photos of our last time with him at Christmas.

On one of our last visits with him, he asked Doug to go out on a tractor ride with him. After an hour or so, I started getting worried and sent out several "search parties" for them. There was no sign of the large orange tractor anywhere on the farm. Eventually, they arrived back home on their own. Apparently, they'd been on their way back when a neighbor stopped them and asked them to come by his place and dig a hole (this gentleman had a bull he needed to bury). Grandpa and Doug had a grand time using the tractor and lost track of time. We still laugh when remembering "Grandpa and Doug's Most Excellent Tractor Adventure".

A Sweet Mother's Day

Around the Garden

Peonies:
Hostas (until the rabbits find them):

Louisiana irises in full bloom:

Around the Neighborhood

Merritt's first trip out in her "big girl" stroller

Legs can't bend just yet.

Seeing the world in front of her for the first time:

Big Don Bigato*

Doug's brother Don came to visit us this past weekend and we had such a great time! He arrived Friday night and we had a yummy chicken curry dish with cashews and cilantro over rice. The next morning I went to a friend's house to help sell some stuff at their garage sale - the boys took care of Merritt. Then we had a late breakfast - scrambled egg and chorizo burritos. Delicious! (Doug always makes great food when it's just us, but he always amps it up when we have visitors.) Afterwards, I somehow convinced the guys to come with me to the mall so I could buy some new linens (we just bought a new bed). Their reward for surviving this endeavor was lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. We sat outside while the baby slept in her stroller. Doug and Don later drove to Garner to go go-carting (is that the right way to say it?). Again, they had a ball, and are working on how to get the rest of our family out there in July. Meanwhile, I went next door with Merritt to our neighbor's 2nd birthday party. Doug and Don made a long drive back here to grill hamburgers and have a nice dinner outside on the deck. Afterwards, they went to see the new X-Men movie. After the baby went down, I collapsed on the couch and watched a chick flick - it felt like pure luxury!


After church, lunch and a nap on Sunday, we only had time to run to Locopop's in downtown Durham before Don's plane left. I'd heard of it many times, but this was my first visit. They sell delicious popsicles like cherry hibiscus, mojito, mexican chocolate, blueberry thyme and cookies and cream. If you're ever in Durham, I definitely recommend it!


Here are some photos:

Uncle Don with Miss M (and yes, we are aware of the resemblance):

Reading the Sunday Paper:



Being sweet:

A lovely Sunday outing:

Their motto is "Think Global. Act Loco". We complied.



*Doug's nickname for his brother. Must be declared with great volume and enthusiam when used.

A Visit to Italy

We went to dinner with friends from our small group this past Tuesday night at Pulcinella's. Our friend, Gene Lee, plays the accordion there from time to time. (He also plays classical guitar, ukelele, and the piano!) We were also celebrating our friend Bob's birthday. Between the large group we had, the celebratory atmosphere and the festive music, we had quite a lively time. Here are some photos from the evening:

The birthday boy:

Jane, Jerry and Stuart:

Gene with his mom, Juanita:

Enjoying the music:

Having a hard time deciding what to order:

Ten Years

Happy 10th Birthday to my nephew, Javier!! I was taking my Trusts & Estates final exam the morning you were born - I could hardly concentrate. Come visit us soon and have a wonderful day!