Hard to believe

Grandchildren are great in NC.   Soen lost his first tooth.  I am currently spending a day in Washington, DC.   John's Memorial service, Saturday,  was beautiful and touching.  People talked and sang and there were hundreds of people.  The Fourth Estate en masse.   Mark and Sharon's twins are tall and handsome.  Jackson, Robin and Nancy were impressively composed.  The brothers all did a great job at sharing John's childhood.  I met Kit's cousins, Fran and Wayne, and their families.  Thanks to all.  Today, Washington relaxing.  

Too much work

Just finished third week of full time work.  2 1/2 to go before leaving for Washington, DC for John's memorial service.  I want to be working in my kitchen, which finally got water yesterday--a whole month with no water in kitchen sucks.  

Wilke

John and Jackson at a family volleyball game in Maine, almost 3 years ago. Jackson is much taller now. John still said he was taller than Jackson when I saw them last in December, 2008. It was a fantasy to which Jackson was willing to let John hold. I have been looking for pictures from family gatherings. I can't find many. I was often jealous of Nancy, because her husband would be off with her on some couple adventure, just the two of them, while the rest of us were hanging out with the family, doing what we "should". John would explain these adventures as hikes or runs. They did have fun together.

May 3, 2009 Sadness

I have spent most of the time I have been back from North Carolina helping family and working full time.  Working is over rated,  the family--underrated. 

 I would like to give kudos, props, thanks to my sister-in-law, Nancy N. Wilke.   What a strong, heroic woman!   Nancy was married to John R. Wilke, who passed from this life on Friday.  John "wasn't dying" and did not want anyone around him feeling that he was.    

 Nancy honored his wishes and yet managed to bring him home for a week before he breathed his last.  All his brothers got to be with him at his home in Bethesda in a very intimate way.  They watched the Red Sox and the sunsets together.  Nancy shared his end with them.  Hurray for all of you--having the courage to be with John and greet death, and all its indignities, with fortitude.  I love you.  

I am BonnieBlue today

The family is odd.  I wish I was home.  I want to do something fantastic with the grandchildren.  The weather stinks.  

Smnuggles are us!

Saturday was a good day. Friday was not so hot. Friday Smadie was in the room. I am calling the difference between Sadie/angel and Sadie/that is not my grandkid the Sadie/Shmadie dicotomy. Suggested by Michaela. I do not know how to spell "shmadie" so I made it up.

Friday, everything and anything caused a torrent of "no, no n--ooooo!" followed by screams. Saturday she woke up bright and shiney and never cried all day. The photo here is from Friday night, as Michaela tries to coax the Sadie out.

On the Farm

I am just trying to get some of these pictures on line. I am not at home. Kit will add narrative later.