soaring with the eagle

This afternoon marked both Dad's birthday and  our family gathering to pay tribute to him.  Our group of four sat graveside to remember Dad. It was in keeping with Dad's wishes that this been small and private.   A large spray of yellow flowers  was placed on a nearby table.  On the smaller table, Dad's urn, a photo of him and mementos to be placed in the vault.

We were lucky to have a dry day but my goodness it was cold.  It seemed appropriate to stay seated (and keep warm).  I had prepared a tribute to read and actually manged to get through most of it just fine.  Laurie, Vanessa and Kevin also spoke.  We then had a toast to Dad (one of his favorite's, Green Tea ginger ale).  We had selected three of Dad's favorite songs to play and at the end of the last song the eagle flew over low then headed north.  It was a fitting sight.

The day was as it should be, we remember you, Don Williams.  You are loved and missed.  We are thankful that you are with Mom and setting your course to sail the heavens together.

And for those of us left behind, we will continue your legacy.  

Moving forward

Things are ok.  Some days present more challenges than others.  There are reasons to smile, to laugh, to remember and to appreciate.

The family gathering for Dad takes place Tuesday afternoon.  We will remember a life lived well, Dad's love of his family and celebrate his birthday.  No good byes, more so till we meet again. Farewell.

We say goodbye

Dad passed away last evening.

There is sadness, some relief knowing Dad no longer has to struggle day to day and peace knowing he is with Mom.

The loss of both of my parents in nine months is too much.   They had a long life together, 64 years in fact.  They had a good run.

And for those of us left behind, we will move forward, one step at a time.

blog changes

Apparently there are changes coming and might impact blogs/bloggers. Have a read:

In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs.

As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.
We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow.
We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers.
Posted by Michael Goddard, Software Engineer


On the home front, no changes, we continue day by day.

New day New Year

Happy New Year!  Wishing everyone a very good year.

Thank you for all your kind words.  They mean a lot.  I will get a chance to reply soon.

Meanwhile Dad continues.  Yesterday was the first day I didn't go to the hospital.  As it happened being home allowed for phone calls and new arrangements that were able to be accomplished before the holiday weekend.  Today I will visit Dad at hospice.  It's located across the street from the hospital.

Rather than resolutions I decided on a word for 2016.  Mine is purpose.  Right now my life purpose is changing and me with it.

A couple of weeks ago Dad and I had a conversation with Dad saying "When I go visit Jackie....." and Dad suggested I could just put him in the car and take him....and yes, he was meaning his final trip.    He picks his moments for certain conversations.   This week our conversations have been silent thoughts.  Tuesday I believe he knew we were with him.  In the time since, he has moved further away.

Take time for each other.

Not an ordinary day.

Everything changed yesterday.  Dad had a stroke or a seizure and is in hospital.  We're hoping for the best.  

And to all ....

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year!

Raise a glass .....

Happy Birthday Mom!

Remembering you today and always.

the best gifts of all

Thank you Noah and Nate for this year's art projects that have been made into cards.

The best gifts ever!

Staying indoors, warm and dry

On the wet West Coast yet another storm system is hitting the coast.  Thankfully it is just rain and not snow!  Our outdoor lights that should run dusk to dawn are still on, so that implies it's gloomy....and it is.

Grocery shopping and errands were completed in short order this morning.  Anything else will wait for another day.  Soup is simmering on the stove.  Roast chicken is cooking in the oven as well as a cake.  After reading posts about  cassata cake I decided to give one a try.  The recipe I'm trying is one that can be made ahead and frozen, works for me.

I can finally post a picture of my first quilted posted as I know it's been received.  Definitely fun to do.  I'm already thinking of making another one.

Yesterday's mail included  a quilted postcard from my partner Sunny Schroeder.   I love the colors and the quilted design!

Also in the mail this week, from Lynda Ruth, a lovely card, crocheted tree ornaments and chocolate goodies.  Thank you so much!  The ornaments are already hung on our tree.  They look so delicate. And the chocolates might not last past this evening!

This profile of the hummer sort of sums up the day.  Even this little guy looks wet and rumpled.

A good weekend to all.