The Memorial

These are the beautiful tulips they gave me at work when I got told them my mother had passed away. It's sad but they only lasted a few days. They just don't like going from the controlled environment of the store to real life temperatures.

I'm now wondering where I'll plant the bulbs. I'm thinking under one of the arbors where Pepper is buried.

My cousin Betsy sent me these freesias. They're still blooming today although they don't look near as pretty as when they first arrived. It was nice that Chris was able to go back home and tell Betsy how beautiful the flowers are.

What do I love about Ray? He consistently takes a good picture. He's always so relaxed looking.

This is my cousin Mary. I really didn't get to visit much with her because I was trying to visit so many people and spent most of my time with Chris and Peggy because they kept me laughing.

Jim doesn't seem to change with time. Yeah, he's older like me but still he has the same core features as when we were kids. He's looking like Percy in his movements as he ages. It's kinda funny. That's his daughter but I don't think I've ever heard her name.

Will is another one who's nice to take a picture of. He never hides and just gives you a smile. I love it when I can take a picture of him.

This is Steve's sister Linda. She relented and let me take one picture of her, so I did. We went to school and graduated in the same year. I feel like I've known her for ages. Which I have.

Ahhhh....the nieces. Is that a group of mischief makers or what? They always make me laugh. They're a very nice bunch of young women and I'm very proud of them.

Then of course there's Jen. Remember all the pictures of smiling people? This is how she greets her tired old aunt. Hahahahaha! What a kick in the pants.

I love this picture. It's one of the best that I have of my boys and daughter in law. Talk about relaxed!

Ahhhhh....as Steve would say, "Here are the Goonie sisters!" I have to admit, I think the nickname fits. I love the picture because it's so rare we'll all stand together in front of a camera.

Here are my two favorite people in the world. If I'm down they're there to make me laugh. Chris on the left is my cousin and Peggy on the right is my childhood best friend. I have to admit Chris has it over Peggy because being my cousin she's known me longest. I met Peggy when I was 5 and she was 4. We got into tons of trouble together throughout our lives. What a blast!

See what I mean? What a kook! I just love this woman. I took her to Blackhawk shopping center to wander around before her flight. We ate lunch at the Blackhawk Grill and it was wonderful. They make their own pickles so Chris asked for an extra one and they brought her 3 more. The server was fantastic so I gave him a 22% tip. My son and niece who used to be servers would appreciate that!

Our table was right next to the water and this swan kept coming up and showing off. It never really begged for food. Just strutted its stuff.