All Quiet on on the Western Front

This blog is closed for business, I think. Thanks for stopping by.

Ten years ago today

My grandmother died 10 years ago today. She was The World's Best Grandmother. Her actual name was Granny Smith, and she always had her namesake apples in the refrigerator. Her love for her family was boundless, she was the smartest person in any room, and she didn't suffer fools gladly. She had a difficult childhood that she spent her lifetime making up for. Since she had been treated badly by her stepfather when she was a child, she focused on making sure that her kids and grandkids always felt both loved and well-cared for. I could tell you a million stories about how well-loved we all were, but you probably have a grandmother of your own. We used to joke that even if we murdered someone, Granny would have thought they must have deserved it.

Of all her good qualities -- the fierce intelligence, sly sense of humor -- her strength of character was most legendary. Once she had decided upon a course of action, it was as good as done, with no wavering, no changing course midstream. What she herself did not do, she delegated to my grandfather. She did not drive, but decided she liked the looks of a VW Karman Ghia, so made my grandfather buy one to drive her to the grocery store in. My Kentucky-born grandfather, not a fan of any imported car, reluctantly acquiesed and learned to enjoy it. And if you were unfortunate enough to be mean to a family member, well, she had no use for you. Ever again. In your lifetime. Almost completely self-educated, she was the smartest person I've ever met. She was just -- always -- right. About everything, whether it mattered or not.

So one day, ten years ago, a celebrity died. One who seemed so full of life, with everything going for him, went so suddenly that it rocked her world. And she saw very clearly that if he could die, in his mid-thirties and at the top of his game, that one of her kids could die without warning as well. Or one of her grandkids. And she would not, could not, live with that. So, she chose to leave first. And because once her mind was made up and there was no changing it, without really saying goodbye to any of us, she up and went.

Just like that.

Happy 50 years, mom & dad!

So...we're home from the anniversary party. SO many people, tried to talk to everyone, but I know I missed a few. Mom and Cary both gave speeches--Mom's was heartfelt and touching, Cary's was fun and irreverent. All the best qualities of our family in a nutshell. Half friends/co-workers and half family/friends-who-have-become-family. Gina made an amazing cake, the food was good, the bluegrass band was perfect.

Hard to believe a couple could spend 50 years together and still have stuff to talk and laugh about. Good job, you two. But the 75th anniversary party? I'll have to think about that. This one wore me out.

Set (in my ways)

Did the bare minimum for Gina's set this time. Picked out colors and did some large scale drawing. Gina and Cary are doing the heavy lifting this time around.

sharon

Noteboek from Evelien Lohbeck on Vimeo.

tag cloud of obama's speech

tag cloud of obama's speech, originally uploaded by emilychang.

Hate to add to the dogpile of Obamafawning today, but I do love this tag cloud. A beautiful speech on a beautiful day.

Same old new year

Goth girls are terrorizing a pool at a motel somewhere in Rancho Cordova. Ashby and I have ordered a pizza that they wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole and are on our respective electronic devices on opposite ends of the sofa, happily sitting out the hour-long wait for delivery. We're drinking a better-than-decent local wine out of outrageously fabulous glasses. The house is warm, the dog snoring, cats are sleeping on a blanket on a chair. I guess things could be better, but they'd have to really try.