R.I.P. Grandaddy

My Grandaddy died at age 96 yesterday. He had a girlfriend, a house with a hot tub and a fast car. He loved nice cars and driving fast. Too fast. I've been thinking about the day he showed me how to widdle a dogwood tree branch into a tooth brush and how he looked like a little boy when he tipped his head back for a nap. And how sometimes his temper got the best of him -- especially on the golf course. And his voice and his stories and his colloquialisms. And cold cucumbers, sweet tea and fried chicken at his Sunday table. His humor and his intelligence and his bottomless optimism and how tight he would hug me to himself to say hello or goodbye or I love you.

The Center
With all us Grandchildren

Not a dry eye

If you know me even a little then there's a good chance you've seen me cry. I've embraced my tendency toward tears and have found many worthy weeping opportunities of late.

For one, The International Festival at Ella Rae's school in all its idyllic glory, where 32 countries are represented in the student body.

Flag ceremony
Pretty in pink
Beloved teacher and best friends
Ballet Folklórico
Attentive brothers
More tears shed during The Grapes of Wrath at Zach Theatre. Janelle Buchanon, A+ classroom parent and "the heart of this production" set a new bar for strong female characters with her portrayal of Ma Joad. I've never read Steinbeck's novel but the majority of the dialogue was taken directly from the text. The language is folksy and full of force. Nothing like a dust bowl saga to put the current economic climate in perspective.

My hero Ma Joad and brood
Last but not least Wilco's live recording of California Stars took me for a teary-eyed ride. The lyrics written by American folk legend Woody Guthrie and music composed by Wilco and Billy Bragg wash over you like a warm wave. Just a few days after this goodness gush I heard news of the untimely death of Jay Bennett, musical genius and former member of Wilco. Our friend Don, who shared musical collaboration and a roof with Jay eloquently wrote about his life for the press and on his blog Greedy Love. Certainly I'm not the first or the last to feel deep emotion while listening to this song, or the many others that Jay Bennett helped coax out and set free during his time on earth.

Jay and Woody

Memorial Day

Thank you Dad and the many like you that have faithfully served our Country.

Fred S. White -- Vietnam
purple heart and sandbags

The Dirt

This special mix of compost, granite and soil is destined for the backyard berm. Mr Mooks big and little are smitten. Big Mr Mooks wistfully uttered "isn't it pretty." As for Mr Mooks little....

gemme 10!
joy + drool = mud kings of the hill

Happy Mama

Mamarama weekend included....

*Ella Rae's gymnastics performance and award ceremony! You rock Hotshot!!!
*Construction site play and pilfer. We couldn't resist a few souvenirs (rebar, pipe, rock).
*Late night dinner prepared with great skill and love by Mr Paparama (farm raised lamb chops, roman artichokes and oliver hill shiraz).
*Sleep in and killer breaky.
*Hamilton Pool hike, swim and multiple water moccasin sightings.
*Good tunes and interior mexican food at Polvos.

Lemonade and Crystal Sale

and other images. Ella Rae and her pal Citlalli each banked $14 and change. Next entrepreneurial endeavor Pizza and Biscuits.

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setting up shop
hearts
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