Thanksgiving Day

Just about the whole gang was gathered at Melissa and Stephen's house for Thanksgiving dinner. We were missing Elsie and Lila from Tallahassee, Kevin and Mike from Los Angeles, and Celie and young Charlie from Davidsonville. We had some additions. Stephen's brother Brad and his new wife Sam were at the table. It was a feast.

Dan, his girlfriend Paige and her 3 children joined us for dessert. Nora gave Paige's daughter Chloe a pink princess set with a tiara, shoes, and jewelery. Chloe was very proud of her new heels. I told her she looked like she had just arrived from Paris.

Everyone enjoyed seeing the children run around. Austen was busy playing with all of them.

John Eugenio was quite content sitting on many laps. Nora ordered bib and cap for me, which he is wearing in the picture.

All in all, it was a wonderful day. I had no trouble sleeping that night, as I went out like a light.

The National Shrine

Kit wanted to visit the National Shrine today to see our name etched on a column in the Crypt for the donation Kitty and I had made to the Building Fund in the 40s.

For $150, we had our names and Jack’s name etched in the stone. We put in Mohler for Kitty’s people. Kitty’s mother, Mrs. Mohler, was very pleased. She said “You have my name down there too.”

When the children were younger, we took many trips to the Shrine. Kit remembers pouting that her name wasn’t included. It was hard for her to understand she wasn’t born yet, nor was Nora, Elsie, Joe, or Charlie.

I stopped at the Shrine a lot during my working years. I would sit in the cafeteria and prepare reports. When different aunts would come to the Shrine for Mass, I would show them the stone. They were so happy. They all wanted to see it, as I was the first one in the family to do something like this.

I took my first digital picture today. Kit wanted me to take a picture of her standing by the inscription. It was a little hard holding onto the walker with one hand, while holding the camera with the other.

We saw a lot of the city as Kit ended up in different parts. She needs one of those things for the dashboard. Most of my children have one. I didn't mind getting lost as I enjoyed seeing the people on the street, the buildings, and all the construction that was going on.

Our family will be getting together for Thanksgiving at my granddaughter Melissa’s house. There should be about 20 people. I am looking forward to it.

My health is good

My oldest son Jack was very busy in October. We went to three doctor appointments. My teeth have been cleaned, checked out and are OK for awhile. We also went to the heart doctor for two appointments. My heart is fine. We are to return in six months.

October 20, 2007 - Austen's 1-year anniversary

Just a few days later, Kit and I headed out to Culpeper, Virginia to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Austen coming into Melissa and Stephen's family.

We had a wonderful dinner, cake, ice cream and presents for Austen.

Austen is pictured in the middle with his proud grandparents Nora and David.

October 18, 2007 - Lee's Memorial Service

It was a sad and happy time tonight. Kit and I went to Lee’s memorial service. Lee was Nora’s best friend's husband who died from complications from melanoma last Thursday. It was just a few months ago, he found out he had a serious illness.

I didn’t know Lee that well. I only knew him through Nora and Marge. After the service, I felt I knew him very well.

It was a very unusual and moving service. There was no minister or priest. Marge’s son Jim and his wife held the memorial in their home and Jim was the main speaker.

Jim proudly referred to Lee as Dad and said all his siblings were happy Marge had found a husband and they had found a father they never had. Jim described the wonderful character of Lee as a husband, father, grandfather, employee, friend, and as a man facing death. There were many tears and laughter.

Then Jim played a rock song on the stereo in a very loud tone in honor of his mother “Lay Your World on Me” by Ozzie Ozborne. Everyone received copies of the sheet music so they could read it as the song was playing. My grand daughter Melissa sang a beautiful song. Marge’s daughter Theresa sang a prayer. Then Marge’s grandchildren played many skits enacting funny stories from her life with Lee.

Jim’s wife Maureen and her family and friends prepared a feast for the reception. I had never seen so much food and so nicely prepared.

For dessert, a fellow brought over a fruit bouquet for me to pick out my own stick. I had never seen anything like it. It was something fit for a king. Kit told me that many people send fruit bouquets, instead of flowers.

I was very glad Kit and I drove out to Manassas for the service.