It's been an interesting week around here for me, so I'll consolidate and compress it all into a few pictures and words.
Got word last Wednesday that most beloved Aunt passed away at 90. She'd been severely debilitated for the past 7 years after a stroke, and was living out her days in an assisted living facility. As best as I could ever tell, those folks took amazing care of her and God bless them and others like them for all they do. Her one and only daughter, pictured below, has been amazing as well, seeing her nearly every day and taking her out for day trips. This passing is both a blow and a relief to her I am sure.
Rolling back the clock to I'm guessing the early 50's, and they were as sporting a couple as Hollywood ever served up.
Uncle Harry being a perfect showboat, and Aunt Elaine pretending to just not give a damn.
At the funeral, her daughter and some of her favorite second cousins wore vintage hats from my grandmother and my aunt in tribute to the strong women who made these families of ours possible. I have seen both work tobacco and gardens with picks and hoes, and I have seen both dressed to kill and looking like Cinderella headed to the ball.
Despite being a skilled attorney and having to want for much, Susan (left) has not had an easy go of it.
First marriage was a wreck.
Second marriage was storybook, and they were crazy about each other. He died suddenly in his sleep at 50. She was devastated, but she pushed onward.
Married once more, and that was another failure. She's embracing her old maid status now and finds little to no use for romance.
Those two younguns are full of energy and are taking the world head on. The middle one just moved to NYC and is working for a smoking hot investment firm that juts launched. The one on the left is in college still. Good kids.
My dad and his brother reminisce and share a story or two about their childhood days. I believe they were discussing walking over a mile through a blizzard to be in the church Christmas program when they were 8 and 10. They both have good sharp minds and good health. Not doing too badly for 87 and 85.
A little R&R Monday afternoon for me.
FINALLY got some Fall weather the last couple of days, and the crisp morning air fogs up with the heat leaving the pond. The sun burns it off as soon as it leaves the shadows.
This morning.
Yesterday afternoon I was watching the geese at the pond, when two deer caught my eye. They were looking at something and acting spooky.
Just then, a gorgeous red fox streaked across the yard, spooked the deer and the geese.
I watched out for him last night, but never saw him again.
So this afternoon I was in my home office on a phone call. I look out the door and see something reddish brown popping up and down in the drainage pipe that runs under the driveway about 50 yards from the house. WTF is that?!
Then I realized it was that red fox, scoping out the terrain before coming all the way out of the culvert.
I'll call you right back....
17 HMR to the head and he's done.
Good looking little guy, but still in summer phase and not a very thick pelt. My neighbor the taxidermist came and got him. I figured he could use it for parts if needed.
Still shopping for hats and getting ready to vote for Katie tonight (thread in Bear Pit). It's proving difficult to find a cap the right size for my buddy. Might have to go the upholstery shop and see if they can put something together from one of them Realtree sofas you see on tv.
