Yearbook Pics of My Father

My father's ex girlfriend sent me his high school yearbook along with a bunch of pics and I have been enjoying going through them. Of course, he would be voted best looking, biggest flirt and best dance. Wouldn't doubt that in a minute.

Parade at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady

We got free tickets to go see Parade the touring company play at Proctors theatre in Schenectady. We had never been to Schenectady so it was a new little venture for us. Schenectady is very pretty so we will have to come bak and explore when we get the chance. Proctors theatre is gorgeous and so impressive. Parade was very good with some dazzling voices. We really enjoyed it. Afterwards, we crossed the street from the theatre and went to this lovely Italian restaurant - Johnny's . Such great food and kind of old world Italian restaurant. Really loved the experience. So much fun.

John Shuford RIP

My father, John, was in a nursing home in Santa Maria, CA - which is north of all the LA Fires but he came down with a respiratory illness and had to be admitted to a hospital. Unfortunately, the illness was too much for him and he passed this past week. He was a jazz drummer and musician most of his life and played with several bands and loved horses. RIP John.

John Mickel Open House

We spent the day at Tim's parents house with an open house to celebrate the life of Tim's father, John Mickel. Most of his family was there along with lots of great neighbors, old friends and many members of the Briarcliffe Congregational church. It was so nice seeing everyone and remembering John and celebrating his life.

RIP John Mickel

This has been such a terrible year for us and it keeps coming. We lost Tim’s Dad, John Mickel this past week. He had been sick at home for a couple years now but still this was very unexpected. John was the sweetest, wisest, funniest and totally unpretentious persons I have ever met. He was the quiet Lion in the room. A skilled and famous botanist who had published several books specializing in Ferns. We were always surprised when we traveled - how well know he was in his field. Tim and I were in Rio on vacation and always loved to go to regional botanical gardens. When we walked into the gift shop to buy souvenirs, his books were at the counter and the staff knew about him and smiled and said the nicest things about him. He and Tim’s Mom, Carol, created this beautiful home and garden which seemed to be like this incredible Narnia like space as you entered their secret driveway and entered their beautiful world. We had SO MANY family events at their home full of joy and laughter - croquet games, weddings, easter egg hunts, fern frenzy plant sales, birthday parties, extravagant and delicious Thanksgiving and Holiday meals together. John was at the center of all of those events - orchestrating along with Carol so much joy and love. It was such a tradition for John to prepare his maps and clues for family Treasure Hunts. In some ways I feel like we have lost Shangri-La. Such a huge loss for all of us. We love you John. I will especially miss your Dad jokes.

Uncle Jack Visit

Uncle Jack came down for the weekend. A little hunting, a lot of eating and some great company for the weekend.

Happy Halloween