GOODBYES

What an emotional weekend this has been!  We waked and buried Scott's dad and it was an amazing journey of love and tears and reunion.  It's not over yet - there are flights to be caught and a few rounds of golf to be played and more family to share with - food and drink to consume, etc.  I do love Scott's brothers and their spouses and their children and their cousins ...etc!  But I must admit, I have one special favorite.  She happens to be that beauty on the left -

That's Danielle, Fred Jr.'s daughter.   (And also in this image - Fred's lovely wife Mary, who is SUCH a good sport - she allowed me to drag her on a long walk through the autumn orchards.  You are amazing, Mary!)  But back to Danielle - you extraordinarily, beautiful young woman - you lifted me and made me laugh and pause at your wisdom.  I missed you even before you left!  And now you are on your way back to your life in New Orleans.  I am determined to stay in close contact - that may include a trip next year.  I wonder if they have yarn shops in the Big Easy ...

Three of the five brothers - I include this image for prosperity as we never get to see Scott in a suit!  He looks good in pink, yes?  It surprises me that I didn't take a million photos.  The children gave me a wonderful new camera for my birthday, but the days took on such a frenetic pace that I was often without it.  Scott's dad served in the Navy for four years and I wished that I could have captured the poignant naval tribute.  We had perfect weather, cool and crisp and breezy.  The colors of the American flag draped over the casket against a surreal blue sky was just heart-stopping.  After the burial and a buffet we walked across the railroad bridge en masse.  We dropped red roses into the river.  One likes to think that Poppa Fred was somewhere nearby, smiling.