Nonpareils...

27 July 2025: The first night in our hotel, when the staff did a turn-down service while we were out, they left a rose and two little nonpareil candies on a pillow. Those were Ryan's favorite candy. I teared up as soon as I made the connection. 

Erin, Tara, and I talked about how meaningful it was that our get-together coincided with the anniversary of his death. In fact, we talked about him and much more (some very painful, but also with lots of laughter) all weekend long. 

Sisters' trip, day two...

26 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

From starting off at the Central Market to shopping to visiting Wheatland to a night-time round of mini-golf, we really made the most of our full day together. 

Sisters' trip!

25 July 2025: 

[Catch-up post...]

So much fun to get together with Tara and Erin for a couple of days in Lancaster.

Christmas: Part 2

29 December 2024: Hosted Erin and company, Tara and the boys, and my parents today for Christmas: Part 2. Pretty great time!

(this last one taken--obviously--shortly after everyone left)

She's home...

6 October 2024: The best news of the day/week/month is that after being in the hospital since Thursday, Tara was released today. 

She's absolutely the strongest person I know. Life keeps throwing her challenge after challenge and she just keeps meeting them. It's awe-inspiring, but once again--my good, I have to ask, why does she keep having to prove her strength?

Praying for her to keep recovering, to get some rest, and to know how wonderful she is. (Doing my best to help with that last part.)

"Blue Bayou"

14 September 2024: A good day and a peaceful evening unfolding here, but I'm also sad about some stuff involving people I love a lot. I wish I could fix things and, most of all, make my sister--the strongest person I know and one of the kindest--realize what she can change and what she can't. And, even more than that, that she doesn't have a thing to prove to anyone. I could get her to see herself the way I do. Sigh... 

This song, which has also been on my mind the last few days, kind of embodies this evening's...wistful (?) vibes...

Sweet Frog Meet-Up

22 July 2024: 

[Catch-up post]

Caught some great synergy yesterday as Tara, Jeff, Evan, and their new puppy passed right through Martinsburg on their way to Oklahoma for Colin's graduation from basic training. So Isla, Krista, and I met them at the Sweet Frog just off 81 for a quick visit. Really lovely that it worked out!

Beach sunset...

10 February 2024: Today is Tara's birthday. We are playing a bit of phone tag, but she sent me a picture of herself at the beach with a beautiful sunset behind her. She looked so pretty and happy that I felt myself well up at the sight of it. (Maybe this whole story is still on my mind...)

Grateful for every chance to realize how precious my siblings are to me. 

Snow ducks...

19 January 2023: I think Jane got me this duck snowball (?) maker two years ago and I had no chance to use it. Busted it out today for the fresh snow that fell, canceling classes for another day. 

After all these years, when it comes to groups of youngsters, I still think in fives.  

Christmas Eve 2023

24 December 2023: 

[Catch-up post...]

A couple of pictures from the nicest parts of the day...

Big sister's day...

10 February 2023: Today is my sister Tara's birthday and without a doubt, the nicest part of the day was talking with her on the phone when I took my walk (delayed until the afternoon because of a morning meeting). She's pretty amazing and it's just nice to remember that and say it. 

75!

14 August 2021:

[Catch-up post]

Celebrated 75 years of my favorite guy yesterday.

Sibling reunion

[Catch-up post...]

15 May 2021: When I was last in the same space as these two (December 24, 2019), I had no idea it would be so long until we repeated it. So profoundly grateful for vaccines.

Tara's birthday

10 February 2021: Today is Tara's birthday, and I gave her a call during my lunch break. It was really nice to talk to her mid-day. While we talked, I kept thinking about how much her conversation centers others and how little she focuses on herself. That says a lot about her, I think, and her kind heart. I do wish she would center herself every once in a while, of course! One of my self-appointed jobs is to remind her of that. 

Passing through...

5 July 2020: Saw Tara, Jeff, and the kids for a bit as they were passing through this way. Lovely to see them. Not getting to hug was sad, but maybe a small sacrifice to feel a bit safer.

Celebrating...

10 February 2018:

[Catch-up post]

Two of my favorite women got the celebrating they deserved yesterday. It was my sister Tara's birthday and it sounds like she did it pretty right: relaxing, taking it easy, getting pampered. In her honor, here's a ridiculous picture of us (with Erin) from 1989. I have no idea what's going on with my face, but my sisters look amazing.

Second my good pal Hannah celebrated her big 30 (a bit early) with a lovely dinner at Tim's house. This picture isn't great, but it's the only one I have. She is adorable and I am lucky to know her.

Thanksgiving...

24 November 2016: These people...the "good thing(s)" for the day, of course.

Tara and I.

Tara and Jeff.

My dad and I, taken by Colin, who has some things to learn about photo composition.

My mom and Colin. He looks good here, but she's looking away, so we took another one...

...and he looks (intentionally) psychotic. Sigh.

This guy, our dear Wolfie, turned 18 in September, so he gets a seat at the table and some turkey.

Lots of karaoke...

Sister stuff...

7 April 2014: Yesterday (Monday) was a crazy-long day. Not a bad day--just long, tiring, and a bit stressful. So an unexpected phone call and nice conversation with my sister was just what I needed.

On the mend...

26 February 2014: (Catching up again.) My sister Tara, one of my favorite people, had some minor surgery for her carpal tunnel problems on Wednesday. Everything went well (although she was pretty uncomfortable when I spoke to her that night).

So this one is short and simple: I am very thankful that things went well and that she'll soon be feeling better. She deserves nothing but the best.

Birthday wishes...

10 February 2014: (A bit late in posting, again!) Today's "year of thanks" posting is pretty easy: it's my sister Tara's birthday. She is one of the coolest, bravest, most amazing people that I know. I am so thankful for her.