My Aunt Elsie Palmer passed away last weekend and I attended the funeral today.  I have many fond memories of spending time with the Palmers, both in Gheen and at Myrtle Lake.  There were many smiles as we all remembered the overloaded pontoon boat but I also have memories of visiting the Palmers on Sundays when the family went out for our traditional afternoon drive to go visiting.  I can still hear Johnny Horton’s Greatest Hits playing on the photograph. 

The photo above is Elsie and Art’s wedding photo.  On the far left is cousin Rosie and Dad is standing next to Art.  The other couple in the photo is Art’s brother and sister-in-law from California.  Dad had returned from Seoul, Korea where he had been stationed in the Army for over a year.  He brought back the silk fabric that Aunts Helen and Siggie used to sew Elise’s wedding dress.

I hadn’t seen Elsie and Art’s son Jeff in many years.  He arrived a couple of days ago from Montgomery, Alabama with his wife Meesoon who was born in Seoul, Korea.  Jeff said he spent about three years there while in the Air Force.  Jeff and Meesoon are pictured below.

And last, but not least, we have a photo of Dad and Rosie from this afternoon.  What a great photo of both of them!

Rachel and Ryan entertained a group on Thanksgiving day including parents Donna and Harvey.  This was their first attempt at a turkey dinner and Donna reports that they did a great job, right down to the timing of everything. 

Ryan is mashing the potatoes……

….and apparently teaching his friends how for next time ! 

Sue sent me this lovely photo of her and Boris with his granddaughter Lily Mae.  Below is a photo of Lily with her mom Isabel.

I spent Thanksgiving Day at Brian, Jean, and Kaarin’s with the Siggie and Ann, Jim, Sue, Jesse and Jace Porter, Jace’s girlfriend Mary Kay and Melissa Stanton.  Brian and Jean cooked a fabulous meal and we had a very pleasant holiday visiting and listening to some good music.  Ann serenaded us with with a few tunes on her button box accordion and Kaarin played a piece on her violin that she had just performed at a recital.  The afternoon was topped off by a couple of duets by Brian and Kaarin on guitar and violin.  What a talented family!   They are lucky I didn’t bring my clarinet!   Pictured above and below is Kaarin.  I apologize for the poor quality of the photos, I used a phone camera because I forgot my good one at home.  That will teach me!

Congratulations to nephew Justin on getting his 9–point buck!

A theme party was held to celebrate brother-in-law Terry’s birthday on Saturday night…  yes, you are looking at a room full of pirates!  My guess is that by the end of the evening, not a one of them could have walked a plank!

Adorable Drew DeArmond, son of Jim and Kelly, was a chicken on halloween.  Now how cute is that??

I started taking clarinet lessons last spring.  I was jealous of all the fun that Susie, Ann and Elaine were having with their accordion and piano lessons.  When trying to decide which instrument to study I wanted to make sure that it was a portable instrument.  I tried piano when I was very young and had trouble reading music.  I really believed that as an adult I should have no problem if I applied myself.  I have been amazed with myself and my ability to learn to read music; to look at a note on the page and know automatically what fingering to use brings me great joy!  I still have to work on identifying those notes by name, but at least I can play them when I see them now.

I am working on two pieces that are duets for Clarinet and Piano; I gave copies of the pieces to Elaine and Susie.  Look for an annoucement of a family concert but don’t hold your breath!