It's a luxury to live a few miles away from home - the place where I was raised and the parents who raised me. This is where I grew up.
It's full of interesting things to read and look at that were collected over many years. There is so much history here.
This was my Greek grandmother's painting. I love it because the woman's left arm seems a little too long.
My parents threw an engagement party for us, introducing new family to old family friends. So many people I love. My mom slaved to make it beautiful - and it was.
Flowers arrived with sweet notes of congratulations. This bouquet matched the color of the dress I bought about 35 seconds before the party started. Shopping is not my strong suit.
We were not prepared for the outpouring of love. So many hugs and kisses. So many words of advice. My great-grandmother looked on, frozen in time at eighteen when her life was just about to begin.
Good spirits were all around us - including my dad, the apple of my eye. Here he is modeling the panama hat we bought him for his birthday. We need to work on that brim a bit.
And my beloved and beautiful mom, the straw that stirs the drink.
The party was the night before my parents' 49th anniversary. Auspicious timing. A good omen. I believe in signs.
