Parents night at Phi Kappa Tau

A few weekends ago we went to Bryan's frat for an evening with the brothers. It started with a buffet dinner prepared by their cook, Gary, and was followed by activities.

First: a mother/son Newlywed-like game. The moms were asked questions about their sons while their son's were in another room, then they were brought in, asked the same questions, and answers were compared. Then the moms went elsewhere while the sons were asked questions about their moms. It was really hilarious and fun.

Second: a father/son pool tournament - pool being a big part of frat living (up there with studying, I'm sure). Bryan and Don won the tournament for about 2 seconds ... then the white ball dropped in behind the black. Drat!

So the Gills fared not too badly with a 2nd place in both activities. 

The boys did a great job putting on this event. We enjoyed seeing the boys we already knew from visits to our home, and meeting others. We also got to meet many of the parents, one who was kind enough to be the official photographer and followed up with us afterwards.

Bryan is finished school in just a few weeks - May 7th. Its hard to believe that his sophomore year is already coming to an end. 

Cat under foot

Whenever we return from a trip Toby stays glued to me for the first day or two. Yesterday I did a million things around the house, running upstairs, downstairs, into the laundry room, into the kitchen ... and he followed.

Today I did some garden clean-up and he sat within a few feet of me wherever I happened to be working. Here he is tucked under the Japanese maple. I guess the sun was too hot for him today. It's nice to be missed! 

 Soon he'll go back to ignoring me.

Back from Canada visit

We just got back from five days in Ontario. First we enjoyed a beautiful day in Niagara-on-the-Lake. While there we walked the cute main street, strolled along the lakeside, and enjoyed a relaxing room at the Harbour House Inn. We also sipped some delicious local wines at the daily wine tasting.

The next day we drove up to Toronto and checked into our hotel at Yonge and Bloor - a great spot for shopping with Carolyn. It was another gorgeous day. Then we rode the red rocket (subway) up to North York to see Jersey Boys which we enjoyed thoroughly!

The following day we were down to Ingersoll, Don's home town about 1-1/2 hours west of Toronto, in time for his mother's internment. The minister once again made it an uplifting, pleasant occasion.

Saturday found us in London, another 1/2 hour west, for Uncle Ray's 90th birthday party hosted by Don's cousin, Carol and her husband. Ray is Don's mom's oldest brother. He's sharp as a tack and remembers everything! Ivan, the next oldest at 88 was also there in fine form. And, ironically, the party was held on what would have been Don's mom's 85th birthday. It was great for all of us to be together with Don's Mom's side of the family. We always think our families are small but here were all these people related to us! And they're fun!!! What a find! We hope to stay better in touch in the years to come.

Ivan (88) and Ray (90)

Our extended family!
(The only one missing is our Bryan who is at school,
and Don Coleman who is taking the photo.)

In Brooklyn

Yesterday I went to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens with a couple of friends. It was another gorgeous, sunny, summer-like day here in the northeast - perfect for strolling through the gardens and having lunch outdoors. The tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolias were beautiful. 

Not a day you could easily fuhgeddaboudit!

I know something good about you

Wouldn't this old world be better,
If the folks we meet would say,
I know something good about you.
And then just treat us that way?

Wouldn't it be fine and dandy
If each hand clasp warm and true,
Carried with it this assurance,
I know something good about you?

Wouldn't thing here be more pleasant,
If the good that's in us all,
Were the only thing about us,
That folks bothered to recall?

Wouldn't it be nice to practice,
This fine way of thinking too,
You know something good about me,
I know something good about you?
     - unknown