for Butch & Elaine

My uncle, Butch, recently passed. I attended services for him last Friday. I took some snapshots at the reception for my Dad to view as he couldn't make the trip. Then I thought my aunt, Elaine, would enjoy them too. A wonderful turnout of family, friends, coworkers & neighbors. So many people loved Butch. The speaker at the wake the night before said that the first time he met Butch he liked him. No surprise there. We will miss him. So I am coming out of blogging retirement to bring you these photos.

Travis

I've been working on a Christmas project with my sister-in-law, Jean. She has had to take quite a few photographs. Without giving away anything I just wanted to share one of my favorites. This is Travis, her son. Gene, my brother, is in the background. This makes me think of a Norman Rockwell painting. So I used a Photoshop filter to make it look more like a painting. I enjoy the photo of Travis but I also love the background activity. Even the small detail of the American flags along the sidewalk.

Uncle Butch

My Uncle Butch is slowly slipping away. He's been battling health problems for a few years now. Facing each obstacle with my Aunt Elaine at his side. Making new friends with each doctor appointment (Butch never met a stranger). Finding humor even when the rest of us would find it in short supply. He had a great summer. Found joy in mowing his lawn with his new riding lawn mower. Teasing the squirrels. Watching the hummingbirds fight at the feeder. I visited in August & took these photos of him reading at the kitchen table. Another small pleasure in his life. Memories to keep.

Levi

Levi is a busy boy. The back yard was recently fenced in so at least Amber & Marc have him corralled when he is outside. His big blue eyes are mesmerizing. And when he gets tired his left eye droops (and he gets cranky).