Phases of Our Lives

 If you must look back, do so forgivingly. 

If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. 

But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully.    Maya Angelou

This quote caught my eye and heart. As I thought about it, it's wisdom to approach all phases of our lives

-forgivingly, prayerfully, and gratefully

Kirkland at Night

 Even in the midst of Covid restrictions and chilly temperatures (mid40s), 
there are places of peace, beauty, and community

A couple salsa dancing in the pavilion

A trio playing jazz because they can no longer perform indoors

Indoor dining is forbidden so people are eating outside 

Two musicians (on the right) get ready to perform 

for outdoor diners at the many restaurants on Park Lane

Mid40s is chilly for Kirkland. People just bundled up in winter coats 

and dined in small groups outside

The Cow and Coyote are ready for Thanksgiving

Joe in a Clown Suit & His Dog

 

This picture was taken in 1938. I was 4 years old. My Mother must have loved this clown suit since she took many, many pictures of me in it. Maybe she knew something that I was only to find out later. I hope this is a Halloween picture! 

The dog’s (my second) name is Gyp. He is a Springer Spaniel – a very family oriented hunting dog. My first dog was a Rat Terrier that jumped all over me – he got run over by a car. 

 

I really liked Gyp – probably because he would let me pet him and didn’t jump all over me. Shortly after this picture was taken, he disappeared. I was taking a nap in the afternoon. When I woke up Miss Ging (my nanny or if you prefer nurse maid) told me some men came into the backyard and took him away. In later years I got the idea that my father was persuaded by someone in his office to sell him since we did no hunting. 

The black box in the background held the photographic plates used in Speed Graphic cameras used by my father in his advertising work. I am not sure where this picture was taken, but I remember very well the black box and squatting down by Gyp. 

 

A four year old kid’s view of the world is somewhat limited to remembering images not context. I am very fortunate to be able to remember my childhood fairly well.

 Written by Joe, February 2006

 

Sunlight & Living Water

"The word of God is sunlight to our souls. It is living water in our lives. To hear or feel the word of God is to feel the Lord's face smile upon us and give us peace." Gerrit Gong

Spectacular Sunset

  

Marina Park

This is the best spot to watch sunsets. In these days of distancing, people tend to trade off the spots on the end of the dock. This evening I stayed for a long time, soaking up the beauty and peace. 

It was fascinating to watch the light over Seattle (on the far left)

The light lit up the water and clouds

Our WWI Veterans

  WORLD WAR I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARDS

Harry Edmond Floyd, age 22

Caryl Ames Holton, age 26

The second part of the card indicates Harry is of medium height & build

He has brown eyes & dark brown hair & wasn't bald [not yet]. None of his limbs were missing and  he wasn't "otherwise disabled."

*****************

 The registrar's report indicates Caryl is of medium height & slender build

He has blue eyes & red hair & wasn't bald. None of his limbs were missing and he wasn't "otherwise disabled." The card is signed by registrar John A. Cathcart who is Celia Cathcart's uncle, brother of Celia's father, William Gabriel Cathcart.

*****************

WWI registration card images from familysearch.org

Harry Floyd & Mildred Browne

My grandparents were in the same graduating class at Saginaw High School, Saginaw Michigan

Harry Edmond Floyd and Mildred Jane Browne

Class of 1913

Harry and Mildred married in 1922 

Their children - Jane Elizabeth Floyd (1923) & Mary Floyd (1926)

images - 1913 Saginaw High School Yearbook

MyHeritage.com

At the Lake

  Beauty & Peace