Mr. David T. Warner

IN MEMORIAM

My long lost book project - this time, almost to the printers.

Mr. David was my buddy and my believer. Over the two years that he and I worked on this project - the David T. Warner Foundation became a major factor and supporter - always. And, I promise you David, when she's finally published, that I will keep your wacky introduction intact, with little edit. I promise.

paperwork & paper

It's been 7 months since our 'Gramma Jo' died.

My mother-in-law was a real sweetheart, but a fanatic about paperwork, receipts, records etc. For many years, in her early life, she worked a daily-life as an accountant - paper, pencil, eraser and a hard-bound ledger ever ready.

So today, I believe she would be extremely proud. Her final paperwork of files, statements, receipts, bills, deeds, wills and last wishes collected and sorted for relevance, that I've kept in my briefcase, are now all complete. But really, Gramma would be particularily proud of 'her' Michele, her grand-daughter-in-law and 'final' executor, who dove in and kept the probate process honest and always moving forward with the attorney's -  all with her endless 'paper-less' e-mail correspondence and those final constant updates.

Sometimes, 'Gramma Jo' would say to me - that I was full of "GÓWNO" (polish for shit) - but I know, she only ever meant it as a sincere compliment.

Laughter (a little bit of)

Well, we all need this. (and family helps).

I believe here, my Matt was enjoying himself at his daughter Bella's birthday party. Occasionally, it's good to see a family member smile (or laugh). We heard through Michele (the photographer), that Bella was ridin' high on an Arabian horse - some six or seven 'hands' high.

Thank God, for family photos and those goofy times.

Mr. Eric Kroll

Eric - my long lost friend, on the road, living in-and-out of his truck, stopping for a lay-over in Sarasota, documenting whatever is there, and when he can find it - with his big hat and purple pillow case - sleeping where needs be - and very happy - simply taking photos all along the way.

Florida Vacation - (red plastic pumps & feathers)

Our Balaban Family - on their last day of vacation. My daughter Rebecca, was given a very special 'dinner' gift of new, red plastic pumps the night before. Shoes courtesy of 'Eric Kroll' and delivered in an ice chest to our dinner table. And, my young grandson Dustin, holding feathers from our Myakka visit a few days earlier - feathers found as a leftover near the foot of a park alligator.

Recent family portraits

As I add more and more family - where to put them all?  Camera seems to help with recollections - helping me document a set time.  This "Journal" helps me keep them visible.

McCourtney / Champe family - November 2011

Overholtzer girls - November 2011

new Boots

Well, it's been nearly ten years since my last pair of 'new' boots. And over twenty-five years, with three different pairs, wearing the same Red Wing's.

My last pair met a horrible death awhile ago - and, have been waitin' for the extra money to keep me goin' for another decade.

Even Knuckles likes 'em.