Burt Valvo

We will miss Burt, that's for sure.  While I can't say I have a lot of specific memories of him, I can say that I always remember him as smiling or laughing heartily.  He always seemed a really good match for Jean. 

I recently heard something about how women bring men together and I've been thinking about it in terms of families but it does seem to apply here.  I don't think Dad and Burt would have been natural friends without Mom and Jean forcing them together so often.  Dad sort of skinny and serious--Burt stout and somewhat un-lawerly  made for definite opposites.  Mom and Jean certainly brought Dad and Burt together and made a little "family" for us all. 

Of course, I can't find the picture I really wanted to use here of Mom and Burt solving the world's problems at our kitchen table in Walton--if I recall, it looked as if they were both talking at the same time.  But I did find these from Judy's wedding and they sum up how I remember Burt.  I'm very glad that Judy and I made our visit recently.  Burt had been out yard-sailing that morning.  He proudly showed me an old book he'd acquired from one of these adventures.  So, thank you Judy for pushing that and making it happen.  Rest in Peace, Uncle Burt. 

New Braces

Well, here he is. He is still adjusting, and realizes it will take time, but the hard part is over (We hope)

Is he the first in the family?

Dad Aug 4 1927 - Jan 24 2003

Robert B. Parker died yesterday.  He wrote the Spenser books and I feel like I've lost a member of the family.  Mom loved the Spenser books, Kathy likes them and I'm not sure about anyone else but it was one of those things that we all had in common as kind of a secret treat.  A new Spenser book! 

There was a Spenser TV show for a while and it wasn't too bad--Robert Urich was the lead (dead also--sensing a pattern here).  Parker had another character Jesse Stone and that also made for some decent TV watching with Tom Selleck in the lead (easy on the eyes). 

The Spenser stories take place in Boston and nearby so I always felt like I knew the area well.  His prose was succinct with just a hint of humor at life's inconsistencies.  I never gave his books away--and I"m really glad for that now because maybe I will re-read them.

I thought I had an autographed copy from once when I heard him speak so I went down to see if I could find it.  As I went through them, I realized that over the years, the books have gone from pleasingly thin to satisyfyingly fat.  Must be his prose isn't as succinct as I remember it.  Or Spenser's life stories got more complicated. 

Alot like life in general.  Once again, going from thin to not-so-much;  from short and simple to complicated.  But I miss him already especially because it was something I shared with Mom. 

Good luck to Timmy--we are thinking about him.  Happy 30th Kevin!  Cheers to Spenser, Susan and Hawk.

Proud of our Coast Guard

Just wanted to let the family know that Timmy is doing well. He called me this weekend to let me know that he is definately in the thick of things in the Gulf of Mexico, and Haiti. His boat left Florida early last week for a two month planned deployment. They were quickly diverted to Haiti.

While Tim can't tell me too much about their mission, he did say that "if you are watching the news, you know where I am". He is very happy to be helping and making a difference. That is why he joined the Coast Guard.

He hasn't personally left the boat too many times. His job is to keep things going and ready on the boat for those who do leave and go on land. He said he has lots of stories and has taken over 200 pictures so far.

He wanted everyone to know he is doing well and that he is sorry he missed the "Ryan" Christmas. He says hello to all.

This proud Mom will let you know how he is doing as I hear from him.

Hello My Name is Troy

Right back at you.  Christmas 2009 (2010?  I never quite know how to label the pictures) was great fun.  I'm so glad everyone could be there and share some time together.  It was a weekend to remember for me!  I look forward to seeing Matthew's final version of the classic story of Achilles.  I TOLD Ryan those moustaches would come in handy someday.

Amy is back at Kutztown now and the house seems a bit too quiet.  Ryan's had a long week with games and Jim is still recovering from his bronchitis.  I don't think the beer was on his treatment plan, but .....Looks like we are going to need a new furnace and some kind of cat whisperer to teach 3 damn cats how to hunt INSIDE the house. 

It's kind of like the cats are our Achilles heel.  Hello My Name is Troy......

Provenance continued

I'm sure you recognize Weenie's lighter.  I was always fascinated by how they got his signature on that lighter and even though some of the wear and tear has occurred in the almost 27 (!) years since he died, it's somehow still comforting to know he used it ALL the time.  And his signature reminds me of his letters--always such a treat to find on in the mailbox. 

I remember Dad calling me at work when Weenie died.  I'm not sure why he chose to call me at work when it easily could have waited a few hours.  In those days, you had to toddle your way down to the main office to take a phone call--no such thing as a phone in your classroom (or your pocket).  So there I am standing there in our main office taking this phone call.  The news upset me very much and yet I felt I needed to maintain control.  Maybe Dad didn't want me to get the news at home alone.  Anyhow, it's amazing how such times stand out so clearly even years and years later.  Today I take comfort in the lighter and the sock and the memories. 

See you all Sunday and we'll make some of our own memories.  BTW--no one has claimed the coaster.  I'm beginning to think it came from the hotel in Gloucester, but I"m not apologizing for assuming it was one of you. 

??? Provenance ???

OK--does anyone recognize this?  It seems to be a coaster--glass with a picture insert.  It pains me to say this, but I found it in my purse a while ago and I have no idea where it came from.  Since I found a sytery object in my purse, it seemed only natural to turn to you all first!  Fess up so I can get this poor wolf home.