Christmas Past - Christmas Present

When George and I were growing up at Elmcroft we used to have small Christmas trees in our rooms to entertain our cats. These little trees were decorated with small round ornaments which the cats would make quick work of. Two of the little trees were planted by the swimming pool. They are now about 50 feet tall. Click on picture to enlarge.

Burial Service

The family and some of George's close friends gathered at the Eastside Cemetery in Woodbridge for the interment of their cremated remains. Karen had kept the urns awaiting a nice day in the spring. It was very appropriate that the event was held on Flag Day since George was such a patriot. I said a few words and then read this little poem that mom had given me:
A Native American Prayer
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush.
I am the swift, uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.

After the short service we gathered back at Elmcroft for lunch.

Laurie Blandino, Karen Odell, Jacob Odell

Rachel, Emily, Jacob Odell

Click to enlarge

Christmas 2007

Many thanks to Andy, Dorinda and Maya for hosting the Christmas get together for the Rumbold clan in Perkasie. It was a great week of gatherings. On Wednesday and Thursday Andy, Jonathan and I drove up to Woodbridge. I installed the low temperature alarm in Elmcroft and on Thursday Karen came down to take us to the cemetery to see the plot for her parents and to George's house to see the work that has been done to get it ready to market.
See Andy's blog for lots more photos of the Christmas gathering.