A Gathering of Family

We gathered this weekend to remember Eddie B. and his life and also to celebrate the family we are all a part of and also remember Sharyn and Jill's aunt Vivian. They both left us within a few days near the end of July.


We had a gathering of cousins, who are the next generation of the Bierman and Sallee family. Bart is the calm quiet but not shy person who gave us all that special thoughtful grace...


... so it was perfect that he sat in front of this picture.


My son Matt also arrived the day before the ceremony and it was nice to see him again after out long visit at his house a little over a week ago - we were already missing him.


Also coming a day early was Greg from the DC area and Monica who arrived with Bart...

... and Louise. We were now only short one more cousin who would arrive a little later. We all understood that everyone could not attend and yet it seemed they were all there Brian and Patty we missed you but just know being present isn't just physically being here you are in our thoughts and hearts. Shirley and Vern we thank you for sending the "boys."

Of course I did a little roaming around looking for pictures that longed to inhabit my camera. There are always flowers at the Takach Ranch to shoot...


... and Jill and George's famous "Table Rock," ...

... their Ice plant hill that's a little like the "Painted Desert,"...


... and, of course, great decorative touches.


My favorite shot was getting Monica after she took a picture of the brightly colorful sunset.


We did a lot of catching up the first day and night standing and chattering ...


... and sitting around the table and it was great to see Isaac and Nicole who just made it in from Oregon...


We were there for the Celebration of Ed's Life but I realize it is really a Celebration of family and the many memories we all have of Ed and Virginia, Vivian and each other.


Jill did so much to make us all feel at home and worked for some time before anyone arrived ...


... and could not have done it without George who had a list of at least 10 pages...


... Sharyn also was there and together Julie, Jill's friend with a few others made the "Gathering of Family" as efficient as a "Swiss Watch." Then Keith arrives bringing more smiles and charm to an already charming remembrance.


As I wrote this blog and looked at this picture I can see a little of Don & Shirley , Vivian, Ed & Virginia in the faces at this table.


Having seen Jill work so hard to make us all comfortable it was good to see her finally relax...

... for the picture of the group of cousins. By the way Keith...


sorry about the horns in both pictures...


... but I did get Greg with some as well.


It's a hazard in Jill & George's Ranch...


... and everyone seems to smiling at the pictures.


So here is a picture of Keith sans horns especially for Shirley.


Then the guests began arriving including the future San Diego Padre - Paul Michael.


Tomorrow more pictures of the Celebration and a few at the Service

Quote of the Day ~

"There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained" ~ Winston Churchill