Strange Spiritual World + Visits From Afar

Last Saturday July 12th we attended my grandfather Waino's Memorial Service in Gloucester, MA. It was a beautiful New England day. The service was held in a small church where they sold the Finnish bread, nissu (the sweet smell of cardamom that melts in your mouth) at a rummage sale in the basement. We had been to this church just 16 months prior for my great aunt Viola's service.

We had gotten word that morning that my grandmother, Doris Backman Ray, who still resided up in Maine at Piper Shores, wasn't doing very well. The pastor said a well wishing nearing the end of my grandfather's service for Doris and it wasn't but 20 minutes later that we all got the news of her passing. It couldn't have been more appropriate, astounding, and a relief. My grandmother had suffered from Alzheimer's for many years and she was finally in no more pain. The best part apart about it is after only 5 months apart my grandparents had been reunited again. May she rest in peace. I will truly miss her.

Last night we hosted a friend reunion of sorts. We had visitors from No. and So. CA, CO, and friends from Portsmouth who all attended. The Hanchetts brought their adorable son Ryder, Babs and Casey, Squirrel, Kerri, The Williams, and Jag. We were only missing a few couples from NorCal otherwise we'd have had the entire SF posse reunited in our backyard!

We had an awesome week and a half with Grandpapi and Nana Di in NH. Last Sunday we celebrated Kerris' first birthday with all of her Grandparents. That was really cool. She's less than 2 weeks away from the actual big day...and drinking full fat milk and facing forward in her carseat...but I don't think she'll really know what it means. But I'm certain she's going to demand some balloons for the occasion. :)Granna visits tonight and the Mom and Dad Unit will be enjoying a relaxing and fabulous meal at Anneke Jans in Kittery.