1986

We settled in very nicely at our new address on Nebraska Avenue, Caruthers.     This photo of the living/dining, kitchen area was actually taken during my cousin's visit.     Gwyn and her husband, stayed with us for a month and as usual I played hostess, showing off our great state of California.     This was their second visit so we spent more time in the San Francisco area and northern California, and took a great trip up to Vancouver Island in Canada to visit with Irene and Gordon.     If any of you every get a chance to visit this part of the world, I strongly recommend it.     Victoria is a beautiful city and nearby are the Buchard Gardens - the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen:

Mom Topper was 80 years old this year, and they had a party for her in Sacramento.    There was a really good turn out of her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.     The early stages of her Altzeimers were beginning to show, but I believe that she had a great time too:

From left to right, we have Hazel, Frances, Mom, Bill, Louise, myself and Dick, Bev and Jerry.

Katrina and family came up from Fresno and we were very proud of them.

Love that hat Mindy!

We were invited up to Yosemite Lakes Park for their Santa's Helpers dinner.    I'm including this photo mostly because it is one of my favorites of Frances and I.

Two more 'people' were added to our household this year.     Debbie moved here permanently from Illinois, and Taffy brought home a kitten!     Really, she did.     It was while my cousin and husband were here and we came into the driveway and saw Taffy and Buddy investigating this bush in the front.    It was a tiny white kitten, terribly scared, but hissing and clawing if we tried to get her out.     We left her and went into the house, Buddy followed us in.     Shortly after, here comes Taffy followed by the kitten and she led it right into the house and to the waterbowl.     We had our third cat!     She turned out to be one of those that had the extra thumbs on her front paws, so we named her Thumbelina (Lena for short).

She settled in well with all the animals, but Taffy was obviously "Mommy".     She mostly slept with her and Taffy was very protective when she was small.

We had one of the best Christmases yet.     Louise and I put on a spread, and it was one of those magical days when you truly felt the spirit of Christmas.     Not to say most of our Christmas get-togethers weren't good, but there was something magical about this one.     I hope all of you can remember it that way.