Quinn's Graduation 12/11/10

Quinn graduated from WSU yesterday.  He "walked" under his real first name John as a tribute to his Grandfather whom he is named after.  I am so proud of him!  He was the only Asian Studies graduate and so had his own department.  The paperwork got screwed up and he almost wasn't allowed to participate but he gave them hell and they ended up moving him to right at the top of the program.  Well done Sir!

Thirty three years ago today against a snow filled sky in Coeur d'Alene, my sweet baby girl, Erinn was born.  Happy Birthday Erinn!

In the spirit of Halloween.  1956.  My Mom made the costume, it's Michael the Arch-Angel of course.  Aluminum foil and wire hangers, I thought avenging angels were pretty cool at 6.  The only "Crusade" I was on was for candy.  That's my Dad's helmet on the kid next to me.  On the right Danny Steele and his sister.

Senior Prom, 1968.  I had just washed the Ford LTD and ready to pick up my date.  I have no idea why having ill fitting too short pants was in, but there you have it.  I had to rent the tux.  My Dad insisted on taking the photo.  Senior Prom was a really big deal.

1955 Summer.  We had just moved out from the City.  This was the new house at 20 Chestnut Rd.  This is my Aunt Catherine, Butch (Hugh), me, and a neighbor kid.  On the right is my Aunt Stella and my Mom with her perpetual smile.  Moving out of the City was a big deal.  Northbrook offered better schools, a more rural setting, and the greater expectations of the Middle-Class.  There is a dream-like quality to this photo that has always mesmerized me.

Left to right, Jim's Wife (Terry?), unknown, Aunt Regina, Mom, Me, Aunt Catherine. 1957.  Aunt Catherine was my favorite Aunt.  She used to take me to Downtown Chicago for New Year's Eve.  We'd eat at a steak place and see a movie.  Erinn has the video tape interviews I did with her before her death.  Many Family historical facts in that interview.

I'm not quite sure what this is.  It has the feel of a promotional shot (7-up labels turned toward camera).  I think I remember Mom telling me something about it being local.  At any, rate that's me on the poster.  Check out the bow-tie on that guy.  It's hard to believe, but that's the way people dressed back then. 1953.