Joe Cool...make that Jack

It's summer at last here in Evanston, and that means...beach day every Friday! Jack couldn't be happier about that. Even better is the ride on a *School Bus* all four blocks from school to the beach itself. Life, as they say, is good...

Hope everyone is having a great summer! We're off to Benzie County on the 3rd for a fun and relaxing week. Wish we all were meeting there--we must schedule our next gathering at Crystal's water park soon!

Love, Chicago Davidsons

Mom and Dad spend some time in the 'Ville

We had a wonderful visit with Mom and Dad this week in Louisville! They arrived Tuesday evening from the their tour of the East coast and promptly went to work making dinner for everyone. This was greatly appreciated since I was still in Dallas, TX at a planning meeting and was not able to get back until Wed at lunchtime. The week was filled with games, a visit to the Zoo, Elsa's ballet performance during her summer intensive, and a trip to the Frazier Historical Museum. I wish I could honestly say that I understood everything that Ian and Dad were talking about as they went through the Middle Ages, several royal monarchs, and a bunch of other stuff that obviously did not register. I will leave it to Dad to fill in the blanks when he posts. We were also able to take a side trip to the Louisville Glassworks where we saw two hardy guys blowing a vase in 100 degree heat. We were trying to decide if it was hotter outside in the sun or inside near the kiln. In the midst of all of the activity our cat decided to go MIA as well. We were just about to post signs and alert the neighborhood when he showed up a the backdoor two days later. We figured Fritz just wanted to add to the excitement and drama of the week, but being a cat this was all he could think of to do. It was a great week, and Mom and Dad departed yesterday for the Stone family reunion in Barren River. Things are very quiet here as we wrap up the weekend and look through the pictures of the visit. I am off to tuck little people in.

Much Love from the Louisville Davidsons

PARTY!

Greetings from Chicago, where it is hot and sunny on Thursday the 14th of June - Happy Bastille Day everyone.

Tuesday, I had my first party since Dick left for greener pastures. I invited 18 interesting, smart and savvy women (including Laurie, of course) for a Girls Night Out. I love to entertain, and this was my first foray into cooking and serving for a crowd, since Christmas. It was a fun evening and everyone mixed well. The apricot chicken salad was a huge hit, probably because the secret ingredient was apricot chardonny jam, a present from Carol.

I'll be 66 on July 1st and Chad and Laurie are taking me to Mon Ami Gabi - how great is that.

I'll be travelling alot this summer - St. Joseph to stay at a friend's house on the Marina. Michigan City, twice, to visit other friends, New York City for three days of musuems with friend, June, who lives there. I'm hoping the Princeton crew will hop on the train to meet me for dinner

Then, there is the biggie - I am OUT OF HERE for Christmas - couldn't bear the thought of being alone, and then Pat Howe, and her daughter and son in law invited me to spend Christmas in Merry Olde England with the whole famdamily. I'll be with Pat in St Albans when I arrive and then Christmas week she and I will go to the Henderson's in Kent. If Toddie and Dawnie and Jezzie and Kizzie are in England, Oxford will be on the to do list. I'll be there from December 19th to January 2d.

I'm meeting with a geek tomorrow who for a sum uncertain will help me order a Dell super light notebook and all the bells and whistles, on line. Then he will teach me how to transfer files from the old desk top to the new notebook - if the geek fails, Scott, you may need to come visit me. Love to see you even if the Geek succeeds. His name is Niall - pronounced Nile, which I am told is Celtic. He's the son of a woman I work with on the Cancer Board, so I think I can trust him.

Lots of love to everyone - Becky

Mom & Dad Retired

Hi Everyone,
Dad's "Godspeed" Service was this past Sunday. It was very touching and wonderful. It was especially meaningful because Grandma was with us. Not every person can have a parent at their retirement celebration.

On Monday (Memorial Day)we placed some of Grandpa's ashes in the Pine River as he requested. Grandma hiked through the woods with us to the River. She's very secure on her feet. Her daily walks serve her well.

Scott wrote about our visit with him in Grand Rapids. He looked so handsome in his power suit and shiny shoes, but he sounded like the kid he is, by saying right away," I'm hungry. Lets get something to eat." We had such a good time together.

Love you and miss you. The Michigan Davidsons