Driving Crosscountry 2020 : Memphis, Tennessee

Shana and I, out of love for our two engaged children, drove all of their things, in a Penske Truck all the way across the country to Portland, Oregon. This is our journey, and it begins in Memphis, Tennessee with the Memphis skyline by the mighty Mississippi River! And our playlist begins with the song, "Walking in Memphis."

"As I was walking in Memphis. / Walking with my feet off of Beale. / Walking in Memphis, / but do I really feel the way I feel?"

Another Request from Leia before Her Move : Richard Scarry's Busy Busy World 2020

Leia is always steeped in nostalgia, and wanted to show some special books to Harvest. These are books that both her and I cared about when we were little! Most importantly, she wanted Richard scary's Busy Busy World.  This was part of my attempt to expose my children to the various cultures of the world, not realizing that I was perpetuating stereotypes in the process. Why did Leia want Busy Busy World? This is because the German story has 3 important characters: Smudge, Hans, and Frau Washerwoman. She named 3 of her stuffed animals after these characters and they were much beloved in our family!

Leia and Harvest Pack for their Portland Oregon Move in 2020

Determined to go to Portland state University, and determined to finish her high school online, we rented a Penske track preparing for myself and Shana to move all of our children's things to Portland Oregon! It will be our 1st trip across country, and Leia and Harvest will fly out to us after we drive.

Look at my stalwart little scorpio defying all odds!

A Sign of Our Times : Black Lives Matter 2020

 The image above bears the common slogan these days of black lives matter. This is a result of the killing of George Floyd, who was killed by policemen in cold blood. This became a democratic vs. Republican fight. The democratic side would declare black lives matter, while the Republican side would declare all lives matter. Even in our little city of Asheville, see below, you can see the sign of our times spray painted right by the Brazilian steakhouse.

A First Communion During Covid : My Cousin's Children in Buffalo New York 2020

 I think this post from my cousin hit home more than any other in regards to covid 19! To see a little 7 year old girl have to wear a fancy mask for her 1st communion. It was the only way I could have taken place.

Facetime with Oma & Papa from Emily & William

 Even considering their move to North Carolina to be closer to us, I think the thing that gives oma and papa the most joy in this world has to do with technology and doing facetime with William and Emily and April almost every single day! We thank you April for this great joy you've given to mom and dad!

The Michael Franti Concert is Cancelled 2020