9/22/09

Remembering my Dad, Their 50th Anniversary, Outdoor Wednesday Pics



My brother Tom recently sent me a CD with pictures he had taken a few years back while visiting our parents in Wisconsin.   My parents were living in a house on the River and it was early October.  I thought these pics might be a good fit for Outdoor Wednesday.  Please visit our hostess Susan for more great pics! 


My brother Tom, who lives in Flagstaff, AZ has a better camera and is also a much better photographer.



My parents cocker spaniel doing what she likes to do best!!!



My brother was home for my parents 50th Anniversary party.  When I look at these pics I feel a bit sad, because my Father passed away just a little over a year later.



This was such a neat place!  But sadly, my Mom felt  she couldn't stay here without my Dad. 



I love this pic, with the reflection of the tree.


Here is a view of the back side of my parents home.  The kids and adults would go down these steps to fish, throw rocks and take out the canoe. 


A typical foggy Autumn morn. in Wisconsin.



Those are some interesting looking mushrooms there Tom!


Another view from the River. We had many fun cook-outs and family get-togethers out here.




My sweet SIL Kathy, Tom's wife, made this quilt to celebrate my parent's anniversary.





My Mom and Dad on their 50th Anniversary.  To celebrate, we rented a paddle boat called the Julia Belle Swain.  We cruised down the Mississippi with 75 family and friends while enjoying a Champagne Brunch. 



This will be the last picture of all of us together.  As you can see, my Sis and I are outnumbered!  I have six brothers. 


My Mom, with some of her granddaughters.  My daughter Katie upper left.  I think my Mom looks pretty good for having 8 kids and pushing 70 in this photo.  My Mom now has 25 grandchildren!!



A few more pretty outdoor October views. 


Tomorrow is my brother Tom's birthday.  Happy Birthday Tom !!  We are only 13 months apart in age.  I'll see you in about a month Tom.  Friday would have been my Dad's 82nd birthday.  I know my Mom will be feeling sad and I will probably be spending  time with her.  Thanks for letting me share this with all of you.  Cindy

39 comments:

  1. Oh Cindy, this is such a beautiful post. I have tears in my eyes. Tom's photographs are wonderful. What a peaceful-looking spot just reading about your parents and your memories of times together in their lovely home. Your family is beautiful, and you obviously come from great genes! I only raised 2 children and I only have 4 grandchildren, and I KNOW how much I've aged. She looks fabulous. I am so sorry about your father. He and your mother look so happy and so loving in that photo on their anniversary. What a wonderful heirloom your s-i-l created. How special to have the photos of your parents' wedding day on the quilt. Wishing Tom a happy birthday, and thank you and Tom both for sharing this beautiful photography of such an idyllic spot. laurie

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  2. awwww I can see how this would make your heart sad. What beautiful photos--and memories. You cant beat em can you? That surely was a beautiful place to have.

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  3. Oh Sweetie, I so love this post. I can see you definitely got looks from both of your parents. Your Moma is absolutely gorgeous, and isn't your Daddy a handsome devil? I can see both of them in you. 6 brothers - I don't know how you stand it, I could hardly handle the 1 that I have. Love the pictures sweetie, and you know what, that is what we have after a family member passes all the wonderful memories. When you loved your family member, and the loved you in return, you have so many wonderful memories. That is so lovely. The house will always be in your heart whether it belongs to your family or not. You will always hear the laughter, the pebbles hitting the water, and feel the water under you as your paddle across the lake in the canoe. Nobody can take that from you Cindy.

    The pictures that Tom took are just breath taking. I too, love the one that has the tree in the reflection of the lake. It is gorgeous. Happy Birthday Tom, and is Tom the one that lives here in the valley? That is what is bringing you to Phoenix? I have forgotten. Take care and I will see you sometime around Halloween. Be sure and let me know when you are coming as I want to set up a tea with the Arizona bloggers, and we could have a Halloween tea. How fun. I can hardly wait to hug you. Country hugs sweetie, Sherry

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  4. Cindy, what a beautiful place your parents lived for so long...they were truly blessed to live in nature and to have each other for so many years. The pictures are wonderful, and I can see why it would be difficult for your mom to stay there without your dad. But the memories are forever, for her and for all of you. I hope you have a wonderful visit with her and your brother. Happy birthday to Tom, and best wishes to your mom.

    God bless,
    Mary

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  5. Beautiful fall pictures -- My sister lives in Wisconsin too --- burrrrrrr -- too cold for this "slightly southern" gal! My mother died almost exactly one month after their 50th anniversary - she had alzheimers and because of that --- we almost didn't have the party, but looking back, I'm so glad that we had that opportunity to gather and celebrate.

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  6. Cindy,

    Such a beautiful, bittersweet post. I am on the verge of crying. Tom's pictures are breathtaking. Wisconsin is one of the all time beautiful states, and I know. Happy birthday Tom and many more.

    Your father was such a distinguished looking man and your mother does look pretty for being almost 70. Six boys! We have six girls and 1 boy. What a crazy, girly household we had!! Your mom's beautiful, youthful face gives me hope! lol! And you look so young and pretty. You should crop this and use it for your blogger pic. You look so happy and carefree. And weren't we, back then when we thought our parents would be together until a very ripe old age. Their house was beautiful.

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday, Cindy.

    xoxo
    Jane

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  7. CIndy! OMG!
    What awesome memories. Oh my! I would've given anything to have my parents celebrate their 50th. How lucky you are!
    What great photos. Tell Tom he did awesome! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
    Oh! what a good time you all had. A riverboat cruise. How fun! What fabulous memories you now share and are forever shared with all of us in these photos.
    What a wonderful post.
    Hugs. Karen

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  8. Wow, Cindy, these are beautiful photo's! Everyone just made me want to be there! Your parents are so cute...and 50 years..what a blessing to their children! Thank you for sharing..I'm new at this blogging and i am just thrilled at the wonderful sisters I am finding all over..makes me just love our eveyone of them! Come see my new post and see what you think, I would appreciate any and all idea's :D

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  9. Cindy, what a precious post. Such breathtaking pics!
    Oh and get this! My brother Gary's birthday is tomorrow too... and we're 14 months apart! How funny!
    I had the best trip home!! Perfect weather! I'll be posting my pics this week. Wish we could have connected. The rehearsal dinner was at Club 95 in Hixton Friday night! I should have called you to meet me there!

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  10. What a beautiful post, Cindy! Wonderful photography and what a gorgeous and peaceful place! Your mom is so pretty, looks just like you. I am so sorry about your dad but I can assure you that he is with you all the time in spirit......Christine

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  11. Cindy, what wonderful photos and a great post honoring your Dad and Mom.

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  12. I'm so sorry for the loss of your father, but what wonderful memories you have of him. I love the quilt, what a sweet SIL.

    Please come by for my first (and last) poetry reading about the Hippy Bees...lol.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  13. HI Cindy! Oh, I'm just breathless looking at your gorgeous photos here! I love the picture of your mom and dad! The place is gorgeous!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  14. This is such a beautiful post and a wonderful tribute to your parents. My mother died just six months after their 50th wedding anniversary but we have some wonderful memories of the 50th celebration. Sadly my dad only lived another two years...I miss them so. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos...sending good thoughts and prayers your way..jj

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  15. Happy 5oth to your mom and dad. Good health and and all the best wishes.
    Your photos are wonderful as I haven't seen autumn yet, now I know the looks of it. I'm glad I'm here.
    Just gorgeous outdoor post!
    Regina

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  16. Hi Cindy. Pardon me for the earlier wishes.
    All the best for the family.
    Such a beautiful tribute.
    Lovely colors of autumn.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Regina

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  17. Cindy, I feel as if I really got to know you with this post. What a beautiful setting your family lived and played. Your father and mother look so proud on their 50th, and what a super celebration it was! Your mom has gorgeous blue eyes; so did mine.

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  18. What breathtaking photos to reflect upon your daddy and your parents Anniversary. I'm sending ya hugs here......{SIGH!} Happy, happy birthday to Tom. :) Only 13 mo. apart, I'll bet you're very close. I always wanted a big brother, Mom tried to explain, see I'm the oldest. LOL

    Know wonder your so beautiful, look at the 'stock' in your gene-pool! Ya'll have a wonderful day cherishing your memories and celebrating your bro'. God bless you Cindy!!!

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  19. Hi Cindy,
    I loved this post. What a beautiful family you have and what a wonderful way to remember your dad. I am sorry for your loss. The cruise sounds like it was a great way to celebrate a 50th Anniversary! God bless your mom. She looks wonderful. Wow 25 grandchildren! Amazing!
    The pics your brother took are wonderful. Love the ones with the morning mist. Thank you for sharing these wonderful family pics with us, and a big happy birthday to Tom!!! Hugs, Loretta

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  20. Cindy, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, but this was a lovely tribute to both of your parents. I bet it was hard for your Mom and family to leave such a great spot there on the river. That was a great idea to hold the anniversary on the paddleboat. I'll have to keep that in mind for my own parents. They are pushing on 54 years. (We passed up my parents 50th 'cuz my Dad had his triple bypass at that time and we just couldn't plan....you know what I mean) How sweet that your Mom has so many grandchildren ! ~ Robyn

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  21. Cindy, what a beautiful post and tribute to your folks. It's so rare these days people make it to 50 years of marriage. These truly touched my heart. Both my folks are gone now and I miss them daily. I love the shot of your folks cocker spaniel down at the water. Perfect shot for a picture to hang inside. :-) I truly enjoyed your beautiful post. hugs ~lynne~

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  22. I really enjoyed your post today. Love the photos. What a beautiful family. It looked like it was a gorgeous day. The colors are amazing! Thanks for sharing your family with us.

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  23. Your photos of your parents home and surroundings are wonderful. I suspect you have bittersweet memories when you look at them. I'm sure your Mom will appreciate your company. Have a good visit. Have a great Outdoor Wednesday.

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  24. Beautiful family for sure.

    Your photos as usual are stunning. I could feel the fog.

    If you get a chance please stop by and say hi!

    TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

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  25. Hello Cindy,

    What a wonderful tribute to your father. The photos are fantastic. Your parents had a great home. What a fantastic place to grow up. As an only child, I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to have that many siblings!

    Thank you for sharing.

    ~ Tracy

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  26. What beautiful pictures and such a beautiful place to live. I know that you have so many wonderful memories close to your heart. Thanks for sharing these.

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  27. Cindy, these are lovely photos. What precious memories you have. My dad didn't live long enough for them to celebrate their 50th. My mom is 71 and she has had three children, watched one pass away, and now has three grandchildren and two great grandkids. She is so wonderful with all of us!

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  28. What beautiful Fall pics, Cindy.
    And what wonderful memories you have of your parents, their home and the family gatherings..
    You will always have those!
    Great post! Good thoughts for your mom...so glad she has such a large family for support!
    Stop over to my blog..my table in dedicated to you!

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  29. Beautiful pictures....beautiful family....beautiful post....I really enjoyed seeing your family and your Mom and Dad...I can't believe she has 25 grandchildren....I'm thrilled with just one she must be ecstatic!! Thanks for sharing...

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  30. What great pictures and what great memories.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  31. Good morning Cindy.
    I so enjoyed your post! I live in Wisconsin and so enjoy all those sites....thanks for the reminders.
    How awesome you mom and dad lived/s on such a gorgeous spot - it's paradise.

    Hugs, Karen

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  32. I love your blog !!! I don't have one, but I do love to follow others....The pictures are beautiful and I just love your play list !!! This latest made me think about my Dad who passed away on Thanksgiving Day 6 years ago.

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  33. Beautiful post - great looking family.

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  34. Amazingly beautiful post, Cindy. Thank you so much!!

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  35. Dear Cindy,
    Thank you so much for sharing these stunningly beautiful nature photographs, along with your loving family memories. This post is a thoughtful tribute to your father's legacy. Your mom looks great (nowhere near her age!).

    If not for prompt medical attention, my family would have lost my dad a few weeks ago. Your post is a timely reminder of how fortunate I am to still have him (I called him this morning, and he's doing great!).

    I always appreciate your visits and kind remarks. Hope your weekend goes well!

    Bill

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  36. Cindy, THank you for your beautiful post! My daddy passed away 5 years ago and I still miss him so but we have such wonderful memories to keep them near to us.

    Your mom looks fantastic! 8 kiddos- wow- my mom had 5 and I thought that was alot. Bet you guys never got asked over for dinner after church either with so many mouths to feed!!

    blessings
    mary

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  37. Dear LMB,
    Thank-you for the nice comments, come back and visit and thanks for following. Cindy

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  38. I love your blog, Cindy. Those pictures are fabulous!
    I lost both of my parents in 2008, just four months apart, so I know a little about how you are feeling. And it seems that this time of the year brings back so many memories. It will be one year for my father on October 23rd. There is just something about our "daddies", isn't there??
    Your family is beautiful! I'll be checking back in.
    Visit me at Ladybugcreek. I'm in the midst of a big redo on my home. New wood floors this week. I feel like I am moving back into my home again. lol
    Karen
    Ladybugcreek
    Deep South Texas

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  39. Such beautiful pictures, and your posting is very moving.

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Welcome,
I would love to hear from you. Come back and visit anytime. Warmest Wishes, Cindy