Family, friends, home

In Rhode Island (depicted above as I remember it — all salt water and shorelines), the family gathers for a wedding (below). "Home" now is Yarmouthport for my brother Paul, Scottsdale for my sister Peg, Vero Beach for Mom and Dad, and Cambridge for me. My brother and I didn't stray far.

Paul (left) is a little beet-faced — it may have to do with that Heiny on the table. I'm between him and Mom, who loves being photographed. Then comes Lou, her escort, and Jared, my son.

Shortly after that photo was taken, my mom and dad (who divorced after 26 years of marriage in a fit of pique) remarried, so it looks like this now.

My sister Peg was taking the photo. Here we are in Melbourne celebrating her husband Jim's induction as commodore.

After my parents' wedding on Christmas Eve in Yarmouthport, 2004. From left, Mom, Dad, Susan, Peg and Paul.

Friends in England

At our favorite pub in the English countryside (its name, of course, is "The Crown") are friends Les and Karen.

In The Crown's famous beer garden, Jonathan, a friend of 30-some years, is in a contemplative mood. We met skiing in the early 80's.

While, er, whilst speaking of The Crown, we can't forget Mike the Lawyer (top) and Tommo the Norse (bottom). And, at left, our dapper friend...with the riding boots.

At one of Les's and Karen's famous barbeques, Liz signs my cast.

Friends at home

These lifelong friends — Marie, Bobby, Phil, Gail, Arne and Barbara — were also my husband Duncan's childhood friends. After his death, their support was immeasurable. It still is. I love them dearly. (Since this photo has been one divorce. The respective new spouses have been heartily welcomed into the group.)

Even after spending the past 24 years in Cambridge, "home" is still that gentle little seaside place on Buzzards Bay where Jared spent his first four years. You can (just barely) see our house across the harbor.

But Jared made nice new friends in Cambridge. Moving there was the right decision.