For young parents - This is my son’s very great friend. My son was a groomsman. I’ve known the groom since he was 6 (2003.) It’s not (only) that it “takes” a village, it is a village. Don’t pick your kids’ friends, love who they pick. Trust me, it’s lovely.

May 2025. By myself, I biked along the Potomac, walked the Mall for a day, and walked - at night - to meet my husband for dinner.

Santa Rosa, CA! Proud home of Gavin Newsom.

AOC and Bernie! 26k here in Folsom.

I planted my lilac four years ago and this is the first year it’s blooming.

Santa Rosa, CA!

The ring.

I’m not a big believer in the hereafter, sometimes I am, mostly I’m not, but hey, "Back at you, Mom!" Another layer is about my friends. My wonderful friends. The brother-in-law passed, but wow, what an amazing thing he and his brother did. Every time I think about it; it makes me happy.

Eventually, I wondered over to talk with a neighbor. We exchanged stories of the night and plans for future and then, my husband called me back. All three were teary, because unbelievably, against all odds, they had found my mother’s ring. We didn’t find one other piece of jewelry – or much else.

On the day of the big sieve, they got to work. With only the house foundation as a guide, my husband and I pointed out where the ring – might – have been kept. The brothers focused on this area and my husband, and I poked around. We all sifted and sifted. It was an arduous chore.

He decided he could find my ring and this project was perfect. He and his brother put a plan together (e.g. different sized screens, how they would map the area) and off they went. It was great for his psyche and a wonderful project for the brothers, given the remaining time they had left.

The brother-in-law had reached the point where he couldn’t drive, and his days consisted of rambling around the house and garden. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him. That said, he was able to focus on small projects, especially anything that could be done by rote.

She called the next day. Her brother-in-law, who was in the middle of a losing battle of early onset dementia, had been a weekend gem hunter. With her husband the two wanted to help search thru the rubble. We set a date.

After the fire, but before we were allowed back. I was talking with a friend. I told her that I had no idea what we’d find at the house. What I’d seen looked grim and that the only thing I wanted was my mother's ring. I told her that we’d start sifting ASAP and maybe something would turn up.

My things don’t always suck after your house burns down story.