Messing with Mom

Looking through albums of nearly thirty years, there are lots of pictures of the various family members. Caitlin appears in nearly every shot but the rest of us are fairly represented as well. (My cousin Robert used to say, "If you want to be in the picture, stand next to Caitlin.") Henry is seen only occasionally as his role as family photographer/videographer generally prevented his inclusion in the scene. There were times when a tripod allowed for a true family portrait or some stranger whom we encountered on one of our trips was asked to capture all of us in a few poses. This priceless collection chronicles our celebrations, vacations, the birth of our daughter, the building of our house, the striking and the ordinary.

Since retiring, Henry has encouraged me to embrace photography. I'm now enjoying my second digital camera and seem to have unleashed an unquenchable desire to photograph nearly everybody and everything. A few of the results are artistic, lots are out-of-focus. I am undaunted and continue to click the shutter with abandon.

During the recent Christmas holidays, I asked Henry and Caitlin to pose. They love to tease me because I am so very gullible and that trait only increases their fun. There's no malice in their behavior, but it can be just a bit frustrating for me as a still novice photographer.

Though I wasn't exactly elated as they laughed and encouraged each other to strike unexpected stances, the results are well worth sharing. Try not to giggle.



For the final photo in the series, I asked my delightful duo to step forward because the overhead light made it appear that there was a halo over their heads. Believe me, they were not angels that night.



As always, we make great stories.

Bobby, our photojournalist son-in-law, took this picture. I behaved politely.