Family Pictures From Long Ago

We never really knew too much about my dad's (Bolton) side of the family. He never talked much about his family. His mom, Angeline "Duell" died when he was only nine, and his brother left home when he was still young, so it was only his sister, my Aunt Betty, that I ever met. My dad's father, Roy Bolton, died before I was born.

Recently my sisters and I have reconnected with my cousin Anna (Aunt Betty's daughter) and she, like me, is very interested in the Bolton family tree and she was actually able to connect with my Great Aunt Rose (Angeline's sister) many years ago, and A. Rose gave her some pictures that Anna has now shared with us.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see what my Grandma Angeline looked like! And my Grandpa Roy, and Great Grandpa Zeb Duell, and Great Grandma Anna Bolton. Here are a few that I'd like to share....

This one is my favorite. That's my dad, Richard Bolton, on the left, then my Aunt Betty in the center and Uncle Sonny on the right

This is Grandma Angeline when she was young, by their house is Shelburne Vermont. Now I know where my dad got his nose!

Angeline and her sister Rose. This was taken in 1926, a year before my dad was born.

Grandma Angeline holding A. Betty, Grandpa Roy holding my dad, and U. Sonny standing

Angeline's dad, my great grandpa Zeb after his wife Agnes died. Standing in the back is Louise, and on his lap is Priscilla and Louis. What a handsome man Zeb was.

Grandpa Roy's mom, Anna Tracy Bolton

RIP Bruce

My ex-BIL, Bruce Delorme, passed away unexpectedly on Monday. He was only 55 years old. He was the father of my nieces Judy and Autumn, and my nephew Matt, and grandfather to their kids. He was a huge part of their lives; there for every school event, every birthday, every holiday, and whenever any of them needed him. He was full of life and always smiling and laughing. An infectious laugh that I will always remember. Rest in peace, Bruce. You will be greatly missed by many....

Mine, All Mine!

Raeka had a blast with all the new stuffies that she, Sherman and Kate got for Christmas. As they were opened she would snatch them out of my hand and gather them all in front of her. After she had properly squeaked each one, she let the other dogs play with them too, ha ha ha. Such a silly girl.

The Christmas Card Photo Shoot

It took me many tries to get all of the dogs looking at me at the same time, so after a number of failed attempts I had my niece, Dani, take pics with me in them to see if that would help settle them down. NOT!

Here are a few of our bad shots. Some were only bad because of bad lighting (Kate in the bright sun, bleaching her almost out of the shot).

One of the better shots, although Kate's tongue is out ;)


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Especially you, Noah, lol!

Remembering my Darling Daisy Mae

Today is Daisy's birthday and though she's been gone for four and a half years, I still miss her more than I can put into words. Yesterday I tried to return her letterbox to it's hiding place on the Colchester Causeway after taking it home for the winter to freshen it up and put it in a new, better box, but some guy was fishing and then sunbathing on "that" rock of all the thousands down there. Needless to say, I didn't leave it and am hoping the rain holds off so I can get it down there today.

Daisy on the Colchester Causeway

Daisy slept with this bunny every night and gave it a bath every morning

Daisy Mae was an exceptional girl. She made every day worth getting up for. She was full of fun and enjoyed whatever life threw at her. Her love and companionship made me a better person and when she passed away she took a huge part of my heart with her. I didn't think I'd be able to live a full life after that, but of course I did, and am, and have opened my heart to other dogs who I love to death. Daisy was just....special - some how, more than others. She was my heart dog and I miss her greatly.

I love you sweet pea.......

Until we meet again......

Remembering Olivia Rose

My darling little 14 month old girl that I lost four years ago today. She was so young, and had only begun to live. It's so unfair that her life was so short. I was truly blessed to have her in my life, even if it was only for a short nine months. She was the sweetest little being.

Fly with those angel wings of yours and have a ball, sweet Livia. Until we are together once again....

Plant Identification?

We have two mystery plants growing in our yard this year that we've never had before. The first one is growing in the dirt by the gutter and by the cinder blocks about 8 feet way, but no place else in the yard at all. There are clusters of berries that start out green and turn a deep purple. Any idea what it is? Is it or the berries poisonous? Raeka likes to eat the grass around this plant, so if it's not safe, I'm going to yank it up!

The second one is growing all around the shed. Never did before this year. It's really pretty actually, and sort of delicately bushy.

I have no idea why all of a sudden we have these two new additions to the yard. Maybe all the rain we had early in the summer that lasted a month!