We're a Thanksgiving Story

It's not as pathetic as I'd feared: click here for the real video
Many thanks to Kerry & the Kobleys for graciously allowing our family to share our Thanksgiving at their table. Also, thanks to the Soquel Union School District for their generous donation.

Happy Thanksgiving

Umm... is four months too long to wait between posting?
Sorry. I do have much to tell and will try my best to post more, to try and get caught up with all the news.

Laurel and I are house-and-dog-sitting at my friend Kerry's home for a few days, so we've invited the family to dinner here since we don't otherwise have a room or table large enough for all of us.

Somehow, KGO-ABC 7 television station got in touch with mom to do a story on our family for this holiday, and I'm hoping it's not going to turn out as one of those "Be thankful you're not these sorry folks" pieces. I'll tell more later as it unfolds.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to those who have had us in your thoughts this year. We really do have do much for which to be grateful.

The Sunday Art Auction

Thank you so very much to all who attended the art auction at Michael's On Main. Emails are coming in and everyone said they had a fabulous time! The multi-talented Michele Reed did a fantastic job putting together this event on such a short calendar. Thanks, Michele!!!
Ms. Reed tells me that more than $4,000 was raised, and the number is still climbing.

Many thanks also to the numerous artists, wineries, jewelers, and stylists who donated items for the auction.





More photo highlights:
Rico can't stop dancing


Laurel catches up with Kyra in the lounge

The band takes a break at the bar

Catherine enjoying the crowd

Bruce and Michelle:

Music by El Cuarto Verde, including brother Bruce on guitar

Shopping with CAbi

Yesterday, the generous folks at CAbi donated hundreds of items of clothing to victims of the Trabing and Summit fires. Set up in a relaxed shopping atmosphere in a classroom at the Freedom fire station, women affected by the fires were able to come and shop at our leisure with very attentive volunteers helping us out with size and style choices. It was a wonderful feeling to be so welcomed and to meet some of our neighbors for the first time, many of whom had to flee their homes with only the clothes on their backs. I walked out with many new clothing items for myself, and a few for my mother who is still not back in town yet.
Thanks so much!

Family Fire Fund

Our generous friends have set up a donation fund to help our family to relocate and rebuild. Donations of any amount can be taken at any Bay Federal Credit Union branch, or mailed to:

Begley Family Fund
acc#30923066
Bay Federal Credit Union
1481 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076

The Ghosts of Rooms

These places and things no longer exist.
Some time in the past Laurel took this still life photo of the table next to my bed, a fresh narcissus from our yard in an old bottle.

The blue chair in our little dining room. When we left for our trip, my damp swimsuit was draped here to dry.

Art Auction Benefit

Our friend Michelle has put together an art auction benefit for the Begley Family.
Please join us:

Sunday June 20 at 2pm.
Michaels on Main restaurant in Soquel, CA.

Music by Cuarto Verde
Local Art
Local Wines
Complimentary Appetizers
No Host Bar

See you there!