Memory Lane - Back to the Groove (July to December 1988)

In my previous post I took you slo-mo through a ten-day vacation at our former family cottage in Ontario, Canada. It was the best way for me to saver all the aspects of our life at the lake that we love so much. But, time to move on. Here's a look at the rest the year at a slightly brisker pace. I've spoken of our typical fall-into-winter routine in previous posts. Here's the 1988 edition, in highlight-reel mode.

There was a little more fun that summer, after the Avon Rae vacation, including what had become our annual visit to Story Book Gardens in London. 

You remember the playground.

The big shoes.

The farm animal zoo.

And the accommodating big brother. 

Well, mostly accommodating. I mean, how many goats do you need to pet? 

There was also a little R&R for the family at our Canadian cousins' home in Toronto. This picture tells the story. I'm the guy with the Molson Golden.

Back at home there were times for naps (reading up on the latest trends in women's networking can be exhausting). 

And visits to the neighborhood pool.

Christine had another birthday, her 7th.

There were guests.

A few gifts (and from the look of it some imagination).

And some quiet time to reflect on the implications of aging.

Our summer adventures ended with a rarity - a boat ride along the shores of Grosse Pointe, courtesy of good friends. It was fun seeing the community of lakeside mansions from the front (we usually have to settle for their driveways). During the ride I snapped this picture of two girls having a really fun time.

Fall crept in right on schedule, with some typical happenings. There were fancy new winter coats (a size or two larger than last year's). 

Neighborhood walks with Grandma LeRoy. Looking closely, I believe Cathy is sporting (but not wearing) what are known in some circles as idiot mittens. Toddler chic.

And of course, there was a bit of Halloween costumery. Alice and the Pumpkin?

You say you think you've seen that little pumpkin outfit before? You're right. Several times. Here's the previous owner introducing this classic in 1984. 

There were also a couple of special events that fall. The first was a family outing to deliver my Aunt Shorty to Detroit Metro airport. She was heading back to Florida after visiting my parents. Shorty (the only name I've ever known her by) was married to my Uncle Ralph, who had passed away several years ago. Shorty lived in Jacksonville, Florida, and didn't travel much especially not to the cold climes of Michigan. So this was a rare opportunity. I believe this was the only time Nancy and the kids ever met Shorty. We managed to wrangle a passer-by to take this picture. 

The other special event was a costume/birthday party we hosted for several of our friends who were turning 35, including Nancy. Here are a few pics. First up is Dave D dressed as a lepidopterist, his bride Robyn as a butterfly, and Linda C as a teabag. Clever. 

Jim W and his bride Mary came as a mobster and his gun moll. He does look the part. Hair and all.

Here's another picture of Jim with Eric E, a dear friend we lost to a fatal slip and fall years ago. He was a free spirit, very creative and artistic. We miss him still.

I was there, of course, dressed as an overfed MSU cheerleader. Here I am at my scrunchy-lip finest with Nancy, who is hiding out as a clown. I'd be embarrassed if I knew any better. 

This next picture is of Ralph S and his bride Janis. Dressed as a couple of hobos, I think. 

Nancy and I worked and socialized with Ralph and Janis since the early '80s when we and they were married. Ralph passed away several years ago. I remember him as a valuable colleague and a good heart.

In this next pic Nancy and Linda C are bookending Gary H. Gary (in drag) was a high school classmate of Nancy, Linda and Robyn. He seems to fit right in.

Here we have a group shot of the party "girls".

In front, Nancy, Robyn and Janis. Behind, Linda, Willow (guest of Linda), Dawn (Gary's bride) and - most of Gary. And there was a cake.

I would like to note that most of the attendees at this birthday party came together again a couple of years later to form the nucleus of what became our Music Night group, which is now in its 34th year. I guess they had a good time.

This brings us to the holidays. In keeping with the highlight reel theme, here are some notable shots. In our household the holidays start with Mom and Dad's birthdays. 

Next came Thanksgiving. It was our turn to host the family. I have a shot of the hostess/chef preparing her table, as well as herself (note the glassware in her hand).

Oddly, the only other picture I have from that day is one of the table. 

I'm pretty sure our extended family showed up, but you couldn't prove it from our photo library. Perhaps the Lions 23-0 loss to the Vikings that day was so disappointing that everyone went home early. 

Our official Christmas season began with discussions about gifting.

Christine made her acting debut in the Ferry School holiday play.

Meanwhile, Cathy was busy enjoying the seasonal weather. Not everybody can trike in two inches of snow.

We had early Christmas in Linwood with gifts from my parents.

And holiday movies. 

Then back home to see what Santa brought.

Here I am mid-mania with a life-sustaining cup of coffee.

Finally on to Nancy's parents' house and the grand finale.

Somebody got a new favorite toy?

I'm gathering from his expression that Ted just received an article of clothing. Socks, maybe.

Always have to have at least one thing with instructions. Here the big LeRoy kids are figuring out how to make a perfect cup of espresso. 

And the closing ceremonies - Christmas dinner. From left to right Dave, Barb, Matt, Cathy in the foreground, Ted, Marge, Brian and yours truly. Nancy and Rae were managing dual cameras, if I remember correctly.

With that, we come to the end of 1988. It was a good year filled with good memories. 

Until next time,

Gross Pointe Charles