Gentry family reunion...

Now, as we know, these people are what I refer to as my "Outlaws" ... for obvious reasons.
However, that doesn't mean that we don't get our party on here and there.
So, on a beautiful Seattle day, we hopped a ferry and met up with the rest of the Gentry Clan on Vashon Island for a GORGEOUS family reunion.
To say that Uncle Walt & Aunt Diana's home is amazing is dribble.  They are settled on lush acres of forest, flowers, and gorgeous views of Puget Sound.
The food was astounding:  pulled-pork, salmon, fruit, veggies, breads, corn on the cob, salads, wine, lemonade, AND SIX DIFFERENT PIES.
Back home, those people would have been robbed before the plates came out.
It was so wonderful seeing Silas and his cousin Kurtis play together.  They are in lurve!
Kurtis is a damned HOSS.  And, he's hysterical.   When the wind blows, he looks up at the sky and mimics it.  And he's VERY serious about that job.  No distractions please.
We spent the better part of the day there ... in "Neverland" ... with such amazing family.  And, I do consider them family ... even if Silas & I are adopted.
What a beautiful day.
xoxo
Anna
p.s.  Next stop:  HAWAII!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Nonnie/Retiree!!!!

Whelp, the day has officially come.  Linda P. Warren is a retired 3rd grade teacher.
That's right.  My precious/crazy/loud/prude/not-so-prude/Scotch-swilling(that's right, Mama ... I wrote that, as you can't get fired now)/Lady GaGa lovin'/whistling/silly Mama is now retired after many years of  phenomenal service with 3rd graders in the better half of the lower South Eastern states.
As I've mentioned before, simply volunteering in Silas' class is an eye opener.  I do it for sport, as I can laugh and LEAVE in a few hours.
However, CRAZY people ... i.e. Mama ... find their life's calling in doing such a job.
I think these people are born with it.  They cannot help it.  It's like the sexy Sirens calling wayward seamen into the rocks.  Is it a blessing or a curse?
All I DO know is that it has been a tremendous blessing for all of the children that were lucky enough to end up in her care and tutelage.  Never a better educator has existed, in my mind.
So, CHEERS to you Mama.  I am so very proud of you.
A quote that sums it up:

“Teaching is a calling too. And I've always thought that teachers in their way are holy - angels leading their flocks out of the darkness.” 
― Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses


xoxo
"Pussywillow"
p.s.  I still think you're a wing-nut for doing what you do!