Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Artichokes (Father & Aunt)

My father (84) and his sister, my Auntie Vi (90), were never close and haven't seen each other in ... twenty-plus years. 
But Vi has been on a road trip with a niece (not me, obviously) and they stopped in on my father yesterday. My cousin sent me proof, below, right.

They are from a family of ten children; below, left, is their mother (25 years old) and her three oldest children (r.i.p.).

Genes really work, eh?

Now that I'm sewing, maybe I will try stitching the pattern on my grandmother's dress, which I've always admired. She was an accomplished seamstress; I imagine she made it herself.

I always say my Sicilian side reminds me of artichokes: 
tough survivors, with tender hearts, if you can get past their outer leather & spikes.

My mother, on the other hand, was like a hot house flower that wilted with any change in conditions.

I'm glad that I have some of her sensitivity but plenty tough skin too.  
Like a . . . baby rhino!

Time for a Baby Rhino of the Day: 

orphaned baby white rhino, Gertjie, trying to copy his best friend’s behaviour, goat Lammie, by hopping & skipping around like a lamb. [more info at Green Planet]