Dear friends,

Another day spent driving “up north” – I’m now in the U.P., working remotely while getting my parents’ house ready to sell. When I was small, coming up here meant visiting grandma and grandpa. In more recent years, it meant seeing my parents. Now that my mom has passed away and dad has gone into assisted living, my ties to this area are quickly slipping away. It’s kind of bittersweet. Part of me is getting really tired of driving up here every few weeks, but I also keep in mind that the day will come when I no longer have immediate family here.

Bigswitchbladeknife.com Welcome Sign Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Upper peninsula, Michigan, Welcome sign

My brother and sister-in-law and I spent some time tonight sorting through old pictures. I found this one of my Brownie troop at Greenfield Village. My mom was our leader. I am in the back row, second from left. Front and center, in the double-breasted coat, is my friend Lori.

May be a black-and-white image of 10 people, child and people standing

And here I am with Lori recently. Strange to think how long we’ve known each other.

May be an image of Lori Figurelle Baxter and Annette Hamel and people smiling

I also found this one from my 7th birthday party. I’m still in touch with Jean (far left) and Debbie (far right). Wow, we were so little.

May be a black-and-white image of 8 people, child and people standing

Going through old pictures can rouse a lot of different, and conflicting, emotions. But it’s good to remember who we were, and to cherish our longtime friends.

Blessings,

Annette