Happy Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day approaching, I’ve been thinking about my mom, Ruth L. Slingsby. I have many fond memories of her. She helped me to love school and develop a keen interest in learning. Research and writing are among my favorite things in life.

A farm wife and mother, my mom was a great cook, and she made most of the clothes for my two sisters and me until we were old enough to learn to sew ourselves.

Growing flowers was a joy for my mom as was playing Pinochle.

But the Mother’s Days I remember the most are those as she grew older. She appreciated seeing me so much. I’d bring her rhododendrons from my yard in Olympia, Washington.

Usually, I’m in Madrid for my birthday, my daughter’s birthday, and Mother’s Day. However, this year I went early. So, we had an early Mother’s Day celebration as well as an early birthday celebration.

Today, I went to church. I enjoyed a special music program for mothers and the flowers.

A nice surprise was a potluck lunch that was served. What a nice surprise treat for mothers.

After church, I went to the garden center at the co-op to buy some purple petunias. My mom loved petunias.

In addition, I bought a birdbath. My mom loved them, and she had several over the years. Now, I need to decide where to put it in my yard. I wonder if birds will use it.

Driving home, I enjoyed all the beautiful flowers and trees that are blooming in the Seattle area.

Opening the present my daughter sent was a huge surprise. She thought I’d enjoy “Obama: An Intimate Portrait” by Pete Souza. What a fantastic book. As a photojournalist, it’s amazing to think about what it would be like to be the photographer at all those important historical events.

Happy Mother’s Day. I hope it’s going well for you.