April 15, 2025
Tiny little daffodils that poked out in spite of this ridiculous weather.  Hit 70 today. 



Jo took me to the movies in Amherst today for my birthday.  We had a bite to eat and saw The Friend.  It was really good, but a little too close to home.  We laughed about it a lot.   If you get a chance, go see it.


I had a poem accepted in a journal today.  That's nice. 






My Great grandmother, Zizi, put together this scrap book. I'm not sure what year, but it covers from her babyhood to my father's adolescence.   She must have been about 50 when she did it.   
The baby in the photos is my Dad, Pete.  The woman with him in the big hat, is her sister, Tantine,  so Dad's great aunt.  

The other day I saw Zizi in the mirror.  I was always told I was just like her which was supposed to be flattering because everyone loved her so much and she was animated and full of life.  But all I knew what a 98 year old woman.  I do remember going with Paul to visit her in her apartment in Manhattan.  I think we were staying with our grandparents for a night and we went alone down to Zizi's apartment to have tea.  I must have been 4.  

When I thought I saw her in the mirror I brought out her scrap book and found photos.   I don't look like her.  I do look like her grandson.  Genetics are so interesting.   I don't recognize this young woman at all, although I know I'm just like her.  

How much has this world changed in 140 years?  I'm 72 tomorrow, which means Pete would have been 107, making Claire 139 and Zizi  165.   The pictures below span those lifetimes. 1860 to 1932





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