Sunday, November 3, 2013

November 3 2013

It's hard to believe that a year ago we were still reeling from Hurricane Sandy. What a difference a year makes - as on October 28, a year to the day that Sandy struck, my niece Kim presented us with our newest family member. Brady Marshall Miller entered into the world amidst great rejoicing all around. And the very next day, Mom was taken to meet what we're told is the last of her great-grandchildren. They look really glad to finally meet each other, don't you agree?

And interesting to me, at least, is the fact that this little boy will be named in Hebrew for my father, as was Kim and Brian's first son, Cameron, five years ago. As this is the centennial of my Dad's birth, I thought of all the conversations he and I had over the years about his having no sons (I was supposed to be the son!)and how it bothered him that there would be no one to carry his name forward in the klal. My Dad was nothing if not traditional. I'd like to think that he's really pleased that despite being an only son, and having no sons, his name and of course his legacy is very much present in these two little boys. Time will only tell about Brady, but Cameron has proved me right. I thought when I saw his birth photo there was something of Dad there, but couldn't get much agreement. But now that he's very verbal and unstoppably mobile, his sense of humor, and especially his inexplicable "New York" accent on some words, has gotten me more agreement. Fascinating to see the generations unfold.

Back here we are gearing up (gearing down?) for winter. The big pumpkin that I posted a while back with Hyla and Ayro standing next to it has been harvested and provided enough pumpkin puree for 18 pies! Brian is so happy, as pumpkin pie is among the very few desserts I won't eat. He will have all of them for himself. Here's the happy chef in process. And if anyone out there has had pumpkin experience, I'd love to know why we had HUGE vines and leaves, but only 5 pumpkins total. And two of those, when they were bright orange and just about ready to harvest, deflated like punctured tires, leaving behind a rather vile smelling pool of liquid. Halloween early trick? I can't figure it out...






















And finally, a belated series of Halloween shots from a happy grandpa in New York City.