Ruth E.

Ruth gave birth to our third and final child, Michael, forty-one years ago today.  We spent the 4th of July week-end with Michael and his wife, Kate, in Reno.  I had never been to Reno or Lake Tahoe so this was a grand new experience.

While we were there Michael received a phone call from one of his college buddies, Timmy.  Mike told Tim where he was and who he was with.  He shared a quick picture of Ruth to confirm his story.  Tim offered up a comment, “Your mom’s still hot.”

I’m told that the boys admired each other’s mothers while they were in college.  I met Tim’s mom a time or two, but really can’t remember her so I can’t comment on how she may have compared to Ruth in terms of “hotness”.  Neither of the boys had a “Graduate Complex”.  They just mutually admired quality when they saw it.

A few weeks ago one of my blog readers commented on a couple of pictures that I had posted of myself from my younger days.  I believe his observation was something like, “I can’t believe that was you.  You’ve really changed.”  I don’t believe that his comment was meant as a complement.  Just an observation.  People do change as they age.

During one of our first Christmas seasons as a married couple, Ruth and I went to Florida for Christmas break.  We visited my grandparents who were living in New Port Ritchie.

I was considering adding photography to my list of  hobbies.  One of our fellow teacher’s  husband, Walt, taught photography in a neighboring school.  When he heard of my interest in photography he offered to supply me with a camera and a couple of lenses to take on our Florida trip.  He suggested that I take black and white pictures because when we returned he could help me develop them.  We spoke briefly about film speed and F/stops.  “Black and white film is easier to develop, and you can be more creative.”

I took him up on his offer.  I took several pictures of pelicans, seagulls, sea grass,  boardwalks and piers.  Most turned out fine, but I knew that I should “stick to my day job”.  I was proud of my work, but my critical eye told me that others could do better.

I also took two pictures of Ruth.  I think that these shots were my best work.

They prove that once you’re hot – you’re hot.  I think Timmy would agree.