Aunt Marge and Africa

Funerals are happy times for cousins who rarely get together.  Dave's Aunt Marge Breinholt died, and we gathered for her funeral on Saturday, March 8, 2014.   Danny Breinholt, Aunt Marge's son, is one of Dave's favorite cousins. He had been fighting cancer for years, and we were glad to see him one more time before he died, later in the spring.  On the back row, behind Danny, left to right, are Dave's cousins Janet (Aunt Marge's daughter), Bonnie and Susan (Aunt Nelda's daughters), Carol Ann (Aunt Marge's daughter), Dave, Larry (Uncle Vaughn's son) and Alan Dale.

We also enjoyed hearing fun stories about Aunt Marge, a lady who was as feisty and opinionated as her little brother, Cliff Spendlove.  It was tough for her kids to take driving privileges away from her, even after she repeatedly backed into neighbors' cars in the ward parking lot, and then just drove off!

Michael came home, this week, from his tour of Togo and Benin.  The tour was named "The Voodoo Trail."  As always, Michael brought back great pictures, including shots of voodoo ceremonies.

We watched "Blue Jasmine" with Michael, for which the female star, Cate Blanchett, was nominated for the Academy Award best actress award.  Michael says he has a friend who looks just like Cate Blanchett.

Another treat over the March 7-9 weekend was Sunday dinner at Camille's house.  Camille fixed the almond-coated chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and homemade rolls with honey butter.  My contribution was homemade mango ice cream and mint chocolate brownies.  Dinner with Camille always feels so civilized and warm and secure.