1966 - Ginsburghs on front walk

My grandfather, Harold Ginsburgh
My grandmother, Betty Ginsburgh
My father, Allen Ginsburgh

pose on the front walk of our Wilhaggin house. They are dressed up to go somewhere...or not. My grandmother always had proper wool suits and sensible pumps. She often said that she couldn't see any resemblance between herself and her children and, from these pictures, I can see what she means.

My father is about 40 years old in this picture.

1963 - In my grandparent's back yard

I can't imagine my grandparents were very comfortable with this whole situation but we are visiting. I think they might have invited some children in the neighborhood to come over. Probably Pam in that great running shot. Maybe Charlie coming out the back door. My mother is sitting in the chair with my grandmother behind her. My grandfather is looking aghast at the whole situation. He loved us, really he did. As long as we were quiet. I had a very special relationship with my grandfather. I was the first grandchild and his favorite for the rest of his life. I was perfect; he loved me unconditionally in his stern uncompromising way.

1963 - My grandparent's house

My grandparents Ginsburgh's house in Belmont Mass during a summer trip. I missed it the first time and almost the second time but, if you look closely, there are three children sitting on the front step. You can zoom in on the higher quality picture (this is one of the few times where there is a disadvantage using the smaller picture). We're looking a bit dejected. Why were we sitting on the front porch, had we been thrown out by my grandmother in exasperation? And why was my father across the street taking a picture?

One interesting thing about this house was that there were no fences in the backyards (different than California) so the houses opened up onto a common grassy area. I vaguely remember the much more old-fashioned house that my grandparents lived in previously. In an old neighborhood, two stories, kind of old a mysterious. A gate opening up into a little garden, lots of stairs. This was much more modern, up to date.

2002 - 102nd birthday

Our mother, Claire with her mother in law, Betty on her 102nd birthday. I could be a year off either way on this. I know it wasn't the 103rd because that was shortly before her death. I was in Rockford and mom made a little birthday party in the afternoon over at skilled nursing at Wesley Willows. Mom had arranged for some cupcakes with some candles and some small wrapped presents. And some cards. My lesson for the day was how much a birthday card can mean....especially the one from Clarinda.

1983 - Grandma and Grandpa with Danny

Taken at Leisure World probably during a visit by Sandy in 1983 (approx). My son Danny maybe 18 mths? with Harold and Betty our grandparents. Everybody is looking pretty happy despite their (esp grandma's) reservations with the whole adoption deal.

Where are those painting? I remember them all very clearly. Does Mom have them?