During dinner overlooking San Diego Bay, it was impossible to know what thoughts Dad filtered through his ninety-nine years of life experience. He reminded me that the old computer axiom “garbage in—garbage out” need not apply.
With each passing year, bitterness need not take root. Instead, by choice, life can grow sweeter.
It’s Sunday, and the sun’s rays heap onto the coffee table. There would have been more rays, but the grit from the long-procrastinated window washing routine blocks them. In their place, the desert dust captures recent history, plastered to the glass and screen. The dust grasps tight the Yule days packed with expectation and the celebrated joy with family. It holds savored evening chats around the table. It’s soaked with laughter, forming a joyous rivulet streaking down the glass. The dust settles quietly, gathering peacefully, day after day. Soon I’ll clean the glass, making way for new layers of dust, and new dust, like new Sunday mornings, will return.
Great-grandfather Wes, Grandson Linus and Father Randy. Rancho San Diego, CA
Jackie, Noah, Megan, Levi at Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach, CA
Play buddies June and Linus. Lake Casitas. Ojai, CA
Mysteries in the dirt. Grandkids Holland, Linus, and June. Lake Casitas, Ojai, CA
Grandson Thatcher. Lake Casitas, Ojai, CA
Grandkids June and Linus escape the blue slide. Lake Casitas, Ojai, CA
Yet another traditional Thanksgiving camping extravaganza. Lake Casitas, Ojai, CA
All family members gather for Opa’s (Wes Dahlberg) 99th birthday. Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
