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| Happy 90th birthday |
I made a solo "shotgun" trip to Florida the weekend of February 9 and 10. The occasion: my Dad's 90th birthday. My arrival was a surprise, which completed all the siblings being in attendance for the celebration. I stayed in Gainesville with my oldest brother, Leo and his family. On Sunday morning we all converged on Hawthorne First Baptist for worship with Mom and Dad. I played the offertory, which always makes my parents happy!
I am blessed to have been raised by parents who loved God and served Him through the local church. Dad was a deacon, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for 60 years. I have fond memories of him falling asleep in the choir loft! I also recall how he loved to have preschoolers sit in his lap so he could tell them Bible stories.
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| Being honored for 60 years as a deacon. |
Besides family, there were some special friends that came to honor Dad on his special day. I learned to cook and share with others from my parents. Growing up, there were often extras at the table. One of those special friends was Cliff Preston. Cliff was a friend of my brother Jim. They were both runners, and stinky boys were often dinner guests.
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| Kathryn and Cliff |
Another sweet friend that is more like family is Millie Bean (maiden name). Her mom was the matron of honor in my parents wedding. Millie was born on their first wedding anniversary. I grew up visiting with the Bean family in Tampa. Millie and Leo are the same age, and did some long distance dating in their teen years!
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| Millie and Leo |
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| Great grandchildren, Cotton and Evie |
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| Jim and his grandson, Cotton! |
All three siblings were at the party, but only three of the eight grandchildren were able to attend. Jim's daughter, Lindy drove down from Kingston for the party...with her 2 1/2 year old son. Will is Leo's son, he drove up from Fort Lauderdale where he is stationed with the Coast Guard. His wife Tracy and new baby, Evie also made the trek. Leo's daughter, Leslie is back in Gainesville and is a regular visitor with Mom and Dad.
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| Lindy, Leslie, Will and Tracy |
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| Pastor Henry |
Leo and Dee are the heroes in the family! They take care of the day to day for Mom and Dad. They arrange in-home caregivers, drive to doctor's appointments, order medicine, and take care of the finances and legal details. In a word, they are AMAZING!
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| Leo's family |
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| Old family friends, the Dickersons |
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| With Millie....like a daughter! |
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Dad with his Doctor, Carolyn Von Zabern
Dad had two brothers and six sisters. He is only one of his generation that remains. There are many nieces and nephews that still live in the area. A few stopped to visit, call or sent cards during the birthday week.
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| Dad's niece Dorothy and her husband Andy |
The master planner behind all events that happen in the Dugger family is Dee. Marrying her was the best thing Leo ever did...even though his 12 year old sister didn't believe it at the time!
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| My wonderful sister-in-law, Dee with sweet Evie |
On February 17, I had a surprise Florida visitor! Brenda Hutchins (don't know her married name!) showed up just as we were ready for lunch. Brenda and I grew up together. We were both in the band, and even went to band camps together. We had not seen each other in many years! She is friends with our neighbor's daughter, Lisa. They drove up President's Day weekend to visit Lisa's mom. I knew that Lisa and Brenda were friends, but never expected her to show up at my door!
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Childhood friends!
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