Movie Night: Marshall

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September 18 2020

Extra movie night for me: “Marshall”

Thank goodness there are amazing, courageous people who have taken a stand. I felt this deeply. Excellent movie, powerful acting, and the closing song blew me away. A new favorite song …. “Stand Up For Something” – Have a listen …

Fun Pumpkins With a Refreshing Swim

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September 17 2020

Thank you to my mom, one half of The Romano Duo, for making these fun pumpkins for us. Made with twigs and sticks I collected for her on walks.

September 18 2020

Air quality finally hit moderate levels, I hit the pool. That felt so good. Nearly fresh air + cool, refreshing water = good sensations. 💦💦💦 … If it holds, there will be walking later this afternoon.

Happy Happy Happy 19th Birthday to Lillian Darnell

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Today, Monday, 9.14.20, at 4:00pm PST Lillian Darnell and I will be live for about 30 minutes so her friends and YOU can help her celebrate her 19th birthday!

We had plans to go to the arboretum this morning, then a poolside BBQ with The Romano Duo this afternoon. But …. Air Quality from the fires in California is in the unhealthy range. 😢😢😢 … We will still do all planned but will have to be another day …

Please join us. She’s had a rough time, not being able to have our typical dates since mid-March. She’s not been inside anywhere since then. We hope to see as many of you as possible! Much love to you! xoxo (We will have Zoom as back up should facebook live not play nice. Last year we kept losing our connection!)

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Opening gifts.

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The “LIVE” celebration on facebook …

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The goodies. The cake looks like hell, but tasted like heaven. It’s vegan. It’s gluten free. It’s delicious. Looks had to fall by the way side. 🤪

Why so many photos blowing out the candles? Up until the 10th birthday or so, Lillian could not “blow” to blow out candles. Still takes a few times. But she can blow wind now!!

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September 20 2020

Look at this super cool gift that Lillian received from her friend. Thank you, Macy Miller! I hope she lets me help put it together.

A Dedication to Mary Armstrong – We Are Family

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On Thursday, September 10, 2020, I received two facebook messages from cousins letting me know that she had passed away an hour and a half earlier. Although I have not been home (the Jackson, Mississippi area) since 2005, I have fond, fun, heart warming memories of Aunt Mary during my childhood, teenage years, and early adult years.

I have been on and off sad and letting the tears flow since finding out, thinking of those memories, and also thinking of my own mortality and that of my mom, dad, and Frank.

I felt moved to write about my feelings and these memories, wanting to also get them outside of my mind while they are still clear and crisp, and as a dedication to my Aunt Mary. If any of my cousins, aunts or uncles, or my mom or dad have anything to add to this, I would love for you to share.


(This is from one of the last visits I made … Summer of 2002 – taken in New Orleans at my dad’s house, from left to right: Robert Downs (my dad), Aunt Mary, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Millard – Siblings)

There was the home made macaroni and cheese she made for all the holiday gatherings. I loved her mac n cheese, the creaminess of it, with the cheese browned perfectly on top. We had very large family gatherings for holidays when I was growing up, with so much food I cannot even remember it all. Six or more  ….

We Are Family – A Dedication to Mary Armstrong