You would think the world is coming to an end with Hurricane Irene blowing up the east coast of the United States this weekend. Glad to be in Michigan (except in the winter). I took Catherine to California to meet her paternal grandmother for the very first time. As stressed as we were about traveling there, the visit went better than I expected. I had not seen the Martinez family in 25 years, and the welcomed us with open arms. Mrs. Martinez, Ida, Rose, Phil, and Ed all greeted us. And Catherine's cousin, David, showed up as well. It's good for Catherine to finally know that, yes, her extended family in California actually do care about her.

We also checked out UCLA, in case she wants to attend grad school there. Nice campus. Took a tour of the LA area (not a very pretty city to be honest) and stopped at Manhattan Beach. Catherine's first look at the Pacific Ocean. All and all it was a good trip.

The Norton's of Meadowbrook in Inkster, Michigan are together again. The last remaining survivor of this once amazing family passed away on March 17th, 2011. Of all days for my Uncle Pat to decide to pass on - St. Patrick's Day, of course! I should have known it would happen this way. He could never pass up a good Irish party, and I imagine there was one waiting for him in the heavens above. Rest in peace, good ol' Uncle Pat. I will forever miss hearing the laughter of the family that once lived on Meadowbrook Street.