" 'Look at this. We ought to sue the groundhog'.”

The groundhog lawsuit.

Interlude

Brookfield Zoo, Summer 1982. We take a break on Ibex Island.

Spring Sunday

Suburban Chicago, April 1982. My friend Kris captures my Dad flirting with her Mom, Donna. Donna's brother, Uncle Al, and her Dad sit in the background. Dad holds his pipe.

Thanks to my friend Kris for making this photo available to us.

Spring Snow

Door County, Wisconsin, March 1982. We drive up to the cottage for spring break.

Happy Dance

Suburban Chicago, about 1982. That's my friend Kris dancing with Dad, and Mom takes a spin with Uncle Al. Kris reports the group danced to the piano playing of Sister Bernarda (back visible on the right), a family friend and a member of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Sister Bernarda was a music teacher at Maria High School—the high school from which Mr. Irene's Mom graduated.

Thanks to my friend Kris for making this photo available to us.

Spring Break

Door County, Wisconsin, March 1982. When I was in graduate school, I spent most "vacations" catching up on my research work. I usually had a pack of 3 by 5-inch notecards in my bag.

Lingering

Door County, Wisconsin, January 1982. The shore ice soon will melt.

Snowed-In Reunion

Door County, Wisconsin, February 1982. The drifts stand only near the entrances.

Frozen Fishing

Liberty Grove, Door County, Wisconsin, February 1982. If you correctly time your arrival at the dock, then you can pick up some fresh fish.

Dad helps with the frogging.

Suburban Chicago, January 1982. Dad's accustomed to unraveling projects.

Related by Marriage: Home Country

Near Panevėžys, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, October 25, 1982. Mr. Irene's paternal Uncle, Stacey, and his wife prepare to host a visit from Stacey's older brother (Mr. Irene's Dad).

Plump Reunion

Brookfield Zoo, 1982. The raccoon has a good life at the zoo.

Hello, Neighbor

Door County, Wisconsin, March 1982. When you live in the woods, you have interesting neighbors.

Sure-Footed Reunion

Brookfield Zoo, Summer 1982. Do you remember "Ibex Island?"

The first lesson of knitting: don't be afraid to unravel mistakes.

Suburban Chicago, January 1982. Something has gone wrong with the Icelandic sweater I'm knitting. Mom taught me from the outset to "frog" an unsuccessful project. Here, Mom's feet serve as a swift for winding up the yarn.

Getting Ready for Bed, in Three Takes

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Brookfield Zoo, Spring 1982. The little fellow is happy to obey his mother.