Put that down and pay attention to me.

Suburban Chicago, November 1984. Meškė persuades Mom to stop knitting.

"Luxury Features Galore"

Suburban Chicago, about 1957. The developer of the subdivision in which I grew up lists the modern features of the split-level homes. That Roper wall oven (and those birch cabinets) served our family for 34 years.

Thanks to my friend Mary for making this document available to us.

Sleepy Baba

Suburban Chicago, 1967. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, dozes off while watching television.

Grab a Book: Look-Up Edition

Suburban Chicago, April 1965. Mom's relaxing in the Rec Room. She wears a favorite sweater.

Wooden-Shoe Reunion

Suburban Chicago, February 1964. The hamster seems to be steering toward the television.

Favorite-Toy Reunion

Suburban Chicago, April 1972. Gigi keeps things close.

After Work

Suburban Chicago, June 1972. Dad and Gigi relax in the Rec Room. Mom's there, too, knitting.

Daddy's Girls

Suburban Chicago, November 1972. We're relaxing in the Rec Room.

We share a laugh.

Suburban Chicago, November 1972. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, gets a kick out of one of the photos in her birthday album.

Happy Call

Suburban Chicago, January 1977. Mom does not seem to be engaged here in a work-related call. The throw pillow features Lithuanian motifs; the mother of my friend Ron made it for Mom (Ron's Mom also made the best Cepelinai I've tasted). The watercolor is by Murinas.

Here's the pillow today:

If you don't like it, then consider a Russian proverb: "In taste and colors, there are no friends." That's what I tell a friend each time I start (another) beige sweater.

Everyone admires Gigi.

Suburban Chicago, January 1979. It's Sunday, so we relax in the Rec Room.

New Year's Day

Suburban Chicago, January 1965. Dad's fine; he only looks like he's recovering.

Decorating the Tree

Suburban Chicago, December 1961. My Dad, my Toronto Cousin, Kadis, and I decorate the tree. I dance when I get excited, and I recover from spills easily.

Gift Exchange

Suburban Chicago, December 1962. I'm on the floor, observing the guests. Hey! That little fellow has a bottle of my favorite soda.

Happy Halloween.

Suburban Chicago, October 31, 1967. I revisit my favorite costume.

My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, sewed a white, trick-or-treating tote to match the costume. I dragged the tote through the puddles as my Best Friend and I walked around the neighborhood late in the afternoon that Halloween. When I got home, Tatjana and my Mom saw that the bag—and the candy I'd collected—had been soaked. They threw everything away. I only got the remnants of what we'd bought to pass out to trick-or-treaters. The splendid variety of my haul was gone, and I was left with one bag of Life Savers.

Party Preparations

Suburban Chicago, October 31, 1961. This snapshot shows a view of the Rec Room before my Parents redecorated it. The top of the play table is uncluttered.

A Seasonal Event

Suburban Chicago, October 1971. I'm hosting a costume party; we're in the Rec Room.

Relaxing after Work

Suburban Chicago, about 1969. I am uncertain about this photo's date. Gigi's in the picture, so it's in 1969 or after. It's not much later than that, however, because it's before Mom starting wearing trousers. She used to return from work and change into a sensible skirt, blouse, and sweater.

It's likely before 1971 because I didn't keep goldfish once I reached the seventh grade.

Mom's fancy knitting bag rests on the floor.

Evening Nap

Suburban Chicago, June 1972. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, dozes in the chair that stood closest to the TV.

The plaque hanging above the telephone is a relief depicting a stork pair. Dad picked it up during our European vacation. The drapes featured an avocado and gold pattern.

The Upgraded "Play Table"

Suburban Chicago, February 1969. I have little memory of this play table. The one I remember is the painted table on which I learned to draw.