December 31, 2013

Cheers


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1964. Happy New Year from the years and the occasions on the Amber Reunion timeline.

A Serious Toast


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1969. Everyone gathers in Donna's living room to hear our enclave's patriarch deliver the toast.

My friend Kris—Donna's daughter—and I have noisemakers in our mouths.

Keep it simple.


Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 31, 1957 (or 1958). My Dad's twin sister, Jonė, and her husband, Kadis, host a small party at their home. A photo of my paternal Grandfather, Vytautas, hangs on the wall.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

The best part about those parties was the dancing.


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1965. The basement floor is perfect for a spin.

December 30, 2013

Quiet-Drive Reunion


Verona, Wisconsin, December 2013. You won't compete with much traffic here.

The glasses are ready.


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1969. My Mom's best friend, Donna, and another woman chat with my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana.

I felt almost grown up.


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1964. Vytenis, the husband of my Mom's best friend, Donna, takes me for a spin.

We can dance even if there aren't many boys.


Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 1958. My Toronto Cousin entertains friends. Go here if you're wondering why there is a dresser in the dining room.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

December 29, 2013

Winter Recreation


Thatcher Woods, Suburban Chicago, February 1966. Another group sleds on the Des Plaines River.

A Sunday Encounter


Brookfield Zoo, January 1970. The hat I'm wearing was a Christmas gift. It was very fashionable. Two faux-fur pom poms dangled from the bottom of its ties.

Party Table


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1965. The Lithuanians from our suburban enclave gather for another New Year's celebration.

Babysitting


Kaunas, Lithuania, 1943. My Dad's twin sister, Jonė, and a friend look after a little one.

December 28, 2013

Antelope Reunion


Eastern Montana or Western North Dakota, 1970. Dad snapped a couple of shots as the Pronghorn scampered away.

Pucker up.


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1969. My paternal Grandmother, Tatjana, dances at a New Year's Eve party hosted by Donna and Vytenis.

Find a quiet spot.


Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 31, 1959. A doll wearing a folkdress keeps Kadis company during a New Year's Eve party.

Traveling Companion


Door County, Wisconsin, December 1976. Mom and Dad have spent a winter weekend at the cottage, and it's time to head home in Dad's Buick Skylark.

December 26, 2013

Exploration, in Three Takes


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Door County, Wisconsin, December 1975. It's easy to spot Gigi when she's wearing her red coat.

Pop in on your way to the party.


Suburban Chicago, December 31, 1965. My beloved Godmother and her husband stop by our home on their way to a New Year's Eve party.

Early Winter Walk


Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1943. My Dad snapped this photo of a friend.

Now, enjoy the gifts.


Toronto, Ontario, Canada, December 1956. My Toronto Cousin likes the doll.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

December 24, 2013

This Year's Table for Kūčios


Verona, Wisconsin, December 24, 2013. Our Kūčios table is set with twelve dishes. We don't vary the menu too much from year to year.

We are ready to gather at the table.


Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1965. The family is ready to celebrate Kūčios.

Bring familiar customs to strange places.


Lübeck, Germany, about 1946. Residents at the DP camp's Žirgynas gather for the Kūčios meal.
 
Toronto Al's Dad, Vladas, is the fellow without the jacket, standing to the left of the tree. Thanks to Toronto Al for making this photo available to us.

We celebrate Kūčios together.


Mariampolis, Lithuania, December 24, 1936. I posted this photo earlier here, but it's the one that comes to mind for me on Christmas Eve. We'll be sharing the Kūčios meal later tonight.

December 23, 2013

Snow Scene


Verona, Wisconsin, December 21, 2013. The cows are happy to be out in the snow.

A wig once seemed like a reasonable gift.


Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1969. Mom seems happy with the fashionable gift.

Gift time nears.


Suburban Chicago, December 1963. The Christmas play has ended, and the beloved pastor arrives to assist the teacher with the gift distribution.

Christmas Manners: Patience will be rewarded.


Toronto, Ontario, December 1960. My Toronto Cousin appreciates the tree.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

The underground press ...

in Soviet-occupied Lithuania.

December 22, 2013

We've cleared the driveway.


Suburban Chicago, April 1970. Dad's Volvo is in the driveway.

A Holiday Spot


Melrose Park, Illinois, December 1960. It's time again to visit the Nativity at Amling's Flowerland.

Identification


Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1938. This is one photo Mom used for her internal passport.

The family gathers


Toronto, Ontario, December 24, probably 1950. Toronto Al's Mom (on the right, wearing the headscarf) celebrates Kūčios with her family.

Thanks to Toronto Al for making this photo available to us.

December 21, 2013

Roadside Reunion


Verona, Wisconsin, December 21, 2013. You don't have to go far to see beauty.

Christmas Manners: Don't get too ambitious with the cookie baking.


Suburban Chicago, December 1970. It seems like a good idea, but it can become tedious.

A Disney Moment

Service dog meets Pluto.

A Melancholy Thought


Suburban Chicago, December 24, 1965. My Dad's twin sister, Jonė, and her family visit us for the holidays. Dad captures Jonė's "melancholy eyes."

Bright


Kaunas, Lithuania, 1936. My Dad's older cousin, Henry, is out with his daughter, Kaunas Nina.

Incorporation

Pagan traditions inflect Lithuanian Christmas celebrations. It's customary, for example, to serve twelve dishes at the Kūčios table. I grew up thinking each dish represented one of the apostles. It's just as likely the twelve dishes symbolize the months of the year.

Lithuania was the last European country to convert to Christianity. The incorporation of pagan customs into the new faith made the Christian rituals seem familiar.

December 20, 2013

Take advantage of winter weather.


Door County, Wisconsin, March 1978. It's easy to glide on the frozen shoreline.

Related by Marriage: The garage is in the back.


Marquette Park, Chicago, December 1958. Mr. Irene's maternal Grandparents, Anna and Stanley, step onto the back porch as they prepare to leave for church.

The joy of a gift.


Toronto, Ontario, December 24, 1961. Toronto Al got exactly what he wanted.

Thanks to Toronto Al for making this photo available to us.