Never miss an opportunity.

 

Suburban Chicago, January 1975. Gigi knows Mom's later dinner creates another chance to mooch.

Stitch Count

Door County, Wisconsin, January 1978. It's good to have a helper.

Related by Marriage: Performance Garb

Suburban Chicago, July 1980. Mr. Irene's Los Angeles Cousins prepare to depart for the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival. The group stands in the backyard of Mr. Irene's childhood home.

Does the design on those sleeves look familiar? Does it look like Mr. Irene's Los Angeles Cousin is checking her cell phone?

Routine

Suburban Chicago, October 1969. Gigi is on guard duty while Mom practices the piano.

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.

Evening Practice

Suburban Chicago, February 1969. Mom practices after she returns from work.

Grab a Book: Pay-attention-to-me Edition

Suburban Chicago, December 1983. Meškė competes with the book.

Sunday Paper: Read-It-Later Edition

Suburban Chicago, January 1989. During the two years Mr. Irene and I commuted, Mr. Irene usually visited with my Mom on Sunday afternoons.

Sunday Custom

Suburban Chicago, December 1966. Mom often relaxed by practicing the piano.

Rec-Room Relaxation

Suburban Chicago, January 1979. Dad sets up the self-timer for another photo. He's wearing one of the zippered cardigans Mom knitted. Mom's "stay-at-home clothes" now include trousers. Mom is on call because the phone is at her feet. Gigi has brought her favorite toys onto the ottoman.

Table Scraps, Later

Suburban Chicago, January 1976. Mom's again eating a reheated dinner.

We've reached another first day of school.

 I wish everyone a fulfilling school year. 

 Suburban Chicago, September 1964. The big day will go well if you steady your nerves.

Grab a Book: Three-Dog Edition

Suburban Chicago, January 1989. Heidi the Daschund visits again; our Meškė (on the left) and Žulė are in the picture, too.

Listening

Door County, Wisconsin, November 1976. Dad enjoyed listening to the shortwave radio.

UPDATE: Contrast this image.

Rec-Room Spin

Suburban Chicago, March 1963. Here's another look at that nurse outfit.

Grab a Book: Smile-for-the-Selfie Edition

Door County, Wisconsin, February 1979. Dad sometimes preferred a serious expression.

It's Sunday; why don't you come over for coffee.

Suburban Chicago, January 1966. Mom entertains a friend in Tatjana's corner of the living room. Barbie's the doll now wearing the fashion folkdress. Mom's still working on the red mohair sweater she wore the following summer in Glacier.

(Also on the table is this photo of my great-grandparents.)

Sunday Paper: Sunday-Magazine Edition

Suburban Chicago, December 1962. Something has caught Mom's attention.

Sunday Papers: View-from-the-Side Edition

Suburban Chicago, December 1962. My Toronto Cousin visits us for the Holidays, and she considers my Mom as Mom reads the paper.

There's time for a spin.

Suburban Chicago, January 1964. Although I sometimes danced when we entertained guests, I always was happy to perform when my Dad was the only audience member.