For Judy

We were shocked and saddened to learn last night that our friend Judy, wife of one of OilMan's high school buddies, died on October 2nd. She and Skip initiated the annual September gatherings of that high school group, often hosting it, always fully involved.

Judy was warm, feisty, energetic, positive and famous (with us anyway) for her collection of Santa Clauses. She raised chickens, geese, the occasional sheep, a parrot and an ever changing collection of cats and dogs. She and Skip made wine and apple cider and cured olives…all produced on their own property outside Sebastopol. 

We had countless spur-of-the-moment dinners with Skip and Judy and always looked forward to hearing the provenance of our meal…chops from the prize winning 4H lamb at the County Fair, oysters from Costco, old family recipes and new experiments…they were all wonderful and filled with good stories and good times.

 As I gathered together this large vase full of things from the garden I couldn't help thinking how much they were like Judy…colorful, eclectic and larger than life. We will miss you Judy.