Aunt Stella being silly at a family picinic. I was imitating her!

Family Christmas–Grandma, Dad and me.

Mom and sister Edith

Dad’s family at homestead. My sister Betty in front.

Ben Dykstra (My dad) age 13.

Memorial for my dad

Dad duded up

Dad

Mom and Dad in Australia. He finally got to travel–to come visit me.

Dad, Amana Colony

Mom and Dad, 1970

Mother

Mother with her sisters. She’s lower left.

Standing on Mom’s chair to steal a snack. “The” solid bench Patti and I sat on was behind the table in front of the plaid wall. Don’t look behind it!

Mom in Phyllis Diller’s Coat

Fishing with dad and my sisters.

My sisters and dad and I.

Sisters, Tucson

(Really? You want to see these family photos in more detail
and to read captions? Okay–then click on them.)

“To Be Perfectly Honest––”
(What I Really Wanted to Say)
3 Quadrilles

*As much as I enjoyed your first hundred family photos,
could we perhaps switch to conversation of a less familial theme?
*No I’m not ill. I’ve spent two years starving and a fortune
on appetite suppressants. Couldn’t you just tell me I look fabulous?

*I believe my husband has seen enough of your cleavage
for one evening. Could you cage them?
*Your poem’s triteness is equaled only by its misspellings.
*I am curious. Have you ever wondered why only beautiful women
want you to ask them to dance?   

*Be honest now. Would you ever have thought
to eat raw fish if it weren’t all the rage?
*Sorry, but Walmart art doesn’t count as a collection.
*When people back away from you, it’s likely
they don’t want you to advance on them again.

The dVerse Poets link today is “Honest.” Instead of one quadrille, I did three. Don’t complain. You’re lucky I didn’t do five!