The Good Old Days

This weekend, Rob and I had our first overnight guest since the renovations were completed. My friend since Grade 4, Mary Ann ("MAK") arrived on Saturday afternoon. MAK is a real estate agent so we were really interested in her "professional" opinion of the condo. I am happy to report that her initial market "eval" was extremely positive and our attempts to create a warm and inviting home were confirmed by her experienced eye and friendly nature.

While she was here, I dug out a photo album with old photos in it so that I could show Rob how she looked in a red polkadot bikini! Once we started taking that walk down the road of remembrances, I came across a bunch of black and white photos from my formative years. Some of these are just too cute not to share ...

Obviously, my love for shoes and fashion started after this photo was taken!


My inordinate fondness for stuffed animals was also deeply ingrained during the first 12 months of my life -- this bear looks bigger than I do!


My life changed dramatically when my brother was born but there are still days when I let him worship his big sister (on the Dodge).


I learned the price of beauty early in the 1960s ...


I believe my disdain for organized religion commenced after I was forced to wear this little number ...


I used to be skinny (too bad I also looked like a boy). No wonder my Dad insisted I get a "girl's" bike ...


And finally, the famous bikini shot. Mary Ann looks pretty much the same (after two kids, no less!) but I've filled out somewhat since this photo was taken in the 70s.