Groton 2008

On our way!! We are loaded and set to go. Donna, Brad, Caitlyn, Jelani , Emily, and Lola. The trailer, Jeep and the Saab were all loaded with gear This will be Donna's 15th year at Groton, Cait and My 2nd year and everyone else it's their 1st year. Jelani is Donna's godson, Donna is his fresh air family(He is from Jamaica Queens NYC). Emily is my best friends daughter and good friend with Cait who was able to attend this year.

Here is the group. What a fine looking bunch!
This photo was captured by our good friend Mary Mannix , more about her later. Mary had rowed out into the pond in a tiny dinghy and took this shot for us. What a trooper she was. With the light fading and some drifting she was able to get multiple shots of us and various combinations.


Once again we had come to the dam to pay respects to pets that have gone on from us. Kodiak left us after a short illness, the Vet described as a blood disorder that caused her body to fight itself. Donna and I both believe she left us suffering from a broken heart after the loss of her mother Ellie. We sent Kodiak off to play with her..... I feel the tears coming to my eyes now writing this remembering her. Kodiak will be missed, especially by Lola who definately did not spend enough time with her sister. Not only did we honor Kodiak this year, but another golden friend... Copper! It was hard enough to feel our own hearts break but to see Bob, Lauren and Keil deal with the same loss. You will be missed Copper Man!!! There is much comfort to know that Holly, Ellie, Copper and Kodiak are all together at Groton.


Now.....This is Mary Mannix. Mary flew from Chicago just to be a part of the Groton experience. After years of being invited and told stories about Groton, she relented and arrived mid week. We set her up in our leanto and she became a member of Azalea. We hope it will be the beginning of annual trips to the east for her...What do you say Mary???????

This is how you enjoy an afternoon on Ricker Pond. Get your floaties, drinks and snacks and head out. What a way to relax. Hot sun, cool water, hot chick, cool man. This is what its all about. Groton 2008 came to end but memories were made, friendships renewed, new relationships formed and experiences to share with others. How can you lose!!! One note to self .... remember sunscreen next time or listen to Donna when she says i'm turning red!!!!