Farewell to Billy Bob

Our beloved cat Billy Bob was put to sleep this afternoon. He had been slowly failing for several months (we see in retrospect), and reached the critical point on Saturday (two days ago). We took him into the Burnet Road Animal Hospital (where he has many fans), but the treatment he was given did not improve his condition. We had the choice of having him die at home, slowly and inevitably, over the next 48 hours, or ending his suffering quickly. We have chosen the latter.

We will miss him; he was an intelligent, gregarious feline who loved people, scorned dogs, and had his own unique way of doing things. If there is a life beyond this, we know that he is reunited with Richard Beck, who befriended and named Billy Bob in his kittenhood. Mr. Beck was in his 90's when he passed away (just a week before his wife's death), and Billy Bob came to us shortly afterwards.

This cool little dude-cat received pats from many of the neighborhood joggers every evening, and was known to make daily rounds of several back gardens besides our own. We were privileged, however, to be the family that he chose as his own.

Peace to his spirit, wherever it may be.

Visiting Germany

We returned from our visit to Germany a few days ago, and I must say that our daughter and new son-in-law, plus all his assorted family members, did their very best to make us feel welcome. A long Sunday afternoon spent driving through the beautiful country of the Weinstrasse, a couple of dinners in the new apartment, plus lots of walking and exploring on our own, kept us busy.

Several of the other family members who made the trip were traveling outside the U.S. for the first time, and I hope that they enjoyed themselves, and have recovered from the "culture shock" of not having ice cubes automatically served in their soft drinks--even on a hot day!

More later...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOUNTAIN LADY !

Two little sisters and a little red wagon, in a California garden in 1948 . . .

This baby grew up to be beautiful, intelligent, fun-loving and strong. Her big sister is just as proud of her now as she was then, sixty years ago.

Today I wish that she may always be happy in her mountaintop home, and that her own children and grandchildren may bring her the joy that she has always given to others.

Many happy returns of the day -- tomorrow !

A special visit--and a special dress

This week we have been enjoying a lovely visit from a designer friend of Larissa's, who has turned our family room into an atelier, complete with busy sewing machine, lowly assistants (Larissa and her mom) and yards of silk organza. Today the bridal gown is taking its final shape. This is a big thank-you to this wonderful person, who wishes not to be named, not only for her expertise, but for her friendly presence all week.

In her current life, our friend designs little boys' clothing, which does not involve any use of delicate silk or dainty pleating, so a bridal dress, she says, is a welcome change of pace.

Watch this blog for photos of the final creation, making its appearance in August!

Albert von Margutti: Historic Arms

I believe a painting of the coat of arms described above was commissioned by Tante Lisette as a gift for my father the year she died. It was found in her desk drawer, together with a note from my mother asking for a "coat of arms" for my father's birthday gift. Much later, I found the slip of paper above, describing the arms of the Baron von Margutti. I do not think my mother had anything specific in mind when she asked for the gift - probably the Chartrey de Menetreux arms would have done just as well - but it is pretty obvious from what we know now that Victor Margutti of California was Albert's closest male heir.

The public use and display of a personal coat of arms was banned in Austria in 1919, I believe, after the imperial court was abolished. This would have been for private decorative purposes only. Many thanks to Rosemarie Hindle, cousin of Ida von Margutti, who is working on an electronic image (to be posted here someday).

Margutti Children (and their mother Laure)

The Margutti children, from left to right:

Elisabeth, born 1886

Victor, born 1889

Louis, born 1885

These names and dates are noted on the back of the photograph, as well as the date in French, "July 1900." The picture was taken in Melun, France.

Laure Chartrey Margutti with young Victor, in Trieste, Italy

The back of the photo reads (in French):

"To My Dear Papa, Laure, 11 August 1891"

Victor Margutti of America

Victor Mario Margutti

1906-1994
Doctor

Father of Marilyn, Laura, and Elizabeth Margutti.