We started the new year with a New Year's Eve afternoon party at Caroline's house (well... actually it's technically her parent's house). The kids and the adults had a good time. Here's Robert showing off his wizard's costume, borrowed from Caroline's dress up basket.

2007 left on a somber note, however. A very good friend, Gordon, died in Richmond. While not unexpected, it's always hard when someone you love passes away. Since it was not unexpected, he had the privilege (thanks to help from family, friends and Bon Secours Hospice) of dieing at home in bed: Martha said he just stopped breathing.

We debated taking Robert to the memorial service and settled on taking him along. While I'm not sure he really gets it, he has been asking good questions. And I think a positive spin, if possible, on death as a natural process is not a bad thing. The service was a very nice memorial and emphasised that we were all gathered to celebrate what Gordon brought to each of us and the world. While he will be sorely missed, we will remember him often: at the sound of his Canadian accent, at the sight of a distinguished gentleman in the distance, when looking for a good value in wine, and, for those who indulge, when cooking or eating oysters.

We decided to make a day of the trip to Richmond and headed first for Maymont. It has grown since I was a volunteer there in high school. The cool new visitor's center with its exhibit on the James River aquatic life is a perfect example. And the fact that it was inside on a really cold day helped as well.