Happy Birthday to me!

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone!  I count my blessings that I have such wonderful people in my life who support and love me (or at least I think they do! hehe)  Even though I may be another year older, have a few more creaks in my joints, gained a few more pounds and have a few more gray hairs, I can’t complain.  It’s been a wonderful year (with many more to come)!  I won’t say how old I am, but I will say it’s getting closer to that 1/2 century mark!  Oi!  So cheers to everyone!

Baby Gayle

Teen Gayle

Young Woman Gayle

Gayle - Today

Amazing what you find…social networking at its best

Yesterday, I twittered that I had done a search on my maiden name “Ujifusa” on Facebook and came across a lot of people with the same last name that I don’t even know.

There was one individual that lives in Portland, OR so I decided that I would email him via Facebook and ask him a few questions.  He wrote back with some very interesting information.  I found out that his grandfather lived in the same town that I grew up in.  I didn’t recognize his grandfather’s name so I have emailed my dad to see if he knew of him.  It’s just way too coincidental that we share the same last name and that we have relatives that live in the same town as I grew up in.  I have to assume that he is a relative of mine in some sort of way.  If so, that is so cool!

I counted the number of “Ujifusa’s” in Facebook and I came across 15 names (not including the one in Portland).

What a small world it is indeed.  And what a great example of social networking working at its best!!!

My grandmother’s funeral services

As you know from previous posts that my grandmother just recently passed away (May 22, 2008). Because of time constraints and busy schedules, we opted not to have a service for her right away. Instead, she was cremated soon after her death. A formal/private funeral service was scheduled for later so that all the family could attend. Unfortunately, I could not be in attendance for this since Brandon has college orientation the same days and Erin has volleyball. I was deeply disappointed that I could not be there, but I was definitely there in spirit.

A private service held at the Denver Buddhist Temple (per my Grandmother’s request) was held earlier this week on July 20, 2008, along with a graveside service in Worland, WY on July 22, 2008. The latter service was for the internment of both my Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s ashes.

A video tape of the graveside services in Worland, WY will be made and a copy will be given to all in attendance.

It will be a nice memento for us all. My aunt has also agreed to have a taped interview later for more information about Grandma & Grandpa as well as pictures of them, i.e. their wedding picture in 1930, farming pictures, etc.

Grandma, you will always be remembered for your kindness, good spirit and generosity. May you rest in peace.