Paula O’Rourke & Wilson

The fragrant roses on Prosper Street

Julie’s memorial day

Our friends had a memorial for the beautiful Julie Willing. It started with the brass band playing in a procession from Dolores Park, through the neighborhood to the school across the street, where they played for about an hour. I took Wilson out to join in this joyful celebration of Julie with her husband Tim Dougherty and their daughter Siobhan, and a crowd of their friends and Julie’s family. It was so good to spend some time with them. I miss her so terribly much! It was wonderful to see the fabulous Paula O’Rourke again, back in town from Barcelona after so many years. She hasn’t aged a day! Wilson liked all the attention. I think he gets a bit weary just looking at Rena and me all the time!

I wore the delicate scarf Julie gave me over 15 years ago.

Yesterday, walking back from the clinic, I noticed this huge rose bush. Wilson and I always loved it, and stopped to smell their incredible fragrance whenever we happened by and it was in bloom. I took this photo to show to him when I got home, telling him how BEAUTIFUL they still smell! His eyes were wide with wonder, smiling as I shared this with him. I was so glad I could bring him this little moment of joy.