To Gilroy and Back

Did a whirlwind trip up to Gilroy to attend the memorial service for Tom's uncle, Leslie Muraoka. Learned that Leslie was named after the owner of a ranch that took in his family after they were released from the internment camp following the war (hope I got that right).

These hills outside of Gilroy are so pretty-the golden grass dotted with oak trees. Not the greatest picture however, I took it thru the windshield!

Helen, Uncle Rob, Kimo and Grandpa

Leslie was a good man and was always super nice to Tom and our family. He lived next door to Tom's parents and he and his wife June would always tromp over to talk with us whenever we visited.  He laughed with almost every sentence he spoke, at least that's what it seemed like. 
 

Tak and Tom's dad, Kenji-the two oldest Katashima siblings-nice to see them together.

Tom's cousin, Leslie's son, Ritchie Muraoka.
.  He sat at our table for lunch and talked to us for a long time, telling us what it was like the last several years taking care of his dad.  

Tom really enjoyed talking with his cousin Ritchie.  I took several covert pictures of Tom smiling nonstop as they talked about their childhood exploits days.

Leslie was a truck driver and Tom has told us about washing this truck when he was a kid.

Most of these are Katashima relations-June in the front with the beige slacks.

Tom and his two brothers Ron (top) and Rob

Drove by the San Luis reservoir where Tom fished in his youth-pretty full of water this time around! Saw an elk nearby, which Tom had never before seen in that area.

No parking!

Today's Wordle!