Moi and Mine

Another wakeup call came when my good friend Christopher Willy (Chilly) slumped in his living room, dead from a heart attack at 69. His father, Eric Willy (Cag) was the principal during my era (late ‘50’s) at Breeks Memorial School in Ooty. In ’64 we got together again with many friends from high school in Toronto. He married Madelaine and emigrated to NZ where they lived in Garberville. The photo was taken by Elspeth with Toivo Yrjola on my left and Chilly (in red sweater) on my right. The world was so bright with promise. It was even sunny in London! Chilly was working on a book on the Flood (of which I have an excerpt) when he died.

I heard news of the passing of one of my favorite aunts, Daphne in Perth. She was so kind to me when I was a college student in Madras, having me over for dinners and chats. She was married to my favorite uncle, Len, but then later (after my cousin Barry died) they split and she married Alfie Tatum and emigrated to Australia. This picture was taken in ’92. Daphne had Alzheimer’s towards the end but for forty years she sent me a card every year for my birthday and Christmas. I would call her sometimes. I do miss her. She was a gentle soul. Alfie has gone, too. May they both Rest In Peace now.

I continued throughout the year, working a reduced load at Evergreen Valley College and volunteering as president of the board of directors of the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto. It was a stressful year at PAL that had me dealing with ten attorneys and several government agencies but in October we were freed up to concentrate on programs and fundraising. We need more talented and skilled volunteers. The building retrofit is moving forward and Bill submitted plans to city hall this month.

Involved with the West Coast Anglo Indian group, helping to host a dance in spring and a picnic in the summer, I had an essay “Femme Feng Shui” published in The Women of Anglo India; tales and memories this year. Copies of the book can be purchased from Blair Williams at CTR (http://www.blairrw.org/ctr/wai.htm). All monies received go to support this worthy charity.

The year meandered to a close. I visited Australia in August to see my mother, Isabel, who will be 90 next month and is in good health. Bill’s dad, William Richard (Bill) Bruner sr., passed away while I was in Australia. He was 97 and will be missed by his extended family: Bill’s mother, Polly (94); Bill and his sister, Betsey; Bill’s many cousins; Bill’s kids (his grandkids)—Amy, Meta, Dan, Jeffrey and Jessica and their spouses; and Bill’s grandchildren (his great-grand children)—Taylor and Devon, Caleb and Anna, Nuri, Amana and Raika, Hannah and Ryan Lee, Lauren, Alexi and Evan.

Bill spent many reunions with his family this past year. The memorial party for his dad in Los Osos was special. He spent Christmas in Seattle with eight of his grandchildren while I spent a quiet one here in Mountain View with Natala and Sheila (photo booth www.sheilameneses.com).
We shut down 2010 and opened up 2011 with my delicious crab curry, as usual. I started writing poetry again. This unfinished poem is called Therefore, I love.