Bob Desrosiers, 1944-2015

No work on the house again this week. Instead, we both flew back to New Hampshire to say goodbye to my father, Bob.

1962

He was a funny, humble, affable guy. He was a fixture in the neighborhood, spending summers sitting on his deck, looking out on the lake, and waving to neighbors driving by. About 70 people turned out to pay their respects at the memorial on Friday night.

Here is his obituary, for those who never had the opportunity to meet him:

Robert R. Desrosiers

June 3, 1944 ~ October 13, 2015

Robert Rene Desrosiers, 71, passed away at his home in Derry, NH, on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, surrounded by loving family.

Bob was born on June 3, 1944 in Lowell, MA, to Albert Desrosiers and Florence (Lemire) Desrosiers. He loved playing the guitar, spending time on his boat, and cooking for his family. He was also a proud veteran of the Navy.

He leaves his devoted wife, Toni Desrosiers of Derry, NH; his daughter Christine Desrosiers and her partner Adrienne Johnstone of San Francisco, CA; his daughter, Angela (Northcutt) O'Brien, her husband Michael and sons Jacob, Patrick, and Sean of Swansea, MA; his son Anthony Northcutt of Fayetteville, AL, and his son Jacob Hernandez of Casper, WY; his son, Terry Northcutt and his fiance Marty Ray of Jacksonville, NC, and his son Todd Etress of Charleston, SC; his older brother, George Desrosiers of Lowell, MA; and his loving dog, Meili.

A gift from a secret admirer

Last week we got a surprise in the mail -- this beautifully painted portrait of Pickles!

The card with the cute owl didn't say who sent it, but we suspect it's one of Pickles' admirers in the great Commonwealth of Virginia.

We love it very much, and put it up immediately in a place of honor in the kitchen:

It's basically the first thing you see when you walk in. Just as it should be!

Thank you so much, Secret Admirer! Please come visit again soon!