The story begins on July 29, 1924 in Banning, California. Here is my great-grandmother (Nona) holding Miriam on the porch. Circa 1925.

Another one from long ago: (l to r) my Grandma' Ruthie, Nona, Great-great-grandmother Sweeny (seated) with Miriam on her lap.

Miriam was a self-proclaimed intellectual. She respected education and was very proud of her own . . .

. . . almost as proud as she was of this little guy. Miriam is shown here in 1951. David is 11 months old.

(Inscription in Miriam's writing from the back of the picture at left.)

I have always suspected that Miriam was more of a nature lover than she let on . . .

. . . but how they talked her onto a tree for this picture, I can't imagine.

This picture, taken in Miriam's apartment on 14th Street in Santa Monica, is from 1969.

Here's another from Santa Monica, 1969. This one was taken in our living room at the house on 25th Street.

Miriam always loved dogs. She is shown here with a special favorite, Sancho. Sancho had a few screws loose and you never knew when he might bite. Of course, you know what they say about pets resembling their owners.

At Nona's and Granma' Ruthie's apartment on 9th Street in Santa Monica.

This picture was taken on the day of Nona's funeral in 1977. Standing behind Miriam (l to r) are James Adamoli, Lincoln Ebert, Jim Dewey Ebert, and Mark Adamoli.

Miriam with my mother, Nancy, in front of our house in Houston.