Mom Beyer's 90th Birthday Bash!

Mom Beyer Walks in (white top)

On Sunday, August 24th we attended our friend Mom Jill Beyer's surprise 90th birthday party at a local restaurant. It was a surprise hosted by her (adult) children: Jim, Lisa, Ralph and Nancy. I (Rob) have known Jim and his family for over 20 years and my mom LOVED spending time with Jill whenever she visited.

Rob and Jill's daughterLisa

The beautiful cake 

  It was great to see everyone and Jill looked outstanding. I know that my mom was there in spirit, because she loved to laugh with Jill whenever they were together (they had several shopping experiences over the years).

Birthday girl in the center 

  The restaurant was wonderful and it was a catered event with cake, too!  What a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman who raised 4 amazing kids!

Jill's son Ralph gives a great talk

Jill's son Jim looks to see if there's more wine! :) 

Tom and Rob 

Mom's Voice and A Tribute: In Memory of Rob's Mom on her Birthday

Mom in 2001

Today, June 19th, marks the day that would have been my (Rob's)  mom's 86th birthday. Mom passed on Dec. 29, 2013 so this is the first year we're not celebrating her birthday with her -at least in the physical sense. However, I thought it important to continue to remember my mom, and the best way to do that is to HEAR HER VOICE and  read the most amazing tribute to her. 
   I actually saved her voicemail message to me from Nov. 1, 2013 and figured out a way to bring it to everyone. I thought it important to have mom's voice so I'll never forget how she sounded. She always thought that whenever she left a voicemail on my cell phone that I could hear it, so she kept talking, as it if were an answering machine connected to a home phone!   So she'd keep saying "Pick up the Phone!" 
CLICK HERE TO HEAR MY MOM's VOICE: Norma's Voicemail Message to Rob on 11-1-13
 ( http://youtu.be/NX-yobSxi3w)

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Following is my mom's eulogy, that was written by my younger brother Doug and spoken by him at her services at St. Ann's church in Quincy on January 2, 2014. Doug really captured the spirit and spunkiness of our mother, and who she was. I hope you'll read it, and get to know her a little. Doug did an amazing job on this and Tom and I thought it deserved to be memorialized on our blog. Thanks, Doug, and Happy birthday, Mom. Love, Rob and Tom

Mom’s Eulogy – Jan 2, 2014

Written and given by Doug Gutro

On behalf of my brothers - Thank you all for coming and for your outpouring of love and support.

Today we Celebrate the life of our mother,

Mom at NASA in 2009 as an Astronaut!

Norma Gloria Gutro - she loved her name – You may have noticed HER NGG initials sewed on her blouses, sweaters and pocketbooks  -  If you live in Quincy, you may have seen her license plate around town NORMA 5 – The 5 stood for five people in our family (mom, dad, and her 3 boys).  It adorned a half dozen cars over the past 40 years from Station Wagons, to her Lincoln Continental, to her current SUV – for a woman who stood barley 5’ tall, she loved big cars. 

Born in the depression - adored her parents Sarina and Giramondo Tutela, as well as brother Ralph and she had the typical sister relationship our aunt Tillie.  If you knew her, she was proud of her Italian heritage.

Rob, Jill B., Mom, and Jim B.

Mom recalled the most Vivid Childhood memories and friendships with her family growing up on the streets in East Boston and Dorchester – she enjoyed dancing, the family traditions, and friendships that seemed simpler back then.  All these years, she stayed in touch with her friend Marion, who she has known from Kindergarten.  

A few months ago, she got to reminisce and reconnect with her cousin Rosalie who she hadn’t seen in 50 years and who meticulously researched their Tutela family back to Italy in the early 1800s. It was a special day, with photos of relatives and ancestors – she knew all their names – wonderful stories, tears, and laughter.  I’m grateful to have shared that walk down memory lane with my mom.

Franklin, Dolly and Cooper in 2009 with Mom in Md.

In 1955 - she married our dad, Edward J. “Buddy” Gutro. They were Fated to be mated she would say. Together they owned 3 new homes including the one they built and lived in on the corner of Puritan Drive and Adams Street since 1963 – She’d say it was on the 18th hole of the Furnace Brook Golf Course – Our dad's home town - she was proud always to live on adams street and in her neighborhood – A pride I've carried forward.

As my dad worked 3 jobs my mom raised 3 boys - many joyous and memorable holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries growing up.  They went to steve’s band concerts, my basketball games, and supported Rob in all he did.

Jill Beyer and Mom make faces

If you hadn’t noticed, our mom had a Knack for Fashion - sharp dresser, her clothes always matched her shoes and handbag, and she almost always wore heels - She could remember names and events from 80 years ago with clarity and she shared them frequently with all who would listen and many you were great listeners.  We learned never to question mom’s memory of an event.  Like a great politician, she never let the truth get in the way of a good story – although I’m sure her embellishments were never purposeful, but a result of how she wanted to remember things or simply a fading memory.   Norma was much like the sun – she could brighten a room with her presence or laughter, things always seemed to revolve around her, and if you got to close, sometimes things got a little too hot for comfort. 

Jeff and Mom joke around during dessert 2009

At home, she had clean house – you took your shoes off before entering. Today, her living room still looks like it hasn't been lived in. She was great cook and loved to feed you – even now making pizzelas and strudels for Christmas – this year the strudels still sit on her dining room table for Christmas that she didn’t make.  She was creative and enjoyed painting and artwork. She made homemade Halloween Costumes and painted comic book or cartoon charters on our shirt or sheets. She loved to talk, enjoyed music, scratch tickets, watching sports or police shows, and loved to laugh. She just wanted to be loved.

As my dad’s career advanced and they traveled the U.S and to England. She had fond memories of those days. This was their heyday - They were living the American dream. 

As we grew up and moved out, Mom & Dad became inseparable.  Walking the neighborhood, working in the yard, shopping, sharing a quiet meal at their favorite restaurants, playing cards, and going bowling. She'd get dolled up as my dad sat on the porch reading his book.  He was proud to be with her. The simple pleasures we all take for granted.

Mom insisted that Tom play the piano for her!!

Kids moved, married, time passed as it always does. We lost my dad 5 years ago. And mom was never the same. Her soul mate, compass, North Star was gone. She struggled mightily and we struggled to fill the void.

Her life returned to making or maintaining her home and yard and affirming that clearly she wasn't moving from the place she loved.

In the good weather she was always doing Yard work - 5 ft firecracker with a saw in one hand always cutting down some trees or branches – you’d think she lived in a forest. A friend of mine who drove by, called me immediately after witnessing the spectacle and asked why I’d let my 80 year old mother climb a ladder and saw trees.  You try to stop her I said.  We both laughed. He knew my mom.  Up until the end she was still driving, shopping, visiting neighbors, looking good, and even wearing heels.

Mom at Christmas 2006

She loved her family and people. Like many of us, she sometimes had a unique way of showing it. But she did. She was proud of Stephen for following my dad in the insurance business.  Proud of Rob and for his work at NASA, The Weather Channel, and National Hurricane Center.  And she was proud of me for serving on the City Council in the City I was raised in. She was happy to see us settled with our spouses, who have been an amazing source of strength for us.  She adored her grandchildren - my boys Brian and Scotty. She loved and still recalled fond memories of her dogs Gigi and penny – who’ve long since passed and more recently enjoyed my brother Rob and his husband Tom’s dogs Dolly, Franklin, and Tyler.

On a personal note, she loved campaigning for me - Dropping flyers and holding campaign signs – she was tireless and proud. One day while walking the neighborhood she asked a man working in his yard if he'd put up a lawn sign for me - little did she know he was running for same council seat as I - he was a good sport and she made a new friend.

In recent years, she spent time walking the neighborhood, bonding with neighbors who always kept a watchful eye on her. She was Interested and opinionated on both neighborhood issues and city wide issues. She was always weighing in with my friend and her Ward Councilor Kevin Coughlin and I.

This past week, our mom succumbed to the effects of a major stroke in the home she loved.

When Mayor learned about my mom’s stroke he was among the first to call and offer sympathy or help in any way. I want personally thank him.  And upon reflection, I may take him up on his offer of help – Mr. Mayor - Councilor Coughlin and I put together a very long list of my mother’s neighborhood concerns, which we’d be delighted to share with you.

To those who called her – especially her friend Jane Ricci who spoke to her every day. Thank you. To those who visited her, Thank you. Those who invited her out or took her into your home, Thank you. She couldn't replace what she lost in my dad - but my brothers and I are forever grateful for your help in caring for our mom during these past 5 years.

Rob's late dog Buzz, and Mom trying to get his attention!

We lost her during Christmas season. It's a time when the world is prayerful and celebrates Jesus' birth.  She loved Christmas as she loved the blessed mother and prayed to various saints. For our family, it will forever hold a spiritual meaning as the time she rejoined my dad, her parents, and siblings at the Gates of heaven. A new life without burdens of pain or sorrow. She’s free again.  Like to thank Father Ronagan who is presiding to day and also said my dad’s funeral mass 5 short years ago and the entire St. Ann’s family. 

Let me close with this story illustrating mom’s feisty spirit and desire to love and be loved - more often than not since we were young boys up until this past week my mom would always say to my brothers and I as we prepared to leave her home - in her characteristically blunt and occasionally unsettling way - "kiss your mother it goodbye, it may be the last time you see me."  Shaking our heads, we always obliged, never believing it was true, always returning to hear it again.  Sadly, this past week mom, that day has finally come and with a heavy heart we reluctantly obliged. We love you mom.

A Double Birthday Celebration: Stef and Stacey!

This week marked the 25th birthdays of two of our friends and neighbors, so we had to celebrate!  Stacey and her hubby Nathan and Stefanie and her hubby Jeff joined us for dinner out, and then lots of different homemade sweets at our house afterward. Stacey's birthday is today, the 24th, and Stefanie's was the 19th so we combined them into one cozy celebration.
  Rob baked earlier in the day and made carrot cake cupcakes, chocolate raspberry cupcakes and we tossed in apple pastries and blueberry scones, topping it all off with coffee! 

L to R: Nathan, Jeff, Stef, Stacey, Tom (Rob took the picture!)

   It was a fun way to celebrate and the weather was perfect so we enjoyed sitting on our sun porch (something that we hadn't been able to do up until three weeks ago when winter weather finally disappeared).

Yolie's Birthday Celebration!

Tom and Yolie hamming it up

Our friend and neighbor Yolie celebrated her birthday on May 15th, and asked friends and neighbors to meet at a local restaurant, so we did!  It was a lot of fun, and there were a good number of people there. Yolie says she's approaching our age, but she looks 30! 

David and Yolie

Tom and Yolie

 Yolie is a great cook who has hosted the most wonderful parties with Puerto Rican and Mexican

Yolie and Rob

food, and always has a laugh and a smile for everyone.  She loves people, cats and dogs, laughing, friends, family and enjoying life. It's people like Yolie who make it easy to celebrate their birth, because they make you happy! 
 (BTW, because we were sitting at a table that faced the bar, most everyone's backs were facing us for a good amount of time, and well, we just had to take a picture of Yolie's boyfriend David's behind.). LOL

Shelley, Yolie and David

Group shot at the bar - yeah, it's blurry!

David's behind. :)

 

Double Birthday Today: Dolly and Tyler!

Dolly and Tyler: The birthday kids cuddle

Our Weimaraner Dolly Loretta (named for Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn) turns 9 today. Our youngest Dachshund, Tyler turns 3 (no more terrible twos!)
- Our thanks to Amber Keirn of the former Wolf Creek Weimarner Rescue for saving Dolly and allowing us to bring her into our family, and to Melissa McMillion Ball and Shelley Sehnert of Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue for bringing Tyler to our family.
Happy birthday Dolly and Tyler! 
 
DOLLY'S BIRTHDAY!  Today, November 29th,  is our dog Dolly's birthday. Dolly, our lovable, affectionate, obedient, loyal, protective, sweet Weimaraner turns 9 today. I remember when I drove to Tennessee in March 2005 to the Wolf Creek Weimaraner rescue to adopt her (our friend Jeff came with me). Dolly is the sweetest dog you'll ever know. Our friend Elvina calls her a "classy lady."

Franklin, Tyler and Dolly pose

TYLER'S BIRTHDAY!  Tyler came to us about a year ago as a foster dog through Coast-to-Coast Dachshund Rescue. His paperwork said that he was 2  years old, without a birthdate. So, because he and Dolly have become a tightly bonded pair, we made today his honorary birthday. It makes perfect sense that he was 2 years old when we got him because this last year as he worked his way into our hearts and we Adopted him in April- he's truly been exhibiting the "Terrible Twos!"  He's been a little hardhead sometimes, and a bit hard to train, but today he's 3 years old, and is much better. He and Dolly love to cuddle all the time, and he bats her in the face with his paw, playing with her every day. They chase each other and play tug of war with a toy as Franklin looks on. (Franklin is our senior kid, who turns 10 in March!)

Dolly on 3-18-05 when I met her

Dolly enjoying a stick outside and resting in the shade

Tyler: The terrible Twos

Remembering Buzz's Birthday

Today, July 29 would have been my (Rob) puppy Buzz Wyatt's 6th birthday. Buzz came to me as a birthday gift from a friend- and Buzz changed my life for the better. At first challenging to learn how to raise a pup, I learned unconditional love as he helped nurse Buzz back to health, as Buzz contracted pneumonia the first week they were together. Buzz had hospital overnight stays and I had him breathing steam, taking medications, etc. until he regained health, only to be taken away 4 months later by a speeding, reckless driver in Feb 2005. Buzz has come back many times and made his appearance known, to me, Dolly and Franklin. We have his ashes in the house, and feel him around. Today, being his 6th birthday- I wanted to pay tribute to him and post some favorite photos, because that love never changes!

Today is Franklin's 6th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me, Franklin the Dachshund!
I, Franklin, turn 6 today. I guess that's about 35 in human years, but I really don't care. Just give me treats.
I've got a strong personality, and love to wander around outside, bark and chase squirrels, birds, and bunnies. In fact, I've caught and took some of them down! If I can't catch one, then just give me treats for chasing them out of the yard.
My sister, Dolly doesn't look all that much like me other than she's also German, and a hound-like dog. I've heard people call her a "Weimaraner." She's great, though, because she loves to run and fetch and play with our daddies so I can sniff the ground in the backyard and forage for anything edible. Well, I even eat stuff that's not supposed to be edible!
Dolly likes putting her head on my back and using me as a pillow, and I think that's really nice. I love my sister, more than most humans love their siblings!
Here's a photo of my sister Dolly and I on the night before my birthday, after a nice walk outside. Dolly was loving it (See her smiling?), while I was tired!

Food is simply a passion. I live for it. I love it. Although I eat Purina One diet food (okay, so I have an extra pound or two on me), daddies put me on green beans, too and walk me 2-3 times a day. Jeez. That's a lot for a dog with 2 inch long legs. Dolly's legs are about 12" high!! How is that fair to me?
I know where the treat cabinet is at home, and like to hang out there. I love Milk Bone "pigs in blanket" treats, and crave bacon-flavored "Beggin' Strips!"
Tonight, as our daddies usually do, we'll be going to Petsmart to buy me more of my favorite treats and toys. I LOVE birthdays!

A Birthday Celebration

Saturday, February 27 was our friend Jeff's birthday. Jeff and Rob have known each other for a decade, and Jeff was our best man at our wedding in Connecticut. First thing in the morning, as we've done for years is call Jeff and play Loretta Lynn's "Happy Birthday" song to Jeff over the phone (he does the same on our birthdays, as Loretta is his favorite singer).
In the afternoon, Jim and Terry hosted a BBQ birthday lunch for Jeff and we enjoyed seeing our friend Darold (who has now moved into his apt. in no. Virginia-and out of our guest room), and meeting Jim and Terry, Danny, and others. It was a lot of fun, and we all laughed a lot. In the photos: 1) Jeff, Tom and Rob; 2) Terry and Jim; 3) Danny, Jeff and Darold; 4 & 5) Opening presents 6&7) Group shots - in one we think Jeff was wearing his sunglasses to hide wrinkles. :) Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Dolly's 5th Birthday Fun!

THE ROPE TOSS BIRTHDAY GAME! - Our Weimaraner Dolly's favorite game is having toy ropes thrown in the yard so she can catch them. Well, this afternoon's weather was PERFECT for that game. At 1:15 p.m. ET it was 65 degrees Fahrenheit with sunshine! So, after Daddy Tom got her started in between raking leaves (while Daddy Rob was grocery shopping and organizing Christmas cards), Daddy Rob took over the rope toss for an hour!

Although Dolly loves to play with ropes, Franklin the Dachshund prefers to sit still, soaking in the sun's rays... so he did, while Dolly ran around him.

2 SHORT VIDEOS OF DOLLY'S ROPE PLAYING!

Tom's B-day Trip To Disney Part 6 -Jeff's Photos

This is the last installment of the 2 day surprise (Tom) birthday trip to Disney. These are mostly pictures taken by our friend Jeff.
ON THE TEST-TRACK AT EPCOT - Test Track is an attraction at Epcot. Sponsored by General Motors [1], Test Track is a simulated excursion through the rigorous testing procedures that General Motors uses to evaluate its cars, culminating in a high-speed drive around the exterior of the attraction. Here's a photo of Tom and Rob, Darold and Jeff taken at the end of the ride!

TO SEE A VIDEO OF WHAT TEST TRACK IS LIKE - Check out this Disney-produced video of the entire ride!




THE AMERICAN MINUTEMEN AT EPCOT - Jeff took this picture of the Minutemen performing outside the America Pavilion.




A MOTLEY CREW - Tom, Rob, Darold and Tobie took a breather after the American Experience at EPCOT while Jeff captured the moment.



STAR TOURS: ONE OF ROB'S FAVORITE RIDES - I (Rob) loved the first 3 Star Wars movies (the last three, not so much), and I was glad to see the "Star Tours" ride. One thing that made it more fun was that Paul Rubens (aka Pee Wee Herman) did the voice of the robot pilot! Thanks to You Tube, you can experience the fun of it yourself:


TOM HATES WAITING IN LINE! - Most people hate waiting in line, and here's Tom with his "grumpy face" (he was posing for the camera) and Rob contemplating how he can obtain a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee (even though its not served in the park and they don't have a rental car) while waiting to get into the Disney Hollywood Studio backlot tour. Notice Kermit the Frog's face on the building behind us. We loved the Muppets in 3-D show.



LIVE FROM NEW YORK (BACKDROP) IT'S JEFF! - This is Jeff in front of the New York backdrop on the Disney Hollywood Studios backlot. I'm not sure if he has a crick in his neck or if he's checking out a cute guy walking by... because his head is turned to the side. I think we'd opt for the "cute guy walking by" excuse as it's more logical.