Some of my first photographs ever taken with my first camera are of this very same stone patio,

work in progress, by Mom, sometime between 35 & 40 years ago.

Here she is working on the patio, moving the stones around, levelling, grading.

I have done a small amount of stonework, but I’m always distracted.

I would like Martin to keep me company.

Mom would also like Dad to keep her company.

Marin is better with the level than Dad is,

so I have the excuse of pretending I need help and requesting his presence.

Dad likes exercising. Mom, nearing eighty, moves rocks.