A day with Dad...

Today is Father's Day and as I think back on the many fond memories I have of my father, some of the best days we spent together were not at big events or on special occasions. They were simply days that we were able to gather together and enjoy some relaxing time in each other's company: eating, drinking, being merry . . . and eventually napping.

Not much of a sportsman, my father nonetheless truly relished the outdoors and was generally up for any activity where he could feel the sun on his face. 

While I was married, my husband and I lived for a time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. During our time there we spent as much time as we could on the river in any seafaring vessel available at first, and then on my 13' 1966 Boston Whaler (very much like the one in the photo, a gift from my mate).

My parents would often visit, making the three-hour drive from New York for the weekend or even just an overnight. I remember well the first time we took my parents out on the river. My mom laughing as we were sprayed by the brackish water, and my father's delight as he and my husband attempted to catch fish.

Back on shore we'd enjoy a favorite Italian pastime--eating--and at some point in the afternoon dad would commandeer the couch for an hour or so. When we moved to Saratoga Springs, New York, his first choice for a siesta was the hammock in the garden where I remember him often curled up with Methuselah (aka Sula) our Jack Russell/Thornton terrier mix. (Sula would eventually become so attached to my father she refused to return from my parents' home!)

This is the first Father's Day since my father passed away in January. It's still difficult to accept that I won't be making any new memories with him or celebrating this holiday together any longer. 

I consider myself lucky, though, to have been so close to my father and to have enjoyed so many good times with him. While I miss him everyday, recalling these and other moments together makes him ever closer in my heart.

"A day with Dad..."  Pocket Polo: Old Navy; Swim Trunks: Vilebrequin; Fedora: Stetson; Aviators: Ray-Bay; Topsiders: Cole Haan; Hammock: Missoni Home; Boat: vintage Boston Whaler