Happy Birthday Duane!

Duane means "Swarthy"

So it seems swarthy is the word of the month.  Do you remember what it means?  Well it does not necessarily describe my brother  He has a light brown hair and blue eyes.   But you could say that his name is prophetic.  Swarthy - beautiful dark skin, dark hair - would describe his family.

Duane is my brother, the 3rd of four boys.  He is 35 today!   Nielson and Duane are 11 months apart; born in the same year.   Yes, my Mama gave birth to 2 boys in the same year, one in January, the other in December.  They were often mistaken for twins. 

Family Picture from 1975.  Marlo is the baby (this is like one of two baby pictures of her).  Duane is on the end near my dad, Nielson is on the the other end.

So about Duane... he is pretty quiet.   Hayden, his oldest son, reminds me of Duane growing up, smart and athletic and quiet.    I tell Shana, Duane's wife, and she says they are not quiet at home... I would like to see that. 

I kept my first checkbook register from HS, in there I have a few checks written out to Duane. They were for doing the dishes,  $5.00.   In my teens I was pretty busy with work, school, and extra-curricular activities--- I paid my siblings to do my chores.   Duane obviously was available and up for the job. 

Duane comes up to my vicinity for work and when he can he drives over for a visit.  I am always in awe over his calmness,  unpretentiousness, and sincerity.   We got to spend the 4th of July with him and his family (and Marlo's family too) at El Capitan State Beach and at the parade in Solvang.    Here he is with Aisha, his daughter.   Duane liked boogie boarding, I also read that him and his family like snow skiing!  We will have to get together for that, not because I like to ski, but my family does.

Now Duane,  since Coeby was forced to do the Elf dance,  it would only be fair that you do the same.   And it is just like you to do it with a smile on your face!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday Duane!  I hope you have a fantastic day and that it does not feel like the day after Christmas, but your own special day!  If you were in Canada, Great Britain or South Africa, you would have to share it with Boxing Day!  See a silver lining after all!  

 Love you,  Karalene