We used to collect teddy bears, Doug especially (I was usually in the background, wringing my hands and worrying about his spending habits). When we lived in Los Gatos (CA), we would visit Bears in the Wood, a wonder filled store owned by Howard and Janee McKinney and devoted entirely to teddy bears. These two wee ones (3” and 2” tall, when seated), which we purchased in the mid-1980s, were made by Kathy Corley. They are so tiny and the workmanship is amazing. As someone who sews, I really appreciate the skill that went into making these bears.

We first met Howard and Janee when we were on our honeymoon in June 1980. When we got home from the honeymoon, we turned around and went back, bought a house and lived in Los Gatos for ten years. Howard and Janee were the definition of “fun-loving” and their friendship meant a lot. I think we all moved away around the same time. They have lived in the Florida Keys for the last thirty years, as owners of a fabulous fishing and safari travel business called Fishabout.

Our friendship became a Christmas cards once a year kind of thing, although Facebook has enabled us to be in touch more often and to enjoy the goings on in each others lives. The other day we had a very fun phone call - the kind where you talk and talk and catch up and no matter how long it’s been since the last time you’ve communicated, you just pick up as though you’ve never been separated.