Saturday, Jan 24th, 2009, Baton Rouge LA

Two happy and retired sisters!

At last, the day has come for Nannie Nykvist Underwood - RETIREMENT! Her final day was Jan 23rd and her last retirement party was at her home on the 24th! Exciting time. No more Director of Elections for the State of Louisiana. Now she can do whatever she wants, when she wants, and with whomever she chooses - hooray!

Proclamation signed by Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne, honoring Nannie for her years of service. Congratulations, Nannie! (Click on the photo to enlarge it so you can read what it says.)

Dauphin Island, AL

Click on any photo to enlarge.

Sunday, Jan 18th - sunny but cool with a smart north wind blowing - perfect for a drive to Dauphin Island and Bayou la Batre. The ferry boat from Ft Morgan to Ft Gaines was operating, but far from full. After a picnic lunch (shared with a family of feral white kitties), we hiked to the Dauphin Island fishing pier, and what a sight! We were unprepared to see the thing beached and becalmed, with nary a drop of water beneath its piers. Indeed, we walked to Sand Island, previously accessible only by boat. Next we drove to the new west end "park," already defunct and full of giant sand-moving machines! It was fun watching the kite surfers maneuver over the waves in the brisk wind. We made a side trip to see the shrimp boats in Bayou la Batre, and came away surprised at all the activity!

Beloved brother, Bill Nykvist, 1946-2009

The tide recedes but leaves behind

bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down

but gentle warmth

still lingers on the land.

The music stops, and yet it echos

on in sweet refrains:

For everything that passes,

something beautiful remains."

-- Anonymous --

Rest in Peace, dear brother Bill.  You will be missed. 😢