Mom’s Mini-Me

My sister, Caryl Reed was the middle of my parents’ five daughters, and the only blonde in our number. Our mother, Collene Spencer was blonde as a child, but her hair darkened after she turned sixteen. Mom always wished she had kept that blonde hair. As I was looking at pictures of Mom the other day, I saw a lot of Caryl in her, so I started looking at pictures at about the same age, and I was surprised. I think Caryl looks a lot like Mom. There are differences, but a lot of similarities too. Caryl laughs like Mom. I think Caryl was Mom’s mini-me, even if we didn’t realize it.

Caryl and her husband, Mike Reed love to travel. Every year they take several trips. The biggest one was to Japan, when her son Allen was stationed there while he was in the Navy. That was rather a once in a lifetime trip for them, mostly because after that trip, Allen was no longer stationed there. Still, they had a great time. They have gone to Texas, and over to Oregon, where Allen and his wife Gaby live now. And recently, Caryl reconnected with a couple of girlfriends from high school, and they have enjoyed that so much that they invited Caryl and Mike to Nebraska for a visit. They really enjoyed the trip, and it really solidified the friendships. They also take a Christmas trip to a cabin Mike’s daughter, Amanda and her husband Sean own in Ryan Park. It is a special time of being in nature in the snow-covered mountains.

Caryl and Mike decided they wanted a dog a year or two ago, so they bought a West Highland White Terrier (a Westie) that they named Joey. Joey keeps them busy with his antics, but they have to keep a close eye on him. They live west of Casper on a little ranch they purchased, and Joey thinks the antelope running around are great chase toys. The main work on the ranch is their hay crops. They usually have 2 or 3 cuttings, and they usually have no trouble selling it. Mike does most of the heavy work with the crops. They have a huge irrigation system on wheels, so it’s not bad, but sometimes he needs Caryl’s help with stuff too. Mostly, she does the house and he does the land. They make a great team. Today is Caryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Caryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!