My Favorite Big Other Family... The Hamiltons.

I've known my good old friend David (center Hawaiian shirt) since I was in grade 7. That's like 55 years ago so it shouldn't be too surprising that I feel like part of their family. I was very pleased when David's niece Kristine sent me some pictures to fix up that included most of the adults and their children and children's children. What memories this picture brings back. Many of the ones that are missing from the picture are still vivid in my mind as I recall the wonderful summer visits I spent in Waubaushene. Mabel's cottage in the background provides the setting for this great picture.

My first rendition removed a broom from the center of the picture. I replaced it later as I explain below.

 Kristine sent me two pictures of the group (immediately above and below)  so I merged them together to take advantage of the best smiles in each one. Half the people were in the shade so I had to try to equalize the colour balance between the two halves.

I removed the 2 beer cans on the lawn and the broom center. I debated whether to remove the white downspout and decided that it was probably a local landmark of sorts and left it in. I did take the liberty of sliding everybody closer together to the middle and this allowed me to make the picture fit into a 4 x 6 format. Unfortunately the original pictures were taken with a lower resolution older camera so there was nothing I could do to really increase the size.

The main reason Kristine sent me the picture in the first place was to see if I could insert Holly and Barry's grandchild Tucker into the scene since he was missing in the original. The sun cast a slightly different shadow since the pic must have been taken at a different time of day but it worked into the picture fairly well.

I tried putting Tucker up on the rock as in the addendum pic but decided he might need some company so I rearranged things a little, placing Tucker beside his Mom.

What a nice group! I really enjoyed working on this picture, seeing old and new faces and finally putting some images to the people that Holly talks about whenever we get together.  Next time I see her  I'll get her to tell me everybody's name. Don't forget, you can click any pic to enlarge it.

NOTE: You'll notice I added the broom back in. Kristine contacted me in the comments and explained its significance. My apologies for removing it.

Tim there was reason the broom was there. Nanna (Mabel) was "always sweeping" so we marked her final resting spot with a broom. thanks for sharing the photos and giving them life!
Kristine
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