East Coast Family

Cocktails in the Kitchen. L-R: Craig, Linda, Jessica, Ryan, Tom

It was so great to get together with a couple of our east coast cousins on Sunday.  My cousin Tom and his wife, Ryan are on a short west coast vacation. We caught up with them at our cousin Jo's house in Valley Glen. 

Larry and Craig

East Coasters, Tom and Ryan

Tom's mother, Masha, Jo's mother, Meta, Craig's father, Marty and my father, George were all first cousins or siblings on the Bloom side of our family. Tom's grandparents, Rita (my grandfather's sister) and Morris lived in Los Angeles for much of my youth. We had many old photos to look at and stories to tell.

The Bloom Sisters in Russia, early 1900's. L-R: Luba, Masha, Anna, Sonia, Rita

Morris, Luba, Rita and Marty in Chicago, late 1940's

It was a very hot day in the Valley, so we had cocktails inside the house. Jo's house is perfect for entertaining. This ranch-style house was built in 1953. The interior is woodsy and warm. Jo has a great patio and pool area in back. 

Tom and Jo

Ryan and Tom

We moved outside to the patio for dinner. It was a casual dinner: Delicious pizza, green salad and fruit salad. Ryan brought a yummy fruit and custard tart for dessert.

Linda and Craig watch Larry conduct

Jo's and Jessica's dog, Kirby, joined in the fun

I hadn't seen Tom since he was a youngster. It was wonderful to be re-acquainted. One of Tom's and Ryan's daughters might end up in Los Angeles for grad school.  I foresee more west coast visits from our east coast cousins!