"Mr. Tom"

In this post at least one name has been changed to protect the innocent - or at least the identity of a neighborhood friend who is not a computer buff.  When I asked him if I could post some pictures of him on the internet he wanted to know why.  When I tried to explain about the blog he said, "Well I hope I'm important in your lives." 

Well he is.  This gentleman lives within walking distance of us and loves to spend time out in his yard cultivating a large and sometimes unruly garden.  When Liam was tiny - probably the summer he turned two - we spent a lot of time walking around the neighborhood and ended up talking with Mr. Tom.  He welcomed us to explore his yard any time and sometimes we did.  Other than the garden it has some nice big trees, a few small seats and some bird feeders.

We've gotten to know Mr. Tom and his daughter, who lives with him, pretty well.  Now whenever we show up - unannounced - and Liam knocks loudly on the back door, he invites us in for sugar cookies and milk.  If his daughter shows up while we're there she usually finds some happy meal toys for Liam.

Mr. Tom loves music.  He plays the ukulele.  When Liam was younger Mr. Tom loved to listen to Liam sing and to sing along.  Liam even got to strum on the ukulele once.    Unfortunately Mr. Tom's hearing isn't so good, so he often can't understand what Liam's saying - even now when I think Liam is pretty easy to understand.

Yesterday, though, Liam picked some cars to take and show Mr. Tom.  This time, face to face and on the same level, Mr. Tom was able to follow most of what Liam was saying with only a few interpretations from me.  I got a few shots of the conversation.  It was at least as funny and precious to watch and listen to as the pictures suggest.