Ride into the Texan sunset Uncle George...but not before I've made you something good to eat.

My sweet Uncle George passed away last night at the wonderfully ripe old age of 88. It's too bad the age part doesn't make his loss suck any less. My uncle had a wonderful and interesting life...full of interesting friends and colleagues, interesting travels and stories, an interesting Texas setting to part of his own story, and an interesting way of relating...of endearing and charming each and every person to cross his path. Oh to be interesting, and to do so like Uncle George, simply by being your authentic, warm, and unapologetic self. Now that's refreshing.

One of my favorite more recent memories was going with him on an errand run in a little town near his beloved family cabin in Anandale, MN a few Octobers ago. George took me on a tour and pointed out the cute and interesting bars, shops and diners, and of course he was warmly greeted at the local hardware store. He realized that his GPS was malfunctioning and that he needed to reset it. I was at once horrified and entertained by his method of accomplishing this. Picture George and his bewildered niece in the old maroon Pathfinder driving in huge, slow circles in the parking lot of the elementary school. Hilarious and I'll never forget it. I'll also never forget the long, long line of angry motorists behind us on the way to and from the cabin....but again, no apologies. George was dedicated to safe and steady driving and to the independence he refused to surrender. He proved his dedication and perseverance by getting his license properly renewed with flying colors about a year or so ago. High five, Uncle George. We were all plotting to bury your keys somewhere you'd never find them and you effectively told us all where to go shove it.

Uncle George was always sweet to me, always loving, always happy to see me with a warm hug and a smooch. He won a lot in life. But he lost a lot, too. One such loss, that of his son Tom, was virtually unbearable to witness. Still, he pressed on, broken-hearted as he was and would forever be. He lived well, unfailingly loved his family and especially his Frannie and lovely daughter Kate. He no doubt adored his three gorgeous grand babies, Veda, Will and Jack Thomas. He's a Minneapolis installment, a true Texas original, and I'm dedicating the Friday installment of the Rusciano/Rossetto Project to him.

Auntie Fran - do you think he'd prefer pasta or veal chops? I'm betting on the veal. I've got prepping and planning to do!

So, check in with me during and afterwards on Friday (barring family affairs) for the recap of my latest TST selection(s) and a toast to George Thomas Murnane.

Uncle George, go enjoy the breakfast club in the sky with all the pals you outlived and do some good fishing and catching up with Tom. Oh, and Snickers too.

Love and hugs - Your niece, Catherine