role models

My father-in-law, Bob, and his lovely wife, Anne.  Photographed in Jephson Gardens in Royal Leamington Spa, November 16, 2008.

There seems hardly a minute that goes by when Bob and Anne aren't teasing each other -- they're constantly joking around and needling each other good-naturedly.  Through it all, however, their mutual genuine affection is palpable, almost like another presence in the room.

At one point this week, after hearing them banter in the kitchen for a while, Marcus smiled wryly and looked up at me from his seat on the living room floor.

"Think we'll be like them in 15 years?" he asked.

"God, I hope so," I immediately replied.

Marcus threw his head back and laughed in hearty agreement.

 Song:  Can't buy me love, the Beatles