I spent my last evening in San Francisco with Dee and Judy Lemmon.

Dee is my second cousin, and Judy is his wife which I guess makes her my second cousin as well. I am related to Dee through our common ancestor, Lafayette Lemmon, whose photo can be found in a recent post.

I had never met Dee until November 2005. He and Judy had been out of touch with my grandparents for several years, but they made contact again in summer 2005 when they heard about the late Don Curtis’s failing health.

Even though I only recently met these relatives, I feel a special closeness to them. We had many things to talk about. We ate hors d’oeuvres while Dee told me stories about my family’s past.

These relatives of mine treated me warmly. We ate a lovely dinner together in the evening and had breakfast together in the morning. All the time we were talking and sharing stories and ideas.

Judy was such a gracious host!

I was amazed to learn how much my Cousin Dee and I have in common. We have had no contact over the course of the past 29 years, and yet we share many of the same personal quirks.

Like myself, Cousin Dee is a prolific story-teller, who uses his hands to help explain his ideas. The photo on the left was taken a few months ago, when I was talking with my friend, Brian, in Salt Lake City.

Dee and Judy recently remodeled their house, so Dee gave me a tour. When we got upstairs I discovered something remarkable.

Dee Lemmon collects books, just like me!! My friend, Brigham, and I often comment to each other how much we would like to have libraries in our homes.

I admit I am quite jealous of Dee’s library.

Before I left I gave Dee and Judy a copy of my favorite book, The End of Poverty, by Jeffrey Sachs. I think the book will be in good hands with this couple. I had a wonderful time with Dee and Judy, and I was amazed to discover how much we have in common. Thanks Dee and Judy for a wonderful visit!