Branson's first communion, part 1: he partakes of bread and wine

Here is Branson, the rowdy little hockey player, hands clasped in reverence.

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MOTHERS: new one and baby at Abby's; Elder mother and daughter who is also a mother at Metro Cafe - Happy Mother's Day, all

I walked to Abby's for breakfast this morning and was surprised to find Shelly there with her new baby boy, Colten. I hadn't seen Shelly since I left for Arizona-India and she went on maternity leave.

Baby and mom posed, as Amber looked on. Abby was not in. Perhaps she took Saturday morning to sleep in for once. Remember, Abby not only runs her own restaurant, but she is a mom, too - and a grandma. So she should sleep in now and then.

Shelly was taking orders, cooking, busing tables and mothering - all at once. And the omelette she fixed me was pretty damn good.

So please, if you should happen to see Shelly today, say "Happy Mother's Day" to her.

Colten, in line with dessert.

At the usual time, I headed to Metro Cafe for my afternoon coffee break. I had planned to ride my bike, but it was raining and I did not want to get my camera wet, so I drove. When I arrived, I found Carmen there with both her mom and dad. I had seen them all together at the ice rink, but never in Metro Cafe. So, naturally, we had to a do a Metro portrait.

Before we did, Carmen gussied her mom up a bit.

So here she is, Carmen with her dad and mom, Tony and Eva Villasenor, originally from a small village in Mexico. They did not move to Anchorage until Carmen was ten. Her early life was spent barefoot on dirt floors. They had no cameras and so Carmen has only one photo from her early childhood in Mexico.

So say happy "Mother's Day" to Eva today - should you happen to see her.

Oh, and don't forget to say "Happy Mother's Day," to Carmen. She's a mother, too, you know - Carmen and Branson, the six-year old hockey star and a bit of a young ruffian, all around. Young ruffians need good mothers and Branson's got one.

Probably, you won't see any of these mothers today - but I'll bet you will see other mothers, perhaps even your own.

So, please, say "Happy Mother's Day" to them, too.

Happy Mother's Day, all you mothers out there. It's a tough job you have, but most mothers are pretty tough and we sure do need you.