The earliest, pictured with her sister on the right, and the most recent photos of my mother who celebrates her 86th birthday today. A lifelong ballroom dancer, sculptor, painter, and Japanese gardener, she is as active and healthy as many half her age.  There is little doubt that I inherited my engineering skills and kinesthitic abilities from her.  I think I also received a half dose of her artistic talent which I express through my photography.  A better mother I could not have wished for.  Happy Birthday Mom.