Rubble:-(

Every day this gets harder and harder to watch.   OK, Dumbass.....stop watching!! I'm not really sure why I continue to drive by or stop and take photos.  Maybe my brain isn't really recording what I see and I expect it to literally rise from the ashes. It has before!  Even fires have devastated many of the buildings and Hewitt Brothers continued. As I sit behind the massive partners desk that was the focal point of Dad's office, I try to imagine what he's thinking.  So many have recently said that he's rolling over...and over...and over!  I prefer to think that he's circling with his arms folded. The arms folded and the deep, disgusted breaths were usually enough to let me know that I was to be the listener..not the talker, that it wasn't a time for idle chit-chat and that even at middle age, I could (and would) learn a thing or two!  Lectures were given with few words. This is true from as early as I can remember to the morning he died.  I didn't exactly follow directions that day either but he (or someone) still had the upper hand! He wasn't a man that embraced change easily and he certainly wasn't a man that tolerated incompetence.  He was; however, a man who was full of kindness (albeit a bit gruff in doses), benevolence and second chances. So, I'm pretty sure he's telling me that he loves me for my stance in solidarity for his life's work but also that it's only "structures" that are crumbling.  The legacy can't be torn down as long as we remember...I guess he's not so far away after all!

No More Empty Nests

Needless to say, this past week was a busy one.  Having Jeff home has been amazing.. Everybody's step is a little lighter and everyone's smiles are a little wider.  Having the nest full again is awesome........and speaking of nests..

We have babies.  Little tiny, fuzzy, ugly, eagle babies.  Last week was bit rainy and cold after Monday and I had not been to "Eagle Point" in 4 days.  As I had intimated last week, I was pretty sure there were eggs in the nest as either Millard or Abigail has been on it 24/7.  When I arrived on Friday, two little heads popped up right on cue and were ready for the that crazy lady across the inlet to snap their pictures. I was so excited I was shaking.  Last year we started with two and one "disappeared."  Hopefully, both will flourish this year.  They gain about a pound a week (I think I'm repeating myself...sorry) and will grow quickly.  I need to take as many pictures as I can before the leaves arrive and their feathers provide enough lift and strength to fly the coop.  Last night I arrived in time to see the whole family and some feeding time!  I'm not quite sure what was being torn off for a supper offering but it was pretty cool to watch.  Here are some of the latest photos from the family album:

You Must be Yolking!

I always knew we were forward thinkers.  This has been declared, "The Year of the Egg!" This epistle coming straight from.....you guessed it, The American Egg Board!!  They are being heralded as the top trend of the year for restaurants. Even Restaurant.com's president, Christopher Krohn put eggs at the top of his trends list. "You won't be asking which came first, the chicken or the egg"  "If you're like many Americans,you'll be seeing and eating a lot more huevos (eggs in Spanish) in restaurants in 2014!"  Chefs are now putting the nutritious little devils on top of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, casseroles, pasta, salads and stir-fries!

No need to worry about the ill effects of these little cholesterol bundles. They have now been downgraded as a "health hazard" and upgraded to "nutritious protein."  SHOCKER!  Who knew that the egg had so many powers...it can, emulsify, thicken, poof, puff and fluff.. Sounds like a fart to me!!

Eggs are readily available, reasonable in price and a growing backyard project in many homes..both rural and suburban.  "We" eat on the average of 252 eggs a year.  American chickens produce more than 77 billion eggs a year laid by 19 million chickens.  At EIEIO, we're down to 9 hens producing 5-9 eggs a day.  We'll be adding to our pecking family soon with the addition of a few more Easter Eggers (blue/green eggs (no ham), a couple of silkies and even adopting a few ducks.  We're not too sure how the blended family will work out but from all the research we've done, we think they'll get along swimmingly.. After all, if we have a peep peep here, we need a quack quack there!!

HOME SWEET HOME

A deep cleansing breath...All's well!!  It was a great week-end.  We celebrated Mom's 92nd birthday (a day early), we enjoyed a wonderful Easter dinner, as always, at Kim's and Lee and Jeff arrived home from Charlotte!  One couldn't ask for more than that. 


After a 15 year absence, Jeff has moved back to snow country.  It was a huge decision but one he didn't make lightly or hastily.  There comes a time in most of our lives when we take a look at where we've been, where we are and where we're going.  I think some who move away do so for economic reasons, some for a chance to spread their wings and others to get away from a stalled lifestyle.  At 20 something, living in a small town seems like living in limbo.  It's what you've always done, it's where you've only lived and you're on a treadmill that is taking you absolutely nowhere!  Fast forward 15 years...You've (hypothetically, of course) now lived in a major city, stayed the course in a steady job, married, built a house, divorced, sold a house and found yourself back on that treadmill....just in a different location.  It's been harder and harder to return to the city after a trip back home and thoughts begin to filter into your, now 35 year old brain......and heart that maybe home is a very good place and where you'd like to be.  After all, your parents have lived there their entire lives  and they're pretty content.  OK, your heart's on board now you just need to find gainful employment in a state that is all about jobs.....said nobody ever!!!!  Several months go by and there's a glimmer of hope that you might find a job in your (air) field.  Things slowly begin to fall into place and your experience along with your award winning personality and handsome face land you a job...(OK maybe the handsome face wasn't a factor but his mother's writing this blog and she can type whatever floats her boat!!!).
Fast forward to Easter Sunday 2014 and the lawn is filled with balloons, a banner stretches across the front yard and the U Haul pulls in the driveway.  Cheering, crying, laughing and a huge sense of "All is right with the world...at least our world.
Home Sweet Home.... They sing "Nothing's finer than to be in Carolina"  They couldn't be more wrong!

Happy Easter

The Easter bunny first arrived in America in the 1700s with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. The German tradition involved an egg-laying hare called "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws." Children made nests in which the rabbit could lay its colored eggs....And just like leaving cookies out for Santa, German children often left carrots out, hoping the bunny would leave them special candy.

But rabbits have been a symbol of spring for much longer. They're known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life.

There are many stories of the Easter Bunny and the inception of lots of Easter traditions.  For those who say that I might be lacking in religious beliefs.....no worries.  I know the reason for the season. And...if Jeffrey appears at home ( on Easter Sunday) after 15 years away, anything is possible... I believe♥

It's the Law!

1.Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

2.Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible place in the universe.

3.Law of Probability - The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4.Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal; someone always answers.

5.Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now.

6.Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone will ring.

7.Law of Close Encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know INCREASES dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

8.Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, IT WILL!!!

9.Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

10.Law of the Theater & Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.

11.The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

12.Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only 2 people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

13.Law of Physical Surfaces -

The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

14.Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible IF you don't know what you are talking about.

15. Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

16.Law of Public Speaking -- A CLOSED MOUTH GATHERS NO FEET! YAY! ! ! !

17.Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it OR the store will stop selling it!

18.Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there, you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.

and I'm adding # 19.

Law of Nature - If you put out your patio furniture and cushions, put away your winter coats and boots, your daffodils are up and you've raked your yard,.........................it will snow 3 inches on Tax Day  :-(

 

Spoiled

I've (we've) been spoiled. Several perfect days in a row and doom and gloom predicted for the next two!!  I fell asleep in my chair somewhere around 9:15 last night awakening at 11:15 to near 70 degree temperatures and the windows still open.  I was certain I was dreaming!  Give me 70 degrees from now until November and I will be perfectly content.  As my siblings, my husband and my children will profess, I have been marginally spoiled for well, the past 62 years.  Spoiled is actually just a matter of perception.  I never really saw it myself;-)  Hey, I was the last child (having finally reached perfection as the saying goes) and that was just a moniker that came with the territory.  I was then, more lucky than spoiled, when my husband and I decided it would be more beneficial to stay home with the kids we "worked" so hard for than to work outside the home.  Believe me, contrary to popular belief, a stay at home Mom is a bit of a misnomer.  We really are on the road more than at home.  Regardless, I was fortunate... to say the very least.  Now, as I'm hitting the Senior Citizen stage of my life, I continue to be spoiled.  I have a beautiful home, 2 pretty amazing kids, one "out of the box, better than chocolate" granddaughter, awesome surroundings, fantastic friends and ................cable!  What more could one aging gal ask for? I do actually smell a little spoiled but that's a story for another day.  Right now, my pool boy (man) is here...............told ya!

Which Came First?

Yep....I have loved chickens since I was 3.  I have a very good recollection of this day but absolutely no memory of what became of these 6 little chicks.  I remembering them living in the garage, feeding and watering them and nothing beyond.  I doubt very much that they ever lived with us long enough to collect eggs or feast on drumsticks.  It's like one minute they were an integral part of our holiday and the next they were nonexistent...I'm sure I was traumatized at their disappearance but remember little of the incident.  I wonder if I was sent to counseling and therapy helped me forget???  I do know that I have always been intrigued by chickens. I remember distinctly that my brother explained one of their prime purposes in life was to teach "colored kids" how to walk.  It was just "so" back then but hysterical now.  (disclosure..I am not a racist) As I have mentioned before, we bought colored chickens for my Mom one Easter in Southern Pines.  These were really colored chickens...blue, green and pink!  Our maid at the hotel later took them home......in a bird cage.......positive that they were...well, birds!  So the moral of this story is that I have had a kinship with these feathered friends for 59 years....That's a long time to still not know which came first or why they crossed the road :-0

Spring Break

So many families are super hyped about Spring Break.  They're weeding out the clothes that no longer fit... some buying smaller sizes, some buying larger.  Bodies are being waxed, tanned and wrapped so those bathing suits look better on their svelte bodies...bathing suits, yeah right, I had kotex bigger than some of the suits these girls wear nowadays.  (I'm not bitter just older and larger!)  I literally fold myself into my bathing suit.  It's not pretty but who said it had to be.  It's my hot tub, my bathing and my folds......bug off.  I do have opinions about age and appropriate fashion these days.  I don't think little girls should wear bikinis... there I've said it..out loud for everyone to hear. Well, at least those who are brave (or bored) enough to read my rantings.  If you have a great body and are under 30 (and over 20), flaunt it I guess but it never hurts to leave just an inch or two to the imagination.  If everyone sees what's there, it's really no fun.. Ok, unless you're 30+ as well and male.  The over 60 male group will ogle and drool too but you gals are entirely safe as most are squinting and wouldn't remember what to do if their thoughts became actions anyway!  I've often wondered what the appeal was for nude beaches and nudist colonies.  I've known members of nudist parks and thought "you gotta be kidding me!" I've actually been to a nudist colony for a pancake breakfast and it was memorable to say the least.  After the initial shock and the few minutes of wanting to gouge my eyes out, I sat on the deck (..wanted to make sure I spelled that right) and marveled at God's (and doughnut's) remarkable creatures.  There was not even an inch of room for imagination that day....(she said as she chatted with the male colony member sitting next to her!) 
So, when I think of Spring Break and all those lovelies (and not so) walking, swimming and relaxing on the beach, I will be taking my own break with my best Beach Boy band, my towel in hand and my crack free of sand... You all enjoy the beach now :-/

The Arts

Who doesn't love the Arts... Music, Theater, Paintings, Museums.......and Martial?  Yep, my little lovely loves to kick, punch and yell (shocker.) On our way to visit Great Grandma, we pass by a Martial Arts studio..Kung Fu to be exact.  "That would be awesome if I could do that!" OK, we now have a little King Fuer??  She loved it from the minute she began and seemed a bit of a natural... What 7 year old doesn't love to be in bare feet and kick?  Last week she tested for the first time and received her yellow stripe.  Each student begins with the basic white and adds color.. Hey, that's just like decorating..I get this!!! You then are tested on your newly acquired skills and add the colors until you've earned your next color belt and then begin again with the stripes..  There's even a "Grandpa" there... that's impressive as I need a chair to prop my leg on when when I wash my feet! He kicks and punches and "he ahs" with the best of them!
I have always tried to be supportive of my kids and Bailee with their choices in extra curriculars.  Jeff chose motorcycles and emergency rooms, Jess chose pigeon nurturing and cooking and Bailee has now opted for karate' chops and self defense.  What ever happened to baseball, football and basketball....my favorite sports.  Ahhh, I get it. It's not all about my choices!  Oh well, I always wanted youngin's who could think out of the box...I just didn't realize it would be a "boxing ring (of sorts)!  Whatever makes them happy I guess. I saw a saying the other day.... "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger..unless it's a bear...a bear will kill you!"

SiFu Kevin

When I'm 62

Well the reality of "elderly" is stinging.  You know it's time to have the other cataract repaired and get a stronger lens prescription when you say "Good Morning" to the copy machine at the post office!  This morning I finally gave in and admitted (to myself...and now you) that what I have been calling laugh lines for the past few years are indeed...wrinkles:-(  Another, less stressful revelation is that you can still get zits at 62.  That might have something to do with the GIANT Hershey's candy bar that my wonderful (and savvy shopper) hubby gave me for my birthday.  I suppose I didn't have to eat it all in 48 hours but then again, it was there!
Not all things are bad.  When you're 62, your children are older too...and wiser!  Mine will all be near the nest soon.  I'm hoping their plans include making nests of their own and it's not some clandestine plan to manipulate me into a home...  I will be nicer to them and cook their favorite foods in hopes of staying put for many years to come.
As the saying goes, "I'll never be this young again"...I'm on to 63:-)

A little "tongue in cheek" for the CC

How about this fella for the new Common Core Math......... It makes as much sense as the numbers themselves;-)

April Fool

What a wonderful day!  I awoke weighing 120#'s, my hair is soft and flowing, my skin is smooth and supple and every bone and muscle in my body says "Rise and Shine!"   APRIL FOOL............ nonetheless, I was able to rise and the sun is shining so all in all, making it to 62 is an accomplishment. Who the hell ever thought they'd be 62 and at the threshold of retirement?. Oh shit, I guess you're supposed to work in order to reap the rewards of retirement.  Well contrary to popular belief , I worked... I may not have left the confines of my home but I worked. (I keep telling myself that) The Social Security office loves people like me.  "I'm sorry Mrs, Hatfield, you actually have to have worked and contributed to the account that will fund you at age 62 or older!"  Damn, I knew there would be repercussions!  But, I don't regret one second of the time that I was home to fix the kid's breakfast, put them on the bus, make their lunches, go their Mother's day parties, Halloween parades and Christmas concerts and be there to help with their homework..... (back when Math had one answer and Mesopotamia was something the dog did on the carpet.)  The mere pittance I will receive should be enough to pay for my Depends, Polygrip and Preparation H (which actually stands for Hatfield.)
On the other hand, I have some amazing friends and family.  I have already received over 160 Facebook birthday messages and dozens of texts.  I am humbled! My gifts for this year are continuing to live in my wonderful home on this wonderful land, having my family all together soon, and the ability to still communicate what I see, what I feel and what I think....Never, ever take that for granted!!!! Happy Birthday to me!