Christmas...Past

Well Christmas 2016 is now, Christmas past!  It was good...really good!  Everyone was happy, healthy and humorous... 3 things I yearn for in my daily life. It was our first Christmas with Jett and he was a doll.  He had a big Walter Christmas on Christmas eve, Christmas breakfast at Mima and PopPop's and finally here for presents and dinner, barely a whimper and maybe a few sleepy nods at the table!  Everyone enjoyed the thoughtful gifts that each had given and received and dinner came together, perfectly timed and delicious....if I do say so myself!!!
We were able to get some family pictures which are always on my list but not always easy to take.  All 9 of us were actually awake and still smiling at the same time.  Pictures to me are priceless and I can never have enough. As a FB meme said this morning, pictures seem unimportant until the people are gone and they're all you have left!!!!!

On that note...here are a few from Christmas 2016:

Christmas

Here we are just three days before Christmas.  Our Hatfield family Christmas was last Sunday and we had a great time.. We changed it up to breakfast this year...Bloody Marys and Bourbon enriched Egg Nog beat out coffee....shocker!  We had great fun playing a new game with oven mitts and dice......  everyone was happy to watch and play...  We went back to drawing names and that was a fun change too.... Of course, having everyone here was the best part.  We'll probably never have the whole gang together as they are scattered from NC to Ca to Fl but with the help of our phones and cameras, everyone gets to enjoy.  

With the joy of having Jett to celebrate with this season we were also missing Aunt Wendy and Aunt Nancy.  We also lost a cousin a few weeks ago so with all joy always comes some sorrow.  It reinforces our need to make contact, enjoy what we have and live each day to the fullest.

I am so looking forward to Christmas in 3 days.  Our family will be here to enjoy the grands (Jett, Bailee and Julz,) drink a few bloody marys, eat a huge, juicy piece of raw, red meat and smile when they love their gifts.  We always have chuckles when the manly knife comes out or Lee gets his annual dirty joke book. 

We also have our day of remembering on Christmas Eve when this year will bring the 10th anniversary of Dad leaving us for greener golf courses and unending scotch in the heavens. He would have so loved Bailee's wit and intelligence and Jett's huge smiles and love of everyone.  I'll bet he knows♥

Santa and the Grands

What a fun morning yesterday.  The Locke Fire Department had their monthly pancake breakfast shared with a visit from Santa, the Cat in the Hat and even the Grinch...(no, it wasn't Lee.)  It was Jett's first visit with Santa and it wasn't the year of tears...(there's always one.)  It was definitely the year of wonder.. "I wonder if that beard's real?, I wonder who the heck this is?, I wonder what's so special about this stranger, I wonder if I can eat that?......."  As always, Jett provided us with priceless pictures and the merriest moments.  Even Santa gave us a great expression.  Bailee, who is "on the edge" of believing (I think), was astounded to know that Santa knew Grandma had chickens??  That seemed more unrealistic than the fact she had asked for a unicorn!!!  "I think Santa's a stalker," she announced!

After a great breakfast, decorating some homemade cookies, a prize from the Cat in the Hat and visits with neighbors, everybody headed home to enjoy some football, some shooting, after all, if it's Sunday, it must be time to shoot, and some Sunday relaxation.

This week brings on the lunches, dinners, parties and family Christmas on Sunday.  Let the festivities begin !!!

Happy Holiday('s)...............NOT!

There are but a few venues in today's social circles where I can profess my lack of tolerance for people who speak and write poorly.  In my defense, it's hereditary! My Dad used to give job applicants spelling tests...and not just for office positions.  The grammatical apple didn't fall far from the tree.  When hearing folks speaking incorrectly, I would just cringe a bit and thank my teachers, my parents and Shirley VanNest for keeping me from sounding like a moron (that's a simile by the way.)  When spoken to correctly, we can just assimilate a lot of that knowledge and it becomes second nature.  Then came the Internet and social media. Now I get to see, every single day, what the majority of folks never learned....in school or at home.  The most trampled set of words being your and you're!  I see it misused innumerable times a day.  I only correct them with my outside voice inside my home. (I'm trying to retain as many friendships as I can.)

Last night I read a post from a FB friend that explained that she missed the fact that her children were grown and missed "listening to there wishes".............and wait for it........."and excrement!"  Holy shit...literally! I understand spell check but excitement (which I presume she meant) is a much more prevalent word than excrement.  If folks would just read what they type BEFORE they post it, I'd have much less stress in my Face Book surfing.

This morning's meltdown came with a Christmas card....and before I let loose, I love Christmas cards and every single one I receive is a joy!!!  Today's lesson is apostrophes.  Obviously last name pluralization wasn't a high priority in English class. It really is NOT that difficult.  One gal has called it an apostrophe catastrophe! I concur!! Here's a simple guide to pluralizing your last name.

Only 6 instances plead for an -es.... ALL the rest only need an -S.  If your name is Mary Wolf, please don't send your beautiful Christmas cards with the adorable kids and grands all dressed in matching jeans and sweaters signed by The Wolves!!!  If your name is Sue Murphy, don't over think what you learned in 3rd grade and send your card from the Murphies! The only time you would use an apostrophe in your last name is if you sent your cards from the Smith's New Home!

I know it's the Christmas season and I should be less judgmental rather than more... I'm working on it. I think there are 12 steps and I'm still stumbling at the bottom of the staircase. It will, once again, be my # 1 New Year's resolution..notice that resolution belongs to New Year so I've used an apostrophe.

All I Want For Christmas...........

Well maybe this little guy will have his wish come true!  Top tooth # 1 has arrived and # 2 is showing its colors....white!  He will be in full chew mode when that one makes it's entry! Only by mistake did I find the first....He loves the beard on a Santa plaque and quite enjoys putting the tiny little hairs in his mouth......where everything goes regardless of size, structure or risk. I was trying to remove Santa's beard hair when I managed to run my finger across another foreign object...a tooth!  I was so excited I think I scared him....Amazing what an event just a tiny, white tooth is... It ushered in text messages, photos and excitement galore...

Today's photo op will be transforming a Jett into a snowman.  We have all the paraphernalia  needed to put on little black tummy buttons, a painted orange nose, a bright red scarf and a gay little snowman hat headband.. ( I failed in the search for a real snowman hat :-(  Tomorrow he will be double digits... 10 months old.  B was just 10 years and tomorrow 10 months for the Jettster!  Wow, how time flies....

All the preparations are in order for Christmas.  Presents wrapped and under the tree, ornaments adorning the "not for real fir," stockings hung by the "not so real" fireplace and and lists made for holiday dinners and breakfasts (they will be real).  We're ready for the snow that is predicted for this week-end at least! Christmas movies have brought me to tears, Jeff and Lacie and their family have baked their way into Christmas cookie heaven, everyone's trees are up even if the West Hill tree is black and the Van Pelt Lane tree is white.....:-/  I always said I'd never have an artificial tree so I guess a tree is a tree!!!

Only 3 more weeks to enjoy the anticipation and really that's the fun part!!! I have several lunches with my gal pals and maybe a couple of trips to see the lights.  It's fun to have all the buying and wrapping behind me so I can enjoy each and every little nuance of the holiday... Jett will visit with Santa on Sunday and I look forward to that with camera charged and smiles...the first year is usually a good one, the second is often filled with tears and a whole lot of "who the hell is he and why do I have to sit on his lap?"

For now, the little things are the big things and the very best things!!!! After six and a half decades, I  believe!!!

SNOvember!

Well, welcome back winter.... It's about time we had some snow like year's past.  Saturday it was 71 and sunny.  Christmas lights went on the bushes and Jett was eating a snack in his shirtsleeves on the deck.  A few hours later, the thermometer dropped 40 degrees and the snow began.  Sunday was flurries and wind and cold.  Yesterday morning we had 18 inches and our world was white!!!  Just as it should be!  Unfortunately, roads were hazardous, schools were closed, businesses folded early and fender benders and ditch dwellers were abundant.  Ho Ho Ho!

Bailee, our resident Elsa, (the cold never bothered her anyway) was a happy camper and frolicked in the snow most of the day.  I never left the confines of my toasty, warm house.  Can't remember the last time I stayed in.  It was ok for ONE day but I was up and out bright and early this morning.  School is closed again which is probably fine as the rest of the week is vacation anyway.  Roads are mostly clear now and driveways are being plowed and snow diverted to lawns.  If we could just have a few inches every couple of days to keep it clean, it would be perfect.  

This week-end will begin the transformation from turkeys to tinsel at EIEIO.  (Well not really tinsel..I HATE tinsel but I was searching for alliteration and tinsel worked!)  The mantel will lose it's leaves and the rustic winter will arrive.  The garlands will be hung, the snowflakes will shine in the window and the tree will go up.  I really miss the fragrance of a real tree but I really don't like vacuuming pine needles in March...I know, I'm not exactly Tidy Tillie in the white glove department. I may have to break down and get a few wreaths for the smell alone. It's amazing what you conjure up with certain smells, songs and sights!  I'm not sure how much Jett will enjoy this Christmas but I know his presence will be our present. Everything he does makes me absolutely sure he's a genius and he makes me smile....a lot!  He's even mellowed Papa as he is pretty sure he is the best thing since scotch (and Bailee).....and that's huge because scotch is just...well.... like breathing!

This strange object landed on our patio last night.  As Bailee and I are the only true believers in UFOs and life away from earth, we will be investigating it's chosen landing spot.  Pretty sure it's because we are extremely friendly and we believe.... Believing has really paid off in the past...especially at this time of year!  We'll keep you posted!

A decade....WOW

Bailee is 10 years old today.  A decade has literally flown by.  Every day that I spend with her is the most wonderful day....even when she's a pill..... (My Mom's favorite word for being "out of sorts!)  My Mom and my Grandma Hewitt definitely had old school views.... When you were a pill at Grandma's, you got prune juice for breakfast. When you were a pill at my house (as a child,) you got an ENEMA....  They both professed it got " the nastiness out of you!"  That it did!!!!!!

Bailee and I have had some amazing times....just the two of us.  We have our own little cottage where we've danced, sung, played games and read.  We are avid movie goers and we always try to outsmart each other with movie trivia on the way home..... She's very good!!!!!  She knows the importance of keeping my "old brain" in good working order. We know each other well enough to read a glance, anticipate a reaction, laugh at each others ridiculous jokes, rub backs, arms, hands and even tummies if need be and snuggle when it's needed and wanted.  We know when it's time to be 10 and time to act 2. We know when holding hands in public is OK and when it's absolutely NOT! We know what's appropriate and what's "apparently not!"  We know the importance of being kind and the affects from those who are not!

She is a great reader and loves history.  She retains things I forget instantly and is able to recall them at the appropriate time.  She knows the difference between, to, two and too, you're and your, there, they're and their and she calls me "Grammar" instead of Grandma....often. She writes Thank you notes!!!!!!! She's in the will for just this alone!

I am so sad that my Dad never got to know her.  He would have scolded her when needed, squeezed her knees till she bellowed, praised her accomplishments and warned her of life's pitfalls. He'd have loved her unconditionally.

I asked her the other day what 3 things she was most thankful for.... "Mom, Grandma and Food."  The highest of compliments to have made the list!

I can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring.  Bailee is definitely her own person and is often not in the "in crowd."  She accepts that with relief as sometimes that path is clickie and unkind. She loves winter more than summer, is about as coordinated as a snake trying to bowl, she's bright, beautiful and makes me smile at the tiniest of things. An out of the blue I love you text is the best thing ever....and I love her with my whole ♥

Joy to the World

Christmas is for kids...........and their Grandmas.  Last Christmas even the anticipation added joy to the holiday.  This year, we actually have all the "fruits of Lacie and Jeff's labor" crawling along the holiday with us.  Every day he brings joy to us all.  He may not sleep well but it only takes a giggle and that wide-faced grin to make the exhaustion go away and a second wind to take over... (This I say as the Grandma who has had a good night's sleep in her own bed 5 miles away!)
I stayed with him yesterday for a bit and he has already decided he needs to know early just what's inside those beautifully wrapped gifts.  He comprehends the word "No" but is less sure that it really pertains to him.  I caught him actually standing on his own yesterday.  He barely realized he was doing it so I hesitated to jump for my camera.  Each day he is stronger and braver.  10 months is creeping up on us and Jessie actually walked at 10 months.  We shall see.... I keep remembering the saying, "Be careful what you wish for!"
The joy he has already brought our families is beyond measure.  I can't wait for him to grow and bring Joy to the World. I'm pretty sure he will!♥♥♥

SHOTS

November should be National Shot month.  Everything begins from gunshots to flu shots.  Once you enter the Senior years, they want you to have a lot of these preventative shots; flu shots, pneumonia shots, whooping cough shots and shingles shots. Some are so expensive you could actually put shingles on your roof cheaper...(I'm exaggerating a bit!)  They want to take a shot of your boobs, a shot up your ass and even a shot at whatever teeth might remain in your mouth. This is also the fall enrollment period for new insurance or supplemental plans.... Every single insurance carrier in the world is taking a shot at seeing how ignorant, vulnerable and naive you are.... not to mention how broke. It's also hunting season and all I hear around EIEIO are shots.  For weeks, nothing is safe here. The ducks duck, the geese fly, the deer scrape and the coyotes howl. Soon my family will be out volleying shots in every direction. I panic just thinking about shooters from 86 to 16, seasoned and novices, wandering the woods in search of big racks and large loins... Seriously, couldn't they just go to the Betty Blue and accomplish the same thing?

I try to comply with many of the shot rules but I'm thinking that a shot of Baileys in a nice, hot cup of coffee would be much more productive than any of above listed shots.  I don't even dare cross the road to take a few shots of Millard and Abigail for fear that hunters will see a slow moving target ... I should be ok though, I've had a flu shot and I'm insured!

All Hallow's Eve

Another Halloween is in the books.  Costumes were clever and cute, kiddos were excited and wound and the neighborhoods were safe and fun!  That all spells success.  Jett's trick or treating was mostly just dinner and a few freeze dried puffs of something.  Bailee was treated to Subway and a quick visit with Mom. My dinner was a sub and a peanut butter cup!!!  We made the usual rounds stopping at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lacie's, Aunt Kim's, the Locke Town Hall, The Munro Mansion and few select other stops before the finale at Aunt Kelly's. She always outdoes herself and this year was no exception.  Special treats for her nieces and nephews, brownies for the adults and always served up with a great costume.  Bailee loved her Batman goodies this year.  So many special, heartfelt treats from Aunt Kelly.

This year was a Super Hero kind of day.  B was Batman, Sadie was Bat Girl and Greg was Superman.
Julia and her beau, Nick were Jack and Sally from The Nightmare before Christmas. (Aunt Abbie did a spot on job with makeup!) Jett was a little stinker and played the role perfectly.  Next year he'll be upright and probably need to be something on a leash ;-)

It was a fun night with good weather and good times!

If those walls could talk......

A few days ago, Courtney, the owner of our "old" house was humorously complaining that she'd like to annex the toy room from their house. I explained in my wise, elderly "been there, done that" voice that soon enough her girls would be gone and she'd miss the mess...literally! It's in the back of the house and no one has to walk through that room to access any other...the perfect spot for a mess.

As I was lying in bed later that night, I remembered that room vividly as it had been a part of me for over a half century.  It was originally my Grandma and Grandpa's house and as a child, I had spent every holiday and countless overnights in that house and particularly that room..the den!  It held the most uncomfortable furniture, a maple couch and chair with wooden arms and cushions that were surely stuffed with rocks covered in cow hide covered in pink magnolias.  There was always a small glass candy dish that held round, checker sized circles made surely of Pepto-bismol.  They said mint, I said chalk....but for some reason, I always grabbed one??  I spent a lot of time in this room as it was the "thinking room!"  I was often banished there for saying, outloud, what all the adults were thinking! We weren't the closest bunch:-/  All the games were stored in the beautiful lead glass covered cupboards.  I was usually the one who got to choose the game...I was the baby!  Our choices were Button Button who's got the Button, Chinese checkers or Bingo (in the red box with the wooden, lettered pieces.) Many memories were formed in that the den.

Many years later when it was our house, that was my den!  It was where my desk was, my chair was, my TV was and later my computer was......it was also, the Toy Room.  We all managed to cohabitate there quite well.  They were leaner days so a toy box usually sufficed to hold the toys and the closet had room for the overflow of books and games.  I do remember a tall, colorfully spotted giraffe that didn't fit anywhere but was one of Jeff's favorites. The den made the transformation from trucks and cars and Dukes of Hazzard "tigars" (guitars) to My Little Pony and Rainbow Brite in a mildly, confrontational fashion.  After all, it was still Mom's den and the floor needed to be free of jacks, Legos and Barbie shoes.

Soon the kids migrated to their own rooms and once again I reclaimed my territory.  My new obsession was scrap booking and this room was the perfect place to leave my mess out and work at my leisure.  Wow, the memories that room alone provided would keep me "scrapping" for years.  I could merely close the door and no one was the wiser that it wasn't as impeccably arranged as it had been for the prior 4 decades.....yeah right!  The lace curtain on the door did it's job!

Next, along came the granddaughter!  Once again the toy box was filled, the oriental rug was changed out for one with pink ponies and purple flowers.  My scrapbook closet now resembled a scene from E.T.. I was relatively sure I would open it one day and something alive would be living in the center of the stuffed everything pile.  My chair was now more a rocker than a recliner and the ambiance turned from crafty to cozy.  It was one again the Thinking Room but more for memories than for reflection of imperfect deeds and words.  The 5th generation was comfortably enjoying this room... My favorite, regardless of whether it held toys, tots or thinkers.  If only those walls could talk, the stories they would tell♥

Blah, Blah, Blah Awareness month!

I understand the exposure of incurable diseases and causes.  I understand the need for fundraising ....to some degree.  I do believe that not much of any fundraiser goes directly to actually curing the illnesses or bettering the plight of those causes.  Barraging the public with incessant ads, sponsoring walk-a-thons and wearing ribbons of various colors might bring attention to the specific month but after hourly ads on television, radio, and social media for 30 straight days sometimes....enough is enough.  I don't mean, in any way, to lessen the severity of any of the causes and I understand the plight of each and every one...from cancer to domestic violence to saving the whales. I've known someone who's been affected by all of these dreaded maladies....OK, I've never actually known a whale or someone who's suffered because of a whale related death.....but I sympathize and understand the need for awareness.

With that being said, I think we need a little more levity in life....and advertising.  I think the Debbie Downer Advertising Agency should add a few new causes to their Awareness portfolio..  I'm thinking maybe Bacon Awareness month or Chocolate Awareness month (ribbons could be made from bacon and chocolate)......even Wine Awareness month.  There should maybe be a Recliner hot line or a Rehab facility aimed directly at those who overdose on social media.  All worthy causes that could use some awareness.  I, for one, would be more than happy to be tested for high levels of pork or cocoa beans or volunteer to test the new bacon, transdermal patch.

The information just needs to go public.  We need to be informed and aware.  If there are any months that are lacking for an "awareness", I suggest we stand up for pork and raise our glasses to Pinot Noir. The need is there....let's grow a pair.....and be aware!!

                                               Eat Bacon, drink wine, Surf the net !

Never Ever....

Never, ever have I loved my son more than today.  Jett has been under the weather for the past few days with a viral case of diarrhea.  Never fun...for anyone. Sleepless nights (just when he was getting the hang of it), bland food (just when eating everything was so much fun), Red, raw hiney (when going commando felt sooo good occasionally), and really only wanting Mom and Dad (when new faces and a change of scenery have always been his favorite!)

Mommy went back to work today so I stopped in to give Dad a chance to shower and do a few chores..(and to have a break!)  I watched Daddy lovingly, gently and antiseptically change Jett while simultaneously loving, kissing and caressing him!  He hugged him, played with him, walked with him and talked with him!  Then he changed the bed, did the dishes, folded the laundry and took out the trash.

I'm pretty sure my husband and my father never did any of those things singularly much less in the same day:-) !!!

As I've said before, I never thought Jeff would be a dad.  It wasn't on his bucket list and babies were foreign entities that belonged to others who were perfectly content and on board carrying on their family lineage.  I guess the right woman changes your mind!  Jett has been a challenging baby but every day now he does something wonderful and new and grown up.  The next few months will be full of "Daddy Daycare!"  It will also be the time when words are uttered, steps are taken and unconditional love will be abundant.  "Da Da" already popped out and "Ma Ma" will come soon.... They'll both be followed by the dreaded "No" but the very best is yet to come ....and the very best Dad will be ready!  ♥♥♥

Order in the Court!

Well finally.............................somebody is listening to our intelligent, articulate, frustrated, little (not so much) girl! It took years, innumerable trips to court, thousands of dollars in fees, arrests, orders of protection, indicated CPS reports, a law guardian who understood that no means no and finally an attorney who simply gave a shit!    And.... it sure didn't hurt that the wolf in Dad's clothing FORGOT about his court date!

The ball is literally in Bailee's court now and the weeks, months and years of fighting for her rights and well being are coming to fruition.  Hopefully, this will give her the sense of safety and well being that she has begged for in recent years.  Hopefully, she will begin to have positive feelings about adults and her self image will drastically improve. Hopefully, she will have the security and freedom to look forward to her week-ends and life in general.  Hopefully, her 11th year will be full of peace of mind, hope and positivity and the confidence that what you say and think is important......even if you're a child.

I love this little girl more than life.  She's wise, articulate, funny and beautiful.  Who cares if she can't carry a tune in a bushel basket ;-) She will be a strong woman in years to come and I'm eternally grateful that we finally had Order in the Court!

It's a Wonderful.....Week-end!

We just returned from a quick week-end in Old Forge.  Got to spend a couple days with our grands and that it was!!!  The colors were spectacular, the weather perfect, the company exceptional and the photo ops were abundant!  Sunday was bit cloudy but Monday was glorious. Everyone, but chicken me, rode the chair lift to the top of McCauley Mountain and reveled in the beauty of the Adirondack scenery.  Mother Nature painted a pretty awesome reason for us to stay put in the northeast for the rest of our days.  Sunshine, sand and surf are fine for a visit but this is the place to be......period!  I can't imagine being where the temperature and the surroundings remained the same for 365 days...

Jett is getting such a fun personality. He's babbling and finally saying Da Da...Now we move on to Mama and kisses and walking and SLEEPING....(hopefully.)  Daddy is laid off now for a few months so hopefully he will get the hang of sleeping longer and putting himself back to sleep if he wakes up. (Jett, not dad) He loves his Mommy and when he sees her, that's his parent of choice..... Out of site and he's good with anyone... Kind of like when the cat saw the cat food box in that old commercial!  He does love new faces though and kids crack him up. When he's happy, he's a joy to behold....when he's NOT, he's the baby from hell :-(  Thankfully, for us,  that's usually in the middle of the night....

Bailee had a great time too... Shopping, swimming, walking, feeding the birds, hunting for Pokemon or is the plural, Pokemen???  It's funny how prioritities are so vast between ages.  Jett just needed access to his folks, Bailee just needed access to WiFi and Lee and I just needed access to bathrooms :-/

Here are a few photos of our great week-end getaway:

BOO

This guy steals my heart at every turn....and these days there are many!!!  His personality is such a vivid combination of his parents'.  He is funny, serious, happy, sad, miserable , cranky, loving, smart, crazy, snuggly, questioning and bizarre all rolled into one tiny human!!! He loves to eat, hates to sleep and smiles incessantly in between!  Each day he acquires a new talent or level of skill for things he's already doing. Safety at the 1 foot level has been achieved and anything not nailed down is gone... So much for the beautiful plants, flowers and candles.  He LOVES new faces which is sheer joy for me as I always felt badly for folks who picked up a baby and they screamed bloody murder if it wasn't Mommy or Daddy.  This guy loves a change of scenery on the quarter hour.  His Papa was never much of a baby guy but Jett has changed all that.. He shares pictures with his buddies, tells stories of his newest adventures and brags till the cows come home about how handsome and smart he is...(Jett not Papa)

Today I'm sharing his newest gift from his aunties, Helen and Christy from Charlotte. He'll be 8 months old this week and this Fall is sure to bring some of our cutest pictures yet... Wait till you see what we have in store for his Halloween, 8 month shot!  A little (tongue in cheek) candy porn ! 

All Fours!!!

He's crawling.............!!!!!

Good Guys?

The court system is a jumbled mess of bureaucratic big shots; some elected, some appointed, all over paid and mostly in a hurry to kiss the asses of those who supported them and backed their elections or appointments.   Crooks like Hillary are given a pass, Assassins like John Hinckley are freed from mental institutions and deadbeat fathers are given a multitude of chances to reform and "get their act together" while fines and arrests are made for fishing and hunting without a license, mediocre tax evaders are often imprisoned for years and little girls are forced to visit the fathers who have struck them, been arrested and had orders of protection issued against them.  There is absolutely no balance or fairness in our world today.  That probably seems like comparing apples and oranges but how can we possibly begin to teach our children (and grandchildren) about life when they're constantly ducking from curve balls thrown at them at every step and they never even realized they were "in the game!" The lines of political correctness and right and wrong are blurred into a massive black bar code of misconduct.

I am deeply sad for those caught in a system where fairness isn't even a consideration anymore. A black robe should be traded in for a white hat..... They're supposed to be the "Good Guys!"

Fall cleaning?

I've always heard the stories about spring cleaning.  For years, I thought it was the only time I really needed to dig in and move stuff.  I would open the windows, shake and wash the throw rugs, actually move the stuff off the bookcases and tables and other areas of catch-all clutter.  I would even wash some of the curtains and give the windows a Windex bath. That part was much easier for the short time at 929 after the new windows were installed and forever here at EIEIO.  Second story windows at 929 were only washed on leap years.....so 7.5 times I would hold my breath with one leg firmly planted behind me in case I accidentally fell through the window and wash the 17 windows (upstairs)... I am NOT a fan of heights....The only favorable part was that for 4 years not only could I not see out, but nobody could see in.
Now that I have become wiser with age, I realize that it might be prudent to clean a touch more often......like when the sun shines in the windows and the dust sparkles like fairies invaded.  Sometimes, if I'm wearing long sleeves, I just pull them over my hand and give tables the once over.
Living in upstate NY, the chance of the sun shining on consecutive days or even weeks was iffy so I was usually good to go till the next high came through.....(weather related of course!)
Since Jett and Paisley arrived in the same cleaning cycle. once in awhile.....seldom, I realized that shedding from one might be unhealthy for the other.  I fastidiously cleaned Paisley pup accidents and burned aromatic candles.  The diaper thing was working so well for Jett, I actually momentarily considered it for Paisley......too expensive and I'd still have to change her :-/  Now that Paisley is gone and Jett is really ready to travel the hardwood, I've decided that a good Fall cleaning is warranted.  That and if I don't keep busy, I get all teary and want to play tug of war or fetch...alone.  That might be grounds for some kind of therapy if someone were to actually see me throwing a ball and retrieving it myself.
So, fall clean up it is! Carpets steam cleaned, everything dusted, black fur balls are tucked in my pocket and Fall decorations are slowly making their way here and there.  Fans and air conditioners are ready to hibernate in the utility room and windows are open, which I realize just allows more fairy dust inside but the days are shorter and there's less chance for it to show.
I don't allow white glovers in my house anyway so the only reason for the sweeper to hum is to keep Jett's knees from looking like he just visited the scene of a Hoarder's episode!  It's therapeutic for me too..... Busy hands and legs keep me from missing my morning playtime.  It's literally time to Fall into step and usher in a new routine! I can do this!

Paisley

It's been a LONG few days.  On Friday, Paisley was on the porch with me and decided she wanted to explore the east side of the road.  She had ventured there earlier in the week and when she returned, her outside trips were on the leash or her chain.. (which was really just a thin plastic coated lead.) I assumed because I was with her that she would stay with me or nearby in the yard....NOT!  My worst fears came to fruition due to my lack of judgment... I didn't call her for fear she would dart in the road into traffic..........................She did anyway and was hit immediately.  I did my best, along with Jess, to get her to help but she had internal injuries that she couldn't overcome.  On our way to Ithaca, she died on the Creek Road. I was, and am, devastated!  I can't remember the last time I cried so hard for so long.  She was only with us for 4 short months but she was my girl.  We had our simple life down to a routine. Her crate experience lasted about 3 weeks and one night she got her foot caught in one of the crate holes and rolled over.....she was hurting and woke us up with her crying.... From that night on, no crate.. free reign of house.  She had a few favorite spots, mostly on the cool marble entryway or the tile bathroom floor.  She mostly loved my chair... whether it was empty...or not. All 50+ pound would hop up and nap on my lap.  We had some of our best talks in that chair.  Never argued once!!  We had play time when from breakfast and then it was time for a nap.  She was still a baby and naps were still a part of her daily routine.  I was so looking forward to watching football with her, playing in the snow and even maybe some sledding.  She had just decided she liked to ride in the car and would nicely sit in the front seat and navigate for me.  We had a fly with us one day and that significantly detoured her attention but she "got it!"
Lee would grumble when she scratched him with her nails or nipped when they were playing but he was as attached as I.  She loved him too and sometimes I jealously thought maybe a little more than me at times!!  He buried her with tears!
I have had a dog for most of my 64 years.  Our tenure here at EIEIO has had a few critters and I thought it was time for a canine addition.  Lacie found me the perfect pup and in early May, she came home.  She was smart!  She house trained fairly easily, would sit for treats or in anticipation of meals. She knew when it was time for breakfast, dinner and bed. She was also extremely skilled at eating the insoles of any random shoe, pulling anything rippable out of waste baskets and eating wicker....ahhh she loved wicker....real, expensive wicker.  The one thing she was just getting was to come when called.  We almost had it  :-(
There is a small, inexplicable hole in my heart. Tears are still really close to the surface when I do the littlest of things...like sit on the john....alone...with no furry, black head in my lap waiting for me to get moving and throw that ball or her beautiful little face waiting at the door when I'd come home from breakfast knowing that the next 1/2 hour was our time! At night, on my way to bed, I'd scratch her neck and kiss the top of her amazingly soft puppy head and tell her I loved her... everybody should hear that just before bed.  I do it now by the window as I look toward the falls where she rests...at Paisley Point..♥♥♥♥♥♥

5th Grade ♥

She's off to 5th grade.  One of two opportunities to be one of the big fish in the little pond.  I'm hoping she has a wonderful year. It appears that she has a great class with a wonderful teacher... Before moving into 7th grade, I only had one male teacher and I learned a lot from him.  Men just seem to have a different style of teaching that I enjoyed.  Mr. Hall was strict but I remember the year well.....not sure what I did yesterday but I remember 4-5 grades. We were moved around a bit back in the "old days."  Kindergarten was in Moravia on Church Street in the back of the Elementary building, 1-4, I attended the "Old" Locke School on Rt. 90, 5th grade (my favorite) was held at the Locke Firehouse and finally 6th was back in the Elementary building on Church Street.  The "new" elementary school hadn't yet been built.  5th grade was very cool!!  Unfortunately, our teacher, Mrs. Sawyer,  fell and broke her hip so we had a sub for a bit... When she returned, the big boys, ie: Paul O'Connell, would carry her up the inside few steps to our classroom. When Paul wasn't in trouble for swearing, I think he was really her favorite :-)  I hope Bailee learns as much as we did and enjoys every day!♥

The End of the Summer.......The Beginning of much more!

Here we are at the officially unofficial end of summer.  This has always been my favorite time of the year....especially this year.  It has been a wonderful year of weddings, parties, babies and more but today we're putting on the brakes and parking for a bit. (I always liked parking;-)

Jeff and Lacie's "Happily Ever After" party is now in the books and I think everyone enjoyed their day.  The venue was perfect, the music rocked, the food was scrumptious, the weather glorious and the company absolutely on par!!!!  We were surrounded by the perfect group of families and friends!

Just to list a few Thank Yous:

Jeff and Lacie: For giving us the reason to celebrate!

Pam & Greg: For all you did and all you gave!

Paul Manzari: For making Bailee into a blossoming DJ and keeping the feet moving!

Groton Rod and Gun Club: For providing us the perfect spot to party!!

East Side Bakery: For the delicious cakes and cupcakes... We asked, you delivered!!

Central City (Catering):  Everything was perfect.... You will be our "go to" Meatball guys forever!!

Xtina Knowlton: For providing entertainment for the kiddies to bounce out all their energy!

Our Friends and Families:  For taking the time to spend the day with us♥

And finally to our amazing grandkids, Julia, Bailee and Jett for always giving us something to brag about... Love you all!!!!!

Damp/Moist

It seems  that "moist" is a word that nobody likes....unless you're maybe a 40 year old virgin or a 60 year old in a 10 year drought...(and I don't mean the weather!)  If you looked up the word moist in the dictionary...and who purposely would except me, you'll notice that it means slightly or moderately wet: not completely dry. No wonder nobody likes the word.  Who in the world wants to be moderately wet...........ever?  There is never a time I can recall where being just a little bit wet was a good thing. I personally prefer drenched....or dry...! I don't want to be moist in the shower or moist in the hot tub.  I don't want to be moist when it's hot or moist when it's not.  And I certainly don't want to be moist during sex.... I don't want to be anything during sex....like participating!!

Moist has such icky connotations that I prefer using the word damp. Please bring me a damp paper towel or the clothes in the dryer are still damp.  With the humidity, my rugs all feel damp and the sticky floors are damp too.  Although they're synonyms, moist should never be used for any situation...except maybe......................baked goods!  There is nothing better than moist chocolate cake!!!  No one would be in a hurry to grab an ice cold glass of milk and a hearty piece of damp chocolate cake.

So, one of our newly banned household words is moist. We add that to such disrespectful words as "stupid" and "shut up", such nasty words as "the old lady" and "C U next Tuesday" and the worst of all words, "Can't!"

I just can't....I mean won't.... allow them!!!!     You're welcome Lacie and Abbie!

More at Sixty-Four?

It's been a long hard week.  So many cliches have passed through my boggled mind.  "You can't get blood from a stone," You're between a rock and a hard place," It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving," "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give," "Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them," and maybe the biggest, personal revelation..."Less is more!"

This prolific quote by Gretchen Rubin pretty much sums it all up:

"The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It's more selfless to act happy.  It takes energy, generosity and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his (or her) feelings or tries to keep his spirits high.  He becomes self-sufficient; he becomes a cushion for others...And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no credit.

Enabler or Inhibitor ??

Enabler or Inhibitor?

Maybe lying in bed and asking myself this question is just jumbling up the answer.  I'm beginning to think that nearly every entity in our lives is just a giant enabler.....most of all me!

Starting at the top of the food chain...our illustrious government and its entitlements:  If we (the people) give you funding for your car, your groceries, your health care, your children and your housing, what's your incentive to work....??? especially if you were never taught or shown any work ethic through role models. (enabler or inhibitor?)

Our educational system:  The mindset now is to teach to the test.  If you test poorly, you get remedial help which is enabling the schools to receive more funding because they have a higher ratio of learning disabled students. On the other hand, with common core staring down our proverbial throats, if the students test poorly, their teachers literally pay the price and and God knows their paychecks are inhibited.

When our kids were younger, most of us knew it was our responsibility to teach them the basics and show by example.... everything from respect, manners, hygiene and responsibility to tying their shoes and riding a bike. It usually transformed into delivering forgotten book bags to over helping with homework.  (Enabling or inhibiting?)

As our kids grew up, (hopefully) they continued to learn (or not)  life's important lessons. If they played sports or joined community teams, they were encouraged to win but also that it was important how you played the game. .........then everybody got a ribbon or a trophy.... So much for those lessons!

Now, we're parents of adults and grandparents of littles.  Life is tough and life is expensive. Relationships began and relationships ended.  Priorities were rearranged on their "what's important" lists and we are supposed to sit back and ask if they really need that helping hand or if , in the long run, it's better for them to struggle and modify their lives to what they have chosen as a lifestyle? This is when I lie awake at night with that tiny little devil on one shoulder and the benevolent little banker on the other. Enabler or Inhibitor? 

I've somewhat reckoned myself to how exactly the answer to that question affects me..(for once!!)  Is my philanthropy (as I justify my giving) enabling them to have and do things that would otherwise be a detriment to them if unaccomplished or unacquired or will it eventually inhibit what's left to pursue my old age pleasures?  I'm not thrilled with most answers.

I still ask myself the age old question.............................................WWBD..........(What would Buzz do?)  If it's a matter of health and welfare, do it....if it's a matter of lofty comfort and mere pleasure, they're on their own!!

But what if their comfort is my pleasure?  I predict more Tylenol pm in my future! ;-)

.............And the love story continues♥

Well we all survived Wedding Week 2016.  All 16 of us residing in one place, adding in random special friends throughout the week and we're all still happy..........................and related!

The weather was awesome..if anything a bit too warm but the kids (big and little) enjoyed the water and managed to stay cool. Everyone took turns cooking or cleaning up and we managed to eat well, enjoy hours of good conversation, drink well, throw a wonderful wedding and still like (love) each other at the end of the week.

The venue for Wedding Week was amazing as always.  A beautiful, island home situated on the shores of a cove by the St. Lawrence River. All the amenities including a pontoon boat, jet ski, kayaks and numerous water paraphernalia.  The birds satisfied my feather infatuation, the sunsets satiated my photographic appetite, the friends and family fulfilled by social needs and my books compensated for my lack of Internet and TV.  

The wedding on Thursday lived up to our expectations. A beautiful bride, handsome groom, a scenic backdrop and family and friends provided us with a long awaited "happily ever after!"

If a picture's worth a thousand words, here's my thesis!