Changing seasons

The season is changing again and we are getting to the point in life where there is no yardwork. The leaves are raked, the flowerbeds are put to rest, and for a short time it isn't snowing. I think most of marking time here is dependent on yardwork. 

 I wouldn't trade the changing of the seasons though. Putting on warm socks, turtlenecks, sweaters, and warm pants is comforting to me. 

 Don't let that be confused with how I feel when spring approaches. Then I can't wait to go barefoot, hang up the winter coats, and yes, even mow the lawn. 

This is the thankful month of life, this month of November. Look around and be thankful, it'll brighten the grey skies.

Death and Kids

Last May, my grandchildren's paternal grandfather died. Over the last year they have had numerous visits to his home and watched their parents and aunt sort through the household items and personal affects. They have witnessed many conversations on where and to whom things should go.

 One day I was in my bedroom and my granddaughter at 2, spied my necklaces hanging on a rack. I took them down for her to look at. My 7 year old grandson ran in and called to his 5 year old brother. "Domi, come here. Antonia, look at the necklaces. Pick out what you want for after Monya dies!"

Don't Forget Your Shoes

The grandkids and I went shopping for school supplies on Friday. I offered to take them out for breakfast, but since they think I make the best eggs, they opted to eat here.

 Getting three kids, street ready a

nd presentable, took some time but we were finally ready to head out. Karl, 7, set the lock on the door. They all grabbed a bottle of water, and while I was hunting for their shoes, I commented, "We can't forget your shoes. Where are they?" "In the car," the boys chorused. That's when Antonia pointed and ran into the livingroom. I followed to see her picking up her sandals. Pretty smart for 2. 

We hustled out, I closed the door, and began to load them into the car, adjusting car seats as needed. I tossed my purse into the front seat and looked down, no shoes. Pretty inept for 54.

Swing Set Hazards

Russ assembled a swing set for the grandkids this past Saturday. It took four hours due to the wrong placement of bars, numerous small parts, and the occasional scramble looking for loose washers. 

The kids loved it and before it was totally assembled, they already manned the swings. 

The wildest part was the notice of warnings that was to be posted on the top cross bar. Seriously, they didn't want kids to stand on, jump off, or hang over swings. 

 It's like expecting a newborn to stay dry. Anyway, it provided great material for my column for the Herald this week.

Sparklers

Last night we gave each of the three grandkids a package of sparklers to ignite for the 4th of July. There were six small stems enclosed in a box that could have held 24.

 Did we used to get 24? 12? when I was young or is my memory clouded by the years? I seem to remember the glow being brighter or colored or lasting longer. 

The thread that was still true was the look of delight and wonder on their faces. It still was magical to have a silver stick turn into a fairy wand. 

A campfire with marshmellows being roasted glued smiles into place. And a summer night was light until past bedtime. 

 It doesn't get much better than that.

Reflections on the 4th

Before the arrival of the 4th, Russ and I got into a discussion on why we celebrate the 4th of July. What we ended up remembering was the great sacrifice that was made by the colonists to be free from England. And just looking at that battle, we realize that it was all about freedom from tyrnny. Now I am not going to tackle any type of political commentary here on the blog. That is not my objection. I just want to say that deep inside every human heart is the desire to be free and all people struggle against bondage. So wherever you rage battle against injustice, labor on. You are in good company with those that have gone before.

New Grandbaby

I'll be brief. Life has been flying by for us with vacation in early June, my father's funeral the following week, and the birth of our new granddaughter, Trinity Marie, on the 26th. I plan to write about some of the things that have been happening, but there's not been the time or the energy to give to it. Now it's July and I'm off for four days. I'm hoping to get in some writing time.