Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

1923. We've come a long way baby!

Happy Mothers Day!

Grandma...@1906

Derby Day

So many Derby Day memories. It's such a lovely time of year to get dressed up a bit for a late afternoon party! Oh wait...I forgot...that's how it used to be.

Today I'm wearing my Nantucket red shorts, Ralph Lauren navy and white striped 3/4 sleeve knit shirt...and bare feet...add a bit of golden fur, some sand and sea glass...we're. all set. Today we're lounging in the family room...my Biff has on Levi's with dirt from yardwork, a dirty tee shirt with heavy sweat...my man. Our dogs have that outdoorsy smell of beach, wet dog and dog breath from eating Lord knows what in the woods! And the kids....

I digress. Things are different...and very nice in the comfort of our own home with a family we love and all of our animals...smelly or not!

Our dress up Derby Day parties are memories. Our days at New York City brownstones, Southampton lawns and Westchester patios ......mingling with friends and friends of friends...chattery cocktail conversation while toasting with official Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby, Mint Julep filled glasses seems a lifetime ago.

Today's cup of cider in a plastic cup, corn chips and our kids, comfortable in Connecticut is all I could have wished for! Way back when was fun....glad we had those days ...happy to look back.....so grateful for the love we have and life we live. Now is very, very good. Thankfully.

Wait! I've Got My Derby Hat Too!

Southern Comfort

A Daisy Date

Dog Paddling

It's Like Money In The Bank!

Grace had plenty on her agenda today HOWEVER sometimes her teenage agenda is all about her...like most teenagers. When I stopped her from spouting out her list of "needs" and "have to's" in order to hear my list of things to do.... she was bothered when my agenda included work. Parents always ruin everything. I hate when that happens.

After some further "discussion" I "suggested" she come with me to walk Daisy....just Daisy. I took Grace hostage so we could take time to get things sorted out...plans...needs...wants...demands. Hostage negotiations...sort of!

I'd like to say we went skipping down the lane together
but no. She pouted a bit. I ignored that and talked to Daisy, our great mediator. I decided to show Grace one of my favorite walks, with the beach as our destination.

It worked! We walked and talked and life got better...for both of us. One thing for sure, Grace is fun to be with...even if I'm not her first choice to pal around with. I'm happy for that...at least, I'm happy it's normal! I'd also be happy if it was more like the Cleaver's...I keep trying to remind myself that real life isn't The Brady Bunch, The Walton's or Father Knows Best! The Adam's Family, maybe!

We arrived at the beach and saw someone from sailing...the little sister of a friend. We all chatted, through sticks for Daisy, they walked the beach and collected sea glass....it was delightful. We all left the beach together.

As my mom always said, it's so good to get up and out in your town, seeing people you know...it's like money in the bank! Time spent with our kids at the beach is like money in the bank too. I remember a little old woman stopped Biff and I after church to tell us how beautiful our babies were....she said,"oh my what a beautiful family! You have a boy and a girl! You have it all...you're millionnares!" Ain't that'd the truth! My time spent with Grace...priceless.