who's sweeter than Daisy?
nestled together
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Out and about
What fun it is to have dogs. We love all of our animals, but dogs get us out and about! My mom always used to say, "You never know who you'll meet when you're out and about." It's true...especially with our dogs. We walk our dogs in the woods, in town, on the beach, along the road near our home and anywhere that gives us pleasure.
Somehow, with dogs, people are open to saying hello. They stop us to ask their names. They shout out from their passing car,"THOSE DOGS ARE BEAUTIFUL!" They pull over to the side of the road to ask their ages. Once in awhile, we'll meet a dog kook who has a litany of information to share....the proper leash, having 2 dogs, Golden Retriever history, their dog's issues whether they be food related, allergic reactions, social anxiety...whatever!
You never know who you'll meet or what tid bits (of information since sometimes it seems to be an unspoken rule not to offer their doggie a treat...without asking since they (the doggie) may be dieting, on a strict food plan or like Fitzy, the dog may want to follow us home for more treats!
You never know what friends you'll meet. We have dog friends. Friends who love our dogs. Friends who like to meet for dog playdates and other dog friends who walk on the same schedule. Kids who live nearby who are entertained by our dogs.
We met a dog friend of the two legged variety while shopping one night. Like long lost friends, we chatted about our dogs and their latest adventures. We used to meet Lucy, the German Shepherd, in early morning as we meandered along the trails in the woods. They moved last spring and now they're no longer on the same route. They had big news. They adopted a new dog and named it Ricky. Get it? Lucy and Ricky! Gotta love dog people. Really, with dogs, you have to have a sense of humor.
Thanks to Fitzy's frequent getaways to their house, we were grateful that they were of the nice dog people variety. It was like the call of the wild when it came to Fitz and the love of that family....really the delicious trash stored at their back door....but Fitzy, ever the actress could show affection to gain love rather than a scolding. Lucy seemed to be thrilled to have company arrive on the scene. Lucy's owner was understanding and always gave a call to let us know Fitz's whereabouts. Some days, we would see Fitzy escorted home in luxury in the back seat of a blue Volvo ...talk about nice dog friends.
Today, as we approached the woods, a lovely woman stopped her car for a moment to pet the dogs. She was loving their gentle nature. She had no food in her car so Fitz was on her best behavior!She told me about their family days with German Shepherds.
This morning we met Cay, a lovely woman of 76 years who was delighted to take a moment to stop her car, pet the dogs and chat. She loved their gentle nature. She had no food in her car so Fitz was on her best behavior. She had just had a piano lesson. She said she wants to keep trying new things in life.
She talked about her age. At 76, she wanted to stay active and attempting some of the things that she never had the opportunity to do in her life.
As she pet the dogs, we laughed at their delight. She asked about their age and their names amd their personalities. She was such a lovely lady with a calm, sweet voice that the dogs sat quietly as she spoke. We talked about our town. She has lived here for almost 50 years. Cay talked about her late husband, her 5 children, her life growing up and some of her travels. She told me about her lunches with her kindergarten friends that still get together for lunch once a month. They call themselves "the lunch bunch,"
We may have chatted for 15 minutes, maybe a little more. I was just out to get in our walk...just the dogs and I....out for exercise, fresh air and some time in the woods enjoying the beauty of the fall colors.
I got much more than that. I met a lovely woman of another generation who was interesting and interested. She had a different perspective at her age. She was with it. She had the confidence and strength of a woman who had rich experiences in her life. It was a pleasure to spend time with someone who has lived and seen so much.
Cay changed my day. She opened my eyes. She shared. She smiled. She laughed. She told some stories about her life and family.
We said our goodbyes as it began to rain. Daisy, Fitzy and I walked into the woods. I was filled with a new perspective of a woman of my mom's generation. She changed my day. It's wonderful to step out of our own world once in awhile and hear about someone elses. As mom said, "You never know who you'll meet when you're out and about." Thanks to our dogs, we meet lots of nice folks.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Kisses
Halloween. Buy candy. Check. Why do I do that to myself? Every year it's the same. Candy. I'm out shopping in mid October. I see the Halloween displays everywhere. I am absolutely horrified that these stores are beginning holidays earlier and earlier. I don't remember when I first saw Halloween in the stores this year. Who knows? When we were on the cape? Not so crazy. Yet, somewhere in that mid October moment I think.....better get it now.
Why. I know that before the end of the week I will dip in....just for a treat. I don't even keep this kind of stuff in the house. So, if I buy it early I know to hide it. But isn't that ironic....I am the one hiding it. Yup. I hide it well. I also remember where it is....within moments I'm crinkling the bag and opening it even if it takes teeth. I'm not proud. By this point, I have to have it. I'm like Fitzy. I would scale tall buildings to get to it. I may not invade neighbors' barbeques like Fitzy but I get at that candy. Did I mention that I buy the kind that I like but would never justify buying otherwise.
Well, this year the plan was right on target. Candy. Check. Hide. Forgot where....very unusual. How have I come up with it now? The week before Halloween? I put all of the candy, still in grocery bags, in the garage.
I was outside the other day with the doggies. Fitzy is now on a very long training leash. Hah? Training? Surely we jest. I was organizing (don't laugh...I need encouragement, not mockery!) some of our garage obstacle course. While in up to my elbows, I turned when I heard a rustling of plastic.
I dropped my Rubbermaid tub. I ran. It was Fitzy, snoot first in the tub filled with Halloween goodies. I pulled her back. I scolded her. "NO," I barked. "LEAVE IT!"
The good news. Fitz didn't get to all of it. There was more for me. I didn't have to rip the bag open with my teeth! Oh....I did have a few Hershey's kisses....and took one out for later.
Political speak
This political speak makes me laugh...this has absolutely nothing to do with the my political opinions, likes or bias. This is fabulous political speak. I fills my love of linguistics and semantics. It's fun to close your eyes and just hear the words on there own. We laugh out loud when this ad comes on...the whole family laughing....it's worth it!
By the way, I think this is a clever tool for discussing politics, communication, lying by ommission with kids.....it gets everyone thinking. This debate has given our family many opportunities for learning!!!
Quotes
"Fear not those who argue but dodge" -Marie von Ebner Eschenbach
This made me laugh...especially while we are living through so many political debates these days.
In Connecticut, there is and advertisement that speaks to us. In this case, it is audio playing from a debate of the 2 candidates just days earlier. I have to share. Not because of my political views, but the reality of politics....it all sounds the same at this pre-election time of year. Pay no attention to Republican vs. Democrat, Woman vs. man or the issues. Just hear what I hear at the end of every voting season.....this ad says it all...generic political speak that we all must endure!
Monday, October 25, 2010
learning new things everyday
I finally figure out how to upload pics from my phone to my blog. That will be fun for me...maybe you too. It can keep the blog current with his and pieces of Ralph life. Now that's what I call progress...my progress. Let's remember that one year ago I had very little computer savvy. This is leaps and bounds for littlemarymixup. Now I can go to sleep....saith some of the animal.farm nestled all.snug in Daisy's bed...next to our bed. Sleep is good...I forget that sometimes. Good night and God Bless you as we say every night.
Monday Moments
It's a beautiful morning on the Connecticut shoreline! Grace has sauntered up the stairs of her rumbling yellow schoolbus, Daisy and Fitzgerald have had their moment outside. Jinx has gone trotting off to collect more chipmunks.....he's been stacking them up like cord wood ever since the new Kitty,Webster a.k.a. Webby a.k.a. Thomas a.k.a. Boo, arrived on the scene.
Where's T.J.? I've just dropped him off at his orthodontist appointment. Now I can breathe. I woke up in time to start the morning dancing of our stars. I've successfully woken Grace, made lunch X 2, walked the dogs, woke up T.J....all timed just right to get T.J. to his appointment! We were in the car and on our way when I became aware that I was still wearing my soft cotton pajamas with a hefty sweatshirt to top off my ensemble. T.J. was the first to take note of my attire. He quietly suggested that I wait in the carand perhaps even listen to my book on tape. That kid's gonna do well someday. He offered his suggestion along with a mini-benefit statement to seal tbe deal. He's a teen, so I embarrass him on a daily basis!
T.J. strolled out of the office and pleaded for breakfast on the go now that he had been freed from the prodding and poking of dental tools. We went for some Sinking Donuts drive-thru. Finally, I had my coffee, T.J. got to school with his late pass from the orthodontist and I got home to start MY day. Just a minute, I have to feed the dogs. Oh...then I have to giveaway them a good long walk and then it will be my turn. Wait! First I have to change out of my pajamas.
celebrations
Happy Anniversary Jane and Jim! Biff's mom and dad are celebrating their 50 something anniversary today! I'm grateful for their loving marriage. After all, Biff must have learned.from them. Biff the love of my life. And we've only shared 18 years together....it goes by quickly when you're in love. We're not perfect. Either is life. There are life's ups and downs and in btweens to deal with. We do it together in marriage and as partners. Life is better with Biff!
MOM. Today would be my mom's 86th birthday. We all talked about Gramma today. We have great memories. I felt as if she was near while we were up in Boston. So many memories of times spent with mom when she visited our little family! Memories to be treasured. She feels like my own angel...but I wish that she could be right here with us...sharing our breakfasts, beach days and laughter. I miss that..everyday...I would love to hear her voice.
She called me "Punkin"....and "littlemarymixup" as she gave me that look with her sparkling blue eyes. She called Grace and T.J. sweetheart and honey and rascals...and once, she called them " naughty"...a word they had never known...they were almost 3 and 4.....oh how they laughed at her funny word. She surrendered and laughed along with them. She loved them so. They felt that love. They could recognize her nonjudgemental, accepting way. She loved them like crazy...no matter what. They could feel that love and they were sure of her love. It was safe, warm and comfortable.
There's no one in the world like a mom. That love goes deep. The bother goes deep and the laughs, stories and memories go deep! I am grateful for the times we had. We had a special relationship. A mother daughter team who shared lots of good times and good friends. My mom. I miss her everyday. If she were here today, I would have bought her a Pepperidge Farm vanilla layer cake! I would have told her that I baked it myself! We would have laughed til we cried...and after our hysterics, we would explain our long story.
I'm laughing with mom now! Thanks mom for making birthdays so fun. Love your mom. Say "I loveyou" often! If your mom's not here anymore, share stories with your kids...and your friends who loved her..or didn't ever get to meet her. Those moms of ours made us who we are. Treasure the goodness and let go of the other stuff. Savor the love and cherish the time together. Now it's just a dream...it seems so real...and then....I wake up. She's not here. So we have to let her live on....through us, our children, through stories and memories.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Boston
Boston. Boston. Boston. We love it here. It was home for a few years. Funny how a place becomes your home...slowly. It takes awhile to make a place our own. We were excited to move here...as a new family...making our own way.
Both of us,Biff and I, are loyal to our family. We truly love our family...all of our family...with pokes and pinches and peccadilloes ...one and all...we love each one...with quirky bits and funny folks, family is where we come from. Family made us who we are...our place in our family......our individual relationships with each one in the family, the parenting style, the nature and nurture, love, guidance and support of our family helped to create us....for better or for worse......through thick and through thin...good, bad and ugly moments.....we love our family. They came as a part of our package. We were literally delivered to our very own family.
So here we are....just south of Boston...visiting. This is the place we chose to start to grow our own family. We may be a part of a whole.....with a variety of personalities, partnerships, personal styles, beliefs and even baggage..a wonderful mix of love is what we take from them all ...to venture off on our own.
This is where our family became US. Just us. We were away from family, in proximity but not in our hearts. We became our own unit. We had each other. We built our universe. We learned on our own. We were stronger because of our time here. It was our time to be who we would be.....as a family.....of three, then four.
We liked us together. We had become who we were....as our own family. We learned what we wanted for us. We created the family for ourselves that was the right fit for us...for the family we were growing. We knew what what parenting styles and couple queues we would take from our families on our own trip and other bits we were sure to leave behind. We had our family support and love. We found our footing. We stumbled and ran and tripped and swam. We were committed to keep working on what worked for us...as our own family.
It was our turn to be just us...growing into a family. With love and laughter and lots of fun.
Now we're back to visit again. We're with our friends who were learning right alongside us. We we were finding our own way. We had challenges and growth as a couple.....as parents........deeply in love...despite the chaos of our new babies and our life far from family.
Now, our babies are 14 and 15. We're. Still finding our way. We thank God for our commitment to each other and our family. Our kids have no idea of the sweet memories of newness and fear and joy. They see it as a fun place to visit...with treasured friends who lived through those times with us.....those everyday days....every step of the way.
This place was our home...still, our roots are deep. This is where we began. This is where we learned to be our own family for ourselves. It made us stronger. We became us. We are us most of all. That is a gift. I'm grateful.
Ily
Biff and I had been the road warriors...no distance too great for a family event. No time too short to get there...for whatever event. We loved that life. We loved our family had proved we would be the ones to be there. We were both the kind of family who showed up. We loved our family ...we would do anything to be there for them.
Though we were a longer distance from extended family...when we started out here, we were with them in our hearts and phone calls and memorieswith love...for all of them. After those years, it became clear that it was our turn....to learn about being here for us. It's special to visit where we began. Precious memories and places make it all so clear. We were here for that time to learn how to be us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
