Last day of summer...

at the local dam
something he loves to do
hmmm... is their spot better than mine?
look! a bullhead!
Rayna thinks it is kinda gross. Mira even puts her own worms on!

It was to be a great day. Each child picked out their favorite thing for one of the meals. Then we took some neighbor boys to the nearby dam to fish. After about 5 minutes (and no fault of his own) a neighbor boy dropped Trevor's pole. He was sobbing. Loudly. I got scared wondering what in the world had happened. Then he told me. Relief swept over me. But then the kids were thinking of swimming to get it. Um. No. The very kindly neighbors came over with an apology and money for a replacement.

Then it got worse. Way worse. I called it a simply perfectly awful dreadful day. It isn't blog fodder. Just so you know our lives aren't all about happy smiles and fishing holes.

Sunday snippets

Yep. More of the same. And no pictures again! Me bad. Haven't pulled out the camera in awhile.

* A great family day. Our normal Sunday morning was special as always. Then home for spaghetti and the works. And a huge hike at a nearby park. They opened a new dog park at this park. There was lots of blog fodder on the doggy behavior. But unfortunately, Lisi was perfectly behaved. So nothing for her to write!

* Yesterday I got to go to preps. It sure built anticipation for the upcoming days. We all can't wait. The kids have many happy memories there.

* Did you know that there are these little tab-thingys at the end of your foil/wax paper/saran wrap rolls that you can push in so the roll doesn't come careening out when you're trying to get some? I didn't until not too long ago!

* Daughter #1 actually asked to play Scrabble tonight! I was most impressed with her abilities. Hooray for her! I love Scrabble. I inherited that love for the past 2 generations.

* We are at SS (school start) T-1. I told the kids they each get to pick what the meal of the day will be tomorrow on their last day of summer. T's is breakfast. Waffles and doughnuts. (can we say carbs???). M's is lunch. Mac and cheese and hot dogs (ick). R's is Chinese food of any kind. I'm thinking going somewhere for it sounds appealing.

* I grew up with our meals being breakfast, lunch, and supper. Dinner happened on Sundays or on special holidays. But the 'norm' around here is dinner each evening. Sounds fancy. We eat supper still.

* I got two thank-yous on the same day. How's that for a day brightener! Both were a surprise. Both warmed my heart.

* Trevor still isn't wheezing. So far the meds are great. But... the expander broke yesterday. I'm worried about the $ involved there. Ick.

* I'm thinking the first day of school I should go have a 'me day'. But I'll probably do laundry, walk the dog, and make more bread...

* It was 48 here this morning. In August. Enough already. I wore thermals for my walk at 6:30. Stoopid.

Tuesday twitches

* Nice to have daughter #1 at home again. She was being spoiled at Gpa and Gma's for two days. Doughnuts! Silly putty! Water ski shows! Chocolate sprinkles on ice cream! A special run to the store for pickles! Now mind you... these are the very same parents that raised me in the most conservative of venues. We did have 3 square meals/day. Nutritious fare. Clean clothes. Tidy home. And no dozen doughnuts at our whim... (sigh) I did however have grandparents that spoiled me too though!

* I haven't really felt like blogging much. I've lost my interest. Or maybe I fear I won't be interesting. Whatever. It might be slow-paced until motivation comes again. If I force it, it won't be readable.

* I'm so looking forward to going somewhere in two weeks. I think making all these cookies helps build the anticipation.

* I have a child that put a bike behind a neighbor's minivan and SMUNCH. A new derailer is needed plus a multitude of other things. Teaching personal responsibility is an enormous chore. And obviously my rants aren't working too effectively. (insert very heavy sigh). I think a very long list of chores will have to be assigned in order to make up for the mishap.

* Lisi is into barking these days. Very irritating. She might have a post very soon on it.

* School starts one week from today. I'd by lying if I said I wish summer would continue. Quite frankly, we're ready. The kids will say they aren't... but they are. After registration last week they immediately got in a good mood. I will enjoy my 7 hours of quiet. And they'll be cute again when the bus drops them off.

* We were at a wedding last Saturday. For some reason, it all seemed very intimate and romantic. It was on the smaller side for crowd which might be part of the reason. And maybe the maturity of the bride and groom. Or I'm not sure what. But I was impressed. Like very. And it made me thankful for the vows I made nearly 15 years ago...

* Trying to limit my time on the computer. It is tough as I do enjoy FB and following my feeds on Google reader. But the more you look, the more you want to. And so... I'm setting limits on myself which helps. :-)

And so I better live what I'm preaching.

The Chase

I just wanted to see if it tasted like chicken! You see, it was a chicken. And I gave chase.

But first, I better back up and give you a bit more background. The big lady that yells but loves me anyway was getting ready to leave. I can tell because she usually is raising her voice at the three little people here. "Get your shoes!" "Where are you?" "Did you need to go to the bathroom?". Then I get interested. Really most the time then I hear her say "porch" to me and that makes me get all sad and snuffly and then I pout as I walk slowly to the screened porch. But today she didn't say it and the sliding door opened. So I rushed in the van and sat down. And off we went!

When the van stopped I hopped out. And right there in front of me was a big black cat. Whoooeeee! My favorite thing ever. A good cat chase. And that we did. But stupid cats are fast and (don't tell anyone I said this) kinda smart really. And so the cat was gone. The big lady that yells but loves me anyway went into the garage and was talking to another big lady and they were standing over a big pile of fresh-picked corn. Boy, the big lady of mine really has a motor mouth. Or she liked the other big lady. But they were really talking and talking. And so I wandered off. And then saw them. Chickens! A big ol' pack of chickens behind a fence, but the door was open. So I trotted down there and there was a big ol' chicken that was out on its own in the grass and so I decided right then and there I was going to kill that chicken. You see I've never had raw chicken and I was thinking the thrill of the kill would be good. And just maybe raw chicken would be good. So I took off after it. Now you see chickens are dumb. Not like cats. And so the thing cackled and fluttered and there was just a flurry of noise and confusion. And in my rabid state I realized that the big lady that yells but loves me anyway was REALLY yelling. Like screaming my name with passion. "LISI! LISI! NO!" I ran right past her. Yell all you want big lady. I am just in the process of killing my first chicken. She lunged to grab my collar and down she went. There was this big thud on the grass. It distracted me and up she got and... oh no. She got me. She grabbed my collar. Then with both hands did the nastiest thing she can do to me. A horrible scruff shake with both hands yelling NO... NO... NO the whole time. It was dreadful. I was being punished. The chicken was a free (range) bird. And I didn't get one bite of chicken. The next thing I knew I was in the van. Hot. Muggy. And off she went. Back to yak it up with her other lady friend. I heard a bit of an apology. Some good laughs. And that was it for me and my freedom. Once my motor mouthed lady got into the van, she muttered something about me being a stupid dog. Me? I think it was the chicken that was stupid. But I can't argue with her because... well... I can't talk.

So to all you friends of mine out there. I still don't know if chicken tastes like chicken. Maybe another day.

Hoping I'll have another tale to tell before long!

Lisi

50th anniversary

the guests of honor...
the cake...
my folks enjoying the time here too...
Dawn... my tireless helper. I couldn't have done it without her help. And my folks...The spread.
Waiting for someone...
This is our elder and wife (for 15 years!). I think the world of them.
The Italians and spouses

the grand and great-grandkids present
Sue's family that were here... (missing Nikki in AZ)

Thanks to a special cousin, we have photos to post. I was a bit overwhelmed to try and take pictures.

The 50th went without a hitch! We were a few over 50 here. Maybe 60? The food was (in my very humble and contrite opinion) yummy. The people that attended engaging, fun, and loving.

Some siblings came that rarely leave the home parts. And to see a number of Italians all together enjoying each others company is quite priceless.

And... for the two we were celebrating... we are so happy for this milestone. They've gone through tremendously good and tremendously hard experiences together. And they showed such a gentle, and good Spirit through it all. And as in-laws go... they are wonderful.

Thursday thoughts

* Great week so far. One bridal shower. Lots of great weather. Kids almost liking each other for a few days! Lunch with dad and mom R.

* Missing the two younger ones for a couple of days. They're having quality time with a set of grandparents. I needed the 'break' so I can get some things done. Yet... I miss the fighting them. I do realize they'll be more cranky once they get home. Isn't that weird? When kids are good for others... it's like every little irritation or bad thought all comes forth as soon as they're back at home on their own turf with a parent listening. I think there's a spiritual lesson in that... but not sure what.

* And tomorrow is the big day. We expect about 60 here to celebrate 50 years of marriage and memories. Mom D. brought over some photo albums of the past years. Pictures of those that have been here and passed on. Both young and old. Bittersweet. But the ones that just caught me off-guard were those of our own daughter that died after 3 short days. I saw two pictures I hadn't seen before. It hit me like it hasn't in a long time. After a good heart-felt cry, I felt better. She's better off I know. But she missed out living life. Rayna gave me a very long hug and said, 'aren't you glad I'm here? Or I'd be somewhere else.' That put it all in perspective again. Life is funny like that.

* We have a leak. Complete irony in a bathroom. Trevor was tested for allergies. The highest reaction was to mold. Today I was in his bathroom putting away some stuff. A weird smell that always seemed to be there since we moved in. Finally really got down to look. Soggy towels under the sink. Like dripping wet soggy. Stinky. PU. A bad leak. And... well... (I hate to admit this) mold! No wonder he coughs in the bathroom! But the beauty of it is a neighbor-plumber. Sure I'll be there by tomorrow noon! Thank goodness.

* Gerbera daisies wilt too soon. I bought some a couple days ago thinking they'd still be nice for tomorrow. Well... barely.

* More later with pictures I'm sure!

Food vs. treats

Just a mindless nothing thought about dog treats vs. dog food. Was cleaning out the garage and found a bag of dog treat crumbs in a bag. Dumped them in the food