Quotes * 2007

"If you knew that you would die today
 If you saw the face of God and love
 Would you change?  Would you change?"
~Tracy Chapman~

Dinner and a card trick...

Well, today was my dinner with Gregory at Cheeburger Cheeburger.

When Gregory got in the car, he turned to me and said, "I'm not sure how this is going to go, but I guess it will be fun." How funny! I don't know about Gregory, but I had a blast!

Wednesday night is "Magician" night so we were treated to magic tricks at our table. Gregory seemed to have a good time. In fact, he told that magician that he considered himself a pre-amatuer magician. Now, there's a term that was new to me. The magician was most gracious and taught Gregory a card trick. Pretty cool!

After dinner, we made a trip to Five Below so that Gregory could take a turn picking something for $5. He was fascinated by the Halloween costumes. He said that this was the first place he'd been where the costumes didn't freak him out. We decided that his parents would buy him a Halloween costume, so he could spend his money elsewhere. He ended up picking Yo-Gi-Oh trading cards, although he looked a long time at the lava lamps. Decisions!

Anyway, it was a lot of fun and something I hope to do again soon!

And the winner is...

...Alex!

Today was my first ever - "Grammie and me" dinner with my grandchildren. On the first day of school I gave Gregory and Alex a coupon for one dinner with Grammie at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Gregory suggested that he and Alex could use some "separation" time, so I asked Greg and Amy to work out who would go first. I think Alex finished his homework first so he was the one who went to dinner with me.

It was SO much fun! And Alex was 100% pure delight! I can hardly wait to do it again. I chose Wednesay because there's a magician there on Wednesday night. I thought the guy was pretty good, but Alex thought he was weak. The magician asked Alex if he would help with a trick. Alex, with a look that said "Are you crazy?" replied "no". Undaunted, the magician asked me to help which, of course, I was glad to do. Alex was occupied until the magician pulled a scarf out of Alex's shirt. At that point Alex told him that the scarf trick was old - that he'd seen it before. Thankfully, the burgers came and the magician moved on to another table.

So.... we had dinner and then I offered Alex $5 to spend at the dollar store. He asked if we could go to Five Below instead... so we did. He bought some kind of "wrestling" key chain with recorded messages from one of the wrestlers (bad Grammie - I don't remember who the wrestler is). I know that it said "I'll do what I want when I want." and "I am awesome." Not what I would have picked, but it wasn't my $5 to spend, was it?

Next week I get to have dinner with Gregory. I can hardly wait! :)

Happy Birthday to ME!

We had breakfast at Friendly's this morning - the whole gang. Even Michael was able to come. I couldn't have had a better birthday present than to have them all together in one place!!!

Part of facing your own mortality is living fully in the special moments. This morning I lived fully in the moment!

It was Kate's nap time, but Richard and Julie brought her anyway. The sacrifice was not lost on me. I SO appreciated all of them being there! Julie is so good to me, sometimes it makes me cry.

Kate is saying "uh oh" (kind of) and she just started pulling herself up. At this age, it seems like every day brings some new achievement.

Bryce was all decked out in Nike wrist bands (like P.J. and Anthony) - his hair moussed - darling! He really could be a model. He's adorable AND he loves the camera! He asked Crystal if "Mike" would be there. Crystal asked "Who is Mike?". Bryce answered, "You know - the Mike that comes with Grammie." Mike? How funny! Michael usually doesn't like to be called Mike, but being called Mike by Bryce was okay!! So now.... Mike, it is!

Gregory, Alex and Matthew always keep Greg and Amy busy - 3 kids is a full-time job in itself. They are getting SO big!

Matthew brought Michael and I a "treat" - a lollipop - from home - just for us. What a sweetie!!

Alex did a great job keeping an eye on Bryce. Alex is such a tender child. And he has an inquisitive mind that I love. So special!

Gregory is doing well - reading 300-400 pages a week. I was lucky enough to sit across the table from him at breakfast. Conversations with Gregory are always a delight!

Greg & Amy, Scott & Crystal, Richard & Julie - are my heart - my joy - my delight. I am so very blessed!

Happy birthday to me!

Quick stop on a busy day...

Greg and the kids went to B.J.'s this morning while Amy went to get her hair cut. They stopped on the way home to deliver the electric diswashing "stuff" I asked Greg to pick up while he was there.

They were in a hurry - had food in the back of the truck that needed to be put away, so they couldn't come in for a visit. Greg came to the door and when I found out they couldn't come in, I went out to the truck to see the kids. While Greg walked to the door, Alex turned the stereo in the truck WAY up! So funny! He loves A.C.D.C.!

I know Alex and Gregory play a mean air guitar, but I play the best "cane" guitar in Wilmington. I thought Matthew was going to fall out of his car seat, he laughed so hard! "Do it again, Grammie!" he screamed. "Do it again!" And as parents and grandparents, there's very little we wouldn't do to make them laugh! So, of course I did it again - and again - and again.

What joy 15 minutes can bring! I smiled off and on all day, thinking of Matthew's face.

Ride 'em cowboy!

Bryce's birthday party was on Sunday in Middletown. Two-year-olds don't always have a lot of fun at their birthday party - so much confusion - so many "traditions" - so many people. But Bryce had a BLAST at his own birthday party. I was amazed at how much he understood about the whole "birthday party" concept.

He could hardly wait to blow out the candles on his cake. And after he successfully completed that task, he just grinned - so pleased with himself.

The menu? Hot dogs rolled in crescents (TERRIFIC!), chicken, macaroni & cheese, applesauce (in little containers), a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream dixie cups - more than we could all eat in THREE days! Scott and Crystal are great at throwing parties! They work so hard - and it pays off. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time - especially Bryce!

I got him a rocking horse which he promptly named Penny after a horse in one of his favorite movies. I don't usually know what to get the kids. They have so much - and I often feel old and out of touch. But this one was easy! Bryce is in L*O*V*E with horses at the moment. It was fun to buy something I knew he'd like.

All the kids and THEIR kids were there. What could be better? I always love seeing Gregory, Alex and Matthew. And Kate was sooooooo cute in her Eagle's cheerleading outfit. Unfortunately, it didn't help - they lost. But who cared about the Eagles when we had such a cute cheerleader to watch. :)

Speaking of cheerleaders, Bella was named captain of her cheerleading squad. Kudos to Bella. She did a couple cheers for Julie. It was easy to see why she's captain! She is really growing up! So pretty! So sweet! I LOVE making jewelry for Bella because she enjoys wearing it so much!

Michael had to work and wasn't able to go to the party. He was missed.

My father drove to my house from Levittown and then rode to Scott and Crystal's house with me. It was a nice day. We had a good trip - pleasant conversation. I was glad he was able to come.

All in all - a terrific day!

... and the weekend comes to an end

Sunday - Matthew's third birthday party - a cookout and Greg and Amy's house - burgers, dogs, barbequed chicken! WONDERFUL!

Matthew, of course, got tons of presents! The thing that surprised me the most was how well he shared his new things. It seemed as if there were almost as many kids there as there were adults at the party. And the little ones all wanted to play with Matthew's new toys (Josh and Tyler weren't all that interested in the bubble-blowing lawnmower). And Matthew shared! No tears - no "MINE!!!" - he just shared. There were some things he wanted first, but he really did share all his new stuff. He is such a sweeeeeet child! I'm especially fond of his squeezy-neck hugs! Luckily for me, he's more than generous with those! :)

The food was terrific! I'm always amazed at how easily Greg can cook for 20 - 30 people. I guess all those afternoons watching Yan Can Cook when Greg was small, really helped. It's interesting to me that he always found cooking fascinating. Julia Child was a favorite too, but she came later and Greg wasn't as dedicated to Julia as he was to Yan. He rarely missed an episode of Yan Can Cook. This past Sunday we were all the beneficiaries of Greg's interest in cooking!

Again, the whole gang was there. Kate was soooooo good. What a happy baby! And Bryce? Bryce seems to love being "the show". When it was cake-and-ice-cream time, all the kids were an icing mess, but Bryce was actually icing art work. He painted his face with icing (and his hair - and his ears - and... and... and... )! It's his turn for a birthday next week. It'll be interesting to see if he remembers Sunday's paint-with-icing sesssion and repeats it. :)

Gregory and Alex visited me on the deck for a hug and some quick conversation. On the first day of school, I gave them each a coupon for dinner at Cheeburger Cheeburger with me. I asked Gregory on Sunday if he and Alex were going to go together, or if they'd prefer to go to dinner separately. Gregory told me he thought they needed some separation time. That works for me. In fact, I'd prefer it. I'd love to spend more time with them - one at a time - to get to know them better.

AND... the new puppy (Bubba - although the puppy's name seemed to still be in the negotiation phase) was really good at the party. He's such a calm puppy - doesn't rattle easily - not one bit nervous with all the people. This is their fourth try at having a dog. I'm hoping that this one is the charm. This definitely seems to be the best puppy they've had. Plus the kids are older AND Josh and Tyler are around to help. Good vibes!

Monday looked like it was going to be a slow, lazy day - nothing going on. BUT Richard and Julie called to say they were going to Jimmy's for lunch and to invite Michael and me to meet them there. We were ready to go in 5 minutes and hurried over for an unexpected Monday treat! Kate, as usual was wonderful. She's just darling! Julie fed her baby peaches (as fast as Kate could swallow the previous spoonful). If Julie hesitated, Kate let her know she needed to get back to it! Fun! The three of them are SO happy.

What a great way to end a fantastic weekend!

And so the weekend begins...

Labor Day weekend! Busy and fun!

Friday night was quiet - Michael was supposed to be off on Friday, but he was told that if he would work on Friday, he could have Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. I think that's what's known as a "no brainer".

Saturday, Michael and I went to Levittown to meet my father at the Dallas for breakfast. It was a beautiful day - low 80's - low humidity - super day for a ride - good music - good company - nice start to the day.

Dad was glad to see us. We had a delicious breakfast, pleasant conversation. I learned when and how our family ended up in Levittown - interesting.

And so this is how the story goes....

We were living in Baltimore - Dad was a civil engineer. He was working a job and noticed someone watching them for several days. Finally, the man approached my father and asked him if he would be interested in tripling his salary. Dad replied that he would - if it was legal. The man told him that he needed my father in Morrisville, PA to do the same job he was doing in Baltimore. Dad asked when he would start. "Tomorrow" he was told.

Baltimore to Morrisville was quite a commute in those days. Dad left before sunrise and got home after dark. He said the first span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge had just been built. He was one of the first to use it.

Dad was glad to be working in Pennsylvania because that's where his Optometric license was valid. His goal was to end up in Pennsylvania and practice Optometry, so the job in Morrisville moved him one step closer.

Levitt was in the process of building Levittown at the time. As Dad commuted to Morrisville, he rode by the sample homes every day. He stopped and asked the salesman if they had a corner lot available anywhere. The answer was "No".

Dad continued to commute and to stop regularly at the sample homes. Finally, the salesman told Dad that he had a cancellation on the corner at #1 Lakeside Drive. My father signed the papers and we moved to Levittown.

I don't know how that fits into the timeline of my life - whether that was before or after my parents were separated for a year. I'm guessing it was after they reconciled, or maybe it was part of their reconciliation - maybe 1952? I'll have to ask him. I'd like to talk to him about that time in his life.

It seems every time I go to Levittown, I learn more about my past, about my father's life - more memories - a lot of them happy ones. How strange that 6 or 7 years ago, I had virtually NO memories of my childhood - hadn't had any for as long as I can remember.

Michael and I took a ride around Levittown - past the old library that's now a Ukranian, Evangelical Baptist Church (What a mouthful! ) - past the Lutheran church in Lakeside (now for sale) where Avis played the organ for years - past the tiny Dutch Reformed Church, where I was so accepted as a teenager - past the Lakeside pool where I spent so many days, swimming my 50 miles per summer as part of President Kennedy's physical fitness campaign; performing in the end-of-season water ballet every year (my mother made my bathing suits for the big production) - past my old elementary school (Walt Disney), where I remembered having a huge jet (a real one - see page 4 of the linked document) on the playground (I also remember hundreds of tiny spiders inside the jet).

We also drove through the parking lot at the high school where I graduated (Formerly the home of the Woodrow Wilson Golden Rams - now Harry S. Truman Tigers. Why the name and mascot change? Who knows!) - past the part of the building that used to house a gorgeous swimming pool where I was a diver and swam backstroke on the swim team - down to the football field where I could see myself in 1965, dressed in my cheerleading skirt and sweater, cheering the Rams to victory on a Friday night, the stands full to overflowing with fans.

It was a day FULL of memories - both good and bad - I'm grateful for all of them!

Life is not just good - it's fantastic!

Where to start! Where to start!

Okay, I'll start with last night! Michael and I were out getting cheese (for the meatball sandwiches we had last night for dinner) and picking up my latest round of meds when I got THE call from Scott. He and Bryce were on their way home from Mom-Mom's house and wanted to stop by. I was SO excited at the possibility of seeing both Scott AND Bryce! Wooohoooo!

Michael was in the grocery store, but as soon as he came out, we hurried home to find Scott and Bryce in the driveway! FANTASTIC!

Scott looks great. And the smile on his face when he looks at his son is indescribable (and wonderful for a mother's heart). I love seeing him so happy. The only thing that would have made tonight better would be if Crystal could have come. I don't see them often enough and I do miss them.

Bryce is talking up a storm. It's hard to believe he'll be 2 in another week. At the moment, he's in love with horses. He doesn't want to touch them - or ride them. He just likes to look at them. Apparently Mom-Mom (Crystal's grandmother) takes him to the state and county parks to see the horses - and he LOVES them!

What a sweet, sweet child!

And the other news for today? The arrival of... Bubba!!!!

Bubba is a "Jug" - part Jack Russell and part Pug. He's 8 weeks old and weighs about 3 pounds. What a face! And one white foot. How cute is THAT?

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet. He just arrived at his new home last night. Greg said that all seven of them went to get him. I can't help but smile at the picture in my mind of that whole crew "puppy shopping". :)

Matthew's 3rd birthday is today, but his party will be on Sunday. That will probably be my first chance to "meet the pet".

I especially love birthday parties because it's a chance to see the whole gang together! That experience is chicken soup for the mother's soul. But you'll never find it in a chicken soup book 'cause there are just no words for that kind of joy.
Well, I guess that since I don't have a puppy to play with, I'd better get back to work.

See ya'!

Backpacks and lunch boxes

I talked to Greg today while he was on his way to Maryland to check out a job. He told me that today is the first day of school for Gregory and Alex.

This is the first time they're separated - going to different schools - since Alex started at Forwood. And they'll stay separated until High School. Although it will be very different for both of them, it will be growth - always a good thing.

Alex was a little trepadacious, but managed well with a little extra support. Greg said that Alex's teacher (Mrs. Stein) is reputed to be a WONDERFUL teacher. Greg said that she seemed sensitive to Alex's new situation and told Greg she'd take good care of Alex. She'd better!!!! The change is probably harder on Alex than Gregory, but Alex will handle it well, I'm sure. AND it will give him a chance to blossom and cast his own shadow without being in Gregory's.

Gregory has, in Greg's words, crossed over to cool this year. He starts at Claymont Middle School today - 4th grade! He doesn't want "Mom" hanging around at the bus stop (if there aren't any other moms there) - he carries his backpack with one strap now, instead of two - he had a "dad special" haircut this time, longer on the top, no more buzz - and he Dad got to spike it up for him this morning.

Matthew was feeling lost, being the only one without a new backpack, so Greg and Amy got him a lunchbox that he put "stuff" in this morning.

Having three kids is a handful - three times the worry - but three times the joy. They are each who they are - each one special - each one with characteristics all their own - each one God's special gift to all of us.

Thank you, God, for these precious children!

Silver and Lampwork and Chain - Oh my!

Lonnnnnnng weekend! But a very good one!

Michael and I went to Beadfest on Friday and then again on Sunday. So much to see - so little time. We were there a total of almost 9 1/2 hours combined in the two days and it didn't seem like enough. I don't know if there could ever be enough when it comes to jewelry. I guess when you run out of money, that's enough.

I shouldn't complain about being tired when I rode a mobility scooter both days and Michael walked. 9 1/2 hours is a LOT of walking! By Sunday night we were both ready to crash and catch the latest on Big Brother.

Michael says the next step is to get our Web site up and running (including the shopping cart) and then see what's up on ebay. We're GREAT at buying, but not so hot at selling. If we want to keep on buying, we'd better learn to sell! I think that's called survival.

I know I'm not very good, but I DO love making jewelry. If we can just get this to pay for itself, there is so much to learn. But it all takes time.

Michael makes B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L things. His silverwork gets better all the time. I know he'd like a torch and some glass to make beads - more incentive to sell... sell... sell!

In praise of vicarious field trips...

Had lunch with Richard yesterday - always a treat for me - brightens my whole week.

While lunch with Richard is ALWAYS a good thing, yesterday was fascinating - hearing about his trip - about Ireland - the roads - the castles - the churches - the golf courses - the bed and breakfasts. For an hour or so, I was there. I can hardly wait to see the pictures!

Richard said he was soooooo homesick for Kate - and Julie. At 6 months old, 10 days is HUGE - so many changes so quickly. And... how about Molly? I mean, really. I forgot to ask if he was homesick for Molly. On the homesick scale, I'm guessing Molly didn't rate more than a 4 or 5, but I'm sure she was on the gee-I'm-missing-you list. Ten days was too long, he said - just too long.

I am generally in awe of the whole thing, actually. I'm DEFINITELY impressed with Julie for encouraging him to go - no guilt trips - no pouting. Although she missed Richard, she was fine. That's a homecoming gift in itself. And Richard was able to have a wonderful time while missing his family with all his heart. What a nice way to live.

I think they call that "balance". :)

Weekend Report

Friday night - Nothing much going on. Michael worked until 8:00. When he got home we watched some movie on TV (I couldn't even tell you what the name of it was at this point - impressive). Quiet night.

Saturday - Actually Saturday was a biggie for me!

Michael and I made our usual Saturday-morning-Farmers-Market run before I took him to work.

THEN I stopped to see Julie and Kate - a treat, for sure! Richard comes home from Ireland tomorrow. Julie is SO excited! I wish I could be at the airport - just to see the reunion. It will certainly be a joyful time for them all! (Molly included)

Michael worked from 9:30 to 5:00. He looked so tired when I dropped him off. I thought it would be nice for him to be able to come straight home from work and have something to eat at home. Soooo I went to the grocery store. Alone. Oh yeah! AND I cooked! Wooohooooo! What a wild woman!

Sounds easy, but for me, it's not. It was good for me to go, but going to the store and cooking dinner definitely felt like an acheievement. I need to try both more often. (Maybe!)

Sunday - Today Richard came home from Ireland. It seems like he was gone for a month instead of a week. I'm sure it felt even longer to Julie.

Greg invited my father (AKA Pap-Pap) to come down and go fishing. He was supposed to be at Greg's by noon, but finally showed up a little after 1:00, after surviving traffic problems on I-95. Greg, Gregory, and Alex were waiting - ready to go - getting concerned about if/when he would get there. But all's well that end's well (I heard that somewhere).

My father (who is 83) was a little concerned about fishing all day, so I promised him that I'd come rescue him in a couple hours if that's what he wanted. He said that helped and that he was excited about fishing with Greg and the boys.

Off they went in the rain, dollar-store rain gear keeping them dry. Dad said that everyone caught something, but Gregory caught the biggest fish - a catfish. I kept expecting to get a "rescue me" call from my father, but I never did. I guess he had even more fun than he expected. They fished off the dock at a local restaurant - an easy place to take the kids. Greg took a chair for Dad, but he said my father fished with 2 fishing poles and never sat down.

After they finished fishing, they sat on the deck at the restaurant (protected by an overhang) and had lunch. My father finally called me at about 5:00 - on his way home - wet from moving his equipment from the dock to the truck and then when they got back to Greg's house - from the truck to his car. (They had thrown the disposable rain-gear away when they finished fishing.) He said he was wet, cold and uncomfortable and wanted to get home, so he'd visit me next time. He felt badly that he didn't stop at my house, but I was glad he had so much fun.

I even talked to Scott for a couple minutes on Sunday. He makes me smile.

So, now it's Monday. Back to the ol' grind. Work sucks and all that. Yeah - yeah! I know! I know! I should be grateful that I'm able to work. I am. Really. I am.

But being independently wealthy and a lady of leisure would be SO much more fun! :)