This is a rambling blog of sorts, because it has been quite a while since I've posted any sort of "real" update! First of all, allow me to say that we are all fine. Russell and the dogs are peachy and I am well. As always, our lives are hectic, and I will share some highlights and thoughts with you, in bullet points, for which I hope you will forgive me... I'm being lazy, but there is much to tell. Since I have last posted, I turned 50, we moved my Mother to another Nursing Home, there are raccoons living in our fireplace, again, and suicidal bunnies in our yard. So where should I begin? I guess the beginning is always a good place so, fasten your seat belts, because here we go!
When I last posted, I had recently just become Catholic. That continues to be the highlight of my year... and will probably be the highlight of this decade. Being Catholic, and being able to receive communion, fills me with such joy. The experience has been so much more profound than I ever anticipated. And I had anticipated that it would be amazing!
We moved my Mother to another Nursing home the week after Easter. It was a scary thing to do, but miraculously (thanks be to God!) she adapted well, and really loved the new facility. And the amazing thing is that she is only in a semi-private room, but is much happier with the quality of care that she is receiving. This is such a blessing. She also has been showing signs of wanting to do things.. to get up and let us push her outside so she can enjoy a sunny day. She's not wanted to do something like this in over two years... so we are rejoicing about this.
So for a couple of weeks in April, things were relatively quiet and we just muddled along. And then the 12th day of April came, and I turned 50. Getting my AARP card was not the happiest thing in the world, but it is a reality. We threw a small dinner party for family and friends. Initially it was going to be a "wake" with me sitting in a big bed..... making fun of the fact that women in my family tend to "go to bed" at a young age, because they don't feel really good, but are not really sick. I refuse to do this... I'm making that emphatically clear. But, because of prom season, and weddings, we couldn't find a good location for this, so we just reserved a room at a local restaurant and invited family and friends. It was a fun night and a really upbeat way to celebrate such a dubious milestone! My cousin Virginia, who happens to be one of my closest friends, is 16 days younger than I am. She lives in Seattle, so we see each other usually only once a year over Christmas. However, she came home for her birthday and we were able to have an awesome visit. So there are good things about turning 50! And in all truth, it's not so bad.
I took a week off to attend the Newfoundland National. It was great fun and good to see friends that I never see enough of. And to be surrounded by a mere 400-500 Newfies is a wonderful thing. Of course, the shopping is good as well, and I got my annual souvenir! After all, sometimes (not always) it is about the stuff!
We've had a few more bumps in the road with my Mother, but things are seeming to straighten themselves out.
I think the thing that amazes me most is that each day, is filled with so much. It's often time to find quiet and think. It's so easy to get caught up with whatever is happening.... and to lose sight of the larger picture. And I am learning... to slow down and breathe... and I am also learning that prayers are answered... and for that I am so incredibly thankful to God.. for all of his blessings.
I've eluded to raccoons in our chimney. Well this is the 2nd year that we are hosting a Mother Raccoon and her babies. Of course after this happened last year, we planned on closing off the chimney. But in our typical fashion, we never got around to it, and so here we go again. They'll be gone sometime in mid June, and hopefully we'll be smart and take measures to prevent this from happening next spring.
And finally, to the suicidal bunny. There is a rabbit that sits at the far end of our lawn, and suns herself. She sits there every day and watches as we come out with our 4 dogs... and when they get close, she runs like the wind to the other side of the road. So she is well aware that the dogs are there. So why did she build a nest there... and have her babies??? Kira (and it would be Kira) discovered the nest the other day. She got one of the babies in her mouth and then dropped it. The other baby took off. Kira was so excited. Russell had her out at the time, and after getting her back into the house, went to look for them. They were nowhere to be found.. and hopefully they are hiding and will stay hidden in the future. Kira is still eager to check that part of our yard.. but we keep her away from it. Thankfully, the others didn't realize what was happening and are not aware of the suicidal bunnies.
And last, but not least, Russell and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary yesterday. That is amazing to me. It doesn't seem like it's been 14 years since we were married!And that is it, for now at least. I hope that all of you are well, and as things calm over the summer, I'll try and post more! Hugs and Blessings to you all!
