Thirty days hath September, April, JUNE, and November....

June has gone in the blink of an eye. It was so chock full of things to do. And now. The last day. Of the month.
Whataweek! I am going to confess and admit all kinds of things here. That is a warning for the weak of heart. Leave now if you don't want to know.

I am admitting to you that I need to be in control. Of everything. This week I had zero control. It felt like I had on beer goggles. No control. The train left the station and I had no control over who was on it, where it went, nor any amenities. The beer goggles kept me from getting any kind of good perspective on who I should be visiting with. My original intent was to provide a week with our children and grandchildren. Months ago a sister took the reins and called for a family gathering. That can be dangerous in a family the size of ours. It was like the bat signal was sent up and everyone felt like the hero for jumping in the fray. To me it felt willy-nilly. As the week wore on siblings and their offspring wanted to gather and visit some more. In the end it was fine but while it was happening I felt like I was on the rack being stretched in all directions. We didn't all stay in close proximity. Which made visiting an ordeal.
 I had an epiphany, of sorts. I realized, and now accept, that I do not function well in large family gatherings. It feels like I walk and talk in circles, like I have on beer goggles.

And yet. Amidst the chaos I loved being with my children and grandchildren. There were spectacular natural side shows = a) super moon b) dolphin sitings c) rainbow spotted from our balcony the last morning. Marsha's 60th birthday bash on Sunday ended up being pleasant. I got to see all my brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, a cousin, an aunt and uncle, and the odd assortment of extras. There were fun cousin moments during the week. There was good jambalaya and barbecue shrimp. Each family went off and did special family things on their own. I got to see my mother. We had a good family photo session. The horse flies that were so horrible at the beginning got better as the week wore on. We all enjoyed the pool.

Our first night included the Super Moon. It was, well, super. 

Connecting with cousins we love. 

Moonlight swim at the beach. 

Sisters and a cousin play in the sand. 

Sons showing off the coolest shirt in the world. Given as gifts by their sister. The shirt referenced a previous family beach vacation. It. Was. Hysterical. Best gift ever. Score. Advantage, Daughter. 

Sunrise is primo at the beach. 

We needed to do our photo op early in the week. Early on the horse flies were obnoxious, at best. To avoid amassing casualties we needed an alternative to the usual beach photo. On the coast is an old oak tree that goes by the name of Friendship. It is huge and has survived innumerable hurricanes. It was the right spot. Among the good snaps - there must be the silly snap. And. Here it is. 

And the not-so-silly shot.

Our parting gift was this spectacular rainbow. Perhaps a consolation prize for having to wear the beer googles. Of course you can't see it so well in the picture. Exactly. You had to be there. 

***

I am back in control. Things are quiet. I am taking off the beer goggles, replacing them with my rose colored glasses. The lines of last week will get all soft and mellow.  

 *****

We left from the beach in a hurry. Not the way I like. I like to say my goodbye to the sand and water's edge slowly. I like to wallow in the sadness of getting back to reality. But. We had a wedding to attend. Mr. Macho's nephew married his sweetheart last night. And a lovely wedding it was. The bride was stunning. I loved her dress. The flowers were perfect. The bridesmaids were all pretty wearing a blue that was nearly royal. The reception was a blast. We danced and the kids danced. Until we just had to go home and drop. 

The Groom and Bride looked so happy. 

***

Love. 

What else can I say? It is the summer of love. 

Out of pocket.

I am going to be busy this next week. So don't come back looking for new posts. There won't be any. Just have to wait.

I've been nursing a sore back this week. It has been up and down. I am taking it seriously now. Even went to town and bought two new pair of sandals with better arch support. I am loathe to admit that my flip flops are not good for my back. Oh. I will still wear them now and then. Just not all day long. Anymore.

I am also learning that certain elements of my exercise routine are not back smart. Like toe touches. Who would have thought? I have been so proud that (usually) I can easily bend over and put my hands flat on the floor.  I have enjoyed the jealous stares of other middle age gym rats when I do my stretches. Now I learn. This is a no-no. Leg lifts. Not good. Aging backs need to come with some instructions. How to's. Guarantees. Extended warranty.

I do have to say that swimming is the ticket. This week I have started my summer lap swim regimen in earnest. It makes my back and entire body feel so good. I love it. Love. Summer of love.

Speaking of summer. This is the first day. Longest day of the year. Summer solstice. Dance naked, evahbody. Get this summer party started.

Until next week. Peace. Be sweet.

Whirlwind weekend.

Where did it go? All that is left is a sore back, some fuzzy photos, the warm feeling that Mr. Macho had from being with his extended family, and knowing that it was all worth it.

Friday night we drove to Son-Out-of Town's house and spent the night. He and Sweet Alyssa prepared us a delicious dinner. We enjoyed visiting with them. All were in bed a a very decent hour. We were wo' out.

Got a smart start Saturday morning and drove to the Coast. First stop = Mom's house. We had some good Lil' Ray's shrimp po-boys and a visit with Mom. Then on to Mimi's house for a few hours of rest and visit with her. Then on to the main event.

Aunt Thelma's wedding. Mr. Macho's 80+ year old aunt got married in a lovely ceremony set on a lawn with a beach view. She wore a gauzy dress that made her look like a fairy princess.

Signage made it very easy to locate the wedding venue!

Mr. Macho and I were the first ones seated at the beach view wedding. An altar/stage was set up with a sturdy board isle to walk on. We were worried about the heat but the gulf breeze was the ticket! It was most pleasant. 

Bride and groom. 

It was the perfect setting for a picture of the bride. 

Mr. Macho with the happy couple. Aunt Thelma has a very strong resemblance to Mr. Macho's mother and one of his sisters. All beautiful ladies. 

Italian cream wedding cake. OMG. It was fabulous.

Pre-wedding photo. Mr. Macho was striking in his new suit. Biased? Me? 

Thanks to Aunt Mimi for, once again, sharing her home with us. We always feel so welcome and so comfortable with you!

Aunt Thelma's face lit up when she saw Mr. Macho. She was truly happy we were there. Her three children, Mr. Macho's cousins, were also very tickled that we had made the trip. It was well worth it. The wedding was well planned...even down to the cute wedding favors. 

Boxes with candy. Very cute salt and pepper shakers. 

***

Sunday morning dawned and my back was locked up. Took a little detour on our way to have lunch with Mom. We dropped by Dad's grave and wished him a Happy Father's Day. Lunch with Mom was pleasant. 

The ride home didn't help my back-a-tosis. But the good drugs and my own mattress have me feeling much better today. 

*****

Good news. My fence men will be here this morning to start our project. Hopefully they will remove the chain link fence and install the posts for the wood fence. 

Much to do. Let's get started. 

Be sweet.

This day is history.

On this date thirty two years ago at 3:08 a.m. our second child was born. A boy. Weighing 10 pounds. Happy Birthday to our Son-in-Town. You are a joy. Still. And always.

 He was four days beyond the due date. On Friday, June 12, the doctor decided that he was breach. On Saturday, June 13, I missed my little sister's wedding. 

Our 10 pound bundle of joy. Born on a Sunday. By cesarean section. Thank heavens.

My Mom holding S-I-T. His sister stands by with her trusty ole rabbit. Hard to believe that Mom was only 60 in this picture. 

***

On this date ten years ago I was attending Daughter's baby shower. It was three weeks or so before her due date. She had not been feeling well and all she wanted to do was to get through the shower. She had been up most of the night. We did make it through the shower. Although. She was having contractions all day long. 

I asked if she wanted me to stay when the shower was over and she said no. I told her to call me if she went to the hospital and they admitted her. I drove home in a horrendous rain storm. I got the call around 9:00 p.m. She was at 7 centimeters. We made a mad dash to the hospital and got there in plenty of time. It was the wee hours of the morning before Lauren presented herself. She was a tiny thing. So precious. I love you Lauren Virginia. Also. Born on a Sunday. Ten years old tomorrow. Happy Birthday to you!!!

*****

Sending a shout out to Uncle Bud, whose birthday is also tomorrow. Happy Birthday!! 

*******

Birthday love. June. Summer of Love. 

It's all good. 

Be sweet. 

Monday report.

Several weeks ago I promised a friend that I would help babysit for a party she was organizing. She is Mexican. It was going to be a party for Latinos. I tried to orchestrate some help and found two willing friends. As the weekend drew near, I grew more apprehensive. I didn't know how many children. I wasn't sure the two friends were totally on board. I did not know what the mothers expected. I wasn't sure we could communicate with the children/parents. And on and on.

I am breathing 100% oxygen this morning = relief. The party was fine. There were between 15-20 children. Their ages ran from a few months old to probably 13-ish. Thank goodness there were pre-teen children that helped with the smaller ones. There were three little girls that would break into tears every time they looked at me. They did not speak/understand English. Their older siblings/cousins took care of them, mostly.

Anyway. The party was not hard. The children split their time between the babysitting room and the party room where the adults were dancing. My friend, Judith, brought paper and stickers and supplies for the children to make their own books . The children really loved doing that. One boy worked on his most all night. Our teenage helper was terrific and knew how to take charge. I think the parents really appreciated our help. The children were very good. They all took such good care of each other.

****

Some shots from our tree removal last week. Hopefully we can repurposes this space. There were two pretty ratty looking red tip trees and a medium pin oak. I am thinking roses or blueberry bushes or...

It is a blank canvas. It surprised me how much yard we have recuperated from the red tips. They were big. They were not pretty. They had overpowering blossoms in the spring. I will not miss them. 

Kevin. The only tree man I love. He is one hard working man. 

Have already emailed my fence man. We will have new fence installed on the other side of our back yard this week or next. 

The rest of June is a piece of cake. Birthday cake. I am now beginning to get into my vacation mood. A lightening of the spirit. I can almost feel the sand under my feet.

With those happy thoughts I begin my day. Peace.

Be sweet.

Circle of life.

Yesterday William West was welcomed into the world. He is my new great nephew. Sister, Mimi, is the new, and very proud, grandmother of West. It was a long 9 months, and a long day of labor. But. He was worth the wait. I kept up with the progress via text messages from Mimi. I kept my phone with me every minute yesterday. I would love to post his picture, but have not asked permission. And so. You will just have to imagine how beautiful he is. And he is beautiful. He is a fine, round boy baby. 

Mimi was standing just outside of the O.R. door when he was born by cesarean section sometime between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. She heard his cry before she ever got to see him. Waiting at the hospital for him to make his appearance were two sets of grandparents, one paternal aunt, and two cousins. Mimi was invited back to the nursery to see him shortly after he was born. She generously invited the other grandmother to go along with her. 

All I can say is love. It was love that was confirmed, with audio and visual realities, what Mimi had anticipated for those 9 long months. It was declared with the first reaction of his new Uncle Benjamin, upon seeing his first photograph, "I love him." Simple. Profound. Immediate. 

Love. 

Dear West, 

You have been born into a family that loves you beyond measure. Extend that love out to those of us who will watch you grow up from afar. 

All you need is love. And baby. You got it in aces. 

Sincerely,

Your Great Aunt Nanny Bee

*******

Yesterday at 2:15 p.m. our dear friend, Adrian (whom we called A.O.) Rogers passed peacefully from this world. It was expected. His daughter called to let me know soon after. I did not get the message until this morning when I saw my answering machine flashing. 

I am so very glad that I had the opportunity and visited with him briefly in the hospital on Monday. On that day he was still his sharp witted self. I told him I had just come from working at the soup kitchen. That was why I wasn't dressed up. And you know what he told me? He said, "If you wore better clothes, you might get a better job." It was so funny. Before I left him I held his hand tightly and prayed the Lord's Prayer with him. I kissed him on the top of his head and left all teary eyed. Those few minutes are precious to me.  

I have called A.O. 'the information man'. Because that is what he did. He collected information. He was full of it. He continued learning until the very last. Why just a few months ago he joined Toastmasters so he could improve his speaking ability. At the tender age of 85 he still felt the need to gather information. He was a consummate student of life. 

Many years ago he drove a motorcycle. He would come by our house to visit from time to time. Daughter remembers that he could blow smoke out his ears. 

Goodbye friend. I know you are among the angels now. 

Sunday night.

First June weekend? A success. Really good tool shower for Garrett and Amy. I think everyone had a good time. Rainstorm an hour before the party introduced a cool air that allowed us to enjoy being outside as well as in. Fun presents. I was so happy with the variety of items. Garrett and Amy seemed genuinely happy with everything. Ah.
First weekend gets a big thumbs up. And check.
Was good to have Daughter and chilluns here. Lauren and Tucker had a really good time at the shower. Tucker found his groove roaming the house.  Lots of space to explore. And horses. Lauren seemed enchanted by the horses. Merritt? Well she was just busy being her own cute self. Pretty amazing that there wasn't a phenomenal melt down when you consider the abbreviated amount of sleep she got.

Lots to recuperate around the house this week. A pile of clothes sit in the closet. Dirty clothes. Floor need some TLC. Shower items will be tucked away. Leftover cookies put in Mr. Macho's lunch box. Bathrooms, sheets, towels...

And the beat goes on.

Ahhhhh....

June. Sing to me your sweet song. So glad you are here.