A message for Shug.

I don't know why I expected you to be so like your brother and sister. You were each different. And you were most definitely different. Your entire being was unique. From birth. You were just as easily comforted by your father as by me. That was different. Somehow I knew you had a quieter personality early on. It was more than okay and it felt so comfortable. You are a gift and a joy.
Love, Mom.

Birthdays and such.

With a flourish we celebrated our family's last birthdays of the month. Sadly we have not been able to gather as usual for our Juneteenth this year. With our kitchen being in flux and everybody's busy schedules we can't even find an agreeable time next month. It is sad, but the tradition will resume next year! 

Our Cecilia will be two years old tomorrow. We celebrated with gathering, water hose play, burgers and dogs, and cake! 

Cc liked this icing best. 

Cousin enjoyed watching her open gifts. 

Merritt was all fancy at the party. 

This bag was bigger than Cc. 

Cc held still just long enough for Uncle Beach Boy to snuggle. 

I almost didn't get this snap 'cause she was so busy. The moments were fluid. No standing still for this girl!

We loved seeing the new house that Out of Town Son has bought. They are going to enjoy the big yard. And. The quiet. Especially the quiet. I just know they will have it looking so cute with their creative touches in no time. 

Daughter and her ducklings spent the night with us last night. After saying goodbye to our pastor (he is reassigned after his 12 years with us) we dined on hot dogs, again. 

Now it is too quiet. Macho is watching the war movies. Towels are in the wash. Cabinets are due to arrive Tuesday. It should be a good week. 

Shalom.

Steamy.

Summer isn't officially here for another few days. Yet. The steam is here. The temps were hot, hot, hot yesterday. Today there is cloud cover and its is warm. But oh the humidity! 

Our project continues...one step forward, two steps back. Thought the cabinets were going to be installed later in the week...but no, next Monday. I hope. 

Patience. Its a virtue. And. Right now, mine is getting thiner by the day.

Delay = domino affect. The next step waits on the previous step...and so it goes. 

Maybe the middle of July? 

***

I walked around the back yard on Wednesday to water my flora and fauna...was testing a new mosquito deterring device. Fail. I came in with 3 bites on my legs, one on the palm of my hand, and one on my elbow. I had quite the reaction to the one on my elbow. It blew up quickly and  was awful looking. It went down that afternoon. 

Friday we drove to the Coast for a ballet recital. We got to visit with Mom and we enjoyed hours of dance. Our Sweet Pea is a primo dancer. She smiled and enjoyed herself. She did all the right moves. Her costumes were cute and colorful. We were so happy we got to go and watch her.

Mr. Macho, Beach Boy, and his father-in-law drove to New Orleans on Saturday and visited the WWII Museum. It was enjoyed by all, as well as the lunch they ate at the Ugly Dog Saloon. 

Mimi and I shopped in the Bay and lunched there. It was a good day.

Sunday after church we got another visit with Mom and then with brother Pete and his wife. They gifted us a couple of fish fillets. 

Then we headed north. 

Stopped in Hattiesburg to grab a bite at the Plalid Rhino, and was sorely disappointed for the firs time in that restaurant. It must be under different management. It was frustrating. We won't go back. 

Painters have come and gone this morning and will be back tomorrow. That may be all the work that gets done this week. 

But!!!

I was so excited to find this little puppy growing in my garden this morning! Up until now the blossoms have just fallen off. But I have a real eggplant growing now. I'm pretty proud.

I must run do something productive. First I have to find it. Then I have to do it.

Shalom.

Sweet memory.

When you were a baby I remember one afternoon sitting on the floor and just watching you sleep. I can still see your sweet little face. You were so juicy and sweet. Such a big baby. Happy birthday Beach Boy. Love, Mom

A quiet little Friday.

We watched two of the bunnies nibble in our yard while we were at the breakfast table this morning. We may end up with a plague of bunnies...but for now they are fun to watch in the yard.

I was happy that the pickers found the two pair of shoes I left for them atop the garbage can this morning. There was a lot more wear in those two pairs.

After exercise I decided to steam mop my wood floors this morning. I had lots of the water left in my machine and so decided to mop the old kitchen floor one more time. I was just using up the water, I said. I justified it that there might be less sheetrock dust transmitted through the house if I just gave the kitchen floor a once over. And so. It was just the little bit sad to mop it. One. Last. Time. Today is the anniversary of the day we moved in. 34 years ago. I was pregnant with our third child. He would be born two weeks later. So. I thanked my old floor for all those good years of service. Like preparing a body for burial. It is washed.

No more kitchen progress after Tuesday of this week. Next week will bring trim and a new carport door. Then we will wait on the cabinets. Please Lord, let them be finished soon. I want my kitchen back.

Shalom.

A little birthday present.

Do you know what I remember? In the wee hours of the morning I remember seeing your round little face.  I immediately recognized you. When I awoke later that Wednesday morning I was scared that I wouldn't remember, afraid they would bring me the wrong baby. But when the nurse brought you in to me I did know you. Your face. I knew it. I dreamed it. I grew it. Deep inside of me I knew you. And. I loved you. Even before you were born.

And forever.

Shalom, Daughter.

All wet.

My second day of lap swim for the summer. I started last Thursday and hoped to swim 10. Would shoot for 12. Actually swam 15. 

Today? 21 laps. My breathing and timing are not bad. It takes a few weeks to really get the rhythm right. 

When I got in the shower after swimming I could hardly wash my hair. I would scrub then drop my arms. Then scrub and drop my arms. Right now they feel long. And tired just typing.

I did some volunteer duty at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning while Mr. Macho worked in our yard and repaired an old Bible stand for me. One of our neighbor's sons got married in the evening. We attended. It was a lovely simple affair. A garland of greenery decorated a double door frame on the alter. Lanterns and greenery adorned the tables in the reception hall. A seated meal was served instead of the usual heavy hors d'oeuvres. We were able to eat, greet our hosts, and come home long before the bride and groom departed. Just right.

We spent Sunday afternoon swimming with Daughter's family in the University pool. It has a lazy river. My first time in a lazy river. It was fun. 

***

Progress has happened in a small amount this morning. Sheet rockers have worked in the kitchen. They will be back at 7:30 in the morning to work their magic. After the I am hoping new doors and trim will appear. 

The weather just can't decide today. We started with rain. It rained gently whilst I swam. The sun peeked out. Then it got dark and distant thunder rumbled. Heavy rain. And now? The sun is starting to shine. Everything is wet. I do so hope it isn't too much for my tomatoes and eggplant. 

Laundry awaits me. 

Shalom.