The end.

Goodbye 2018. Not a bad year. Weddings, funerals, birth...life has happened.

I end the year nursing a cold. It isn't terrible. This morning I donned my rain boots and coat and headed out to the DG for some tissues and cold medicine. Then, since I already had on the gear, I picked greens out the garden in the rain for our New Year's repast. Greens are in the pot cooking. I will reheat them tomorrow. I will cook peas I purchased at the farmer's market last summer along with pork chops from the Kroger. I have a few pieces of left over cornbread that will get reheated, also.

I picked up two movies at the Redox for viewing this afternoon since it is such a dreary, warm, and rainy day. I doubt I will make it until midnight to welcome the new year. But live it I will! Much to anticipate in 2019. So far we have two concerts and a big vacation on the calendar. Two births in the family are on  the calendar (two nephews' wives). No weddings planned, yet.

Mom continues to be busy living, though she is slowing it down on a daily basis. She has actually opted to not attend Mass for the last two Sundays. That speaks volumes to me. She is so tired. I would love to run down and see her but will not with the germs I am carrying.

No words of wisdom nor any resolutions right now. Just gonna live, try to be kind, and always seek adventure. Even if it is of the small variety.

Happy New Year.
Shalom.

Leading up to Christmas: weekend pictorial...

Mom had requested pics of the weekend and so I snapped these as our family arrived...

Daughter and family.

Out of Town Son and family. 

Beach Boy and family. 

Baby Alice was passed around and loved on by all.

Cici (I like this spelling, but it isn't how we usually spell it) and Dean. 

Little amigos! 

Oh these two! 

Cousins.

Saturday was our fiesta Christmas. Children got turns on a piñata, then the adults took whacks at a second piñata! Ole!

Feliz Navidad from our crew. 

Back at our house "Tiny Hands" was one of the dirty Santa gag gifts. They were hilarious.

Funny poses were struck. The hands were staged in several different venues before the weekend was over. 

Towel turbine were in the small girls gift bags. 

They were a hit. 

Today Macho drove and stopped to let me pilfer greenery from roadside fence posts. 

Tonight we will attend midnight Mass. This is not tradition. It is very out of the ordinary. 

Music program to begin at 11:00. I will clean up after Mass and so it will be 1:30 before we leave the church. Tomorrow we will be worthless.

We will rise at some point and exchange the two gifts left under the tree. 

Yes, Christmas will arrive. 

In a whisper. 

Come Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with peace and hope.

"Backward, turn backward 

O time in your flight;

Make me a child again

Just for tonight."

-Elizabeth Akers Allen

Shalom. 

Pictorial catch up...

I have been remiss at keeping up with the blog lately. It is the most wonderful time of the year and the  most busy time of the year. I've celebrated another trip around the sun.

 

 Daughter took the day off and spent it with me. She treated her Dad and I to lunch. It was a great day. 

 Macho has completed a bed to bench project that has been on hold since the storm named Katrina. It is done and this bench will soon reside in Daughter's home. When she was a little girl she asked her Nana if she could have this bed when Nana died. Well, Nana tricked her and just kept on living. But the bed is now Daughter's, only in the form of a bench. 

Little brother attended and art function that featured some hometown vintage photos. This collage includes a close up of my father. Top row second picture from right. Boy in the back. 

That's my dad. He was 14 or 15 years old. 

Monday night we attended Miss P's basketball game. She scored her first three points ever and her team won the game! It was such fun. 

This week I have gotten to visit Mom every day. It has added to my Christmas joy. I have seen old photos for the fist time. Some were of Mom when she was little, along with some of her siblings. Some were of my grandparents. This photo is of my mother's parents. 

We ate in Bay St. Louis. I enjoyed some char-grilled oysters. Salty. And delicious. 

Millie's Christmas program was just right. She was already out of her angel costume when we took this photo with both sets of grandparents. 

Last night we celebrated Miss P's #8 birthday (though it was actually the day before.) After a Cracker Barrel meal we enjoyed a yummy pound cake with lemon glaze. 

Today the weather has taken a turn for the worse. It is nasty and rainy. It held off until afternoon. This morning we got a good walk and I washed a load of clothes at Sister Mimi's house. Then we drove over and treated Mom to a Wendy burger and chocolate shake. I watched her savor that shake from across her dining table. We took our leave when she started to fall asleep. It was nap time. 

We hugged for a long time at her front door. 

It felt like a last hug. 

This was the same time of year I hugged my Dad for the last time.

So the weather and the hug and the old photos have me feeling a little low at the moment.

Tonight we will attend Miss P's Christmas program. 

Tomorrow we will take our leave and head north.

I think Christmas, may in fact, come in a whisper this year.

Listen closely.

Shalom. 

The facts of life.

Disclaimer:

This post may contain content unsuitable for those not already versed in the facts.

Also, it may get lengthy. 

You have been warned.

It all began when our daughter was exposed to gossip in about the 4th or 5th grade. Obviously she had asked about sex previously because at this particular time she asked, "Mom, what is sex? And I don't mean whether you are a boy or a girl." I am sure I used that lame answer when she asked the first time, trying hard to stave off over informing at such a tender age. 

The only reference I had was  World Book Encyclopedias, and so that is just what I turned to to teach her the facts of life. 

I remember my mother teaching me. OMG. She took me in her bedroom (the scene of the crime) and told me all about how even the Blessed Mother had a period. Yes. She did.

So, I was spiritually unprepared to answer our daughter's inquiry. After the World Book lesson (and I don't remember what room we were in), I found the time to run by the one and only Christian book store in town for some ammunition for the next onslaught. And so I could teach our two sons.

I did so want to give more than just the cold facts. I wanted there to be a deeper meaning and understanding of the importance of their sexuality. 

I do believe that God is in everything - even our sex lives.

So. I found the book.

"Let's Talk About Life". 

It included God and explained that we are so special to him...and the facts of life.

Daughter read it. (Edit: Daughter has informed me that she thinks she didn't read it. I am sure she read it in part.)

When the time came I gave it to the first son and asked if he wanted to read it. 

In my recollection he took the book but did not read it.

Therefore I read it to him. I wanted him to know that facts. From us.

(Edit: Son says I did not read it to him. I made him read it out loud to me. That is even funnier.)

Then came the third child. The second son. 

And.

He did not want to read it. 

And.

He refused to listen when I read it.

This went on for quite a while.

Until he was nearly grown.

And still I tried to read it to him.

But by this time it was a bit of a joke and he would pretend to scream and run any time I took out the book. This went on for many years. Into his adulthood. 

Until one day he was married. And I don't remember the first time I hid the book amongst his possessions - I think maybe I stuck it in his suitcase when he was visiting. He didn't find it until he got home. Then he reciprocated and hid it at my house the next time he visited. 

And this.

Has been going on for years. 

He is married and has two children. And has moved multiple times. 

He is better at hiding than I am. It takes me months and sometimes up to a year before I discover the book in my freezer or scarf drawer. I am in possession of the book. For now. 

All of our children were home for Thanksgiving. Our third child was the first to leave. And so we took the opportunity to snap this photo. It gets funnier. Every. Time. I. Look. At. It. 

The book will find it's way back to his house. 

I don't know when.

I don't know where.

But it will. 

Oh the fun! 

We are talking about life. 

Shalom. 

In absentia.

I've been busy. Out of the participation mindset. You know, I used to draw something every day in October to celebrate "Inktober" for Instagram. Not this year. And. I used to post gratitude posts every day in November. Not this year. Argh. Where are my thoughts? Where is my talent?

I have been consumed with the little things of life. Like getting used to Macho being around. All. The. Time.

Don't get me wrong. It's all good. But. It is different. We sleep later. I try to think of activities that will keep us both engaged. And that hasn't come real easy.

Yet. I am so enjoying his company. The doing things together. We just need to get out the house more.

Our last few weeks in pics...

Sunny afternoon hike,

down by the river. 

"We" help construct the Master Gardener high tunnel. By "we" I mean I stood and watch while Macho actually helped. I did help a little. 

Our lettuces and greens are doing nicely. We've had to protect them from frost this week.

I don't remember why we were sitting in the dark. 

Today. My friend's hat caught my eye. 

When I complimented it for a second time she plopped it on my head and said I could borrow it for a few weeks. I have already gotten compliments.

I am working the chapeau!

Shalom. 

Week one.

So after the company lunch on Thursday and Macho's last day of work on Friday we awaited the arrival of our children/grandchildren. We straightened the house and blew up the mattresses...

Wall to wall mattresses. 

By noon Saturday all our children were here, minus our son-in-law. He had to work and missed the party. 

One DIL made this special cake for the party. 

We were joined by more family Saturday evening and enjoyed a retirement feast, complete with brisket, ham, potato salad, slaw, and beans. 

Cake and ice cream for dessert as it was Macho's birthday. 

I so enjoyed everyone being here and was sad to see the weekend come to a close. 

Sunday afternoon I busied myself washing sheets and towels. That felt like it went on for days.

Well. It actually did. 

We are finding a new normal since that weekend. We did not get out of bed before 7:00 any morning. That was great in and of itself. 

Three musketeers. Macho has reconnected with his workout buds. 

They are YMCA morning peeps now. 

On Tuesday the nicest gift arrived from Sister Amanda and Brother Kevin. 

The nicest engraved beer glasses. So we promptly made use of them!

We kept ourselves busy doing one thing and another all week. 

Macho was able to do yard work during the week and that freed up our weekend!

So Saturday we ran up to Tupelo. We enjoyed the Automobile Museum, met friends for lunch, shopped for boots, and made a Sam's run. 

Sunday was way to pretty to waste. We drove out to Plymouth Bluff on the west side of the river and hiked a trail that gave us good exercise and excellent views. 

Part of the old Tombigbee River. 

Today I woke to the alarm I set, but still didn't get out of bed before 7:00. 

I had a project at the assisted living home. It got cancelled because it was too chilly for the residents to work outside this morning. 

I'll reschedule at a later date when the temps are a little more moderate. 

There was frost on the rooftops this morning.

I know! 

Can you believe it?

We still have not turned off our AC, though it hasn't run in two days. I'm just not ready to put the heat on. It was only 68 degrees in our house this morning. That isn't bad. I'm holding out until, at least, November 1. 

After exercise we came home and dived into closet cleaning...

Our room blew up with piles of clothes. There was a "keep" pile, a "donate" pile, and a "throw away" pile. The closet looks better. We feel like we really accomplished something, too. 

I think I wore Macho fanny out a little. 

We even gave a stack of clothes to a neighbor whose brother is staying with them at the moment. He needed some winter clothes. It was fortuitous that we saw each other outside as I was throwing away some old flannel pjs and wire coat hangers.

Many more things on our plate this week. Tomorrow I will work with the Master Gardeners and Macho has a dental appointment.

Living the retirement adventure!

Shalom. 

Soft landing.

We began the countdown at 5 weeks. The excitement and momentum built.

Now it is finally here. 

Retirement day. 

Yesterday the company honored Macho with a good lunch. He was presented a plaque in recognition of his 42 years. 1976-2018. 

A few words were said by his bosses, fellow employees, and some other retirees. 

Macho even said a few words. 

It felt big and emotional. 

And here we are. 

Retired. 

He did go in for an hour or two this morning to turn in keys, credit cards, and old uniforms.

And that is that.

He has already fixed  the back sink this afternoon.

And. Watered the garden. 

Now? 

We are just being quiet. 

Children and grandchildren will begin to arrive late this evening. There will be plenty of hoopla and noise later. 

It is peaceful right now. 

Shalom. 

Turnip blood.

Macho worked late yesterday. And today. He is letting them squeeze it out of him to the last. Tomorrow will be his last full day of work.

I have made groceries today. Getting ready for the weekend. Liquor store - check.

He is rounding third base.

Shalom.

Last Monday.

It is extraordinary how ordinary this day has begun. Shouldn't there have been something superlative about the last first day of the week of a 42 year employment? Alas. That is not his way. The key he always plays in is low. Understated. Just another day. Just as it will be next week when we awake to the first day of the first week of retirement.

It is only a part of his charm. He is so solid. He puts the 'stead' in steadfast. You have to look really hard to see his ups. And his downs. But. They are there. Right underneath. Where he likes them to be.

I itch to celebrate. It has taken me 41 years to just begin to learn how not to. Yet.
He nails me to the floor. (That is a Jimmy Buffet reference.)

Shalom.

It's the final count down.

For real. Less than a week until retirement. Macho has worked for his company for over 42 years. It isn't a desk job. He isn't the boss. The winters are cold. The summers are hot. He is wet when it rains. He gets muddy. He deals with sunburn, mosquitoes, ticks, snakes, and the possibility of alligators every now and then. He has lost vacation days for, at least, 8 years. I wish I had $100 for every person I have explained this to in the last 6 months. ("Why is he retiring so young?")

Macho's last day of work is next Friday. He thought he might get to slide into retirement, but no. He has worked overtime for 3 weeks now. They are squeezing blood out of this turnip. That is who he is. A class act employee. No one can accuse him of being a slacker. He is conscientious beyond measure. His first month of work back in 1976 he over slept and was late for work one day. His boss asked him why and Macho told him he just over slept. The boss appreciated his honesty. After work that day he went out and purchased a new alarm clock and has never been late to work since.

In the '80s he had one accident at work and burned his hand pretty bad. He was treated at the hospital and was back at work the next day. Lost time accidents were frowned upon by The Company. The hair still doesn't grow on the back of that hand.

Sick days have been rare.

I hope the powers that be know what they are losing. This man is rare. He knows his territory and is impressive with detail recall over 100s of miles of pipeline.

 When he started with this company he had some mentors that were retired early in the '80s. I wish they were still alive for this moment. Macho appreciated those men and learned from them. There were some characters among them. We like to think about them and talk about them. They were the good guys.

More to write as the next week progresses.

Shalom for now.

Fall softly.

Fall arrives just before 9:00 tonight. Isn't is odd how specific it can be targeted? The beginning of a season? The morning had a nice breeze that gave way to some scorching rays of sun. We were outside much of the day. We planted fall vegetable seeds. Hopefully we will be enjoying lots of green leafy things to eat in the near future. We were even talked into a variety of lettuce called 'mache'. We were told that it is the rage in Paris. La. Te. Da.

There has been sadness in our family this week. Not sure how the story will end. It has reminded me/us how much we need each other. It has weighted our hearts. I can't even write the details yet. It is so sad. I have found myself praying every moment I think of it. That is all I can do. It is enough that I do that. And send messages of love.

Yesterday I drove over to eat lunch with the Super Carrot. It was Grandparents' Day at her school. AND. It was her 7th birthday. That was fun. She told me she had a big present at home and she chose Waffle House for her birthday dinner. She is so super special.

Monthly dance tonight for our dance club. Actually dinner and a dance. We are resting up right now.
Hope your weekend is zippy.

Shalom.

98 and counting.

The queen arrived in style...complete with bubble machine in the backseat.

Sister Marsha chauffeured Mom in her convertible. The day was beautiful but hot. 

Macho doesn't give out hugs freely. So. This is a rare moment captured on film. For posterity. 

SIL got the recycle award over the weekend. She had saved these from Mom's 90th birthday party and with a slight alteration they were just the ticket for #98. 

Mom enjoyed her non-alcoholic beer with her barbecued shrimp. And. We enjoyed lots of laughs. 

She admitted that only recently has she started to feel older than 68. That was an ideal age for her.

:-)

The meal was wonderful. We sang Happy Birthday and lit a spectacular musical-twirling candle. I thought I was video taping it all. Fail. 

Mom opened her gifts. Took a little nap at the table. 

Then it was time to take our leave. 

I hope we can do this for #99, too. 

We crashed at Beach Boy's house. Millie got my phone and snapped this photo of her sister.

And she snapped this selfie with me. 

We had stopped at the Mennonite bakery on the way down. The sausage-cheese biscuits were scrumptious. 

Peyton had written me a letter and asked me to bring some white string and a needle to repair one of their toys whose arm had fallen off. 

Upon arrival at the toy hospital I discovered not one, but three toys with dangling participles. 

Legs and arms were reattached. Holes were closed. 

Everybody was happy. 

After Mass with Mom we took our leave. We grabbed a quick burger on the road and made a surprise visit with Out of Town Son and family. Cc was so busy. Alice was busy being cute.

Sister Paulette was hosting another sister and husband, so we made a quick visit in town before driving the few miles back home. 

It was good to be in my own bed last night.

***

This morning I awoke anxious. 

A good political/social phone call with Daughter cured me and I am back to normal. (Abby Normal.)

Washing clothes and dust mopping floors is the fair this afternoon. 

Count down continues. 

Less than...

Shalom y'all.