Thursday, May 7, 2015

This and that on a Thursday and a special birthday

I will tell you what, I don't have much to say and coming from me that says a lot!  Seems like I can always chat about something, but this has been week two of a crazy schedule.  Getting to know a new patient and his family, doing a couple re-evaluations and my general work week have put me a bit behind.   I am starting to sound like a broken record am I not?


There was time to take a quick shot of the beautiful full moon in the evening.


And as it was setting early the next morning.


And look what I found while watering my container garden!!!!  I have had a few tomatoes that were almost ripe but had big holes in them because of a visiting caterpillar.  I was not happy.  So I picked these to ripen on my windowsill in hopes they won't be in anyone's lunch but mine.


Look at my crop!  These are all from the 1/3 of a plant I have left after the great stem fungus episode that killed off 1 and 2/3 of my plants.  


The only thing prettier than a flower in the sun is a flower after a rain shower.  No rain here so you will have to be content with the intense sun. 


The two suet yarn holders are swinging in my tree.  Seems like they are both full of yarn bits and that no birds have taken me up on my offer to use them as nesting material.  I still have hope that they will find their way to a nest in need.  If not they look beautiful in my tree.


I have been bribing myself with grain sweetened chocolate chips to get my paperwork done.  I have trying to be a bit more careful with what I put in my mouth as I had not had the time to get as much exercise as I need, and my belly and bottom are showing great signs of expanding.  But sometimes at the end of a busy work week a bribe of chocolate is just what you need to get all you need to do, done.


This wonderful son of mine, my Teenager, is turning 18 tomorrow.  I am so proud of him.  He has turned into such a wonderful young man.  He isn't into going out, or drinking, or any nonsense.  He likes his close friends and going out to an early dinner with them.  He is quiet and so funny.  He is steady as a rock, and he has been through some difficult times and come out the other end as a strong, rock solid young man.  He has embraced the roll of big brother, he is such a steady influence with Little Buddy.  Last Friday we made the decision on which college he will attend.  It was a big moment as he was accepted to several.  He decided on Florida Atlantic University, clear across the state from us.  It is a nice size school, and a beautiful campus located near the Atlantic Ocean.  I know he will have a great time, especially if he jumps in and gets involved, which will be a bit daunting to this quiet boy of mine.  I have faith he will blossom and really come into his own.  But of course with signing up there comes the reality of him going away in just a few, short months.  I am not ready, nor will I be, so watch out for my sobbing and carrying on as the date gets near.


He graduates from high school in less than a month, but does not want a party or any fuss.  Not even for his birthday!  Gosh I could just cry thinking of him leaving.  Now that he is 18 I think he might need a name change, I mean he is still a teenager, but that sounds so young.  So maybe I will call him Mr. 18 from now on.


There has been a little time for crocheting in the evenings.  I am enjoying this Jamie pattern by Vicki Chan so much.  I got a bit messed up on the row that divides the front, back, and arms and moves into the lace pattern.  If I had just read the directions right it would have been simple, but I had to make about a two hour ordeal of it because I can't read.  All is going well now and this should be finished by this weekend.  This is going to my niece in Chicago if it turns out okay.  I think she will like it.

For someone who had nothing to say I have sure rattled on long enough.  Have a great weekend.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to Mr. 18 (even if he DOESN'T want a fuss. LOL)

Looks like he and Little Buddy are close brothers. I love that smile.

CJ said...

Absolutely gorgeous crochet, you're so good at it. Well done indeed to Mr 18 for getting into a good college, it sounds like a lovely place to go. And he sounds like a wonderful boy. Sorry you've had another mega busy week, I hope things slow down for you soon. In the meantime, chocolate chips sound good. In fact I think I might go and see what is in my kitchen... CJ xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Happy Birthday Mr 18!!!! It sounds as though you have turned out a second lovely young man there!!! I hope that he loves college a lot and that it loves him in return because they are lucky to have him! Your crochet is beautiful in both the pattern and the gorgeous colour!! xx

Jennifer Hays said...

Happy birthday to Mr 18! Congratulations on his upcoming graduation and college plans too. I hope life settles down for you soon. Chocolate chips sound like a perfect self-bribery tool to me. I need to go see if I have any in the pantry... :)

Deb said...

such a beautiful post!
lucky birds with those suet baskets filled with twine ... your birdies must have the loveliest, most colour filled nests :-)
Happy Birthday Wishes to your son.
Have a wonderful weekend. xo

Gracie Saylor said...

Happy Birthday to Mr. 18 from me, too, Meredith! I'm glad your tomato crop and your crochet project are looking promising. Your pretty rose reminds me of my Joseph's Coat blooms that are still buds, but will pop open soon to look much like your bloom. I'll be thinking of you as you celebrate another graduation and launching from your wonderful nest and I will be cheering you on through the smiles, and tears of transition. The moon has looked glorious from here, too :) Wishing you and yours a refreshing happy weekend...Happy Mother's Day in advance!!! xx

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It is hard to see our kids grow up! Gosh what a great son, and that means you are a great Mom.
hugs,
Linda

Kristen said...

What a nice young man! Happy Birthday, Mr. 18. :)

Teresa Kasner said...

*H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* to "The Graduate". He shares a birthday with my youngest son, Travis! We're treating him and his brother who was born on May 5th to a steak dinner tomorrow at Black Angus. Fun! Love your 'maters. Farmer Brown-ess. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

My Garden Diaries said...

I hope you have a great weekend too friend! AH...you melted my heart with your words about your son. How fantastic that he isn't into all that stuff and that he is getting ready for college....I won't be ready for that either.....you did good mama!!! And loving those tomato shots and that rose!!!! Here is to a low key weekend! Happy Mothers day as well Meredith and a happy birthday to your son!! Nicole xo

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Happy 18th. Birthday to your son, he sounds such a lovely young man, but won't it be a wrench when he leaves. Both my sons are at university now and I do miss them but it is fun seeing them develop into independent young men, making their way in this world. Hope you manage a relaxing weekend after your busy week
Caz xx

mamasmercantile said...

Happy birthday to Mr 18, such an enchanting photo of him with Little Buddy. Such a great achievement and opportunity to go away to college. You have to love him enough to let hem go and be secure in the knowledge that he loves you and his family enough to keep coming back. Have a great weekend.

Caffeine Girl said...

Congratulations on raising three lovely boys! It is so hard when they go to college. When my youngest headed off for freshman year, I stood at the end of my driveway and cried.

So you can cry on my shoulders!

Tanna said...

LOL! I was thinking the same thing about Mr. 18s "name". They grow up so fast. Happy Birthday, Mr. Forever 18! He's such a good looking kid and so sweet. I know he brings joy to your life.

Hope Max didn't spot your tomatoes. hehee. Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day, Meredith! blessings ~ tanna

Babajeza said...

We are going in circles, arem't we? Anyway, it's nice reading you. My nesting ball is also untouched. But it sure looks nice in the tree. Enjoy the weekend! Hugs, Regula

Lynne said...

Oh I know that familiar ache you feel when the boys leave home. You've raised another wonderful young man. I wish him much success :)
I am very jealous of your tomatoes! My plants are just getting the little blossoms, so it's going to be a while.
Enjoy your weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

kathyinozarks said...

Happy Birthday and graduation to Mr 18=I am sure you are so proud! loving the color of your new project Happy Weekend ahead

Unknown said...

Wow, Happy Birthday to Mr 18 then! : ) You sound so proud of him, and I'm sure you're right to feel so, it's just nice to read your feelings... xx

Betsy said...

Good Moning Meredith! I sure enjoyed this post "where you had nothing to say". :-) Happy Birthday to Mr. 18!!!!!! The growing up and letting go is difficult for us Mom's isn't it? It sounds as though you have done a lovely job with him though. Steady as a rock and full of the love and values you have taught him. I adore the obvious love between him and Little Buddy. That is amazing in and of itself. Those teenage years are difficult and for him to accept and love this little guy is a testament to the way you and your husband have raised your boys.
The tomatoes look absoultely delicious. I'm glad you rescued them from the bugs. And, I ALWAYS have something chocolate in the house. I can't imagine a day without a taste of it.
Blessings,
Betsy

kathy b said...

I'll send you some hankies.......each one leaving the nest is tough! HE sounds like a great person. Some girl will be very lucky to find him.

Tammy said...

I do believe that full moon had a lot to do with our electrical storm the other night. Zack will be 17 in October and still has a year to go before he graduates and flies the coop. Even though we've done it before, I know for a fact it won't be any easier the second time around. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

gaia said...

I wish a happy birthday to Mr.18. My elder son still has a year to leave for university,but when I come to think of it, I can't help couple of tears...I guess, we are the proud mothers of gorgeous young men :)( and I try to think about the trips I am going to make to England with his younger brother;I mean who woudn't want to go to England,right?!)
Have a wonderful week-end.
Hugs,
Gaia.


Judy S. said...

Gosh, we don't get home grown tomatoes here until late August! And then only with a lot of luck. Have a great weekend and a happy celebration with the b'day boy!

Chris said...

Happy Birthday Mr 18! You are raising such great young men and it's hard when they start leaving the nest. But they do come back lots, it is just different. Little buddy will miss his big brother a lot. Your tomatoes look yummy, there is nothing nicer than sun warmed fresh tomatoes, yumm!! Your crochet looks terrific, I bet it's faster than knitting well at least easier to rip out! Have a great weekend and Happy Mothers Day !!!

linda said...

Happy Birthday to your son Meredith, they grow up so quickly and it's always hard to see them leave, I miss my youngest so much and always look forward to his visits. I can't believe that you have home grown tomatoes in May! that looks like quite a crop. Your crochet is looking lovely your niece is going to love it. :) xx

Suzan said...

Such a loving brother!!
time for tomato sandwiches and some fried green tomatoes!!

Jo said...

I think your vest is going to be fantastic, what a great colour. Happy weekend. Jo x