A quick October hello.................

 

Just popping in for a quick hello.  Hope you are all having a wonderful October.  My fur boys will be three tomorrow, I can't believe they are that old already!  Little Buddy has been very, very busy with school.  Lots of online work on the weekends really has prevented me from blogging.  By the time we are done I need to be away from my desk for a bit.  Work is crazy busy, and so is figuring out what to do with a very challenging boy that our current public school system continues to have a very difficult time with.  We have some advanced testing to do this week which will help to determine where he needs to be and that very well might be at home learning for this grade.  I hope you can bear with me a bit longer until I get things sorted in my brain and in life.  Many things to determine with lots of extra specialist visits this month and next for one cute third grader.  I am also trying to stay sane in this very crazy political cycle we are in.  You all know where I stand.  I wish you all a wonderful rest of the month.

Briefly popping in.....................

 

There is tons going on here lately but I am going to keep it short.  There is just way too much on my mind these days but I did want to pop in.  Mr. 26 had to get a new car last weekend.  His old Nissan Exterra final gave up its last breath.  So here he is, very excited I might add, with his new wheels.  Little Buddy was so excited about the new car, but even more excited that his biggest brother had to rent a car for a few days and it was a van!!!!!  For some reason those photos did not upload so you will just have to imagine his glee.

I have started anew project without finishing my crochet top.  That can wait because I had the urge to make blankets for the big boys and their girlfriends for their new apartments.  I am thinking a Christmas present although there is no way I will get two completed by then.  This is the Equinox Square by Rachele Carmona.  I made a few modifications to make it much larger.  Each square I am making is 14 inches across.  I drew up a chart because I have the attention span of a flea and can't keep up with written directions right now.  The last row is supposed to be a square shape, so much for my drawing skills.  Still it is easier for me to glance at and know where I am.  The whole blanket will be in this soft light grey color.  The yarn is We Are Knitter's The Cotton Yarn, they are having a 30% off birthday sale right now if you are interested. 

Little Buddy and I have been doing a ton of school work this weekend.  He is not thriving in third grade.  Actually he is having a very, very hard time.  I have a meeting with his teachers and therapists on Friday to see where we are at and what we need to do to make this a successful experience for both him and them.  The answer might be to homeschool him.  I am looking at all options.  The last thing I want him to do is feel bad about learning, or bad about the way he needs to learn.  So much to think about that is keeping my mind very busy. So that is why I am vacant from this space and visiting all of you.  Besides work and just taking care of this house I am a bit overwhelmed with this new task.

And just because I think everyone needs to see these two here they are.  

I am thinking of all of you affected by fires, hurricanes, Coronavirus, or our pathetic leader.  I am sending you all love that we make it though these dark times.  As for the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there are no words to describe this loss to all of us.  Rest in power, rest in peace.  Thank you for all you have done throughout your career to fight for all of our rights.  We are a better nation and a better people because of your service.  

Stay safe my friends.

Thoughts on a Saturday in as few words as possible........

This has been a very long week in every way imaginable so I am taking today to regroup.  My husband flew to Wisconsin to drive a friend down so Little Buddy and I are going to have a slow and easy day.  My mind and body are spent, sorry if I sound dramatic but I feel I am nearing a bit of a breakdown so I am going to relax today and regroup.

In special news this little boy can now eat corn right off the cob.  This might not seem like a big deal but for a boy with Cerebral Palsy and jaw instability it is a huge milestone.  I sent this photo to Ms Renee, Little Buddy's speech therapist and she almost cried.  He has come so far. 

My Grand dog Luna is here for the weekend.  She is a pistol and while liking her new apartment has caused a bit of trouble this week and her parents needed a break.  How about tearing up your Dad's law book while he is in the bathroom.  Now my son did leave it on his bed, and she likes paper, so it was really his fault, but you can see why he needed a break.

Little Buddy and I have had a go at growing an avocado tree.  This one finally took off.  I planted it in a pot today and am hoping for the best.  Our next seed is still on the window sill with no signs of life at this point.

This is what I hope to be doing much of the day.  Sitting on my behind and playing with yarn.  It is exactly what I need to do to calm my weary mind and body.

We did have a quick trip outside this morning to ride the jeep.  It has been months since we did this, Little Boy gets very nervous about it.  But he wanted to do it last night so we charged it up and he had success.  I am so proud of him when he faces his fears and feels good about his accomplishments. 

And this is just because I saw these new ferns growing on my camphor tree this morning and thought they were beautiful in the sunlight.

I will leave you with these two looking for Luna after she left on Wednesday.  Ms L brings her along when she is with Little Buddy on Monday and Wednesdays.  It is a win win for everyone.  Little Buddy has an excellent nanny that I trust and he loves.  The boys get to play with Luna.  Everyone is happy.

Stay safe my friends.

Finding the positives during a brutal news week...........

With all the horrific news out there this week I am trying to find something positive to think about.  Not the lies and the ridiculous statements by the presenters at the Republican Convention, boy there were some massive ones weren't there?  The blatant disrespect of using federal property for campaign purposes.  The 180,000 people dead of Coronavirus in this country alone, although the real number is more likely 60,000 more but our government is just pretending that it isn't really happening anymore. More horrific police shootings, a vigilante Trump follower that killed two people and maimed another.  Fires in California, a hurricane that caused so much damage including loss of life, protests that turn into riots, well it has been a lot.  So today I am going to try and think about some nice things that have happened.

This little Boy has had a very good first week of third grade.  These were the photos of him before his first day of school.  He is adapting, keeping his mask on, and really trying to pay attention and do what is asked of him.  There are currently 16 children in his class, there will be more when the Coronavirus stops impacting so many.  There are already many confirmed cases of students in my county, I expect that number to rise the next few weeks.  Still he has almost made it though the school week and I am proud of him.

My wonderful blogging friend Sue Perez of Mr Micawber's Recipe for Happiness has a new book out.  My, oh my, I have been waiting for this book.  Sue is a brilliant designer and has been featured in many magazines.  She has brilliant tutorials on her blog and makes the most interesting projects.  I have made many of her designs but my all time favorite is the Olive Twist Shawl which you can find on this link.  As soon as I saw that Sue's book was completed I immediately ordered it from Amazon.  It arrived yesterday and I can't wait to sit down with a cup of tea and really look it over.  Congratulations to Sue for an amazing accomplishment!  I am in awe of your amazing achievement, talent and persistence. 

These boys were not happy with me today as they had to get shots and Hank had to get that heavy duty ear medication again.  While this isn't super positive it did make me laugh.  These boys are petrified of car rides.  They would not let the vet attendant walk them into the office unless I was right next to them and then I had to shut the door behind them and walk back to my car.  They were thrilled to make it back into the dreaded car for the ride home, and ran all over once they got here.  You would have thought they had been gone for days.  They make me laugh these boys of mine.

Some new yarn might have found its way into my home these past few weeks.  Malabrigo for a sweater and Berroco Corsica for a shawl.  Mind you I have not even had a second to crochet a stitch in the past two weeks, yet I have visions of a new sweater, shawl and am thinking about making my boys and their partners new blankets for their apartments.  Where I will find the time for these projects I have no idea.   I better get more yarn to make these wild dreams come true.  I am thinking giant cream and gray granny squares................. What do you think?

I will leave you with this big third grader who thought he looked pretty cute in his mask today.  He is having trouble because the masks made of material slip down his cute freckled nose and the paper ones fog up his glasses.  We will find one that works eventually.

Stay safe my friends.  In a week like we have had the best thing we can do is not believe lies, not fall for fear tactics that are not even true, follow the facts, wear masks, be kind and stay safe. 

A whole lot to say about nothing.......................

This week has been so busy with work and my oldest moving out on Friday, which took up a whole day.  Well that and drive thru meet the teacher day, boy things are going to be different this year at school.  

This little boy is very nervous about starting school tomorrow.  It will look so much different than he is used to.  Masks, desks far apart, nothing extra in a class, no working together, no sharing anything.  He will adapt because there is no other choice but still I worry about his safety and his ability to interact socially, something he is already delayed with.  

 

Friday was spent cleaning my house and moving my son.  Yesterday was a day that I went a bit crazy.  I decided to wash the boys which you can see did not make them happy.  Then it was off to work on the bathrooms upstairs that the boys had been using.  While I know they have wiped things down they really haven't had a super solid clean in a while.  Let me just say that nothing makes the sadness you are feeling over your boys moving out go away like cleaning their bathrooms.  After two hours I was not sad at all they were not here, actually they were lucky they were not here!  I'll get sad again but it might be a while to get over the mess.  Funny, they think they have moved out but literally all that is missing is their clothes and shoes.  I mean how many products do you have to have under your sink for years and years?   My garbage is filled with all the stuff they probably never even used.

As sad as Hank and Bear look after their bath they were really happy.  They love to get wet and then run all around the pool area.  What they don't like is being trapped outside until they dry off.  Their serious faces made me laugh.

Now they are so fluffy and smell divine.

When I work really hard I always have a hard time sleeping that night.  I think my mind is just tumbling around with all I have done and all I have yet to do.  Yesterday besides the dreaded bathrooms was washing linens from the beds upstairs, washing the fur boys, making cookies with an oven that was not heating up, weeding, running errands, brushing the fur boys, and doing a bit of paperwork.  Oh yeah and there was a little boy to keep entertained.  Today I was up at 4:30 and as much as I tried to get back to sleep I couldn't.  So I got up and got busy.  I cleaned out the entire closet that is up in our playroom/my son's office.  These boys of mine don't want to get rid of anything.  So now their entire closet is in my dining room ready for them to look over or already in my garage ready to donate.  They will not be happy with me when they come for dinner tonight.  I also emptied out our guest room closet which is where we store everything.  I went through loads of papers from my parents estate, and all the other stuff we had in there and moved it into the playroom closet.  Including boxes with Christmas decorations and Christmas Santa's that can't be stored up in our garage attic due to the heat and humidity.  Once again the shelves are filled but the guest room closet is empty!  Hooray!

I moved an antique washstand from our guest room into my office and eliminated one white shelf I had in there.  It is a bit tight in here but it is an actual working space and where I see private patients when there is not a pandemic, so I have to work with the space I have.  I was done with everything by 8 AM and I was ready for a nap.  It does feel good to get things moving along and out of my house.  I have way more to go but once again it is a start.

And just because I love this photo here is Mr 23, Hank and Luna.  Mr 23 has completed one week of law school.  He has classes Sunday through Friday because they are trying to keep classes small with social distancing.  He said it is so weird with everyone with a mask on, not easy to get to know fellow students that way.  He will survive.

Thinking of all of you affected by this pandemic and thinking of all of you in California with the threat and destruction of all of those fires.  Stay safe my friends. 

The winds of change.........

 

I am not someone who ever responds well to change.  I wish I could have locked in my older kids at about the ages of 9 and 6 and just lived our lives on in that exact moment.  But if that were to have happened I would not have a little boy right now that is soon to be starting third grade.  This year will determine so much for him and for us as far as schooling.  Will he be able to keep up with the rapid pace of information flying at him?  How will he deal with a classroom in which everyone is so far apart and wearing masks?  Will he get exposed quickly to Covid 19?  Will his school have to shut down?  Worries flood through my mind all day long.  It was a bit easier when I was just worried about him standing up, or eating to gain a bit of weight.  By the way watch out for sharks in your pool my friends.

Mr 23 and Ms L have been moving into their new apartment all weekend.  It is a really lovely place in St Petersburg, they will be safe and happy.  But of course I am not loving the change.  It was so nice to have them here this month.  I am thrilled they will be near by and that Ms L will be watching Little Buddy twice a week, but still I would love us all to live in some contained compound where I can keep an eye on everybody.  Not realistic I know, but the Mom in me likes to know all her chicks are accounted for.  Hank will be so sad once Luna leaves later today.  Bear might need a bit of a break to be honest, he is well done with her stealing toys and running around barking like a crazy girl.

Mr 26 and Ms B have been putting together furniture and doing a bit of packing for their move next weekend. Again in one weeks time almost all my chicks will be out of my nest.  Seriously he is only moving to Tampa, and well he should be on his own but my heart is still sad.  Even if I only get my eyes on them for 30 seconds a day I like to see them.  He tells me he might have to work from home still even a few days a week and because his apartment is so small he will come here.  That might be just what I need to wean myself a bit.  He will miss the fur boys most of all, and maybe a little boy as well.  Mom and Dad not so much!

Other changes include throwing out my In the Forest of the Night cardigan.  Yup, I threw it out.  I messed up the back and really was so frustrated with myself for not being able to follow a simple pattern I balled it up and threw it out.  I had already literally made it twice, the yarn was not going to make it on a third attempt so out it went. It felt a bit freeing not having to tangle with the pattern.  I will make it again, actually I have the yarn to do so right now.  I know the modifications I need to make but just needed a break.   So now I am attempting to make Provence by Berroco.  I am not making an promises that this will actually get completed, my mind is just too tired to get to much done.  But you are all my witness I did get gauge based on the photo above so I am keeping my fingers crossed I can actually make this.

This just made me laugh.  I must be a bit slow because Luna once again got my yarn and made a mad dash all over the family room.  When will I learn that this girl gets into everything?

I am starting to adapt to the changes on Blogger.  Seems like it is behaving a bit better than last week.  Still I don't know why it has to load your pictures in reverse order.  I just love this photo so much.  Mr 26 snuggling one cute dark nosed Bear.  Can you see his eye peeking?  

Changes to this years voting system is driving me mad.  Please check with your state on the best way to vote.  Please do not rely on getting your mail in vote counted, send it in very early or drop it off at your local county election site.  That will assure your vote will count.  I can see the change in the postal system already.  I have been waiting for my check from work for 6 days, I get paid once a month.  But at least I am not waiting for medication needed to save my life.  Be smart.  Vote early if you can.  Vote in person if you are able.  Vote early by mail or drop off your ballot.  Cheating to try to win an election by dismantling the postal system is beyond reprehensible.  VOTE my friends and make it count.

Lets hope big change is coming November 3. 

A memorable morning.......

                           

This morning was very special.  Very early this morning as the sun popped up over the horizon we all celebrated one of my oldest son's best friends.  As you recall he was killed in a car accident in California on February 13, of this year.  It has been a terrible blow for the family and friends left behind.  He was one of this special group of boys, the four of them did everything together through high school.  Although they went to different colleges and swam for different teams they were closer than close.  

Today, after many, many delays due to the current pandemic the ceremony was finally performed.  While some of us waited on the beach (Mr 23 came with me to honor a young man he grew up with at our house all the time), many people paddled out to the water, each holding a rose.  They gradually got into a circle and after a moment of silence, Thomas' Dad said some words, then they threw their roses into the center of the circle.  As his ashes were placed in the water everyone splashed and splashed.  It was really beautiful and very touching.  And coincidentally, after all the many delays the ceremony ended up being on Thomas' birthday.  This was the other half to the ash ceremony that was in California right after he passed.  This was also attended by Mr 26 and his two friends who flew out after just a few days of even getting used to this.  They spent over 36 hours traveling just to be there to honor their friend.

After the ceremony this morning there was a one mile swim in honor of Thomas.  The three boys, while excellent swimmers had not swum for a long time.  Still they made it and actually did very well.  They were all pretty tired afterward, the water temps are very warm and so is the air.  It was beautiful for us standing on the beach but maybe not so much for those swimming.  There will be a yearly swim in February to honor Thomas.  

We saw people we have not seen in years, young people coming to honor their friend.  People like me who were not able to make it to California for the other end of this service.  It really was a beautiful tribute to a really wonderful young man who will be sorely missed the rest of our lives.

I am blessed Mr 26 has been close by to offer support to this wonderful family.  He has gone to workout with the father a few times, helped move things in the garage, painted, picked up a shed they needed from the store.  Whatever the reason he has connected with these wonderful parents who need to see a young man that reminds them of their son.  Someone they can hug and hold onto even if it is only for a brief moment.

And as much as this contact helps them it helps my son.  To know he is there for this family is a way to honor the wonderful friendship he had with Thomas and will always have in his heart.

Hugs your kids my friends, things change fast.  Stay safe.