My sister used to throw a square dance and costume party this time of year. She and her husband held it in their big ol’ barn, with the dancing taking place in the arena. This is my parents dressed up as Father Stan and Sister Florence. And Jeff and I in our silly masks. What fun we had…dancing, a hay ride, hot cider and a bonfire.
Oh yes, I can take a deep breath now and exhale slowly. Yesterday was the finishing of a month long project of packing up my parent’s condo (an hour away) and putting everything in storage. They are downsizing, and will be moving much closer to me within a few months. But first, their place in Florida needs to sell also. They are down there taking care of that, and enjoying the warmth and sunshine I hope. Its not easy, this downsizing business. But I am glad they are taking care of it now while they are able, rather than later.
I have one lesson I’ve learned to share with you….
pack light during your earthly visit.
I am now even more motivated to continue to get rid of “the extraneous”. My mama is a collector, I could certainly be just like her. But no, I will not. Somewhere it is said, we accumulate stuff during our first 40 years, and spend the next 40 years getting rid of that STUFF. Its so hard though. For instance, I have this industrial sewing machine in the basement. I don’t use it really, but what if I need it someday. I could find someone to purchase it at a bargain price right now, but then would I regret it? There is a fine line between getting rid of things just to lighten the load, and thoughtfully divesting of your possessions. A little judicious judgment is needed, not fast ruthless decisions. So it may just take me 40 years. Certainly though, I will also have the same attitude when it comes to adding new STUFF to the pile. Thoughtful consideration, before purchasing or collecting on a whim.
Now, I do hope to put just a little more time and attention into my poor neglected “blobs” and have some time to actually make some things…..not that I want to add more stuff to my STUFF, but for the joy of making.
And check out the “Family Photo Album” page for some new pics of our 10 month old Colt.
Years ago, when my kids were in grade school and junior high, there was a day was called something like “Go to work with mom day”. The kids were excused from classes if they went to work with one of their parents. I don’t think this is done anymore….presented liability problems, and some kids were excluded because of the nature of their parent’s job. But one year I took Steph to my office. She had a blast, I think. We kept her busy doing fun stuff…you know, photocopying, stuffing envelopes, stapling, playing computer games. And then lunch. I don’t think I got much work done that day.
If there can be “Christmas in July”, why not “Easter in October”.
My MIL lives in a senior apartment, which she fondly refers to as “the home”. The folks at “the home” have been watching Mom’s Easter Lily since its planting after Easter, on through the summer growth. Then what really got their attention were the huge buds that developed in early fall. And now, the “much anticipated” has happened….its blooming in early October.
I haven’t seen an Easter Lily bloom a second time in the same year….but I understand it does happen. Perhaps this cool, wet summer got it all mixed up. But anyways, the folks at the home view it as a gift.
already. Do you want to hear my excuses…I think not.
Just go to Kel’s blog and read her way back post, its one of those that you will not soon forget.
And then read Lisa’s blog for another type of heartwarming story on her Way Back Wednesday post.
I will catch up soon….the hectic is visiting me.
Enjoyed the used book sale at the library once again. Its so nice to peruse and purchase things that I would not normally consider, for once, “money is no object”.
All things up high seemed to have a special appeal today….like Dad’s shoulders
Those fish that hang from the ceiling……
And the light over the dining room table….
He is so very very busy taking in and discovering the world around him!
When I look at this photo, I can see that in a very short time, history will repeat itself….
This was taken up at the cottage, TJ is just over one year old. He had a blast, and it kept him out of further trouble for a good long time!
And I have one more way back photo for you…..
Happy Birthday Capri L!!!!! I love your matching outfits! This must have been right after you were married in your first home.
This past week, I have gone to see the Phantom not once……
BUT TWICE!
The first time was last Sunday, I had an opportunity to go at the very last minute. So, an hour after I said yes, I was at the Opera House.
THE Detroit Opera House. I love that building.
But back to the opera….
The music is still rolling around in my head…
Steph also wanted to see it, so Thursday we went to a matinee….
And had the best seats in the house….first row, center balcony. Don’t know how we managed to get those seats since we showed up at the box office a half hour before the show. The lovely ticket person had the sweetest smile on her face when she sold us the tickets. I think she was secretly relishing our future delight with our seats. Thank you lovely ticket lady.
It was such a great show. And it was so nice to see it twice, taking in all the details….
I have a few phantom phacts to share with you:
-18 53-foot semi trucks and 2 42-foot semi trucks are needed to transport the show
-the Replica of the Paris Opera Chandelier weighs 1000 pounds, is 10 feet high and has 35,000 beads on it.
-The baroque proscenium that frames the show, and that you can partially see in the above photo has 25 sculptures in it, and weight 4 tons. It took 25 months to construct this.
-There is a life size replica of an elephant in the show
-There are 2700 yards of fabric in the Victorian style drapes
-230 costumes are worn by the 36 performers during the show
-Carlotta’s dress in the “Hannibal” scene weighs 35 pounds
-1440 hairpins are used each week (who counted these?)
-And, lastly, one pound of gel is used in the Phantom’s hair each week.
The production was rich in sights and sounds, I loved every minute of it.
