Sunday, September 30, 2007

Seasons

On the eve of October 1st, I relish the thought of fall. The fall colors, although I am not sure how good they will be this year. Took a ride this afternoon - part of Grandview Drive, down Forest Park Drive, north to Detweiller Golf Course and boat launch, through Detweiller Park, north and west to Dunlap and back to Peoria. Almost no pretty trees yet!

This October I turn 63. It does not seem possible. I don't feel old, but there is just not enough years between now and then. My one and only grandchild turns two in October and I really hope to see her grow up. October 6th marks the 10 year anniversary of cancer surgery. All clear and I feel blessed. October is a month full of celebrations (except for Halloween). Halloween is the one night of the year when my porch light and house lights are off. The greedy teenagers ruined the fun for me.

Each of the seasons has special meaning for me. Fall is my time to finish up the tasks I have been putting off, it is the "wind down" time. Winter is the time to rest and reflect. Not a lot of time to do it, but I try. Spring is for planning and new beginnings and Summer is time to "Get 'er done". I would really miss not having all four seasons, even though I complain about the heat/humidity and cold/snow/ice. I guess, hitting 63 means I am in the Fall part of life. Wind down, put things in order, simplify and plan for a very LONG Winter. Damn, I don't usually get that philosophical, but I guess it doesn't hurt once and a while.

Next weekend will be a good one. With the grandchild's birthday, I will have both of my adult kids in the same place at the same time. That does not happen very often. After living in Santa Barbara, CA for several years, my daughter has moved back to the mid-West (if suburban Detroit counts as mid-West) and will be driving down for the weekend. Have not seen her since early June and am looking forward to the visit. Her significant other is going to try to put the Roadmaster Red Wagon together. With a big, red bow on the handle, it will make a great birthday present. Maybe we can get a Teddy Bear to put in it!!

Ah, October!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

How Do They Do It

I try to read a lot of the local blogs on a daily basis. Some have had no new posts for months and several have multiple posts daily. Guess my interests aren't broad enough, my brain not fast enough and the body just plain too worn out! I don't know how the regular bloggers can do it!



My days are pretty much the same. Off to work early in the morning (if 7:30 is early), lunch at the desk and heading home by around 5:30 (if I am lucky). Saturday work is only from about 8 AM til 12:30 PM. The rest of the day is mine!!! Sometime before dark, I try to get the "litter picking" completed around my block. Nighttime is spent reading blogs, listening to the TV, checking the PJ Star website and chatting on line - sounds facinating, doesn't it?!



Sunday is up for grabs! Sunday Morning news programs, a few (ha-ha) computer games, maybe a little house cleaning and laundry (reality sets in), an occasional nap, more reading and chatting and a lot of doing nothing that I can remember on Monday morning. This past Sunday, I visited my son, daughter-in-law, and Grandbaby (she is almost 2 years old). That meant a trip to Oreana and taking them to brunch at Home Town. Good to see them. I don't make the trip often enough. Great little family and I'm very proud of all three of them!



This evening's highlight was a phone conversation with my daughter who recently moved to the Detroit area from Santa Barbara. The trips to visit her in Santa Barbara were great. Not necessarily looking forward to short vacations in Detroit. Love seeing her (and her significant other), but sure don't see Detroit as being a vacation destination! She started a new job today. Has to make a living while trying to make a life as a musician. Has her first paying gig this weekend, so I guess it is working.



Have the chicken in the slow cooker. It will become the BBQ that will serve as the evening meal each day until it is all gone. Do not like to cook and try to limit the activity to once a week. I am also very grateful to paper plates, as doing dishes is not a favorite activity either. With 10:30 PM rapidly approaching, the final ritual begins. Make a fresh pot of coffee for the thermos, put the dogs in the garage for the night, sit on the porch for a few minutes and head for bed. Usually asleep by the time Nightline is over. Tomorrow will be pretty much the same as today - but for some reason, it is not dull or boring. I like my job, I like my home and I like my life. Contentment is a blessing! Feeling very content tonight.