Monday, November 21, 2005

Old Folks at Home, Nov. 21, 2005


This is thanksgiving month, not just because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also because of my attitude. I am grateful to be alive! I am never going to be ready to die and leave this world. First of all, there are all of you, my loved ones, whom I enjoy. Then there is the beauty of the world. I was sitting in the sun, looking out the window for one of those brief but happy passing moments. The sun was warm, the sky was blue and the colored leaves were rustling in the breeze. It was truly breathtaking.

I am so thankful that I can enjoy the seasons of the year. Dad teased me when I said that to him. “Even the snow?” I admit I like it a lot more while I am inside looking outside. That isn’t quite true, however, because I do like to play in the snow I just don’t like to slog around in it.

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and I so enjoy the colored leaves. Thanksgiving is actually the best holiday of the year because there is only the expectation of good food and good company.

Of course, I really like being outside in the flower gardens during the summer and I like having grandkids around during the long days. Children are always a bright note in life’s song.

The house is painted. I think it looks great. Dad’s shed has walls up but no roof. He is planning on building the trusses as he gets time during the next while. Then we will put them on. I will have a new bathroom downstairs but not in time for Thanksgiving. Like all building contractors, our plumber got a great big job that needs to be done on a time schedule. I am content to wait because it is a dream come true. It will have a shower in the back corner against the boy’s room and next to the dryer. The toilet and washbasin will follow the wall along the boy’s room. It is the same sort of pattern as is in the front bathroom upstairs.

Grandpa’s house is sold. It will be a month (maybe longer) before the money comes through. We also found out today that Grady, who is buying the house, wants us to go half on repairing a cast iron drain pipe in the basement that has split. We were selling the house as-is but he is uncomfortable with the pipe so I suppose it was the wise thing to do. Who know what it will cost, however. But it is nice to know the house is going to someone who will take care of it and to someone who also loved Grandpa. It has been heart-rending to go to the house and not have Grandpa there to visit. I took a lot of photos today of the inside of the house. It is not the same, because the people who made it a great place to visit are not there. Laurel and Cydney also took photos a few days ago so we will all have photos to share.

I am thankful for each one of you. I have finally begun to realize how wonderful it is to be with people who accept you as you are. I do know how extraordinary that is and I thank you all. Besides that, I LOVE each one of you. As Tiny Tim says in A Christmas Carol: “God bless us, everyone!”

You know, if I live long enough I might actually grow up.

Love Mom (and Dad)