So the other day I was taking a survey. One of those that asks your sex, age, race....marital status.
I was given four options:
These questions always bring up an issue for me.
I don't consider myself divorced. It's been so long...almost three times longer than the actual marriage.
And I've never been one to spend a lot of time bad mouthing the ex...not that he doesn't deserve some bad mouthing...but again...it's been soooo long. What really would be the point.
So back to the survey. I always answer 'Single'. I always have a little guilt. But that lessens with time.
I guess I'd like this option:
Single Doesn't Even Remember Being Married
These are the same gerber daisies from the other day but a new bloom...actually a siamese twin bloom came up...cool!
These are in two pots next to my side gate...
I've got a colorful thing going on in the front garden.
And finally...my crazy mutant columbine...Some are almost 4 feet tall...not even kidding.
Andrew finished his first grade year and now is a second grader.
Austin finished his sophomore year and hopefully will be a junior next year. (just kidding Aus:-)) And he even agreed to hang out with his little brother and crazy aunt for an afternoon.
He looks pretty thrilled.
There were some beautiful wild flowers along the way...the boys let me stop and take pictures.
And there are two playgrounds and we stop at both...both times we pass. As you can see, we like the swings.
I often miss the Peonies as they bloom around Memorial day and we are usually in Texas....This year I'm enjoying their happy pinkness.
Aren't they beauties?
And these darlings are new this year. So far they are my favorite.
My cousin Janet is a Grandma....I think she's diggin it.
My house wench Amanda is an Aunt. Austin is trying to eat her chin. I think she's diggin it.
I noticed that the best pictures of this little guy are when he's asleep. Because it's the only time I can get him in focus. He's a mover.
Again...asleep.
And at last...a cute crawl by smile.It's possible to be so relieved I'm in tears and so freakin mad at him that I just want to leave him out another night.
I heard Jack about 9pm when I went out to the car. Almost two hours later I still haven't gotten him to come in. He's so scared he won't come near me. I have all the doors open so he can just come in.
So here I am. On the edge of the hood. At almost 11pm. Laying on the couch with the front door wide open, the garage door wide open, the dog door propped open.
I'm giving him until midnight then I'm going to bed.
Now that I know he's alive...I more likely to just be irritated at him for being such a freak.
So many of you know how crazy busy the last two weeks have been...lots of brother drama, two regattas, trucks reserved but not available, parents in town, party for my dad...yikes.
I've taken a lot of pictures and just simply didn't have the energy to make each one it's own post so here you go.
Two Fridays ago I spent some time running around with my friend Dave (who then loaned me his truck to get my boats to Topeka for a Regatta...Thanks Dave!).
One of the places we went was home to this little darling and her mother. Her name is Ruby and she is the sweetest little thing.
Her mom Princess is pretty sweet, too.
My kids missed a prom when we traveled to Austin so they had a 'fake' prom in the hotel after racing on Saturday. Aren't they darling.
We had some bumps and didn't advance out of the finals in any of our races but they did enjoy each other's company and everyone had an opportunity for growth and learning ('growth' and 'learning' is coach speak for we got our butts kicked)
They are, however, still the neatest people I know.
Then I hopped on a plane and flew home to spend the evening with these great people.
Sisters are amazing...I wish everyone had one as great as mine.
It was so amazing to see and meet the folks my dad has worked with and people who love him as much as we do.
Sunday morning I met with some gals I rowed with in college. WE got out on the Kaw for an alumni row.
We almost remembered how....I patted him on his cute little head, put him outside the fence and haven't seen him since.
Sorry to keep you in suspense...been a little busy here...
We've practiced our starts.
They look good, don't they?
Okay...well...they're teenage boys...what'd you expect.
They've worked hard.
Taken the strokes.
They just need good luck and positive vibes.
So...some of you will recognize this as my bedroom.Things are drying as I type.
I know I'm supposed to be the green one.
I know I said yesterday that a dryer really isn't all that important.
But I am so excited to have things tumbling around in the basement!
Yeah me.
Oh my, what a very long week.
This week I have learned:
How much I love my brother.
How strong my sister is.
What a wonderful woman my brother chose to love.
How terribly lucky he is that she loves him.
How great and supportive my parents are...all four of them.
How little sleep I can still function with.
Stress is a very effective diet. (not one I recommend but hey...I'm not gonna complain)
Having someone do your laundry is such a wonderful kindness. (Thank you Carrie and Manda)
I don't need an alarm clock with River living here.
I need chocolate in my life.
My kids are really amazing and they actually are listening to what I'm trying to teach them.
I hate the rain.
If you put on wet tennis shoes...they never dry.
Living without a dryer is only as big an inconvenience as you let it be.
The mean dog can jump over the fence but only does if I lock the dog door.
Kids get excited over medals...doesn't matter what color.
And I'm sure I learned some other things too.......
Really...that's what this crazy week has been about.
Mom and Julia (Bob's girl for those of you who don't know) and I were in the car yesterday talking about Grandma Petty (Mz Virginia) and her ability to send prayer straight to the big guy's ears.
We were apprehensive about letting everyone know exactly what was going on. Wanting to protect him, not embarrass him...respect his privacy.
But the thing is...he's sick. He's really sick and he has been for a very long time.
Monday his sickness almost killed him. It's not the kind of sickness he needs medication for...as a matter of fact...medication is his sickness.
If he were physically ill with a regular, see a physician kind of illness...we'd alert the troops. Everyone would pray...send him good vibes. Love him, support him.
He still needs that. Maybe more than if he were physically ill.
This cannot be a secret. Secrets are what almost killed him. That and the many, many pills he took to numb the pain that he feels from demons we can't even imagine.
Bob is an addict. He has had an addiction to prescription medication for many, many, many years. Before that he was addicted to illegal drugs.
Yesterday he said it out loud. "I'm addicted to prescription medication".
Pray for him. Pray that he has the courage to do the work to learn how to cope with his demons. Pray that he has the strength to make a choice, everyday for the rest of his life. A choice to live.
He will spend the next several weeks with people who can help him.
And he needs to spend the rest of his life with his friends and family who love him and will support him.
Mz Virginia...start those prayers.
