NC Visit - Day 10. . .

Another quiet, cozy, indoor day; wrapped in borrowed warm clothes. The rhythm of the rain was very peaceful and it felt soothing to watch it nourishing the greenery. I finished one crochet project and started another. Well, the completed one still needs buttons sewn on and a little pressing but as soon as the last yarn end is woven securely out of sight, it's as good as finished, in my book.

I played the piano for awhile and that was relaxing, too. It didn't matter to the big, empty house how rusty I am and neither did it matter to me. I wish I had my violin here so I could play duets with Ian and his cello. It's been so long since I've felt like playing (it's a "heart" thing) but I surely do feel the nudge not to let the opportunity to play duets with my grandson pass me by.

There was a bit of excitement when Ian came home from school. Jerry, the dog, escaped through an open gate and ran instinctively toward a wooded area to see what kind of prey he could flush out. Ian, turned superhero, leash in hand, saved the day by hunting the hunter and soon both were back home warming up and drying out from their adventure.

Dinner was "fend for yourself night" and Daniel shared the macaroni and cheese he made, with me. He added his own combination of extra spices -- something else he has in common with his namesake, Uncle Dan. Or, "Uncle D," as I've heard Daniel say. I don't know where that came from or when it started. It's hard to say. As for the "fend night," I'm sorry to say I have to admit my daughters may have learned that from me. I have apologized to my sons-in-law for that, but only because it sounded good to do so and I wanted to impress them. The truth is, I have no regrets about it at all.

Later, a surprise birthday cake! With candles and all!! And ice-cream!!! And singing!!!!

It was a good day.

Joey, the cat is glad to see Ian come home from school.

NC Visit - Day 9. . .

Everyone was gone to work or school, again, when I surprised the cats and dog by making my presence known. I spent most of the morning puttering in the kitchen and, since it was a cold, rainy day, rummaged through Jenn's pantry for ingredients to make soup to simmer in the crockpot. There was time, too, to make significant progress on my crochet project--a little outfit for soon-to-be Matthew Robert.

Later, it was nice to mingle with my "other church family"--which is how I refer to friends at Hope Mills UM Church to the folks back home. First, during the weekly Wednesday meal. Then, at handbell rehearsal, where my mind wandered back to what seems like such a short time ago when Ian was a baby in the nursery there; and now, there he is, a teen-ager, ringing handbells! After that, what a nice warm and friendly surprise to have the choir sing Happy Birthday!

It was wise, I think, to be away from home on this particular birthday that, for me, holds some unsettling significance. I have neither the desire nor the emotional energy to elaborate on that at this time. For now, it is enough to say this has been a good day and God is most certainly good!

NC Visit - Day 8. . .

It was a little warmer today. . .and sunny. It felt good to spend a little time outside and, later, take a walk around the neighborhood.

How nice to have a great visit with family from SC, who drove up for the day!

NC Visit - Day 7. . .

One of the advantages I like about time spent away from home is that it doesn't seem to matter much what time it is. I don't know about anyone else but I am a clock watcher with a compulsion for multitasking and breaking my own records when it comes to performing menial tasks. How silly to give in to such a misplaced priority!

I'm not even sure what time I fell asleep last night but I suspect it was much later than usual. I was surprised when I woke up this morning, thinking it was very early, and realizing it was past 9:30! Instinctively, I felt absolutely ashamed! Then I thought, "so what?" There's nowhere I need to be and there's nothing urgent that I need to be doing. Everyone else in the house had left for work or school hours ago. When I did finally make my way to the coffee pot, the dog and the cats were glad to see they had company. Well, the dog was glad. The cats really didn't care much. In fact, I had the feeling they wondered just who I thought I was, intruding on their turf during a time when they are usually in charge.

<---Just like home.

A long, hot bath was next on the non-clock-watching agenda. I still didn't know what time it was. Not because there were no clocks but because I didn't care. Two over-ripe bananas pleaded with me from the kitchen counter to save them from the humiliation of having matured through the banana cycle without purpose so I honored them by transforming them into a loaf of banana bread. I have a suspicion there was a bit of manipulative power of suggestion involved, though. I say this because of the exact positioning of the two bananas where they were certain to be seen, right beside the coffee pot, instead of in the fruit bowl across the room. This is speculation on my part, of course, and could never be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The sun came out for awhile this afternoon, brightening the outdoors up. The grass looks like it's greening up from all the rain so I guess that's a good thing.

Ian and Daniel had a half day of school today so they kept me company this afternoon and that was nice. I enjoy learning what things are important to them and listening to their ideas. All the grandkids are just growing so fast!

<---Daniel, relaxing after school.

NC Visit - Day 6. . .

What a special day this has been! I love being together with "the kids" and their families. It would be nice if it could be with all of them at the same time but since proximity makes that an impracticality, I'll settle for any combination, any time.

The worship service at the UM Church, in Kannapolis, was the perfect spiritual boost to begin the day. I've visited there enough times now to feel a homey familiarity and I like that.

Kaitlyn seems well adjusted to the nursery but I suppose, before you know it, she will be old enough to take part in the service with the other little children.

After leaving Kannapolis and meeting somewhere for lunch, I said good-bye to Dan, Michelle and Kaitlyn and left for Hope Mills with Jenn, Allen and the boys, where I'll spend "phase two" of my visit here in NC.

Cousins. . .Ian, Daniel and Kaitlyn.

NC Visit - Day 5. . .

It was a chilly, damp Saturday--an indoor day. Kaitlyn was to have her picture taken but the session had to be postponed because she picked a scab off her "boo-boo" and had a blood stain on the front of her beautiful new dress.









So we went home to watch the movie "The Despicables," after which "Super Girl" fell fast asleep.


Then, lunch downtown. . .
















. . .and home again to relax and visit some more.

NC Visit - Day 4. . .

It was a little chilly today, making me wish I had brought more of my warmer clothes. I retrieved the socks I wore here from home out of my laundry bag and borrowed a sweatshirt. Still, it's been pleasant. Last night, there was a threat of thunder storms but they never materialized.

Dan has introduced me to the comedian, Brian Regan, whose refreshingly funny routines really make me laugh! Or, I may have laughed harder at Dan's impressions of him; I'm not sure.

I enjoyed the company of friends who came for an impromptu cook-out. Having called it a day, tucked Kaitlyn in and turned in, myself, I am savoring the sounds of their carefree voices, downstairs. I smile, contentedly, as I realize there is no pleasure quite like being in a house with the sounds of family in it.

NC Visit - Day 3. . .

Another relaxing day of visiting, crocheting and playing with Kaitlyn. We explored each little nook in the yard, counted stones again, practiced balance walking on the landscaping ties and wore empty flower pods on the tips of our fingers. I said, "No, thank-you" to tasting the dirt she offered me on the tip of her shovel; so she ate it herself and said, "Mmmm."

Oh, and I bought a new battery for my watch.

NC Visit - Day 2. . .

This has been a relaxing day, much of it spent outside. Kaitlyn and I scritched-scratched in the dirt, chased the purple ball, counted stones and she read alphabet letters to me from the WELCOME mat.

My allergies have kicked in!

NC Visit - Day 1. . .

The flight down was smooth and uneventful and even arrived fifteen minutes early. Although flying is not one of my favorite things to do, I must say there is something very serene about being lifted upwards, out of the misty gray fog and into the sunny blue sky on top of the clouds. I

wonder how the same clouds that appear heavy and dark from one side can look so pure white and fluffy from the other. It's a good reminder that there are often more perspectives than we realize. Looking down and seeing the hustle and bustle of daily life and traffic, in miniature, reminded me of the days when my older girls played with matchbox cars in the stone dust pile.

It's good to be here. Now, to settle in and soak up my family.

The greatest of these is love. . .

I'm taking a coffee break, sitting on the porch, watching laundry dancing on the clothesline, listening to the windchimes and trying hard to resist yard work so I can get back to the tasks at hand. The birds keep swooping at the feeder, making haste back to the trees where they scold me for my invasion. The few that are a little more stout-hearted pause long enough to give me inquisitive looks as if they are asking, "What are YOU doing here?"

With my trip right around the corner, I'm having my usual pleasure vs. apprehension conflict. First and foremost, when I compare thoughts of missing out on a daffodil's bloom or the first forsythia, with forgoing time with my family, there is, of course, no contest! It is true, however, as the saying goes--home is where my heart is and I never want to miss out on any of the subtle changes of each season. I remember how left out I felt last fall when I was not here for the first snowfall.

There are lessons to be learned in all things, though, and the mild (in comparison) dilemmas of my simple life are no exception. This place--this home and grounds I love to tend--are "things." Most of which will manage just fine when I am long gone. And even if they don't, it won't matter because they have neither heart nor soul--they don't "feel." My family, on the other hand, is very real, our hearts do feel and our relationships are so very precious. Things disappear and people die, but love lasts forever and relationships never die. Their essence surrounds us and holds our hands through our journey.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13

Ash Wednesday. . .

It's hard to believe Ash Wednesday is here already and we are about to focus on what I consider to have been the most remarkable journey of all time! I wonder, sometimes, what if Jesus had been believed instead of mocked? What if there had been joyous celebration instead of a crucifixtion? What would the world be like today, if only there had been faith in the minds of the multitudes? And, what about those who may have had that faith, but were afraid to speak up? It is a scene that replays in my mind often--particularly this time of year. Everytime it does, more questions come to mind about what it really must have been like to be there. Further, what would I have done? Would I have had the courage to speak? Sadly, maybe not. But if not, how would I have ever lived with the cowardice of keeping silent? Even so, I would have been forgiven! How marvelous is that?! I believe that is called unconditional love.

A Cozy Day. . .

Ah...this is a cozy, rainy day. The kind of day that brings fresh-baked bread, homemade soup and crafts to mind. Not that I will necessarily do any of those things, although I might...we'll see. The woods are full of mysterious mist and all outdoor sounds are amplified. From inside, I feel soothed and very peaceful, wrapped in the closeness of the elements.

I realize there was a time when I would have described such a day as gloomy and depressing, and I would have been impatient for the snow to be all gone, for the fog to lift, the sun to shine and make all things bright and beautiful--according to ME. Somewhere along the line--my lifeline--my journey, that changed. I'm not sure exactly when it happened. I think it was a process more than a sudden revelation. My realization of the process having taken place was more abrupt, though, and since the transition was already complete, there was nothing for me to do except give thanks for this new (to me) and wonderful gift.

Don't get me wrong, a totally passive existence is not what I am suggesting. The gift is in learning, not only to recognize, but to accept the things we cannot change. Such as the weather. What I have found is that the process doesn't have to end with acceptance. The gift goes on until, sometimes, we can even embrace that which we originally wished to change.

I do embrace days like this.

Besides, on plenty of occasions, Bob would say, "Wish in one hand, s--- in the other, and see which one gets full, first." And you know. . .he was absolutely right!

A Perfect World. . .

I don't know what made me think of this right now, but, for some reason--right in the middle of making the birthday chocolate sheet cake that Michael requested, I began to wonder what my idea of a perfect world might be. A vision unfolded--just as I stuck my finger in the icing for a sample. I found myself smiling--as I watched my leftover morning coffee reheat in the microwave. "It's very simple," I thought, "and would require very little effort, really." What I saw in my mind's eye was this: Every person in the world forming one big circle, then each turning to the one on the left, and asking, "What can I do for you?"

I'm not sure why I was smiling. I would like to think it was a reflection from the imaginary mere glimpse of something so wonderful! But I'm afraid it might have been the result of some self-ridicule going on there, too, as reality began closing in and clouding my vision.

However. . .which IS reality? WHAT is reality? And who decides? I think I'm going to choose to hold out--to continue to believe--to have faith--that my version of a perfect world is at least a possibility.