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6.29.2008

We're Back!

It's been several days since the last post, and I apologize for my recent dereliction of duties here at the blog.

Life has been busy since Jack's mother passed away, with Jack spending three and a half weeks on St. Simons with his dad, helping in the transition time following Joan's death. As badly as I missed having Jack here with me, it was clear that his father needed lots of TLC, and the only real way to do that was to be present and engaged in person.

"The boys" seemed to have had a positive experience, and by the time I arrived to spend a few days and bring Jack home, they'd establishend a new routine to include a walk first thing in the morning, oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, specific television shows and the structure that's necessary to move in a forward direction.

During our time on the island, Mom and Dad came for a visit, having been in Savannah for a previously planned trip already. We spent time on Jekyll Island, visited Christ Church and the beautiful cemetary on its grounds, and ate a wonderful dinner. Jack's father joined us on the car trip to Jekyll Island and for dinner at the end of the day. Getting out and seeing some different scenery was good for all of us, and that's such a beautiful area with spectacular scenery to view.

I'm currently having some difficulty in getting photos onto the blog but will share the most recent trip pictures as soon as I can - hopefully sometime in the next few days, if I have the time given my busy work schedule. Things at the hospital have NOT slowed any - I'm just glad I was finally able to get away for a few days to rescue Jack from his tropical paradise!

Have a good week, everyone!

6.15.2008

There was no more appetizing sight on this Father's Day than my dad standing at the grill, spatula in hand, putting the perfecting touch on a batch of hamburger steaks! No, perhaps it wasn't fair that Dad had to cook the main course of his annual celebratory lunch, but he such a good grillmaster, if he didn't make an issue of it, why should any of the rest of us?

Lunch was large and delicious with green beans, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, salad, and Sis' "lemonade pie", which was absolutely the perfect warm weather dessert. I must get her recipe! I saw a half a can of frozen lemonade, cool-whip and sweetened condensed milk in use as she was making it - I simply have to clarify proportions.

I ended up spending a good part of the day yesterday doing a work project with my boss by phone and laptop, which has made the weekend feel not so much like a weekend. I did get good sleep last night for an unintentionally long time. Initially I laid down in the afternoon to take a "nap", but it felt so good that I extended it until 8:15 this morning! I don't know how many total hours of sleep I got - I feel rested and that's what counts!

Dudley went to Mom & Dad's to play with the "big dogs" and seems to have had a big time. He's piled up in his own restful state, having wild and active dreams with lots of face- and ear-action happening and the cursory twitching of the feet. I think in his sub-conscious, he's spending more time with Rufus and LillyBird this afternoon!

6.13.2008

TGIF

Sometimes all I can say is, "Wow", and this is one of those times...

In all time working in healthcare, I have never been through such a stressful and busy time as the past few weeks. Meetings and surveys and deadlines - OH MY!!! Despite how hectic things have been, the masochistic professional that lives in my head is enjoying having a full plate, plenty to do, and workdays that pass in what seems to be no-time.

At least it's the weekend now, and I'll have an opportunity to catch up on a little bit of the sleep I've recently lost!

We've gotten some rain this week, and that's a good thing. Most of what we've gotten has been spotty across the midstate area, but thank goodness our little patch of God's green earth is getting enough to stay green this year, knock on wood.

I drove through rain the last quarter or so of my commute home and was glad to see that it got heavier and heavier as I got closer and closer to home. By the time I pulled into the driveway, we had downpour action going on, but that was fine with me. I bundled up my satchel and shopping basket and made a mad dash for the porch. Every now and again, a splash in the rain is good for a body!

The rain has now eased enough that the big dogs are running around the woods doing big dog stuff, but the ground is still too wet for Dudley to have any interest in outdoor activities. He barely wanted to do his afternoon business trip when I got home from work.

Our only current bloomer is the St. John's Wort, which is a true shade lover and thrives in the yard. We had no idea what it was for the longest time but then looked it up in a wildflower book, and there's no mistaking the lovely golden centers for anything else. It has grown here naturally since I first moved into the house and has re-seeded so well that we now have a nice little hedge that's starting to bloom nicely.

Have a nice weekend, everyone!!!

6.08.2008

Wow, it's hot. Ninety-three by the car's dashboard thermometer this afternoon.

Jimmy has been in the pond for a dip at least three times today, but thankfully he's managed to avoid the big water of the lake since his close call a couple of weekends ago. He's currently sprawled on the dog bed we've allocated to the front porch for outside napping, which Diva and Jimmy both enjoy.

Dudley actually enjoys a good sunbath from time to time himself, though his preferred sleep surface, oddly enough, is gravel. Several times I've found him laying in the edge of the yard, just behind the car, which is a distressing thing to see. He just likes it there for a light snooze, and this afternoon he discovered that my parents' driveway is just as comfortable.

He played "official sidekick" for a nice visit with Mom and Dad, and when it was time for us to go, he strolled to the edge of their little road and stretched out for an afternoon sunbath. Only when I began backing toward him did he stir - I think he would've enjoyed another half-hour or so, but the folks are going to a retirement party this evening, and we'd already stayed until almost time for them to leave.

He did have a big time, having quality "lap time" with everyone while we were there.

Mom and Dad are worried that their cat, Rosa, may have died. She's fifteen years old, and they haven't seen her since Monday. Jack and I saw her last Sunday - she was on the porch. Dad said that he saw her the next morning, but that was the last time either of them has seen her. She's been a great cat. Everyone in the family loves Rosa...

Some friends just called -- looks like I'm going on a sunset cruise on the lake. HOORAY!

6.03.2008

The memorial service for Jack's mother was Sunday at Magness Library, and it was a wonderful tribute to her life.

We were surprised by the number of people that showed up, but Joan does still have a lot of friends locally, and they made for a good turnout. Several folks from my side of the family were in attendance, which was greatly appreciated. Different friends and relatives provided nice finger food with a selection of wine, iced tea and lemonade.

Jack's father is doing as well as can be expected and is under watchful eye to make sure that he gets started on life alone with as few glitches as possible. I believe he is moved to see how his children are rallying together around him the same way they did Joan. He needs lots of love and support, but he's going to be OK.

Goodnight all!