This & that

Tumwater needs an old fashioned coffee shop, something other than Starbucks. After taking Ellen grocery shopping on Friday, we wanted a cup of coffee so I drove her downtown in Olympia to Wagner's European Bakery. Look at these luscious pastries!

Ellen wanted an eclair until she saw that they cost $3.49 a piece! I guided her to a table, ask her to sit there & hold it for us while I did the purchasing....

I scored at a garage sale this weekend. Look at this cute little bench I bought for $3!


This house was on the same street as the garage sale. I had to whip out my camera to document all the miscellaneous antique junk adorning the yard. Wow - what a collection! I went home & pulled out a few things I've had in storage to junk up my yard.





The weather has cooperated thus far this Memorial Day weekend and I've been able to work in my yard. I feel quite accomplished having weeded many beds and seeding carrots, cabbage, pole beans, sunflowers, and nasturtiums. I now have a small strawberry patch and filled the planters on my deck with posies. And I still have one more day to get even more accomplished outside!

Happy birthday, dad. He is ___ years old! I could not think of what to buy him for his birthday. Since he loves M & M's, Stephanie suggested I buy him packages of the many M & M varieties . Of course he loves his gift. Niece Sophie (age 6) said, 'that's a great gift'!!!

It's all about perspective

http://www.souvenirsofmyhappylife.blogspot.com

This photo, taken by my friend Judy and posted on her blog, is indicative of the cool, wet weather we've had this spring. "Who needs sunshine?", she asks and the next picture we see is of her 11 day old grandson.

I'm reminded that moments of intense joy, happiness and contentment are rubbing against me, all day long. All it takes to claim such moments is a quick change in perspective.

Moving day

Tension and uncertainty have been constant companions this past week as Ellen has continued to improve during her convalescence. Is she well enough to return home, able to live safely on her own? Clearly that is her wish, but are we simply putting off the inevitable? Ellen has lived independently since the passing of her husband nearly 40 years ago. This independence stokes & powers her turbines and defines who she is. Will she be able to relinquish it enough to fit in to the confines of assisted living?

On Friday, Glynn, Elda and I drove Ellen to Beaverton to pack up enough furniture and belongings to create a homey space for her in Olympia. She assured us she would return to Olympia without incident! I can only imagine how difficult it must have been as she watched us dismantle her little home, leaving it in disarray. She was rather quiet that day.

On Saturday morning, move in day, she awoke earlier than normal, a smile on her face and a 'let's get this show on the road' attitude. Wanting to create a welcoming space prior to Ellen's arrival, Glynn and Elda went to the retirement inn first. When Ellen entered her new apartment, she was more than pleasantly surprised. Her beloved blue oriental rug is the icing on the cake, bringing the room together along with her favorite 'Betsy Ross' lamp, annoying shrill kitchen clock, treasured quilt made by Alaskan friends, and familiar knick knacks placed here and there.

The afternoon was spent arranging drawers and closet space, running to nearby Fred Meyer to stock her tiny refrigerator and orienting Ellen to the 'lay of the land'. The staff wanted Ellen to navigate the dinner hour on her own which she was able to do successfully.


After her dinner, we popped in for a quick visit at which time she said, 'I think I'm going to be quite happy here in my new little space. Thank you all for your hard work. End of subject.'

Ellen will have her days of discontent where she will long for that which she thinks will make her happy. Our task is to help her remember, as we remember ourselves, that 'we are all just as about as happy as we make up our minds to be'.

Caregiving

We all know that the day is coming when we will be involved in caring for our aging parents...

After Ellen experienced a few falls late last month, we packed her suitcase, loaded her up in the car and drove her to our home, not knowing what the future held but fairly certain that she could no longer live alone.

While convalescing, Ellen has been compliant and appreciative. More tears have come from our eyes than hers as we watch while her independence is stripped away, bit by bit. Meltdowns occur. Non acceptance occasionally trumps graciousness. Asking to return home oft turns to pleading. Remaining firm while showing understanding, patience & love is sometimes difficult.
A united front from each of her children proves essential. She admits to knowing that an 'independent' living situation in a home makes the most sense...

Most importantly, she's come to know, with no uncertainty, that she is loved and that her continued well being is our first and foremost motive.

It doesn't make the task at hand - transitioning into assisted living - any easier.

Mother's day

Yesterday was a fun mother's day full of relaxation, laughter & good food.

Six wonderful moms!

On the menu: Glynn's smoked pot roast. Not pictured: wonderful pies (rhubarb/strawberry and apple), monster chocolate chip cookies & tasty lemon cupcakes.

Paper flower corsages for each mom to wear

Future babysitting marvel, Chloe, who never leaves Cooper's side.

For all moms, everywhere.... we love & appreciate you!

Ode to mom

This photo of my mom and I was taken Xmas 1959 when I was 6 months old. Mom was a mere 22 years old. My sister, Debbie, (in right corner) was 21 months old and in 1961, mom would give birth to Chris. 11 years later, we welcomed baby Kim into our circle.

My mom.... the epitome of an excellent wife and mother... always there for us.... home cooked meals around the table each night... chauffeur, boo-boo fixer, homework helper, good sport (driving my sis & I to the orchard @ 5 am on summer mornings so Debbie and I could earn some money picking fruit & harvesting right along beside us), camping queen, firm disciplinarian, gardener, teacher, artist, cheer leader, encourager... the list continues on and on and on.

Thank you mom for your continual love and support. When someone tosses a compliment my way about a personal attribute, I give a little bow in your direction because you have shaped me into the woman I am today.

I love you, mom.

Weekly gratitude

I'm grateful for our men and women in uniform who conduct themselves with courageous aplomb to ensure my freedom and security.