Putting myself in time out

 Yes, I've been bad-for the last COUPLE of years I've tried to see 12 waterfalls in Arkansas. It shouldn't be so hard as there are plenty of waterfalls to chose from. I just never make it to 12. I think I actually made it to five one year. I think I saw more than that in Alaska. I've been to Fern Falls, Bridal  Veil Falls, Cornelius Falls, Fuzzy Butt Falls, Six Fingers, Carwash Falls, Pam's Grotto, Haw Creek Falls, Natural Dam, Mirror Lake, Lichen Falls, Glory Hole, King's Bluff Falls, Petit Jean Falls and two others I can't remember the name of- so sixteen total. So, Saturday I'm grounding myself til noon then it's waterfall chasing until dark. Wish me luck.

Time marches on

 Today, I got to see my grandsons Parker and David. As a matter of fact, I got to give both of them a bottle. Each one swatted my hand away as if to say I got this now. They can hold their own bottles and are on the verge of walking. They recognize me and grab for me when they feel like it. Hard to believe 2 years ago, I never believed that these two would exist. Now I am privileged to watch them grow and learn.

Happy First Birthday Parker

 Today-one year ago, I watched you take your first breath. You stole my heart-and have kept it ever since. I watched my son become a father and more importantly a dad. Many years from now, I hope you read these words and know how much you are loved, how every moment with you is treasured, and how much your future has been prayed. May your smiles be too many to count. Your adventures safe. Happy Birthday Precious Parker. 

This weekend was supposed to be your party-and all about you. Little did you know, that I got the best gift ever. I walked in and you looked at me, then I spoke your name and a smile went across your face. You recognized me and lurched forward. Of course, I gathered you in my arms and we played. 

Edna Lea Gibson

 

Dwight grew up Aunts Fern, Gail, and Edna Lea on his dad's side. Edna Lea was the oldest of the five children and Ralph was the youngest. Edna Lee gained her wings today. She was 89 and was still stealing ice cream from the refrigerator when her care givers weren't looking. She's pictured here on her very first motorcycle ride at the age of 80. Dwight gave her a slow ride around town and she waved to every body. Lord, please forgive me because I'm still laughing. Just her on the bike was enough to make me  smile, but she borrowed my helmet and well... it has a sticker on the back of it that reads "This Bitch doesn't fall Off". 

Good Things

2023 started off with a beautiful wedding.

I have to say me and the sibs cleaned up pretty good-as did Parker supporting his first bow tie. 

Lauren and Gilmore-he kissed her before she caught the bouquet.

Can anyone have more beautiful daughters?

Ah, you know I had to sneak one selfie in? Right

 There were so many, many good pictures. 

Age is just a number and grief is just a word

 This is January,  only the first month of 2023, and already two of my coworkers have died. One was 41 and had been ill for a really long time. I thought with his age he would pull out of it, but unfortunately I was wrong. I was completely at a loss at what to say to his wife and children. 41 is just too damn young. Then, another one was found deceased this week and he was only 32. Signing a card to his mom, has not been the high light of my day. 32? WTH? Just a baby. Some of my babies are older. So, so many sayings have run through my head and they won't stop. Ones like it's not the number of breaths you take, but the number of breaths that take your breath away. When it's your time, it's your time.  All of these random things just going in and out my head and I don't like it one bit. Talking to another friend, that lost her mom last year. Her Christmas was quiet and really subdued and she spent most of her time alone-how very different from my Christmas after losing mom. All thirty of us gathered in a cabin in the mountains. Reading poems by Spock. Drinking Mexican hot chocolate. Playing games. Laughing at each other and sometimes crying together. I think that's the word that's sticking with me-together. I know no matter how depressed or lonely I get, family is just a call away. If I sound desperate enough, they'll be at my front door before I can get the spare rooms ready. Aunt Mary calls her Family Calendars-"Greatest Family in the World" and I agree. We're not perfect. We squable. We have different views. We act different. Live different, but we're there for each other. We always have been. Always will be. And I'm going to be childish and say fuck grief just because I can. 

Folgers in your cup

 

Some people say the best part of waking up is Foldgers in your cup. I agree that coffee is an essential start to every morning, but some times the best part of waking up, is the hugs.