Friday, September 8, 2017

September 8, 2017
4:40 p.m.





Today is my father's 82nd birthday. There is something profoundly miraculous in getting to say that. We live in an era where it is possible to live longer and healthier lives.

I'm grateful for it.

My mother turned 80 last month after enduring a dangerous illness. She survived that and had cataract surgery last week. Now she can see quite clearly for the first time in ages.

Again: miraculous.

My parents have been married for 60 years. At a time when marriage has become disposable, that is really miraculous.

There are so many things to be grateful for. So very many.

Like many others, I don't always remember that. I don't always take the time to be grateful for the many blessings I've been given.

So today, I just want to say "Thank you. I'm grateful. I appreciate these blessings."

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you! I don't know what would have ever become of me without you. You're the greatest!




Saturday, September 2, 2017

September 2, 2017
12:23 p.m.

Oh, gosh! It's September already??

(Guess that means I have to pay bills. SAD FACE.)

I have days when I love the heck out of technology, and days when I wish I was living in Hobbiton.

Ah, the prospect of the lovely little Hobbit House, full of books and a nice writing desk and a fireplace, where my only thoughts would be finishing a manuscript, having some tea and deciding what my next delicious meal will be. I could totally live in a house built into the side of a hill. I would most likely be the stay-at-home-and-write Bilbo rather than the more socially outgoing Frodo--except that I would do more reading and less adventuring, because...dragons. Scary rings. Orcs.

Hahaha!

I used to think I'd be cool with Little House on the Prairie times, but it's simply not fanciful enough. Hobbiton is better.
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Okay, I guess I have to come back to the modern world. Darn it.

My mother had cataract surgery this week, so we are doing a month long course of eye drops now. These surgeries, unlike the July emergency surgery, were planned well in advance, and I'm so glad she has been healing nicely and was well enough to take the trip and get it all taken care of.

One of the drops she will be using has a happy little side-effect: it helps you grow long, thick, dark eyelashes. She's really looking forward to that! (I want some!)
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What got me dreaming of simpler times was the fact that I need to download a film editing program to my laptop so I can edit and share some video, and that means I have to think. Think hard. REALLY dang hard.

Ouch.

I was able to capture some really nice video of my niece's wedding last weekend, and I know I won't be able to share until I edit it, because the file is just too big. I really want my niece to have it for her wedding memories, so I have to get this done.

Wish me luck!
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11:28 p.m.

Spent some time with the laundry and talking with my kids on Marco Polo. Now, there's a fun app. You answer or comment at your own convenience, but you get to actually see the folks you're having a conversation with. I may be away from home, but this lets me see everyone on a regular basis.

Mom is day four post-op, and I am keeping an eye on those eyelashes! Dad got some terrific growth
last year when he was using those drops, and I can't wait to see what it does for Mom.
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I just did updates on my computer and when I came back to it, my clock had changed to military time. Doggone it, now I have to think. Didn't we establish earlier today that I already have enough to think about? Gee Whiz!
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I just watched a Tyler Perry flick called "The Family That Preys". I don't know how I've never seen it before, but that was a good movie. I love Kathy Bates (but you knew that already!)

Speaking of Tyler Perry, my mother is quite a fan of his movies. He's got quite a bit of insight into family life. Mom can be depended on to find either a Tyler Perry movie or an old western to watch.

My brother, a true Jack of all Trades, spent some time this week working in the bathroom to convert the tub into a walk in shower. It's going to look great when it's done, and we won't have to worry about anyone having trouble climbing over the edge of the tub anymore.

My young niece purchased her first house this week--at the age of twenty-one, she is a homeowner. I'm so happy for her!

My nephew went bow hunting today and got his antelope. I can't imagine being able to sneak up close enough to take a shot. Good job! We get to eat this winter.

Okay, I guess I have to look at the bills now. Ugh.

Everyone have a great night.