Giving Thanks

Yesterday was one of the most restful Thanksgivings I can remember. The last couple of holiday seasons have been difficult. Holidays have always meant family time together, wild and noisy, and our little Southern California sector of the family just seemed to get smaller and smaller. On more than one occasion, I've found myself thinking, "This isn't what I thought it would be." The picture in my head and heart has always been of children and grandchildren gathering together, and in today's world, that just isn't possible very often.

But a new holiday feeling is emerging. Our family circle has expanded to include my stepsister and her husband, who have not often been there to celebrate with us. What started out uncomfortable is now becoming pleasant. It's like new life has been injected into our family group. We all had such a good time this Thanksgiving. (Mom maybe less so, as she washed all the pans.) This was the first year in a long time that we all sat down at the Thanksgiving table together, not spread across two rooms. The grandchildren were respectful of the holiday feeling, pretty good manners at the table, eager to have their part in the holiday. The food was really good, and I think everyone felt appreciated.

A real Thanksgiving memory was established. Thanks, Mom, for having all of us. It will be wonderful when some of the rest of you can join us. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing.

I can't wait for Christmas!

I Don't Have All of the Answers

I really love my kids and I've worked hard to be there for them, whatever the need. But, you know what? I don't have all the answers. And if I spend all of my time trying to figure out how to solve their problems, when will they either learn to find their own solutions or decide to live with the consequences of their choices. So from this moment on, I will strive to be the cheerleader. I might look a little silly out there jumping up and down, but I'll bet my heart will be lighter if I trust them to take that next step themselves.

We've Got Weather

I'm not sure we haven't been transported to another state! Lightning and thunder crashed through the night and left us briefly with no power this morning. The poor dog had to be tricked into going outside, and when the cats insisted they had to go out, they dashed right back in. It's fun, it's wonderful, and hopefully it won't last so long we get tired of it.

Rain in October in California! Thanks!

Song for Ireland

For some reason I've taken a lot of trips down memory lane in the past couple of weeks. The very first evening we ever spent in Ireland was with Janet and Tom. At the end of the evening we ended up at The Plough, a pub located kitty-corner from the Abbey Theater. It was our first Irish pub. It was crowded and we felt lucky to snag the only table in a little tiny balcony that overlooked the rest of the pub. We were downing our first pints, listening to the musicians playing to the noisy crowd below. As they started playing "Song for Ireland," it seemed like everyone else in the pub began to sing along. I hope I can insert this link properly; this song still makes my heart soar

Checking In

Not much to say here, but it's been a while. We're settled into the new school routine with a minimum of fuss. Waiting for real fall weather - 90+ temperatures have go to go. Mourning the loss of an uncle and wishing we could all be together.

I heard Grandma Norris's voice in the library a while back. Not really, of course; I quickly connected the voice I heard to one of our computer patrons. But for a few brief moments I was joyful and felt that all was well with the world. The incident keeps coming back to my mind in various ways. What does she think about all of us? Are we passing muster? Is she frowning at that sarcastic tone I used with Rosanne the other day? And all of that is important to me. The bottom line is that I would like my children and grandchildren to feel about me the same way I feel about her. Tough shoes to fill.

I may be in trouble, though - I saw Jim's mom in my exercise class.

Update (and Excuses, I Guess)

I keep meaning to add something here, but somehow just haven't had the time/inspiration to do it. My primary excuse is that I'm waiting for the pictures. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I was reading a book the other day and came across this line (paraphrased): Sometimes I feel like I spend my life pulling boulders up the hill, and every time I let loose just a little bit, one of them goes rolling back down to the bottom. In my first "aha" moment I was thinking, "This describes my life exactly" and I spent the next few minutes wallowing in and thoroughly enjoying my self pity. Then another thought hit me: Who made me responsible for pulling all those boulders anywhere? Hmmm.