Cleaning out ~ Free fun!

This little guy adores my son. He lives across the street and literally waits for Nick to come home. When he does, the greeting is sweet and filled with such admiration and excitement.

When Nick came home from college this summer it was our little neighborhood town crier that announced the arrival of Nick's 4Runner in the subdivision. He sat in his front yard on a landscaping rock for the longest time just waiting to spy Nick's red truck. After getting permission from his mom, he hopped on his bike and was in our driveway in a matter of 1 second to greet his buddy.

Whenever he sees Nick in the yard, he yells over to him. He always manages to find something that they both have in common. Today it was their short hair cuts ~ now they look alike ~ how sweet is that!

He has even asked if Nick could babysit him ~ awwwh.

This afternoon Nick was getting a few things out of the garage attic. Next thing we knew, Julian was right beside him helping. Not long after his arrival, a pile of "treasures" was being set aside for Julian to take home. I, of course, thought this was a fabulous idea ~ sharing our wealth {aka cleaning out the "treasures" that couldn't possibly be thrown away so we stored them and now they are just taking up space in our attic} I'm sure his mother was just as happy as I (her receiving and my giving) when we had to help him across the street with his new found fun!

Bozley managed to get a new red ball out of the deal and join in the fun of squirt guns.

Half the fun of having an older neighbor boy to look up to is getting some of their cool stuff. It was so fun to watch the look on Julian's face as they went through the boxes and pulled out Nick's history as a boy.

When Nick was a little boy, he looked up to Pete. Thanks to Claudia {Pete's mother} Nick came home many a times with passed on treasures!

Fran, you can thank me later for the bike ramp.

We only visited the ER once ~ honestly! : )

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I just can't take it anymore ~ I've had enough!

It has been raining for days which has turned into weeks and I'm beginning to think it's never, ever going to stop.

The picture above is of me {in cartoon like characteristics} This is what I look like today on June 23rd. Yes, I checked the calendar and it is in fact June. This month also happens to fall into the season of summer {I had to check that too!}

What?

You're confused as to why I have on a jacket and scarf, with long pants and boots while holding an umbrella?

The answer is simple ~

Mother Nature here in Connecticut hasn't gotten the memo ...

it's summer!

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School is officially out for the summer!

I'm ready for the beach ~ now if I could just get the rain to stop and the sun to shine.

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~ Birthday Boy ~

Happy Birthday Nicholas! We love you tons and tons!

* My boy and his best bud Bozley.

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~ Spring Festival ~

Last weekend several girlfriends got together for the annual Spring Festival at Jonathan Edwards Winery. We always have a great time at this event. It's a great way to spend a laid back day of sitting in the sun, listening to live bands and grazing through many rounds of yummy goodies. We all bring something gourmet and delicious to share. It's a real bonus that we all like to cook and get creative for these outings.

After my horrible week I wasn't sure if I wanted to go or if I'd even be home {due to my husband's situation} In the end, I decided to go. I'm so glad I did for a few reasons.

1. Great to be out with friends

2. You can escape reality for bit

3. We always have amazing food ~ and lots of it!

4. Who doesn't like a glass of Chardonnay while enjoying the beautiful vineyard setting.

and most importantly ...

5. It's the only sunny day {without any rain} we've had in Southeastern Connecticut in weeks!

It's not the greatest picture of me {I'm on the right} or my friend but we were having a great time so it doesn't matter!

*It's currently pouring outside as I type this. I'm beginning to think I should google directions for building an ark!

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What a treat!

My son informed me on Tuesday night that he was making dinner for me on Wednesday. This was his treat to me since he wasn't home for Mother's Day. Just knowing that I didn't have to come home and cook for my family was a gift within its self ~ I've been a tad busy these days!

He later shared with me that he was online looking at recipes for well over an hour making sure he found something I would really like ~ awww.



When I entered the house I was immediately informed that I was NOT ALLOWED to help in any way. I must admit that this was a little difficult as I am always the one in the kitchen. I actually really enjoy cooking. It's relaxing to me and I enjoy cooking for my family and friends.

Nick and Shannon build me a fire in our patio fireplace to sit by while catching up on a recent magazine and sipping some chardonnay ~ I could get use to this treatment very quickly!

I told myself before I even entered the kitchen to remember that men cook by using every pot, pan, spoon and plate in the kitchen and leave them on the counter ~ my son is no exception. I wasn't going to use this picture but, it honestly represents his true cooking talents! :)

The pictures are a backwards but I think you'll get the idea. For dessert he made a white cake and cut it into four layers. Between the layers he but a pudding and cool whip frosting with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Ever so yummy!

Not only is my son handsome but he can cook!

Our main course was chicken parmigiana with tomato sauce from scratch {his nanny (my mother) would be so proud} and the best bread you've ever tasted. We call it "Aunt Annies" bread since my sister~in~law created it. I could honestly eat an entire loaf myself.

No, I didn't eat the entire plate. I had more than plenty to enjoy this afternoon for lunch.

I love the fact that Nicholas enjoys cooking. It's something I've always had fun sharing with him. It is a skill that will serve him well in life and his one day wife {in 20 years} will thank me for instilling in him!

Thanks Nicholas, it was a lovely evening that I looked forward to all day. I am one lucky mom!

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Over the weekend I went to the beautiful garden pictured above. It was a cool, damp, over cast, New England Saturday ~ the new norm around here.

Every where you looked, there was something new that grabbed your attention. This amazing garden is owned by the nurse at my school. She not only has a green thumb, but all her fingers, and her body is green! I can not believe that she and her husband alone have not only created this little piece of heaven but manage it while still adding to the surrounding beauty.

Early Saturday morning I grabbed a hot cup of coffee, and headed for Sue's. This is a yearly event that she has been hosting since the death of her daughter. It's a plant sale that supports the Memorial of her only daughter. To hear Sue speak of the love, the loss and the rebuilding of herself and her marriage without her daughter, brings tears to your eyes. Her spirit is tender and her words are soft but her strength is something that I just cannot put into words. It's almost educational to her discuss the steps {very different} that she and her husband had to take to find themselves in their new lives with out Laura.

Many years ago, her daughter was killed in an air plane crash. She was in the Air Force. Sue doesn't walk or run so a fundraiser of that nature wasn't of interest to her. She quickly realized her talents and love of gardening and put them to good use!

From her amazing garden she hosts a bountiful sale. I came home with many goodies that I quickly added to our growing yard. If you see something you like, but it's too late to transplant, she simply adds your request to her list and will have it ready for you next spring. I've already marked my calendar for next year, I'm not missing out! I can only hope that one day my own garden is as peaceful and tranquil. I may never want to leave!

Each plant is sent to its new home with a special memory attached.

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Doing SO much better ~ thank you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am happy to say that my husband is on the mend {still in California} and almost pain free.

I am SO glad last week is over! I never want to go through one like it again ~ ever.

The tests showed a portion {several inches} of my husbands intestine was inflamed and enlarged which was causing his distress. The odd part is that when they did blood work the first time, his white cells were not elevated. When there is some form of infection within the body, this number rises. He had a very serious diverticulitis {sp} attack. At one point when I spoke with him, he was on morphine so he make so since at all. It was like trying to make sense of a small child that has just learned to speak. They also found out that he has Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ~ this is a tick born disease. I'm not at all surprised by this one since we live in Connecticut and we are known for the infamous Lyme disease (Lyme CT is only 15minutes from our house.) My son and Bozley have had Lyme disease as well as half of our neighbors. Luckily, we have always caught it early.

Once they had a final diagnoses, they put him on two strong antibiotics and pain manager that begins with a V and makes him rest. He is feeling much better and is planning to carry on with the details of his summer.

The hardest part for me was having him so far away. I wasn't able to see him or be there for him.

I can't thank each of you enough for checking in, your emails, support and prayers.

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Update

I received a phone call in the early morning hours (my time) stating that my husband is in the hospital. He is hooked up to IVs and they are running tests. He had a CAT scan {sp?}

and they are awaiting the results.

I'm at odds as to what to do ~ should I fly out immediately? Or stay home and try to remain calm? By the time I actually get to him, all could be fine (this is my positive, glass is half full side coming through). I have a 16 and 18 year old at home ~ very good children I might add but I don't think teens should be left home alone. We don't have any family near us.

At this time, I'm going into school very early to make sure all my lesson plans are taken care of for the rest of the year ~ we have 14 days of school left. And I'll let my Principal know that I may need to leave. I'm also "looking into" flights.

My husbands words to me ~ there is no need to worry, I'll be fine. Thanks Kev! Unfortunately, I'm a little past not worrying at this point.

So, if you have a little free time in your day, I could really use a few positive thoughts and prayers sent our way!

Thanks a ton~

Jo

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Terrible Tuesday

What a NOT so great day!

I can't go into many (or any) details to due security reasons but, let's just say that today was one of my worse days in a very long time!

The short version is that my husband is many,many,many states away ready to board a boat for the summer. I got a message concerning his health. A very scary message, the one you always dread.

I was just about to go into a PPT for one of my students when I got the message. I didn't speak to him right away. In fact, I didn't actually speak to him for almost 7 hours after the message I received. Every possible horrible and horrifying thought went through my mind. I was ready to pack my bag "just in case". It was the most tense afternoon. I tried so hard to keep a smile on my face for my students but I was ready to burst into tears at any given moment!

Since I can't go into detail, I can only tell you that he is a little better for now. I'm not booking a flight(right away) but, I do have a direct phone number just in case. Being the person (true Navy guy) that he is, he is ready to board the ship!

And this is why I pray each and every night!

Please say a little extra prayer for him if you have a spare moment.

(I really appreciate it.)

Thank you,

Jo

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It's almost here ...

Summer vacation that is!

I'm counting down the last 17 days of our school year.

I am looking forward to quiet mornings {I have teens who like to sleep past 7am} to myself. I love my time first thing in the morning. It's my time to regroup, plan my day ahead, make my lists and just think without interruptions.

I'm ready for lazy days spent at the beach ~ to time schedule and no rushing around.

My gardens are planted and ready for some steady sunshine {it's been a tad chilly here this spring} so they can stretch out their little leaves and grow!

We had a little taste of summer this past weekend. My children and I went to a local seasonal restaurant. The outdoor kind that serves fresh fish and chips, lobster, clams, and steamers ~ oh so yummy and looking out at the water only adds to the delight. It was a great evening of catching up with them and enjoying what's about to come!

Well, I'm off to check off #17 from my calendar.

Have a great day~

Jo

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