Nothing doing Friday

Today is day one of a four day long weekend.  What a treat!

It was lazy day, the cats and I hung out in the sunroom for the morning, spent some time on the deck in the sun, and then I watched Law and Order reruns for a good part of the afternoon.  I did have to leave the house briefly as I had a chiropractic treatment booked.  I've literally had a pain in my neck for the last month or so.  I went for massages but although they helped the pain kept coming back.  In two sessions the chiropractor has snapped, crackled, and popped my entire back and the pain is nearly gone.  Amazing!

Our Saskatchewan Roughriders were playing tonight against the Hamilton Tigercats.  I was glued to the television and can say with Rider pride, we won handily.  Go Riders Go!!!

The cats don't enjoy my hollering at the television very much,  Sasha is hanging out downstairs with C, while Sami and Saku beat a retreat into the sunroom.

Don't they look comfy?  I think I'll go join them.

The shoe has dropped

Yesterday. thirty-eight people I work with were told their jobs are in jeopardy as the result of various cost cutting measures.  Of those, nearly half were told their divisions were being eliminated in the next fifteen months.  It was a day we've known would come for some time, but despite the forewarning, it was a difficult day. 

I'm fortunate that I work in an area that was affected the least.  Three of our staff will be moving into a different workload but at least they'll still have a job.  We're expecting that another dozen or so people will be moving into our division by the fall of 2013.   We know this movement will likely have an impact on the staff currently working in the division.

On the positive side, there will be opportunities for those who accept the change and do what they need to do to prepare themselves.  Unfortunately there will be others who will fight the change and will make it difficult for the others they work with. 

Uncertainty is difficult for everyone.  As a manager my staff will be looking to me to lead the way through these changes.  I will have to put aside my worries and be the coach and cheerleader they need me to be. 

Deep breath.  It's going to be an interesting time. 

Nothing is permanent but change.
HERACLITUS

Wordless Wednesday

Tickle me Tuesday

I think I've seen this one before, it's sort of funny, but the kitten picture is pretty darn cute! Enjoy.

A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and said, 'You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you want is yours for the asking.'

The cat thought for a minute and then said, 'All my life I lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on.'

God said, 'Say no more.' Instantly the cat had a huge fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the gates with the same offer that He made to the cat.

The mice said, 'Well, we have had to run all of our lives: from cats, dogs, and even people with brooms! If we could just have some little roller skates, we would not have to run again.'
God answered, 'It is done.' All the mice had beautiful ittle roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow.. God gently awakened the cat and asked, 'Is everything okay? How have you been doing? Are you happy?'

The cat replied, 'Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!'

Mancat Monday

Tired boy Sasha

 Although his eyes are open he wasn't quite awake but apparently he was annoyed by the flash on the camera. 

Go away Mom and let me sleep...zzzzzzzz

Sunday snooping

"Hey Mom, Sami is in your purse" my daughter called to me from the kitchen.  "In my purse?" I asked.  "Yes, but now she's just rubbing up against it.  I guess she wants everyone to know she's your cat!".

What on earth - why would the cat be in my purse? And then I remembered my trip yesterday to the pet store.  (Excuse the mess on the table - I still haven't cleared up all the paperwork).

That nip must be pretty potent!  She'd even managed to chew a couple of small holes in the bag so I poured it into a jar.  Of course that was after I put some out for all three to share.

.



Sunroom Saturday

Hooray, the sun is sunshining all over the place! (I know that's not a word but today it should be :)
The cats and I spent a good part of the morning out in the sunroom.  I sat in my chair, drinking coffee, watching the cats play.

What do you hear Saku?

If you stretch a little more, you might be able to see better!

Who is that I see hiding in the kitty tent?

It's Sami!!!

Nevermind, Saku will just sit over here

Because Sasha is busy having a bath where Saku relaxed before.

Hope everyone is having a sunny, relaxing Saturday! 

Officially old

No, it's not my birthday!  That was a while back and I'm quite content to wait several more months until the next one.

It's become quite clear that I am no longer current.  Case in point:

Carpe Diem, check.  YOLO????????????  What the heck does that mean?

Scroll down for the answer.









An acronym for the term “You Only Live Once,” urbandictionary.com describes it as a catchprase “mainly used to defend doing something ranging from mild to extreme stupidity.”

Sometimes it's good to be old!

Almost made it

Hurray, we had no rain yesterday!  Actually we had no rain until after 6 p.m.  I got home from work about 5:30, fed the cats, and wandered out onto the deck to some deadheading and check the containers.  My hanging pots were really dry - not sure how that happened so I gave them a drink

After coming indoors and making dinner I sat down to watch the news.  At one point, I muted the television to hollar at my son.  I kept hearing these loud noises and I thought the bass on his music was turned up too high!  Then I realized he was sleeping and his music wasn't even on in the basement.  Oops, my mistake!!

And then I started seeing flashes of light, the thunder got louder, and the skies opened up. 

For nearly 10 minutes it just poured!

And it rained some more

It rained so hard that the gutters couldn't keep up with the downpour and the water began rushing down the sunroom window.

By 8 p.m. the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the street was dry.  Today marks the summer solstice so hopefully this summer storm signifies a change from the cool temperatures we've been having to hot summer weather!  Bring it on!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

The goofy Deniece - who couldn't love that face?

Random post

I've been feeling a little out of sorts the last little while, due in large part to the fact we know there are changes coming at work but no one (and I mean absolutely no one) is saying anything.  I heard a rumor today those in the know have even been required to sign non-disclosure agreements! The other rumors I'm hearing suggest we'll finally have some communication late next week.  What that means, or what it will look like, who knows?  Frankly I'm  feeling like a mushroom, kept in the dark and fed shit every so often. 

In the meantime I've been trying to find things that make me smile.

The sun may not be shining right now, but it was when I took this picture.  Little pansy faces always make me smile!

Flipping through the photos of my trip to Saint Lucia last January, brings to mind memories of a wonderful day at sea on the catamaran.  And it makes me smile to know, I'll be going back there again next January!

And of course these three bring so much joy into my life, how could I not smile when they play (or cuddle).

Saku "Where's Sasha?  He was here a minute ago"

Sasha "If I don't move, he'll never know I"m here!"

Sami "I love you mom.  Love me too!"

When it rains

The clouds started rolling in about mid-afternoon yesterday.  At first, I thought they were going to simply roll on by.  I even watered my impatience containers as they were quite dry as these containers are placed next to the front walkway and are sheltered somewhat by the overhang.

I stepped out onto the deck to take a picture of the sky to the south.  There were only a few drops of rain falling.

By the time I walked indoors  to sit down to write this post, it was pouring.  And then as quickly as it started, the downpour was done.

The forecast is calling for reasonably good weather for the week, with temperatures in the low to mid 20's C (about 70-75F).  On the other hand, it also would appear we have a chance of rain every day as well.  With any luck Mother Nature is aware that the summer solstice occurs next Wednesday.

For the time being, to water or not to water, that is the question.

Father's Day for the fatherless

I have to admit I hadn't realized Father's Day was coming up this weekend until I heard a news item about it on Friday evening.  My dad passed away nearly four years ago so remembering to purchase a card and gift in advance just isn't in my memory bank any longer.  I know I'll spend some time today thinking of him and wishing I could have another day, another conversation, another hug as I've done every year since he left us.

My children don't have any memories of their fathers.  Neither man was in my life long enough to see me through to end of the pregnancy and by my choice were not a factor in the children's lives as they grew up.  Over the years I've been called selfish and harsh for having made that choice.   I had my reasons and as the years have passed, neither man has ever given me any reason to second guess those decisions.

The father figure in their lives was my father.  In fact, at one point when D was about four, another child was asking why she didn't have a father, and she answered "I don't need a dad, I gots a grandpa".  When we were visiting my parents, my Dad took D most everywhere with him, and C too as he got older.   They would go to the park or downtown to the Co-op where Grandpa could always be convinced to buy a treat!

My Dad married and became a father late in life.  He was 48 years old when I was born (the oldest of three) and 51 when my youngest brother R was born.  Like Dad, my brother R is an "older" father.  His children were born when he was 39 and 41 respectively.  Also like Dad, R is a very involved father, he coaches hockey and soccer, drives Deniece and Denephew to most of their activities, and loves to spend time playing or just hanging out with them.  They go on really awesome holidays to Disneyland, to national parks, and spend most of the summer at the lake house.  Both K and L are loved (and a little spoiled too).

R and I had a great role model in our Dad. Looking back, I realize my children didn't have nearly enough time with him.  However neither one seems interested in having children of their own.  And as long as they are living with me, I'm okay with that!

The more I do, the more I do

What a treat - I was able to sleep in this morning!  Since I didn't get up to feed the cats I have to assume either C or D as the cats were curled up on the bed when I finally woke up.  I have to wonder that both kids were awake before I was.  As my mother used to say they must have wet the bed!

D was working today at her second job and C headed over to his friends' house to help with some yardwork so both were out of the house by mid-morning.  For some reason I always get more done when they're not here.  I guess I find it easier (and less frustrating) when they are out of the house and I can just go full steam ahead without someone coming behind me and messing it up again!

I had C bring the upright vacuum upstairs and I used it for the first time on all the surfaces. Up until now I've pulled out the canister vacuum for the laminate and linoleum since the upright is so heavy.  I managed okay with the upright but I won't be surprised if I don't pay for it tomorrow with a sore back.  On the other hand, it sure picked up the cat hair better than the canister so a little pain will be worth it.

When I started up the vacuum Saku and Sasha beat a hasty retreat to the sunroom.  Sami doesn't seem to care.

After vacuuming I went outside and mowed the lawn.  Since we're forecast to get more rain tomorrow I figured if I didn't do it today, chances were it would have to wait several days.  Besides there's not much difference between pushing a vacuum and pushing a mower. Despite the rain we've had this past week, both the front bed and the lawn were dry so I put the sprinklers on for awhile.  NOW I'm sure it will rain tomorrow!

When I'm cleaning I tend to put all the odds and ends I gather up on the dining room table.  My thought is that I can sort it out and put things into their places when I finish the rest of my cleaning.  By the time I was done with the vacuuming and mowing I was wiped and ready for some time in front of the television with a glass of cold water.  Except for feeding the cats I haven't moved in over an hour.

This is what is waiting for me:

And it's going to wait a little longer.  Because I think I'm done enough for today and I'm ready for a nap.  I think I'll curl up on the couch.  I think Sami would like that too!



Wild and wacky weather - Saskatchewan style

One of several funnel clouds spotted in the west-central area of the province (Courtesy Natasha Hnidy) CBC News

There were several funnel clouds and even a couple of minor tornados touching down in an area about three hours north and west of my city today.  Fortunately there was no damage and the tornado warnings have been lifted.  However, they are still under a severe thunder storm warning.

My brother, who lives about 40 kms (25 mi) from me, called to say in a span of fifteen minutes their farm got 1/4 inch of rain.  He and his children were in the barn, and when the rain hit, the noise on the metal roof was so loud they couldn't hear each other from three feet away.

Here in the city, it was a bit overcast and gray this afternoon and we got the occasional brief shower.  Not enough to give much moisture to the containers so I was out watering before dinner.  You can see the sun is shining and there are only a few clouds in the sky.  While there is still some potential for rain it would appear we're missing the extreme weather.

Of course we have a saying in Saskatchewan - if you don't like the weather wait five minutes!

Thoughtful Thursday

From the WTH were you thinking files:

A hockey mom from a small town in Saskatchewan was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison today for sexual interference with three fourteen year old boys.  All of these boys were friends of her son.  In what world (or in whose mind) would this be even remotely appropriate?

The parents of two year old twin girls from Alberta are facing charges of two counts each of aggravated assault, criminal negligence causing bodily harm and failing to provide the necessities of life.  When the children's father called the paramedics to their home, they found one child with a severe head injury, and both girls severely malnourished.  One child weighed a mere 13 pounds, the other 16 pounds.  A third child, a boy has been placed in foster care.  Words fail me...

Finally, from the wacky, weird, and better news comes this story:

Gord Martin comforts a baby moose after rescuing it from a strong current in Black River, in northwestern Ontario. (Bonnie Couchie) CBC news
A pair of canoeists found two baby moose struggling in a river current in Northern Ontario.  One moose they were able to guide to shore while the smaller one clambered into their canoe and was delivered to shore. Apparently grateful, the little moose tried to follow the canoeist rather than his sibling.  The pair had to jump in their canoe and paddle away quickly.

When I hear or read a story of an abused and abandoned animal, I'm sad and angry, and I wish there were more I could do to help.  I donate to my local shelter on a regular basis, I attend their special events, and I've adopted six cats over the past twelve years.

When I hear or read a story of abused or neglected children, I get angry.  I want nothing more than to hurt those who would hurt these children.  I can only hope that justice is served and each of these children, whose innocence has been lost will survive and grow healthy.

Wordless Wednesday

Sick day

Woke up this morning after a very restless night, with a sore throat, a cough, and general feeling yuckiness.  I knew within minutes there was no point in going to work - I had the perfect excuse to stay home and rest!

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy my job, but sometimes I just wish for that time in my life where I don't have to go to work.  A sick day, even when I don't feel 100%, gives me a taste of what retirement might be like. 

After calling into the office to let my boss know I wouldn't be in, I crawled back into bed for another hour of sleep.  I dozed off and on, but it was no better than the rest of the night had been, so after 20 minutes I decided to go out and water the containers.  That done, I did the dishes, cleaned up the kitchen, and made a pot of coffee.

I spent much of the morning in the sunroom, reading and enjoying my coffee.  I went in to make myself some lunch, settled in front of the television with my computer to watch the news.   A short nap on the couch with a couple of cats, and a Law and Order marathon later, and I'm feeling back to normal.

If this is what retirement will be like, bring it on!

No beach for me this summer

And I thought speedos (aka banana hammocks) were bad!

Friends are fun

Saturday started out cool and overcast with the threat of rain.  When I went out to check my containers I found there had been quite a bit of rain overnight.  I appreciate Mother Nature taking care of my watering!

A friend came over later in the morning, she and I, along with her son R went garage "saling".  R is four years old and quite the character.  C and I have been friends for more than fifteen years when she had her first son J.  With busy lives we don't always manage to get together often but going to garage sales in the spring and early summer has become a tradition.  When we do get together we spend a lot of time laughing. 

Having R with us was a lot of fun.  He's at that age where he's beginning to be less literal and starting to put things together.  At one of the garage sales he had taken an interest in a toy lawn mower and the fellow had given it to him.  When we came back to my house he wanted to "mow" my backyard but by then it was raining.  So I let him take into the sunroom where he mowed my carpet.  At one point he tried to put the mower on the furniture and I told it did not belong there.  He turns to me and says "compromise".  I laughed out loud, what four year knows the word compromise?  I explained to hiim the only compromise I'd make is that he could sit on the furniture and his mower would stay on the floor.  His mother informed him the word he needed was negotiate but he stuck with compromise. 

We both picked up some good things at the ten or so garage sales we attended.  I scored a nice folding chair for $2.50 and a new vase for a dollar.  I also got a small tent, it's meant to be used by toddlers or babies and would normally be filled with balls.  There were no balls but I thought it might make a fun place for the one or more of the cats to hang out in.  I tossed a toy in there last evening, and Saku took to it right away.  It keeps the toy contained while he bats it around - lots of fun!

Sami is having a bath in the sun, while Saku is enjoying the sun streaming through the window. 

Here's my new folding chair on the deck.  I have another of these chairs painted white that I use on the lower part of the deck as well.  I like the finish on this chair so I'll leave it as is.  As long as I remember to store it away in the winter I'm sure it will last a long time.

Today I have to get the mowing done, cat litter cleaned, and the house vacuumed. I'd rather be spending the time in my sunroom reading the book I bought yesterday but that will have to wait until my chores are done.  Happy Sunday everyone!

Busy day

Took my car into the shop for brake work this morning before I headed into work for a few hours.  I stopped at my bank on the way home as I have some changes I need to make to my accounts and got an appointment for Monday.  I'm sure I'm showing my age, but I remember when you went into the bank and actually got to talk to someone that day, and usually within a few minutes.  Now you have to make an appointment.  It's part the reason I do most of my banking on line...which I guess is what they want anyway.  Customer service, not so much.

I'd called my massage therapist this morning though and was able to get in to see her this afternoon.  Her office is practically next door to repair shop so I stopped in before I went for my appointment to see whether my car was finished.  It wasn't, but the fellow said it would be done before I finished my appointment.  He then asked if I needed a ride anywhere. I said I had an appointment nearby and would come back by 3:45.  After a wonderful 1/2 hour massage, I went back to pick up my car.  I stopped by the quick oil change place on the way home and got that take care of as well.   It was productive day!

Now I'm relaxing.  I wandered about the yard and took a pictures to share with you.

This little fellow is a grackle and I think he's fallen from the nest (or was pushed by his brothers and sisters!).  I saw him sitting one the deck the other night and the next day he was sitting in this area under the tree.  When I went to check to see if he was alive he hollered at me and his parents started dive bombing towards me.  I left some water out for him thinking he might be thirsty but fully expected he would get caught by a neighbourhood cat or another predator.  I didn't see him all day yesterday, but this morning he was back and chirped madly when I came near.  This evening I found him again.  I truly amazed that he is alive!   I suspect his parents aren't still feeding him and hopefully he'll soon be capable of flight. 

This is one of my favorite flowers, the gazinnia.  I love how it opens up to the sun and then closes at the end of the day.  It's like getting a little present every day when it shows it's pretty face!

My catmint plants are growing like crazy.  I may have to move them from container they are in and into one of their own because the rest of the plants look stunted in comparison!

When I turned around Sasha was watching me through the window..."please mum, can't I come out"

Sorry buddy, but I won't chance it with the baby bird in the yard.  I think Momma and Poppa bird would have a fit!

I'm looking to a wonderful warm weekend - hope yours is wonderful too!



Wordless Wednesday

Everyone deserves a decent place to live

Today's title is the motto on a t-shirt from Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit group known around the world for building homes for less-fortunate families.  Today a group of five women from our office charitable campaign committee joined in the preliminary stage of a Habitat for Humanity build in our city.  We were there to assist try not to get in the way of the workers as they poured the basement.

I'm sure the lead contractor sighed when he saw us show up.  But within a few minutes we were actually helping - obviously he's had a lot of practice with volunteers.  The basement walls are formed with an interlocking styrofoam block system, much like Lego blocks, and the concrete is poured in the centre. 

To begin with we had to do some bracing using scrap pieces of 3/4 inch plywood, lifting and screwing the pieces in place, with one person on a ladder and the second holding the wood and/or the ladder.  I was the one on the ground - I don't do heights well and the thought of holding a drill as well was more than I could manage. 

Once this was complete, the others were taken inside the basement while I stayed on the exterior to fill holes with spray foam.  Again, this was my choice.  In order to get to the interior, one had to walk across a plank, extending from the pile of dirt to the open window, then climb over the basement wall to get onto the stepladder.  Once inside the basement, one stayed on the scaffolding about 6 feet above the basement floor while the second stood below passing up materials to complete the bracing.

We finished these tasks just after noon and the concrete truck wasn't coming until 1 p.m. so we took a break and went for lunch.  The best part - taking off my steel toed shoes and slipping into my flipflops!

After lunch, the concrete pumper truck was in place, and within minutes the concrete was starting to flow.  My job (again on the exterior of the basement) was to monitor the blocks to ensure they weren't moving outward and that any leaks were minimal.  It's difficult to describe, but at one point I was on the far side of the house in the pit between the basement wall and the dirt and I realized I could hear the styrofoam creaking and shifting.  The foreman must have realized I was little disturbed and told me not to worry, if the wall let go I'd only be in knee deep concrete and they'd be able to dig me out.  Comforting words, right!

Once the concret was poured most of the group left, while one of our gals helped insert the bolts that will used to fasten the top plates.  I helped out by getting items from the trailer as needed (though someone had to cross that plank to get them), cleaning up the site, and eventually helping pack the trailer.

I came home dirty, hot, and very tired.  A nice soak in the tub and a glass of ice water helped, but it's going to be an early evening.  I hate to think how sore I'm going to be tomorrow.  But right now that doesn't matter.  It was interesting day, I learned a lot about the early stages of home building, and definitely decided that I'm not cut out for construction.

When the coordinator came by in the morning to drop off coffee and snacks, we had a chance to learn more about Habitat for Humanity, and in particular the organization here in our city.  Last year they built eleven homes in our area.  There are nearly 300 applicants for each home!  A point system is used to determine who will be chosen, and then the successful applicant must agree to complete 500 hours of both sweat equity and volunteering in the community.  It's a hand up, not a hand out.

The coordinator explained they are starting a new program to assist the families.  This program will teach them about finances, creating and managing a budget, and the basics of home ownership.  They've created the curriculum and have the workbooks at the ready but are looking for someone to teach the course.  Guess who put their hand up?  Of course, it was me!  I feel it's a good fit, accounting and finance are part of my day-to-day work and I've been a trainer at our office for several years, so I know I enjoy teaching.  And finally, my background is not that disimilar to the families I'll be working with. 

Plus I won't have to climb any ladder, or cross any planks, and I won't have to worry about being knee deep in concrete!

Overcoming the mess

Look what I did!  I should have taken before and after pictures so you could have seen what an improvement this is but I didn't think about it until after I'd finished.

Most of the boxes and plastic containers you can see in the two bottom shelves (to the right) belong to my daughter.  They contain her kitchen and decorative items.  The upper shelves have camping gear and the one to the far left (on the right side) holds my tool box and my power tools. 

Under the workbench and the shelves to the left are items we've gathered together for a garage sale.
We've lived in this house less than 2 years!  How could we possibly have that much stuff to get rid of already?

The area at the front by the door is the recycling centre.  We gather up the pop cans, bottles and glass and wait for a group to come by on a bottle drive.  In this neighbourhood someone comes by every 6 to 8 weeks - in the last neighbourhood we never saw anyone in the ten years we lived there.  The blue bins are our paper and plastic recycling.  For now, a private company provides the service but our city is looking at taking it over and making it part of the garbage pickup process.

Speaking of garbage I threw out one large bag of garbage and several broken and useless items (some of which had been moved from the previous house).  I got all the debris, dirt, leaves, etc. cleaned up and let the garage air out for a couple of hours to get the stink out.  It's the only place in the house I allow my son to smoke so it needed it.

There's such a sense of accomplishment when order is created from chaos.  Now if I could just get ambitious enough to tackle that back room in the basement!

Easy like a Sunday morning

I was up early this morning, the house was quiet with C & D both sleeping, though once I was up the cats were asking to go out in the sunroom.  After opening window in the sunroom I headed outdoors to check my containers.  We had so much rain the week I was on the cruise, that today was the first day I've had to water anything!  At that, there only a half dozen or so that needed watering.

I enjoyed some time out in the sunroom before I came indoors to do some housework.   With a cup of coffee and book, a lovely breeze, sitting in the sunshine, life is truly good!

The cats tend to hang out wherever I am.  I sat down to read some blogs, glanced over at the couch and this is what I saw.  First Sami, hanging over the cushions on the couch.  Doesn't look comfortable to me but apparently works for her!

Then Sasha, all curled up and zonked right out.  He didn't even move when I took his picture.

But where was Saku?

There he is -  coming out of the sunroom.  I guess when you're only 4 years old you don't need as many naps as the older kitties. 

Hope everyone is having an awesome, easy Sunday!

Saying goodbye and hello again

Yesterday, my brother R and I attended the funeral of our cousin's wife in a small town about three hours from here.  M passed rather suddenly Monday after a brief illness.  She is survived by her husband, seven children, ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren and another due in September.

Her husband M and I are first cousins.  My dad was 44 when he married, while his sister married about twenty years prior, so there is a significant age difference between us.  In fact, I am closer in age to their children. 

When we grew up we didn't travel very often and I was already out of high school when I met the children for the first time.   We were invited to the older twin daughters' graduation.  My sister, brother and I made a road trip to visit.  I recall we had a wonderful time getting to know each other, there were lots of laughs, and we were so welcomed.

Although I've had the opportunity to visit with their parents over the years, yesterday was the first time I've seen six of the seven siblings since that last vist over thirty years ago.  Thankfully, my brother R has been much better than I keeping in touch.  Over the years he's gone hunting in  that part of the province and has always spent time with the family along the way.  In 2005, he and his young son took our Dad "home" to visit family and to see the homestead and ranch where he grew up.  R told me on the way back that on that trip, the entire family were so accomodating and helpful ensuring the visit was a huge success.

While it was difficult day yesterday, as we gathered to say goodbye to a an wonderful woman, having the opportunity to spend time with our extended family was special.  I know their mother would be so proud of her family, as they upheld one another in their grief, all the while extending a warm welcome to friends and other family in attendance. 

After the interment we were invited back to the hall to share a lunch and spend the afternoon visiting.  The afternoon flew by and about 6 p.m. the grandchildren went to get more food from the family home and we ended up staying for dinner as well.  We finally left around 8 p.m. last night for our drive home.  Both R and I remarked on how easy it was to pick up where we'd left off, catching up with everyone, feeling as though only days had passed and not years.

We've reached that age in our lives where family get togethers tend to be the result of weddings or funerals.  While distance is no a longer a major factor that keeps us apart, making time in our busy lives tend to intervene.  Yesterday reminded me how important it is to make the effort to keep in touch in order to maintain and sustain those family connections. 

Now it's up to me - for a start, I'll connect with some of my cousins via Facebook.  I'm grateful to be part of this family and I'm not about to let 30 more years elapse before our next time together.