Work

My it has been a long time since I was on here. According to my last post it was 2013 ! So, life has moved on , things have certainly changed in my house . Our son got married almost 2 years ago and our daughter got married last summer in our front yard , under the big maple tree  (  it was a beautiful day and the time of the wedding coincided with the timing of the sun) . But ,anyway, I went back to work after babysitting for 5 years for Megan next door . Things were fine ,told the boss I wanted days, no nights , no weekends. Last winter thing went downhill. 2 nights a week , every Saturday , a lot of Sundays, holidays, etc. If I needed a weekend day off or had something going on ,I had to ask at least 3 weeks in advance. ( insert pissy face right now) .  I did have this past Saturday off , the first one since Febuary ! I am scheduled for this coming SUNDAY night , Fathers Day .  I have asked other coworkers to switch , no one can as of course ,they have plans!  My hours have been cut too. I cant find another job, heaven forbid someone wants to hire a 60 year old and I do need money . Sorry for the venting , but this is my blog and  I  am blowing off some steam.  Will keep you posted on work and other so called life events.

The Red Sox Win!!

The Red Sox finally won the World Series at Fenway Park, a feat that hasn't been done since 1918. My team, an avid follower since 1995, thanks to my son. They did win the Series in 2004 and then again in 2007. But this was victory, back in their home turf. The bearded boys of baseball!! Who was there not to love?? David "Big Papi" Ortiz, or little Dustin Pedoria. Maybe Johnny Gomes with the best beard of all, or Shane Victorino who played all kinds of balancing acts in the outfield and on base.
 Ah, the Red Sox, Boston's pride and joy. September 2011 was not their best moment ,or August 2012. But in the end, they bounced back. And as my son says after every September, there is always next year. And they will do it again!

Rain, sun and other things

July 2nd and it is raining. Rained now for almost 6 days. And humid. I usually love summer, but this one is not what I want. The central air has been running for almost 2 weeks ( many more days to come) and I am cold in this house. If someone came to the door and saw me in my sweatshirt, slippers and long pants, they would think I was crazy.
You see, I love the doors and windows opened, hate this being shut up stuff. That is for winter, when I freeze again!! The weather guys are blaming it on the Bermuda high that went the wrong way. Is there a right way??
 The sun will shine again and the humidity will break, soon, I hope. I guess I can't complain, I don't live in Arizona where the wild fires took 19 firefighters in the line of duty. I don't live where massive tornadoes tore through Oklahoma and left destruction everywhere.
 I can't complain as I am alive. A friend lost his family member due to a freak incident today. My sister-in-law passed away a year ago, due to a freak thing. One never knows when God will call you home. I want to live to see grandchildren and maybe great grandchildren.
 I have had my youth brought back from a little neighbor girl I watch during the week. She just turned two and what a doll she is! She melts my heart . I am her NiNi, as she calls me. I want to see her grow up and have children of her own.
  Looks like the thunderstorm is over and maybe the rain will stop for awhile. Just to get a better start, ha ha. The 4th of July is upon us and once again we celebrate our freedom. Thank God for the red, white and blue!

The Cowboy Rides Away

My favorite performer is George Strait. I have been a fan since he first came on the scene back in 1981. Before meeting my husband, George was my "husband" . Dang that Norma chick he was married too! I fell in love with his music, basically because the words nailed every moment of my life. Country music has that effect and it is genuine, honest and just plain down to earth. George also has those qualities ,what I love in a man. Don't give me the flashy, suited up, bling kind of man, I want one that works from sun up to sun down and has hands that show he works. A cowboy, farmer kind of man. Since I grew up on a small farm, I am used to that kind.
 As my life continued, I met my husband, had two children and encountered the everyday and extra ordinary. George's music was with me every step of the way. So many songs that told my life to a "T" , along with smiles and tears. I first saw him in concert in 1989 and more were to follow. The year I was pregnant with my son, George had his own tragedy ,losing his daughter to a drunk driver. Some serious songs came out of the period and I listen to them with nothing but heartache.
 My children grew up on his music. This past year has been his Cowboy Rides Away Tour as he is retiring from touring. 2 weeks ago, my son calls me saying he had gotten tickets for the Buffalo show and we were going. Hell Yeah, we were going, even though it was a 5 hr drive to and from.
 Last Friday night, I got to see him perform and was in 7th heaven all night. Perfect night along with my son and husband. A permanent smile on  my face all night :)   After all, I had just seen the Cowboy ride away  !!!

My old man

Yesterday morning, we had our dog of 12 1/2 years put to sleep. We dreaded it, but it had to be done. He was old, had arthritis, couldn't get up and down the stairs ,had no appetite and looked at you like "it's time to go"
 I remember Patti bringing him home at 6 weeks of age. No, we said ,no dog. But the little face and the star on his forehead (he was named Star for that reason) made us fall in love with him. He was funny, running circles around our cat made for some good laughs . As he grew, he loved everyone, that came to the back door that is. That's where friends and family came in. Strangers came to the front door and he meant business, no one was getting past him.
He chased the neighbor's cat , took the post off the back porch, chased our cat, loved car rides and loved people food.
Today, the cat is still wandering the house looking for him. He can't get comfortable, knowing that his friend of 12 years is not here. He misses him like I do. Rest in peace Star, my old man.

Thanks and giving

Well, another Thanksgiving is over for another year. The turkey is put away, even though I know it will be out in another hour or two for sandwiches (must have Hellman's mayo) and I know I will end up having a piece of pumpkin pie for the night is over.
This year has had it's ups and downs, the usual trails and tribulations of everyday family life, illnesses and joy. My son recently was sent with his National Guard unit to NYC to help out with the devastation of hurricane Sandy. He was gone for almost 3 weeks and I worried about him. Everybody I talked to said not to worry ,he was helping people that were lost without homes, power and everyday life. So true ,since I am used to the essentials we all use. I am grateful for that and proud of what he did.
 My mother-in-law had hip surgery this summer and was in rehab for 3 months ! She was to be home within a month after surgery. But she is home now, so I am glad she is better.
My daughter met a nice man and she is happier than I have ever seen her, love watching the two of them together. 
We witnessed two close friends get married this fall and it was a beautiful ceremony. And in this state we live in, they were legal to marry being the same sex. History in the making!
Today also marks the 30th year of meeting my hubby! 30 yrs these days is a feat,especially when some couples split after a year.
So, I am grateful for all the things that have happened this year and thank all my family and friends for being there to make it all happen.
Happy Thanksgiving all!

Nice day for a white wedding

Sunday, Sept 30th, we attended a wedding. Not your everyday wedding, but one that is new to my generation. NY state passed a same sex marriage bill a year ago and 2 dear friends of ours exchanged vows.  My daughter was the wedding planner and she was the Bridezilla's wedding planner from hell for 3 weeks! I did my share to help, found her a good photog ( thanks Sue!) and helped with a bachelorette party for the "broom" . In 3 weeks, she pulled it all together, even though there were days I could have disowned her!
 The day of the wedding was a rainy day. But, old wive's tales say a rainy wedding day means a long marriage. It poured cats and dogs on our wedding day and we are going on our 30th anniversary. Must be true.
This wedding was outside in a local park with a gazebo. There was a big mistake regarding the limo, but things were worked out and they got to ride in elegance.
 As we all gathered for the nuptials, the sun decided to break through the clouds just in time for the "I do's" !!! Awesome timing Mother Nature.
 The reception was very nice, my daughter and the wedding party decorated the hall the night before and the food, delicious. Family and friends joined the happy couple , laughed, drank and danced the afternoon and early evening away. My daughter was Maid of Honor, my son, Best Man. I was so pleased and tearful of  the speechs they gave. Made me a proud mom. And the pics of everybody were just beautiful. As a matter of fact, I made a print of my two babies and framed it . Simply gorgeous.
We had a great time and no matter who gets married, the time has to come to acknowledge the love between any two people. That is in my eyes anyway. John Lennon always chanted "Give peace and love a chance". He was right way before his time.