Leaving Lucas

Here is the last photo of us together and it will have to do me for a few weeks. I feel bad that Lucas will be looking for me and I'll not be here. However a few days away will be good all around for everyone I hope.

Tonight I have my small duffle packed and ready to go but now I'm reading the carry-on requirements for British Air and trying to measure 45cm x 35cm x 16cm. I think I need to find a clear ziplock baggie about that size to hold whatever carryon items I think I'll need. I guess a book, my tickets, passport and Euros are enough.

I do believe most of the fun of taking a trip is anticipation. I'm also looking forward to being out of this scene for awhile just to focus on nothing particular. We are flying into Bilbao and will arrive on Sunday, September 3. I won't be sending long email like Hank is but I'll try to post something occasionally.

Of course I will not forget to phone on September 13th when you turn 65. I hope I don't reach you in the middle of the night but that could be more memorable.

Wednesday and Thursday Barb, Rachel and Ryan let me go school shopping with them. It is an enormous undertaking to outfit two children in the style to which they have become accustomed. They will be the best dressed students in Prosser Elementary but the title doesn't come without a tremendous amount of talent and drive by their outfitter. I love to watch and see what the grade schoolers of today consider style.

I'll phone you on Wednesday and give you the update on Larry and his surgery.

Elvis is Dead

So you remembered it was a special Elvis day which was good even if it was the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death. I don’t remember what I was doing when I heard the news but some people do. What were you doing on that day? It must be lonesome with Hank gone to Bayreuth. You can get many things accomplished in the next few weeks before he returns.

I went to see the twins for a few days since Cyd is still suffering from lack of attention because she doesn’t live in Spokane. I am trying to visit monthly, babysit, cook, clean, and give lots of grandmotherly advice. You’d think no one would want me around with all the suggestions I make-- Time for larger carseats, more music and less television, talk and laugh often, no p.j.’s during the day, and daily outdoor time.
Those were just a few of the remarks for the babies and then there was a list for the mom which included cutting down her getting ready time from one hour to thirty minutes. I mean she looks very nice after the hour but can she really afford the time?

I want to say I think my mom is doing better. She was in the lobby last Sunday when the bus for the scenic tour left and she somehow managed to hop on. She missed the weekly visit to my house but she didn’t mind. Her doctor started her on a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is designed to alleviate emotional disturbances in elderly consumers with dementia disorders. I hope it works as described so that the next time when anyone like maybe Raymond says, “ Let me move over so you can get out” she won’t snarl and say, “Well, don’t you think I can get up my myself?” “ I don’t need any help.”

Last week an eleven year old grandson of one of the Lind ladies attended our cookie baking and he liked to count the cookies so I have to report that we baked 1435 cookies that morning. No one ever seems interested in how many so I guess that is approximately the amount that gets baked each month. I will take my camera next time so you can be amazed at the beautiful cookies.

I would write a few words about Lucas but he had a melt down last night and his punishment was not being able to spend Saturday night with grandma. I mean how did I get to suffer the consequence of his warrior-like behavior? I am keeping my mouth shut for now though as I really don’t want to parent any child. I only want to be around for the fun stuff.

"T" Time

Taylor came to spend two days with me though his dad did come in the afternoon and take him home for the night. I like seeing Charlie and when Taylor left I called him Charlie so I think I'm reliving my past. When Taylor "helped" me pour the bubble solution into a saucer he said, "I can do it" like I remember his grandma Diana telling me when she wanted to pour her own milk while we watched her for a few days when she was about 3.

I did get a huge pile of ironing done the first day while Taylor examined every toy in my basement. Ironing wasn't easy either as he stood in front of me demanding, "Me, Me" which I guessed meant I should crawl in the foldup bus with him again for the 99th time. I said no I wouldn't do it anymore but then I did it anyway. I'd have to take turns being the driver and picking up the kids for school. He told me exactly where to sit and what to do. Later we had lunch and here is a shot of Taylor's meal time posture for Arla's house. Notice I did not serve Twinkies.

Larry's surgery has been scheduled for August 30th and I am planning to be in Seattle with Nancy during those few days. She phoned to tell me Jeff has temporary custody of Catherine so that is good news.

We need a confirmed Memorial Day site soon. I fear Vernonia will be the final choice and I've heard two different families say they wouldn't attend if it is there again.
I know you love Vernonia so this choice will make you happy. Maybe you just didn't remember much of the last Memorial Day there, or was it only one day? I'm hoping Patrick will come through with Anderson Lodge.

Chicago Faces

It’s nice to hear you enjoyed showing Darren and Leslie around your city. You are so proud to be living there and it is fun to see what you enjoy about Chicago. I like the Faces Fountain best.

Yesterday was the day for my third annual Eight Lakes Leg Aches bike ride. You have to ride 80 miles to see all eight lakes so I saw only one lake during my 32 mile ride. It is very invigorating charging down Sunset Hill at 30 miles an hour to finish. However I was reminded how slow I am when an acquaintance in her 70’s soared past me after the first hour and was waiting at the finish to see what took me so long.

I’ve been encouraging Lucas in the pool with his enthusiastic attempts at swimming. He loves to be underwater so I offer suggestions like “If you kick your legs harder you’ll go farther.” Today he listened only momentarily to my comment and then ducked under the water with his legs crossed, dragging them behind him and only using his hands. I’m sure that’s the Medina side of the family who doesn’t do well with correction.

Do you think you’ll support a Darren For President campaign in 2008?