Life is not a having and a getting but a being and a becoming.

That’s my aphorism for today though I haven’t thought about what I’m becoming. I’m just trying to remind myself not to drag any more things into this house. Toys are not included in the things however though Lucas’ parents have stated that Lucas may only receive toys on his birthday and Christmas. When Lucas asks me for a toy I give him that rule and he says, “But I can keep the toys at your house.” Nice try, but no. It is possible I’ll need a Wii at my house in the future but that won’t count.

The being I’m working on is spirited along by Tai Chi though my classes are now over and I need to get up early each morning to experience the Vital Force, the Intrinsic Energy that is supposed to be flowing through my body. It does not seem to be working yet as I had a huge melt down this morning when Miles knocked over my lamp, breaking the bulb and the shade. He is spending the day with me and loves to tip over floor lamps and table lamps. The time out thing just doesn’t seem to work but I know the screaming won’t slow him down at all. I’ll have to buy him a toy to make up for that incident. Just kidding….

My mom was moved to another cottage next door to her former room. Saturday morning we went to breakfast and had a long ride and when we returned her room was in a different building though the configuration is the same so I’m thinking she is not aware of being in a different place. The staff wanted her moved to be with more verbal residents and they are more verbal and ambulatory but there are only 7 residents and the conversation is not much to follow. I also checked out a group home and it was very nice but the residents everywhere seem to be plopped in front of the television watching Animal Planet. Longevity isn’t all its cracked up to be.

Which reminds me, did your friend, Nancy, return from her trip?

Favicons

I’ve been attempting one for my address bar but I haven’t been able to make it work yet, maybe one of these days. The other night I watched a program on Nova about the Bonobos apes from Wamba. I think that may be where you were last year. I just remember the message on your 2005 Christmas card.

So I have been vegging the past two days. My mom’s belongings are now down to three small boxes and one box to take to MD. I’m hoping someone will want to take these valuables home. There are several pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Johanson’s families along with many old photos of strangers. I recall your mom’s sentiment for tossing them in the garbage and though I was appalled at the time, I find I’m ready to do exactly that. I wonder if anyone has a desire to acquire 100’s of postcards including some from you and Mark. She kept every postcard she ever got and I see there is a big vintage postcard market online if someone is so inspired.

Nancy was driving home from Prosser yesterday and she is such a good multi-tasker we talked for an hour or more. The subject of grandkids was predominant but maybe one ex daughter-in-law also hit the high point in discussion. I tried to get Nancy to go to Bermuda a month ago on a cheap JetBlue flight so it’s a good thing she vetoed that trip. We’d be stranded somewhere now. Katherine is doing well and her daddy is doing an outstanding parenting job.

My mom and I went to the Casino and played the slot machines for 10 minutes or so Saturday. She was very happy to go for a ride with me. Yesterday when I stopped by she was back in her pajamas after being dressed for breakfast. We played Double Solitaire though her game was much different than mine. I like the people who work there very much.

Our weather is getting to be great compared to what it was. Lucas and I went hiking up a (small) mountain the other day. He likes to find sticks which I guess can be used as weapons against any monsters that pop out from behind the trees. Maybe I made a mistake not keeping my part time job. I certainly don't want to start cleaning house or something like that to stay busy. I'll wait a few weeks for yard work.

I almost forgot to mention that we can't walk with the rhinos as the buffalo have been charging in that area. Driving the tangents will have to do.

Visitors from Sumner

Cyd and Dave arrived here on Friday and this was Lucas’ reaction to sharing his grandma’s house with 3 one-year olds.
The boys did try to get along though it was most difficult for Lucas who had to share his toys with the little ones.

On Sunday Brett helped keep track of the items pulled from the cupboards while I attempted to make Chili Egg Puff. It ended up with too much salt and not enough cheese but hey, it was home-cooking for company.

Anna Marie arrived home from her morning run of the entire Bloomsday course and you couldn't touch her with a ten foot pole. I was never ready to even walk that course after months of practice. It must be nice to be in shape.
It was a hit and miss meal with diners alternating with babysitters. Since you can't see the cluttered house I'll just tell you that Raymond observed we needed three days of Servicemaster to put the house in order.
See how happy Peyton is to get inside the cupboards? We all had a pretty good time although things won't be the same around here for a few days.

Memorial Day seems to be organized for 2007. Charlie has won a trip to Greece for his outstanding sales at KCI so he says that will keep his family from attending. Diana may have to bring Taylor anyway. I hope things are warming up in Chicago. McKenna has photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/finleyfam in case you're interested.

February Filing

I have to include your response to my last email so this makes sense. Right now I’m waiting to hear your friend Nancy’s opinion.

“You will not be hiking through the jungle...you will be hiking through the savannah (grass lands) You will be working with the Kenyan people...all the staff are Kenyans. You will not be in Nairobi alone..you will be with us. The Fairview Hotel where we stay and are picked up from is so safe it is ridiculous. first it is across the street from the Israel Embassy and you know how they are. The street is blocked off and to get to the entrance of the Fairview you must pass road blocks and the Israel guards who can scare the shit out of anyone. Then there is a guard post at the entrance of the Fairview with a gate that one has to pass thru to get into the Hotel grounds which are beautiful by the way. The Fairview sends one of their approved cabs to pick you up at the airport. Hank and I even walked to downtown when we were last there which probably wasn't a good idea but we did. Our friend, Nancy, who has been on 12 Earthwatch projects, did the Rhino last Sept, is leaving Sat to do the elephants in Kenya..we will certainly get a report from her. By the way, she sells African art and goes to Zimbawe all the time where I would never go since the President hates whites and has trashed the country.
But I understand if you are afraid to go so... “

I get the dig at the end about me being a scaredy-cat. Do you have a sore throat from yelling at the game Sunday? I didn’t pay much attention to the national holiday except for the fact that no one was driving around during the hours of the game. My mom came over for the afternoon and we went through her 50th Anniversary Photos. She asked if Nancy was her daughter but other wise seemed to enjoy listening to me talk about the people she knew. She is getting great care in her new location and she actually seems adjusted to the new environment.

Lucas and I have resumed our Spanish class on Thursdays and we followed that with the nice Charlotte’s Web movie. Every theater seems to have a video shooting game in or near the lobby and Lucas can spot them a mile away. Right now he can blow away the bad guys without using any quarters so that’s a benefit as long as his parents don't find out.

Cyd’s dog Zack has a new home finally and this one appears to be a good match. A couple in Liberty Lake has him as a companion to their schnauzer who lost his older mate last year. No dogs at Cyd’s now just boys.

It’s nice we have a location for Memorial Day even if it is Larry Steele’s again. I’m certain this year my mom will want to stay home though I know last year I said that would be over my dead body. Why do I always say that kind of stuff? Will Mr. Browne be up for spending time with the Johansons this year?