end of summer blahs

closing the pool for the year.  it is not one of my favorite things to do.  i had such an incredible summer poolside that it is a drag to have to close it up.  that means cold weather, darkness, snow, socks.

stay tuned . . .

trapped

chipmunks have invaded the yard.  they've destroyed flowers in the gardens, have dug tunnels in the front and side yards, they jump onto the bird feeder and steal all the seeds.  hanover valley is overrun by the cute furry destructive monsters.  repellents were used, but the vermin kept right on rampaging.  a live trap was bought to snare the nasty little critters.  as of this posting, six have been caught, taken to various fields around town and set loose.  they sure do like apple slices coated with peanut butter dipped in bird seed.

070306

070311.  five years ago i was diagnosed with cancer.  it seems like eternity, it seems like yesterday.  i remember getting the phone call at work.  sitting down in shock.  browsing the web for information.  being confident, being upbeat.  weeks of tests, then chemotherapy.  side effects, complications.  i remember being scared, being wiped out, being unsettled.  more chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions, remission.  i remember the love, support, and encouragement from family and friends.  i remember it all clearly.  i remember.

summertime, summertime, summertime, summertime

summer started.  what did i do?  enjoyed the day.  it was hot and muggy. i enjoyed it. swam in the pool.  i enjoyed it.  had a margarita with shane and douglas. i enjoyed it.  watched a thunderstorm roll in.  i enjoyed it.  two things i didn't enjoy: the electricity going out for five hours after the storm and finding one of the baby robins drowned in the water fountain in the backyard. all this on the first day of summer.

Dad

I found this one the Internet.  It seems quite fitting.  Here's to you Dad.

He never looks for praises
He's never one to boast
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most
His dreams are seldom spoken
His wants are very few
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken too
He's there.... A firm foundation
Through all our storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold to
In times of stress and strife
A true friend I can turn to
When times are good or bad
One of my greatest blessings,
The man that I call Dad.


Source: Silent Strong Dad, Dad Poems and Stories http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=2386#ixzz1Pk7SqEIt

yard work

bushes removed.  grass plants planted.  flowers potted.  pool opened; chemicaled.  continuous weeding, mowing.  patio sets placed.  it is a vicious cycle.  getting to spend the time outdoors is awesome.  it'll be better when it's spent poolside, sitting at the patio table, dipping my feet in the pool, with a refreshing beverage.  getting there.  sat under the pergola tonight, enjoying the evening.  10pm fireworks going off in the distance.