Critters

These are pictures I took with my phone of two turtles on my morning walk. Now, I am not sure how I did it, but the one on the left was huge - at least 10 inches from the front to the back of its shell and the pretty brown and gold one was teeny. My photography sucks is probably how I did it. And I got real real close to the little one to take its picture. I was going to write a little story about how the big one (the Mama Turtle) that doesn't look big was near my house and the little one was about a mile away. Then I noticed they didn't look anything alike, but then humans don't aways look like their parents, but usually they are about the same color if they are biological children. So maybe Goldie was adopted. And how did she (I didn't really check to see what sex it was, but Goldie is more of a female name) get so far away from her mother. Did she run away on her little itty bitty feet or did she float that far in one of the ditches that is filled with rain water? Or....did Mama Turtle abandon little Goldie for a carefree life of swamping?

Then this afternoon I had to take Cali for her yearly vaccination. While I was waiting my turn in the Cat Waiting area in the Dog Waiting area my ears were subjected to an older (even older than me) couple's conversation to and about Speedy and Taz, their two little dogs. The woman didn't say much of anything except uh huh and yeah, but the man human kept talking to these dogs like they could understand. One of the things he said was "Speedy, did you know yesterday I saw a puppy that looked just like you when you were a puppy? Did you? What do you think of that?" Speedy either spoke so low I couldn't hear or he didn't answer. Now, if Speedy really answered that would something to call the TV station about so everyone could hear Speedy talk on the local evening news. Maybe he has to talk to the dogs if all his wife says is uh huh and yeah.

That is all the nonsense I can think of at the moment.

Love to you sisters.

Jamie

Jamie happens to be my new boyfriend. He is a very handsome 8 year old with dark brown hair, brown eyes and the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. Yes, I am smitten. He moved into to neighborhood and he and a little girl that lives nearby knocked on my door one day to introduce himself and see if I had any kids that might like to come out and ride bikes with them. I said no, but told him I knew who his mother, father and grandmother were from bowling. The next time he came by I wasn't home and he ask Earl "is the old lady that lives here home?". Well, of course you know that cracked Earl up. Not me so much when Earl told me, but pleased Jamie wanted to say hello.

At first Jamie's visits were every few days, but now it has become almost a daily thing. He is so adorable and says the funniest things. Saturday he came by and I told him I was sorry, but I was getting ready to go to Church and he said that was OK he would come back on Sunday. True to his word here he comes. I had the same dress on that I wear around the house and he commented he had seen me wear that yesterday. And then he said incredulously "did you wear that to Church???" Guess he doesn't think much of the dress. I said no, I just wear this when I am at home and he said "that's good". Kids are so honest. Much more than adults.

Anyway, I am enjoying our daily chats, even if at times some of the comments are a blow to my ego.

I agree...

We must keep our words going. If only a bit at a time. Seems earlier today I had thought about our blog and in my head formulated some thoughts, but now they are not there. I feel sure Diane would want us to continue talking as if she were a part of it. Perhaps that is how we should write - just as if she was going to read them and chime in with words of wisdom. How we all miss her words.

You know, the words by emails, blogs and occasional phone calls were what she gave us and maybe she couldn't give us anymore than that - like attending get togethers, joining us on our overnight, etc. It just didn't seem to be in her makeup to be able to do those things. It was almost like there was a huge tether that kept her near her family. I know she loved and loves us, but sometimes we expected too much of her. I miss you so much Diane.

So what have you been doing girls? I know you are busy keeping your house neat and tidy for prospective buyers, Liz and you have probably been busy decorating your new abode Susie, but that can only take so many hours a day. I have been doing some of the same ole same ole - visiting the nursing home, bowling, playing Mah Jongg and actually working in the yard. That is my least favorite thing to do. In fact I just came in and am cooling down before I take my shower.

I did go on the New Bern Historical Homes Tour a few weeks ago. My goodness there were some beautiful homes that people allowed us to glimpse. I hope my drool didn't damage any of that fine furniture.

It was wonderful having Troy home for a week. The circumstances were not the best but we enjoyed having him with us for the time. He will be meeting us in Columbus for the Race for the Cure Walk. He said if he could get a flight into New Bern he might come here and ride to Ohio with us. I think he is going to have a rocky time getting things settled in Denver. He and Bobbie seem to have agreed on a settlement, but the papers have to be drawn up and signed. It is certainly generous on his part.

I have been writing thank you notes for the many condolence cards I have received and some of the ones I agreed to write from the visitation. I just get so sad when I start thinking of everything and end up boo hooing. I think I am getting better then it starts again.

You had some good ideas, Liz. I am going to contact the Hope Lodge in Greenville and see what needs they might have. I think I am going to contact Hospice too.

That is about all I can report of my exciting life. Now let me hear about yours. I love you two so much.

Lori

I keep looking for words from my sisters

I know that this now seems like 'sacred ground' because our inspiration isn't writing to us any more. I look almost every day and think I'll add a post but I am timid about doing so. I also start reading old blogs and that stymies me a little bit more.
Lori, you and I talked about the feeling that we should be doing 'something' in Diane's memory but not sure what. Is there something we can do as the "Sisters of High Hopes" in Diane's memory? What about something along the lines of support to people fighting cancer? Scarves for bald heads? Little quilts for laps or beds? Reading to or writing for someone? volunteering with Hospice? at a hospital? Any ideas? I know Diane told me more than once that when she got strong she wanted to volunteer somehow.

Well, it's something to think about for sure.

I love you girls and I can't imagine my life without you (as I was never able to imagine life without Diane).

Looking forward to getting this blog rolling again. Diane would expect it of us, I'm sure!

Happy Birthday Diane

RIP special soul.

Goodbye Sweet Diane

We are getting ready to head to the funeral home to bid your farewell in just a short while. It's hard to believe that we are at this bend in the road. Thank goodness the road of memories will takes us on and on and on. I can't image this blog without your sweet words and profound thoughts but thankfully we can go back and read and re-read and remember your sweetness. You will forever be in my thoughts