The Staten Island Zoo

Doug and I took our two, under three, granddaughters to the zoo on Friday. We were all very excited about it. We travelled about 40 minutes to get there,with Samantha, Grandma and Kamryn singing to Madison's cd the whole time. We walked around for about an hour, with Samantha getting very upset and afraid of the snakes and the loud noises. We headed for the picnic tables around 11:30 and found one in the shade. 11:30 was a little early for lunch, but it seemed that we needed a familiar activity to calm us down. Kamryn was thrilled with everything. I think she would have liked to stay longer watching the animals. She's not at the afraid of everything stage yet. Both girls were such good listeners and were very aware of their surroundings. If they moved away from us, they kept us in sight and listened for us to call them.The weather was just right :warm but no humidity and the zoo had lots of shade. I was a little dissapointed that they didn't have larger animals but Kamryn and Sam seemed to find the farm animals just as satisfying. In fact we found large colored rectangles painted on a patch of walkway - and that might have been the highlight of the zoo trip, following the path and stepping on the colors.

Garage Sale - Mallomars and Used Book Store

Up at 4:45 am, hauled sorted and arranged until 7:30am when first early-bird arrived (sale 8am-3pm)!

Out for their second Garage sale, the gnomes were looking good:

Cloudy and overcast, we were lucky because that kept the heat away. Steady business until around 11:30am. Couldn't have run this sale without Caroline and Diego! They worked their little butts right off!

Look how much stuff we had. Other than scrapbooking stuff and one or two boxes (yes-gnomes), we threw everything that didn't sell out. We made $550 which I split with Caroline.

OH! did you want to know why I mentioned Mallomars?  Pop really enjoys them. so we set out on a mission to buy him some. Not a one to be found! Do you know why? BECAUSE IT IS NOT MALLOMAR SEASON ! Who knew cookies had seasons! They will be available sometime in late September when it becomes cool enough to ship them. Who Knew?

Used Book Store

Sunday, today Caro and I embarked on a trip to the Montgomery used book store with the books that did not sell at the garage sale. We brought in over 40 books and recieved a $60 credit (they no longer give cash for the books  which would have only been $30). SO..........we walked out of there with 8 books for which we paid with our credit and another $8...........BUT we did get rid of over 40 books.

So, as you can see this weekend was very productive and profitable. I am now one step closer to getting my house and my life back in order.

CHANGE IS GOOD!

New York, New York

Oh, I'm sorry, these are not the Lion King! (people we did see)

Under the threat of severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes, Caroline, Emilie and I went into New York City to see my Mother's Day Present......The Lion King. We arrived around 10:30am (show was not until 3pm) and walked our little tails off. Went to Carmine's for an italian lunch served family style (and a very cute, aspiring actor/waiter). Shopped some more and then went to theatre. Absolutely beautiful production...just the costumes alone...then the actors and the music. WOW!

Alive

We are all alive and kicking! That is good. I am just starting to hope that we are getting back into life's dull routine.I am not seeing the funny side of life yet, so I have not been blogging much.I knew that this year would bring CHANGE! I am getting better at adapting to it.

Live Life In Color

An almost normal day! Chris took Pop to see his surgeon, found out that the screws have pulled away a little bit due to soft bone, but his hip is healing well. Good news!

The children and I played! We did stickers, a tea party,colored blocks, and trains. A late lunch, and then naps and goodbye. All in all a good day because we enjoyed the colors!

What am I going to do with you Pop?

He was on his own last night for the first time in about 40 days, and he survived. Talked to him in the morning and then went there at 5pm to eat dinner with Chris and Pop. His Physical therapist was coming at 6pm. When Sue came, one of the first things she said was, "stop, that isn't safe!" "Let me show you how to do that."  Oh, he did it when she was there, but as soon as she left he did it his way. Just like a three year old, looking right at you and daring you to stop him.. He is exhausted at night and becomes confrontational. He is also having trouble remembering things and says he wishes he could nap ( after he has been sleeping for two hours). There is an excuse or "logical" reason for the way he is doing things.
Tonight was so frustrating for me that I cried on the way home. He makes me mad!!! I want him around forever and he is not cooperating!

Unexpected change

Unexpected Change can be like a breath of fresh air - a little brisk at first, but magic for the body and soul....
......Susan Wiggs in Just Breathe

Daddy and I were talking about this last night. Despite the drama and the pain ,some good things have come out of  Dad's broken hip. He has been the best patient (unusual in itself......what is going on?), He has started to exercise more than he has in years and guess what? He has his appetite back. He now proudly proclaims that he ate everything on his plate and asked for dessert. I think he realizes how lucky he has been, living on his own for so long. He hasn't had a cigarette in almost 40 days , and says he doesn't want to start again. But....isn't there always a but, I hope he hasn't gotten spoiled. He gets three square meals served to him, either Chris or I visit him everyday and talk, watch TV or play dice games with him. (By the way, the man's luck has been phenomenal since he entered the rehab center). He's ordered a hospital bed, two commodes, a walker and a wheel chair ( He has enjoyed the accommodation's at Rehab) for home.

Remember that my word for 2010 is change, and accepting change has never been my strong point. But I am trying to embrace the changes that are coming my way. I hope I recognize the magic!