Look, I'm a social butterfly!
Friday, Sept 18
Pounding headache and breathless this morning. The headache responded to ibuprofen, thank Goodness. I took it very easy ‘cause I knew I would have a busy afternoon. Penny and Joanna picked me up and we went to Velma’s in Huron. It always tugs at my heart when we enter her apartment. It is hard not to see Daddy there. Would you believe I have been so looking forward to giving Velma the picture book I made for her celebrating her and Daddy’s love story…..and I forgot to bring it? My blasted, befuddled brain! We had a delightful afternoon. First the pedicures, then Velma and I visited in the van while Penny and Joanna ran errands. Velma told me about her son and gave me encouragement for Skye. Finally, we went to supper at La Hacienda followed by brownie desert at Velma’s – Yummm. Leaving to come home hurt my heart again. I think everyone was a little teary. Velma will be moving next month to be closer to her daughter and family. Velma is still a dynamo, but she is 90 years old. Her family feels she should move before winter sets in. She will be much farther away from us. Penny, however, is determined that we will go to see her at least every other month. I don’t quite understand Velma’s daughter. We had asked her to meet us in Huron for our pamper day, but she couldn’t see any sense in driving over two hours just for a pedicure. We had to drive an hour and a half to Huron, but we didn't do it for the pedicure. We did it to spend time with Velma. I would drive days just to see my mom again…
Saturday, Sept 19.
I took it easy again this morning to have energy for another busy afternoon. We attended a birthday party for Don’s twin sisters. They couldn’t have picked a better day – it was gorgeous – partly sunny with a cool breeze. The party was held at Don’s nephew’s home in the little town of Warner. The garage and yard were cheerily decorated. There is a big playset for the kids and a couple yard games were set up. Oh it was fun to see so many members of Don’s family again. Five of the nine siblings were there with a quite a number of kids and grandkids, including two babies and three toddlers. When Don’s parents were alive, the whole family got together every summer. I miss those reunions. Don and I hosted a few of them. I first met Don’s family on Thanksgiving, 1972. Penny is my only sibling; Don is the youngest of nine! His parent’s home was quite small, but that is where everyone gathered. I was totally overwhelmed by the sea of faces. I couldn’t imagine anyone could possibly walk through the room without stepping on or tripping over the muddle of little children. Yet, these big men were maneuvering their way through, carrying plates loaded with food, without incident and seemingly without looking down! I suppose someone raised with a big family must develop an instinct for that sort of thing. Anyway, back to the birthday party. I had a great time, sitting in the shade, munching good food, watching the children and the adults play, and reconnecting with the family. I deflected most of the “how are you doing” inquiries by just saying I am still looking for ways to alleviate the superior vena cava symptoms…COWARD. I’m just not ready to admit to CFS. Of course, I was also asked how Skye liked college. (I had posted pictures on Facebook when we took her there.) Thankfully, the family was sympathetic and supportive rather than judgmental when I confessed that Skye is not attending college this year. Still, that was kinda hard because I continue to be quite upset about it.
Pounding headache and breathless this morning. The headache responded to ibuprofen, thank Goodness. I took it very easy ‘cause I knew I would have a busy afternoon. Penny and Joanna picked me up and we went to Velma’s in Huron. It always tugs at my heart when we enter her apartment. It is hard not to see Daddy there. Would you believe I have been so looking forward to giving Velma the picture book I made for her celebrating her and Daddy’s love story…..and I forgot to bring it? My blasted, befuddled brain! We had a delightful afternoon. First the pedicures, then Velma and I visited in the van while Penny and Joanna ran errands. Velma told me about her son and gave me encouragement for Skye. Finally, we went to supper at La Hacienda followed by brownie desert at Velma’s – Yummm. Leaving to come home hurt my heart again. I think everyone was a little teary. Velma will be moving next month to be closer to her daughter and family. Velma is still a dynamo, but she is 90 years old. Her family feels she should move before winter sets in. She will be much farther away from us. Penny, however, is determined that we will go to see her at least every other month. I don’t quite understand Velma’s daughter. We had asked her to meet us in Huron for our pamper day, but she couldn’t see any sense in driving over two hours just for a pedicure. We had to drive an hour and a half to Huron, but we didn't do it for the pedicure. We did it to spend time with Velma. I would drive days just to see my mom again…
Saturday, Sept 19.
I took it easy again this morning to have energy for another busy afternoon. We attended a birthday party for Don’s twin sisters. They couldn’t have picked a better day – it was gorgeous – partly sunny with a cool breeze. The party was held at Don’s nephew’s home in the little town of Warner. The garage and yard were cheerily decorated. There is a big playset for the kids and a couple yard games were set up. Oh it was fun to see so many members of Don’s family again. Five of the nine siblings were there with a quite a number of kids and grandkids, including two babies and three toddlers. When Don’s parents were alive, the whole family got together every summer. I miss those reunions. Don and I hosted a few of them. I first met Don’s family on Thanksgiving, 1972. Penny is my only sibling; Don is the youngest of nine! His parent’s home was quite small, but that is where everyone gathered. I was totally overwhelmed by the sea of faces. I couldn’t imagine anyone could possibly walk through the room without stepping on or tripping over the muddle of little children. Yet, these big men were maneuvering their way through, carrying plates loaded with food, without incident and seemingly without looking down! I suppose someone raised with a big family must develop an instinct for that sort of thing. Anyway, back to the birthday party. I had a great time, sitting in the shade, munching good food, watching the children and the adults play, and reconnecting with the family. I deflected most of the “how are you doing” inquiries by just saying I am still looking for ways to alleviate the superior vena cava symptoms…COWARD. I’m just not ready to admit to CFS. Of course, I was also asked how Skye liked college. (I had posted pictures on Facebook when we took her there.) Thankfully, the family was sympathetic and supportive rather than judgmental when I confessed that Skye is not attending college this year. Still, that was kinda hard because I continue to be quite upset about it.
Replies
I\'m so glad you\'ve been able to have some quality social time. So good for the soul . ..
Sounds lovely! I\'m sorry you forgot the book, but that is the way it goes with this fog, right? Anyway, you had a good time and that\'s the important thing. Much love.
happy to hear u had some family time, and pedicures! that\'s the best way to get rid of a headache (redirect the focus to your feet/ u can make a stone matt- just place rocks on a throw rug and walk on it- it actually helps/ walk slowly it circulates the blood in your feet and removes tension)
ah, keep in mind, there are no coincidences- u forgot the book- maybe because u are meant to see her again sooner than later..I bet something good comes of it;) xoxoo