Now you know what I did this summer

Well, one things for sure, I certainly didn’t spend any time on the blog.

It was kind of a weird summer here in the Pocket. Not a “weird” kind of weird, just a wacky kind of weird.

Back in June #1 graduated. Yep, I got me a high school graduate. SG and I were involved in the evening’s festivities, volunteering to be part of the security committee. Which, by the by, was probably the easiest gig we could’ve got. Nothing too strenuous, just stand in the hallway and make sure the future leaders of the world don’t go where they’re not supposed to. There was a lovely dinner and honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to put that much starch and carbohydrates on a plate. I thought wrong. I guess they needed to load the kids up with as much as possible to absorb the alcohol that would be flowing. You know, keep them somewhat sober. Anyway, it was good. I am proud. Very proud.

#2 also made it out of the middle school and is high school bound. He missed his farewell by choice. Something along the lines of “I’ve spent too many mandatory years with these people I’m not spending my optional time with them too”. I was sad he missed it. It looked like a good time from some of the pictures I had seen on Facebook. He's changed his major. What was once Computers and Culinary has now become Welding. That's my #2... all over the map.

July was spent working mostly evenings, which was different. I got to spend more time in the garden and the pool and with the boys. Well, limited time with the boys. Something about them staying up until all hours of the night thereby sleeping until noon or two… Working evenings is very different than working days. It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere as it’s just the clerks and the people who carry the guns. There were some pretty interesting things happening in and around town. And one thing I’ve learned is that while you think people are weird, you really have no idea how weird… And, further on the work front, things are looking pretty good. The period of the unknown is nearly over and I do believe that my decision to leave a full time permanent gig that I could do in my sleep to take on the temporary term gig that I had no clue about is paying off. Permanent fulltime public servant I shall be…, hopefully the end of the month. And…. I’ll be changing from a clerk who works long and crazy shifts to a clerk that has a Monday to Friday eight to four shift. I’ll be working alongside the big wigs as the admin and finance clerk. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the mix up in the work life, but really, deep down inside, I am a Monday to Friday kinda girl.

Okay, back to what I did this summer.

We attempted to take some vacation. Got away camping for a few days, which was gloriously wonderful. I love camping. SG was somewhat disappointed that we didn’t get more camping in or even some fishing done, but when funds are limited and the motor for the boat decides to bite it and bite it to the tune of too much money to fix it right then and there, well, yeah, no fishing. We hope to get out again this fall and spend a few more nights in the tent.

August brought an early bounty from the garden. It looked to be a stellar year for the tomatoes and corn and cukes and stuff. Then the blight set in and I think we maybe had a dozen or so tomatoes that were edible. The corn showed huge promise which prompted thoughts about a pig and corn roast. And then the corn turned and well yeah, it became basically a waste of space. Oh, it also doubled as an obstructed view that the dogs quickly figured out and would run behind and take off because, well, I couldn’t see them. The cukes however were, and still are, plentiful and I’ve managed to do what will no doubt amount to a record amount of pickling.

It was a hot month, which is typical for August, and a lot of time was spent in the pool, in the sun, and outside on the decks. A lot of eating and drinking went on which means I gained a few pounds but got a helluva good tan.

I’m still without a car, which is okay. I’m really liking the lack of loan payment and reduced insurance premium. There’s talk that they’re going to get me a van. Our old van. The Venture van. And while SG is thoroughly enjoying his truck, the van is a good idea. The truck isn’t really practical (believe it or not) for family life. The van will be much more conducive. And I think I shall name it Chad.

It was a different kind of summer. And while it doesn’t sound like much, it was a pretty good summer. Now it’s back to school time for #2 and time for #1 to figure out what he’s going to do with his life. Oh to be seventeen again…. Wait, that’s a whole different blog.

Ciao!

Finally

I remembered the password!

So here I am, with lots having happened and lot more going to happen.

I guess the most important thing I need to tell you about is that the #1 son is okay. He's got himself some whiplash and some spinal misalignment, a few scrapes and scratches but he is, for the most part, going to be fine. I think back on how bad it could've turned out and I never want to let him out of my sight again.







Yes, that's my Maggie. He flipped her twice while avoiding hitting the deer that ran out in front of him.

But as I said, he's going to be okay. And I thank our Guardian Angel for looking out for him!

More to come.... just later.

Ciao!

Watch This.... Really... Watch This!!!

Okay. So y'all know I'm somewhat fanatical about my boy John. And it's been kinda hard to explain why I am that way to people who don't really want to get it.

And, in fear of blabbing my face off and turning you right away from clicking on the link, I shall just say this:

Watch this. And then watch it again. Hell, maybe even 2 more times after that.

And then, watch it one more time, but I mean really watch it. And by watch it, I mean watch it AND listen to it. He has this really nifty way of making the guitar talk. Then you stand a chance of knowing why I'm somewhat fanatical about my boy John.

Oh, and a well kept secret? I'm almost as fanatical about Keith too.

Ciao!

We interrupt this absence....

Got some news that absolutely MUST be shared!

After far too long, and two too many attempts, #1 got his license today.

Yes, yes he did.

He passed the test, including the parallel parking, in my beloved Maggie.

He was pretty pleased. As was I. Maybe.

Then, guess who shows up at my work right after school, asking if he can take the car? I would've thought he would have waited at least until the next day.

But noooo....

And you're never gonna believe this next part!

I gave him the keys!! Yes, yes I did. Was I stroking out a little bit? Did my already "slightly high" blood pressure go a wee bit higher? Was I incredibly distracted and thankful that it was a slow night at work? Uh huh...

But, if you think THAT is hard to believe, wait until you read this!! Are you sitting down? If not, you better.

Later on in the evening, I get a call from SG who just wanted to advise me to be on the alert for his call. I asked why and then nearly fell over.

He let #1 use the brand new truck!!! Oh wait, many of you didn't read about the truck yet, I didn't tell you the story.... van was a write off, got a new Ford. But maybe more on that later.

He let #1 use the brand new truck.... Yes, yes he did!!

The day I thought was going to be a loooonnnnng time coming, well, it came. And on the very same day the boy got the license yet!!

Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable!!

The funniest part about the whole thing was when #1 was talking about how nervous he was driving by himself and how aware he had to be of absolutely everything. He said it was hard not having the extra set of eyes. The situation didn't improve any when the police were following him as he cruised around town. He assumes that I pulled some strings and stuff and that they were sent out to do just that. Follow him around. Like they have nothing better to do.... So SG said to him, "That's right, they know who you are and they will be watching you."

Far be it for me to confirm or deny.

I think I'll just let him keep thinking that.

Ciao!

More visual

I know you want words. And believe me, I want to give you words.

I'm just trying to figure out a way to put into words what it is I want to say. That's all.

So, in order to possibly tide you over and maybe keep you coming back, I'm showing you my fantastical photography skills.

I'll see you in a week or so....

Ciao!

Picture Show

Ciao!

It's all in the Interpretation

One of the things that I find interesting about being a parent to two teenage boys is that, well, they're not quite like girls. Which is obviously obvious I know, but I'm talking about the inner pysche thing. Their thought processes tend to be a little different than a girls.

Okay, who am I kidding. Their thought processes are a LOT different!!

Take, for example, when asked "Could you please clean up the kitchen, get the dishes put away and make sure the counters are clean for when your mother gets home from work tonight."

Well, I've paraphrased that somewhat because I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to read the exact wording .... I know it was probably a lot harsher and more than likely said with a volume level some might consider yelling. Hey, we're a loud household here, put your ear plugs in.

And I will say, I was pleasantly surprised the other night when I walked in at midnight and saw that my kitchen was tidy.

Okay, I was totally blown away.

You see, I'm used to coming home at night to one of two scenarios. Either the supper dishes are scattered all over the counter or they're neatly stacked in piles beside the sink. Waiting for me to wash them up. Sometimes they're rinsed. Sometimes they're not.

But the counters were clean. There weren't any dirty dishes to be seen! It was fabulous. I stood back and smiled. And thought, wow, I guess they've finally discovered that "considerate" gene. I was pretty pleased.

Short lived however. As I walked over to turn on the light above the sink, I saw it. Turns out the dishes were just placed in the sink. Rinsed and neatly stacked. Waiting, once again, for me to wash them up.

But hey, the counters were clean. Which goes to prove the theory that teenagers only hear the last few words of any sentence that contains a call to action.

Ciao!