102 Uses for Cable Needles

I am part of the "sangwich" (for those of you who grew up in Italian households) or sandwich generation.  My mother is in her mid-80s.  My mother-in-law is 80.  My kids are in elementary school.  Nuf said.  

Saturday, we moved MIL to an assisted living facility from her apartment.  It was time.  She had to give up driving and needed more help around the house.  So, off to Lancaster to pack up the apartment and move.  

Sign it's not going to be a good day -- sister-in-law calls as we are en route.  Mom has fallen and is on her way to the ER.  (End result, many bumps and bruises, a black eye and two stitches in the lip.)  We head up and start packing.  

Man at assisted living facility says, pull under the portico and park near the handicapped spots.  Portico has no signs for height.  Rental truck needs clearance of 11 feet.  Many seniors on front porch watching as we arrive.  Loud, grinding sound.  Stop truck.  Realize truck is wedged under flashing of end of portico.  By about 1/4 of an inch.  

Dear husband tries to let air out of tires -- turns to me and says, do you have an extra knitting needle?  Now, what kind of question is that. I take out my knitting tackle bag and pull out two cable needles.  The straight-ish ones with the bump in the center.  Hand one to husband.  Hand one to brother in law.  Air successfully released from tires and truck unstuck.  

It was a long, hot day.  MIL got moved in successfully.  We returned home with a 14 foot long truck filled with stuff, some of which is now at the shop.  I'm rearranging bookcases this morning.  What fun.

Go Racine Scouts!

So, I mentioned that a friend from college had started this alumni website.  Well, ran into another choir alumni who now lives in Wisconsin and spends her summers as the manager of the Racine Scouts.   They are the oldest, continually performing drum and bugle corps in the United States.

Did I mention that we were in a touring choir together?  And the university's Marching Band, where the director was famous for yelling "THE BUS WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU.  SO. HELP ME. GOD."  

Now, I had the pleasure of watching Andrea yell at 80 kids between the ages of 14 and 21 about getting on the bus to go get showers at the Y after a practice performance behind an Episcopal Church in the Philly Suburbs where they were staying on their way to a performance in Wildwood, NJ.  

In some ways, it was like the time never passed.  Andrea was a dear friend in college and I have missed her over the years.  In other ways, age has taken its toll on us.  Anyway -- here's two friends happy to have seen each other.  And happy that the internet can keep us in contact.

Gratitude

Sometimes we forget to be grateful for the small things.  Mom came up to visit.  She stopped at the shop and then drove to the house with the help of her GPS.  It is 6 miles.  It took 2 hours because she wouldn't listen to the GPS lady.  She got there.  

When I got home from the shop on Thursday evening, Mom and the girls were in the dining room playing Junior Trivial Pursuit and having a blast. Then I took a closer look.  The girls had on their play makeup and everyone had painted fingernails.  I am grateful that my mom, despite being directionally challenged, loves to play with her granddaughters and is building memories for them.  

I am grateful for all those who have served our country:  my husband, father, father-in-law, step father-in-law and nephew specifically.  

I am grateful for local stores where they know your name and what you like.

I am grateful for the friends and family I have.

I am aware that I am often not grateful enough.

I am grateful that I finally finished the first repeat on the Ethereal Grace stole for my niece for her wedding.  

Have you taken a minute to be grateful for something or, more importantly, someone, today?

A Birthday Post

With age comes wisdom.  I am one year wiser today.  It has been a hell of a year.  I left behind a career of 20 years to embark on a new venture as the owner of a yarn store. My dad was diagnosed with leukemia and died within a month of the diagnosis.  I learned how wonderful and caring the staff at a major university hospital can be.

I learned much in life from my family.  My daughters have shown me that there is joy in the small and simple.  That logic need not be difficult.  That living in the moment is a beautiful thing.  

My husband has taught me so many things -- including that it takes courage to pursue a dream and supporting someone pursuing a dream is a worthwhile cause.  

I hope I have learned to be more patient.  I hope I have learned to love more freely and be more giving of myself to others.  

I hope there will be many more birthdays, despite looking at the near side of 50.