Sunday, July 27, 2008

Deweybarn, Up For Grabs

The deal fell through. We are alright and can adjust. In the grand scheme it may be best. We hope the young, hippie farmers (that we've LOVED all along) are destined to live here. Now that they are experiencing a moment of free time during the growing season, perhaps they can explore this business opportunity. Being a small, agricultural business they must be eligible for grants and low interest loans. We'd be happy to barter a lower price for a few years of garden shares. Updates to follow.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

"Hey Daddy! I need to go pee!"

This morning at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Clinton Massachusetts, we heard our Sam exclaim the above.
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During a graveside service for my grandmother, we kept an eye on our son as he played with a water spout about 30 feet away. I heard him, then watched in horror as he lifted up his shirt and reached for the waistband of his shorts. Pastor Bob was speaking of how our memories of Grammy will never leave us. After spotting Sam he stifled a chuckle, gestured in Sam's direction and said, "Just as the memory of this moment will remain with me." Two thoughts entered my mind. I cursed that the camera was in the van, then tried theorizing how Grammy would respond. I think if I told her a story of him doing this, she would have laughed. If she were with us to publicly witness the incident, I honestly don't know. Certainly she would appear shocked and offended, but I think she would have taken into consideration he is a four-year-old boy and that was pretty funny.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

A Date!

We actually had a date tonight! We went downtown and scored a great table at Leunig's Bistro. Dave and I shared a delicious surf and turf appetizer, he ordered a steak dinner and I had a fabulous tuna fillet that was served atop an equally fabulous crab cake. We each ordered our own creme brulee (decided not to share dessert), with mine I had a fancy, alcohol-laced coffee beverage, yum! Having a date was much overdue and well worth the $$$.

Monday, July 14, 2008

A Whiff of Perspective

This morning I heard Mae object to something her brother was doing. I pulled Sam aside for interrogation. He explained he had squeezed her and said, (affectionately it seems) "I'm your big brother, Mae!" His intentions didn't sound malicious so I let him go with a warning, "When Mae gets mad like that, she wants you to let her go-so let her go!"
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Tonight during bath time, I spotted Sam holding Mae's head as he plunged thumbs into her eyes. I had a fit! He was dragged out of the bath and bedtime stories were diminished from three down to one.
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I often describe our life by saying, "They are kicking our ass!" However, when I step back a moment, I acknowledge some day we will consider these the best years. There will come a day when Sam won't share his imaginary friends with us, "The Other Sam and his friend Spider." Today, I enjoyed hearing about Other Sam's choo choo train. Other Sam's friend, Spider also has a train, but it is much smaller. Apparently, Other Sam's choo choo takes several steps to board, but his friend Spider's choo choo has fewer, smaller steps. This afternoon Sam and I practiced boarding both trains. Thankfully my Sam was able to redirect the Other Sam's train track so that I might remain seated on the couch quietly reading my grown up book. So thoughtful.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Deweybarn Days Are Numbered

Sam was helping his father stack wood, then appeared around the wood pile with this!

We are now under contract with a closing date and everything! We met the couple briefly. They responded to the barn as we had 11 years ago, and back then it had shag rug everywhere. Now that there is a timeline we feel both excited and emotional. We have experienced some of the best and worst life has to offer while living here. I hope the barn's new family will love her as we have.

This morning we enjoyed looking for blackberries along the Deweybarn trails. One of our neighbors recently surprised us by mowing the trails with his new mower. It feels like a state park back there more then ever.

Sam found these toads under the wood pile. "They're friends Mommy. They love eachother."


Monday, July 7, 2008

Cooling Off

It's 92 degrees this afternoon. After playing in the kiddie pool we came in for popcicles. Mae clearly enjoyed eating as well as wearing hers. While cleaning up I noticed her naked bottom sitting in a pool of juice.
When the camera came out, Sam would not be outdone. He looked in a mirror to create this mask.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Transition

Grammy died yesterday just before 3pm. When speaking with my Uncle yesterday morning, I told him I struggled between staying home or driving three hours to be with her. He shared Grammy's exact words from the day before, "Tell her don't be stupid (As she shook a scolding finger in the air), she needs to take care of those children and Dave." Grammy acknowledged the many hours we'd spent together during her hospitalization and the years of simple pleasures we have enjoyed together. Dave and I loved to pamper her. A great meal, tickets to the circus, a trip to Montreal were received with such pleasure it made us want to give her the world.

I am grateful for every minute spent with her. During the past two months I have loved giving her manicures, rubbing her back, listening to stories, holding her hand, giving and receiving kisses.

Transition. Today I insisted we focus on family recreation. It has been a blessing being allowed time spent with Grammy, I have equally felt the loss of family time. Selling our house has kept us busy for at least five months. My trips to New Hampshire and Dave's trips to the Police Academy have kept us apart for nearly two months. This morning I threw together a picnic lunch and we headed for Knight's Point State Park. The drama of getting everyone out of the house was balanced with the simple pleasures of a park, sand and water. Grammy would certainly approve.