Hello again

Hello, hello, hello .... is there anybody out there?

I feel like I've trudged up a really steep mountain this summer with a very heavy backpack through hundreds of huge trees and no map. It's been tough, it's been dark but here I am.

I sit in my new living room, looking out at the bright morning sky. The tall trees in this backyard protect me from viewing my suburban neighborhood but still allow me to see a wonderful blue sky. The birds are swooping and diving at our fruits trees (must pick those apples and pears), and all is serene.

My sweet husband has a late report, so is just stirring. Dear Little T had an overnighter with OMSI camp so is just waking up in Astoria. Our NEW PUPPY, Apollo, was whisked away my our middle daughter, Teressa, for an overnighter of his own in Monmouth (college town) and I'm sure has been spoiled by her roommates - and I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to let him out.

Our son Trevor has really shown what he's made of lately -- he created amazing cover art for one of his friend's memorial CDs and has been so supportive with Allen's parents; AND, he worked his bottom off several days in a row to help us finish a heavy move from our old place. Now he needs to find a job that will utilize his amazing talents.

And our sweet Tara is finally home from the hospital and seems to be doing so much better. She made me cry yesterday, calling to tell me how much she loved me and that I've always been there for her when times are tough. She also needs a new line of work, but we're taking things one day at a time. She's an great kid.

I'm so grateful for all the love and prayers I received this summer, the understanding and comfort that notes and emails can provide. Tonight I'm attending a Beth Moore simulcast at our church and am taking Tara with me. God is the great healer and I can't wait to see His hand at work.

Thankfully it's Friday. I can't wait for a weekend without moving or hospital visits. I will attend the second half of the Beth Moore program, post some swap thanks, unpack some boxes, sew and R-E-L-A-X.

Isn't that what summers are for?

Goodbye Molly - Hello Suburbs

Molly
September 4, 2008 - July 11, 2009

My youngest daughter only wanted one thing for Christmas last year - a puppy. She actually had a long list, but everything was puppy related -- a leash, dog bed, "spaiyed", dog food. She got her wish and a sweet cocker spaniel-beagle mix came into our family. After much thought and deliberation, we named her Molly. She has been a wonderful companion, so cuddly, playful and just a joy. This last weekend, she escaped down our driveway when our oldest daughter came home to visit, ran onto the 45-mph "frogger" country road and was killed.

My sweet littlest daughter is having good and bad days. She immediately called her friends that knew Molly, crying and sharing her pain. We didn't want Molly to just be in a bag/box so she took her special pillowcase off her bed to wrap Molly in her scent. Molly's favorite toy was a moose that was pretty mangled, and we put that in the pillowcase, too. T added her special reindeer "Brownie" because she says Molly always tried to play with it and she should have it. She took Molly's pictures to church and let her friends minister to her, and our marvelous Children's Pastor Jeff prayed for T and Molly. She didn't want to bury Molly and leave her on our rental property so asked to have her cremated.

We found a great local company, Dignified Pet Services, and they gave T some final time with Molly before the final "goodbye". We will pick up her ashes in 72 hours (T is counting the time), and are in the process of finding the perfect urn.


I have had it with country life. We have been in a house that is beyond "drafty," freezing in the winter even with the furnace blasting and electric bills up to $500/mo; no garage so we've been paying for storage while our few belongings in the outbuildings have been ruined by leaky roofs and bird droppings. I, the gal who hates all things outdoors, have had to learn to make a fire (just to stay warm, not for ambience!) and stacked more wood than I care to remember. I am SICK of disposing of dead critters that my cat saves us from -- mice, moles, voles, snakes, birds -- some that have been brought into the house. Dust everywhere, no cell service (!!!!), coyotes, deer, and now my sweet puppy being killed on my "neighborhood street" that people drive 60 mph on .... I'm sorry, but the country life has turned out to be a bit much for this city girl. We're moving back to the suburbs in a few weeks, and I can't wait.

Early Christmas!

Here's T's little cutie, Molly. She's a 13-wk old Cocker Spaniel/Beagle mix and so far adorable!!