Our Weekend Promise

One weekend this summer-a long, long time ago it was actually sunny and pleasant. That weekend Charlie and I worked our tails off doing yard work. You know, that day when you realize just how much there is to do to get the yard back in shape after the never-ending winter. That day when you just want to do it all so that you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. By the end of the weekend you feel overwhelmed and empty. That's just how we felt, and that's when we made a promise to each other that each weekend from now on would be composed of one day of work and one day of fun.
We're a perfect match. See, Charlie's a lawn guy- and he does a great job. He always looking down. He can spot crabgrass 50 yards away-of course on his way to get the crabgrass he may poke his eye out on the dead branch hanging down above him or twist and ankle on a hole or low spot in the ground. That's where I come in. I step back and look at the overall picture. I see the dead branches, wilted flowers or necessary changes that need to be made. That's my job this summer, to change the design of the back garden. We've been in the house for about 26 years. Our lot is lined with trees that Charlie has mowed around like a maze. The stone wall edging the garden that I created 26 years ago is just inches behind all of those trees. Whenever I mowed I'd become angry with myself because it was so stupid. I'd think "Work smarter, not harder". So now I'm redesigning the garden to incorporate the trees in it. Since the trees have grown, the perennials don't get enough sun- so most are coming out. It will be hostas, astilbes and shrubs. And man, how did I ever lift all of those rocks before? And they go so deep!
So, we agreed that our yard work should become a hobby instead of a chore, and our weekends should be a time to refresh and remember.

Here is one afternoon that Charlie planned out. He brought me to the West Hartford reservoir.It was a great day. Simple and relaxing. It reminded me of the times when we were all together. I thought back of when Justin was in third grade and was studying rocks and minerals. He was so interested in arrowheads which is quite a common shape for trap rock. Great times!
So, that recent Sunday as I was snapping my pictures, enjoying the beautiful flowers and scenery, Charlie was looking down (see I told you) and spotted a snake on the rock. Not only that, but the snake was in the process of eating a fish. I thought it was GROSS, but he was fascinated. It was good to be together with Charlie(not the snake). That day even the wildflowers looked beautiful.

Our other weekends have been composed mainly of visiting Julie at Giants Neck as she battles brain cancer or simply strolling through Evergreen Walk or Clinton Crossing. As for this Sunday evening, I'm spending it with Justin and Chris as they make pizza in our kitchen after I just polished the cabinets.
Great times!

Bev's Graduation Celebration

Last weekend we celebrated Bev's graduation from Providence College. It was a fun time. There have been so many gatherings when our family joined these same guests for times of celebrations, birthdays and yes, times of sorrow. But, this day I was able to be a part of the joy of watching a rose bloom. Bev would call me "Mom" and how I loved it. She looked to me the same way that Willa and Gary viewed my children-with love and respect. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful friend for Katelyn. I am so grateful for the fond memories that I carry watching them grow up and discover life together-
sleepovers, volleyball, SPF,getting ready for proms/dances,shopping,discovering boys,endless hours on the phone and creating those goofy dance/exercise videos(which I would then find your brother and his friends viewing periodically).
I know that she missed her best friend and would have loved for her to be there that afternoon. Hopefully you will both be friends forever and will share so much more of your future lives together. The bond that you two share is not easily broken.
Bev- I'm so proud of all that you've become. May God watch over you and keep you safe and bring you a future filled with happiness.

If you look closely at the pictures of Willa, Maddie and Bev, you can feel Gary's eyes looking lovingly at his girls. I know this because I "Believe".