Pumpkins

Ghost and Ghouls 2012

Today was the annual pumpkin carving contest. I know we are a traditional family, and some may think we are dorky...but I couldn't contain myself when I looked at the intensity and concentration of my family as they carved their "winner". I just kept thinking that this was what being a family is about; traditions and sharing moments throughout the year. Being together is not guaranteed and I want to enjoy every single moment with those that I love and care the most about. Pictures will follow.

Puppies

About a week or so ago, my mom was telling me about my neice, Addy, telling my mom, "Grammy, you need a puppy for a companion." We giggled because Addy is not quite 5 and her using the word 'companion' was enough to make you wonder what words she will be using when she is, say, 10 or 12. Interesting path for the mind to take, but that isn't what this post is about. This post is about Grammy taking the advice of her not-quite-five-year old grandaughter. While mom was telling me what she was thinking about, she became excited and almost animated. Hearing that from her was so heartwarming because she has never had her own pet. We, the kids, had dogs, cats, cows, chickens, horses, coyote, and God only knows what else as we were growing up. The rule was...we took them in, we cared for them. Mom didn't have to and I guess we all assumed she just wasn't an avid animal lover like we were. Anyway - she found a dog. My brother, Stephen, saw a sign on his street announcing free Chiweenie puppies. Steve took Mom to look and she went home with a little boy dog - Baxter. He weighs in at a whopping 5 pounds and is black in color. He is super cute and follows her around everywhere. I'm thrilled she is in a place in her life where she knows what she wants and understands what makes her happy (as opposed to what makes others happy). Baxter doesn't know it yet, but my mom is the best care taker on the planet and he is one lucky little guy.

Culture Shock

Going from upper 80's on the beach to upper 40's at home is quite an adjustment. So, in order to make the best of it - we will be holding our annual pumpkin carving contest tomorrow. I really do like fall, and hope to arouse some more "like" for it after my body adjusts to what we are playfully referring to as "jet lag" or culture shock of the difference in weather. There is already some banter among the natives about who will out carve whom. I just raise my eyebrow like I do and think quietly to myself that they can carve their hearts out and I will take as many pictures as possible. Hopefully, the rain will hold off until after the pumpkin innards have been taken to the trash. That isn't the most glamorous job, but someone has to do it. :) Stay tuned for pics.

More beach pics

Perspectives

We arrived home yesterday from our fall break vacation to the beach. WOW! What a truly awe inspiring - much needed - soul searching wonderful break. We spent several mornings walking the beach as the sun came up. During this time, I was able to reflect on life and enjoy the inner quietness that comes with the ebb and flow of the ocean. The purple hues were an added bonus as the misty fog rolled from the water to the breaks of the shore. I was truly in a perfectly peaceful part of myself on those mornings. Then we would lounge by the pool and then rotate to the beach before an afternoon nap. We spent some time carousing the beach shops and then out for dinner before ending the day as we started...on the beach. Again, watching the sun set on such a perfect landscape was indescribable. The ocean swallowing the sun allowed for an even deeper insight into one's soul. We spent a luxurious 5 days in a part of God's paradise, Thankfully, I collected some pretty nice pictures to help me remember the person I was on that beach. I miss her when she gets too busy to slow down and truly have a perspective that is hers.