The Eyes of Imagination

 

 

There is  nothing like spending time with grandchildren.  They find joy in the most odd places and explore the world with such an open mind that it's almost a shame that they have to grow up  and deal with "reality."  Every day is an imagination in progress and every night is a negotiation to keep the day alive.

 

When we spend time with Coleton and Anthony, I am so reminded of Ben and Sam at their age.  Both older brothers being a head taller than the younger one.  One being all skin and bones and the other being solid.    The younger brother wanting to do everything his older brother does; the older brother keeping an eye on the younger one to make sure the division of toys, love and goodies are equal. 

 

We went to Charlotte this weekend to share Christmas--a bit late, but with my work schedule, Tony working at the golf course and Tony and Marie's work travel schedule, a simple get together takes a ton of coordination. 

 

It was a short trip for me--both ways!  I sat in the back seat so Dixie, aka, the princess, could be in the front near the air conditioning. It was nice to stretch out and read in the back, but with the sun shining on me, it wasn't long before I was asleep.  I woke up 4 miles from Tony and Marie's house.  On the way back, I did the same, this time waking up as we were turning into Compass Pointe. 

 

While we were there, we exchanged gifts, played games, ate good food and enjoyed being with everyone.  We taught Anthony to say, "Dixie-Pixie," which was really cute and we went to swim class with Coleton. 

 

All in all a good trip that ended too early. We hope to see them in February when our old guy turns 70!

 

Our trip in pictures:

 

 

 

Coleton is quickly becoming a fish!

 

 

 

He listens to his teacher explain the backstroke

He masters kicking

Time to go home!

 

Christmas presents!!!

Mr. Smiley!

Ready to unwrap...

Dixie often perched on the back of the couch or the steps

 where she could see what was going on but was out of the chaos!

Playing the "Dory" game....Oh Boy, I won!

Artistic moments

Gotta wear the smock....

Papa helps

 

Tray and Deuce?  Oh, Anthony and Anthony

Coleton's masterpiece

Anthony is more of a minimalist...

 

I Don't Have Time in a Bottle

There is a song that I really like.  The lyrics are something like this:

"If I could save time in a bottle

The first thing that I'd like to do

Is to save every day till eternity ends

and then..."

Now, the rest of the line is, "I would  spend them with you..." but, my sense is that the person who wrote that didn't have a job in an Emergency Room.

 

Based on the hospital ER volume of the past 3 days, this is how I would finish that sentence, "I would sleep for a week." 

 

I'm not exactly sure why, but it's been raining sick people. Normal volume for this time of year is to see around 60 people in a day.   A few days ago, we saw 102.  We call that summer volume because of all of the tourists that come down when their kids are on summer vacation and step on various things on the beach and have to be treated for cuts or falls,  sting ray bites or whatever.   At the end of each day, my fingers hurt from typing in demographic and diagnostic information. 

 

But, there is light at the end of this long, tunnel.  Tony and Bob are golfing on Saturday, which means that Donna and I will be doing our favorite thing--shopping!!

 

They are staying over and we are going to a new, favorite hang-out, Flight, for heavy  appetizers.  Sunday, is football day so we ladies may watch or go to the Wellness Center to work out. 

 

In other news, David and Brenda were in last week (as were their dogs, Bernie and his new sister, Betty!!)   Tony, David and Bob played at our Compass Pointe golf course and I am happy to report that the Swegle golf trophy is staying in Leland!   David came in a distant second to Tony, but to be fair,  this was his first time playing our course. 

 

David and Brenda treated us all to dinner at Oliver's and then headed up to Charlotte to spend some time with  Tony, Marie and the kids.

 

And so, I don't have time in a bottle, but the time we spent with our family was a treasure in itself. 

 

 

The golf warriors--getting ready to go on the hunt for birdies!

 

End of the day, end of the game, end of David's hope to capture the trophy!!

 

 

 

The champion golfer....home ....right where he belongs!!

 

 

 

A fun dinner at Oliver's with a fun group

 

  

Boys in the hood!

Dog of the Day

I love watching Miss America, Miss Universe, America's Next Top Model, anything that selects the best...Ok, best according to someone's idea--maybe not mine.  Well, yesterday, we had quite an honor.  It was Dixie's 4th birthday.  Tony took her to the Gourmet Pet Treat store.  When they found out that it was her birthday, they named her, "Dog of the Day", and took her picture for their webpage.  Wow...our dog is now titled.     We may have to build her a wing on the house to befit her new status!

But, in all honesty...Dixie is always dog of the day here.  She is funny, smart (I always say it only took her a month to train two adult humans...!), stubborn, loving and part of the family. 

I'm not sure how we got along without her....just think, no one to give belly rubs to, no one to sit in 3/4 of our chair, no one to share our steak dinners.  We just couldn't get along without her.

On every birthday, I recall the first time we saw her and the day we brought her home.  Each event makes me smile.  

Happy Birthday, Dixie chick.  We love you!!