Starting in July

It's been awhile between blogs so I will start in July...other than working, working, working, we managed to get to Gallery Walk in downtown Wilmington.  It was nice to get out and see what the galleries had to offer.  We found 2 new places, which is always fun.  I think the one that had the most impact was a place called 216.  It was a gallery, but not like most.  This is a theme gallery and the theme happened to be ecology and what we are doing to our environment.  I learned about the floating "garbage island," that is half the size of Texas and is floating off of the west coast.  It's made up of stuff we have thrown away that isn't breaking down, like plastic bottles.

 

We also saw how plastic is affecting wildlife.  Large, dead birds who died because of what they ate were cut open and more plastic bottles and other man made things fell out of them.  Fish were caught in the plastic thing that holds six cans/bottles (of soft drinks or water)  together and seals and sea lions were caught in fishing line.  It was eye opening. 

 

On a happier note, we did see some great artwork and I continue to hope that one day, we will be going to a Swegle showing.  Tony has a few of his paintings hanging in the Wellness Center and has received really good feedback on them.

 

We are going to Hilton Head for a few days next week as we have done the past few years.  Donna/Bob/Chris/Shannon and Emma will be there for a week.  Donna, Bob and I share August birthday's so we will be going out for a joint birthday dinner.  Should be fun.

 

A month after that, we are going to Tampa.  We finally got David and Brenda's wedding invitation and I just love it.  It's clean and classy, which describes both of them.  

 

It's fun to hear about the planning and the progress they are making getting their new life started.

 

I'm also going back to the rheumatologist in September.  My skin has stayed clear and I am thrilled.  I have large, purple spots on my legs where the open wounds used to be, but, to me that is head and shoulders above where I was. 

 

When I talk about September, I can't believe we are on the downside of 2016.  I will turn 64 this year...can you believe it?  I sure can't.  It really makes my day when someone at the hospital who is checking in says, "wait till you get to be my age, dear...."   And I find that I was "their age" 10 years ago.  YIPPEE....shallow, I know, but YIPPEE.   Hopefully, retirement is somewhere in my future.

 

Well, we are headed to the beach this afternoon before I start my six day straight work shift,  tomorrow.  The beach always relaxes me.  Too bad Dixie is afraid of the waves.  She has to stay home in the air conditioning, lounging on Tony's reclining chair, eating the steak bites we saved her from dinner.  Hmmm....what's wrong with that picture? 

Dixie says....."hurry up and leave, I've got the bitches and studs coming over for steak dinner..."

 

 

 

 

 

Short and Sweet

I met a young girl named Mia the other night.  I was asking her mother for some information and Mia told me that she liked to dance.  "Show me your moves,"  I said.  And she did. 

Mia told me that she was three.  She reminded me of Ellie.  She had beautiful skin and fly away straight hair. 

"Three," I said.  "Wow, you don't look a day over two and a half," I said.  "What do you put on your skin to make it so pretty?"  I asked. 

Mia thought for a minute and said, "Black.  I put black on my skin,"   as she put her hand on her face....  "And I put it on my arms too,"  she said, holding out her arms.

How sweet she was.  She let me put her on my lap and sing, "Itsy Bitsy Spider," with her. 

It reminded me that I wish I could see Ellie more. 

Catching Up

It's been two weeks since I blogged about our visit with Nada and I feel like it's been longer because lots has been going on with us. 

 

First, my skin is clearing up after getting a cortisone shot from my Rheumatologist--all the medication I have taken in these past years and a simple cortisone shot has the most impact...incredible.  I go again on August 19 for a second shot to ensure that my skin stays clear for David and Brenda's wedding.  I can finally wear short pants again and I love it.  I'm still not into shorts, but one step at a time!

 

Tony is enjoying his job at the golf course.  Not only is he a starter and course Ambassador, yesterday he added onto his job duties by becoming a snake wrangler.  Yep....he actually reached down and picked up a snake to move it from the road to a grassy, rough area on the course.  To his credit, it was a Black snake and he knew it wasn't poisonous--and he picked it up by the tail, so the risk was small.  The most important thing, however, was that he assured me that he washed his hands before he touched me or Dixie!

 

My job continues to be stressful.  We have changed the workflow to be compliant with HIPPA regulations and it is causing a backup in getting registrations finished because of the  huge increase summer tourist volume brings.  The end result is that some patients are being discharged before we have them registered--that means, we have no address or phone numbers to contact them and no idea where to send the bill.  It's a balancing act between losing money and being in compliance.  Last week, I was at work until almost midnight just getting everything caught up.  The staff, collectively, is not happy about the changes and you can see the stress on their faces as incomplete registrations pile up.

 

Tony and I did some more visiting last week.  Our friends, Dave and Kathy Henderson (Tony's former co-worker) rented a house in Topsail (pronounced Topsull) Beach and their two daughters came down with their families.  It was a fun day hanging out by the pool and catching up.  Tony Jr and David went to school with the Henderson girls, so seeing them married with children had the same effect on us that seeing our kids does--where did the time go? 

 

I have the whole weekend off, so Tony and I are headed to the beach.  While my Dermatologist said to stay out of the sun, my Rheumatologist said to get some sun.  We're going to compromise and go to the beach later in the day so the sun isn't as punishing. 

 

The wedding is getting closer and so is the time for Tony Jr to go to Rio...I am excited about one event and worry about the other, but I hold out great hope for both things.

 

We had some rain a few days ago and wind...check out the photos below.

The guys hanging out

 

Grandma Kathy with Mason

Kathy, Mason and Lauren

Connor and Mommy, Katie

 

Lauren and Mason

Katie, Connor and Danny play in the pool

 

Dixie didn't get to go, she spent the day with Uncle Stu and Aunt Jan. Even though she had fun, I got the feeling she was annoyed with us.

It started to cloud up...here is the tree in the next door neighbor's yard

 

It's getting darker...you can't even see our backyard clearly

After the storm...the neighbor's tree was uprooted...

 

 

...and the neighbor on the other side had their patio furniture relocated!  See the chair by the fence?  It was near the grill before the rain started

Our yard fared better...our roses jut got wet!

 

 

 

Friends

I have never seen an episode of the TV series, "Friends."  I know the basic premise and I know that Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox appeared in the show, but that's about all I know. 

 

What I do know is that the word, "friend" is a very important one.  I have maintained some level of friendship/connection with many of the people I have worked with over the years in various companies.  I value their friendship.  I value the impact they have had on my life.  I value the support they gave to me when I needed it and the discoveries we made together.

 

We met a friend last week.  Nada.  Nada and I worked together at Ohio Savings Bank in 2000.  Nada was a trainer who worked with my staff on mortgage banking products and sales techniques.    We clicked immediately.  She has an "impish" smile that carried over beyond work and a teaching technique that reached many people and made them successful. 

 

It didn't take long for our professional interaction to become personal sharing.  We did lunch, had after work drinks and talked for hours about the men in our lives.  Tony and I went to Nada's wedding to Alec.  It was  my first Greek Orthodox wedding and it was beautiful.  The reception was catered--by all of the women in Nada's church.  All home made food...and tons of it.  We learned that on the wedding day, the groom goes to the bride's house to spirit her away to marry her.  The bride's father objects and tells the groom how special she is and how much she is loved in their home.  All the time, the bride is walking  toward her groom.  When she reaches him, her father gives in and allows the groom to take his bride to the church to marry her.  The church was ornate and the service long and touching.   It is a wedding I will always remember.  

 

When Nada was laid off from Ohio Savings, she became an independent training contractor and has established an impressive customer base and book of business of her own.

 

Nada and her husband and kids visited friends in Raleigh, North Carolina and then drove down to Wrightsville Beach to spend a few day enjoying the weather. 

 

We met for drinks and appetizers and the time and distance since our last visit melted away. 

 

Nada will always be more than a friend....when I think back on some of the things we did, I know she is an accomplice!

 

Come back soon, Nada...and family!

 

 

Nada and Me

At the beach!

Tony, Me, Nada, Alec and Nikko...a real charmer at 4!

 

 

 

A Day In Southport

It's rare when I have four days off in a row, but I did, so Tony and I decided to use one of them for an adventure.

 

We decided to drive to Southport--one of  my favorite  places--to watch the water, the sailboats, the birds and visit a new restaurant, Oliver's.  Earlier this year, we went to Oliver's with Donna and Bob when it was open for only 17 days.  It was love at first bite.  The food was great.   The inside is all expensive wood, large windows and arches.  You can watch boats and birds fly by the windows. 

 

We started at Oliver's with a glass of wine.  From there, we walked around the water and out onto the pier.   It was fun to watch people casting their lines, hoping to catch "a big one!"

 

We met dog people--lots of them.  We met a lady named Deb and her three dogs.  One of them was Oliver, he was a rescue and quite afraid of people.  He let Tony get a little close but then retreated under the bench Deb was sitting on.  I didn't get that lucky, I spoke to him in low tones and gently reached out, but he was spooked and went back under the bench.  I can't stand to think of what people must do to dogs to make them so afraid.

 

We saw big dogs and little dogs enjoying the beautiful day.  After a short walk, we went back to Oliver's for appetizers of baked Brie, steak bites, oysters and wine. 

 

We finished the day at home by watching one of our art series--this one on the Louvre.  A perfect day!

 

Today, I went back to Dr. Kellerman because my left foot and leg have been swelling lately.  He ordered an  ultrasound to check for blood clots, as I have had them before.  I got the results before I even got home.  No clots, but I need to go see a Rheumatologist now (not sure if I spelled that one right!!)   More doctors, no answers. 

 

So today wasn't that great, but yesterday, a day in Southport, was priceless!!

 

 

The Oliver's sign against a beautiful sky

Sea birds and sky swirls

Way, way out there is Bald Head Island--we're going to go there one day

 

Testing a new Chard

Alfred Hitchcock could have filmed "The Birds" here!

Oh yeah, you think you know what kind of dog this is...well, the owner said it was a German Shepherd who was under the weather!  OK, you win, it's a poodle!  NOT!

 

The birds line up on the roof ready to swoop for food!

 

 

 

June Stuff

Well, once again, another month is in the home stretch.  June is a beautiful month no matter where you live.  We have had some hot, hot days, but mostly breezy, fresh and warm days. 

 

The Compass Pointe Golf Course officially opened and Tony has been playing more frequently.  And, after 5 years of retirement, he took a part time job at the course.  He is a starter, the person who checks you in keeps track of who is on the course and an Ambassador, the people who politely tell you to put some "hurry up" in your game because other people are waiting. 

 

Tony, Marie and the kids came up last weekend and "the men" played the course.  Unfortunately, the Swegle golf trophy moved from Leland to Charlotte, as Tony Jr. bested Tony by one shot.  It was a tough one to lose. 

 

While they were doing that, Marie and I took the kids to a place called, "The Power of Play."  It's an indoor activity place for kids.  Coleton and Anthony had a good time playing on the sliding board (Anthony had no fear) and riding bikes.  There were see/saws, a climbing wall, various forts and buildings that you had to climb up and slide down.  For those less inclined to climb, there was  a play kitchen, grocery store, doctor's office, house and places to play with building blocks.  It was a fun place.

 

We all went out to dinner to a sports bar downtown and then walked around the water.  It was a full day for the kids...who am I kidding, it was a full day for me, too!

 

I had to work, so Tony & the "kids" took their kids to the beach.

 

All too soon it was time for them to go back to Charlotte.  Coleton just melted my heart when he said, "Momo, when Papa comes to visit me, you have to come too."  So often I am working and have to stay home.  I didn't think he noticed that I wasn't there, but he did.  That was nice to hear.

 

And so, next week, we are meeting up with my friend, Nada, from Cleveland, who will be vacationing in the area with her family--can't wait for that. 

 

Also next week, it's back to the doctor for me.  The pain in my side is back and my left leg/foot are swelling--not sure why on either thing. I'm tired of being sick and once again, hope to find some magic pill or relief with this doctor's visit. 

 

The wedding is just three and a half months away and we are looking forward to that. 

 

Here is June, so far, in pictures:

 

Tony, ready for work!

 

 

The "Three Men and a Bond" Trophy, enjoying life in Leland. 

 

Tony Sr, admits defeat by one stroke....

But apparently isn't happy about losing the trophy!

 

One of the many forts at Power of Play

The kids play in the block room

Anthony doing laps

 

Coleton on the see/saw

Coleton says to Anthony, "You're too little to climb this fort..."

To which Anthony said...."Oh yeah?  Watch this!"  He has no fear

 

 

Coleton doing laps

Notice the faces....Coleton wanted the left seat....Anthony beat him too it and wasn't letting go!

If Coleton slides...Anthony slides

But thank goodness that Mommy was on hand to catch

 

The sea faring Swegles

Luvin the beach

Playing tag with the tide

A fun day for all

Good-bye, beach

 

Our "signature" hole at the Compass Pointe Golf Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Child Is 40 Today

There is a line in one of our favorite movies, "The Patriot," where Heath Ledger is arguing with his father about being too young to join the military during the Revolutionary War.  He says to his movie father, Mel Gibson, "I'm not a child."  To which Mel strongly responds, "You're my child."

 

My child is 40 today.   OK, the number 40 and the word, "child," may not necessarily go together, but like Mel said, your child is your child no matter how old they are.  

 

But Jenna wasn't always 40.   At one point, Jenna was that little girl with the red scalp and the "duck tail" piece of hair at the back of her neck.   "Isn't he cute," old ladies would say at the grocery store. 

She was the little girl who used to call fish, "she-shes."

And she was the baby in the "pumpkin seat" who used to laugh hysterically when Fritz and I played cards and we would split and shuffle the cards so they made a cracking sound.

She was the toddler who used to call me, "Muzzer," as in my mother telling her,   "wait till your mother gets home...."

But, mostly,  I remember the little girl who liked to sing. 

One of her favorite songs was "Sunrise/Sunset," from "Fiddler on the Roof." I can remember clearly her standing and singing,

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
 
I don't remember grown older
When did they?
 
And then, her favorite part...
 
"Some rise, some sit."

And at that point, she would rise or sit down, depending on where she was in the song.   I can't listen to that song without singing...."some rise, some sit."

Another favorite was from "Annie."  Jenna loved the song, "Tomorrow," and would sing it joyfully.
 
The sun will come out tomorrow
 
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be some,
 
Just thinkin' about tomorrow, clears away the cow webs and the sorrow, til there's numb.  

But my favorite song was one we sang in a church program when Jenna was really, really little.  To me, this song summed up our early life after Bill died:

You and me against the world,
Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world.
When all the other turn their backs and walk away,
You can count on me to stay.

Remember when the circus came to town
And you were frightened by the clown,
Wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for you.

You and me against the world, sometimes it feels like you and me against the world

And for all the times we've cried, I always felt that God was on our side.

And when one of us is gone,
And one of us is left to carry on,

Then remembering will have to do,

Our memories alone will get us through

Think about the days of me and you,

You and me against the world

(Voice of a young child....)   Sing it again, Mommy

No matter how many times I sang that song to her, she always said, "sing it again, Mommy." 

 

My child is 40 today.  She is a wonderful wife and mother, creative, determined and focused on the well being of her family. 

 

WOW....my child is 40 today.