Monday, June 15, 2009

The Merry Merry Month of May

The huge blank between postings has puzzled a few folks. We are back. The month of May was not much fun as a major upset occurred in our family. I am sorry to report that Windy and Chris have separated. She and Ember are currently living with me. Other events threw us for a loop as well. A medical diagnosis for me led to my decision to leave my job so I am no longer working at Mt. Hood Community College. All of this has turned my normal routine topsy turvy and I am only now getting myself back together. I have given up two of my favorite activities...golf and leading hikes. I'm still knitting and quilting and planning to plow through the Book Club summer read (Team of Rivals).

Although the reason for her being here is sad, Ember is a joy and brings much happiness into my life. She just turned 1 1/2 and is a bright, energetic, live wire. She goes to daycare three days a week and I take care of her on the others. My living room has a playhouse kitchen the size of a Volkswagon and a plethora of toys where she plays happily.

It surprised me to look at the calendar today and see that Summer Solstice is approaching. You could not tell by the weather. I am still sleeping in flannel pajamas under two wool blankets, and this morning I had to turn on the furnace to take the chill off. No sitting on the porch with a glass of iced tea and a good book. I'm inside with a cup of hot tea. But I do have a good book, the 10th in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. I read the first one sitting on my front porch at Terrapin Station and that glorious activity is described in the first chapter of my book. That was 2005. I have read each of his books in the intervening four years.

Although I miss my home in Osceola and pine for those wonderful lazy summer days, it is fortunate that I am here now to help my daughter and granddaughter. I will never learn to like this weather, but being close to my family offsets that. My days are full but I can spend some time on the computer while Ember watches Sesame Street. So maybe this space won't be neglected any more.