At our destination
If ever someone won the daughter-in-law lottery, it’s me.
What a gem! She had the insight and the patience to marry my son, of course,
but also she’s smart, generous, and a terrific mom. Love you, Joanne.
Not a bad deal in the mother-in-law lottery, either. She’s
sweet, shy, uncomplaining, amazed by technology, devoted to family. Her only
flaw is that she refuses to come live near us.
My bold, fearless granddaughter (3yo) reminds me of my
mother, who late in life finally got a chance to do some aerobatics. Wherever
she is, I bet she’s yelling, “Another barrel roll!” in the same way Norah
demands “Higher!” when I push her on the swing.
And my by-the-book, tried-and-true, process-driven
grandson sat down with me to help knit a “blanket for poor people.” 82 stitches
is a lot for an active 7yo. He had all the right-hand moves down pat by the end
of the row.
Hot dog! I brought along exactly the right amount of yarn
to knit into four squares of an afghan, plus enough to make a little sweater
for Mr. Moose, Norah’s birthday present.
By far, the highlight of the trip is seeing how the
grands adore their Grandpa, and vice versa. They play, roughhouse, read,
tickle, swarm, hug, tease, wheedle, and cuddle all over him. He eats it up. He
was a great dad, but he’s even better as a granddad.
In the car
My sweet lord, I miss George Harrison.
At my funeral, will someone please play Loreena McKennitt’s
“Dante’s Prayer” and Yes’ “The Meeting.” Note that I don’t see either of them
in a traditionally religious light. To me they express how one finds the courage
to face the trials of life.
Speaking of George: why do I get all teary-eyed about
him, but not about my mother?
Thanks to my son for the bootleg CD of a keyboard genius
and master storyteller. A real treat!
Back home again
Laundry multiplies when you ignore it for four days. So
does email. And bills.
The darned vole dug itself a new tunnel into the garden,
but the garlic-based repellent evidently dissuaded it from chewing the beans. I
need to pick some lettuce and the last of the peas, then plant some more green
beans and spinach. Tomatoes and peppers are in flower, and the popcorn has shot
up.
It's amazing how a 12-mile bike ride to work the kinks out and celebrate a gorgeous summer day leaves me feeling weary but surprisingly refreshed.
We were very comfortable at the kids’ house, but it’s
good to sleep in our own bed.
