Kathleen's Korner: Here I Am

Kathleen's Korner: Here I Am

Here I Am

She loves when we kiss!
Cuddle time on the porch and
kissable toes.....

Three Generations!






Have you wondered where I am? So have I. Somehow, the summer has flown by. I didn't notice where it went. But here
we are into August already!

My recovery seems to have taken all my time. I have read more, but haven't knitted. Haven't done a lot of deep thinking, and have gotten off my spiritual track some. I'm refocusing on that now. Somehow my morning routine has just disintegrated. Exercises, icing my knee, and taking pain pills seem to have taken up most of my days. My knee is healing well. I've gotten most of my range of motion back, but not all....at least not yet. I walked 2 miles Thursday morning. No joint pain! The further I walked the better my knee felt. But, I'm still not back to normal...yet. Hey, but I did work in my flower garden transplanting perenials the other morning. It was great.

The summer has provided me with extra time for the people I love. As you can see, Evelyn was back in town. So much bigger. So engaging. She entertained us all. What a lucky girl she is to have so many people fall in love with her. What a lucky family we are!

Challenges abound in so many of our lives right now. The economy. Relationships. Health. A friend of mine lost her husband on Wednesday to Pancreatic Cancer. Very fast. She sat in my kitchen just two weeks ago, telling me he had taken a leave of absence the day before. Two weeks, and he's gone. Just a reminder to hug the person next to you, tell them you love them, and be thankful for what you have. That's what I'm trying to do, every day.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

Rentry

A HAPPY TELLY












TELLY AT THE COTTAGE....AWAITING ENTRY










OUR COTTAGE













EVELYN'S FIRST TASTE OF SUGAR
ON HER 1st BIRTHDAY 7/2/09










I've been absent from my blog for about two months. In that time, lots has happened. I've had my right knee replaced. I'm six weeks into recovery. Everything is going very well.

I've found that in this post-op time, I've been really focused on the physical. My writing, especially anything reflective has taken a back seat. My personal journal has few entries, my blog has been neglected, even my emailing has slowed down. I realize that life's journey takes us up and down many roads. All of them have a purpose in our development and growth.

I have been on a spiritual journey most of my life. I began seeking at age 7, and have many clear memories of thoughts, devotions, rituals and events in my life that have brought me to today. Last winter I was steeped in the reflective areas, and rested my spirit for 4 long months. Now on my return to Michigan, I found myself facing a physical challange that thwarted my plans of returning to work and gathering $$$ for our trip south this winter. A year ago I would have been bent out of shape because I couldn't control these events. But not this year. I found myself embracing the needed surgery and knowing there was purpose in all of this. I now know there was and I'm glad I am where I am. Sometimes life's events are not meant for us alone. I see clearly now, how intertwined our lives are, and how often our experiences are there to effect someone else. It really is about being in the moment. Accepting what comes, and holding fast to the idea that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

The pictures above are a story in themselves. Telly is Ann's dog. He is an English Bull Terrier(the Target
dog). He has been staying with us for awhile. He has attached himself to me. I am the new Alpha, the pack leader. He should be called Shadow because he doesn't leave my side. He listens well and seems to be thriving on being around people all day. That is a luxury he hasn't had because of Ann's long work days. He loves the cottage and is able to be off leash here. At the moment he is lying at my side.

The last picture is of course, Miss Evelyn. She turned a year old on 7/2. I couldn't resist including this photo. It's one of her facial expressions after tasting sugar for the first time. It looks like ecstasy, but Lara said she really seemed overwhelmed by the taste. She is coming to visit us on 7/23 with Mom and Dad, can't wait to see them all. She has become a little girl over these past 31/2 months.

So here I am, right where I am meant to be. Enjoying the quiet of the cottage with my husband and my granddog.....

Until next time, always....Kathleen

A MAN, A WOMAN, A DOG....AND THE POTATO SALAD!

David, Becka and Murphy









Murphy/Beagle-Basset Mix










Their Home in Royal Oak, MI







Table Set For Mother's Day Dinner

Pre-Dinner/Post-Murphy

Homemade Potato Salad

I had a Mother's Day dinner at David and Becka's. Becka is quite the Betty Crocker. Their new home is so inviting and her culinary skills are great. She cooks with health in mind. "Preservative free, lower fat, cut that sugar"....is her motto. She does it all with seemingly little effort and tasty results!

She whipped up a batch of homemade Potato Salad. New potatoes, fresh dill, eggs from her brother Mick's chickens. Oh, did I mention Murphy??? Well, of course his picture is above.

Now Murphy is a sweet, lovable beagle/basset mix. Becka & David found him wandering on Mack Ave. the day Ann graduated from Nursing School. We were going to dinner, and there was Murphy wandering the busy street. Oh, did I mention Becka is an animal lover...a stray magnet, a dog rescuer? Well, she is. I don't think there is an animal she's met that she doesn't like. Well, Murphy found a home. He joined the Clifton household and immediately got on with Cooper the big yellow lab(the other dog in the family household). Murphy is solid, low to the ground and long bodied, but he is very, very agile. He can walk across the back of the couch(on the frame, mind you) without a stumble. He's like the Flying Walenda's when it comes to balance and agility. So, yesterday, while we sat in the Living Room, visiting, watching the hockey game, Murphy quietly, gracefully managed to get onto the table and eat most of the potato salad. There was not a glass, a plate, a piece of silverware out of place....just an almost empty bowl and a dog, sitting quietly licking his chops! I think he was surprised that anyone noticed. Without hesitation he walked down the basement stairs and readily entered his crate. Now, that is unusual, he generally won't go in without being accompanied by Cooper. After dinner, he was allowed to come back into the loving fold of family. By then he had long forgotten why he was asked to leave the party; and so without reservation we all decided to just drop the topic of Potato Salad. We never figured out how he got up there. The chairs were all in place under the table top. The only possibility was my Mom's Cedar Chest that sat under the window. Just the height an agile Beagle/Basset could use to "leap" onto a table with such precision that only a ripple was noted on the cloth sitting under the vase of flowers. I mean the boy has TALENT!

There seems to be a history in our family of our dogs eating our food, especially on special occasions. Mandy our little stray ate part of my brother Leo's and Linda's wedding cake while we were out taking pictures. My cousin Barb's dog, Duke ate an entire Honey Baked Ham which was to be the main course at a farewell dinner for Lara and Brian. Tom's dog Penny ate a bowl of my Mom's great homemade Pirogi. For some reason I think these events say more about us as a people than the dogs as animals. We may need a Dog Whisperer in the family!

So, we have been promised Potato Salad on another visit. We are waiting and hope it won't be too long. Family gatherings are the glue that holds us. It is interesting to watch the "passing of the place". First my Grandmother's, my Aunt's, my Mom's, then my house and now on to my children's. Traditions that change a little with each generation, but that hold on to that spirit that makes us Family. I'm so glad my clan is mine....including the dogs!

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

A TRIBUTE TO MY DAUGHTER...A NEW MOTHER

Lara and Evelyn


My Flowers For You This Mother's Day


The Outdoor Side of Lara


Mutual Admiration Society

Happy Mother's Day Lara! You're one terrific Mom. You are selfless, tender, gentle, affectionate, single minded, giving, tolerant, concerned, generous, creative, nurturing...when it comes to Evelyn. What a lucky little girl she is. She came into this world so perfect and you are doing all you can to make sure she stays that way. I admire you so. I believe that with every generation of women, mothering becomes better...more perfected. We learn how to be and how not to be from our Mothers. I hope I taught you more about how "to be" rather than how "not to be". But whatever, take the lessons and use them wisely and then pass them on to Evelyn. Make sure she has them tucked inside of her for when it's her turn. And believe me when I say, it will be her turn sooner than you realize.

You are an incredible daughter. You have become such a wonderful woman. If we were in each other's lives in a different way, I'd pick you as a friend. But, we are in that tangled relationship of Mother/Daughter, and frankly, I think our's is pretty healthy and pretty terrific. And I do consider you my friend...so I come out doubly blessed! If reincarnation exists, I'd want to come back as your child or your cat! Nothing against how you treat your dog, but I'd rather have a cat's life if it came to a choice. I think a cat would fit my personality better.

I think I forgot to mention your excellent judgement. And that you have shown by choosing Brian as your mate. Excellent job!

Happy Mother's Day to my born to be a Mother, Daughter! I love you.

Until next time....Always, Mom/Kathleen

I Give Up On This Format

I just don't get this site's format. I blog....save, check it on the edit page and the typing never turns out the way I layed it out.

Read my blog on Ann, below as best you can. The words are a challenge at times.

Kathleen

NOW WHAT IS SHE DOING!!!!!

Once again she surprises me. She's been doing that since 1975. It's Ann, with yet another "adventure".



It started at age 4 when she kept calling Public Radio so she could "please get that Big Bird, you keep showing."



It happened again when she broke her ankle and didn't slow down, even though it wasn't yet a walking cast.



It came in the form of volunteering at
Beechwood Manor when she was nine.
Calling me at work to say she needed a TB test so she could help out there once a week.







Then it was becoming a terrific swimmer and a member of the swim team. Devoting hours of disciplined practice, often at 6 a.m. before school started.



Then it was becoming a "teenager" and challenging me in every way she could. Testing my limits and sometimes her own.



Then it was college and entering nursing school.



Then it was failing school and finding another field to get a degree in.



Then it was graduating and becoming a Vista Volunteer....living on a stipend of just $300 a month.



Then it was working as a Health Educator and working with women on parole in an in house rehab facility. Watching her grow in compassion and understanding of people who had "come up"the hard way.



Then it seeing a light go on in her mind and her spirit, realizing that yes, Nursing was her calling after all. Back to school to finish an Associates Degree....work, go on to finish a Bachelors and a Masters and to now work as an Advance Practice Nurse/Primary Care.





But tonight, I turned from the stove to look out my kitchen window to see such a surprising sight....A figure in black....helmet and all! It was that woman again, surprising me still.

Ann, the Motorcycle Mama...on her way home from work no less. Another adventure....from that child who keeps on surprising me!

Be safe Ann!

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

Proud Grandparents

Patricia Ann Winterfield








The Winterfields(Left to Right)

Maria, Kathy, Tim, Patricia, Tom and Tommy








Proud Grandparents









Mutual Admiration Society










Our Granddaughter Patricia graduated from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, yesterday. We (Tom, Tim(her Dad) and I) went to Grand Rapids on Friday. We had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant called the 1913 Room in the Grand Amway Hotel. It was a pretty swanky place and a special treat for Trisha. Saturday was the commencement ceremony. We sat through an hour and a half of name calling so we could hear "our" girl's name called. We are so proud of her.

Patricia is considering joining the Peace Corps. She had a final interview last Monday in Chicago. She is being strongly recommended and
hopefully will be "invited" to join. She will likely be sent to Subsahara Africa to teach science. She has worked so hard to get through school. She did it the hard way, working, taking loans and some help from her family...but mostly she did it on her own. She is so enthusiastic about life. She wants to gain life experience, help others and make this world a better place.

Trisha, Grandpa and I want you to know how much we love you and how proud we are. You are your Grandfather's legacy. He was tearful at your commencement, wondering out loud where the years had gone. You have so much ahead of you. May you succeed in the many adventures that lie ahead of you and may you learn from the ones that don't turn out as planned. And keep in mind that saying , about "things being rearranged for the right outcome."

Grandchildren are the BEST! Until next time....Always, Kathleen

A Visit with Evelyn

Lions and Tiger and Bears...oh boy! A Grandpa Smooch

Sharing a Giggle

Pucker Up!

Has it really been over a month since I've blogged. I guess that shows the

difference in available free time between

Florida and Michigan.

We arrived home on Saturday 4/4/09 and one hour after our arrival, this little pumpkin showed up at my door. We had five wonderful days together.

Evelyn now knows more about her zany Grandma. She heard me sing our "Zoo Song" at least 6 times each day she was here. Now I call and have Lara put me on speaker phone so she will continue to hear my voice and know "our song". After the first few words she bounces on her parents laps, or on the floor or in her chair. She claps too. She likes "our song". We visited the zoo while she was here and it will become a part of many more visits to Grandma's house. She now owns a pink baseball cap that says "Detroit Zoo" and her own divided plate and a bowl stating the same and decorated with numerous zoo animals.

I also taught her how much fun it is to sing and dance and twirl in Grandma's arms. She laughed, actually giggled and had me short of breath. What aerobic exercise I would get having this child around me on a more regular basis. I will do anything to make her smile and hear her laugh. Ask the grownup kids how their Mother acted at the Zoo. Zany!

And of course, Grandpa got his kisses in. It's such fun to watch Tom so delighted to win a smile or a vocal response from her. They had their cuddle time in Grandpa's chair and she passed him a crumpled sheet of paper...back and forth, back and forth.

What a delight she is.

Until next time....always, Kathleen

FROM CRUSTY TO SOFTY

Kathleen and Cammie working on kicks....














Cammie "jumping" to Miss Kathy














"Ring around the rosies....."


I know, who would have thunk it. Old crusty here turning into a mush melon. Can you see what loving Evelyn has done for
me? Never would I have looked at other people's children like this, not before Evelyn came into my life. She has peeled an onion, layer
by layer. She has gotten to my very soft caramel center. She has opened me to love like I have never known before.

This little girl "Camryn", called Cammie was down at the pool with her Mom and Grandma a week ago. I took immediate notice because
she made me think of what Evelyn might look like at age 2 1/2. Cammie is also adopted. She and I have begun a friendship. I go into the pool everyday. Her Mom and Grandma just sit on the edge. She and I are playmates. I am practicing my Grandma skills. It is really very easy. She has decided that I am the best. When she comes down after lunch and spots me, she cries out "Miss Kathy", and runs to me. She has taken to kissing and hugging when she leaves. She had never heard the song Ring Around the Rosies, I began singing it and moving her in circles, she sang along and within two tries she had the words down. Her Mom videoed us with my camera and if I can
figure out how to post it later I will.

Okay Evelyn, hurry up and get to Detroit, your Grandma is waiting for you. I think there will probably be a trip to the Zoo!

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

GEORGIE'S COUSIN

MEMORIES OF GEORGIE

Many years ago, 30 to be exact, David had a parakeet named Georgie. He was bright green with yellow and black. David bought him with his savings(Communion Gift money). He then saved for a new cage and kept Georgie in his room. He loved that bird to death. He taught him to talk, to land on an outstretched finger, to ride on Mandy's(our dog)back....and to avoid the cat, Scratcher. All was well in the house of man, dog, cat and bird.

In August our annual camping trip to the Pinery was planned. Grandma and Grandpa Barber were taking Georgie for a vacation at their house. Two days before we were set to leave, I put Ann in the front seat(she was almost 3), the birdcage in the middle next to her, and I went back to the porch to grab the stand. As I struggled to put the stand in the back seat, a small voice was heard from the front seat, "Georgie go bye-bye". I quickly looked in the cage and much to my dismay it was empty. The cage door was open as were the car windows. Ann continued, "I put Georgie on my finger and he go bye-bye." I dreaded telling David:(

I could barely look at him. He was so upset. Off we went to the street behind us, the direction Ann said Georgie had flown. Sure enough we found him in someone's backyard, high up in a huge Maple. With David coaxing, finger outstretched Georgie attempted several landings, but he couldn't make it past the strong updrafts. The owner of the house let us leave the cage on his driveway overnight. Come morning there stood an empty cage. No sign of Georgie following an abnormally cold August night.

Our home was silent of chirping and mimicking, all that could be heard that night was an eight year old boy crying himself to sleep in his Mother's arms. The Mother cried too, and for one of a few times in her life she didn't know what to say. She wrote in a journal that night, one she still has, and found in that telling some comfort for herself. The beginning of writing about her feelings that has carried her through the past thirty years. The beginning of a personal journey and the realization that she couldn't fix or control everything Something she still struggles with every day.

IDES OF MARCH???

Sunrise from my porch


A missed sunset...caught the sky leaving for dinner


The Moon and Venus at dinner


Just so you don't think everything
is beautiful here....this is the ugliest
artificial flower arrangement I've ever
seen....and it's in my Living Room!

Is it possible? Tomorrow is March 1st. Only 31 days left to our stay in Florida. Our new home away from home. I hate the thought of returning. I'll be happy to see the important people in my life, but can't say I've missed Detroit/Michigan at all! I will look forward to
our return next year. Such a pleasant place to look forward to.

I went to a Line Dancing class on Friday with one of my friends. What fun!! I plan on going again on Wednesday and Friday. It really was a workout. I love dancing and so seldom get to do it. Weddings are fewer and fewer now. Our big party days are over. I felt like I was in Bill Wilson's Studio of Dance. Barbara would remember that. A large part of our childhood. Tap, ballet, modern jazz. When my cousin Barb and I were 4, we charged people 10cents to watch us perform. Our Grandma Bullock(our Mother's Mother) was in the hospital, seriously ill, in Pennsylvania. The times were safer then and our Mom's left us outside on the hospital grounds, unattended. Barbara and I saw ourselves as budding stars. There we were in our matching blue/blue striped dresses, tapping on the grass for anyone willing to come up with the coins. Much to our Mother's horror we managed to collect enough to put in our piggy banks. Grandma died never knowing we had inherited her industrious nature. How did we know Barb, that many years later, we'd be tapping to keep patients happy!

I had such a great day yesterday. Most of them are great,but yesterday was exceptional. It started off with a sunrise, moved on to dancing until I thought my heart would sing, and then seeing that beautiful night sky. We had dinner at a place called Bha Bha/A Persian Bistro. Food I love. A balmy night drive home, to bed, just to rise and start all over. This really has been such a wonderful time. I am so very grateful.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

THIS IS SOME OF WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING!

EVELYN IN THE SWEATER I MADE FOR HER,
HAT BY GRANDMA SHIRLEY OUT OF LEFTOVER
YARN



DINNER WITH MY BROTHER JACK, HIS
WIFE PAT, TOM, DAVID/BECKA AND MY
NEPHEW ERIK IN PUNTA GORDA


SOME OF MY MAJONG PALS. LEFT TO RIGHT
PANSY, GLADYS, WILMA, ROSE AND TONI WHO
I CUT OUT(SORRY TONI)


KATHLEEN "NOODLING"

Hi Everyone,

Well, here it is February coming to a close! How did this happen? Ten(10) months from today it's Christmas! Don't say
I didn't warn you. I do this every year and no one wants to hear it. Then November comes and you all complain that you
have so much to do. My solution...cut back! No gift buying. Go to another state, that eliminates decorating. I don't think I
can get away with this much past 2009. Evelyn will be wising up and I sure don't want to miss that!

The weather remains wonderful. The people great. I scored two(2) Majongs on Tuesday. It's so much more fun when that
happens. It is a game of skill, but there is a lot of luck to it too. I guess that's why they called it THE JOY LUCK CLUB.

Our pool is great. The sun is pretty intense and it offers relief. Everyone hops in and does their visiting in the pool. Great place to
do leg kicks and scissor kicks. I think I'll see if Ann can't try to teach me proper breathing when she comes next week. I can do the crawl but have never gotten the breathing right. I end up running out of steam due to lousy technique.

I've met a new lady from Massachusets named Gloria. She sits poolside and knits. She got me going again. I've started an Aqua sweater for Evelyn and am making pretty good head way with it. I've almost got the back done.

I'm going to a Line Dancing Class on Friday morning with Pansy. I'll let you know how that goes. I've got to do something to get me out
of bed earlier. I don't know where the "early riser" went, she's not here.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen