MY SUMMER

Here we are, midway through summer. How did this happen? My days start and end with a blink of the eye. Each day is full of new wonder and so much appreciation for all the blessings in my life. I have finally reached a spot where I am just so comfortable and content. I never imagined I could feel so complete, but I do.

Tom and I are making decisions that are changing a lot about our lives. We are in many ways living more simply. It takes very little to make us happy. We are content in the company of one another as we step along our life path. We sit in quiet in quiet of morning as we share our slow paced breakfast. Our breakfast feels like dinner in Italy. We can drag out fruit, cereal and toast as if it were a seven course meal. All while reading the little that there is in the morning paper.
We are spending more and more time at our cottage in Amherstburg, Canada. I sleep like a log there and feel no particular rush to do anything. Slowly I am working at making it more of a home. Landscaping is taking hold and flowers now deck the porches. Our picnic table is out on the pavers, a welcome spot that hasn't seen the outdoor light in at least 5 years. Sunsets and cloud watching have become a pastime. The sky is an ever changing thing on the Great Lakes, our home being on Lake Erie.

We've managed to tuck in visits with Evelyn and our big kids in the UP. In fact they are coming here in just two more weeks. And then, we are going there just two weeks later. How great to be free to pick up and go when we feel like it. We do more and more of that as we get older. Reminding each other that we should do it now, while we still can.


Evelyn has brought so much joy to our lives. She just turned two on July 2nd and had a great family party. She is beautiful, bright, bouncing,

and every other wonderful adjective you can think of. She is sheer entertainment and has the humor that is indicative of our family.

Well more about Evelyn's Birthday and her antics on another day.

I'm still here, still living my life, still searching, but think I may have found myself.

Until next time......Always, Kathleen

SOMETIMES

Sometimes I wonder, what is going on with me? This winter has found me such a different place than usual. Sometimes, I've been concerned about it. Most of the time, I've said, what the heck, go with the flow. And now suddenly all the sometimes have come together and I think I know where I've been....in the Present. Yep, more often than not. I find this quite incredible.

The season has found me sorting through emotions and attachments....and not very consciously. It seems being in the moment, just enjoying, has allowed some better part of me to make some decisions I otherwise would have been wrestling with. The months have passed and I've found myself not "doing" as I usually do. For a better part of my life, I've been a gal with a list, a task to be done, a problem to be tackled. I think I dropped my "to do" list in Toledo on the way down here.

Tom and I have pretty much decided to work on getting our house on the market. Neither of us feels we need all the "stuff" we have. We feel no rush to buy another place.
We'll likely sell our "stuff", donate, give to the family. Then we'll stay at our Cottage for summer and rent in Naples for the winter. Doesn't that sound like a simpler life? With the new found freedom and the cut in expenses, I can fly to see Lara, Brian and Evelyn more often. I can bunk with Ann and David & Becka for a few day visit(if they agree). I'll have more time to "Be" and less to "Do".

I pretty much feel like the pictures I've included. Peaceful and happy.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

How Did This Happen?

Grandma and Evelyn in the pool

Sunset at Naples Pier Beach

Evelyn(in stroller)seeing Grandma and Grandpa for the first time on arrival

Video of Evelyn shelling at the beach

These photos are a little out of sinc. This was the first time I loaded a video and I found it a bit of a challenge.

We had a wonderful visit over the last week. Evelyn entertained us all. She is an absolute delight. Her Mom and Dad are doing a wonderful job with her. She is by nature and I believe a lot of nurture a very happy child. She has as much love to give as she receives. More later, don't want to loose this video.

Until next time......Always, Kathleen

THINKING OF MOM TONIGHT

Mom(Eva) seated,sister Helen on her left,

brother John behind her, and sister Bertha on her

right.

Mom(Eva) standing. Chief Cook and Bottle Washer!

Tom and I had a wonderful dinner tonight at a little place called "Little Prague".

They served Slavic and Czech food. However, it reminded me of my Mom and all the wonderful meals(Polish) that she used to make. We had side dishes of red cabbage and sauerkraut and those were thing I grew up on. The CD that was playing was of Polkas...and visions of my Mother, especially as a younger woman came vividly to mind. I found myself pensive and a little teary. I missed her a lot tonight.

I did not begin thinking about my Mother as a young woman with hopes and dreams and expectations of life until I got a lot older. I'm so sorry I couldn't have seen and appreciated those commonalities long ago. I would guess that is a common thing that happens with Mothers and their daughters. Why is it so hard to see the "person" behind that parent role?

I hope my Mother heard me thanking her tonight for being the best she could be. For giving me so many opportunities. I hope she forgives me for all the times I under appreciated her or forgot that she was human and had feelings too.

I hope my children see the "me" behind the Mom. I hope they know I've tried my best.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

ARE WE IN FLORIDA YET?

Barb and Ann

David and Me

David and Becka

"Miss Kathy" and Cammie

Well here I am finally! Missing in action since the 1st of January. Wondering where I've been?

Me too! Being a firm believer in the "I am exactly where I am supposed to be", I continue on this life journey a little less centered and reflective. I guess it was that confusing round about I turned on awhile back. I've been meandering along, no particular destination in mind....faltering from time to time and of course falling for the tricks my EGO is so skilled at playing on me. But somehow that better part of me could see what was going on. I have since turned back and am retracing my steps. Looking for the round about and seeing if I can find a better route to follow.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, I am walking alone again. I find I need the quiet time to allow me to spend time with my other man...Eckhart Tolle. Don't worry, Tom knows all about him! I have listened and re listened to his book "A New Earth" and find it such a wonderful tool to help me live my life in a way that brings out my better self. I marvel at how many ways there are in this world to find God in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if organized religions could figure this out? My way is not necessarily your way, but at the end perhaps we are in the same place.

The weather here is still cool. Nearly half our time is gone and we have spent so little time outdoors. Of course we still have sun and most days blue skies, but the wind and temperature leaves a lot to be desired. Tomorrow is supposed to bring warmer temps.

We've had quite a few visitors already. Tim(Tom's son) was here, Ann came and David and Becka just left. My cousin Barb came for a weekend and we laughed till it hurt. We are alone for a month now and will enjoy our time together. Kathy McDonald is due in a month and then Lara, Brian and Evelyn for Easter week. I've attached a few pictures. I've taken few which is a reflection of the inside activities. Hope to be more active on my blog site. Internet access is intermittent so that is one of my excuses.

Until next time......Always, Kathleen

Reflections on 2009/Gratitude

GOODBYE 2009














BEST FRIENDS FOR 30 YEARS


















THE JOY OF A LITTLE ONE TO BOND A WONDERFUL FAMILY EVEN FURTHER























ALL OF MY WONDERFUL FAMILY















Goodbye 2009! Welcome 2010, a New Year, a new decade. I've heard so many resounds of "good riddance to 2009". That doesn't reflect my sentiments at all. 2009 was a year filled with so many good and wonderful things.....and lots of personal growth for myself and many of the people I love.

Of course there is ALWAYS Evelyn. She has brought so much delight to this family. She has bonded us even more. She is the center
of our stage whenever we are all together. It has been wonderful watching her grow and mark so many milestones. She is surrounded with the love of so many people. We can't help but to remember to be grateful for the decision her birth mother Amber made and the gift she gave to Lara and Brian and all the rest of us.

My new knee, though an unexpected gift and further proof that "things happen for a reason" and "I am always where I am supposed to be, "especially when I can remember to be in the moment, a huge blessing it was and is. From that surgery came six months of having Ann in our home. Tom and I both loved having her. With her came Telly(her dog) and he too was a blessing. He taught me how to be a "Dog Whisperer" and he helped confirm the fact that neither Tom or I want the responsibility of a dog. We have been tempted in the past, but now have moved beyond that tempting notion. Thank you Telly!

Ann's temporary move to McMillan to help me recover from surgery brought with it new insight for her. She had enough distance and time to do some reflecting and to move out of a long term relationship that just wasn't the right fit. With support of family and her many friends she has made that break and is moving on with her life. Back in her own home, finally making it "hers". She has grown so much and handled so many difficult times with grace and unbelievable patience, embracing the belief, "I'm right where I need to be."

And here we are again, in Naples. Another respite from the Michigan winter. Both of us feeling so fortunate for this time.

I have taken from this poor economic climate, lessons that I needed to learn. I have more honestly viewed my own consumptive behavior and am pulling in the reigns. I look at my house, filled with things I do not use, do not need, and really do not want. I have slowly begun paring down, giving away. And truly, I am buying less. Believe me that is a change. I was the consummate shopper. Put me in any store, just once and the layout is forever imprinted in my brain. Now I just enjoy looking at fliers, and perusing the aisles, but I can actually leave without a purchase. Well, that isn't totally honest....there is still the Costco thing to deal with! What is that about?

I would be negligent to not mention my gratitude for my friends. Especially Kathy McDonald. We have a connection that has bridged thirty + years. Through that time we have been true soul mates. I teach her, she teaches me. We bring much laughter and joy to each other's lives. Friendship is one of God's biggest blessings.

To all of you, my friends, my family who read this, I leave you with this thought: "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." ---Winnie the Pooh

Until next time......Always,
Kathleen

One Person to be Thankful For

Checking out Grandma's Yin/Yang stone



Eating Black Bean Soup all on her own....

Making nice with Telly


















A Goodbye kiss from a Grandma who's still in her PJs








It's been nearly 10 days since Evelyn was here. We all missed her, suddenly the house wasn't as full, as warm, or nearly as much fun.
It was great to watch her walking around, checking out all the things that she never noticed before. Suddenly there was an awful lot
at eye level. She was so good. I didn't put anything away. All I had to say was, "No, that's not for Evelyn. That's Grandma's." She'd point at whatever and shake her head no. The only thing she really picked up was my Yin/Yang stone that sits on my table which I call my "sacred space" It's the spot that holds many objects that have spiritual significance to me. It's the spot I sit at when I say my morning prayers and do my meditation. It is a collection of long ago yesterdays and some things from the present. It's the place I say thank you for Evelyn....and for all of you.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

Lot's of my Mother in me!

Ann going through my pantry!

Unopened brown sugar, standing on it's own!



Evaporated relish and old ketchup....












Shameful expiration dates....October 20th, 2002!!!!!!


It's been two years since my Mother died. More and more I see her in me. The movement of my hands and the arthritis that is
already evident. My smile, the way I roll my eyes and I guess the way I look in the passengers seat of a car. The way I've been "starting" plants from cuttings and nursing along those that look doomed only to have them "come back" healthy and green once more.

As many of you may recall, we had so many stories about my Mom's thriftiness and her saving of so many things. She was a believer of buying on sale and stocking up. But as the years progressed and she ate less and cooked less the "supply" cupboards began to hold a large amount of expired items. Well, I hate to admit it, but that has been found to be the case in my own house! Ann has been living with us for the past several months. She is the apple that has not fallen far from the tree. She is a lot like me but also a lot like her Grandmother. I guess I should state she is like us when we were younger. I hope she realizes that she will also be a lot like us as she ages. Anyway, on a recent weekend I came into the kitchen to find Ann perusing my pantry. She was pulling out multiple bottles of yellow mustard, ketchup, relish that had been bought on sale. You know, those 10 for $10 deals. Stored in the pantry to be forgotten until I bought another and added it to my plentiful stock. She found rock hard brown sugar, and expired, unopened flour. She challenged me to try and guess how many hatched mill bugs the flour had, but I declined. The worst was the expired Sizzle & Stir from 2002. My mind went racing back to my Mom's house. There in my squirrelled away memories was me, in Ann's place, and my Mom in mine. Now the difference here was I ALLOWED ANN TO THROW OUT the stuff. But I had to admit, I was glad to have a daughter standing in my kitchen bringing me to task. So now the pantries and the frig are all safe. The health department would be proud and none of you have to fear food prepared from outdated items.

As the years past and I see more of Mom in me, I am proud! I hope I have inherited all of her good qualities and that I have toned down the not so good. I have a deeper appreciation for who she was and how strong she was. I hope I can do her proud.

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

Well, here I am in Gwinn, being entertained on a daily basis. Upon arrival I was greeted with one of those, "Hey I know you, but I don't know where from" looks. But after I began to sing the Zoo Song, there was immediate recognition. Arms went out and soon, hugs, kisses and giggles where freely being shared.

The first day I wrote in my journal I noted that the days of sitting and holding and rocking, my Evelyn Meditation, where over. But I have had to edit that remark, because I realize she is now a Meditation in Motion. She forces me to sit and observe her antics, or to quietly read a book, or pretend I am drinking from a cup or to chase her until she is hysterical with giggles. She loves my imitations and songs I make up as we go along. She loves to dance and has quit the rhythm.

She brings out the child in me and the nurturer too. She is just all around good tonic.

The weather has been incredibly beautiful. Better than what everyone downstate has been describing. Every day it has reached the 70s with fall blue skies and a few puffy clouds. My flight up was fast and uneventful. The sky clear and the views over the lakes beautiful. The color changes have barely started. The season is a good three weeks behind.

That's it for now. She's napping, time for Grandma to shower and get dressed!

Until next time....Always, Kathleen

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