Gramma died this morning.

The family was there. Rick went up yesterday afternoon because his sister called to say the Grim Reaper was fast approaching. I told him to go home and get himself packed and we'd see him Saturday. No guilt. "I will bring Niko and Karina when I get out of work Saturday. JUST GO NOW!"

Some of my prayers were answered to let Gramma be without pain, but Grim Reaper missed the one about her not dying TODAY.

Today is also Rick's mom's birthday. She is officially old enough to collect social security, so a BIG party was planned by her coworkers, friends and family. And it went on!

No, I don't yet have the answer to my burning question..."Did anyone tell Gramma about McCain's VP pick before she died?"

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Glasses in an hour, but the drive time was 3 hours

Worked 7.5 hours today, my "1/2 day" (since I don't have a day off this week!), then had to run over to Grand Rapids to take Karina to get glasses at Lenscrafters. Emergency trip!

Her final eye appt clearing her vision was the day before she left for college. She didn't find any frames that she liked before leaving, so I promised we'd look when she came home. But she needs them NOW because of PowerPoint presentations in her lectures.

So, we met at the mall, she picked out her glasses, we ate dinner and shopped while they were made, we picked them up, we shopped for some non-refrigerated food, then I took her back to her dorm and met her roommate.

Pulled into my drive a few minutes after 10 p.m. Crazy day!

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Could be the last time, so we have happy memories

We spent the weekend in HL with Rick's parents, visiting Gramma.

Gramma is dying. Literally, she only has weeks, at most. She's still fiesty, she and I talked politics -- especially about Biden as VP, who she admitted liking. Gramma still has her mind and I made her use it!

Most of the family was there with us, but some were headed up from NC and FL.

Gramma is Rick's last remaining grandparent. And mine. She is, literally, the longest grandparent figure in my life. At 13 years, it's not impressive, unless you remember that my mom's mother is still alive, but I haven't spoken to her in more than 22 years. My mom's dad died around 2002, but we hadn't spoken since 1986, either. Unfortunately, I don't regret that relationship breakdown.

And my dad's family...got nothin' there!

I only wish Gramma was going through all this to die. Wasting away, the pain, etc. Still, we gave her dignity by talking WITH her, not acting like it was a death vigil. No drama. Just chatting it up with Gramma.

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The final countdown

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. Even though I have the weekend off, I still have to go to work. Puter thing.

Kar has lists going. She's packed her clothes. We still have to get her new laptop. Rick is really looking forward to that part!

Kar walked with Niko and me tonight. Actually, she didn't walk, she SKIPPED the whole way. Cloud 9. She's so excited. The days can now be counted on one hand!

I'm so proud of her.

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But we skipped Disney and Orlando

While on The Great Trip to See Bethany, Karina and I discussed all the places she's been outside of Michigan. She's traveled by plane, train and automobile! It's not a bad list for a 17-year-old.

Cities
Las Vegas (4 months, 13 years and 17 years)
Chicago
Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Mall of America
St. Pete, Key Largo, Daytona, Kennedy Space Center
Atlanta (but that needs a REAL vaca, Lulu)
Savannah, Washington DC, Dover
Jamestown, Memphis, Cheasapeake Bay
Albuquerque, Salt Lake City
Niagara Falls, Cedar Point
Des Moines, Durango, Cody
Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu, Benson (haha)
Tombstone, Deadwood, 4 Corners

National Parks:
Mt. Rushmore, Mesa Verde, Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Badlands, Sunset Crater Volcano, Bryce Canyon, Smokey Mountains, Zion, Appalachians, Assateague Island

Bodies of water:
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Great Salt Lake, all 5 great lakes, Mississippi River, Colorado River, Lake Havasu
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Day trip

Yesterday, Karina and I took a day-trip to see Bethany in Traverse City. She and I had connected on IM late Saturday night and she bragged about getting a new set of wheels. In black.

GOTTA SEE!!!

We agreed on 2 p.m., so Kar and I made the drive up. It rained most of the way, but as we pulled into TC, the sun came out and Kar was astounded by the brilliant blue of the bay.

Since we were a few minutes early, a pit stop into Kilwin's fudge shop downtown was on the agenda. We scored a few blocks, plus I bought us each a fresh chocolate-covered cherry. YUM!

At Bethany house, we caught up on the gossip and took pictures. Bethany's shiny new wheels sit her 6" higher than before...so it's like her first pair of high heels! Or High Wheels. HA!

After a few hours, we were treated to Schelde's for a delish dinner and lots of chatting with Bethany's parents.

When we finally parted ways, with plans for another get-together in Sept, Kar and I headed down to Rick's parents house. We initially planned on staying the night, but after a few hours there, I was rejuvenated to continue going home. That way, Mom wouldn't have company while she got ready for work in the morning. And it wasn't a bother since I have today off, so pulling in my drive at 1:30 a.m. was fine.

As we drove down I-75, Karina sleepily told me, "This was the best day, Mom. Thanks for letting me come along and see everybody."

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You never forget your first love

Five years ago today, I made the decision to put down my dog, Simba. To this day, I still cry.

He was old and very sick. He couldn't get himself up from the floor to go to the bathroom. Keeping him alive would have been cruel. I loved him so much, he was my first dog as a Grown Up. He was my best buddy. We loved to walk, he'd go bye-bye with me and I'd share with him off my plate.

Simba was next to me as I watched the horror of 9/11 unfold that morning. He licked my tears and let me bury my head in his abundant soft, white fur.

While we were in Bay City for the Family Reunion Weekend, I told Rick it was time. We found a vet, who confirmed that the dog we had adopted not even 2 years earlier was dying. It was also confirmed that he was well into the double digits in age, whereas we'd been initially told he was 3-5 years.

We'd never visited that vet office before, but they were the most compassionate people. They gave the 5 of us a big room to say goodbye. We were to open the door when we were ready for The Shot. Then, we were welcome to stay with Simba as long as we wanted. (A few days later, they even sent us a sympathy card!)

We left, but I never questioned that decision. Simba's eyes never looked betrayed. He was never afraid. He died with dignity.

Simba was my first love. Even though I love my Niko very much and have had him for more than 4 years now (he's a verifiable 10 years old)...but you know, you just never forget your first love.

Rest in peace, my Simba.

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Ick and icker

What is worse, when a smoker smells like smoke or when a smoker douses him/herself with perfume to try to hide the smoke smell? (Yeah, like it really works!)

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The beauty of nature

Lightning bugs have been giving us a pretty show each night for about a month now. It's NEVER been like this before! But then, we have had the PERFECT summer here.

Rick's garden has really brought out the grasshoppers. Big, brown fliers and little lime green guys. It's so much fun to watch them...some jump, some fly. All related, but very different and very similar.

And yesterday, I got to spend the whole perfect summer day with my daughter who is getting ready to go off to college. Not just "go to," but MOVE away.

Like the big brown grasshoppers, she's going to be flying soon. And like the lime green guys, she'll come home and blend. And if she doesn't, that will mean she's found a new garden.

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How does your garden grow?

Farmer Rick planted a BIG garden in our backyard earlier this spring.

For the first time ever, he's taken it seriously. He tilled the plot and we spread manure. I've kept up the watering. We've been eating broccoli, carrots and radishes from it for weeks. The tomatoes are still green, but the corn and cabbage is bulking up nicely. I cut off a big zucchini this morning, so the others on the plant could grow.

There are well over a dozen good-sized cantalopes and close to a dozen watermelons. That's what we are anxiously awaiting! Rick goes out each night and gauges them and any newbies. He's actually reading books and gardening tips online.

The other day, he tilled another section "for next year." If this is his "baby," next year he wants TWINS!

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Family time

Rick's youngest brother, wife and kids spent the weekend here. An impromptu call Saturday morning, they were here a few hours later! We had a great time, BBQ'd our meals, sat outside. The boys played with tractors from next door while the girls went to the mall (which no longer sucks.) Karina enjoyed hanging out with her cousin who is just a few months younger than her. As teenage girls, they now have more in common!

Pretty much everyone, but me, zipped around the yard on our mules. My 8-year-old nephew really got a kick out of it. "They're like go-arts, but a lot taller!"

That kid is getting so big!

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Nothing expected, but very appreciated

The other night, I stayed a few hours late to help out one of our vendors. No big deal. I kept it real quiet, didn't seek adulation. Figured I pulled one for the team, got my company some nice thoughts.

What I did NOT know is that honcho called my bosses the next day to sing my praises. So grateful. blah blah (blush) yada yada They never said a word to me.

I'd forgotten all about the incident. Then today, this was sent to me by the other company. Cool, eh?



The Last of Sheila (Coburn)