Contentment as the Season Changes.

Contentment is floating outside in the pool, looking at the shades of green in the trees that surround the pool. It is that wonderful time of year when it has started to cool off just a bit, and the leaves are not yet falling by the hundreds of thousands into said pool. Looking at the patterns on sunlight on the leaves while floating in my Cleopatra Queen of the Nile seat is almost guaranteed to bring peace to the soul. All I could think about was thanking God for his gift of creation. It was almost too beautiful!

Tomorrow brings the busyness of a new semester although I don't actually teach until Wednesday morning. It has been a slowed-down summer with visits from and to family, and relatively good health for Tex. The Little Cowpoke starts his journey into Kindergarten tomorrow, a big step for him. In three more weeks I will start my new baby-sitting gig on Mondays in East Dallas, in which I will enjoy snuggling, and changing diapers for the baby with the cutest cheeks ever, also known as the Baby Celtic Cowpoke. (His name is Spanish for Celt!) I do love being a Nonna.

Back from Cool Country

I'm back from 5 blissful days in the cool Colorado high mesa area, where I enjoyed the fabulous hospitality of my brother and sister-in-law. Just rested, enjoyed the cool temps and the love of family. It was just what the spirit needed.

Tex did pretty darn well in my absence, thanks to caregivers and our beloved Bird Girl. And I was sooo ready to see him when I returned! Being a caregiver to a beloved husband can be really draining at times, but it is God's gift to me that we have had these past 3 years together (and, hopefully, many more to come.)

Lots of catch-up details to do, as well as cuddles with Tex and dogs. The start of the new semester is right around the corner...

Update

It is HOT! And I'm going to cool off tomorrow. Dryheat Dan and Irish Ani, here I come.
Tex will stay here with the Tiny Tibetan Terrors, caregivers and friends checking in. Keep prayers going. I have some trepidation but he seems ok and really wants to do it this way.
My Beloved Cousin and her husband just left yesterday. She is sooo much improved.
Baby Brudder Billy turned 55 today.
Met with the rest of the Pastoral Care group and the new Deacon last night. I am hopeful.
The new semester starts three weeks from tomorrow. I am not ready for it to be here so soon.
So long 102 temperature; 49 degree lows I embrace you!

A Loving and Lovely Intervention

Last week at church two friends noticed that I was a little ragged behind the eyes, and asked me how long it had been since I had taken even a brief break from caregiving. I realized that the answer was over seven months! No wonder I was feeling grumpy! So they performed the most wonderful, caring intervention on Wednesday morning, complete with frittata and homemade scones and homemade jam, strongly suggesting that I needed a break. The food was yummy and the caring oh so lovely! I did call Tex's daughter Bird Girl who agreed to take him for a weekend. I am going to a hotel and just vegging! What a lovely prospect. Then I am hopefully giong to see Dryheat Dan and Irish Ani for a few days, where it is even cooler than our usual July 103. With the prospects of a few days off here and there, Tex has a much more even-tempered Socialworker. Sometimes the caregiver needs care.

Definition of "cockles of the heart"

Thanks to my dear friend Mrs. Brit, I now know that "cockles" refer to the chambers of a kiln, as applied to the chambers of the heart, 2 atria and 2 ventricles. As we get all warm and glow-y from the good feelings, so the chambers of the kiln get very warm etc.

It is hot, hot, hot here at the R & R Ranch. Lazing in the pool with a book and a large glass of ice tea weather. I have to watch Tex closely if he is out at all as his body does not cool him off much. No special plans for the 4th, just so Tex can stay in the air conditioning, and I can have my cold glass of summer wine. My celebration is my special time with the Little Cowpoke at the theatre performance of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Stay cool and celebrate, my dear friends.

Cockles of the Heart

This weekend I got to experience one of the ongoing joys of my life - seeing both of my adult children together with with their families. It reminds me that these kids who fought each other all through their childhood have now become adults who like each other. It just warms the "cockles" of my heart (does anyone know what a cockle of the heart actually is?) And the boys were their usually great selves. I am hoping to get tickets today to take the older one to see a musical version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Itty bitty Cowpoke would rather attach to his Mom's boob and sleep, his two favorite activities.

News Bulletins

News bulletins:
1. Tex is slow recovering from his wounds. So much so that he has been voluntarily using his walker inside the house. It hurts to see him hurting physically and emotionally.
2. Baby Gaelito is just doing beautifully, gaining weight and smiling at his Nonna.
3. It is hotter than blue blazes here this week.
4. Lawyer Girl and her Scientist Fella are coming into town today to meet the Baby Cowpoke.
5. Life is GOOD!