Thursday, July 24, 2014

Thursday, 24th July, 2014 - empty nest


Dear Jen, 

I seem to have an empty nest! Joe has stayed at his girlfriend's more and more lately, and now he hasn't been home to sleep in about six or seven weeks. He's 23, so I guess it's about time. I was pregnant with him at that age, gosh where did all those years go?  I'm hoping soon he'll sort his things out and free up some space. I'm excited at the thought of an extra wardrobe and some bookshelves, and in the long term I'm thinking maybe craft room. We're actually probably seeing more of Joe and Sarah since he moved out, which is an unexpected bonus. Rather than Joe being in his room most of the time when he was here, now they come for a proper visit and we talk. A few times we've had a dinner and film night. 

I sat in the garden for a while this afternoon. Despite the proximity of the neighbours and the urban setting, it's mostly very quiet out there. Just birdsong and, in term time, the sound of the children  in the playground of the primary school over the back. I never mind the sound of children playing. We're in a heatwave (yuck) and I am so thankful that most days I don't have to go anywhere and can stay here with long cool drinks and the fan going. 

I do love my little garden. This year I have my favourites, sweet peas, you can see them in the picture and the wispy things in the basket on the fence are night scented stocks. They nothing to look at, but have such a gorgeous scent in the evenings. Further down the garden I have two blueberry bushes in pots, they hardly keep us in blueberries to be honest, but even the few that we get every few days are worth it. So much nicer on our breakfast than shop-bought ones. I've also got a pepper plant, but I noticed this morning that the buds have shrivelled up. My chilli  was looking sad so I re-potted it this morning, but I do have two lovely cucumbers on my cucumber plant, so that's something. I'd like to do more veg, but it basically has to be in pots, and also my garden is a sort of late night disco for slugs. 

Have you seen a picture of our lovely Star, before? She is Joe's dog he's had since he was 12, she is coming up to eleven years old. We had a health scare with her recently, and we've been told by the vet to expect bad news before too long. She seems fine at the moment though, so we're making the most of her. She's getting extra treats and getting away with coming on our bed some Sunday mornings for a cuddle, never allowed before. 

I liked hearing about your visit to the fair. Your girls are getting so grown up and Emily has a boyfriend! Make the most of your fledglings. Before you know it, they'll be flown. 

I hope you're having a wonderful Thursday, 


Debbie  x

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

July 22, 2014 - Summer Fair




Hello friend,

I hope that by writing in this space, I will be better at keeping in touch.  I miss our weekly correspondence.  I know it has come in bits. Life here is hectic, with one teenager and one girl on the cusp in the house.  We are quite often on the go.

It's summer here and that means tonight we went to the County Fair.  It ended at 11:00 pm and so writing this now at 11:30 pm, I realize it's 5:30 am where you are.  I am putting an end to my day as you will be starting soon.

The County Fair.  How to describe it.  All the farm kids in the 4H club (Head, Heart, Hands, Health) bring their animals to show.  The cow barn, the poultry barn, the pig barn, the horse barn, the goat barn (my favorite!).  All the animals are cleaned up so pretty and ready for a pet.  One of the previous visits to the fair a goat decided to grab and eat my sweater.  I can't resist the little buggers though.

Tonight though, as the girls are older, it was all about the rides.  Em was meeting a friend and her boyfriend (yes, boyfriend) there and quickly disappeared for the evening.  I think how different it is than when I was her age.  My parents would have never dreamed of letting me run off with friends, but in the age of cell phones, we could simply text each other meet up points over the course of the evening.

So I was left with K and her cousin.  Once I let go of the fact that we were waiting a good long while for the rides, I relaxed and enjoyed myself.  I don't usually do well in crowds.  It is funny to think again, how it seems like not that long ago, my entire world was  carrying my two littles around and standing with them next to the horses on the carousel and now I have been delegated to the status of drink holder.  I have to say though, it brought a smile to my face to see them experiencing things, like the first time on a scary ride, or the first time with the freedom to explore.

The sounds of rides whirring by, the sound of screaming, the smell of popcorn and funnel cake.  The sun disappearing behind the flashing lights. We made our way out to the field across from the fairgrounds just after 11:00 warm from the heat, sick from the sweet drinks and tired from a full night.  It only comes once a year and we don't always go, but it is a perfect summer memory.

The girls are all tucked into bed (including the cousin who came home with us) spent, and I am typing this quick note to you, before another week passes by.

Looking forward to your news,

Jen