Sunday, September 13, 2020

15 years later...

I woke up this morning ready to tackle a couple projects that have been on my "to-do" list for way too long.   One of which was- Update the blog.
And so here I sit- staring at the keyboard- wondering where do I begin.
I haven't blogged in months.     Why is that I ask myself? 
Surely- these are curious times we are experiencing both as a nation and as a family. 
  Wouldn't the blog be the place to record the stories lest I never forget.  
  Maybe-maybe not.
15 years ago....to the day- I kid you not...I wrote my first post. 
In my introduction- I mentioned the blog craze, my intention of using the blog as a way to stay in touch with family and friends and I introduce you to my children as Thing 1 and Thing 2- choosing not to use their actual names so as to give them some degree of privacy.  
I'm so grateful I have such a collection of stories recorded here on the internet.  
 I even had a book printed from the earlier posts- when the entries were usually short and contained a funny that one thing or another had said.   These short stories are treasures to me- as my own memory of those earlier days start to blur.   
So-do I continue on....that's the question I've pondered.
And honestly, I'm not really feeling it any more.
The Things aren't kids any more....
at 21
and 23- 
Their stories are theirs to tell-when and how they see fit.
Not that they've ever minded or complained- but now as they take on adult adventures- 
I really don't feel it is my place to write their narrative.   
I'm proud of the adults they are growing up to be
Yet, I  don't feel that the internet is the place for me to express that pride.
So- that leaves my narrative.  
I have a rich life- filled with ups, downs, laughter, and love...
not to mention the occasional flight of fine wine...  

My family is  in a very good spot-
I am proud of the way, especially this summer, 
we have come together to support each others decisions-and-declarations.  
Hubby, as a happy retiree, is finding some peace and  joy while exploring alone in the wilderness- While I miss him when he's gone- I also love the happy-content person he becomes when he's camping.  It's a more than fair trade off in my opinion.  
My circle of friends is incredible!
Our time together is filled with a lots of laughter, an occasional  bit of tough love-and reality checks- and yeah, a fair amount of liquor.   Just what your tribe should include.
Bonus points- when the Tribe includes wonderful spouses with useful skills like being a plumber!
My work life is complete-
 I find the work I do to be rewarding and of value to the population I serve.   
So- I feel like I've come to the perfect spot to pause this 15 year stretch of story telling. 
The first photo shared- shall be the last
THE END

EPILOGUE....
Maybe a few more stories may emerge from time to time.
I mean- I am the proud kitty-grandma to Owen- 
Newest member and reigning 
KING OF THE HOUSE OF CHANG...
who clearly embraces the family culture of...
A Sunday nap
Quality time curled up with a good book
A tasty cocktail or sometimes
A cold brew
and of course- holding still while Martha takes ANOTHER picture...

Until next time...take note of what another Martha had to say...