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...