The (Not So) Great Escape

Once again my youngest has made his escape! This time through a bedroom window ... popped the screen right off and scampered out into our partially fenced backyard. Where was "Mommy" ... well I was taking a wee nap on the couch ... not quite asleep ... with one ear listening for little stirring sounds. When the house gets too quiet, I begin to worry. The morning of his escape, he got up early ... around 5:00 ... so I put him in my bed and pulled out trundle for myself. But never really getting back to sleep, I got up and had my morning's coffee. So, thus, the need for the little nap. People, he's ten years old and has been wearing me down since birth! I try hard as I might to outsmart the little fellow, but he's got some determination!! By the time I discovered the escape route, I fetched the neighborhood police officer to put out an APB. And, of course, after doing so, the little fellow turns up in my garage. Thank goodness I dress him in shockingly bright colors to help spot him while we're out and about. I'm thinking of investing in one of those doggy wire fences and buying two collars ... one for my dog, and one for my son (no joke)! So far, I've got every door double locked. I've even put a bedroom button type lock on the laundryroom door (backwards) so he can't undo the button. He's noticed me using a pin-key to open it, and you can bet, before too long, he'll have that figured out too. My new home will be wired top to bottom with bells and buzzers from a security company; even the windows!! That way I can at least listen for chimes when a window or door opens. How does barb-wire sound around the backyard play area? ... again no kidding?
(For those out of the loop, my son has Down syndrome)

Treetop Lullaby

What a rush today ... I sat for over an hour alone in the woods at my property just listening to the wind in the treetops! Off in the distance was the echo of a ghost train from bygone days, signaling its crossing over the prairie. A windchime sang from a distant neighbor's yard ... rich in tone, not the tinkly sounds given off by a dimestore variety ... but the tonal bass sounds of perhaps a seashore foghorn on a distant shore. The warmth of the sun perfumed the air with pine scent and wild flowers. If only I had my hammock to swing effortlessly from the gentle breeze, now that would have been a perfect afternoon.

When dh and I bought our land, it took months for me to feel comfortable traipsing through the overgrowth. Now I walk exploring with out dread fear of snakes and buzzing bees. The grasshoppers were out in force with their clicking sound as they bounded from bush to bush. My beautiful raspberries that were left on the canes have withered into the most delicious wild "candy" ... a sweet treat to munch on during my little visits. Still looking at the ripening of the huckleberries ... there are loads of them ... soon, very soon.

Back to reality ... I now hear the freeway sounds from the summer traffic. Once winter sets in, the prairie will be quieter at night. But for now, the city buzzes with manmade sounds.

Take me away to my trees once again to hear the Lord's whispering voice. Deep inside, I've always enjoyed being alone with God. From the young age of seven, I would ride my bicycle to church on Sunday mornings to attend the 6:30 mass. My family would still be sleeping ... but I needed my quiet time with my Father, in His house. They would go to church later, but if they only knew what they missed out on by not getting up early before the world was awake.

It's late and church will come early enough. Have a blessed Sunday rich in the Lord.

Mrs. Mac
Photo by "Me" 7/29/06

God's Orchestration

Isn't is amazing how bored the human race can get at times? We are always longing for a change, whether it's in our wardrobe, food, weather, car, etc; you name it, we like change! God in his infinite wisdom even gave us the four seasons to help break up the monotony of sameness. Towards the end of winter, we long for spring, then we have summer's heat and we long for crisp fall days with colorful crunchy leaves to rake up, those nice walks in the park wearing a sweater, and the smell of slow cooked stews and pies wafting through the home making us feel cozy and loved. Winter brings a time for rest; very little yardwork, if any, relaxing by the fireplace with an afgan ... sipping hot cider ... enjoying a novel. The busyness of the holidays to make family memories to carry us into old age! Seasons of the earth, and seasons of life ... God's perfect plan is awesome! Thank goodness His love for us never changes. My very favorite season is autumn!! Care to share about yours?

Out and About

Today found me running errands: Post office, phone store, library, park, Wendy's for lunch, siding showroom, carpet showroom, gas station, and Wallyworld (Walmart) for a gas powered weed wacker and groceries; I just love shopping for such extreme items there. Besides all this, there was laundry to do, pick up the house, and try to get a problem with the county building permit hammered out with the general contractor and the engineering firm. Yes, the same firm that drug their feet getting my house plans stamped with their ever so needed approval! For dinner tonight we had a sampler platter that consisted of California roll sushi, Italian bruschetta, finger sized deli sammies (sandwiches)... don't ask ... but it was delicious! I spoke with dh and our oldest son, Patrick on the phone ... a highlight of the day. It's late and I'm a wee bit tired. I hope to have something more creative to write about tomorrow. Sweet dreams!

The "Serious" Photographer

This morning I came across this photo taken in 1975 in my high school photography lab science class. Yes, a lab science ... imagine that! We had to do real photography back then with darkrooms, film, chemicals, and excursions; this was a year long class. We even had to make a camera from an oatmeal box! My 35mm camera went everywhere I went. Having my own car made it easy to drive down to the beach and catch some nature pics at least once a week. Several of these beach outings included the loan (probably without permission) of my mom's extensive (and expensive) sea shell collection. I was brave and even set up the tri-pod at the water's edge (foolish thing to do). But to capture a colorful shell with the seafoam lapping over it required the risk (so I thought). Well, all was well until I misjudged a wave and just about lost everything ... that's camera, tri-pod, and even a few expensive shells bobbing out to sea. Fortunately, I reclaimed the shells, my composure, and didn't get too wet. Obviously, I saved the camera first. Mom never knew a thing :) Digital cameras are a wonderful invention, but to get a real feel for photography, nothing beats film. My camera was stolen during a home burgulary and since dh owned the same make and model, never replaced my own. Mom was kind enough to leave her 35mm with loads of lenses last month, so today I'm going to unpack her camera bag and begin shooting film once again. Stay tooned for the results.

Photo of "Me" taking a fellow student's portrait in high school, 1975

"Window Friends"

"He's leaving on a jet plane, can't wait for him to get back again" ... Gone with the wind! My dh left this morning after a nice long visit. This time I actually cried a bit before he left. So now I'm back to my "window friends", as Anne Shirley would call her reflection in the window that she'd talk to :). In a way, blog friends are "window friends" ... but hardly just in my imagination (I hope so at least). I'm a little weary of the friend making process. So far, since the move, I've actually made friends with a newlywed couple two doors down. I'm probably old enough to be their mom, but because we both have young kids at home, I feel more like a friend than their mother. Dh has many friends in town, so I've inherited them and their wives as friends ... so far a good thing. But for now, I'm going to be taking the "making new friends" role very slowly, as I've got so much on my plate, God would be stretching me a bit too thin with any major assignments :)

Little Joys

The "face of an angel" pointing to heaven. This little photo of Nathan was taken on the day we purchased our property. There's always been something about the peaceful look, the "rainbow" and that little finger pointing up to the One we give thanks to. Just thought I'd share a snapshot of a joyful moment.