seth falls in pond

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Shanda

Sixteen year old Ethan was recovering from pneumonia and had spent four days on the couch. On the fifth day, he was finally feeling healthy enough to walk down the hilly front yard to the pond with his fishing pole. As he sat in the bright sunshine, dressed warmly and wearing his straw hat, his little brother Seth played next to him. Both boys were on the dock when I walked down with my camera, and their little sister Sarah was playing nearby, too. She was wearing a warm coat, but was barefoot. Seth had already dropped his jacket on the ground and was happily pretending to fish with a long, thin stick, wearing a pair of jeans and a thin t-shirt.

Ethan situated himself at the end of the long wooden dock with his feet dangling over the deep green water, and I moved away to the side of the pond in order to take a photo of him. He looked like the quintessential country boy and I was pleased that he was feeling well enough to be outdoors. The ice had just melted off the pond a week before and the beautiful water looked irresistible to the young fishermen.

Seth decided to leave the dock and take his “fishing pole” to a large, slopping rock. He was now perfectly placed between Ethan and myself. He squatted down with his little bare feet, in order to drop the end of his stick into the water.

I took another picture or two and all was well. What a lovely moment of a beautiful day. I began to smile and dream about sitting down and putting my feet up.

Just then, we heard a quick sliding and a splash. Ethan and I both turned to look and realized immediately that Seth had lost his footing and slipped into the deep water. We hesitated for a second, it had happened so fast and we wondered if he could simply touch bottom and pull himself out. Our boy Seth’s eyes were huge as he gasped. His little hands were paddling the water as fast as they could go. Ethan I both realized at once that he needed help. We ran to the edge and Ethan stepped into the water and leaned over to offer his arm to Seth. I had my long scarf in my hands to use, as well.

Seth was entirely submerged in freezing water, with only his head above it. The look on his face was so sad, he looked scared to death (a look I never see on his face no matter what dangerous thing he’s doing…..it is usually a look of great delight). He made pitiful distress noises as he grabbed Ethan’s arm and allowed himself to be pulled up and out.

“Seth, Seth! Run up to the house and dry off! You need different clothes on!”

I took his hand and together we ran to the house. I think he was in shock because he started to cry about his shirt and saying it would “dry in the sun”.

We ran through the front door and up the stairs. I took his soaked clothes off as quickly as I could and wrapped him in two towels. His teeth were chattering but he wanted to know what was wrong. Why didn’t he go anywhere while his arms were swimming so fast in the water? Why couldn’t he swim when “he was five now”? It was mind boggling to him.

“I’m never going on that rock again!”

In utter relief that he was okay, I got the giggles as I worked his dry clothes onto him.

“Mom, why do you keep laughing?”

(Why indeed?)

“I’m just so happy you’re okay!”

“I’m glad I’m okay, too. I don’t want to die. I wonder what it will feel like to die.”

“I should have taken a picture of you in the water,” I teased.

“NO YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE!”

It took me two hours to recover from it all….as I imagined what would have happened if we were not right there when he fell into the water that was so very deep and over his head. I have to believe it was all for the best. Seth lives adventurously (recklessly) so I am of the opinion that God allowed this to happen to teach him an important lesson. A little fear would do him good.

Every spring I make a note of the first child to go swimming in the pond. Today marks The Day and for the first time Seth gets the honor: April 10, 2014. He said the water “was cold”.

As for Ethan, after catching nothing but his brother from the pond, he went back inside the warm and quiet house. He took off his hat and pulled his boots off, letting them hit the floor. I warmed up the corn bag and gave it to him, and he drifted off back to sleep on the couch.

We were only outside for 20 minutes.

(the rescuer, sleeping with the warm cornbag on his chest)

being a mama

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Shanda

“the way the ice melted (down the middle)”

The beautiful spring came;
and when nature resumes her loveliness,
the human soul is apt to revive also.
Harriet Ann Jacobs

April hath put
a spirit of youth
in everything.
William Shakespeare

“Grace and David climbing a tree”

Spring’s greatest joy
beyond a doubt
is when it brings
the children out.
Edgar Guest

“going on an adventure”

“looking for the fish”

I’ve been a stay at home mom for 17 years and here in the Northeast, the arrival of blessed spring time is always whole heartedly welcomed by myself and the children. It’s been a cold spring so far this year but little by little we are spending more time outdoors. It is almost impossible to keep socks and shoes on the children, and jackets, too. They are so full of energy and joy in being outside again. They love the ponds, the stream. The dog likes to scratch rocks out of the edge of the pond and run off with them. We haven’t seen a turtle yet, but we’ve seen fish and some bullfrog tadpoles that woke up from their winter sleep. We are starting to hear the spring peepers and frogs in the distance, too.

As for myself, I am feeling content, even if a little frazzled. I have no anxiety, just the feeling of needing to take one section of a day at a time. Ethan has been sick over the weekend and through this week, with *either* bronchitis or pneumonia, we are not exactly sure which. I took him to a walk in clinic on Sunday and he was put on antibiotics, but as of this morning he was not perking up like he should so I took him to his own pediatrician for more advice. Good ol’ Doctor P helped him out and reaffirmed my instincts that he wasn’t shaking the illness like he should. He sent us home with things for breathing treatments and a list of things to do for him like; motrin (for a sore back), vicks (for the cough), probiotics (to use with the antibiotics), lots of fluids (soup and gatorade), saline (for his sinuses), and of course plenty of tissues and motherly TLC. I have the couch made up with a clean sheet and blankets for him to lay on, and a nice clean pillowcase for his pillow. He sleeps and rests. Right now he is watching Duck Dynasty. I hope and pray he feels better soon, he’s been pretty low for about 2 weeks, but like his Dad does, he has been trying to tough it out, only to have his body crash “enough is enough”. He won’t be able to go back to school this week, doctor’s orders.

It is sort of fun to have someone to fuss over. 🙂

Every afternoon I have Jacob to pick up from track practice at 4:30 and Grace to pick up from music at 6:30. David and Caleb also have little league practices, too.

A word of advice for (oftentimes distracted) moms of many: don’t forget to nurture your children. I feel bad because Ethan has been complaining of a backache for 2 days and I never even touched his back or looked at it…..at the doctor’s office the doc had me feel his muscles….on one side of his spine the muscles were relaxed and normal, on the other side (lower back) his poor muscles were so tight, it was completely obvious! If only I had done this simple thing at home, I could have helped him much sooner with a massage. Just because I have seven children doesn’t mean I can skimp on attention and nurturing each and every one of them. I have a responsibility to care for them all, not “over the top” spoiling, but simple, practical, loving care and attention. THEY didn’t ask to be born into a big family, it was my choice, and the sacrifice of time and energy is something I MUST give to them as they grow……..this is something I have been convicted of. A mom MUST sacrifice and do her best to take care of her children …. and the more children she has the more time it will take. There is so much satisfaction in doing our very best with our families, caring for them.

I go from one thing to another, yes, but nothing is more important than the children (and husband, too, of course). The cooking and cleaning can wait. Today for lunch I gave Seth and Sarah a piece of bread with peanut butter and a glass of milk. Simplify when in times of sickness or trial. Give up a clean house, give up the more complex meals, in order to redeem the time for the child who needs extra care. And even on “normal days” a family of seven children still needs a lot of time to be invested in each child; checking on them, talking to them, clipping the nails, checking the ears, going over clothes to be sure they are fit to be worn to school, NURTURE, NURTURE, NURTURE………….they cannot be left to themselves when they are so young. They need Mom. Those little extra things like a massage, or essential oils, or brushing my daughter’s hair for 20 minutes, these things don’t always come to my mind, but it is something I want to improve on in my mothering. (any tips)

Yesterday I sat next to Caleb, checking him all out (he’s 8) and he finally said, “Are you done checking me like I am an ape?” LOL

*******

Seth and Sarah and I went to the thrift store last week and got all this for 2 dollars and fifty cents. A 5 by 7 frame, two Easter baskets, 3 stuffed bunnies, four books, and a wooden “chicken/egg” decoration. Sarah also got a plastic snow globe. It was fun. We like to walk there after I get my Post Office business done.

This is our new boy, Billy-Cat. We love him. He is soft and interesting. When we pick him up we never know if he will nonchalantly bite us. David made this toy mouse for him by hand. I just had to tie the knot on his threads.

Snickers is the only one who will tolerate Billy-Cat. Billy is so new that the other 2 cats run away from him, yowling loudly.

I’m turning into a crazy cat lady!!!!! We have four now. 🙂

And of course, the chickens. I sat outside and watched them enjoy the sunshine. They settle down into the leaves, lift up their wings, roll around, they just love being outside in the sun. We get about 5 eggs a day, which is a nice amount. We have just enough so I don’t have to worry about what to bake in order to use up 3 dozen eggs! LOL

Rich had a business meeting here at our place on Friday and one of the men brought me this beautiful bouquet of flowers.

I made a nice lunch for everyone.

1. Deli platter from grocery store
2. homemade buns (these were a BIG hit)
3. sliced tomato, seasoned with salt and pepper (for sandwiches)
4. mayo, pesto mayo, mustard
5. tossed salad
6. jello salad
7. pretzels
8. boiled baby potatoes, with plenty of butter, salt, and pepper

For dessert I bought 3 dozen baby cupcakes from the bakery.

And that is all the news from our place. How are you doing? I hope you are well and enjoying these early spring days. xo
“You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11

breakfast with friends

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Shanda

We got to visit with old friends this morning.

Karen moved away over a year ago. She was traveling back through the state this morning and asked if Kathy and I could meet her for breakfast.

It felt just like old times.

Leo and David have been friends since birth! I let David skip school this morning so he could see his friend.

They folded paper airplanes at the table. After they ate their yummy breakfasts they played checkers.

I had Sarah Joy with me, too, and she got to be friends with Karen’s son Charlie. They both wore striped shirts.

Karen has a 3 month old baby girl now. Her name is Audrey.

She was a doll! She smiled a lot and never cried.

She was absolutely delicious.

She fell asleep on me as her mama chatted away. We sat and talked for a long time, our waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us fresh ice waters so we wouldn’t get parched. She got a really good tip. 🙂

After a while, we headed into the gift shop so the children could pick out some candy.

Charlie and Sarah played with the magic sand together while David and Leo shared a bag of gummy worms.

Karen and Kathy~

One last picture before we had to part ways again, which was bittersweet.

I’m glad to have friends that are forever.

***

I took David to school late and stood in the office pondering the tardy slip that I had to fill out. “REASON FOR BEING TARDY” What do I write? I was hesitant to tell the truth and almost wrote “He had an appointment”. But I didn’t want to lie. I was thinking, “Is it okay for him to miss school for a fun activity?” “Will he get into trouble?” “Will they reprimand me?” So, I asked Dave, “Why are you late to school?” and he laughed and whispered back, “Because I was at Crackerbarrel?” So, that is what I wrote; “He was at Crackerbarrel.” When I was done, the secretary came around to rip out the slip and sign her name on it so David could take it to his teacher. She read what I wrote and made an offended noise. My heart stopped.

“What?” she exclaimed to Dave, “You went to Crackerbarrel? Did you bring me back anything? Did you tell your Mom thank you? You’re a lucky little boy!”

All was well.

How about you? Do you have special friends that continue to come back to visit you through the years? Or, maybe you go and visit them from time to time?

Do you tell the detailed truth on your children’s excuse notes?

Happy Monday!

PS:

old picture of David and Leo from 2008.

what the boys are up to

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Shanda

Between the woods the afternoon
Is fallen in a golden swoon,
The sun looks down from quiet skies
To where a quiet water lies,
And silent trees stoop down to trees………

A.A. Milne

Happiness is blogging on a Sunday afternoon as a Muppets movie blares in the background and Seth is over at the counter eating a bowl of homemade ham and potato chowder. He’s so cute over there perched on a stool with his little legs dangling. David and Ethan and Sarah are on the couch with me, too.

Ethan is sick with bronchitis. He’s had a bad cold for days and days, on Thursday his coach called me and said that Ethan had trouble breathing for over 15 minutes after running. I wanted to rush him to the doctor’s but Ethan insisted that he was fine. He went to practice again on Friday and Saturday (in the rain, no less), then last night he came down with a fever and chills. I took him to a walk in clinic this morning and the doctor gave us a prescription for antibiotics and a note to miss school for two days. He slept all afternoon.

He requested pancakes for dinner so I made my mom’s recipe for the children, and at the same time I made a pot of soup so I could use up leftover potatoes and ham. I had ordered a big deli platter for Rich’s lunch meeting on Friday and there was so much meat left over that I decided to use up the ham in a soup–no recipe–I melted half a stick of butter and sautéed chopped onion and celery, with salt and pepper. Then, I peeled and diced 6 small red potatoes, added them to the pot and covered everything with chicken stock. Once it came to a boil, I turned it down low and put the lid on until the potatoes were tender. Then, I added in the leftover baby potatoes from Friday (cut in chunks), a can of corn, about a pound of chopped deli ham, and half a pound of chopped swiss and american cheese. A dash of onion and garlic powders, more pepper, a can of evaporated milk and it was done.

The kids are most thrilled that “it has no clams”.

They all liked it!

We spent some time outdoors this afternoon. David got his fishing pole out, after noticing sunfish in the bass fish pond. He said he had to get them out or they would eat the bass eggs this spring.

Isn’t Parker (the dog) funny? The boys put their fish into a cooler (with buckets of water poured in it) and Parker would stand and look with his nose straight down at the swimming fish. If we let him, he would catch them in his jaws. But the boys slam the lid down every time.

Sarah ran down to the pond in her Sunday dress and got her feet wet!

Don’t worry, Mom, I got her right out and properly dressed, see?

As the boys fished, I wandered around. I like this next picture with boys, girlie, hens, dog, and cat all in one shot::

The hens were all gathered around a bowl of cracked feed corn.

I packed away all their shorts this winter and they don’t know where they are so they wore their pajama shorts.

David=blue shirt Caleb=gray shirt

It just did my heart good to see them together, turning over rocks and boards to find worms.

Caleb caught a fish, too, and Seth also caught his very own first fish!

With his big brother, David’s, help.

They were good companions all around the pond. They caught five sunfish and threw them into the other pond.

And that is what the boys did, today.

{this moment}

Image

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

day 5: driftwood beach

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Shanda

Last day on Jekyll.

Driftwood beach.

Mom, Dad, and I drove around and parked at one of the trails for a nice, long walk. Cameras and binoculors ’round our necks.

ripples of clouds in the sky

ripples of sand under our toes

old trees left standing the way the wind blew as they grew

along the beach are huge fallen trees, like a nature playground

the roots upended and weathered by salt water and time

at times it seemed we could go no further, but there was always a way (under, around, through, over)

glittering ocean foam

drips and drops leaving perfect circles

message in the sand; thinking of my love

parents

*****

path to the shops

I endeavored to find a little something for each child; a tiny harmonica, shark tooth necklace, books, little tokens, for them to know “Mama thought of you.”

baby palms

bamboo

lovely pottery shop

so much beauty in green and brown and pink

hanging spanish moss

last meal together before I had to go to the airport ~ with my dear Dad ~

the lovebirds

****

I am home-sweet-home again and Jekyll was last week’s memory. I had such a refreshing vacation; I came back moving and thinking much slower, a good indication to me that the trip away was needed for my well-being. It was my second visit to this place, and I understand, now, why my parents keep going back. If you go once, more than likely you will feel the need to return, and I miss it today. There is a lot to do on Jekyll for activities, but it’s also a good place to relax in nature, too. I hope to go with my family someday, I know they will love it, too.

click here for more information on JEKYLL ISLAND

****

thought for today:

“This is my person, now indwell by the living Spirit of the living God. I shall not permit it to be cramped and contaminated by exposing it to such dusty trivia as newspaper propaganda, pornography, cheap debasing literature, hours of low caliber television programs, or rubbish from the mass media. Instead, God’s Spirit will lead me to expose myself to the finest art, literature, and music. He will put me in situations where my mind can be improved and my soul stimulated with that which is beautiful and noble and lofty. I can and will become a person of broad interests, noble aspirations, and enormous enthusiasm because I belong to Him and He wishes to put me out into wide fields of fruitful and useful endeavor ….”

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

happy birthday, rich

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Shanda

I love you.

***

You and I have settled down in our relationship, into something that is steady and true. We know each other. I know that you will say and do things that shock me at times; like that time you bought a motorcycle without saying a word to me about it. I found it in the garage one day. And that other time when you traded in the Lexus for a truck. I still really miss that car, but I have to admit the truck is more “you”.

You have stayed in the insurance business for the last 16 years but you have never let go of your dreams….you’ve done it all in your dreams….police officer, football player, race car driver, evangelist, homesteader, farmer, truck driver, there is still so much to do.

I’ll never forget the time you came home from work looking a lot more dazed than usual. You were the first on the scene of a horrible accident and had to pull a trapped man from a burning vehicle; he had already been terribly burned. You stayed with him until help came. The man died but he died in a hospital bed and not in a burning vehicle, because of your bravery.

You cry during sad movies.

You love your children deeply, in ways I am just beginning to understand as I see the genuine heartache and tears at the thought of our oldest boy soon to leave the nest.

You are an excellent father.

You are disciplined and like to see things done right.

You respect the men in your family; grandfather, uncles, father, are so important to you. You try to make them proud and I know that they are so very proud of who you have become.

You love the Lord and are passionate about teaching and preaching the Bible. In the last few years I have seen you grow and develop in ways I never thought I would see; as a missionary in Jamaica, and as a helper at the teen camp this past fall. You teach Bible study and Sunday School. You preach sermons. I’ve never seen you work so hard as when you have a message to say about God. You study all night in order to prepare.

You are teaching Ethan to drive.

You stocked the pond with fish for our boys.

You are building a treehouse with them.

You have learned to fix your little daughters’ hair.

You love to run. (you are downstairs running on the treadmill as I type this, I can hear the pounding rhythm of your feet)

Another favorite memory is from when we were first married and you couldn’t get the coal fire started downstairs as fast as you’d like; so you poured gasoline on it. The boom from upstairs startled me in the kitchen, and the look on your face when you walked into the room! You looked like someone who had a narrow escape from death, and the hair on and around your face was all twisted up and burnt.

More recently was when you blew up the kids’ basketball so hard that as soon as you touched it it exploded and tore your fingernail right backwards. That was another loud sound from your direction.

You’ve gotten your fair share of speeding tickets.

It seems you do things in big ways; big family, big job, big dreams, big home projects……..I LOVE YOU……

I love how you sometimes kiss my feet because you love me so much.

You’re an honest lover.

You hang my pictures on the wall for me.

You are generous with your money and never complain about my shopping trips, and you send me away on adventures with joy. (oh, wait a sec’…LOL)

You are the one who has the heart to heart talks with our older children, because you have the wisdom and words necessary for the task.

You are worthy of my respect and love; and you have it, with all my heart.

We are one.

It was fun to have babies with you and watch you with them as they grew.

You make me laugh.

You are silent most of the time. You take forever to answer a simple question. Sometimes I say “SPEAK!!!” and then you let out a little “woof” just to make me laugh.

I have a carrot cake in the oven for you because that is what you requested.

You leave your hat on the top of the lamp in our room and it used to bother me; but now I just leave it. I have come to love the sight of it there.

You have twice as many pairs of shoes that I do; but you also wear them out faster. You have things to do and places to go and miles to run~

Thank you for letting me have cats and chickens.

Thank you for overlooking my own many faults.

Thank you for being a good man, not a perfect man, but a good one, with strong character and a hard work ethic.

Thank you for being a provider.

Thank you for keeping yourself in good shape.

Thank you for leading.

Thank you for being fun.

Thank you for marrying me.

Thank you for never keeping your hands to yourself and making me laugh.

Thank you for telling me I am beautiful.

Thank you for who you are.

Happy Birthday, husband.

what day are we on now? Day 4

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Shanda

Nothing is worth more than this day. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are at the end of day four and this is my last night here on Jekyll Island so I am a tiny bit sad.

I am a little sad, but mostly content, though, because we three are having such a great time….today was manicure and pedicure day for Mom and me.

Dad dropped us off at the Jekyll Island club and we walked around a little before we went to our appointment at the spa there.

There were tall stemmed poppies in bloom, bright orange and white ones, a feast for the eyes.

Mother in the poppies, looking like a poppy in her yellow sweater.

Spanish moss is so fascinating and pretty to look at~

three little birds

a quick little snack before our pampering–

Mom got a french mani and pedi and I got a regular mani and a polish change on the toes. There was only one nail professional working so we sat through each other’s treatments. It was quiet and nice and no one else was around but the owner and she was fun and easy to talk to. The woman doing our nails was only 22, and calm and capable. My polish was OPI’s “Miami Beet” (such a fun name!)

After our nails dried and we met back up with Dad, we went to the Rah Bar on a pier by the water. We had the most wonderful shrimp, I had a half pound of them with some red potatoes, and ice sweet tea.

Then we headed back to the club for dessert at the cafe. They had Dad’s favorite black bottom muffins and because he had given us gifts, (as you will see in a moment) Mom and I bought him two muffins. I had one, as well (a dense chocolate muffin with a little scoop of cheesecake topping and chocolate chips in the cake) and Mother had a big oatmeal cookie with dried cranberries.

See my pretty nails?

Mom and Dad swam in the hotel pool while I read my book and then the three of us got into the hot tub.

My handsome Dad wearing his new hat that he got for himself.

So when Dad met up with us at the spa he was carrying a bag. He had gone shopping and of course we wanted to know right away what he had. But he wouldn’t show us and told us to stop snooping and trying to know his business. Once we got to the Rah Bar for our shrimp we were still curious and he said, “Oh all right, I’ll show you what I have.” and he pulled out a gift for each of us; a canvas bag with a soy candle inside. He had chosen each thing carefully.

My bag is the one with the books and CS Lewis quote, and my candle is “Celtic Moonspice”. I wonder if I’ll ever burn it. Dad gave it to me!

I am currently watching American Idol, on the bed with Mom, while Dad is in the other room learning new drumming techniques on his computer.

Day 3

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Shanda

After a gorgeous sunrise this morning on Jekyll, we headed out the door and drove to sunny (but chilly) Florida!

We had cups of icy cold orange juice at the welcome center.

Dad and Mom held hands…they didn’t know I was taking this picture from the back seat (I was reading my book).

After arriving in St. Augustine, FL, we had a delicious breakfast. Mom and I had sweet potato waffles with bananas, pecans, and caramel syrup.

Everything around me was so beautiful, and the city was bustling today.

We rode on the trolley tour, and got off for a while to do some walking and shopping.

We enjoyed (part of) a free organ recital at one of the big churches.

(we didn’t stay for the whole thing)

We went on a history tour, which was very interesting. This young lady did a very good job at explaining historical facts of Florida and St. Augustine.

I bought a few little things at this lovely shop. Owl earrings!

We enjoyed the stained glass windows in this old church.

Mom and I toured some very old houses, and of course I took a lot of photos here.

I loved every part of prowling around the old grounds and houses.

Isn’t this old ceiling light gorgeous?

This is some kind of old handiwork. I would love to know more about this craft! Dawn, you could bring it back!

Mama

I love this picture, with the big plant, RED windows, brick, and green chair

pink building, roses

blue wall, yellow, old sofa, painting

“The Oldest House”

Palm tree like fireworks.

After a delicious dinner, we drove back to the island and arrived at about 9-something tonight. Going to read my book now and get some sleep.

News from back home: my son Ethan got his drivers permit!

Thankful for another day. ~

day 2

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Shanda

Last night we were still out to dinner, but this evening we decided to stay in and have a light meal in the room. It’s been a relaxing afternoon, we did our adventuring this morning by going back over the bridge to Brunswick for shopping. Dad dropped Mom and I off and we meandered through places that we especially thought looked interesting~

I have to say that this was the most darling shop for little girl’s clothes, I could have dressed Sarah in a wardrobe entirely from this place. I did come away with three dresses and a skirt, which I will do a post about at a later date, when Sarah can model them.

I went in and the owner said, “I would have stood in the window and posed for you!” He saw me taking the picture. We were also greeted by the dog, Mr Wriggles, who, after a silent hello, wandered away again. The owner’s wife kept coughing but assured us she was on antibiotics. Wouldn’t it be fun to own a nice little book shop with your significant other?

*cookbook all about biscuits and my bag of dresses for Sarah Joy*

We can now heartily recommend Arte Pizza on 1518 Newcastle Street in Brunswick, GA. I had the house salad and a meatball sandwich, made with thick slices of meatball, lightly sauced with a wonderful tomato sauce, with a basil leaf. It was served steaming hot on an artisan roll.

Dad met us back at the pizza place for lunch; he had two slices of cheese pizza (thin crust).

Mom had a caesar salad and a pasta dish.

We sat at a tall round table right by the window, on stools. We were cozy, watching the traffic go by and enjoying our food.

Then, we had cupcakes for dessert. (see why we needed a light dinner?)

we had wedding cake, ice cream sundae, and lemon ones

They were made by this lady, who has won awards for her cupcakes and isn’t shy to let people know that “God Did This”. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a sign like that and hang it up in your house or around your child’s neck like a necklace? I love it.

*****

ALSO:

we went out to the pool
read books
walked along the beach
watched a cooking show
drank coffee
what else? I guess that’s about it.

I admit, I do miss my husband and children. They are doing fine, though. They adopted a new cat named Billy.