Spring is that you???

The days and weeks go whirling by and suddenly you notice the trees are quickly developing leaves. The brownish gray landscape is turning to a lush green. Maybe spring really has sprung! And this May shower will bring June flowers. Yesterday I called to have the pool opened; even though the front yard still boldly holds the last of winters grip; a small pile of snow left from the unwelcome snow storm of last week. The birds’ chirp of hope an invitation to enjoy this day, I guess I will! 

Friday morning like most weekday mornings I enjoy a strong cup of joe and look over the things that had happened as I slept. I was a bit surprised when I noticed there were school closings not far from here; just a handful but none the less the last notice was Winter: Status CLOSED.  I am not sure why I found this funny, perhaps it is the fact that this winter is hanging “open” as we enjoy the last weeks of April.  So the little town of Winter, Wisconsin will have no school today. Fitting I guess. 

Spring Storm

I have a particular memory from my childhood of a spring storm, much like today. We lived where my Mom lives now; after the morning chores my dad felt he really needed to get to the “other place”. We had stock cows on that farm that he had not been able to get to for days. The “other place” was a farm they own 5 miles from our farm. The snow plow had not gone by yet so this meant he would have to walk. I remember my Mom wrapping the scarf around his neck and watching him head out the door. We didn't have a cell phone of course (because they were not invented yet); I don’t remember if we had power. We didn't hear from him all day. At one point a farm wife from a nearby farm called mom to let her know he had made it there and he and Art were heading to help another neighbor who had lost a number of cows in the storm. They would help get hay and water to surviving animals.

     I am not sure if any of our cattle were lost in that storm, but I know people did lose them. I recall being sad about that; but not thinking about what the farmers had to do to make a living; it is astounding to me. If you have walked or run 5 miles in good conditions, imagine bundling up in coveralls and walking through deep snow 5 miles.  When you arrive there is not electricity to warm you, just an old barn to get you out of the howling wind.

     He worked hard because those cattle meant a lot to him, helping the neighbors was important and it didn't matter what the obstacles were. He worked to overcome them. Life was good. 

The Morning Room

As I get a bit older, the days, weeks and month seem to fly by. I enjoy my job; but I do look forward to every Friday; not for the same reasons as I did years ago; a weekend party. Now it is to have quiet time, which if you ask my husband, we don't do enough. I would agree there is nothing like a quiet Saturday morning to relax, listen to some jazz on satellite radio and of course drink coffee.

In our house we have two main floor living spaces, one was designed for as a family room with a fireplace and built ins, the other as a formal living room. I sit in that one in the morning; we watch TV in the other at night. One year during Camp Grandma our grand daughter Mariah called the more formal living room the "morning room". It stuck, this Friday like most I look forward to Saturday morning, relaxing, drinking coffee and talking smart in the "morning" room.
Here's to a wonderful weekend and some quiet time in your "morning room"!

The most popular topic these days is the never ending winter weather. When the temps finally rise into the 50's there will be dancing in the streets. Aren't you looking forward to the parks filled with children, the green grass and the warmth of the sun as it rises in the sky? I know I am.  

We also can look forward to everything else the warmer weather brings; the family celebrations we cherish every year; Mothers day, the fishing opener, OK for me that is not a big one, but for some that is a date circled on the calendar. Graduations, summer weddings, getting the golf clubs out to hack your way around the golf course; the rush of getting the motorcycle moving down the road. 

Ah yes, there is so much to look forward to, let's not let the minor setback of cold spring temps ruin the day.  Get the bike polished up, sweep the garage floor and set your mind on summer! Make it a great day! 

A cold Saturday in March

On a chilly, or should I say a downright cold Saturday morning in late March one can dream about the summer days ahead. Or one could clean closets and use the last of the winter days to finish up those projects you were going to work on all winter and didn't. Better yet, one could choose to get outside move around in the cold and hope this is the last week that we consistently drop close to zero!

The winter months have been long; but the spring days ahead are full of promise. On this particular Saturday I will be dreaming of warm days ahead and leave the closets until next winter!

A Thank You

Steve's family wishes to express deep and abiding gratitude to the many caregivers who helped him throughout his life; particularly those who showed kindness and compassion at the end of his life. It is recognized that these people work tirelessly under challenging circumstances for little pay. They deserve our support and appreciation for the kindness and care they provide our loved ones.

This is an excerpt from Steven McGovern’s obit in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.  The obituary is expertly written, a loving tribute to a man who had a famous father.  It is lovely that the McGovern family choose to highlight Steven’s caretakers.  This is a very nice tribute to those that are undercompensated and rarely appreciated for the difficult work they do. 

When my father and Mark's father were in their last days the nurses of hospice swooped in like angels, we are forever grateful for the work they did.  One of our daughters works as a CNA in a Vent unit; she is a very caring young woman. I know families are grateful for the care she and her co-workers provide to their loved ones. 

To all of my friends and family in healthcare; especially those in nursing homes and hospice, thank you! There is not enough recognition and certainly not enough compensation for the difficult job you face every day.