Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Life Updates

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Time for some updates about life here at the cottage;

Riley: Life revolves around my boy for the present and that’s just fine. Often, I am awakened at 4 or 5 in the morning by his bark. I run downstairs, lift him up and help him make his way outside where he takes care of business and then gets a nice drink of water. I put him back on his bed, go upstairs and usually, not always, go back to sleep for a while. Since I never had babies, I think this has become my time to experience middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.

This weekend, on Saturday, he got up by himself 4 different times and walked around the room endlessly. It must have felt so wonderful to be able to walk on his own after being bed-bound for so long. On Sunday and Monday he got up one time. Today, he’s already been up twice!

This is good news. He’s still frail and needs to be carefully watched but the fact that he was able to use his weakened muscles to get up is heartening.

He’s such a stoic, determined boy and I’m proud of him.

Don: Don came home for a few days and it was so nice to have him here. He goes back to the Berkshires this morning. We had a really wonderful weekend together.

I know some people scoff at the idea of a husband also being a ‘best friend.’ Sorry. I’m here to tell you that my husband is my best friend. I’m not just repeating some Hallmark card sentiment because it sounds cute. As you know, I’m careful with my word choices. The fact is, I am extraordinarily lucky to have found a life partner who is the person I most want to be with, the person I most want to talk to and feel safe enough to confide in, the person who makes me laugh and who I trust completely. We have a really healthy, solid marriage and I don’t take it for granted. Remember, I waited until I was in my mid-forties to marry.

And, boy, did that patience pay off.

Mom: Today is my mom’s birthday. She is 85 years old. Mom, I know you’re in a nursing home, but no matter where you are or what your circumstances, you are still the same wonderful person you’ve always been. I celebrate you and all you’ve given to our family. I am grateful every day of my life for you. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Happy Tuesday.

A Storm Right Out of Shakespeare

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“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!”
William Shakespeare, King Lear

That volatile line of thunderstorms that was all over the eastern part of the country hit us yesterday. The air was so humid all day long that I knew something was up. As the day progressed I started to hear warnings from the National Weather Service on the radio. And as we headed toward the dinner hour the sky ominously darkened, so much so that it seemed like the middle of the night. The wind was fierce, branches were flying, the sound of thunder never stopped and lightning lit up the sky. Very Shakespearean in its intensity. I usually love thunderstorms, but this one was scary, especially when I heard there was a tornado warning for our area.

I called Don. He didn’t answer. A few minutes later, he called me back and stayed on the phone with me as the storm got stronger and stronger.

We really don’t have a basement. We have a small basement that you can enter from outside and if it was only me, I’d go down there. But there is no way I could get Riley down there on my own. You have to duck when you walk down the stairs – trying to hold Riley in my arms and make my way down the stairs would be impossible, as would getting him back up the stairs.

An interior room with no windows? Nope. There are windows everywhere here at the cottage.

For an hour or so, it was pretty scary around here. The force of those winds reminded me very much of Hurricane Irene. Thankfully, this storm didn’t last nearly as long as the hurricane. After it had passed, I put on my slicker and went out to survey the damage. Lots of smallish branches down. One of my flower pots had fallen and broken. A few pots on the porch had tipped over. A large chunk of one of the deadish trees in the back forty had fallen – I’ll need Don’s help with that one. I cleaned up as much as I could and the rest I’ll tackle today.

Whew. We’re safe. The house is standing. The damage was minimal – just messy.

And how are you this Friday morning?

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Porch Time

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Thursday was that rare day where all the humidity and storms of Wednesday had blown away, leaving moderate temperatures, a gentle breeze and perfect weather for some family porch time.

Don played the guitar, I read a little. Then I plopped down on the glider and slept for an hour. I got up, traded places with Don and he slept for an hour. That gentle breeze lulled each of us to sleep.

Simple pleasures. With all the unbearable heat we’ve had lately, this particular afternoon was a blessing. Today Don is off to the Berkshires to work on another play. Work is a good thing, but in our line of work, it almost always means separation from our loved ones. With the joy of work comes the sorrow of being away from the family. And with Riley being so frail, it’s especially hard this time.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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