Lemon Tree

It is a song I taught with the novel, The Things They Carried. The song was a hit for Peter, Paul, and Mary in the 60s.

Now my son is dancing around the house singing about lemons. His father called him earlier and told him we officially have a home in San Francisco now. And then his big sell..."It has a lemon tree in the backyard covered in lemons."

Without missing a beat, Kade immediately replies, "I can sell lemonade."

I need to introduce him to the realtor, as she will love the way he thinks. She is a delightful little lady with an aptitude for business also.

As an aside, she talks even more than I do. We have forged a good relationship because I bartered with her. Honestly I was afraid I would offend her, but instead I think she loved it! Then of course, the deal was one we couldn't refuse in the end. Smart lady.

I had forgotten about the tree...until the dancing.

Nikela's response: "Seriously? What happened to apples? Seriously? Wait, when did lemons grow on trees? Seriously?"

Eventually she processed the information. "There is a lemon tree in our backyard. It is going to be all sour." (Note: An amazing apple tree grew in our backyard in Montana.)

Kiahra is envisioning tall, cool glasses of lemonade on warm summer afternoons on the patio. My little Chex queen needs to expand her repertoire to include lemonade...I know it will be the best, ever.

Daddy is quite popular in my house now, and when questioned why he was so cool...in text, he responded, "Now I can watch the lemons grow."

Sheesh...who needs fruit with all this personality?

Auntie Addiction

I love being an aunt...completely.

My role as an aunt, in my mind, requires me to spoil my neice and nephews. Yes, that is correct, I only have one niece.

Last night we were searching for a new carry-on for Ron. Which reminds me, what is the life expectancy for suitcases these days if one travels often?? I have decided it is short. As a result, I was just looking for one that will do the job--cheap--though Ron did reject the one with pink lining...Sheesh...

Anyway, while I was shopping for suitcases, Kiahra discovered a darling pair of shoes for her cousin. Of course, they had to be purchased, as they match the cute pants I found earlier. Really a girl must be outfitted completely for effect...




Speaking of girls, I can no longer shop for my "big" girls without them. I can't dictate the darling pink and green. I do love shopping with them now, but the little girl stage is long gone. I do the like the spunky outfits they create all by themselves now...generally speaking...and then the tilt of the head with the fluttering eyelids as they seek my approval, so I will buy is rather charming also. Chayse does this too. Blink. Blink.




I love all my girls and all their clothes...most of the time...because sometimes I do grow weary of laundry. That makes the aforementioned outfit even cuter...I don't have to wash it. Jayla loves shoes as much as Kiahra. I makes me smile. I hope she smiles when her birthday package arrives.

All In a Name

Yesterday when I was driving to the airport, my little sister called me.

"Did you pick Ron up already?" she asked after I thought I had already told her I was driving TO the airport."

"No," I answered, a bit confused.

"Well, whose voice is that?"

"Oh, it's the GPS. It talks to me to help me navigate more proficiently, or at least that is the theory," I stated as I remembered that not everyone has a male voice programmed into their GPS.

Thus, I back up. I love to hate my GPS. Admittedly, like so many of the population that utilizes the gadget, on occasion I have been know to talk back to it. "What? Why didn't you say so earlier? Hello? Oh, that is where you wanted me to go??" Of course the inflection of the voice is paramount here--generally dripping with sarcasm.

Anyway, we were having this conversation over Christmas with my cousin, Greg. We were laughing about our GPS stories when he revealed his name for his device, B@%$in' Betty. Clever, I have to admit; however, as a female, I decided that was unfair, as men are not better navigators; however, the female default voice does lend itself well to the name. Then Greg informed me I could change the voice. With a little help, my GPS tried out several voices. By the way, the list is extensive with multiple language opportunities. The Australian man was entertaining (I still like to comprehend the language), but I eventually settled on "Jack," as he was labelled.

I have never officially used "Jack's" name in my communication with the device, and if I were, I suspect I would want to find a new name. Actually, it probably is time to find a suitable name before my trek across the United States. This is officially a plea for you to help me out here...G rated, of course.

In the end, the male voice has stayed for me to question the logic of his directions. It works well for me.

As an aside, my darling little sister who makes every navigation experience an adventure with her distracted style would put the poor GPS on overload...with the constant "recalculating...recalculating...recalculating..." I wonder if the language would even matter...

I love my family and the variety they bring to my life.

Friday...

The week in review...

The snow has been melting all week. The temperatures have climbed to 60 for the first time in several months! Rain was in the forecast, but it didn't arrived until today!! Thus keeping the flooding at bay for a few more days.

My yard...it has grass! It has been white so long that I almost forgot. Of course, my yard was the first one in the neighborhood to melt. 1. It receives direct afternoon sun. 2. The snow has been trampled by my darling little chil'uns. I anticipate my front yard will be snow free by tonight.

In other news, I confiscated my "new" athletic shoes back. They are far more comfortable than Nikela's. However, I have to admit that I was proud to hear that when the pole vaulting exercises began Nikela did well. She was required to pull herself up the rope and then lift her legs/body over her head--which she did successfully. I don't know anything about pole vaulting, but I suspect that I will soon, as will you!

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Yesterday I took off to run errands and shop a bit. I am so excited to have my anniversary diamond back, as it had to be resized. It looks fabulous all polished...I barely recognize it! Oohh...and I found a cute, light, casual jacket that just couldn't stay on the rack. I can never find a jacket that fits, but this one has a fabulous drawstring in the back that really works to bring the waist in a bit!! Now, I will have to return to the mall for the perfect capris and shirt. (Very convenient don't you think?)

However, I have to admit that marketing to women has ingenious label makers. Yesterday I tried on a pair of crop jeans. The size?? 2. Yep. 2. I could even button and zip them! I am not a size two. Once upon a time in junior high I may have been; however, I love upscale stores for this. I can drop several sized by just stepping inside. I am only annoyed by the temporary weight loss. Admittedly, it easy to fall into their ploy, so buyers be aware!

Pittsburghers are ensuring we are familiar with their local dialect. Yinz and Yuns are basically the northern version of y'all. We have not acquired this usage in our home, so Kade's guitar teacher had him practice a few lines of authentic Pittsburghese. Breathe in. Harmless dialect. Breathe out. Increase language awareness. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Finally, Ron will be home this afternoon...just in time for the rain! I can't wait!

In the meantime, off to the orthodontist to repair a broken brace. Just a few more weeks, and Kade will have his braces off...though I think he has officially started the countdown!

Good morning...and have a wonderful day.

Heartfelt Pain

The news haunted me yesterday...particularly the story about a domestic confrontation gone bad...real bad. The kids are in custody after being treated at a local hospital.

Child abuse is too close to me. The emotional response lasts all day and the next...and probably the next and the next. It is why I generally don't tune into the news.

I remember the first feverish night my daughter had, as she cried out in pain and reached for her feet. "Owww...Owwweee..." We knew they did hurt, but we didn't know what to do. How do they hurt? What is causing the pain? The damage is difficult to measure and we will never know the extent.

We have watched her grow with underlying worry. Do her feet hurt? Sometimes or all the time? She probably can't identify it, as she doesn't know anything else. Will she be able to dance? Will she be able to play sports? How can we fix it?

Recently, her daddy observed that she favors one foot, and after careful evaluation by a physical therapist, it was confirmed she did not have full mobility in one foot. After tests to ensure she had sensation, therapy began which included heat and stretching. It was during this process, she matter-of-factly identified one foot as the one that doesn't work as well. My heart sank. We have never mentioned her feet. We have never discussed it, but she already knew.

Her tenacity to overcome the challenge is evident in everything she does. Insistent that she could ride without training wheels, she wanted them removed. Despite the guidance and help from dad, she couldn't figure it out, until she worked alone in the driveway for a day. In the end she taught herself how to ride her bike without training wheels, though she had to adapt her approach to be successful, but she figured it out at 4 1/2!

Now at night she sports her special footwear. Sometimes she cries out...though not as often now.




Of course this is just the physical pain. The physical pain is usually the easiest to cope with for millions of children around the world.

As people worry about the economy, as a society, we need to be ever mindful that the stress of economic hardship makes life more miserable for many children around us. We need to be mindful of our responsibility to keep the children safe. It may seem easier to turn the other check and mind one's own business, and frankly, I am not talking about a parent's decision to spank a child in frustration. We all know what child abuse looks like. Perhaps better yet, we should take the time to communicate with the parent, not in judgement, but in friendship, as they probably need support and encouragement to make good decisions. So often, they suffered the same treatment and without a different role model the pattern continues.

Our emotional response and horror to abuse should not end there. We should be vigilant and lend a helping hand or ask for help before it is too late.

Our society stands to lose so much if we ignore the plight of children. The way we treat our children says much about our society. What do we want it to say?

Monday Morning

3:45 AM Alarm sounds. Sleepily I pull on my jeans and t-shirt.

4:00 AM Depart for airport.

4:10 AM Stop for cash. The cash machine isn't working, so Ron settles for a cup of coffee.

4:45 AM Navigate morning rush at the airport. Say good-bye...

4:50 AM Almost awake, now and the GPS directs me back home again, except this time, ironically, I am paying attention and take the first turn it tells me. Thus embarking me on the longest, most unfamiliar route home.

5:19 AM I pull into the driveway.

5:22 AM Ron calls. His flight has been delayed five minutes prior to boarding.

5:31 AM Tune into the morning news. I reluctantly step onto the elliptical.

5:47 AM Now I know why I don't bother with the morning news. 14 more minutes to go.

6:10 AM Finally, the weather report which is the only good news for the day...48 degrees!! Spoke to soon...flood warnings follow.

6:17 AM Check on Ron. The crew is MIA, so the airline is trying to find replacements.

6:27 AM Step into the shower.

6:58 AM Heat the griddle and begin frying sausage and hash browns. Cut grapefruit.

7:19 AM Cook eggs. Add toast.

7:21 AM Nikela bounds downstairs, "Mom, may I use your shoes for track today? I don't have gym today, so I might not have time to grab my shoes from my locker." I hesitate...MY new, expensive running shoes?? With resignation, I sigh and nod.

7:25 AM Breakfast's ready!

7:47 AM Nikela hollers upstairs for Kiahra. I freeze. This confirms that the Chilean earthquake did indeed knock the earth off its axis. The planets cannot be aligned if Nikela is telling Kiahra it is time to go.

8:00 AM Phone rings. Ron is still waiting for a flight.

8:15 AM Comb Chayse's hair. No tears today. Whew!

8:23 AM Start dishwasher.

8:32 AM Leave for the bus stop.

8:40 AM Back from the bus stop. The birds are chirping.

8:45 AM Remote start the Yukon. I love a warm seat on a brisk morning at 28 degrees.

8:50 AM Depart for preschool.

9:11 AM Home again.

9:12 AM Make tea.

9:16 AM Blog.

9:46 AM Ron boards his flight.

9:48 AM I realize I am completely exhausted. Six hours into my day, and it has barely begun.

Death & Taxes

Since I covered the topic of death in my last post, it seems a logical progression to visit the topic of taxes next. As a kid, I remember hearing that the only two certain things in life are taxes and death. I always thought this was a bit of an exaggeration...but like so much of the wisdom of my elders, I understand it better now.

It is with dutiful resignation I accept taxes, like death, as inevitable. Therefore, when Ron suggested we get them done before he leaves, it was with great reluctance I found my faithful computer program and downloaded it. No problem. Next step was to backup last years return and transfer it to my new computer. Flash drive=no problem. It was going a bit too smoothly with no excuses to save it for another day. Next all the necessary documents were neatly organized in my drawer awaiting entry patiently. Again...too easy. Insert figures. Done.

That's it. My taxes are actually done. I haven't submitted them electronically yet just in case I forgot something. Actually, I am just paranoid because it was too easy to give away my money.

State residency usually gives me fits when we relocate. No one wants to play nicely. No one wants to share. Last year Montana and Pennsylvania were no exception. It took days to decipher partial residency laws for each state. So much for a "warm" welcome--"where is our $$$$$$$$?" Though this year I momentarily panicked when my software generated an underpayment warning while calculating my state return. My mind raced to figure out how that could be...then I saw the amount...are you ready?? $1.00. Whew.

Of course I anticipate that next year Pennsylvania and California won't play nicely either. I suspect California's current economic state will ensure they will hit us hard as we cross the state line.

Of course, we also pay local taxes here; however, like the state, they are equally accommodating--"We will just take 1% (or 3%) of your gross, thank you. Deductions? No." Well, there may be deductions, but the handful of exemptions aren't even in my vocabulary, so I know I don't qualify. Nor do I have any significant losses from investments.

Thankfully all my wealth exists in my family, so I wasn't hit too hard when the stock market crashed. Lucky me. Some folks check their stocks...I fold socks.