Emptiness

"Sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand."




~-~- Paul Newman in, "Cool Hand Luke" ~-~-

Fifteen Years

It was fifteen years ago today that Cassie came into this world, a curious, quiet, pink, pretty baby. My dad quickly named her, "The Most Beautiful Baby in the World!" She didn't have the usual misshapen head or discoloring, and she wasn't squalling. She was peaceful and her little eyes were wandering all around the room, though I'm told babies can't see very well. I am certain she had no idea how to interpret her vision. She seemed to be curiously trying to understand!

All I could do was cry and say quietly, "I have a daughter...wow."

"Thank you, God," was my prayer. Still is.

On that night, fifteen years ago, Tom, the boys, and I watched the World Series from my comfy hospital room, with Cassie in a small bassinet by the bed. The boys were ON the bed, drinking pop. Cassie was perfect! We went home that evening and slept soundly - all five of us. Excited and content, all at once.

I was PARTICULARLY content, as I'd suffered for several days with pneumonia, the coughing from which snapped a rib. Yep, I had a nearly full term baby inside, a broken rib, and a vicious cough, when here comes the onset of labor just as I was getting into bed for the night! It was a magical night........all night. It really was.

Cassie decided to remain in her comfy womb-home, to sleep the night off. She graciously let me sleep, too, in the hospital. No gymnastics that night. She was calm. In the late morning labor was induced, and in the afternoon Cassie was gently born. Such a relief for her.....and for me. The pneumonia abated. The rib slipped back into place to painfully grieve me no more. My pants fit again, and I felt TERRIFIC!!

My family of four had grown to a family of five with the birth of our beautiful healthy little girl......

......who's turned into a wonderful daughter, still curious, still pretty, and still a JOY!

Birthdays are fabulous reminders of our roots, our journey, our progress - and the mercies of God!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TMBBITW, Cassie! (That's for you, Pam!)









P.S. Here's a picture of Cassie with her birthday cheesecake. What you can't hear is our off-key rendition of Happy Birthday to YOUUUU!! We had a perfect day!

Rising Above

"A secret of love is not voicing negative emotions, but waiting for calmness to return to its post. One who is upset perceives few things with clarity, though Emotion parade itself in the garb of revelation. Calm the heart: Only by so doing can you perceive things as they really are." ~~ J. Donald Walters

"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people." ~~ Eleanor Roosevelt


These concepts simmer in my mind and heart, hopefully to settle in, and join........ Me.

Bestest Friends

The first weekend of September Tom, Cassie, Caroline, and I rented a white PT-Cruiser and drove up to Olympia where we spent the night after snooping around the Capitol buildings, climbing up the steps, and marveling at the hugeness of the pillars and buildings. We were in Washington for a reason: HEIDI, STEPH, and NICK!!

Heidi and I have been friends for years, meeting on-line during my e-Bay years. She lives in Connecticut, but her daughter, son-in-law, and adorable grandson live in Washington. Heidi came out last summer to visit Steph and family, and we got to meet face to face for the first time in Portland! Such a blast!

And here, in 2006, we were about to have another close encounter of the exuberant kind!

We spent a good part of the day together, visiting Steph's comfy home, touring the Navel Museum, and eating lunch in Poulsbo. We met Nick for the first time. At seven months old he is the happiest baby we've ever beheld! You can't help but smile when you are around him.



See how jolly he is?!?!




Here we are eating lunch by the harbor of the Puget Sound. Blue sky, warm temperatures, great company, and terrific food made for a lovely lingering shared meal.










Steph took us to the Navel Submarine Museum. It was loaded with fascinating things, not the least of which were the control panels that one could pretend to manuever a sub with. Here Caroline and Heidi are deep into the fantasy! They were cracking me up!

The museum had displays of torpedos which Tom found quite fascinating. It was a great hands-on and educational place, and we all had a really fun time there.
















I miss you, Heidi! Can't wait to see you again!