weekending

 

Our first weekend sans kids was a good one. While we miss them, we still have and very much like each other. It's a little silly because it's often just the two of us...the kids are busy, out and about...but it feels different. And after the gearing up for sending them both off prepared, there is relief. Fewer nerves and to dos and we're being kinder to one another. It's nice.

We motivated for a walk first thing on a sunny Saturday morning. Well, it was more like late morning because we slept in. Then we detailed, washed and waxed all three cars, which meant our workout continued for a couple hours. Mike watched the Badgers lose with Pete and I ran some errands before we met back at home for a quiet night in. We thought about going out, we tried to rally, but we were too content to stay home. I am an unapologetic homebody these days. We ordered Chinese and settled in for a double header. It was perfect.

Sunday I wanted to get up early, but it was a chilly and gloomy day. I think I could have stayed in bed all day. How I love a rainy Sunday! After a string of errands, I baked a cake and made my new favorite salad to bring to a family gathering at my in-laws. I also love Sunday kitchen inspiration and people to share my creations with. It is definitely an adjustment cooking for just the two of us. Shopping too. I was surprised by the charges I paid for a half empty cart of nothing fancy or special...$150 for the basics. Thanks Joe.

The kids both had good weekends going to the game and out with friends. We'll see them Sunday for my Dad's 75th b-day celebration. I may be counting down the days and I may have to bring Gus.

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

 

An end to the packing, moving and unpacking. At least for now. 

 

 This week the only thing I ordered from Amazon was for me. (And the cats. Their Halloween costumes are definitely for me.)

The hardest goodbyes. Lily was not as smitten with Gus as the rest of the fam...world. She is the forever champion of the underdog and Gus was the high cat. This summer though, they totally bonded and she can no longer deny her adoration for our gray goofball. So I'm grateful that they don't allow pets in the dorm because she would probably want to take him. Oh and Hazel was having nothing to do with hugs that day.

Tradition, legacy, culture, spirit, rite, pomp, precedence, history, success. Lily's in that W somewhere!

First roomies and now friends. These three are off to a swimming start and that is beautiful music to my mama heart.

Old friends, the first game, school spirit and that she thinks to send me a couple snaps even on game day.

Lily actually goes to the games. Ted sold most of his tickets Freshman year once he discovered it was a money maker. Lily is fully immersing herself in the experience. Maybe she'll be Bucky one day just like her dad.

I got the first panic call this week. She had her first Spanish class and the majority of her 30 classmates are fluent. I had a flashback to my first Spanish class in college. I was completely overwhelmed with our first task which was to read a novel. When I asked if she felt like she needed to find a different class, she said no without hesitation. She said that this will be her challenge, and then she wanted to get right off the phone so she could get to work.

 

Lily has been at school less than 2 weeks and she has already found the laundry room. That's something Teddy never did his first year. I just hope she's not doing a single pair of her favorite shorts like she used to do at home.

He does laundry now and he also cooks. Monday was his last night home so he made his signature pie which we have named Serranamo. It's a spicy pizza topped with hot sausage, slow roasted garlic, wilted broccolini and of course, serranos. Although Monday we had to substitute habaneros. He made tiramisu for dessert. It was a lovely treat and a great last night.

 

I do believe Ted's room was once the dining room, but we made it functional and cozy.

Teddy has gotten serious about his future fast. He has plans and goals, but he also has a good balance of work hard...play hard. He's a great storyteller, he has the memory of an elephant, he stokes his passions, he thrives on making connections and he never stops dreaming and scheming. 

This week's cat candids. Thank God for these three.

A Freshman and a Senior

Yesterday was the final move: Ted to Madison. Back to Brooks Street, but in a new house. Today was the first day of classes. My son is more of a procrastinator than I am. I watched the sunset in my review mirror as I drove east to home. It was stunning. I was thirsty, hungry, tired and happy.

The first three are obvious as it's been a long couple weeks and a very long day, but I need to explain the last. The opportunities my kids have are hard earned, but they are also great privileges. None of this is guaranteed. We can work hard and still not get what we want. We can try and not succeed and we can succeed and still not be happy. Both Teddy and Lily are at the University of Wisconsin where they want to be (it was Lily's first and last choice). They are serious about studying and personal growth. And they are both very happy.

Lily met us at Ted's house. It's only been a week, but I felt like I hadn't seen her in much longer and I think she felt the same because she let me hug her extra long and only slightly poked fun of my enthusiasm. Ted was the last of the guys to move in (see above) so his roomies all helped unload the van. In anticipation of using their muscles, I brought a homemade meal for their first, or maybe last supper depending on the way you look at it. A batch of cookies too.

We got his room somewhat situated, but I could tell he was anxious to be with the boys who had a sudden urge to start putting the living room together. After he got the perishables put away (1 frig for 5 guys! One bathroom too!), we traveled the 2 blocks to Lil's dorm to deliver the important things: a better mirror, her fan (all 3 girls are simpatico with their air machines), berries, watermelon, more protein bars and a few other things. Her room is cozy and not just because it's 500 sq feet with 3 girls' worth of gear. They have a little sitting area, mood lighting, fun little touches.

I didn't stay long. I was parked illegally and Ava was napping. Lily and Faith were eager to get some dinner and not in the mood to go out. Lily walked me to the car and that allowed for a brief chat during which I learned that she is getting on great with both her roomies, and both excited and nervous for school to start after a week of very busy free time. I know she's craving a return to routine...a sense of normalcy. There were long hugs, but no tears upon parting because I will see her in a little over a week.

What's not to be happy about? ( I think the Amazon driver will even be happy to not have to stop at Casa Wags every.single.day.)

The house is tidier and more quiet except for the out of sorts kittens wondering where half their people are. Hazel commanded a game of fetch at 6:30 this morning. I could hardly believe my husband obliged her. He's obviously missing his #1 girl.

In honor of the first day of school, I opened a new bottle of shampoo. It's a fresh Moroccan oil elixir the smell of which has lingered with me all day in the most pleasant of ways. And I saved a cookie to enjoy with my cuppa this morning. It's my favorite whole wheat and oat dark chocolate chip concoction. Word is the 5 guys and 3 gals liked them too. Also that Ted slept like a champ in his new room and Lily had a great first day of class. I will sleep well tonight.

 Ted's last day of summer vacay. He made dinner and dessert for his mom and dad.

 Lil's first day of college. F for first day, freshman, fabulous, fresh-faced or Faith.

August Images

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

This Badger!

We successfully moved Lily and her 10 Ikea bags packed full of clothes into Ogg Wednesday. It took 3 trips. A bin-full each time. Her winter wardrobe is still at home. In fact, if you were to peak in her closets, you would think she was still living here. The good thing is that her roomie had the same amount of stuff. The other good thing is that her third roomie was coming from Boston so I am told she brought less. It was a long, but good day of schlepping, lofting, organizing, and decorating. We were too busy to feel sad and excited for Lily and Faith to get comfy in their space and begin to meet their neighbors.

 Ted's contribution to the decor is questionable.

Lils walked us out at 4 o'clock. The day started at 9. There were some extra long hugs and tears upon parting. A few chuckles as we realized that the erstwhile Simple Mind's hit, Don't You Forget About Me, was blasting in the courtyard. More tears on the walk to the car. On the way to Madison, Lily and I talked about the day 3 years ago that we left Teddy in the dorm. She was maybe most upset. From the back seat, she asked with incredulity, What do you think he's doing now? She was unable to comprehend his new life. She was texting him by the time we hit the highway. I had the same feelings as we left her. 

And as soon as we left the city, I received a message and video from my girl that she had obviously made in advance. It was a little tribute to me and a just the perfect touching gesture. Tear jerking too. Ted was with me and he was good for a pep talk. A laugh too. He said chickens have to leave the nest and when I questioned whether chickens have nests, he cited eagles. I learned adult eagles attack their young when it's time for them to go out on their own. Then they fly to a new nest so the young eagle cannot return. Ted said, You aren't leaving her all alone, but in a nice place with nice people. I couldn't argue with that. And it's time for her to spread her wings. I cannot argue with that either.

She sent a picture before she went out for the night. I see true joy.

 Then she sent another when she came home. I see true friendship.

 

 

We've Facetimed twice and we text throughout the days. The pictures and messages keep me from going crazy missing her too much. Also knowing that she's doing well, happy, having fun. She seems to be adjusting to dorm living...living in a room with 2 other lovely ladies and sharing a bathroom with 12. She already despises dorm food, but admits that she's been too busy and keeping odd hours to be hungry. I will bring some chicken that is not weird and a stash of berries when I come next week. She's been sleeping well and working out. It's a bonus to have the gym a block away. She's seen high school friends and made some new friends too. All good. Very good.

Tomorrow is the first football game of the season. It's a night game too, which is an extra fun occurrence. I know she's excited to cheer on the Badgers...her Badgers, and we'll be watching from home.

She's in there somewhere. Class of 2026!

I'm looking forward to seeing her on Tuesday when I take Ted and the rest of his stuff to Madison. I have to deliver a list of things she needs and I'll take her to dinner if she can spare the time. Wednesday is her first day of class.

And then I know the next few months will be good and full and fast.