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.

birthday weekending

We move Lily a week from today. I'm still in a state of denial. It's not that I didn't see this coming, but the speed at which it's elapsed is unbelievable. It being the summer, senior year, childhood. Forgive me for being a tad dramatic. This is my baby girl we're talking about. My baby girl who has grown into an amazing young woman with a future full of possibilities before her. Because of that, I'm working my way through this as gracefully as possible.

I'm beyond grateful for the whole family time we spent at Windmill Beach this past weekend. Life slows down when we are at the beach in the most wonderful of ways. Saturday the weather was iffy, but we snuck in a swim between showers and confirmed that the lake was a beautiful tolerable 60-some degrees. We wait for this every year and never take it for granted when we can walk in and under without pain or persuasion. Stay in. Go in again and again.

 

My brother grilled burgers, my birthday eve request, and we played Wizard, a family favorite. The kids could hardly wait to give me my gift and so I knew it was a good one. I was right. They gave me a Polaroid. They know me well. I am the family historian.

The ladies retired early for a Saturday at the beach and that was perfect because I was up for sunrise on my birthday. The exact awakening of a new year is a meaningful time for me to set intentions for a fresh start and make peace with the last 365 days. Then I went back to bed and slept like a log for a couple more hours. I drifted off just as I heard the boys (my brother and Teddy) leaving for speed golf. They played 27 holes in 90 minutes logging 9 miles. Yep, it's true. Lils went for a run, my sil went for a walk and I went straight to the deck as happy as a clam with my cuppa and my book.

Sunday was a nicer day, but a tad overcast so it felt a little cool at times. The water was still pleasant though so after brunch and another game we enjoyed an afternoon on the beach. I was vacillating about staying another night, but I made the right choice and stayed put. Lily headed home because she is in countdown mode. Ted is still there living his very best life of a life that is usually rather charmed. We ordered Bada Bing to the Windmill and had a very chill Sunday night. The entire house was tucked in by 9:30. I don't know that's ever happened. Shortly after retiring, I ended up on the couch in the great room because I was tossing and really not tired. I could see the showy starry sky from where I rested and I listened to the waves rolling in until I finally drifted off. It took hours, but I still woke Monday feeling refreshed and of course, it was the best of the trio of days. I was easily swayed to make it last. I took the day off.

Mike and I went for a beach walk first thing. Last summer we couldn't get very far without having to wade in. This year the dunes are returning and we can go for more than a mile staying mostly dry. I'm convinced if more people began the day in this way, the world would be a kinder, gentler place. It was just the two of us and the gulls who were flanking the beach in either direction. Sadly, the eagles have been absent since July 4th for obvious reasons. A single blue heron took flight above us as we went for a post walk swim reminding me how magical this place is. I won't say that Lake Michigan was bath water, but it was as close to it as it gets and also refreshing. I would have been good with another beach day, but Ted had friends coming up and we had kittens at home. Before heading south, we went north to bring Lily her favorite donuts. She deserved a treat after her 12 hour work day and was grateful to come home to a little sweetness and a plate of bbq chicken and fresh green beans. That's about all I accomplished Monday afternoon. Mike and I puttered, napped, unpacked. I started laundry, but I still haven't folded last week's loads. We caught up on the news and I opened a couple more gifts and a bottle of white and committed to fully enjoying the last week of a full house and the rest of the summer.

 Everything else will have to wait.

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Cake for breakfast. It's my birthday weekend and today we started the celebration at work.

Ted's coming home today. Yay!

A movie night with Lil's last night. She wanted scary and it was slim pickings so we cued up an oldie. Communion didn't scare her the way it scared me the first time I saw it, but she also stopped laughing.

The owls (yes plural) I heard calling to each other last night in the back yard.

The hummingbirds that have been coming to my strepto carpella every gloaming. Can you see the little guy?

That we weren't asphyxiated when Lily left the car running in the closed garage last night for hours before I realized it. 

I finally made it to the farmer's market. 

These baby tomatoes that we eat like popcorn and are sweet like candy.

  Open windows day and night.

 

 

Nachos for dinner. It was Lil's choice and a good one on a summer's eve.

 

 

 Getting prepped. I have all the kids bedding bought, washed and packed for move ins at the end of the month. Mike picked up a new dresser for Ted for $10 since we're furnishing a second apartment for him for fall. I was able to get a desk for a steal too. We're going to have the rummage sale of the century when these kids settle down.

10 more days with this girl in the 414.

 

Ted's full security deposit was refunded on his apartment last year. While it should have been as we left the place immaculate, often times these management companies take advantage. I'm also grateful that this year's rental is with the same firm.

I have the house to myself. The kids are golfing and Mike is with his dad. I just woke up from a restorative nap and now I'm going to workout.

The tres amigos are still napping.

 

 

That's Life

 

 Today, I motivated for a walk before work. It's something I have gotten out of the habit of doing despite the fact it is always the best way to start any day. The promise of a crisp morning was the biggest factor in luring me out of bed this morning. We've been enjoying a stretch of days, and especially nights, that strongly suggest fall. I'm not complaining because it's my favorite, but I realize that I am always 6 weeks behind the season. 

That being said, I had a hankering for mashed potatoes last night, and they hit the spot. The foray into comfort food begins. Although this week I'm trying to make Lils some of her favorites and then next week, I'll oblige Ted as well. When he and I talked the other night, we decided we're going to Glorioso's for the good stuff. The only thing Chicago lacks is home cooking and golf. Cats too.

Ted's work is winding down this week. I edited a paper he wrote for graduate school last weekend and by edit I mean added a couple commas. I was blown away by the growth not just in his grammar, but also his voice and confidence as a writer. He was writing about professional ethics for accountants and I was engrossed. I was like Dang, that's my kid sounding all savvy. And of course he is.

Lil's work is revving up. She worked an average of 9-12 hours a week this summer, and now suddenly she's almost full-time, a fact she is not wholly embracing. I get it, but I like it. She'll like the fat paychecks too.

She's basically set for school now. We went to the mall on Sunday and did some serious damage and I'm holding the loot as booty until she culls her closets and drawers. I've been asking her to go through them all summer and here we are the last couple weeks and there's no way she knows half of what she has. I get that too. I am a keeper myself. Sharing a room with two other chicas means she's going to have to be discerning about what she brings.

In this house we do baptism by fire. I make lists, cross things off, add more and then at the eleventh hour we are always scrambling. This method has never failed us. I do not regret things like a kitchen dance party the night before school starts or hosting family dinner the eve before we leave for Florida. We lean in to it and get to where we need to be. Yea...maybe a little tired and missing a few things, but that's life.

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A walk with Lily last night. She wasn't very talkative, but I get that this is a tough week of goodbyes. Getting out and enjoying the beautiful night was good for both of us...mind, body and spirit.

This has been girls week. They are spending as much time together as possible. Eeking out every last moment. It's sad and it's sweet. It took Lil's awhile to find her tribe so she's feeling lots of feels to start over again. When she came home from gathering with the girls last night, she needed a hug. And an ear. I was happy to give both. And while I know she is emotional right now, I also know what a strong head she has on her shoulders and a pure heart as her compass. 

An owl in our yard. I heard it as I was tucking in for the night. Lils heard it too so roused me because she knows my affinity for owls. We sat for a few extra minutes listening to it call into the night under the full moon and I'm pretty sure I slept better for it.

finding her random selfies on my phone. I'm really going to miss that. 

Ted has one more week at Anderson. He has had such a great summer. He has worked hard and played hard. He's made important connections, new friends and he's gotten to know and love a new city. I think he's also gotten rather fond of living alone in the Gold Coast with a view of Lake Michigan. But I also think he's looking forward to moving back to Madison for the semester in a house with 5 guys and a view of the business school.

While both of my kids will be gone come fall, I am comforted that they are going to be in the same city and only 90 miles away.

We already have reservations for Homecoming weekend and plans to meet up with old friends.

We decided to scrap our family beach day on Sunday thanks to the rain, but my brother and sil came with the ingredients for Lily's favorite buffalo chicken wraps. The girls sat around the island while the guys made her birthday dinner and it was a good pivot...a good night.

Plans to celebrate my birthday at Windmill Beach.

The mid-term election is in 88 days. I am fired up. 

Pizza night with friends. It will be a good start to the weekend.

Cat candids.

Happy Birthday Weekending

 

 

 

I'm at the point of the summer where I'm taking stock of all the things I haven't done. Celebrating Lily is not one of them. Graduating and a milestone birthday are good reason for a party...partTAYS. After Saturday's beach bash, I think she's been more than properly celebrated.

We had the most perfect day at Windmill Beach. It was warm, sunny and breezy for most of the day and while the lake was cool, it was getinable. A strange fog moved in late afternoon. In all our times here, that was a first. It was time to take a beach break for dinner anyways. Smores were dessert so they headed back to the beach for a bonfire.

At the stroke of midnight all the girls stormed the beach and went for an inaugural dip under the stars. That's a stellar way to kick off a new trip around the sun and I just know it's going to be a year for the books for my best girl.

I'm not sure when or if some of the chicas even went to bed, but I managed to get my minimum of 5 hours. I set an alarm for sunrise. It was cloudy and lackluster, but not a total bust because I was up with Lily at the exact minute of her birth 18 years ago. The rest of the house was asleep. Finally.

They managed to get in a quick swim after breakfast and before the rain came, and even though it was an icky day some friends lingered. I got the feeling they were putting off goodbyes. This week they start to leave for schools around the country and it's a happysad time for all of them.

We promised that we will do it again when she turns 21 if not before.