New Beginnings

Hey.

We got a new bird feeder.

Doesn't seem like a big deal, does it? But in this crazy household of ours, it signifies a return to normal (well, our kind of normal anyway).

We've always fed the birds; kept feeders and birdbaths in our yard. But with all the crap that's been going on, we kinda let that slip away. We misplaced the things that were fun in our life. Let them get run over by the day to day stuff that we all deal with.

I'll admit, we had a few extra issues (Mom passing, car wrecks, car explosions) but that's not the point.

I think my point is, it didn't take much to help heal a lot of troubles. We had lost things and people in our life and started to forget what was good. We were crying in our beer and the salt of our tears made the beer flat and tasteless.

The feeder reminds us of that old life. It brought back memories of a life that we were beginning to think had vanished altogether. This silly plastic and pot metal feeder reminded us that life goes in cycles; up, down, and even sideways on occasion. But it always comes back to normal.

The feeder didn't cost much but we got so much more.

Comfort and hope.

Not a bad deal.

Blue Sky's Smilling at me.

Mornin', folks.

It's a beautiful day here in Norfolk, OAT about 39 degrees and blue sky's. (OAT stands for Outside Air Temp. It's an aviation term and I DID spend a long time in the airplane fixen' field.)

Things are still in chaos here in the household but slowly simmering down. Beck's is working on funeral items for her Mom and still trying to be the primary bread winner of the family. The funeral is Saturday but family start to arrive this Thursday so we have to get ready for that.

I have to say I am SO proud of Becky for the way she has dealt with all this mess. Even though most of the arrangements were previously done, there is still so much to take care of after a loved one passes. Legal issues, family and friend's wishes, and trying to find time for yourself to grieve and deal with the impact of the death make for a full day. And Becky has been right there in the thick of it, fixing, cajoling, soothing, grieving,and still, moving life forward.

Thanks again to all who have helped, offered to help, or have just been there for support. We may not express it or show our gratitude at that moment, but we are grateful beyond words.

THANK YOU ALL!

Lost and Found

Hey, friends.

I've missed you guys.

It's been a tumultuous past few months. My family has been through a lot of things and writing this blog hasn't seemed like much of a priority. I've been trying to avoid turning this blog into a dairy of my life, bemoaning all the trials and tribulations that have occurred. But sometimes, circumstances just demand otherwise.

So be patient with me, readers.

My Mother-in Law, Elizabeth Brewer, passed away on Friday, January 22. She had been ill for quite some time and I think she was just worn out. She passed peacefully with my wife and I by her side. She was a wonderful person and a great Mother-in Law. We didn't always see eye to eye, but I loved her and will miss her greatly.

If you had the chance to meet her, I'm sure you will remember her fondly. If you didn't, I'm sorry that you won't have the chance. She touched so many and left all with a feeling of love and warmth.

I miss you, Granny B.