You Will Be In My Heart- Always!

One week ago, today, I experienced the greatest sadness of my life. My sweet puppy love, my "honey-child-sister-friend," passed away. For the passed six months, she wasn't herself and she was very elderly for a dog. To say that she was a loyal companion would not only be a huge understatement, it would almost be an insult to her legacy.

We adopted her when I was seventeen years old. Every day, when I came home from school, she was always there to greet me. Which helped my lonely teenage heart after having all of my siblings grow up and move out. When I packed all of my belongings up for college, I sat with her and another pup we had, then, and I explained to her why I was leaving. I told her where I'd be and that I'd always come back. I expressed how much I wished she could go with me, but that, she'd be unhappy living in a tiny dorm room. After the first week, I had a crying fit, because I was homesick for my puppy. Whenever I'd come home to visit, she was at the door to greet me. Sometimes, she even came for the ride to pick me up- she loved car rides.

When I had finished college, I lived at home again and she and I did everything together. I never went for a walk without her. Then, I went away for work and moved to another state. I missed her. A life without her involved in it made me homesick. When I did come back home, she was there to greet me. Then, I got very sick and she took care of me while I was home. Then I went away, out of state, to have surgery and to remain for treatment. I was homesick for Brandy those two weeks. When I came home, she was there to greet me. I don't think I ever saw her more excited, nor give me so many kisses as when I came home that day.

After that day, she never left my side. She slept with me every night. She closely guarded my bedroom door so that only she would allow those whom she deemed safe to enter in. She took me for walks and helped me gain my balance back. She was my physical therapist, in a way. She always knew when a walk was about to happen, even before I began the riual of preparation. She had an uncanny way of knowing what I was thinking.

When I began work again, I'd come home from school and she would be at the door to greet me. Now, she is in a better place. I take comfort in knowing, that I was there when she went; with the sun shining on her face, the soft grass under her belly and the fresh air and sounds of chirping birds swirling around her. I know she felt loved, and I know she loved me. Now, I am homesick again, but I feel that some day, when I come home, she'll be there to greet me. Until next time~Toodaloo!

It's Fathers Day!

I have not posted for a while, as life has been busy, dreadful, heartbreaking, and I've needed time to mend myself. I'll give more details and a proper post on certain subjects another time. Today, however, is all about Dad.
Yesterday was such a warm day here and I was rushing around getting things done, but still taking time to hang. I went with my Pappy to visit my grandparents; my Grampa cracks me up. I never leave his home without laughing. After the visit, I rushed home to clean the house before my sister arrived with her boys.
Then, I made a carrot cake, from a mix, to which I added freshly grated carrots and extra cinnamon. I used a store bought cream cheese frosting ( geesh, I should have added extra cream cheese to that). My Pappy loved the cake, and thought it was homemade- I fessed up though. We had a fun dinner with burgers, brats, and macaroni salad from a recipe that my Mom made when we were kids.
So, tonight, I'll make pizza from scratch and have a low key dinner.
Can I just say, I have really fantastic parents! My situation in life is very different from my peers, so the fact that I'm still at home makes perfect sense when the details are understood. I really do enjoy doing nice things for my parents on a regular basis so that they know how much I appreciate them. However, I do like to do more on holidays. It's nice when my siblings are able to be there too, it just makes it more special.
I've been extremely blessed when it comes to my friends and family. Not all of my friends have the same connection to their parents that I have with mine. My parents are funny, loving, forgiving, patient, and tremendously kind. They are both tremendously thoughtful too. Like I said, I'm blessed.
I like to think that because I have the parents that I have, I have the kind of friends that I have. The way that my parents raised me, made me to be the person who attracts the friendships that I've had for over a decade (or two). To have my friends and siblings is a huge blessing, but it's an even greater blessing to be a friend and a sibling. So, A Super Duper Fathers Day to You!
Until Next Time ~Toodaloo!

It's Sunny Outside!

So, I have not posted for a while. Everyday life and stuff has had me occupied. I've begun work on a quilt for my sister and I even managed to make a shoulder bag. I think that handbags are fun and cute, but they are not always practical. I saw my summer coming up before me and in it I saw myself running around to the park, the lake, the library, the store, etc. To be honest a handbag is something that once you take it with you, you're constantly aware of it, because you need to keep a strong hold of it.
So, I made a shoulder bag out of a few pairs of old corduruoy pants, an old shirt of my Dad's and a fabric package that some bed sheets came in. It is large, but not too large, it sturdy. With pockets, so everything is neatly organized. I have room to hold extras, like a book or a sandwich. Also, it has a front flap to cover everything up. Now, I have a bag that holds everything that I need and I feel secure with it. I know that it will stay on me. I won't need to constantly shift the strap/handle, and I'll never worry about forgetting it anywhere.
So, I am very happy with the endeavor. Soon, school will be coming to a close- so that is a time saver. For the most part though, I've been so busy that by the end of the day, I am whiped out! However, here's a delicious lemon tart....BBC America has been running old episodes of Doctor Who. So, my afternoons are very fun and relaxing. Also, the garden is starting to really grow and this year my peony has four flowers! Each year it gets bigger and produces more flowers. I can't wait for them to open, they'll be so pretty. When they do, I'll post some photos. Until next time! ~Toodaloo!