Odds and Ends, August 2009

Tonight I was reviewing some photos from my camera and realized even though things seem quiet, there's been a lot going on. So I've uploaded a new album, you can view it here. It starts with Laurel's new abacus. This is a compromise that Bryan and I have about toys for Laurel - he wants to get her a computer and I wanted something a little more basic - you know - fundamental. So he bought her an abacus. To my surprise and our delight, she thinks its pretty cool.

Laurel and I have spent some time in the pool in the backyard. After a slow start, I was finally able to get it set up and now we're keeping cool. Except I think tonight its supposed to be in the 50's for a low temp -a little too cool for the pool.

Next, you'll see what's currently on my sewing table. And right next to this quilt is my brand new, much researched Janome sewing machine - an early birthday present. Connie - I love it! And it has a lot of extras I didn't even know you could get on a sewing machine. This quilt is from a book I found on modern quilt designs. Its made from hand dyed batiks and the fabric has a soft sateen finish. I've learned some new techniques and my machine quilting is getting a little more steady.

We've also been exploring the neighborhood and I took some pix of the flowers we see on our walks. Lots of beautiful zinnias, hibiscus, marigolds, and daylillies. Laurel enjoys these explorations.

The last set of photos is the progress on our retaining walls in the ravine. We were anxious to get this repaired before our house slid down the hill into the storm sewer. Its fascinating watching the tractor get in and out of this ravine - the landscapers are quite skilled.

Finally, we've been thinking a lot about our Rowan today, as her classmates returned to school for another year. And I've been keeping in touch with her teacher to complete a bench project we have in the works. We are hoping to purchase several benches for the sensory garden at Rowan's school, in her honor and we have moved a little closer to getting this done - we've got them picked out - now they need to be ordered. Her teacher tells me they are much needed and we have enough memorial money left over to buy several. Thank you again, to all those who sent us gifts in her honor - this is the project we've decided to apply those funds toward.

Until our next post, warmest regards - Colleen

It is with a sad heart that I report the passing of our dear sweet Miss Molly, our faithful family dog of 13 years. This evening Molly finally succumb to the cancer that was taking over her body and we had to say our goodbyes.

Molly was a great - no the best ever family pet. She was an excellent companion, a scrounger of table scraps (some that may not have made it to the table, just like this morning when she stole a couple of mouthfuls of Laurel's cereal), a chaser of dog enemies (squirrels) and giver of a perpetual happy greeting.

We reminisced this evening about some of happy and sad times - mostly happy. I recall when we brought Rowan home from the hospital after she was born, and Molly promptly jumped up to see what new toy we had brought her. Unfortunately my reaction of protecting Rowan (with a yelp) stuck with Molly and she knew her world had changed. She had much the same reaction when Laurel came home from the hospital. Except Rowan and Molly got along much better than Laurel and Molly. Although in recent months, Laurel had come to see herself as responsible for giving out treats to Molly, reminding me of Molly's medicine and assisting during baths, they got along as they should.

But Molly really missed Rowan, as we all did, and we saw a dramatic downturn in her health after Rowan had passed. Molly often slept in Rowan's room, sometimes even herding me to Rowan. And Molly was always ready to snuggle with Rowan when she was on the floor.

Goodbye Miss Molly. We'll miss you!

SOFT Memorial Balloon Release and our trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina

We're home from a whirlwind 40 hour car trip to Roanoke, VA and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We spent the first part of our trip in Roanoke to visit Laurel's Grandma and Grandpa Sibthorp, and to attend the SOFT Picnic and Memorial Balloon Release in which our sweet Rowan was included. It was a lovely memorial service with not a dry eye to be seen. And especially tender for us, as our Rowan was included this year.

You can see pictures in our album, Vacation July 2009 of the balloon release, and the rest of our trip here.

From Roanoke we traveled 7 hours to Nags Head, NC where we stayed on the beach for 3 nights. We enjoyed the sun, sand and surf - along with a heaping amount of seafood. Yum. Laurel enjoyed the beach, but I think the surf was loud, the sun was too bright and she was tired. All her routines were thrown out the window. But all-in-all, she did terrific. She enjoyed her grandparents (and Gypsy too) and she got some serious quality time with us in the car. Like Rowan, she seems to charm everyone she meets, and is very free with her smiles.

We are glad to be home and sleeping in our own beds. I've got a mound of laundry to do, and the weekend to do it. Back to work on Monday for both of us. Laurel talks about Nanny often and is clearly missing her.

Its time to go back to the grind, and enjoy this one until our next vacation...