How to Know When It Is Time to Say Good-bye

November is my birthday month but celebrating it has never been a priority. My mom was very ill my entire childhood and spent most of her life in bed fighting a debilitating disease. Birthday parties were out of the question. I often hoped my mom would forget my birthday so she would not have to feel guilty if she was not well enough to bake a cake or buy me a present.

Consequently, I often forget my birthday if I am busy or forget to check the calendar. Yet, I love birthday celebrations and try not to forget those special days for family and friends. And even if I may forget... my family always remembers.

I often wondered:  Why don't we celebrate our mothers on our birthdays?  After all, they did all the work!

Fall is here

                                             

Halloween was exceptionally fun this year as we kept our store open past normal closing time. We gave candy to over 450 kids. This little girl gave both my husband and me a hug when she got her candy. Her mommy smiled proudly when I asked if I could take her picture. I wonder if she hugged all the store owners downtown?

Neither of the grands had previous knowledge that mom was going to be a shark!  

The whole neighborhood had a great laugh.

















SURPRISE

I didn't think I would see my grandkids until Christmas but they surprised us with a three-day visit on the November 11th long weekend.

3rd year in Boxing and loving it

William turned eight last month and it was obvious that he is maturing rapidly. When my hubby asked William if he would like to shoot some balls at the driving range, he was ecstatic. It was the fourth time Papa took him to the range and this was the first time William wanted to do exactly as Papa directed. He wanted to take his time, stand and swing properly -- his efforts paid off with a much longer shot of 125 yards plus.

"Papa, when I am a teenager, will you still take me to the driving range?"

"Are you kidding?  I can't wait until we can play the full course."

With tears in his eyes William said, "Papa, that makes me so happy.  I didn't think you would want to hang out with a teenager."

Knowing how thoughtful and grateful this kid is, it won't be a surprise that he will most definitely want to still hang out when he is a teen.

Starting Skating Lessons

Last days of Fall at the beach









Gunner

When it comes time to say good-bye to our furry friends, we often delay the inevitable. We hope there will be a miracle of improvement. We hope they might die naturally in their sleep so we do not have to make that heart-wrenching decision. Our daughter is one degree short of being a veterinarian.  We were anxious to hear what her thoughts were regarding Gunner when she visited here.

"Mom......he's old. He's tired. BUT, he is also stubborn. He isn't ready to go. He eats well and has no potty issues." I felt a glimmer of hope.

"As hard as it is on you, it is going to be even harder on Star. He may be staying alive for her."

I had to agree that I had those same thoughts. Gunner spent the last ten years of his life taking care of his little wife, Star. He took the brunt of the abuse; the kicks and brutal hits by his abusive owner in an effort to protect Star.

"Mom, prepare yourself that she will probably go shortly after Gunner does."

So, we wait.

This has been this month's Fly on the Wall post. Today, four bloggers invite you to catch a glimpse of what is going on if you were a fly on the wall in their homes.

Buzz around and see what you think....

Baking In A Tornado
Menopausal Mother
Spatulas On Parade