Why do we always say "Scott and Steve" instead of "Steve and Scott"? Alphabetical?
What ever order you use it doesn't matter to these two identicals (even though, I could alway s tell them apart). What I love about these guys, among other things, is their devotion to each other. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a twin, but I bet nobody does it better than they do.
Our relationship began formally when I married their Dad in August of 1974; they were about 5 years old and despite some drama and intense feelings they accepted me as step-mom from the beginning. Those visits when all 6 kids were together were, for the most part, great fun and a lot of that was due to the easygoing and accepting nature of these two.
They have grown into responsible, good natured, fun loving guys who always put family first. Scott was lucky to marry Audrey and bring two beautiful kids into the family; Gracie and Christian are both precious.
Steve has had the good fortune to add Robin to the family and for that we are all grateful. It's no secret that Steve and I share a lot of likes and dislikes; he is the Dybedock that I feel closest to and see more of. But, I love them both and they have made my life richer by being part of it.
So, Happy Jack Benny, you two (or are you too young to get that reference?). I am proud of you both, delighted to still call you my sons and wish you many more birthdays in good health.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Morning joy
Four a.m.
The quiet that only exists in the early morning hours.
I make my way in the dark to my command post;
The glow of the computer, the nest I love the most.
Today I will get back to my writing.
And then I hear the drip, drip, dripping of rain
Off the porch roof; puddling in the garden,
The pace changing as if the drummer switches beats;
Now coming down in heavy sheets;
A moment later slowing gently to a waltz.
The few cars splashing by lay d own the melody
And the birds awakening join in.
Light slowly creeps up from the east
And, oh, the joy at being at the feast,
Awash in a symphony of senses.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Elvis has left the building!
The New York Hertz clan was visiting for 4 days this past week and the energy flowed! Greta alone can charge up a room with just her look and add Amelia who gets chattier when excited and then there is their beautiful extroverted mother. Add to this my stoic quiet son, and you instantly have all the entertainment you could ask for.
Unfortunately the adults are sleep deprived and so not their perkiest, but Tricia seems to me much happier now that she is back in the adult world that values her skills. Erich needs to be sitting in front of his computer writing, but with all that female attention how can he pull him self away? ( Amelia told me what she loved about her Daddy the most was how patient he is).
And Greta Charlene, who makes me feel very special when she greets me with one of those running throwing herself into my arms greetings. She is very much starting to leave the two year old behavior behind and acting more and more like she's closing in on three. She has mellowed quite a bit and I'm guessing that the peer interaction at daycare has been good for her.
Then there's amazing Amelia with two missing front teeth, almost 7, going on 17, who treats me to having a slumber party with her every night. We have some very serious conversations snuggling in bed watching a movie. She is inquisitive, thoughtful, bright, and very concerned about other's feelings. And of course even with missing teeth she still is that beautiful child with the blond hair and the dimples and sparkling eyes.
Every time I see them I better understand what I am supposed to be doing with the rest of my life. I can only feel that my job with the time I have left is to everything I possibly can to make their world a little better, to be a role model for them in growing old gracefully despite the aches and pains, to stay engaged enough to use my life's hard gained wisdom to somehow leave them a legacy of values that will help them know what is most important.
Not being able to see them every day means I value more the days I do get with them, even though I struggle with my lack of energy. They are everything a nana could want in grand children. I am so proud of my son and now, daughter; they are surely doing something right.
To my son and his harem: I love you more than you could know until it's your turn to be t he grand parent!
Unfortunately the adults are sleep deprived and so not their perkiest, but Tricia seems to me much happier now that she is back in the adult world that values her skills. Erich needs to be sitting in front of his computer writing, but with all that female attention how can he pull him self away? ( Amelia told me what she loved about her Daddy the most was how patient he is).
And Greta Charlene, who makes me feel very special when she greets me with one of those running throwing herself into my arms greetings. She is very much starting to leave the two year old behavior behind and acting more and more like she's closing in on three. She has mellowed quite a bit and I'm guessing that the peer interaction at daycare has been good for her.
Then there's amazing Amelia with two missing front teeth, almost 7, going on 17, who treats me to having a slumber party with her every night. We have some very serious conversations snuggling in bed watching a movie. She is inquisitive, thoughtful, bright, and very concerned about other's feelings. And of course even with missing teeth she still is that beautiful child with the blond hair and the dimples and sparkling eyes.
Every time I see them I better understand what I am supposed to be doing with the rest of my life. I can only feel that my job with the time I have left is to everything I possibly can to make their world a little better, to be a role model for them in growing old gracefully despite the aches and pains, to stay engaged enough to use my life's hard gained wisdom to somehow leave them a legacy of values that will help them know what is most important.
Not being able to see them every day means I value more the days I do get with them, even though I struggle with my lack of energy. They are everything a nana could want in grand children. I am so proud of my son and now, daughter; they are surely doing something right.
To my son and his harem: I love you more than you could know until it's your turn to be t he grand parent!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Auspicious date
Just noticed the date when I posted my last entry. Noel should remember it. And a happy birthday and anniversary to Rhonda Dybedock Crink. How many years, Rhonda?
Sorry Keto
Major discovery: Keto is vacationing at Howard and Sue's and I have slept nearly 8 hours both nights. This is major for me as I have been sleep deprived for so long I didn't remember what a good night's sleep felt like.
I think he has grown more restless as he gets less exercise. Let's face it, if you spent the day sleeping on t he couch you probably wouldn't sleep soundly at night either. And he too is getting old so maybe his sleep pattern is affected by that. I'm not aware that he is disturbing me but he is probably keeping me from deep sleep (just watched a 60 minute special on sleep and am now an expert).
So who thinks I can train him to sleep elsewhere? If I let him anywhere in my room will that have the same effect? Do I have to shut him out until he gets the picture? If there are any animal experts that know how to teach an old dog new tricks, let' s hear it.
I think he has grown more restless as he gets less exercise. Let's face it, if you spent the day sleeping on t he couch you probably wouldn't sleep soundly at night either. And he too is getting old so maybe his sleep pattern is affected by that. I'm not aware that he is disturbing me but he is probably keeping me from deep sleep (just watched a 60 minute special on sleep and am now an expert).
So who thinks I can train him to sleep elsewhere? If I let him anywhere in my room will that have the same effect? Do I have to shut him out until he gets the picture? If there are any animal experts that know how to teach an old dog new tricks, let' s hear it.
Monday, June 16, 2008
the good and the bad
You have to get t h e impression that not much happens here; I haven't been doing much blogging because my writing part of the brain seems to be on vacation.
You'd be right about not much happening here; the daily severe weather alerts have been the big excitement. Today Dottie and I go to Joliet. She has a doctor's appointment and I am finally making that trip to the cemetery with the flowers. Exciting, huh?
The real thing happens Wednesday evening when my New York family, starring the two cutest girls in the world, arrives for a brief visit.
Too many o f my family and friends are dealing with health issues. I've reached the point of not wanting to talk about i t. Good friends who were expecting their first grandchild just found out that their daughter-in-law lost the baby. My young niece needs back surgery.
Our business is taking a hit from the inevitable dying out of the paging industry, so I am doing some work in the marketing area even though I'm retired.
And I have done nothing, zero, nada on my memoir editing project.
Not happy with myself.
You'd be right about not much happening here; the daily severe weather alerts have been the big excitement. Today Dottie and I go to Joliet. She has a doctor's appointment and I am finally making that trip to the cemetery with the flowers. Exciting, huh?
The real thing happens Wednesday evening when my New York family, starring the two cutest girls in the world, arrives for a brief visit.
Too many o f my family and friends are dealing with health issues. I've reached the point of not wanting to talk about i t. Good friends who were expecting their first grandchild just found out that their daughter-in-law lost the baby. My young niece needs back surgery.
Our business is taking a hit from the inevitable dying out of the paging industry, so I am doing some work in the marketing area even though I'm retired.
And I have done nothing, zero, nada on my memoir editing project.
Not happy with myself.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Perfect Day
We were certainly due one and today i s perfect. First time I laid out on chaise (with Keto taking half the space of course) and read a book. So here I am in front of the computer instead!
I need to say what I can't bring myself to talk about and that is the signs I'm getting that my PD is advancing. Or it may be that I'm pushing myself harder. My meds wear off faster and the tremors pop up; I have a hard ti me with the keyboard; my balance is iffier and getting out of the car a is a long production. However, I have been working out more...Kay and I have added a number of things for balance, including some Yoga (which is more taxing than you think). Then I've been riding the bike downstairs for 20-25 minutes everyday. Plus trying to do some weedin g every day. All this leaves me too tired to do much else! I know if I could dump some pounds everything would be easier.................
Talked to my sister-in-law today and realized how much I miss hanging with her ....she would top my list of girlfriends to just hang out with. Now I know she reads this because we just talked on the phone, but that's not why I said that. Talking to her makes me aware that I don't have other female friends that are as much fun as she is.
Except for Greta and Amelia (and their mom). I am beside myself with that kind of inner excitement knowing that I will see t hem next week, inshallah. Now there's a pair that are fun.
I think I should skip all that rigorous exercising next week in order to save my energy for them.
I can think of so many reasons not to exercise or diet and it really shows. Ah, well. Life is good.
I need to say what I can't bring myself to talk about and that is the signs I'm getting that my PD is advancing. Or it may be that I'm pushing myself harder. My meds wear off faster and the tremors pop up; I have a hard ti me with the keyboard; my balance is iffier and getting out of the car a is a long production. However, I have been working out more...Kay and I have added a number of things for balance, including some Yoga (which is more taxing than you think). Then I've been riding the bike downstairs for 20-25 minutes everyday. Plus trying to do some weedin g every day. All this leaves me too tired to do much else! I know if I could dump some pounds everything would be easier.................
Talked to my sister-in-law today and realized how much I miss hanging with her ....she would top my list of girlfriends to just hang out with. Now I know she reads this because we just talked on the phone, but that's not why I said that. Talking to her makes me aware that I don't have other female friends that are as much fun as she is.
Except for Greta and Amelia (and their mom). I am beside myself with that kind of inner excitement knowing that I will see t hem next week, inshallah. Now there's a pair that are fun.
I think I should skip all that rigorous exercising next week in order to save my energy for them.
I can think of so many reasons not to exercise or diet and it really shows. Ah, well. Life is good.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Barak
I sit here staring at the empty box for posting. What could I possibly say that would be o f interest to anyone else?
We think too highly of our own mental ramblings, those of us who choose to blog. Think about it. Isn't this pretty self centered to sit here at 3;30 am and imagine that anyone would want to know what is on my mind? Ah, but I do it anyway.
Since Tuesday the storyline of my musings has been the state of the union, no less. It's no secret that I am a major Obama fan and you would think I would be elated right now. No, I am stuck with this mother type worry f or him.
First big worry....some nut out there will kill him off before he's even in the office.
Second, he is in the White Ho use and finds out how little a President can change the way Washington works. After all, he will not be able to wipe out greed and lust for power.
How's tha t for a positive attitude? I think I need my paxil upped again!
We think too highly of our own mental ramblings, those of us who choose to blog. Think about it. Isn't this pretty self centered to sit here at 3;30 am and imagine that anyone would want to know what is on my mind? Ah, but I do it anyway.
Since Tuesday the storyline of my musings has been the state of the union, no less. It's no secret that I am a major Obama fan and you would think I would be elated right now. No, I am stuck with this mother type worry f or him.
First big worry....some nut out there will kill him off before he's even in the office.
Second, he is in the White Ho use and finds out how little a President can change the way Washington works. After all, he will not be able to wipe out greed and lust for power.
How's tha t for a positive attitude? I think I need my paxil upped again!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A Double Life
I think I've made the adjustment to living in two places and it is basically because of this wonderful little machine; I find myself staying in touch with Florida people by email so I can do the same with Ill people in the winter.!
Just came from a St. Mary's board meeting; I only have two more left and then I am off the board; not sure how that will feel but I think 21 years is too much and it's time to make room for somebody else.
I am operating on about 4 hours sleep cause I had to stay up to watch Barak's speech. Glad I did. Seeing a re-run wouldn't have felt like it did live. I have never been so interested in a presidential race as this; just hoping he doesn't get pressured to make Hillary VP.
Still missing Maryjo; Heenan's had Dotty and I and Terry over for dinner Sunday night and it is still difficult. She used to give Rosemary a list of books to take to Michigan. Rosemary asked me to do that this year and when she came over to pick up what I picked out we both wound up crying. I know there is no way I can take her place on being knowledgeable about books. Book club is not the same without her.
One of the little thrills of life: sitting down at my desk in the am and seeing that I have new pictures of my girls on the Ceiva. It looks like I may get to see them in person in a few weeks.
That's enough trivia for now.
Just came from a St. Mary's board meeting; I only have two more left and then I am off the board; not sure how that will feel but I think 21 years is too much and it's time to make room for somebody else.
I am operating on about 4 hours sleep cause I had to stay up to watch Barak's speech. Glad I did. Seeing a re-run wouldn't have felt like it did live. I have never been so interested in a presidential race as this; just hoping he doesn't get pressured to make Hillary VP.
Still missing Maryjo; Heenan's had Dotty and I and Terry over for dinner Sunday night and it is still difficult. She used to give Rosemary a list of books to take to Michigan. Rosemary asked me to do that this year and when she came over to pick up what I picked out we both wound up crying. I know there is no way I can take her place on being knowledgeable about books. Book club is not the same without her.
One of the little thrills of life: sitting down at my desk in the am and seeing that I have new pictures of my girls on the Ceiva. It looks like I may get to see them in person in a few weeks.
That's enough trivia for now.
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