B'days are a good thing

I celebrated my b'day yesterday (8/15). How old am I? I'm one year older than I was on Saturday. '0] and although it was low key I had a fabulous weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my celebration(s).

I had dinner @ McCormick & Schmicks with a small group of friends on Saturday. My previous b'day dinners have been bigger affairs with almost 10 folks sitting around the table. However, this year was different. I've decided no more "seat fillers" for me. If you don't have a special place in my heart then a b'day dinner invite you will not receive. There were 2 women at my dinner last year who I no longer have a friendship with. (It's interesting what a difference a year makes). And when I reached a "milestone" b'day a few years ago, there were about 25 folks at my b'day dinner. I don't even communicate with half of those people right now.
So, I said all that to say it's not about the number of folks who come to your party. It's about having folks around you who are genuine, honest, and have unconditional love for you. That's what a true friend is all about. Drama and dishonesty are not part of their agenda.

On my actual b'day (8/15), I took my nieces and my sister bowling. I love to bowl but I don't go often enough. We had a blast (I won, by the way). I'm going to add bowling to my "to do" list. It's a great little workout. And then I fixed myself a delicious seafood pasta dinner. (Now, it's back to salads again until Thanksgiving).

God blessed me to see another b'day and I am so grateful. And if God's willing and the creek don't rise next year I will be living in another city and will have a new set of friends to break bread with.

Rest in Peace, Daddy

My Dad was buried yesterday. It was a beautiful service; very dignified, royal, succinct, yet powerful. My father, William, was an Air Force veteran; he serviced the aircraft.
To see the pomp and circumstance of the flag folding and presentation ceremony was spell binding. The regalia and the precision of it all left me awestruck.
The playing of TAPS brought tears to my eyes. It's such a mournful song that evokes so much emotion. When I hear it from now on it will have a special meaning in my heart.
I never saw the picture of him that was placed next to the urn. My sister, Tracy, provided it. But what a picture it was. Dad was happy, healthy, smiling, robust, handsome. He was my Dad. But he's at rest now.
His passing just confirms my, your, our, mortality. Each day is a gift and each day should be lived the best we can possibly live it. At least, we should try.
Rest in Peace, Poppa. Rest in Peace.
Life is good and it's going to get better.
Peace and Blessings.

My Dear Old Dad

I saw my father yesterday. It's been a while and I felt the need to check him out. You see, he has Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing facility for almost 3 years now. Seeing my Dad isn't the hard part; although, it is difficult. It's getting to his room that's causes discomfort for me. Passing the elderly in their various states of degeneration is hard. It makes me sad because their demise could be mine...or yours.

I walked into my father's room and there he was slumped in his chair dozing. The handsome, robust man is no more. Yes, I see the vestiges of who he used to be...but the operative words are "used to be." I brought him his favorite soft baked cookies but he wasn't interested. Did he know that it was me - his daughter? I doubt it. He looked at me and I gave him my best smile and said "Hi Daddy. It's me. Robin." There was a glimmer of recognition but then it faded away as fast as drops of water on a hot skillet.

The nursing staff brought in his lunch and I fed my father. I placed the spoon in the mashed potatoes, made sure they weren't too hot. I placed the spoon to his lips and he chewed. That made me feel really good.

I sat with him for about an hour and a half. I listened to him hum. I talked to the nurses about his right hand that's bothering him due to arthritis. Then I kissed his forehead and told him that I loved him and would see him again soon. And I will.

If you have your father or your mother, please acknowledge them and tell them that you love them. Yeah, they might get on your nerves. What parent doesn't at some point? But if they are still alive you are very blessed. And be grateful for that.

Take it easy.

Peace and hair grease.

It's been a long long time

Check it out people...I did something last night I haven't done in years. My heart was racing like a big dog and I was sweating like Miss Piggy.
Nooooo, it wasn't what you think it was; although that would not be a bad thing. What I did was I worked out to a Billy Blanks TaeBo tape for about 45 minutes. It kicked my arse but it was rejuvenating and I liked it. My plan is to do that at least 3 times a week, coupled with walking on my treadmill. That regimen should help me get some of this blubber off my butt. It's not a good look and it's not acceptable, so I'm on a mission. Springtime is just around the corner and I want to be fresh to death...again. I know that's an old school term but I don't care.
Now I'm going to buy a pair of workout shoes.
Take it easy y'all.
GO SAINTS!!!!