Tricia, this one's for you!

Today I decided to take the next step in my Spring Cleaning. (I want to get it done before Spring lures me outside every day.) I have been back at unpacking and putting away and came across the problem of more books than shelves again. It seems right to find a good home for my duplicates (check your emails for more on this), and I am not a seller of books. I thought about Tricia's blog on the library used book sale and remembered that I used to do something with this in San Ramon when I was in AAUW. So I trucked on down to my local library.
The new building was dedicated right after we moved here, and is beautiful although impossible to get to conveniently. I drove around the block and some back streets and over the railroad tracks until I found a barricade with "Street Closed" on it and a little sign with an arrow indicating the closed street was now the library parking lot.
When I finally walked in, it was nice and smelled like the library I used to escape to when I was in high school and could talk my parents into letting me drive to the library by myself. (More on this in the sequel.) I walked around a while and watched people enjoying the quiet reading places and the "Pennsylvania Room" full of historical items and genealogy treasures. I spoke to a nice librarian who assured me they would accept donations "but only a few at a time, because there is just not much room." I promised to bring in only a few at a time and to make sure they were in excellent condition.
As I drove home (without getting a library card), I realized why I don't do libraries--YOU HAVE TO RETURN THE BOOKS!! Once I read a book, it becomes a part of me and I can't just give it back. So, I will share and donate duplicates, but every book in my library is either already a piece of me or will soon be.

Catching Up

As I sit at the computer today, my thoughts have turned to my dear mother-in-law, Helen Dorothy Seguine. When I first met her, she welcomed me into her family and made me a part of her heart. She loved me, taught me to knit, shared recipes and laughs, hard counsel and soft tears. She told me she had wanted more children, but knew it would be her son who would bring her another daughter. I loved her!! I wish she had lived long enough to know all of you.

Marriages give us the opportunity to love more people. Our family has had lots of growth, and I am grateful for the additional family we connected with in Texas. We have all felt Bunnie-mom's love and joy, and the extended family there is wonderful, too.

At Christmas Jen made a beautiful picture for me of embroidered art. The poem is titled "To 'His' Mother." I'd like to share it.

'Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I simply can't forget
'Twas you who watched his baby ways
Who taught him his first hymns of praise,
Who smiled on him with loving pride
When he first toddled by your side.
'Mother-in-law' but oh, 'twas you
Who taught him to be kind and true.
When he was tired, almost asleep,
'Twas to your arms he used to creep.
And when he bruised his tiny knee,
'Twas you who kissed it tenderly.
'Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I never shall forget
How very much I owe
To you, who taught him how to grow.
You trained your son to look above.
You made of him the man I love.
And so I think of that today,
Ah! Then with thankful heart I'll say
'Our Mother.'

That was how I thought of Mom (and Dad) Seguine. Thank you, Jen and Tricia.

Just passing through...

Honest, I plan to settle back at home long enough to catch up on all the travel, but I got back from Furlong last night late and I leave for Provo tomorrow early. Today there was only time to unpack, repack, and restock the critters. Ilana's baptism is this Saturday and I come home on Sunday--to stay for a while:)

"Bus stop, wet day,..."

Just a quick comment. (I am on Dad's laptop, which has already done weird things twice.) We've been here in London since Sunday and have 3 days to go. Absolutely love it!!! Pictures after we're home.

check out Ken's new blog!!

Hey, everybody, look at where Uncle Ken is headed! Let's welcome him to the family hobby!!

The personality of a purse

There are not many things as personal as a purse. I have only purchased a couple in my life. I remember my favorites with warmth and sadness at their passings: the navy blue Stone Mountain leather shoulder bag was at the top of the list. I got it before Dan was born and carried it for years and years.
I replaced that with a brown leather minibag. I loved it mostly because it had a back zipper compartment that functioned as a wallet with pockets for credit cards. But it could not hold my insulin kit and had no convenient place for a cell phone. (It pre-dated that technology.)
For the past couple of years I have been using one from Boyds--functional but not well made. It tended to fold over rather than stand up straight.
Last week I began considering replacing it. We are going to London in 10 days, so a new purse was becoming important. Yesterday I decided it was time. I took Dad to the airport and stopped at shopping malls all the way home--Dulles Town Center, Tysons Corner, Frederick, the Gettysburg outlet mall--but nothing grabbed my heart. I tried the Nordstrom Rack and every shoe store and department store along that 93 mile route, but no luck. I was even ready to look at Walmart!!
Then today I went to Kohl's here in Hanover, and dug through their sale bins for an hour. Then there it was. The right purse for me! Black leather, lots of compartments, not too big, straps long enough to go over my shoulder--I did have to get a wallet, but the purse will accommodate my insulin and cell phone, and it won't break my back in the process.
I know this is a lame post, but January is slow-down time, and this is as exciting as I can get until all the decorations are put away!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2007 is in the BAG and on the shelf.

Let me be the first to blog a special wish for health, love, and success in 2008. This last year has been wonderful for family time and special stories and experiences. We have all finished 2007 with increased love in our homes and good health and happiness together. That is my "B"lessing.
Last year's "A"ccomplishment is the restructure of our home life. Mom is very happy in her own cozy place in Texas. She sees the girls often, babysitting about once a week to help Deb out. She's made friends, and continues to be healthy after last year's surgery. My own stress level is dramatically lower, and my husband is happier.
For next year the "G"oal is to redesign the outlook for the future. Thanks to Ed, Jen, Dan, and Tricia, we have started a new ball rolling. Stay tuned for outcomes. We are very excited!!
(Special thanks to Tricia for the whole "BAG" concept!)