August 2, 2006 - Posted by amazingzipperedwoman- 1 Comment
Perpetua and I are traveling to Toronto, Canada tomorrow with dear friend Donna. She has graciously agreed to loan me a half interest in her grandchildren. Donna and I will be taking Tango and Ozzy to stay in a cabin on a beautiful lake. I have packed crates, boxes, trunks and more crates, boxes and trunks of every game and craft supply imaginable. I’m going to be the best damn honorary grandma in the whole world - even if it is just for a week. I will be back on the 9th, and will share with you all the exciting details of my Canadian adventure.
I’m sorry to say that I don’t think Israel has the moral high-ground in this conflict.
August 1, 2006 - Posted by amazingzipperedwoman- 1 Comment
Good afternoon. Today I would like you to meet Colette and Jonathan. When I met her Colette was called “Carrie.” I keep forgetting so I have decided to call her Hazel from now on. I will never forget the evening we first met. It was really nice to have another “Midwesterner” in the group. In addition to our geographic bond, I felt an instant connection between our souls. We shared strong feelings about a variety of issues. Even though we didn’t always agree, she always listened very intently to everything I had to say. She made me feel valued and important. Hazel is very soft-spoken and gentle, but often you can catch a glimpse of a tremendous strength simmering just below the surface. Since being reunited, when I am with her, the years slip away and it seems like we have spoken daily for the last thirty years. Colette and I share a connection that I have made with very few people in my life.
And now you must meet Jonathan. What can I say? Picture a huge mustache, an even bigger laugh and imagine the best hug you have ever had - this is Jon. Did I mention that he could cook a car transmission and it would be a culinary delight. When it was my turn to cook dinner in the mountains, I gave serious thought to calling a caterer from L.A. and asking them to deliver - but I was afraid someone would see the truck as it was unloading. Jonathan also has a huge heart. When he asks about how you’re doing, he is really interested and wants a complete answer. Jonathan has always steadfastly pursued every goal he has ever set, and I believe he has more than accomplished every one. This wonderful man has also raised a wonderful son.
We reconnected with Barb too, but only for one evening. She is a great lady who has had a very tough year. She still has a beautiful sparkle in her eye. She should teach classes on how to “keep on keepin’ on.” In just the little bit of time we had to talk, she taught me a few things about how to unconditionally support those we love.
Randee, Todd, Monty, and Smitty also joined the group and they are great people. Tom and I both look to spending more time with them in the future. I hope I didn’t misspell any names.
All the people who were part of our White Mountain adventure added greatly to the week. Once again, I can’t believe how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends in our lives. You can bet that we won’t lose touch with any of them again.
Today’s thought: War is raging in Iraq, but the Senate republicans have spent all summer pandering to their base by endlessly debating such life-threatening issues as the estate tax, gay marriage, and flag burning. The only debate on Iraq was interesting because the republicans once again offered no strategy for going forward. They just continued to level the same “cut and run” accusations against Democrats. In addition, this Senate has not been able to deliver an energy policy, a livable minimum wage or a health care solution for 46 million Americans without insurance. HAVE WE HAD ENOUGH?
