2017 Week 21: New Beginnings

More birthday roses

As the guests arrive before each Monday dinner, we've been going back in the woods to check out the progress on the cabin Stephan has been building for Karen as a writer's getaway. It is finished!

Tuesday I headed up to Mother's and stayed through Thursday. Over the weekend the guys, four of them, had moved the piano and other large items into Mother's new apartment in the Grace Village Assisted Living building. Then Tuesday, we moved Mother in, but it took a couple more days to get her settled with all the things she needs and enjoys.
We sorted through the accumulation of years and took numerous loads over on a flatbed. Mother appreciated being involved in the decision-making process. After hauling a few loads over, Kim decided to simply take pictures with her smart phone for Mother to see and say Yay or Nay. Many things she did not remember and several brought back memories and stories from the past. One special one stands out. Among the packets of cards and correspondence from the past, was a sweet note from Dad:

This gift is to express my love and appreciation, but it comes with strings attached. It can be used only to buy necessary equipment to get started in artistic painting.  Sorry I have kept you so busy that only after 51 years you'll be able to bring to light all that artistry which has been pent up within for so long.

And hidden in the envelope was a $20 bill so we wondered whether she'd ever bought the paints and Mother couldn't remember anything until the next day when a wooden box surfaced containing oils and brushes.

Then she remembered and commented regretfully that she had done very little with it and now it was probably too late. Those tubes are dried up, but Mother's artistic talent may still come alive and flourish! There is an art studiio at Grace Village and she is now signed up to join other residents for lessons on Mondays! It's never too late. Another Grandma Moses perhaps?

Interestingly, my experience is very similar. I also have an art box with dried up paints, a long-ago gift from my sweet husband. Maybe it's time . . .

We couldn't have asked for a more perfectly timed smooth transition. They provided a roll away bed for me and I was able to spend those first couple days there to help Mother find her way around the place, and learn the new routines.

I came home with a car load of extra things Mother no longer needs or wants. I displayed them around the house so that when the family came over Friday for Mike's birthday game night they could pick out anything they wanted or could use.

The little white book case had my name on it long ago. I think I can find a place for it. 

One of the treasures we discovered, scrunched up in a shoe box was Mother's wedding dress. I hung it up to show off her handiwork Now I'd like to find the best way to have it cleaned and restored.

The occasion for celebration was Michael's 73rd birthday. Of course we snacked and sang the Krazy Koch song.

Before that, however, and just in time before the rain came, most of the grandkids tried out the zip line. Here's Kayla ready to take off. For a video of her zipping down (screams included) you'll have to ask Matt! However Kayla recorded another descent which you can view here.

The indoor fun was a crazy chaotic round robin game of ping pong.

Game rules                                     Let the game begin                               Crazy-fun chaos ensues

Zion and Jude stayed overnight and kept us well entertained. In the absence of photos (how could that have happened???) I'll include bits of conversations with Jude. 

At breakfast--

Grandpa: "Eat your cereal."

Jude: "It's not cereal, it's oatmeal."

Later--

Grandma: "Okie dokie."

Jude: "Don't say Okie dokie. Say, Yes."

Grandma surprised: "Why?"

Jude: "I don't like it. It's weird." 

We dropped them off at home on the way to yet another robotics graduate's open house. We've enjoyed these opportunities to celebrate and meet old friends.

At the end of the day, and after a nap, we went out for yet another perfect tandem date.

Can anyone guess where we ate?

We look forward to several more weekends celebrating accomplishments and new beginnings.