June 01, 2005

Memorial Day

It was a beautiful memorial day here in corn country - about 75 degrees, sunny and breezy. Absolutly beautiful.

Despite my weekend gallivanting, I was allowed to sleep in which was just the ticket. Got up about 10 (VERY late for me) and fooled around on the 'puter for a bit before whipping up a low-carb cheesecake. *drool* Let me just say that it is AWESOME and it's not cheating. Giddy giddy giddy. One has to be patient though...warm cheesecake just isn't very good. Couldn't wait for it to chill. lol

We very recently acquired a go-cart, and I had yet to try it out so Monday it was ON! I took it for a spin around the neighborhood and it rocked! It sits down so low to the ground that it corners like it's on rails, and woo hoo does it go!


Derrick on "his" go-cart. pfffft. He thinks it's his...

I don't know how many times I orbited our block, but it was awesome. I was like Danica in her Indy car, only I got the checkered flag. I finally gave in to let my vibrating bones recover with many grease spots, a burnt elbow and a cheesy grin. Good times!

I planted my patchouli (hippy! *giggle*) and did a bit of weeding. My garden is my happy place, and I got a few new images to share with you.

I love my irises. They're my favorites...I just wish the blooming season was longer.


Ok, what the hell am I going to do with all these chives now that I don't eat 'taters? lol


Bunny thinks these look tasty...

(note the baby oak tree invading. lol)

A happy little spot in the shade...


We did have a somber occasion to attend in the evening, but it was ok. Chris' aunt passed away, and we went to her visitation. She had been very sick, so we were relieved that she was no longer suffering.

This was a good learning experience for Derrick. It was the first time that he had seen someone in a casket. I let him ask me about it ("mommy, what is that lady doing up there?") and I asked him if he wanted to go see her. He said yes, so we walked up together to her, hand in hand, and quietly talked about what was going on. I answered all of his questions gently and honestly, explaining to him that she was dead and that she was getting ready to go to heaven. The casket was what we use to bury them under the ground and we even discussed how they do that, and the rails on the side used to carry her. We talked about all the flowers and even discussed the pictures and stuffed animals family had placed in with her so that she wouldn't be so lonely on her journey.

He did not know aunt Carolyn well at all, so he wasn't upset to see her in that state. I would much rather have his first funeral experience be like this than someone like his grandma or grandpa. I was happy to have the opportunity to explain these things to him without overwhelming emotions to get in the way. He seemed to understand and was ok with it.



I think I'll go get a pedicure at lunch.... :D

23 comments:

  1. I love the plant pictures. Where the heck did you find patchouli? I want hippie plants in my flowerbed too!

    Wow. I keep forgetting that with kids come tough questions. I think I'll do ok with it though. It sounds like you did a great job with it.

    Yay for go carts!

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  2. That's funny...I thought the bunny looked tasty. :)

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  3. OMG, I thought E-Lo wrote "Yay go farts!" Hahahah!

    Sheesh.

    Ooh, wait up! I'm coming with you for a pedicure!

    :)

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  4. sounds like a wonderful weekend... but ya know, as a Canadian reading.. when I hear it was 75 degrees I think, MAN ALIVE!!! you'd nearly burst into flames at that temperature!!

    lol

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  5. Go carts so rock!

    I too, had a death in the family this weekend. My cousing died of cancer at 43. Very sad. The funeral was this morning.

    That was a great thing bringing your son to the funeral home. We've brought our boys to several calling hours at a young age. It's good for them to have a basic understanding of death at a young age. I think it makes it a little easier for them when they're older.

    Vince

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  6. OH.. purty purple flowers. I can never remember their names. So Purty purple flowers are all you get.

    I would be really bad at explaining death to a kid.

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  7. e-lo - I found it at the Co-op in IA City! I was excited! It's hard to find. I have lots of touchies and smellies in my garden.

    Yeah, kids come with questions - that's for sure. You'll do fine. :)

    JP - you stay away from my bunny, you waskal. ;)

    Aimee - LOL! You freak. ;)
    You missed the pedi, girl. Wish you were there.

    CB - hell, that's nothing! It gets up to 105 around here in the height of the summer! ug!

    Vince - Sorry about your cousin. I want him to understand it some before he loses someone he loves. I bet you're right.

    Pup - It says irises right above the 1st pic, silly! They are purty. lol

    Seamus - um...heh heh. All right, mister! *thwap thwap!* Thank you & *smoink*

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  8. Love the go cart...I'd race you if I had one too.

    Did you really get a pedicure??? I love pampering myself like that. Good for you.

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  9. Boo - yes, I did! My toes are all happy now, and painted a pretty color of copper with a mauve tinge to it. :)

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  10. Oh, and on the go-cart - you're on! LOL

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  11. Go Cart looks like fun and the flowers are beautiful. Great job with D. I think its so important that they learn early not to be scared and that's how we instill our values...U rock!

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  12. LOVE the patchouli planting! I have to get some...

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  13. Hiya Celti!

    Patchouli rocks! I use it in soap, ground, with Patch EO--it's the only way to fly.

    Those chives? You're going to puree them in a nice olive oil, bottle the oil and send it to meeeeee! Seriously, chives go great on vegies.

    That bunny needs poopies under his hiney. I'm just saying...

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  14. Those purple flowers are gorgeous! I'm a certified plant-killer, so me and gardening don't mix. But they're pretty!

    I need to get me a pedicure. I've honestly never had one, and my feet desperately need some pampering.

    mmmmmmmmmm cheesecake.......... :)

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  15. Gorgeous photos...you've got the green thumb, girl. Beautiful. The go-kart sounds awesome. I'll call tomorrow with B'Man info.

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  16. Sharron - thanks! The go-cart is a blast!

    Inanna - It will be a lot of fun this summer. We need another one so we can race, though. lol. It was a great opportunity. thanks! So you U!

    Odd Wife - I love it, too. How you doing, sweetie?

    Serra - it does! I use it for potpourri and oils. Hey, that's a good idea for the chives. I used to use them on potatoes. No poo poo in my garden! lol

    Aimee - do it! ;) *snicker* xoxo

    Varla - thanks! Means a lot coming from a pro! You need to come ride it. Talk to you soon! :)

    Tricia - not ALL of it. ahem. ;)

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  17. Go-karts are the funnest!!!

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  18. Celti - You have gmail. :)

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  19. Denny - welcome! I couldn't help but come check you out after reading all of your clever comments. You're on my "to link" list. :) I bet I've got a pic somewheres...

    Brighton - indeed! yeee haaaw!

    JP - now you're got gmail. :)

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  20. Ok, I'm gonna get cryptic again, 'cause you missed it the first time: "THINK PINK!"

    Sheesh, girl. Secret codes don't work if you don't pay attention!

    (Hahahaha!)

    ;)

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  21. Denny - glad I could help! ;)

    Aimee - no, YOU think pink! ;p

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  22. Where be my comment from this morning? Pffft!

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