Hi blog buddies. Lots of catching up to do. Last week my uncle Colin died. Sad news, and worsened by the fact that logistically it is difficult to go and pay our respects since he lived back in Runcorn, the birthplace of my father. My mom had a horrendous time arranging her work so that she could go. It is a shame that people do not universally understand the importance of family and its rank above all else!
This past weekend was our annual get-together with our Canadian buddies. Every year we take them quail hunting down in South Texas. This year, however, the birds got a reprieve. Last summer was a long hot dry one, so there were no hatches (nice rains in summer=hatches). The covey sizes we have seen the last two years were between 10 and 20 birds. We would bump into tens of coveys per day. Our camp manager was seeing fewer than five coveys per hunt with five or fewer birds in them. We couldn't shoot that, we'd wipe out bloodlines! So, since we don't release pen-raised birds -- a less-than-sporting way of hunting -- we were S.O.L. We had to come up with a plan B. So we took our friends down to Cabo San Lucas, Baha California, Mexico.
Al managed to find an enormous, gorgeous house right on the beach. It had 6 bedrooms, so each guy got his own, complete with jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. The boys gave me first option so I chose the bedroom that opened onto the pool terrace for Al and me. The waves were crashing, the sky was full of stars, the full moon shone on the water. It was spectacular! The guys played golf. I sat lounging, looking at the ocean, feeling lucky to be alive, read half a book in a day, and felt outright SPOILED! Did I mention the house had a chef and a butler?!?!?!?!?! They whipped up guacamole, margaritas, grilled fish, and amazing egg/tortilla breakfasts. We all joked as we flew home that we were going to miss our chef. Oh, and I was treated to an amazing massage with frangipani/manoi oil that was heavenly. The whole thing was so surreal.
I managed to catch a cold. We have cancelled our Valentine's dinner. This makes two years in a row for me to be so sick we have to cancel the romance! NOT GOOD! The kids are at my feet, being pretty sweet, sharing an apple in the space under my desk. Here are some quotes from today:
"I don't want to wear that shirt Paigie," said Graham when Paige selected a T-shirt for him. "I want my angel." He reached up and took his Indian Chief embroidered buttondown from it's hanger. It's a fierce looking angel.
"Here Graham, have some of my paper." then when noone says anything, she adds in a lilting voice, "That's so nice, Paige, I'm so proud of you, thank you for sharing. Good job, Paige." I have created a little praise junkie!
Also, Paige has decreed that since I'm not feeling well today the following should occur:
1. Mommy go to the doctor
2. Daddy come home and take care of me (me being Paige)
And last, the toddler cliche,
3. "Put a bandaid on it, you feel better"
5 comments:
Yes,Steph..it was appreciated that your Mum went through all that trouble to come to England for the Funeral of Uncle Colin (Dad too of course) it was lovely to see them both yesterday when they came to visit us and told us just what they had been through (travel wise) to get here..talk about Trains and Boats and planes......now tomorrow we all have the sad task of attending the funeral..I will miss my Brothers' phone chats that we had..and although he suffered all his life with one thing and another, he could always laugh at jokes and funny situations.He had a wonderful Wife in Dorothy who nursed him to the end.He was a lovely man.xx
I'm sorry for the loss of your uncle Steph. I'm glad your Mom could make it there, doesn't sound like it was easy for her.
Your weekend sounds amazing and heavenly, pics?
Love the Paigeisms!!! Lol!
It was lovely seeing your mum and dad again Steph even though it was on such a sad occasion.
It sounds like you had a lovely time while you were away, vvv envious XXXX
So glad to see a new blog - when I was in England, even Paula said, "I hope Steph posts soon, I'm tired of reading about those iced down roots!"
It was a long journey to England but well worth the effort. I have to comment that our dear Paula wrote the most wonderful tribute about her Dad that was read during the funeral by the Vicar. Daughters have an amazing ablitity of commenting on life and summing up the love they feel. (I know this of my own daughters as I read their blogs each day.) Love is enduring and cares us through even the roughest of times. Dear Colin is at peace at last.
Love, M
Oops, sorry about the typos - ability and carries!
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