Hi!
I had a wonderful Beatle Birthday. It was a nice celebration with family, plus we made a quick trip to Portland to see our son. It has been 19 months since I last got a hug from him. It was a ten-hour drive, and we only had one day to visit, since I had to get back for an appointment. It was worth it, though, and we packed a lot into that one day. We had a nice lunch, swam in the river, and enjoyed a tasty shrimp-and-steak dinner his girlfriend and friends prepared for us. It was nice to see where he lives, works, and just visit!
After that end-of-July vacation, I was getting back into my routine when a busy period came up. We got in lots of family time. Started with taking the younger grands to the fair and watching them dance with their dance school, and then watching them do more rides.
The younger ones stayed with us a couple of times, and that meant back-to-school shopping and, of course, ice cream and finding those squishy toys they all love.
We also attended a party for my sister-in-law’s 70th birthday, and the next day we had a celebration at our house for our grandson, who turned 18.
Things were about to calm down as school started, but one of my grands got sick and couldn’t go to school after the first day. She stayed here, and after a doctor’s visit, we found out it was strep throat. So she hung out here until she was better and could get back to the first week of school.
Then it was quiet. I worked on the poetry I’ve written this year on my computer, then finished my newsletter when I got a message from my youngest daughter, Danielle, that she had to evacuate her home. She works from home, and her husband was at work. So I hung out with her and her kitties. My cats weren’t big on socializing with them. Luckily, they got the fire under control after a few hours, and she was able to return home. She found that the fire line they bulldozed was at the top of her property. They live at the bottom of a slope. That was way too close. My other daughter, Desiree, who runs a preschool, had to shut down as they were in the warning zone.
So that was an eventful day for everyone. They did arrest the person who started it; it sounds like he burned down his own house, and it spread to 13 acres. It is definitely fire season here, but when it’s intentionally set and not from lightning or an accident, then it makes it all the worse.
That is just part of living in the forest and foothills, and more so the last few years. We started a firewise group in our neighborhood, and we have two-way radios to communicate. Everyone has cleared around their houses, and we’ve discussed putting sprinklers on our roof. Plus, we’re lucky to have some of the best firefighters around and the planes nearby. Although I prefer not to test out all the precautions we’ve taken to stay safe.
This week, I’m becoming a dance grandma, picking the younger ones up from school and getting them to dance. I will be brushing up on my ballet bun skills.
Right before this all got started, I got my book to the editor too. Whew!
So that’s where I’ve been. Now I can finish my blurb and set a release date.
I’m hoping to be back on schedule; I’ve missed visiting everyone!
Here are some pictures from the last few weeks:
Embrace your inner child by looking through their eyes. Denise
What a busy summer you have had. Any time spent with our sons is great, especially when they live so far away! I know the feeling. The picture of you and your girls is wondeful. You all have the same smile!! Enjoy what’s left of the summer and stay safe. xo
Very busy summer, Darlene 🙂 Yes, when they live far away every moment with them is special, like you said. Thank you, the fair does bring smiles. Xo
Busy, busy, busy, Denise, and so many birthdays. Good to spend some time with family, and great pics to mark the occasion. Thanks for sharing and keep on making the most of the season. 🙂
So busy, reminded me of my younger days. Always good to spend thst family time and I usually never miss getting pictures of it. I will, thank you, Laura!
It’s great to see a catch-up, Denise. It’s uncanny how often our lives run parallel with transporting grandkids to their activities. 🙂 I’m picking up my dance girl today. 🙂 Glad the fires didn’t get any closer and glad they arrested the person who started it. Take care!!!
I should do catch ups more often. You are good about it, Jan. Yes, we do seem to be on a similar grandma path. I like seeing what they are doing and dance is s big part of it. Thank you, relieved about the fire and the arrest. Xo
Wow! You’ve had a great summer. Thank you for sharing the highlights with it. And happy birthday!
Thank you, Liz 🙂 It was in so many ways! Xo
Oh goodness you have been busy! I’m glad that Danielle and Desiree are okay after the fires. We’re dealing with wildfires in our area, too. The closest is 50,000 acres and only 5 percent contained. We’re praying hard for rain and for the brave firefighters! I look forward to reading your new book. Since you mentioned the poetry you’ve written this year, maybe it’s a poetry collection??
So busy, Priscilla but a happy busy. Yes relieved this fire didn’t take off. The closest big one is about an hour and half away near Reno. 50k is a big one! I hope they get it under control and get some help from rain. Hopefully you aren’t dealing with smoke. Can’t say enough about the brave firefighters. They are amazing. Yes, thinking about a poetry collection next 🙂 xo
It sounds like you had great family time, Denise, with good deeds done by you for the family. Sprinklers on the roof could be helpful. It’s good that you have another book getting ready.
Yes, lots of great family time, Timothy 🙂 I like that good deed doer! Yes the sprinkler could help if the power doesn’t go out since we are on a well. That would require a different type generator than what we have. Yes, always feels good to get a book ready to release.
😍 Best wishes for you and yours, Denise.
Sounds like a beautiful birthday, Denise. Congratulations and I’m glad you had a good time.
Thank you, it was John 🙂 Yes very good time!
Gosh, our firefighters are overworked enough during the fire season just to deal with other yahoos setting fires. I heard the one in Reno that’s going on was also set by someone.
I’m glad you got to spend some time with your son. It’s tough when we don’t get to see our children for such a long period of time. Thank goodness for ZOOM and FaceTime.
I agree there is enough for them to do without someone adding to it like Reno, Pete. It was good to see him in person but we do have more options with Zoom and Facetime.