Days Like These

 One thing I've loved about summer vacation is that most mornings are slow moving with no reason to rush.  I spent a lot of those mornings on the back deck reading, praying, and listening to birds chirping.

This might be the last morning like this as Monday will be a morning doctor appointment and a visit to my dad's for his birthday.   School starts on Tuesday and my van is parked in front of the house and ready for another year of driving students to and from school.   

Yesterday morning was the back to work meeting.  It was nice seeing everyone again.  I'm blessed by this company and the wonderful management.   I'm looking forward to getting back to the routine and earning a full paycheck again but I'll miss my lazy mornings at home.  

I return from the morning run by 9am so that does give me the opportunity to relax a little before daily chores begin but it's not the same as waking up a little later and staying in pajamas a little longer.  I guess not everyone can be so lucky.  

The Graduation Party ... Finally

 We did it!  We survived Matthew's graduation party.  

The early afternoon started off very rainy, which had me worried but one hour before party time it cleared up and we were able to go with the original idea of having it in the backyard.  I did not decorate as much as I would have liked to.  Some who were invited could not make it and that's what happens when you plan a summer party.  My daughter wanted to do the inviting and forgot some, too.  But there were enough who showed up, including many of his friends.  Good friends.  Friends I'm glad he has.  

I am thankful for the friend who asked to take our family picture.  We all just happen to wear a school running shirt and did not even try it.  

It was a great day, perfect weather, plenty of food, and good conversation.  

Next week Matthew will be heading to college exactly 31 miles away, which isn't far but he'll be living on campus.  My daughter will also be starting her sophomore year of high school and I pray it will be a good one for her.  She's really been struggling with friendships and finding her way.  Oh, Lord, help her to find her way.  

Anyone want pizza?  We have plenty left over.  

Happy Friday

 Hello and Happy Friday!  Another week is just about over.  It goes by fast, I can't say that enough.

On Monday I took my dad to the hospital to have a procedure done for his spinal stenosis.  I sat in the waiting room with my mom and it took a few hours.  When we got back to their house I hung out with mom some more while he took a nap and I stayed until after dinner.  I thought I'd have to stay a few days with him but he insisted he'd be fine so I went home.  I felt bad letting him heal on his own while taking care of my mother but he's the toughest guy I know.  

My mother's Alzheimer's is slowly declining but she still can carry a conversation, knows who I am, and laughs more than she ever has.  

I'm so happy that my butterfly bush is in full bloom and it's always fun to see the visitors that stop by.  

Yesterday we went to the college my son will be attending ... two weeks from today ... and made sure things were being transfered from the other college he was supposed to attend.  It's been stressful on my husband and not at all stressful for Matthew.  He's excited to go and I'm excited for him.  I will miss him.  It won't be the same around here.  He'll be in the next county, just 40 miles away, but he wanted to dorm and get a full college experience.  

I know Brooke will really miss him.  

Tomorrow we are finally having a graduation party for him and something to get family and friends together before heading to college.  It was supposed to rain but now looks like it will be a clear day.  I've been working on getting the house clean and still have to get the yard mowed and set up.  I can't wait to celebrate Matthew.  

Summer is winding down fast.  It's hard to believe next week will be the last full week of vacation left.  

Visiting Steel City

 It's been 33 years since coming to Pennsylvania and I had never been to Pittsburgh.   I once mentioned to my husband that I would love to see the city and he made it happen.   

We arrived on Wednesday and stayed at a hotel that sat in between the Steelers and Pirates stadiums.  The first stop on the itinerary was watching a Pirates game.  We all love baseball.  

It's probably not a surprise that the Pirates lost.

Then we checked into the hotel and toured some of the city.  It's a beautiful city.  I haven't explored many but this is my favorite one.  We walked over yellow bridges, ate some food and admired tall glass buildings and the water.   

On Thursday we went to a museum and saw many historical things and, of course, Mr. Rogers himself.  

It wouldn't be a legit trip to Pittsburgh without visiting the man who shaped my childhood.  

Then we went to the Pittsburgh Zoo.  Many of the animals were sleeping and some looked completely bored.  I feel bad for them but as I heard one of the zoo keepers say, they get free food and free healthcare and don't have to worry about predators.   

Then it was back to the hotel for swimming and pizza.  My son was excited to see many people running around the park so he joined in a few times.  It was scary allowing him to go off on his own to do that but I have to remind myself he's 18 and moving more towards independence.   

My husband was really excited to ride the Duquesne Incline and as much as the thought gave me anxiety I sucked it up the best I could and we went on the last day.  

He spent a lot of money on this trip and I knew it was the least I could do but I was really struggling.   The 1 mile walk from the hotel to the incline in the heat reminded me that I can no longer handle the heat.  I also struggle with anxiety and if in a situation where I have no control or escape freaks me out.   Needless to say, I did suffer some panic attacks along the way.  But we made it.  We went on the incline, saw some beautiful views of Pittsburgh, and made our way back down.   

And honestly, we can't seem to get through a trip without arguing.  I started the trip feeling positive and hopeful that it would be a drama free vacation but it didn't happen.   I don't know why we can't get along and it's frustrating.   I'll spare the details of what happened as there is no sense of complaining. I want to remember the good moments.  Despite that, I'm glad we took the trip.  I'm hoping we can go back in winter to see a Penguins hockey game.  I've never really paid attention to hockey but one year while my husband was watching the Stanley Cup the Penguins won and I thought to myself, well Penguins are cute that's a team I'll cheer for.  

Pittsburgh, you stole my heart!  Thankful for the trip.

In other news, while we were there, the email came in from The University of Valley Forge that they had made the decision to suspend academic operations at the end of summer.  We had been waiting on this decision since the news of their financial struggle was told to us.  We prayed and fasted, hoping for a miracle but one was not granted to them.  Matthew seems to be in good spirits and is ready to attend the other school he was accepted into.  The cross country team is excited he's joining them and I'm excited that the school is closer to us.  He is strong in faith and understands that his ways aren't always God's way and he's willing to go wherever the Lord leads.  I'm so proud of him for that.  We do feel sad about the closing of UVF, especially since Matthew felt called to go there.  We may never understand why things turned out like this but we all know that God is faithful.  

It was a good trip but this homebody is glad to be home.