Friday, November 28, 2014

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Giving What You've Got

Today's sunrise activity. Helping two families living with cancer. As we gather with friends and family let us remember those who battle forward each and every day.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Do you give it away for free?

Does "free" diminish value? How many windows have I made? Truly I've lost count. Two were donated to charitable causes. The rest gifted. Most family members have one or two... My Brianne still needs one.

This window has an owner, if they want it, for no cost. That's the sticking point...

Monday, November 24, 2014

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Really Great Ride

It's been cold here in the northeast. So bike riding has been indoors on a trainer. And I thought is was fine until today it warmed up to 56 and the tires once again hit the road. I was with my dearest friend. And we ride by a huge mirror which aids people backing out of their driveway at a tight turn in Oxbow Rd in Wayland.

Every time we ride by, we stop and take a few selfies. Today's were fueled by laugh and gratitude for such a wonderfully warm day for a bike ride. 24 miles. Thank you, I needed that.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Time travel

Went to our local elementary school to watch my boss' son in the Wizard of OZ. Saw the multiple intelligence plaque my 22 year old made when she was 12 years old -- ten years ago. Great play. Blessed memories.

Progress...

Life is like stained glass. There is a basic pattern but we don't always know where the lines go. But as we move forward, little by little it unfolds.

Friday, November 21, 2014

I'm A Proud Momma

You. Go. Girl.

Why having friends is so wonderful.

It is school play season. Out of seven opportunities we can make five performances. Missing two due to conflicting schedules.

Last Sunday my niece.
Last night my Mrs Cella's son. My dear friend, your son lights up the stage. His performance warmed my heart. The pleasure was mine to attend.

Tonight Maddy's play at the high school, A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Where has the time gone?

I love this picture of my Grandmother and my daughter. Now through time past two beautiful women. Two beautiful smiles.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Life's Lessons

So many of life's lessons become crystal clear when cancer comes into play.

Funny how that is.

Day 3 of many. Chemo. Radiation. Doctors appointment. Remember when our days were too busy for a quick check in phone call? Boy are they busy now.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Do you know where your dad is?

It's 5:30AM on Day 2 of many. He is kissing my mom good bye and getting into the car to drive into the big city for his treatment.

Monday, November 17, 2014

God Wastes Nothing

Dad's chemo and radiation start today. 7 AM appointments. Five days a week. For countless weeks. Prayers your way Dad. And to all those surviving cancer.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Karma Go Round

Drove to Connecticut to see my niece in a play. Realized I bought a ticket for last weekend by accident. The show sold out. My niece called the University's President's wife to see if they were using their reserved seats for the performance. They weren't.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

A gift at no cost

Willingly down a pint yesterday
Took less than an hour of time

Can't imagine being the person that will be the recipient. Can't imagine needing blood and there not being any available.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

It's still hard work.

Even with a slick road bike riding is still hard work. It still takes effort.

There is a metaphor for life in there somewhere.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Not all work is visible all the time.

Or ever. Old chimney cap soon to be hidden under new front stairs. Some of our best work never to be seen. But we know it is there.

Saturday, November 08, 2014

Throw back Thursday

My youngest asked me to play Scrabble this past Thursday night. I replied with the question, "On our phones?"

"No Mom, I have the board."

We played. We chatted. We didn't keep score.

Friday, November 07, 2014

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Updates

1. Met up my oldest last night over a cappuccino. Wonderful meet up.

2. Climbed to the top of the climbing wall at work. Last time I tried, probably in the Spring, I couldn't do it. But today while chatting with the boss, I scooted up like I had been doing it all my life. Fifty four and still growing.

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

The Dilemma

I had/have a choice to make. Uphold a commitment or celebrate my brother's birthday with family. The call came last night. Meet at a restaurant on Sunday afternoon. The answer came out of my mouth: We are in Norwell.

Was that the correct answer? Helping friends is a commitment. Also knowing we won't be able to get to the job site the following three weeks for other family events... All scheduled a week and months before.

Where does being flexible come into the picture? It's interesting. If you have my word or my promise, I guess it's good I won't back down and toss you over. But life is never so neatly planned.

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Cousins?

I knew there was a Bertolino family in our school system. I had seen their name in the school directories. But could we be related?

Last night at a parish meeting a William Bertolino was signed in on the attendance sheet. A scan of the room left me with one person I didn't know. After the meeting I introduced myself. Asked if we could somehow be related. After a quick discussion of what facts we knew about our families, we are. His grandfather Billy is my grandfather Vito's brother. Amazing.

I told him I knew his grandfather. That we had a picture of all the brothers. When I got home I called my dad, and asked him to scan in the famous picture. He scanned in two and sent them along. My mom gave me even more insight into the family.

Amazing.

Monday, November 03, 2014

Made Me Laugh

I only have one bike. He knows exactly what it costs, but still I thought this was funny.