Happy Walks

After the Milky Way Meltdown and the ensuing drama our family is slowly starting to return to normal.  The past few weeks have been littered with schedule changes and random vacation days. This week our schedule is 'normal' which should allow all of us a little breathing room. Too much change inevitably leads to chaos.

The temperatures are cooling which seem to call to Friend throughout the day. He loves chasing the leaves as they flutter along the breeze. I'm still struggling with socket fit but thankfully my limb sores have completely healed. It takes me awhile each morning to perfect the padding for the day but once I do I am (mostly) comfortable.

Being able to resume my longer walks with Friend is something that we are both thoroughly enjoying. Being outside and moving is good for not only my physical health but also for my soul. I am a better mom when I am relaxed and happy, so as far as I'm concerned everybody benefits by my mini-escapes.

Today is a rare day when I don't have to drive anywhere. Nobody has any activities and I don't have any appointments, so I'll be able to stay in my jammy bottoms and comfortable all day. After all, working from home has some benefits!

The Great Milky Way Meltdown

 This weekend was supposed to be Timmy's wish come true. He has been pining to see the Milky Way for several years. On Friday and Saturday the astronomers predicted a celestial show sure to awe. With the Milky Way, Venus, Mars and Saturn all visible and because a meteor shower was also occurring simultaneously, I knew it was the perfect activity for my little stargazer. I secured admission to a stargazing party led by astronomers and former astronauts and I was confident in the knowledge that this was going to be an amazing night. 

The star even has been on our calendar for several months with Timmy counting down daily in anticipation. He was upset on Friday when we woke to rain but was quickly reassured that the event could still proceed on Saturday. We woke up Saturday to beautiful clear skies and I knew it was going to go as planned.

Saturday afternoon we piled into the car and headed into the mountains. After stopping by 7-11 for treats, we settled in for the gorgeous drive along Skyline Drive. The leaves are starting to change and the contrasting colors were breathtaking. By the time we rolled into the parking lot in front of the designated field, dusk was just beginning to settle.

Unfortunately, the only clouds we saw all day were also floating across the horizon. An imposing black cloud settled directly over our field, blocking the view completely. We had gone from visibility to 120 miles to not being able to see the moon above our heads within minutes. 

Devastated does not even come close to expressing the emotions that Timmy felt when we were driving away from the field under the dark clouds. I felt horrible but there was literally nothing I could do to better the situation. If I could have moved the clouds myself I would have without hesitation. \

A weekend that was supposed to overflow with memories and dreams come true was replaced by days of crying and disappointment. At this point, I wish I had not even tried because the disappointment just isn't worth it. I'm sharing two photos from when the trip was exciting and pleasant- hoping that these are the memories that will remain.

Breaking News!

 

Accident

 Yesterday was supposed to be busy with school and work, but it exceeded my expectations. My sweet nephew, who has been driving for less than a year, backed his truck directly into a landscaping trailer which was parked on the opposite curb. Thankfully nobody was injured, the trailer was empty and the accident happened in front of my mother's house. All three of those factors helped to diffuse what was an upsetting situation for him.

I spent a lot of the afternoon trying to convince him that the event is called an accident for a reason. He made a mistake and he can be angry about it, but beating himself up was not going to change the situation. I worked on his mood all day and by the time we were setting the table for dinner he was beginning to smile again. I know that he will continue to reflect and feel upset, but hopefully he will also remember that he deserves the same grace he extends to others. 

Today is exciting because my Mom, sister and I are heading to a Queen concert. Pics to follow!

PA

Yesterday was busy with work and driving, but waking up at my Mom's made it worth the effort.  It's nice to not have to drive anywhere today, because the next few days are going to be just as busy. Today I will be playing catch-up while trying to keep the boys on track with their school. Timmy is rather excited to go to school at his Nana's house, although I think he is hoping she will provide an early escape for him.

Tomorrow my Mom, my sister and I are heading to Baltimore for a Queen concert. I haven't been to a concert with my mom since I saw Tiffany sing when I was in middle school, and I'm not sure I have ever gone to a concert with my sister. I've been wanting to hear Queen live for years and I am so excited for tomorrow!

Of course, I need to get through today before I can even start to think about the concert. It's always a little harder for me to stay on task when I am away from home, but I really don't have a lot of choice today. Hopefully my focus holds!

Lists

 I had hoped to spend the weekend relaxing and working around the house, but it turns out that the Flexy fates had different plans. Instead of sleeping in and tinkering around the house I rose early and hung out at flea markets on Saturday and Sunday. (We heard that the markets were traditionally busy during the end of September and through October because hoards of apple pickers converge in the area each autumn.) Thankfully the weather cooperated and it was gorgeous both mornings, enabling me to enjoy the quiet and cool temperatures. 

This weekend will be anything but typical. Today I am heading up to my mom's after I pick up Robby from school. Timmy and Rob will have to go to school at her house this week which is always a little stressful, but it will be worth it. On Wednesday my mom, my sister and I are heading to a Queen concert. I am so excited!

Because the concert is in the middle of the week I have to upend everybody's schedule in order to make it work. Both boys are fairly flexible and, while it is stressful for me to make sure that all of their supplies are packed, neither one of the boys will really care where they log in. I just have to make sure that I have everything printed and packed that they may need. 

Time to make some lists...

Hooray!

 Hip hip hooray for Friday!

This has been a rough week. Work has been brutal and I feel like I have been pulled in a hundred different directions simultaneously. To add to the frustrations, I always feel a little off center whenever my schedule drastically changes, and this week was no exception. The boys had off school/work on Monday, leaving them with a three day weekend. Having them home on Monday completely messed up my routine and I have been trying to get back on track all week.

Today will be busy working and chauffeuring Robby to and from his classes. He adores his Friday classes which makes the nearly four hours I spend driving tolerable. This evening we will enjoy delivery before everybody will scatter to their own corners of the house for a few hours. Togetherness is great, but sometimes space is heaven sent. 

It is a good thing that my leg is healing because this weekend will be busy. On Saturday Robby and I are heading to a flea market to sell his FlexyFriends. On Sunday Scott and I will head to a different flea market. We are hoping to take full advantage of the leaf peepers who drive through the area on the way to Skyline Drive. With a government shutdown pending, we don't know how long the park will be open. 

We've been encouraged to return to sell in the autumn because of the leaf peepers. Fingers crossed the hype meets our reality!