Yesterday was more laid back, which was a welcome relief. I was able to work through the morning but logged off in the afternoon. Timmy splished and splashed in his little pool while I just sat and relaxed. The humidity finally broke and it felt fantastic to be outside.
Watching Timmy play and enjoy his pool has reignited my desire to get a pool at home. Our last attempt was a disaster and I swore I would never try again. The stage is still in pieces in our driveway, waiting to be hauled away. It's ironic that the junk hauler is coming today to remove the remaining pieces of our failed pool attempt while I am lobbying to try again.
This time I think we need to do it right. Bring somebody in to level the land before constructing a sturdy and sensibly sized above ground pool. The boys are all on board with our plan. At this point we just need to convince Scott. Hopefully, watching Timmy playing all summer in a little pool in our driveway will motivate him to jump to Team Pool!
The highlight of our day came during the evening, when Robby finally attended in-person band practice. He was thrilled to be back with his friends. I have to give props to his music school for keeping the program afloat, but I know that everybody was happy to return to their jam sessions.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Busy
Between working on reports and marathon meetings, yesterday was both long and draining. Thank goodness Scott was home to watch the boys because I was in front of my keyboard most of the day. By the time the sun was beginning to set I was exhausted and had finally logged off for the day. What a long day!
I love working from home because I'm able to stagger my hours to fit my family. Every once in awhile I have to conform to the normal work world, and yesterday was one of those days. The experience reminded me how much I love the flexibility of working from home. I know that I will have days with marathon meetings, but those occurrences are rare. I would be miserable if every day were like yesterday.
Today will be more relaxed. I'm hoping to enjoy some time with the boys, and maybe even go for a bike ride with Robby. The weather was muggy and miserable yesterday so the boys stayed inside for most of the day. Hopefully today we can soak up some sunshine!
I love working from home because I'm able to stagger my hours to fit my family. Every once in awhile I have to conform to the normal work world, and yesterday was one of those days. The experience reminded me how much I love the flexibility of working from home. I know that I will have days with marathon meetings, but those occurrences are rare. I would be miserable if every day were like yesterday.
Today will be more relaxed. I'm hoping to enjoy some time with the boys, and maybe even go for a bike ride with Robby. The weather was muggy and miserable yesterday so the boys stayed inside for most of the day. Hopefully today we can soak up some sunshine!
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Pool Side
Yesterday was busy with work in the morning and playing with Timmy in the afternoon. It was hot and humid which provided the perfect excuse to hang out in the pool with my littlest guy. Even though our pool is small, he still loves it and spends hours splishing and splashing each day.
Because we are still actively social distancing, our recreation opportunities are limited. We are a water loving family, so having our public pools close has been difficult. (Although, in all honesty, we would not have gone this year anyway because of Covid.) Like so many other things, this summer will be different. But, different doesn't mean bad! I am determined to have an amazing summer with my family, even if I have to become more creative in my efforts.
I'm so glad that we decided to get the little pool this year. We were on the fence (well, Scott was on the fence) about having a blow up pool in the middle of our driveway, but it has provided the ideal summer activity for Timmy. He plays for hours and seems oblivious that his little oasis is relatively small. I guess it is small for adults, but for him it is perfect.
When the temperature is hot enough outside I join him in the pool to play and to cool off. He delights every time he sees me grab my swimsuit. I know that he won't always want to spend this much time with me, so I'm trying to soak in every moment of his adoration!
Yesterday I spent a few hours playing volleyball and floating in the pool. Scott assumed the role of Cabana Boy, bringing cold drinks every 30-40 minutes and offering snacks and shade. Even though we were in our driveway, Timmy and I had as much fun as if we were in a tropical location.
Because we are still actively social distancing, our recreation opportunities are limited. We are a water loving family, so having our public pools close has been difficult. (Although, in all honesty, we would not have gone this year anyway because of Covid.) Like so many other things, this summer will be different. But, different doesn't mean bad! I am determined to have an amazing summer with my family, even if I have to become more creative in my efforts.
I'm so glad that we decided to get the little pool this year. We were on the fence (well, Scott was on the fence) about having a blow up pool in the middle of our driveway, but it has provided the ideal summer activity for Timmy. He plays for hours and seems oblivious that his little oasis is relatively small. I guess it is small for adults, but for him it is perfect.
When the temperature is hot enough outside I join him in the pool to play and to cool off. He delights every time he sees me grab my swimsuit. I know that he won't always want to spend this much time with me, so I'm trying to soak in every moment of his adoration!
Yesterday I spent a few hours playing volleyball and floating in the pool. Scott assumed the role of Cabana Boy, bringing cold drinks every 30-40 minutes and offering snacks and shade. Even though we were in our driveway, Timmy and I had as much fun as if we were in a tropical location.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Bingo
In order to break up the monotony that has grown out of social distancing, I have started to sign Timmy up for fun little internet classes. He has had a virtual playdate with a pirate and he has participated in learn-to-read story hours. On Friday I found an ABC bingo class and knew that he would have a blast. He loves playing bingo, so I didn't hesitate to sign him up.
When it was time for his class to begin he came running to the table. He had his ABC bingo card in front of him and he happily covered his letters when they were called. The teacher took turns calling on different kids during the game, inviting them to say words that start with the called letter. Timmy was eager to participate and excitedly waved his arm in the air at each opportunity.
Halfway through the second game, the teacher finally called on Timmy. He was unmuted and asked to name a word that starts with the letter P. Without missing a beat, my sweet little cherub happily chirped his response. "Penis starts with P. Butthole and ballsack start with a B."
I almost spit my coffee across the table. His teacher quickly called the next letter, although I did notice that she didn't call on Timmy again. Perhaps the next class I sign him up for should involve finding and using a personal filter?
When it was time for his class to begin he came running to the table. He had his ABC bingo card in front of him and he happily covered his letters when they were called. The teacher took turns calling on different kids during the game, inviting them to say words that start with the called letter. Timmy was eager to participate and excitedly waved his arm in the air at each opportunity.
Halfway through the second game, the teacher finally called on Timmy. He was unmuted and asked to name a word that starts with the letter P. Without missing a beat, my sweet little cherub happily chirped his response. "Penis starts with P. Butthole and ballsack start with a B."
I almost spit my coffee across the table. His teacher quickly called the next letter, although I did notice that she didn't call on Timmy again. Perhaps the next class I sign him up for should involve finding and using a personal filter?
Friday, June 19, 2020
Father's Day
This weekend the country will be celebrating Father's Day. This holiday has been difficult ever since I lost my own Dad. I do my best to make the day about Scott because he deserves to be celebrated. As much as I try to stay focused on him my mind always travels to my own Dad.
Ted passing away from pancreatic cancer has stirred up so many memories for me. As I witnessed his decline through his wife's eyes, I kept remembering my dad during all of those stages. It is a horrific disease!
Like every special event and holiday that has transpired since February, Father's Day will be a little different this year. We typically spend the day on a family adventure. A few years ago we went to DC for the weekend. This year we will probably "staycation" in our driveway. Our celebration will definitely be tamer, but am going to do my best to keep my focus on Scott.
Ted passing away from pancreatic cancer has stirred up so many memories for me. As I witnessed his decline through his wife's eyes, I kept remembering my dad during all of those stages. It is a horrific disease!
Like every special event and holiday that has transpired since February, Father's Day will be a little different this year. We typically spend the day on a family adventure. A few years ago we went to DC for the weekend. This year we will probably "staycation" in our driveway. Our celebration will definitely be tamer, but am going to do my best to keep my focus on Scott.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Hand Cuffs
Over the past few weeks, Timmy has been enthralled by playing cowboy outlaw. He loves nothing more than running through the house with a "money bag," prompting a chase and ultimately a cowboy showdown. Since Robby's cowboy hat doesn't fit his little head, I decided to enhance his experience by ordering some props on Amazon.
I logged onto Amazon a few nights ago and quickly found a child sized cowboy hat and an outlaw bandana. I also found a bank robber money bag and an "authentic" toy six shooter to complete the ensemble. When I was getting ready to check out, a pop-up suggestion came onto the screen, prompting me to add some metal handcuffs to the order. I clicked yes, satisfied that Timmy was going to be delighted with his new costume.
Yesterday afternoon the props arrived. Timmy gleefully tore into the box, excited to start putting his costume to use. Everything was perfect, with the exception of the handcuffs. It turns out that the last minute addition was not exactly child-centric.
Instead of cops and robbers toy handcuffs, I had purchased bondage style adult handcuffs. Yikes! Thankfully I was able to snag the package before Timmy had a chance to examine the graphics, because I think that would have scarred his perspective for life.
After throwing away the packaging, I gave the benign looking cuffs to Timmy. Out of the package, they appeared to be regular metal handcuffs. The keys, which were shaped like a penis with large testicles, were thrown into the trash with the rest of the packaging. I really didn't think much of it because I figured that we could just disengage the cuffs with the escape button.
Timmy donned his costume while I finished tidying up the kitchen. Thursday is trash day, so I wanted to get as much out of the house as possible. As soon as my little six shooter was ready I tied up the trash and started to play.
I managed to rob the bank and fill my money bag, but I was caught red handed by the law. It wasn't until Sheriff Timmy cuffed me when I realize that these adult sex cuffs were missing the escape button. I was trapped in bondage cuffs, being held prisoner by a toy gun and my own stupidity.
Robby came to my rescue, rummaging through the newly filled trash bag to retrieve the penis key. I tried to explain the mix up with the order, but he protested by claiming that he didn't want to know. He finally found the key and muttered that he never wanted to discuss this again.
I was freed from the cuffs which were promptly packed up to be returned. I ordered another set of handcuffs, this time I took the time to make sure that they were appropriate kids. Although I'm fairly certain that Robby will never be able to look at toy handcuffs the same way again.
I logged onto Amazon a few nights ago and quickly found a child sized cowboy hat and an outlaw bandana. I also found a bank robber money bag and an "authentic" toy six shooter to complete the ensemble. When I was getting ready to check out, a pop-up suggestion came onto the screen, prompting me to add some metal handcuffs to the order. I clicked yes, satisfied that Timmy was going to be delighted with his new costume.
Yesterday afternoon the props arrived. Timmy gleefully tore into the box, excited to start putting his costume to use. Everything was perfect, with the exception of the handcuffs. It turns out that the last minute addition was not exactly child-centric.
Instead of cops and robbers toy handcuffs, I had purchased bondage style adult handcuffs. Yikes! Thankfully I was able to snag the package before Timmy had a chance to examine the graphics, because I think that would have scarred his perspective for life.
After throwing away the packaging, I gave the benign looking cuffs to Timmy. Out of the package, they appeared to be regular metal handcuffs. The keys, which were shaped like a penis with large testicles, were thrown into the trash with the rest of the packaging. I really didn't think much of it because I figured that we could just disengage the cuffs with the escape button.
Timmy donned his costume while I finished tidying up the kitchen. Thursday is trash day, so I wanted to get as much out of the house as possible. As soon as my little six shooter was ready I tied up the trash and started to play.
I managed to rob the bank and fill my money bag, but I was caught red handed by the law. It wasn't until Sheriff Timmy cuffed me when I realize that these adult sex cuffs were missing the escape button. I was trapped in bondage cuffs, being held prisoner by a toy gun and my own stupidity.
Robby came to my rescue, rummaging through the newly filled trash bag to retrieve the penis key. I tried to explain the mix up with the order, but he protested by claiming that he didn't want to know. He finally found the key and muttered that he never wanted to discuss this again.
I was freed from the cuffs which were promptly packed up to be returned. I ordered another set of handcuffs, this time I took the time to make sure that they were appropriate kids. Although I'm fairly certain that Robby will never be able to look at toy handcuffs the same way again.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Ted
When I was pregnant with Timmy our neighbors threw us a small baby shower. I remember sitting around the host's dining room table, casually chatting with our neighbors. Sue, the lady who lives next door to us, mentioned that her husband was diagnosed with ALS. Instantly the tone of the shower changed and our collective hearts broke.
Ted must have sensed the change in our moods, because he tried to soothe the blow by mentioning that the doctors gave him five to seven more years. He planned to use those years to continue to live life to the fullest. Slowly, the joyful mood of the shower returned and the banter resumed but I never forgot his words.
Over the years we have watched Ted slowly decline. He went from riding his bicycle through the neighborhood to slowly walking. Then he was walking with a cane until, one day, he was tooling to get the mail in a new power scooter. As the disease began to change and ravage his body, his spirit and grateful outlook remained constant.
After Mr. Bill moved away I have become closer to Sue. I guess we were both looking for companionship and sort of found each other. I have started to drop off meals and Robby has been volunteered to help with yard work. I have gotten to know both of them as more than neighbors. They both have become friends.
In April Ted's health began to fail. He was taken to the hospital numerous times for unexplained bleeding and bloating. A few weeks ago Sue called and asked for help. She was trying to transport Ted to the hospital and he fell on top of her in the driveway. Unable to move him off of her, she needed Robby and Scott's assistance. They immediately took off across the street to help. I didn't realize that it was the last time that they would see Ted.
I recognized the symptoms from my Dad and I wasn't shocked when the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was revealed. Over the past few weeks Ted has been receiving hospice care. His family has surrounded him and rallied around Sue. We have tried to help and support from afar, periodically leaving food and toys for the grandkids who were visiting.
Yesterday Sue stopped me in the street to let me know that Ted had just passed away. Immediately I felt transported back in time, revisiting the grief I felt when I lost my Dad. Pancreatic cancer is a horrific disease. He had been preparing to die from ALS but was ultimately taken by pancreatic cancer. I'm now sure which fate is worse, but I pray that he is now at peace.
Ted must have sensed the change in our moods, because he tried to soothe the blow by mentioning that the doctors gave him five to seven more years. He planned to use those years to continue to live life to the fullest. Slowly, the joyful mood of the shower returned and the banter resumed but I never forgot his words.
Over the years we have watched Ted slowly decline. He went from riding his bicycle through the neighborhood to slowly walking. Then he was walking with a cane until, one day, he was tooling to get the mail in a new power scooter. As the disease began to change and ravage his body, his spirit and grateful outlook remained constant.
After Mr. Bill moved away I have become closer to Sue. I guess we were both looking for companionship and sort of found each other. I have started to drop off meals and Robby has been volunteered to help with yard work. I have gotten to know both of them as more than neighbors. They both have become friends.
In April Ted's health began to fail. He was taken to the hospital numerous times for unexplained bleeding and bloating. A few weeks ago Sue called and asked for help. She was trying to transport Ted to the hospital and he fell on top of her in the driveway. Unable to move him off of her, she needed Robby and Scott's assistance. They immediately took off across the street to help. I didn't realize that it was the last time that they would see Ted.
I recognized the symptoms from my Dad and I wasn't shocked when the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was revealed. Over the past few weeks Ted has been receiving hospice care. His family has surrounded him and rallied around Sue. We have tried to help and support from afar, periodically leaving food and toys for the grandkids who were visiting.
Yesterday Sue stopped me in the street to let me know that Ted had just passed away. Immediately I felt transported back in time, revisiting the grief I felt when I lost my Dad. Pancreatic cancer is a horrific disease. He had been preparing to die from ALS but was ultimately taken by pancreatic cancer. I'm now sure which fate is worse, but I pray that he is now at peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)