I've been Meaning to: How'd I DO?

If you read my blog of June 2, 2014, you read that I was planning so very many  things for this summer, and I thought it was time (at least for my OWN accounting) to report back.

First, I said I was going to the beach.

Hmmm---ok, I have been, once. Went to a beach across the bridge from us in Canova park. It's a "dog" beach. No, we don't have a dog (save on rare occasions when we dog-sit). But we like to live vicariously though other people who do have dogs. It's fun to watch them romping in the surf (the dogs too).

So, I haven't done so well on that--but summer isn't over here yet, and I'm determined to improve.

Next was rearrange the kitchen, dinette, living room, computer room....the list goes on.

As it happens, one day, Walt and I DID actually take to the dinette with extreme prejudice.

Moved the china cabinets and mini-bar and sideboard and re-oriented our dining room  table.

We now have much more light and navigating room in the dinette.

We've been making plans to address the computer room, living room . We've found the dinette works well for us and we are capable of addressing our home issues in an actionable (is that a word?) manner.

So I've giving myself at least a "B" or "B+" on that one.

I mentioned my dear friend, James passed last year and I had been meaning to give his father a book mark with a purple feather I had worn in my hair (to James' memorial). I did that, and his father was joyous to receive it. I heard one time that feathers , found randomly or given to you are a sign that angels are around you. I pray that is true.

I wrote that I had pictures and the like to go out to my cousin, Jay Morgan, in Ohio. They were mostly pictures of the Morgan clan--including one "tin-type" and pictures of Grandma Morgan in front of her house in Ohio. I actually did that, and maybe expected to hear that identified some of the people. Certainly never expected to see them again.

But here's where another of my "I've been meaning to's" comes in. I also mentioned that I'd been meaning to connect with my family in Ohio--actually go and see them. My mother grew up with this family. I was told of many trips that my grandma midge and aunt Edie took to Ohio (mostly summers, I think).  The last time I saw any of these people was in the early '80's when I attended a family reunion in Shadyside, Ohio.

After visiting the kids in PA, Walt and I drove the one hour to Shadyside (over the impressive Ohio river). It is still a VERY small town.

My lovely and hospitable cousin, Lee-Ann put us up in her comfortable and beautifully appointed house. We spent three days visiting, and laughing and eating---(and eating...and EATING!).  Lee-ann owns the Dairy Queen in Shadyside, and I didn't realize what a temptation that would be.

On Monday we were sitting around the kitchen table, and I was asked if I had any pictures of my siblings and their families and felt ashamed that I didn't. But then, out came all these pictures I had sent and Aunt Jean naming everyone like she was winning at Jeopardy. Just really made me feel that I AM a part of the family.

So "A+" on both of those.

I'm glad to say I have remained in (close) touch with my family since then.

How are you doing with your "I've been meaning to's"?

Until next time,

Eat something delicious

and live a life worth loving,

-Kim