The Mystery

Throughout the school year, I help the kids with their homework most afternoons. It can be a trying time. There is a lot of it. Everybody needs help at once. They all talk at once. Maddy's math is just about beyond my helping abilities and I make Pa step in and work on it with her. Don't even ask what I think of this "common core" way of teaching! They use terms I have not heard and they seem to meander down the math road rather than the direct approach we used as kids.
Sometimes, however, especially with writing and language, they get an assignment that I love. Recently, Jack had to write a mystery, We discussed possible story lines for days. We talked about writing a good mystery by making it appear that one person did the stealing when it was actually another person who did it. His teacher loves lots of description so you really can see the room, know what the characters look like, etc. Jack settled on a story about a skateboard being stolen. It was a good story for a 9 year old boy with a plot twist. The title was "The Case of the Stolen Skateboard". When he brought home the story, written perfectly, it was in a folder with the title and this photo on the outside, I couldn't help but smile.
Jack, this photo should be titled, "The Boy that Stole His Grammie's Heart". This kid makes me laugh every day. He says things that are wise beyond his years. He makes me think.
You have my heart, Jack.
Please keep it forever!

Our Gymnast

When you're in the kitchen preparing dinner and you hear, "Help! Help!" I didn't expect to find #3 twisted up in a bar stool! She has jumped with both feet (pun intended) into gymnastics and is always trying something, most of which makes me cringe! She can flip, jump, and do moves that I fear will injure her tiny, little body. Our gymnast is fearless and head strong. Add a dose of perfectionism and you get our Abs!
Look out world!!

Old/New Friends

 Running a race is a perfect excuse for travel. Last weekend, I ran the San Luis Obispo half marathon. Our high school friend, Michael, has lived up in Los Osos for a long time and we got to stay at his house and visit while we were there for the race. How do I describe Michael? He has this crusty, foul mouthed exterior with a heart of gold. He loves to grouse about life and all it's trials and challenges. He is one person I hold on a very small list that I could call, in the middle of the night, and say, "I need help!" He would ask where I was and be on his way. He is a loyal, true friend and has been for more decades than I care to count. We tease him that we have stood by him through a couple of wives and countless girlfriends, which brings me to the lovely lady in his life, Nicki. We had met her only briefly once before, but this weekend we had a chance to really get to know her. She is a gem! Smart, funny, kind and yet, takes no nonsense. She is perfect for Michael. She tends to see the good in most things and tries to help him see it too.

 We were fed like royalty while there, with Nicki and Michael preparing two amazing dinners for us. Saturday they made sure I was "carbo-loaded" for my race the next day and then Sunday, they barbequed steaks that were perfection. Sitting at home, sharing a meal with friends is far better than going to a restaurant. We laughed and talked and drank and ate the night away. I will cherish these memories for a long time.

Yes, we are older. Who knows if we are wiser, but we are smart enough to know the value of lasting friendship and love. Time goes by, sometimes too much time, but when we are together, we pick up where we left off.
What a blessing!