But, would it work?

Folks less hardy than we might have fainted at the foolhardiness of it. But not us! We were up for the challenge. With just a few days to spare we made sure we had all we needed. It was going to be close. It was going to be difficult. It was going to need cooperation from all involved. We knew we could pull it off.

But, would it work?

After lots of fun and conversation at the restaurant the tension began to build. Amidst hugs and laughter and “I’ll see you there!” we wondered if we would. Would we see everyone there?

Cars parked. Food and such retrieved. Stairs climbed. In pairs and groups they rode the elevator.

As I left the elevator and entered the hall I could hear voices. Happy voices. Lots of happy voices. And yet, I could see no one, nothing. Nothing except one lone shoe. An important job for a lone shoe – keeping the door ajar so that no welcome soul would be locked out. Furtively I pushed open the door and ventured the three feet into the living room/dining room/kitchen area of my mum’s retirement residence suite. I smiled widely.

What I saw was cause for relief and celebration. We had done it. We pulled it off. And, more than that we had accomplished a daring feat quietly, on the sly. She didn’t have a clue.

Mum was chatting and laughing – happy that, once again, she could have the entire family in her “home”.

And, my sister and I were happy, too. We had been able to gather everyone together for fun, food and games at Grandma’s – just like we used to when Mum had a large family home to house us all.

And, miracles of miracles – we all fit!! Well, as long as we didn’t all breathe out at the same time and kept our elbows in.

Let’s journey together.

©2009 Denise Budd Rumble

But it's supposed to be spring!

I can’t believe it! My weatherman and my calendar agree, here in Southwestern Ontario, Canada – heavy on the Southwestern – it is supposed to be Spring. But this morning I was greeted by snow!

Yes, I know it’s only April and it’s not unusual for us to get snow at this time of year, but today the reappearance of snow hit me – like a slap in the face, a kick in the butt, like being shoved down when you’re trying to get up out of the doldrums of winter hanging on and wanting spring to take over.

After having several days of double-digit weather recently this new snow is a drag. Maybe it’s menopause, but I’m sick of the cold and the snow. I’m cranky and tired and headachy. And, I just want to crawl back into bed, snuggle down and wait until spring really is here.

Except for those darn hot flashes!

Hmm, I guess that’s one good thing about the cold weather dragging on. When a hot flash takes over all I have to do is step out on my porch to get some relief.

Let’s journey together.

© 2009 Denise Budd Rumble

Craft Night

“You know what we should do?” My sister’s eyes twinkled. “We should have a craft night!”

She practically choked on the last word as our mum and the two of us burst out laughing. That innocent line had been our mantra, and cause for much mirth over many years.

There were some fine craft shows in the three months leading up to Christmas. Most years we were able to attend at least one.

Snowmen and Santas. Angels and stars. Shepherds and crèches.

Wreaths and bells. Teddies and dollies. Trucks and trains.

Wood and wool. Wire and wheels. Fabric and lace. Stuffing and string.

It made one giddy to see all that selection and choice.

“Mum, look! Isn’t it sweet? And, it’s sooo soft!”

“Oh, my goodness! How can anyone charge that much for that bit of stuffing and fur?”

“But…”

“Denise, I’m sure we could make something even better and for much less. We should have a craft night.”

Over the years the same scenario was played out hundreds of times. We didn’t even have to say the words out loud! “We should have a craft night!”

And “craft” we did. Between us, my mum, sister and I made teddies and teddy clothes, dollies and dolly clothes, various and varied Christmas ornaments and decorations, knitted and crocheted sweaters and cardigans, vests, afghans, pillow covers, baby booties, mitts and socks.

We sewed Halloween costumes, toys, pillows, pillow covers, clothes, clothes and more clothes. We embroidered and cross-stitched and tatted and painted.

We baked everything from Christmas fruit cakes made in October so they could set and taste just right, to candy and cookies, play-doh, clay and shrink plastic.

We didn’t always live close to each other and made many things on our own. Then there were the fun times when we had our “craft nights” and afternoons and days and worked our hands raw preparing enough “stuff” for our own table at a craft and/or bake sale.

Were our attempts always perfect? Did everything always sell? Was our quality superb? Well…of course! How can you even ask such questions?

Even today wandering alone through the gift shops or enjoying a local craft sale I still hear my mum say, “We should have a craft night!”

Let’s journey together.

© 2009 Denise Budd Rumble