The cool but wet air did not dampen the Balloon Party festivities. We still played on the 2 1/2 acres that surrounds Robi's home. Whiffle ball, football, soccer. We still ate till we, not the balloons, were ready to burst and then ate some more. Baked Ziti with lots of gooey cheese, Eggplant Parmesan (still the best), fresh green salad with lots of olives and onion (the red ones), huge Sub and Bagel sandwiches in different varieties and lots of pasta salads. Desert. I chose the rice pudding from the assortment of cheesecake to brownies to mudpies to Cannoli cake and other deserts too numerous to mention.
Lots of talking, lots of laughter, lots of wonderful people I don't see often enough.
So many of the children have turned to young adults, ready to drive or to go off to college. My second cousins, who were infants I once held in that time warp that seems like just yesterday, are now towering heads above me and lightyears beyond.
The balloons did not want to cooperate with us and headed, after launch, westerly instead of east which would have brought them right over Robi's house. The low and heavy cover of clouds often caught them and took them from our view. But still they soared, brightly colored flames shooting them higher.
We still oooohed and ahhhed each time a balloon came into view, and everyone predictably pointed and talked about it and tried to be the first to guess what it was, and the children ran around jumping up and down.
I didn't get to see Mr. Peanut this year, but did get to see the Mountain Dew balloon which looks exactly like a can of Mountain Dew. Surprised?
Somewhere toward the end of September the air has a special feel. It's crisp and cool and fall is in the air. It's a really nice feeling. By then, I'm tired of the hot and the changing season and the nostalgia it brings is exciting. It's a special feeling...then. But when in the middle of July the air has that same feeling; when there's that crisp coolness, and a bit of darkness and you feel like the fall is ahead, it's just darn depressing.
Where'd the summer go????
Suzn 7:58:47 AM|
Tuesday, July 25, 2000
I have mixed feelings. Bogey's blood test was negative. Although this should be a cause for celebration, it's now back to the drawing board. I have to bring him in for another test on Saturday but at least I don't have to leave him there. And Dr. Cameron said the test would be at no charge. You know, he's got a tender heart that doc.
I watched Angela's Ashes last night, on DVD. It is based on a true story of a young man growing up in poverty in Ireland. It is dark and depressing and yet kept me enthralled. It is a story of depression and determination and of hope. There is hardly a moment that your heart won't break and your eyes won't be filled with tears.
Suzn 7:00:20 AM|
Monday, July 24, 2000
A letter from a friend arrived in my ebox yesterday morning. We have known each other since we were both 4 years old. Our adult lives have moved us to very different areas of the US but I am honored that she takes the time to read my journal. The letter was written in response to my previous post referring to motherhood. She describes the feelings so beautifully I wanted to share them.
She wanted her name withheld but with permission here it is:
"I want you to know that with children, when they are on track and growing and have beautiful bodies and minds you are so proud of them. With each milestone accomplished you fill up with an overflowing energy that is so strong that it is like
a wave rising up and engulfing you. This in comparison to the small fears
and apprehensions is so unequal in proportion that you learn over time
to ride the waves and just enjoy them!!"
Thank you for that insight. You have grown into such a wonderful woman and I am so proud to be your friend.
Suzn 7:19:22 AM|