My Neighbors

I go to the gym early in the morning before even the dogs are awake.

When I get home, my husband is already on his way to work

and my dogs are waiting at the door to greet me.

About a year ago,  I began a ritual that the dogs have come to know and love.

With the serotonin boost from my workout,  I walk in the door and say brightly,

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!"

Then, as their tales wag uncontrollably, I start to sing the song

I learned from Mr. Rogers.  As I sing, I pet them enthusiastically 

all over their bodies, from heads to tails.  When I get to the line

"I've always wanted to have a neighbor JUST LIKE YOU"

I pat them three times on their backs for emphasis

and continue to the end of the song.

I believe Sami and Halle really look forward to this, 

but not as much as I do.  

It makes me happy and appreciative

every day.

Needless to say, I was and continue to be a big fan of Fred Rogers.

He was someone who taught me how to be a good neighbor.

and was a role model for how to love my neighbor.

When I was young, my "neighborhood" was quite limited.

As it should be, as I grew, so did my "neighborhood".

Today, my understanding of my "neighborhood" is quite worldly.

Still, the wisdom of Mr. Rogers can guide us.

If Mr. Rogers had been on television in recent years, I suspect he would have

advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ community.  As a mother to a member

of that community,  the last quote is especially meaningful.

My neighborhood, now, also includes so many people that I will never meet or know:

refugees fleeing violence and war,

children separated from their parents at the border,

people persecuted because of their race, religion, color,

or sexual orientation,

and so many more.

Mr. Roger's wisdom applies universally and could be used to help make the world 

a better place for all.

(For those who may be interested,  the documentary

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?"

is excellent!  Bring a tissue!)

The End, or A New Beginning?

I began writing this blog in 2010.   It began as a way to document the renovation of my kitchen.  Adam was a sophomore in college.  Kerry was beginning her Freshman year of college, and Annie was starting her sophomore year of high school. 

Eight years later, all of my children are grown and live on their own.

I live an active but uneventful life (in comparison to before).

I am looking forward to my husband's retirement in the not-too-distant future.

I also I find myself at a crossroads.

So much of what I write about has to do with being a mom.

However, my role in that respect has dramatically changed.

Is it my place, now, to tell THEIR stories?  

I think not.

I have found that I've posted less and less over the past few years.

I've done a lot of thinking as to why, and I realize that my life has changed

significantly since 2016.  My focus has changed.  The world has changed.

Until 2016, I have never been greatly interested in politics.  

Sure, during presidential elections I would try to educate myself 

in order to make an informed decision, 

but on a daily basis,

 I had more important things to do.

For the past 2 or 3 years, my primary task each day 

has been to keep abreast on what is happening in our country 

and the world.  I find it extremely interesting.  

The downside to this wave of knowledge is how it weighs so heavy on my heart. 

When I think about writing a blog post,  I say to myself,

"With everything happening in this world that is so important,

nobody would want to read about something so insignificant."

In addition,  my camera rarely comes out of its case.  

I used to find peace in photography.  

And since photos have always been the main focus of my blog,

(in addition to being the inspiration for each post)

there has been something missing.

All of this brings me to today.  

In recent weeks, I've taken my camera out more frequently.

When my family was together on Father's Day,  we took these

pictures in the yard. The kids especially wanted pictures

 with our older pets who we suspect might not be with us

 for much longer.

I really do love taking pictures!

If I do continue to blog, will I be able to find enough inspiration in my life?

I don't think of myself as an exciting person.  

I don't take a lot of chances.

I'm not a thrill-seeker.
I'm not really comfortable being the center of attention.

Nonetheless,  I do have a story of my own.

Everyone does.

I  LOVE my life.

If I do continue, it will have to be MY story.

Not theirs.

Perhaps I'll give it a try. 
Until the end of the year.
That's always a good time for endings and beginnings.

26

Twenty-six years ago today, this little

 "bundle of joy"

 came into our world.  

And in Kerry's case especially,

"bundle of JOY"

is exactly what she has been from day one.

From her youngest of days,  

I think anyone in our family would agree

that Kerry brings fun and laughter to our lives.

She's not one of those extroverted, life of the party types.

She has a special kind of quiet, creative sense of humor which pops up when you least expect it.

She has always been this way. 

In the photo (above and below) you have sweet, tender Adam.

Then you have Kerry!

Very frequently she makes use of things around

her in unique and creative ways.

A blanket.

A frosting decorating tip.

Spoons.

A soda can.

Dough.

Straws.

Little hands. 

Often the prop is a food item, such as Girl Scout cookies.

Pie dough.

Pasta. 

Frosting.

Raspberry pie.

Freshly picked strawberries.

Chocolate toffee bars.

Snapchat filters.

When our family gets together, 

Kerry's absence changes the dynamics altogether.

And I can honestly say that Kerry's mood 

can make or break a family gathering.

So on this day, Kerry, I wish you all the best that

life has to offer.  

You were my perfect little girl 26 years ago today,

and you still are.

Happy 26th!

With Love,

Mom