This evening, finally, the hummingbirds came back. I saw 2 hummingbirds at our feeder outside the kitchen window. So fantastic, I've been waiting for them all summer !! Our gardener Steve's beautiful honeysuckle bush is blooming - he figures the flowers attracted these tiny, good-luck birds. They zoomed so fast, I didn't have time to get a picture. Then our neighbor Crystal sent me this photo of a goldfinch that perched at her window earlier today to look in. Wow!
Disregarding heat & humidity, mid-summer in northeastern Pennsylvania is a wonderful time. Flowers and lovely trees around our house, local fruit, early corn, tomatoes growing, fireflies lighting up the churchyard across the street and fresh air after thunderstorms. For the last few years, there has been canoeing or kayaking the Susquehanna River on one special day. This time it was last Saturday, kayaking from the Mehoopany bridge to Tunkhannock on a lovely, not-too-hot day - complete with dusky blue dragonflies.
In terms of happiness, I've noticed over my adult years that life is like a pendulum as I navigate ongoing changes. Some time is genuinely exhausting, painful, stressful and/or sad. Most of the time is some level of "things are ok", when certain good and bad factors coincide. And every so often, for a relatively brief period, mostly everything is going well and I am truly happy. I feel lucky that right now is one of those fleeting times. Here's why.....
- First of all, I'm fortunate to be healthy for my age (58) and feel well. No aches and pains yet, I'm able to do everything I want to do. I try to appreciate this, knowing it's not likely to last. It's a treat for me to have both of you living at Montgomery Ave, where I can chat with you almost every day. Work at Prudential is challenging as always, but thankfully I am not working excessive hours. We are very stable financially. One problem with no easy solution... I'm trying to be supportive of Grammie and Grandad (recognizing that Aunt Di and Aunt Julie do much more), as they deal with older age and Grandad's progressive symptoms of Parkinson's disease. I usually spend a weekend in Wyncote each month.
- Steve is a true partner and companion in all ways. We enjoy conversation, doing routine tasks of life and relaxing together. We support each other, as well as you boys and his girls - laugh, learn and plan for the future (retirement!). A good marriage is a truly wonderful thing. And I'm thankful Steve is willing to come on river outings, even though it gets harder every year to get in and out of the boats.
- Alex, your plan worked! With Dad's estate settled and after looking at a few properties in June, you are buying a house on North Street in West Pittston. I'm still surprised that the stars aligned for this to happen, so quickly. This seems to be a great starter house, in excellent condition, plenty of space for you and driveway with garage for your car, fishing gear and other stuff. Yesterday your mortgage was approved, the closing will be in mid-late August. We are so happy for you, and look forward to helping you get situated. It's a big undertaking for a single person, you are very mature and wise to go ahead with buying a home (rather than renting). Congratulations!!
- Rob, you have been back to work part-time for a couple weeks - at Cracker Barrell's retail store in Wilkes-Barre. It's fantastic that you feel pretty well (neck exercises must be helping), and so far seem content with this job. Glad you are establishing a new routine outside the house, driving consistently, earning some money and interacting with more people. As another new venture, you're currently trying a lactose-free diet. I am genuinely grateful to the healthcare professionals who have been caring for you. Looking ahead, you are registered for fall classes at LCCC. Yay !!
