Ole Blue

Isn't it interesting how we can get attached to our vehicles? My father bought a brand new blue Chevy pickup back in 1965. I was only 5 years old. I don't remember the exact day of this purchase, but I remember the truck feeling new and special. I remember that a ride in the truck with my dad was exciting, which was often. We spent many days together as he worked shift work as an air traffic controller. This was before the seat belt days. There were none. My car seat was to stand behind me dad's right shoulder and when he stopped or turned, he would secure me by putting out his right arm to hold me against him. I had a warm, soft seat belt. "Ole Blue" has been a part of our lives. He took us camping and pulled ski boats, trailers, tractors, horses, and hauled everything as a work truck. He moved us from Tennessee to Oklahoma to Kansas to Arkansas. My father was an excellent mechanic in his day. He added a dump truck mechanism to the bed and frame. Ole Blue always had the best of care and then, when it was time for him to retire, he was lovingly restored.

Probably the most important job Ole Blue has had lately is to be the familiar constant for my dad. Even though he hasn't been able to drive for awhile, just the old truck being parked in the garage is a comfort. To sit behind the wheel, or run his hand across the smooth paint job, or check the air in the tires, gives purpose to his day.

Ole Blue has been a part of my children's lives as well. Especially Amy, being the first grandchild and practically living with Grandpa and Grandma while mom worked. She rode and played in Old Blue the same way I did. Megan has incorporated Ole Blue into her wedding day plans. She wants to be chaffeured in Old Blue from the ceremony to the reception. We plan to decorate the old truck and put the wedding party in the back. My brother will drive while my father will proudly sit in the passenger seat. Everytime we bring up the plans and remind him of the event, he relives the excitement. I find that very touching that Megan wants Ole Blue to be a part of her special day. I've become practiced at holding back tears during weddings, but I might lose control when I see this memorable moment. Got to get a picture for sure.

Moving to Baltimore

I recently received a call from my oldest daughter, Amy, who lives in Little Rock. Both her and her husband work for the same architecture firm. On the side, Brian is in the process of completing his licensing exams and Amy is practicing her love of ceramics. She was the first to forage for independence, complete the education, get married and move away. So she was also the first that I missed from my nest. (Sigh) I had a tiny little inkling that maybe this phone call was special when she started the conversation with, "Hi Ma - guess what?" But I wasn't quite prepared for "We're moving to Baltimore this summer!" That's a long way away. This will take some getting used to. I am sad even though I should be excited for them and it will be a fun place to visit. But I won't visit near as often as when I saw her in Little Rock. What's a mother to do? Roll with it.

Brief Get-away

Here's a picture of me under water exploring the wonders of the ocean world. Andy and I just returned from a trip to the Carribean. What a nice get-away and company paid. Can't beat that!

Just like everyone else, a "sandwich" deserves a break now and then. Life is too short.

Our cruise ship took us to the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. When we got off the boat, we enjoyed a floating trip down a mountain river in Jamaica and spent the afternoon in Margaritaville. They had a great water slide and pool right by the bar. It was a hopping place. I got to scuba in the Caymans. I love to scuba! Unfortunately, I only saw one turtle in the Caymans versus the dozens I saw on my last dive in Cozumel. We had a marvelous time relaxing, eating and drinking. I gained 7 pounds on the cruise! I found it very uncomfortable to wear my fancy dress on the last evening at dinner where we were invited to join the big boss at his table. A little over indulgence. Whoops! Look at that great tan though.

Getting Old is not for Sissies

Getting old is not for sissies! It takes a lot of courage and will power to move from day to day when the body is tired or sick. Things just don't seem to work as easily as they used to. The reflection in the mirror is not what you remember. If you are blessed with a long, full life, sometimes those last years can be a little lonely because friends and family around you may have left sooner than you. I have respect for older people. Remember the oldest group of men and women we live with currently, the Great Generation from WW II. Think of all the things they have experienced. More movies have been made about what they went through during that war than any other event in history.

Getting old has been very much on my mind because I definitely feel older and know the clock is ticking. My brother and I have been trying to help our parents as they've moved into the latter stages of my father's illness. I hope my children will do the same for me. These are decisions that should be made as a family, if one is as blessed as we are in having a family that will do that for you. Phil and I have been checking into different options to make their daily living safe and easier. But these options would be a big adjustment - again, another courageous change to make. But we've had some interesting experiences during our search. I will tell two stores.

We took a trip to Kansas City a couple of weeks ago. My brother found some senior living places for us to visit that are close to his home - other options. The first one was a rather fancy place with high ceilings and lots of windows. I felt like I was walking on a cruise ship when I came into the entry way. I think it felt more like being on vacation than a home. But hey, I could get used to that. The second one was older and needed some updating inside and out, but we were assured the renovations were just around the corener. The people there were so friendly and welcoming. Everyone knew each other. My parents were hosted that night by another residing couple. Dinner was planned, visiting time, and it was movie night for the residents. Somewhere in between, Dad wandered off and was lost in this huge facility with many halls and floors. The first night away and we lost him! My mother went up and down the halls calling and seaching for him. A card game was going on in one room, and they stopped playing and asked, "Who's Bob?" My mother responded, "He is the most charming, handsome man you'll every meet." One man pointed to himself and said, "I'm your man, I'm Bob!" The search party grew and soon my dad was found.

I met a wonderful man at a senior living residence during our visits. This is Mr. Bill and his cockatiel Tigger.

I've been back to see him 3 times since and I think I will continue to do so. Just look at his face. His face tells so many stories. Tigger was a donation to the people that live there and his cage is set up in the lobby area. He and Bill have struck up such a friendship that you will not find him often in the cage. Tigger rides up and down the halls with Bill every day. They take care of each other. Tigger eats and grooms and naps with Bill. The day my friend and I took these pictures, his granddaughter was visiting the two of them.

So, getting older is another chapter with new adventures and new friends. Keep your sense of humor and recognize the beauty in each day. As we are blessed in the aging process, we develop wisdom, faith, contentment, and courage. So if you are faint of heart, pull yourself up by your boot straps and get some moxie. Because getting old is not for sissies.

Track Mom!

I love to watch track meets! I've always been there for my kids during track season. Indoor meets feel like a 3-ring circus. You can watch so many events going on at the same time. Depending on the location of the indoor meet, sometimes the provided seating for the spectators and fans can be so close to the athletes. You really get to witness the sweat and blood efforts. Depending on the weather, an outdoor meet can be just as enjoyable. It reminds me of "field day" during the earlier school days and getting to be outside.

I remember a particular meet years ago when my oldest daughter (above, second to the left) was in high school. We lived in Colorado and it was a blizzard of a day as usual for spring sports. But I stuck it out with all of the outdoor gear and a heavy comforter. I just couldn't contain my excitement. I wrapped myself up, jumped off the bleachers, ran to the other side of the track in the middle of the race, and cheered Amy on. At that time, she was known as "AJ - the Bullet". I was positive she was a future Olympian! I'm sure everyone thought that I was an overly enthusiastic mother. What do they know!

Now that my son runs for K-State, I really get to watch some incredible athletes. My most recent trip to Ames, Iowa to see him in a Big 12 Tournament was very exciting. My favorite events are the relays, the hurdles, and the longer races. The races that have some distance give the competitors a chance for some long range strategies. Track athletes have such beautiful bodies and they are so graceful. They make the coordinated movements look effortless.

The wonderful thing about being there in the stands for your child is that it's a double feature. Not only are you there witnessing the moment, but you also have flashbacks and you get to rewind on all the memories. As a parent, you remember the special times that have led up to the present. All the yesterdays come back. When Sam was just 2 or 3 years old, we lived in a house that was built in such a way, that the little guy could go through every room in the upstairs in a big circle and never have to stop. His short little legs never tired. He'd run through the kitchen where I was always there cooking, and tell me, "Watch the clock Mama, time me!" .... and he was off. Lap after lap, round and around he would go. His legs would still be running as he fell asleep at night. Now as the big, strong, young man gets ready at the starting line, I'm still there watching the clock - again an overly enthusiastic mother!

A Fifty Year Old Sandwich

I suppose that the "Big Five-O" birthday is part of being a "Sandwich. Hopefully though, there are even bigger ones to come. My mother gave me my baby book for my birthday. Here are some pictures that were included in the book. Look at the young and excited parents.

The picture of my beloved Grandma holding me is close to the same age I am now. Yikes! Someone take the batteries out of that clock! Can you believe that a 50 year old woman used to be that cute, little baby? Being born to parents that love you so much is a great blessing. And as a parent myself, I can testify that to share life with a child is truly "living the dream".




My friends at work surprised me with a birthday party. They pulled it off. I was really surprised!


"The Girls"

My personal "Red Hat Club".

To celebrate my 50th birthday, I traveled to the exciting state of Iowa to attend a Big 12 track meet. The gas and hotel stay was a birthday present from my kids. I don't get to go very often so this was a very thoughtful gift. As we were driving down the highway, my oldest daughter, Amy, called with another birthday present. She wrote a poem for me and read it over the phone. I loved it and it should be shared:

Just One More Year

-by Amy Carnahan

Just one more year,

And it's quite clear,

You are living life fullest my dear.

For, apart from being a supermom,

There's a long list

That proves you're the bomb.

You've almost earned your degree.

And, that's quite a feat

Since you work full time at the WTC.

There are always weddings to plan,

You take care of your man,

And, for Sam, you are always a fan.

I know that 5-ohh

Might make you feel a little low,

But here's a list you should know.

Age 50

And still nifty:

Bryan Adams, Emeril Lagasse, Fabio

All turn 5-0hh.

As well as,

Howie Long, Kevin Spacey, Mackenzie Phillips, Marie Osmond

Come areound that same bend.

Prince Andrew Duke of York, Val Kilmer, and Simon Cowell

All 50 and feelin' proud.

If that's not enough,

Listen to this stuff:

An entire decade more,

And still not a bore:

Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen,

All 60 and still sing.

Cybil Shepherd, Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep

Their youth they still keep.

Richard Gere, Shelly Long, Sigourney Weaver,

10 years older and you wouldn't believe her.

So today marks just one more year,

But your age do not fear.

And, always keep it real,

Because you are only as young as you feel.

Big Wedding Coming Up

I remember laying in the hospital bed twenty-five years ago, looking at my new, pink, baby girl, and thinking that someday there will be another wedding. Well, that day is coming up for Megan Lucy. Where did the years go? She was such a tiny little thing for so long. It took her a long time to say much. Her big sister that she followed around and idolized always spoke for her. For awhile she was nicknamed "Peanut". Her Uncle Phil called her "Bugs Ear" for "Cuter than a Bug's Ear". But "Fluffy" has appropriately stuck. She was the daughter that loved pink/pastel everything, ruffles and ribbons, twirling dresses, dollies, dancing lessons, ...... anything "girlie".

It didn't surprise us that when it was time to make decisions for college, that she fell right into the sorority life and loved every minute of it. The man in her life also belongs to a fraternity. For the past three or four years, the two of them have been traveling the region, attending weddings of their Greek sisters and brothers. As their love grew for one another and plans for the future were being made, the pink accordian file folder, labeled "M & J's Wedding" was getting fatter and fatter.

Megan drove from Dallas this weekend, trying to beat an oncoming storm, so that we could work on wedding plans. The previous weekend trip was postponed because of weather and we couldn't have a repeat of cancellations. This is going to be a June wedding and reservations must be made! Since Megan has recently moved to Dallas, this now requires long distance planning and that is a challenge when pulling off the most spectacular wedding of the season. There are caterers and menus to decide upon. It being February, strategic planning and forecasting is required when meeting with the florist. Decorations and colors have to be compared and chosen. This must be done before all the other June blushing brides grab the best of the pick! We had a full day agenda from dawn to dusk to get this done. Megan brought the pink, accordian folder and more. Besides the regular luggage she usually brought in tow, her little Toyota Escort was packed with fifty pounds of her favorite bride magazines, colored sketches and findings from the internet, flower vases, bridesmaid shoes, etc. Her excitement was contagious!

However, it's taken me awhile to catch on to her excitement. For her father and I, this is the third wedding in four years and will be the largest. We're a little tired. I feel bad about that, but I think it is to be expected. Lately I've been comparing the situation to her childhood birthday parties. She was the last calendar birthday of the year. By the time we got around to September, it took some extra willpower to pull that fourth one off. I hope I did it justice. So, her father and I will tighten our belts, take a deep breath, move to the edge, and take the deep plunge a third and final time. This will be an event worthy of celebration. Families and friends will gather. There will be laughter and tears, conversations remembered and memories made. I hope the photographer catches them all. She's getting paid for it.