Notes from Joy

Update on The Jory Express.....Well, she was true to her word in her one-day visit.  She hardly broke open her computer.  Hardly, well not until the morning when she had to catch up on some e-mails and business calls.  We had a wonderful relaxed evening starting with dinner out (she treated), lots of great conversation, watched American Idol (which I taped), and ending in a combination of conversation and Mom's soothing arm rubs until we both groggily conceded that it was time for bed.  All in all, we made the most out of the one evening that was given to us. 

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Jenna and I are taking Joe out for his birthday dinner tomorrow night....that's if he doesn't get called into work (he's on call).  We have no idea where we're going yet;  but told Joe to think about where he wants to go.....no word yet. (He's not very picky about these things.) Even though Joe's birthday isn't until Wednesday the 19th, work schedules get in the way of celebrating on his actual birthday.  It's hard to believe my baby is going to be 32 years old.  He still seems like a kid to me....and definitely has a "kid-at-heart" personality.  I'm hoping to post something about his birthday in a couple of days.

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My cousin, Donna, called me today.  Although that may not be earth-shattering news in itself, it was the first time we've actually talked to each other (outside of e-mails) in probably more than 30 years.  Many laughs, some tears....and about two hours later, we finally said our goodbyes with intentions of getting together for lunch or something.  WOW...she sounded so good, and not so different than I remembered.  We covered a lot of ground in those two hours; but have a lot more to say. 

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Jenna and I still haven't made our appointment with H & R Block to get our taxes done.  She plans to call soon.  We've gone together for the past couple of years, and I'm always so relieved to get it done.  Since this task has landed in my lap since Joel died, I'm always anxious until it's over.  Why is that?  Do you all feel the same way?

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Bastian talked on the phone with me yesterday; with a little prompting from Julie.  He's repeating everything you ask him to say and starting to say a lot on his own now. "Hi Gamma. I lu yoo."  Oh be still my heart. Bella was MUCH too busy to take a few seconds out of her hectic schedule to talk to Grandma.  I'm always amused at how much she dislikes talking on the phone, but will chat forever with me if I'm sitting in front of her.  That child is a hoot!

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I'm almost afraid to say this, but.......I SEE SPRING!  Oh God, I hope I haven't cursed us.  But...you can't blame me for being a little excited.  We've been waiting sooo long for signs....any signs.  I know this could all blow up in my face tomorrow, but here are the signs:

~All the snow has melted....at least in MY yard.  I HAVE GRASS!

~It's been in the 50's for the past two or three days.  It feels very balmy..almost sunbathing weather....okay, maybe I went too far.

~I've actually seen some buds and a few blossoms around.

~Dudes are riding around with their car tops down.

~The sun has decided to come out and play and be our friend again.

If in any way I have just put a hex on us and Mother Nature decides to get even with plummeting temperatures and anything looking remotely like white fluffy stuff, I will be blogging my next post from the 'psych ward' of the nearest hospital.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone.......  Hugs....

Comments

[TorAa Mirror]

Jori is a child of her generation.
You should hear what my daugther says to her Mother: aaaahhh, you are living in Stone Age.
When she was 20 plus 2 weeks, and was about to take her first around the globe tour, I said to her: You must have an e-mail adress.
- what's that, papa?
I did explain - and she very quickly realized the benefit.
btw. She is now Master of International Marketing and Management - now in Hong Kong. Papa is of course proud.

I think I'll be around your area July/August.

[Denise]

spring? really? I don't believe you. :-)

Happy Birthday, Joe!

[kenju]

LOL....my granddaughters are like yours (at least 3 of my 4 are). They would talk the bark off a tree and they seem to like talking to me (fancy that!).

[Maria]

Joy,
It sounds like a great visit! In answer to your questio about taxes, it drove me crazy after John died because he had always taken care of them. When I married Bob years later, I was afraid to let him do the taxes. In fact for the first few years I filed separately.

[Peggy]

I'm glad that your daughter connected with you during the visit. Bella and Bastian sound like little darlings!

[jen]

Doing my tax doesn't make me anxious, but I do procrastinate a lot because I'm not into those admin type tasks.

[storyteller]

I’m so happy you and Jory had such a lovely visit! Sounds marvelous ;--)

Hmmm … there’s no date so I don’t know when you posted this (I’ve spent lots less time at the computer because I’ve been reading Stephen King’s DUMA KEY … but whether you’ve already been (or are going) … I hope the gathering is as delightful as your visit with Jory. I know whatcha mean about watching them grow older, Although I have none of my own, my brother’s kids are in their mid-40s … and I’m always startled to realize I’m not in my mid-40s or 50s any more ;--(

How wonderful to reconnect with a long-lost cousin in such a ‘familiar’ manner … and how nifty you’ll be talking again soon.
Ah … taxes. I need to do mine too. Received the notification about the ‘stimulus’ in the mail yesterday … so you’re my 2nd reminder to get busy on this task.

What a precious connection with Bastian on the phone!!! And how marvelous that signs of Spring are showing up at last. No hexes allowed … period! Happy early St. Paddy’s day to you.
Hugs and blessings,

I hate talking on the phone too so i can understand bella's reluctance!

I have a cousin like your Donna. We grew up together but now ...

[Liz]

That last one was me!

[chancy]

I see signs of spring around Atlanta also. Daffodils coming up, pear trees in bloom, Hooray

[Mary Kay (Joy's sister-in-law) from the North country]

Good to hear you and Jory can hook up so often, since she's half way across the country. Please pass on our Aunt and Uncle Kenny Happy Birthdays today to Joe(y :-). (He's still a little kid to us)I think of him every time I write the date today, and that's a lot.
Spring is coming very slowly up here, we still have an abundance of snow but it's looking Springy, really DIRTY! Lower 40's today but I did see a Robin and the Sand Hill Cranes are back. The deer have pooped all over our yard all winter and haven't traveled out of town to the woods yet, someone must be feeding them in town...
You people in Atlanta must be loving the signs of those daffodils! Enjoy!