Notes from Joy

        I called my daughter Julie Saturday night to wish her a safe and happy Bon Voyage.  She, Chris, Bella and Bastian were leaving for an Alaskan cruise early Sunday morning along with her in-laws Val and Deric.  She was still packing like a crazy woman, but was really looking forward to this vacation, and had been for a long time.  Still, she had no delusions as to how much of a ‘vacation’ this trip was going to be for her.  Outside of not having to cook all the meals, things aren’t very different with two small kids ….she’s pretty much on call 24/7.  Even so, she was looking forward to the different atmosphere for a week and to really enjoying the cruise.  Now only if the weather would cooperate.  She had heard some late weather reports that were a little disheartening.  I’m looking forward to some great photos.  Val’s an avid picture-taker, and I know she won’t let me down.                                                                                                    

Staying in Julie’s beautiful home and having it all to herself for three days will be Jory, Julie’s sister.  On Tuesday she’ll be leaving for Spain on business for BlogHer for several days, but will return on the 7^th to stay with Julie again for another few days before attending a wedding back in LA along with hubby Jesse.  Jory loves that Julie moved to New Jersey (Short Hills actually).  She travels to New York several times a month from CA and gets to stay in that great house, have her own room and bath, visit and play with Bella and Bastian….and all that good stuff.  Yep, it works out great for Aunt Jory.  She called when she got to the house today.  “It’s a little weird not hearing the babes in the house mom.”  I kept thinking what fun we could be having if I were there with her.                                                                  

But back on the home front in the suburbs of Chicago we were having a beautiful day in the 70’s….sunny and perfect.  The Chicago Cubs are in first place and have the best record in baseball….presently.  They have been home, and they have been HOT.  The White Sox are also doing well.  Chicago sports fans are in a blissful state of nirvana and we’re riding the wave.   Being a true L O N G-time, long suffering Cubs fan I’ve learned to pace myself to survive.  It’s a long season.  Cripes, it’s only the beginning of June.  But, we ARE excited.                                               

Today my eldest daughter, Jen, and I ran to the store for a few things.  Stopping off at my house to drop things off before heading out again we noticed my son, Joe’s car parked out front.  He made an impromptu visit to watch the Cub’s game with me, which he often does....only I didn't know about it.  Seems he decided to come over from his graveyard shift at the local police department.  He stopped to pick up a couple of nice ‘healthy’ salads for dear 'ol mom from a new place in town (I guess everyone's on the 'Get Mom Healthy' bandwagon) along with something for himself….and just planned to chill and watch the game.  But without any sleep, now the challenge would be if he could stay awake long enough to even watch the game.  What was that boy thinking?  He’s done this before, and his track record hasn’t been good.                                                                                         

We made a deal.  We all decided that Jen and I would go out and finish the errands we needed to, and Joe would rest or sleep while we were gone; which is what we did.  When we were done, I dropped Jen off at her place.  To my amazement, Joe was still awake when I got home.  We watched the rest of the Cubs game; which they won…but I could see Joe was fading.  I told him to just go ahead and sleep while I went for my walk.  When I came back Joe was out cold.  I did some work on BlogHer, went on my exercise bike for a while, and went back to mess around on the computer….of course.  By that time almost four hours had gone by and Joe stumbled in all groggy….just like the sleepy little kid coming out of his bedroom so many years ago.  Does anything really ever change?                                                                    

And I, in my little ordinary everyday world, just keep taking notes.

Comments

[miffy]

Like you, my dear friend, I have joined the ranks of the getting healthy club! I laughed reading about your walks and the angry souls (dogs) you pass...that is probably what I appeared as on my first stroll out of the house and away from the television!! In any event, as I walk (ride) down here, I find myself thinking of you strolling as well. Miles may keep our bodies apart, but not our spirits...love you Joyful!
xoxox

[BearNaked]

I knew you would be a note taker.
I never was but as the years fly by I think I will start because it seems to be getting more difficult for me to remember things to do.
That is one good thing about blogging, at least I have a record of what has happened in my life now.

[Merle]

Dear Joy ~~ I hope Julie and her family are enjoying their trip, At
least no cooking is a break for her, and her husband and his parents will help a little with the children.
Thank you so much my friend for your congrats for Kate and she should have a wonderful time. She has worked hard for years and saved money and deserves this trip and has a few weeks to learn a little French. Take care dear Joy
and thank you for sending a couple of your friends over to wish me Happy B'day. Much love, Merle.

[Winston]

I cannot remember knowing anyone who derived as much pleasure and joy as you do out of being a mother of adult kids. That is great!

Go Cubbies...

[junie]

Joy,

I loved hearing about all of your family stuff.

You, dear Joy, are such a wonderful mom! I shows in every word you write about your family!

Love,

Junie

[mary lou]

Did she leave from Seattle? If so I probably watched her sail by! I go down to the beach and watch the cruise ships leave and come back!! I pretend I am on them going to exotic places. They all sail right by my house! Tell her to wave when she comes back!

[storyteller]

How fun to catch up with what’s going on in your kids’ lives and with you in today’s post. It seems like too long since I’ve dropped by, but once the French Open ends this weekend … I should have more time again to visit more regularly.
Hugs and blessings,

[Val]

The love for and of your family just shouts itself out from your words. What a wonderful mom you are and your children all sound just as caring and loving as you. What a great family you have! God bless.

[Mary]

My mom could never keep track as well as you do!

[Suzann]

Oh how I wish my kids lived closer - it is wonderful to hear of your family doings dear Joy.

[Liz]

And we are glad you take notes!