Ready set APRIL!! plus go away snow- enough already

I have not been doing a lot of blogging lately, it seems as soon as one thing is done, I have another thing going on.  Which is pretty typical of life, isn't it?

Actually, I have not been walking as much in the last few months (stupid winter) and I realize that I compose a lot of posts while walking.  And I would have photos to show you from my walks, or at least my ability to walk freely about the property or area or whatevah.  So, there has been a bit of silence on the blog front.

So the play went well, both of my far-flung sons have visited and I am at the dawn of the day that wants to give northern WI another blast of winter and the day that will have me getting out before this happens.  I plan to hop in the car as soon as I possibly can today, and drive south before the snow up here begins.  Watching the weather I am pretty sure that I will be fine once I get over to the freeway.  The precip in central WI is supposed to be  mostly rain or slushy snow late this afternoon, so I can deal with that.  What I can't deal with is ice......  I think I am in the clear.

This weekend is baby shower weekend!  I am hitting the road because I want and need to be there for my kiddo and his wife!  AND I desperately, and I do mean that!, need a weekend out of town.  I noticed when I was packing that the last time I used my suitcase was in December for the TIES convention.....  :( 

So, I am going to go and double check my packing job, make sure I didn't put my toothbrush away last night instead of returning it to my makeup bag, and just generally tidy up and prepare.  I feel sort of bad deserting the MA at a time when he is gone from home from 8 am until 9:30 or 10 at night, but it's only for a little while longer.  I left him lots of stuff to eat, tho.  Hopefully the elusive Mike will come over and hang out with the horse and the kitties a few times.

Everyone have yourself a good Thursday, stay safe if you are up here in the snowbelt, and even if you are not!  And don't forget to be a joy giver! 

Endings and New beginnings....

Sarah Jane and Sarah Grace Oswald

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Most of the these emotions have been joyful. Unfortunately I have been one sick Mad Art Teacher, but focusing in on Greg and Sarah's wedding has been wonderful.

let the cupcake baking begin

A warm puppy to tuck my toes under and occasionally trip over!

Nice shot Greg- thanks a heap

Rosie, Dee and Debi

Ed and Bill

Rose and Emily

Brother Ed and Dee

However, my mom and dad's farm, my family home, the home of my father and grandparents has been sold.

We all knew this was going to happen, as my mom has been living in Assisted Living for several years now.  Nothing good happens to a house that is sitting empty. Things happen, roofs leak, pipes freeze, etc. and it is better for the house to be inhabited.  None of us were able to live there, so this was the logical choice. The farm is going to good people who will care for the marvelous piece of property that used to provide my family's livelihood, and it is good to know that they will be keeping it in farmland, like it should be.

Beautiful fields and a view for miles

I posted previously about the mixed emotions I had about this event, but it really was tough leaving the place for the last time.  We had gone down to Janesville a few weeks ago to finish going through the house before the cleaners came.

Gotta keep it positive

Going through papers

Going through the cupboards

One last look

Rose and I both had a tearful goodbye.  It was hard leaving your childhood, your memories, your daddy behind in this house.  But we have gathered our nostalgia and a few last possessions and took them home with us, because we know that home is where your family is.  Where you hang your coat at the end of the day.  Where you feel safe and relaxed. Where you lay your head and your heart at night.

We finished collecting items that we needed to rescue, including these chicken dishes that were my Grandma's.  Rose and I split the huge set up.

 A piece of my Grandma Kutz

The Cub Cadet has found a new home... it will be near Dad's tractor when it gets refurbished.

So, besides the impending wedding and my AWESOME accumulation of yet another Sarah Owald, there was one other thing that kept the weekend from being absolutely devastating.  We got the good news from Jon and Sarah!  

FINALLY!!!!

HAPPY DANCING!!!

Gramma Oswald with the kiddos

Grampa Oswald, too!

I'm rooting for a little Debi!  Lol!

As usual, life proves that you have to take the good with the bad, the happy with the sad, the joy with the pain.  Life is not all sunshine and roses, though I would prefer it that way.  I do know that fantastic things are best enjoyed when you contrast them against the painful- and these last few months have been moments in life that while I did not always enjoy, but will never forget.  These are the stories of our lives- stories that I will share with my grandchildren. Stories I am formulating with tears in my eyes: tears of sadness, tears of happiness, tears of reconciling the past and future.  

Tears of joys to come