Where has the summer gone?

Well, my intentions of keeping up with this blog have been less than stellar. When I am sitting long enough at the computer, I'm usually reading other people's blogs, and on my new obsession Facebook. Things have really changed in just that past few years in regards to how we socialize and communicate with each other. I'm still trying to figure out if these are positive changes. I worry that we will all lose our ability to connect with people face to face! Even I seem to present better in the written word since my brain needs time to process verbally, and writing affords me that time.
But, I digress! Back to the 10...no, now 11 month update on the family. Mike continues to be crazy busy at Isthmus with exciting new projects that will take him to California, and possibly China! He spent a lot of time this Spring at the cabin remodeling the front porch. He knocked down a wall and created a sun room with brand new windows and flooring. It looks awesome! The view of the lake towards the west is priceless. I pinch myself every time I am there, I can't believe this is ours! I spent some time in June there with just the girls, and we just got back from our annual summer week there. As usual it was over too fast and we were home too soon!
The girls are doing great! Still with the boys in spite of some dicey moments. :-O They are working at various jobs this summer, and seem to be spending a lot more time here with us....voluntarily!! Rachel turned 21 July 3rd, and we celebrated by taking the family to Chicago. Very fun! They will be starting their Sophomore and Senior years at Madison. Rachel will be applying for internships that may take her away from us for up to 6 months....GULP! Robyn will continue with her nursing studies, but she is not sure if she will get into the nursing program. She is considering transferring to Edgewood. Only time will reveal the outcome of the many decisions they will need to make over the next several months. As a Mom, this period in our lives is exciting, exasperating, and beyond scary...all at the same time!!! Hmmmm....I guess it's always been this way since the day they were born!! They will be moving into a new apartment...yes...all FOUR of them plus my grandkitties in two weeks. SIGH!!!
Some big changes in my life as well. My dear sister has moved back home!! She is getting a divorce from her husband, and needless to say, it's been stressful for everyone. I feel so bad for them, especially for Amanda and Gordon. Selfishly, I am happy and relieved. Neal has not been the best husband, and Michelle deserves so much more then she has been getting for the past 20 years!!!! AND, I get to have my best friend near me. I am excited for her and this new path her road has taken her. I feel very strongly this is all for the best! :-)
In a few weeks, I will be heading back to school, and for the first time EVER, I will be working full time!! YIKES!!!! I will be the only school nurse in the district. I am already overwhelmed and anxious. How is this all going to work? WHEN will I have time to train/clean/eat/love/have fun/rest/take care of horses???? YES...the horses are coming back as well!!! Truthfully, I'm excited for it all. I am so happy Dudley is coming home!!!!! Our dear friends Bill and Leah will be bringing their two boys Matt and Sam to hang out with Dudley. Leah will help with the chores in the morning so I can train. It will all work out. I just know if I stay positive, patient, and smart, my mind and body will adapt to the new demands on my time. I may, however, be forced to give up some of my facebook time!!! ;-)
Time......again I marvel at it's impact and how it plays such an important role in my life. As of this writing, it has been 9 days since we had to put our old cat Jack to sleep. He was 17 years old. He had been on this farm since we purchased it in 1993. He was a barn cat, but he made his way into the house over the past 3 years due to his failing health. He was the best....he was so loving and affectionate, LOVED going for car rides, and going to the vet!!! He was a tough old guy, living for 3 years with kidney failure. He loved fully and unconditionally. He hung on tenaciously to life in the days leading up to that unbearable moment, when I was forced to make a decision I did not want to make. How many times have I gone through this in my life? Far to many times, and it never hurts any less. So Jack, your job right now is to let all those who have gone before you know that each one continues to have a special place in my heart, and the memories and the love will live on forever. Say hello for me to Morris, Spike, Duchess, Dutch, Kootsie, Cashew, Brandy, Thunder, Jasmine, Slim, Leggs, my sweet Brodie, and yes, even Shotsie the long lived parakeet! Jack, as I stare out the window at your grave, the hurt I feel is so fresh and that familiar feeling of emptiness surrounds me. But I know from experience that the sadness will fade...with time...but the love never will.
Enjoy this day.