It sure feels like it’s been a while since we’ve done anything worth sharing on a weekend but the times they are a-changing!
On Saturday, Dale mowed the lawn for the first time since he was struck by a car last year. Today is actually the one year anniversary of that life altering day. To make it special, our Police Chief sent a Sergeant ’round to set up some cones to keep Dale safe. We all had a good laugh about it and it definitely helped lighten the mood. I really do love small town life and the support that comes with it.
Also on Saturday, I bought us a Solo Stove for the deck. It’s the perfect thing for when Dale and I want to have a fire as the big fire pit in the yard feels like too much effort when it’s just us. This lights up easily and the wood burns quickly and we enjoyed cocktail hour thanks to the warmth it radiated.
Sunday was Mother’s Day, not a favorite day of mine due to the complicated relationship I had with my own mom. But, you know, I think it’s time to let that go. She’s been gone for 23 years, after all, and I need to realize that Mother’s Day can absolutely be about me being a mom and the love my kids have for me. Hannah came over in the afternoon and set up a lovely charcuterie board and she also got me that awesome insulated Orca chasertini, which will be perfect for keeping my martinis icy cold all summer. Jess came by with Jackie and Eryk and we had a nice visit on the deck.
And that was my weekend. It’s almost time for the next one!
Mother’s Day is complicated for anyone that doesn’t fit the cookie cutter perfect family. Maybe it is time to focus on how much joy you get from being a mom and nana. I bet all those people think you’re pretty darn important to them, regardless of how perfect you may or may not be.
Oh boy… I agree about Mother’s Day (and saying “let go” is easier than doing, sigh) But I agree…I have gotten to the point where I celebrate that I am a mother and that I have kids that make me so proud to be a mom! (and honestly… why is Nana’s Day not a thing??)
It sounds like a perfect weekend all around, Carole. I just love the cones-and-cop protection for Dale! I’m sure the “lightness” of that gesture made the whole situation feel a little more manageable for you and Dale. XO
I love your police department and that someone recognized that the simple thing that the rest of us take for granted would be fraught with feelings when Dale mowed. Hooray for some letting go and the return of snacks and drinks on the deck!
Gotta love Small Town, USA. That is great. I’m glad you got to visit with your family and that indeed it was just about you. xo
Same with my mother who is still around. Narcissism is alive and well with that one. Complicated relationship makes Mother’s Day hard. Focusing on the mother I am helps. And realizing I am the mother I am IN SPITE of her.
My sister is planning to get a SOLO for her back yard. I’m happy to hear the endorsement.
Hurray for small towns (moving to one when our mountain home is finished) and people who love you and lift you up!
I love that Dale was kept so safe!! That was a highlight of my weekend.
I’ve been seeing (ads for) those Solo stoves… tempting!
And I’ve never heard of an Orca Chasertini! Cheers!!
Dale is looking happy and healthy! Better to mow than to be mown down; thank you, sergeant! That is so sweet.
I want a Solo Stove, even though I’d probably use it as often as my 5 year old fire pit…once so far!
I love the gesture of protecting Dale! How lovely to be remembered and shown that you are valued! Yep, Mother’s Day is very complicated for a lot of us. My mother has been gone for 45 years (she died young), and I have let go of all that angst, anger, and loss by believing that she did the best she could at the time. I certainly would not have wanted to be in her shoes. Glad you had such a good day. You deserve it!
You said it, Carole–things like the cops + cones, definitely one of the many(!) beauties of small town life. Glad you guys got through the milestone with loving support.
That’s SO bizarre! I have had this very same stove pinned since the pandemic for our yard, I just need to build a dedicated area in our yard instead of just grass. Some sort of a patio.
I’m sure it was not easy for you to see Dale on his lawnmower, but kudos to your community for making it a wee bit easier!
WooHoo for that one year mark! and I’m realizing it really doesn’t take much to make life seem “normal in a good way” again … and the timing of this Mother’s Day was perfect. (also, love that little fire thing on your deck!)