Surprise!
Wednesday, 26 August 2020
This hardly ever happens to me, that I don't have a blog post ready to publish, but it's happening now.
However, I do have a good reason. Yesterday morning, my son's wife came to visit. We had planned it for an hour starting at about 10AM. I had some cheese and crackers and fruit ready for us and coffee, but Kathy brought her own – coffee, that is.
And then we talked. And we talked. And we talked some more. We forgot about food or anything and together, I think we solved all the problems of the world. Well, that's an exaggeration but we covered most of the important ones.
And we did not finish until 4:30PM.
I'm telling you this because of my predicament. I don't want a blank page to give anyone reason to think something happened to me. I'm fine, more than fine after a great day with a lovely friend I don't see often.
Maybe I'll post something tomorrow, Thursday, which is usually a day off. Or not. Meanwhile, if you are so inspired, you are welcome to talk among yourselves in the comment section below.
Those long in-depth talks are a balm for the soul. My wife and I solve the problems of the world about once or twice a week ... but there are plenty of problems to go around.
Posted by: Tom at Sightings | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 06:34 AM
It made me smile to read about your lovely day spent with a friend! Thank you!
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 06:40 AM
How wonderful for you and for Kathy. Thanks for sharing with us
Posted by: Cop Car | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 06:49 AM
What a lovely reason for not posting - you are forgiven. And kudos to your daughter-in-law!!
Posted by: Judy Carrino | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:43 AM
A marvelous reminder that joy in the moment is always possible -- and thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Rayna Aylward | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:43 AM
A great reason not to write an article! Sounds like a great day.
Posted by: Janet Spiegel | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:47 AM
I am thrilled to hear of your wonderful experience yesterday.
Thank you for all the years of joy and knowledge you have shared.
Posted by: Melissa Ann Judy | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:47 AM
Glad to hear that you had a wonderful day with Kathy, your daughter in law, engaged with fixing what is wrong with our world....I will just mention that my on-line purchase of last week may be the weirdest one any of my fellow commenters have heard of.
After a baby raccoon entered the garage through the cat door at 9 pm and subsequent ker-fluffle...husband having to chase it across
the workbench where it was pawing at the window to get out, and me having to clean up the mess it left in the water bowl, washing up the area and calming down the cat. I spied the mama raccoon with another baby, a twin ! outside on the patio by the garage.
She quickly left just as baby inside was able to exit.
A telephone call to Animal control only educated me that they do not trap but suggested I should purchase coyote urine and spray it around the avocado tree because that is why they visit our urban city back yard.... So I did - I ordered it on-line and it was supposed to be here already but - who knows when the store will notify me to come in and pick it up.
Posted by: Joan M. | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:50 AM
Maybe my favorite of all your posts! I'm so glad you had a lovely day. Nothing better than good conversation with a friend.
Posted by: Patty-in-New-York | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:53 AM
Best post imaginable! Thank you for the SAS (safe and sound) info and for the knowledge that you had a lovely long day. Best gift ever!
Posted by: laura | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:53 AM
To Joan... I tried the coyote urine, I darn near past out from the stench. It didn’t work to keep the raccoons away but I sure stayed away from it. Good luck.
Posted by: Gail | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:01 AM
What an unexpected treat, to have so long talking with a friend.
Posted by: Mary Jean Hartel | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:03 AM
What a wonderful way to spend a day!
In the late 60’s, we never imagined you would
have a day with your son. What good fortune!
I am so happy for you! Xxoo Mary
Posted by: Mary Klein | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:03 AM
Your visit with Kathy gave me a "lift of spirit" also, Ronni. Thank you for sharing it here. I feel cheer, happiness, goodwill spreads like the ripples from even a small pebble tossed into a pond beyond our sight.
I have found even though I might be planning a needed nap and get a visit from my son or a neighbor, the fatigue fades. It is rejuvenating to me.
I love feeding the feathered and furred in my backyard, yet while they are great listeners, they aren't great at conversation. Our kindest words...to and from...are the best medicine and a balm for me at this age and living alone. Your Kathy added a plus to my day too! I hope she reads TGB today.
Posted by: Charlene | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:07 AM
Hi everyone, especially Ronni,
This is a great post from Ronni, on this day of my return to TGB. There's a good deal of catch-up in the coming weeks. And beginning with this upbeat writing today, I'll take in the feelings she conveyed effortlessly and freely following a classic, loving day.
I swear, Ronni, you are without equal, you amazing and giving woman.
Posted by: Simone | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:09 AM
Chocolate covered strawberries and champagne for lunch. Atta girl.
Posted by: John Brandt | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:16 AM
Oh I'm so glad for you! My heart's all tingly-happy.
Posted by: Salinda Dahl | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:30 AM
I agree with John!
I also loved reading your post this morning and also I got a smile on my face while reading it.
😊
Posted by: Marilyn J Bunte | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:39 AM
FANTASTIC day for you both. :-)
Posted by: Elle | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:43 AM
I'm all tingly happy for you as well. Thanks, Salinda, for just the right words! May such conversations be the balm of your life in the coming weeks, Ronni. Blessings.
Posted by: Adele Frances | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:45 AM
Lovely post, Ronni🤗
Posted by: Faith | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:48 AM
Oh this gladdened my heart to read such joy and connection with your wonderful daughter in law. It's so rare to get the soul-speak. I treasure it any time it happens for me.
XO
WWW
Posted by: Wisewebwoman | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:52 AM
So very happy that you had this wonderful day!
Posted by: Marcie | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:59 AM
Love the other comments, I too will add that how lovely it is to talk with family, and have a sit down and share in these days of Covid19 and worries. Maybe you will share some of the conversation tomorrow, or have Kathy write some of her take, solving the problems of the world... fantastic... (yesterday at a book club, that I can now share again, with friends in Miami, we reviewed The Immortalists, by Chloe Benjamin, about kids who are told the date they will die. I shared your name and Blog info Ronni, and thoughts on being able to get meds, most of us are in Florida, where we have noEnd of life, legislation, ) so glad you are sharing with us.
Posted by: Martha K. Backer | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 08:59 AM
It turns out that you had a post, after all! What a marvelous post! Thanks for sharing your day with us.
Posted by: Tia | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:01 AM
Yes! Lovely and so cherished those kinds of visits are! I wish I could do a big heart emoticon here. This is the best I can do: <3 <3 <3
Posted by: carol | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:13 AM
The joy for you of yesterday spilled over on us all! Thanks, Ronni.
Posted by: TheaT | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:14 AM
I would have brought a cat (or two) along....
Posted by: Tony Sarmiento | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:23 AM
Thanks for the joyful post. My favorite treasures are those days I got/get one on one converstion with family. Such a great treat.
Posted by: Celia Andrews | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:23 AM
Ronni,
Once again you have generously shared your life and made so many of us happy with you.. I am just about glowing to hear of your lovely day—By the way, thanks so much for solving the world's problems. U had been a tad worried. Now I can relax.
Posted by: Fritzy | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:30 AM
I really envy you that conversation. And I've been wondering what's happening with your son; if you've mentioned him lately, I've missed it. I'm glad for your good day.
Posted by: Mary Jamison | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:30 AM
Oh lovely, Ronni!
Every week both my daughter in Texas and my sister in the UK (Isle of Wight) telephone me--or visa versa. We talk until are tongues are stuck to the tops of our mouths or one of us needs to pee!
If politicians could only listen to us the world would have no problems...and there would be no problems in our gardens either.
Thank you for sharing this lovely day instead of hugging it closely to your heart.
Posted by: Erika W. | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:30 AM
What a great post! I was almost there with you, your telling made it so real.
Picking up again on raccoons, there used to be a large raccoon in the neighborhood. and for weeks it ate my cat's dinner on our porch floor where Fancy Feast cat food was served. The cat, Carlotta, still a large kitten, was marked with a mask sort of like a raccoon, and she had thick fur with dark tabby stripes and and a big bushy tale. I believe Carlotta believed the racoon was a cat and vice-versa.
Every night the cat would quietly watch the raccoon eat her dinner from the side, in awe at seeing such a large cat, it seemed.
Thanks, Ronni, for sharing such a lovely day!
Best love and gentle hugs,
Page, formerly Tucson, now Santa Rosa, CA
Posted by: page day | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:49 AM
Ronni, you just made my day by sharing yours. My day will be better because of you and your daughter-in-law.
Much love to you, my friend for so many years, even though we’ve never met.
Posted by: Joyce | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:57 AM
What a perfect post. It was a delight to see into your meaningful connection..............
Posted by: Kyoko | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 09:59 AM
Yes indeedy! You’ve posted something quite delightful!
Posted by: Janet Lewis | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 10:07 AM
I love surprises! Happy ones, that is. Thank you for sharing your day! I’ve loved reading the responses...such an articulate group.
Posted by: Susie | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 10:08 AM
Thank you for thinking about the anxiety we may have experienced if we had seen no post today. This was a great one though!
Thank you for letting us share, vicariously, your visit with your daughter-in-law. Days like that can be rare oases in this time of isolation and worry, and I hope it brought you some comfort, lightness and peace that stays with you for a good long time.
Posted by: Cathy J. | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 10:16 AM
I am so glad you had such a delightful day! This is a perfect post! We don't need more than to know that you had this wonderful connection!
Posted by: Ali | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 10:48 AM
I thoroughly understand how uplifting it can be to spend time with family! Happy memories of family gatherings stay with me for a long time.
On the topic of wildlife unexpected and not welcome visitors, my sister and I (we live together in our retirement) have experienced the presence of a bat in our house! We finally managed to encourage it enough to get it to leave through an open door and are now trying to discover where it got in and how we can prevent this from happening again.
Posted by: Rebecca Ann Magalhaes | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:04 AM
A special visit with a special person is a great perk!
Posted by: kate R | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:04 AM
I am very happy with that post. Your posts impressed me a few days ago,as I am French and in France we rarely speak about death, we consider ouselves as immortals !!!
Posted by: artaud chantal | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:16 AM
Ronni and Kathy,
3 cheers friendship.
You two had a perfect day.
Posted by: Redstone Gail | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:18 AM
A serendipitous day for you & your son's wife. Wonderful. I am so happy you had such a lovely day.
Posted by: Shirley Thompson | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 12:01 PM
Found this song on a site I enjoy called End of Life Navigation.
It is by an American country group the Avett Brothers called “No Hard Feelings”. Hope all of you enjoy it.
Posted by: Janis Bisback | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 12:04 PM
Sounds like a great excuse! Happy to hear it.
Posted by: Norma | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 12:10 PM
Thrilled to hear of your visit. That makes for the perfect blog post. ###
Posted by: dkzody | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 01:25 PM
Sounds like a great day, and thanks for letting us know.
Posted by: Elizabeth Rogers | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 03:47 PM
Nothing like a personal visit amidst all the ZOOM meetings.
Posted by: Uma | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 07:12 PM
Sounds like a day well spent!
Posted by: Regina B. | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:17 PM
I'm so happy you and your friend were "able to solve all of the world's problems!" I have a few friends with whom "the world's problems have been solved" on occasion! Love both the expression and that you and your friend had such a wonderful visit.
Posted by: Susan Baxter | Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 11:49 PM
Good for you and your day off. What a joy that you can spend such quality time with your daughter-in-law. Not many can do that. And you so deserve time off to solve the problems of the world.
Posted by: Granny Annie | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 05:38 AM
Yesterday I was working on the rocky shore in front of our cabin when a canoe trip stopped for a rest. Seven paddlers and a dog in four canoes. It turned out they were from the town where I went to high school. I got caught up a bit on 65 years of history. They were not born when I left and I haven’t been back much. Not six and a half hours like you,Ronni, but a memorable conversation nonetheless.
Posted by: Geordie | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 07:25 AM
Good to know you had a great day! Hugs
Posted by: Claude | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 08:12 AM
Hi Ronnie and all-
I missed a few days and took today to catch up. Enjoyed the Saturday posts and had a great time listening to Peter's music selections on Sunday. Got a little exercise waving my arms around directing. Now your post on your terrific day. All in all, a right pleasant time amid the ugh! Dump convention.
Posted by: Estelle D | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 10:49 AM
Oh my gosh, this post made my heart sing so I can only imagine how happy YOUR heart must be! There is nothing better than a visit like this. It's good for the soul.
Posted by: Mindy | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 12:28 PM
Yay!
Posted by: Terry | Thursday, 27 August 2020 at 07:33 PM
How wonderful that your daughter-in-law = friend!!
The normal equation between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is that of hostility or indifference.
Your happy posting made this reader's day - thank you!
Posted by: Mary Smythe | Friday, 28 August 2020 at 02:14 AM
My best lesson about getting older was when I realised I could pretty much do what the hell I wanted. There's no one giving me deadlines, nothing to get ready by a certain time (unless its making sure I get to the hospital in good time!) So this afternoon I was tired and had a sleep.
There are things I still enjoy doing. I write but have no illusions anything will ever get published. I make art in various forms - if it sells it sells, if not I won't be around to see it go on the bonfire.
Posted by: Ian | Friday, 28 August 2020 at 10:09 AM
I should have added a quote that seems to govern my life these days from Marcus Aurelius -
You may break your heart but things go on the same.
Posted by: Ian | Friday, 28 August 2020 at 10:11 AM
What a wonderful friend to have.
Posted by: MageB | Friday, 28 August 2020 at 02:38 PM