A Different Life II

[Lily&Me]

Got settled in to my room late last evening...not the same Silversmith, honey, it's been remodeled since we were here last...and slept like the dead. I like.

Between the noisy upstairs neighbor, who plays loud music and moves furniture...or something ...at all hours of the night, sirens of the city, and the cat tearing furiously into her scratching pole just a few feet from my slumbering head whenever it suits her, I didn't sleep well in the Big City.

I did have a very nice visit with dear daughter and sweet SIL, got to see their new digs, and share in the excitement of their first home.

Nice now to be in a comfy bed, in a quiet room, in a beloved place from the past.

Going to get out and tromp around today...tho I don't feel joyous, I am here and going to go.

Between the sudden death of Doug's youngest boy, and the terrorist tragedy in Berlin, just too much going on to feel bright and cheerful.

I've debated posting more on what happened to #2 son, but am going to share that he apparently was still breathing when found about 8am Sunday morning, but severely hypothermic and dying in the Emergency Room before his sister was located and could get there.

Found laying beside his car, which had gone off the road and down an embankment, apparently he slipped on the ice and fell getting out. Unknown how long he had been there, and why he didn't get up, but an autopsy will be performed.

They are all reeling in Iowa...my kids and grands knew him, but those on Doug's side knew him, and loved him dearly.

A lot for children to digest, and these kinds of losses shake their safe and secure life foundation...if this can happen to him, it could happen to my mom, dad, brother, sister. Hard for all, but especially for children.

Life...we don't always get to choose what we learn, and when.


Maggie

[Rocinante]

So sorry for this terrible loss. Wishing you and your extended family peace and better days ahead.

[Lily&Me]

Thank you, Bill.

I'm not much for selfies , but thought I would show off city-me...resplendent in makeup, a scarf accessory, and the earrings Doug gave me for our 15th wedding anniversary.

Post-retirement, we upped our game a bit only for special dinners out, and trips overseas or into Chicago.

I would pull these earrings out for such events, and he loved it.

In memory of us, and our life together, today I set off on another first...near three years out, my first solo holiday sojourn into one of our favorite cities.

I will retrace steps, take myself out for a nice lunch, undoubtedly pick up a few things ...and, it will be okay.


Maggie

[Al and Missy]

Maggie,
So sorry to hear about Doug's son. Our prayers and condolences for the entire family. Your continuing pathway through Doug's loss will help them as they go through this difficult time.

Al

[Air Cruiser]

Maggie, my prayers and condolences go out to you and Doug's family -- such a horrific thing to have happened.

I guess we just never really know when we head out the door for any errand, what may occur and our life, as well as those of our loved ones, will forever be changed.

Loved your selfie! Hope you have a great time out in the fave city!

Deb

[Lily&Me]

Thanks, all.

We don't know, which is why being open and honest in sharing your love for others is so important. You may not get another time, another chance.

It is a beautiful day for walking in the city. Air is cold and crisp, and the sun shining.

I am singing along to the Christmas carols, it is poignant, but I am not crying.

M

[ColoradoLady]

Maggie, I am glad for you that you have the opportunity to travel and go to locations that are /were important to you and Doug. The loss of Doug's son at this time is so sad. My heart aches as I think of how his last time on earth ended for him! Ice on roadways takes many. Once your vehicle begins to slide....not much one can do..... God bless.

[Lily&Me]

I feel sure Doug was there with him, that he was not alone...small comfort that may be to his family...but believing the spirits of loved ones gone care for us here on earth is comforting to me, and I hope for them as well.

On the train headed for home, making some changes to the plans with the kids next week, as there will be a service for Doug's son in Burlington on Tuesday evening.

Have made a reservation at a hotel there, Doug's daughter will get us all to the service and back, as driving in the dark is not my cup of tea these days, and we will all be there for Alice and her parents.

It is a sad fact of life that we help each other thru difficult times of all magnitudes.


Maggie

[79nTOW]

Maggie,

My prayers and sympathy for the family...take care and be safe.


Predeta

[Lily&Me]

Thank you.

I'm home.

Train was well over an hour late, due to weather conditions elsewhere, apparently.

Lily was very glad to see her mama.


Maggie

[DMP54]

Prayers for you and your family during this time, Maggie. I know you are strength for all.
Pam

[Lily&Me]

Thank you.

One thing about experiencing a sudden and traumatic loss, as we did when Doug died, you develop a skill set, frame of reference, and perspective on life that you didn't before have.

We unfortunately have that, now, which gives us mental footprints to follow when the next one comes...


Maggie

[mimiandrews]

Great picture! Thanks for posting your "city self."

[Lily&Me]

Hi Mimi.

It's been a good trip, but I have missed my coffee-and-fire mornings.

Woodstove and hearth were colder than a well-diggers ass, as Doug would say.

One warms up cold woodstoves slowly, but we're getting there.


Maggie

[DIR1]

Good morning Maggie...glad your home safe and hopefully warm by now.... enjoy your coffee and wood stove... perfect start to the day..hugs and love to you both...

[Lily&Me]

Hi Miss Gail.

Things are warming up nicely, thank you.


Maggie

[ColoradoLady]

Glad you're home safely! Enjoy your warm wood stove and snuggle in with Lily....give her a hug for Mikki!

Prayers for you and Doug's family. It is so hard to face such pain at this time of year. God bless.

[skitique]

Hi Maggie,
So very sorry to hear about Doug's son. Things can change so quickly & it seems we never have enough time.

I liked your selfie! .

Scott, the 2 dogs , 4 cats, & I are at the lake house in Greenville for Christmas! Nice to be back in the house after 8 years & to see friends. Thought it would feel like home & while it is good home is still wherever we are together which is Charleston for now. And yes driving 4 hours with the cats wasn't bad! Now I know they can go on trips with the AS if necessary.

Merry Christmas!
Jane

[Lily&Me]

Thanks, all.

Hi Jane!

Glad you made it to your beloved lake house, and can enjoy some time there.

I hear that cats can and do travel, tho you don't see many at campgrounds there is the occasional one out on a leash.

Spent yesterday setting things to rights after being gone a week, but am not quite there yet as I was just tired, so had a soak in the tub and crawled under the covers early.

There are few things not improved by immersing oneself in hot and lovely scented water.

Get my rental car this morning for the next week, have a few errands to run, gifts to wrap for the grands and need to think about a batch of gingerbread cookies to take with us next week...they will be looking for them.

Crate and Barrel in Chicago had all their holiday ornaments on sale, so my ornament for the kids this year is a fabric gingerbread boy...one day, I'll be gone, and they will look at it and say my Grandma always made us gingerbread cookies at Christmas.

A fact of life... we all go, and in the memories of others our best selves live on.


Happy Holidays Everyone!

[Lily&Me]

I came across this recipe some time ago, am going to throw it together today and give it a try.

Epsom salts are supposed to have many health benefits, and I like the addition of a moisturizer via the coconut or oil....

Homemade Bath Salts

(about 1½ cups)

1 cup Epsom salt

½ cup sea salt

1 T baking soda

1 T oil of choice (coconut, light olive, almond, avocado, walnut, etc)

5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil

optional: dried herbs or flowers, zest from oranges, lemons or limes

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well, and pour into desired container.

3-4 Tablespoons into a hot bath, and enjoy