Can't Help But

The past few days my mind keeps going back to a year ago. I guess most people who have lost someone go through this process. It is so painful. The 4th is this weekend, and I know what I was doing a year ago yesterday and tomorrow.

I headed down to Pensacola a week ahead of the holiday weekend. I remember my dad and I talking on the phone, and he told me that I needed to take an extended break and come down early and visit. So I did. On that Monday, Sally and I loaded up the boys and headed over to my dad and Shellye's place and spent a couple of hours at the pool. They had the prime table reserved in the corner and had picked up a platter of appetizers at a nearby restaurant. Stuffed jalapenos, tuna fish sandwiches...and beer. I can feel myself sitting there in that chair that day and talking to him. And us being in the pool and him laughing at the little floats we had the boys rigged up in.

Then the next Wednesday, he came over alone. He picked up sandwiches at New York Deli, and gave Solon his first pickle. I see the photo of him pinching Solon's cheek and it hurts so much. I really am trying to just think about how nice it was to spend time with him, but I just want him to be there when we head down this weekend. I know he would already have called me 10 times this week...verifying what day he got all of us to himself. And then just sitting there watching the clock tick down until then. It is so hard to explain how sad I feel. I just miss him so so much.

Alternate Plan

We came back home from the park and running errands and fired up the sprinkler over at Ann's. We both spent time running through it and then kicked around some balls.

Making An Effort

It is so blasted hot here, but Solon and I are tired of being inside. So we went up to Chastain Park today and forced ourselves to have a picnic and play. We were the ONLY ones outside minus a few older kids who left within seconds of setting foot on the scorching playground equipment. Solon and I lasted about 45 minutes before we both called done and done.

I Could Just Lick Him

I love mayonnaise..and I found out yesterday that Solon does too. Just as much. I was making tuna fish salad for Jay's lunch, and Solon grabbed the spatula that was covered in Hellman's and went to town.

Front Porch Duties

We finally got the step ladder out and hung some of the hanging plants and cleaned the gutters. Then Solon wanted to water the plants...and you can see how well that went.

Co-Babysitting

Josef and Laura went to Jamaica for her brother's wedding, and Jo's mom, Arlene, offered to watch both their boys (Jackson & Jamison) while they were gone. Knowing Arlene might need a little bit of help, we went up to their new place in Marietta and all went swimming, fed the ducks and then checked out all the fun toys. Solon had a bit of a boy crush on Jamison. He went up to him while we were at the pool and just laid a big open-mouth kiss on him.

Jam It Up

Following Closely

Solon really got into this book. Following the story line and giving appropriate facial expressions.

Legs Propped Up

I caught Solon taking a liquid break from pushing his car.

Code White

That was the reason they gave us for the outdoor pool being closed when we all three showed up at the Y yesterday. Code white means a little kid lost his cookies while swimming, so the pool had to be cleaned. So instead we just jumped in the indoor pool. The water was a little cold, but we stayed in it for close to an hour.

Quickly

I was in the closet...hanging up clothes...and Solon was in our bedroom...and I heard him saying ..Pop, Pop, Pop. Over and over. I came into the room and found him holding a picture of my dad. He knew who he was. Without me prompting him. It made me smile.

Drinks In The Sky

Kevin and I walked all over town on Saturday and ended up at the Hotel Empire for an evening drink. Incredible view, well designed bar and very expensive Jack & Cokes.

My Girls Birthday

My G turned 31! In the Big City. She and Jason hit The Lion King. Nancy & Stephen hit Mary Poppins. And then they arrived at Kevin's roof deck. We drank champagne. Talked. And then headed to Kevin's favorite bar....Barracudas.

The Pad

It was great to see where Kevin lives. He has a great condo in Chelsea. Spends an absurd amount of money of course...$2000/month...but he had it done up reallll Nice. He has a Murphy bed and great furniture. And even a dishwasher and walk in closet.