Goodness, as I logged onto my Blog today, I couldn't believe how long it has been since I've written a post! It's been an eventful spring and summer in our family.
In March, I met a cousin that none of us knew we had. She's the daughter of my uncle who died over 30 years ago. At the time of his death, he was divorced from the mother of his son - the cousin we knew about. She knew about her half-brother and that he had a larger family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Imagine our surprise when she found him via a Facebook search. Since then, we had our annual family Reunion in May - and she came with her husband and daughter. Absolutely one of the most wonderful things that has happened in our family in a very, very long time. What a blessing! And we are all so thankful that God brought her home to us.
In April, my husband and I went to visit our daughter in prison for the last time. She transferred to a halfway house back in our home state in June. She has a new job working at the front desk of a motel, but she's making herself useful there in many ways. Over the weekend, one of the toilets was broken beyond what a plunger would fix and the maintenance guys weren't quite sure how repair it. Mandy told the owner she could fix it and gave him a list of supplies she would need to do so. He had her call me to confirm that she had worked on a plumbing crew and really did know what she was doing. Armed with the supplies and a bit of elbow grease, she had the toilet running again in no time.
Mandy was originally interviewed for a housekeeping/laundry position at the motel. But the owner realized she had the ability to do much more. She's already reorganized the office by creating much-needed spreadsheets. Now, she's pinch-hitting with the plumbing. Her confidence is growing in leaps and bounds and I know my little eaglet is getting ready to fly on her own.
Next month, she will move into the motel in one of the efficiency apartment suites. This is her "fresh start". No one, other than the owner who hired her, knows of her past so there is no old reputation to live down. She's hundreds of miles away from old influences and determined not to seek those types in her new city. I'm so proud of her and the changes she has made in her life. And I'm confident that she's really going to soar now. I can't wait to see all the ways God will use her in the future.
In June, Hal and I went to visit our son, daughter-in-love, and three grandchildren in San Antonio. What a wonderful week that was! We got to watch the girls compete in 2 swim meets - the second one was their Division Finals Meet which was held at a local university's natatorium. Their team came in first place - so there was much celebrating! Our grandson had already finished his baseball season, so we didn't get to see him play this year. But, we had such a great visit with them. And we came home with a new car - an extremely fuel-efficient hybrid.
So far this month, I've made two trips. Hal and I went to visit Mandy in her new city. Because of halfway house rules - and her work schedule - we didn't get to spend a great deal of time with her over the weekend. But it was indeed quality time. Then I went to Houston to help my sister house hunt. She and her husband will be retiring in a couple of years and they wanted to go ahead and buy their retirement home. If I'm remembering correctly, we saw over 40 houses in 4 days. I laughed and told everyone that we were doing an entire season's worth of "House Hunters", the HGTV show. That was quite an experience!
Compared to Hal's and my cozy little cottage, these homes were mini-mansions. Most of them were very lovely, but there were a few quirky ones. There was one home in particular that belonged to a rather "artsy" couple. The home was filled with original art and sculpture. From the front of the home, you'd never guess at the whimsy contained within those walls.
As you stepped into the foyer, your eye was immediately drawn to the white marble floors and gently curved floating stairway to the second floor. What was unexpected was the gigantic neon cow on the foyer wall. It just didn't seem to be in character with the formal look of the marble. As we wandered through the rooms, we found all manner of other whimsical things in unexpected places. But there's one group of sculptures that still sets off the giggles in me.
From the foyer, the marble continued down a couple of steps into a beautifully appointed formal living room - white upholstered couch and chairs sitting upon a white rug. The fireplace was faced with the same polished white marble. There were huge floor to ceiling windows which looked out upon a large swimming pool. On the opposite side of the pool, between Grecian columns, there was a little bistro table with 2 chairs. So far, that's all "normal." However, sitting in the chairs were "The Blues Brothers" - full-sized, full-color statues of Dan Akroyd and John Belushi in characteristic costume. From the living room, it felt like they were staring at you all the time. That's one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life. (And a little creepy too.) My niece, an artist herself, wanted to know if the Blues Brothers stayed - 'cause she really liked them.
We didn't get to meet the couple who were selling the home, but I would have loved to have spent a few minutes with them. They must have a really interesting background - and probably are a hoot to be around. We did learn from the photos on the walls that their son is a Pulitzer Prize winner in the field of photography. And I can't help but wonder whether he's as quirky as his parents. My Sis elected not to purchase that home, so I guess we'll never know the story behind "The Rothchild".
They did eventually find "The One" and are currently waiting to "close" on the house next week. All-in-all, my visit there was quite special. My Sis lives overseas, so we only see one another when she and her husband are home for re-pat each year. It'll be wonderful to have her stateside all the time.
Now my summer is already at a close - work starts officially tomorrow morning. No more traveling for a while. I hope that wherever you are today, you are surrounded by family and friends.
I'll try not to stay away for so long again. <>< Marsha
