Today so far

I got my grocery shopping for the next two weeks done. Spent more than I had planned but I had been out of a lot of essentials.

The boys and I went for a good 2 mile walk and did some garage/yard sale browsing (no buying). I was surprised that on our walk I only saw two houses (not including my own) who had a flag flying for the holiday. seemed wrong some how.

I have sorted through the bin of pennsic projects from last year and sorted the "cut out", "needs just a little bit to finish" and "big pieces of fabric" out.

I got two russian overdresses cut out. I don't know if I will make any more than that. though I do need to make at least one underdress.

I have to look at the pieces of fabric I do still have and figure out if I can make some tunics out of them for Jeci's son. They are all too small for adult tunics but should be good for 10 year old boy tunics. I just need to find my key hole neckline pattern. I also have a couple pieces to make a tunic or two for Jeci herself.

Next thing for tonight is to actually make some dinner. I bought a steak and corn on the cob to do on the grill. The corn was an interesting experience as there was a large man at the ear bin just putting ears of corn in a bag. But he stopped when he saw me actually opening the husks some and looking and putting ears back or in my bag depending. He asked what I was doing and I explained about checking for ripeness, freshness and all that. He sighed, and started pulling out the ears he had already picked and started checking. He grumbled that the wife didn't tell him to look at them, just get corn. I smiled and told him that by checking he's going to look good in her eyes and she won't be able to complain to him that he got bad stuff. He paused, grinned and thanked me for saving him from that possibility. I told him he was welcome and went about my business. My good deed for the day done.

A Prayer

Oh Great Divine, in whichever shape you chose and is best recognized, I come to you. During the night you called to you one who served as Husband and Father. I never met the man, but his son is a dear friend of mine.

The son, whom I have also never met in person, has been a dear friend for the majority of my life. I was in High School when I first met him. Through his letters and words, he helped me through college, through love and loss and always let me know that I had a friend. I can only assume that he learned the art of gentleness, compassion and the art of being human from those who raised him.

Mr. Thompson has finished his work here on earth and has come to your embrace. It is not for him that I ask for your gentle guidance.

Look upon his family, those he left behind, those whose life he touched - both through his actions and through those he brought into this world, and help them understand that the loss is only temporary. Help them through their grief. Help them know your love and that their loved one is at peace.

Guide us all and ease our sorrows.

For this I pray.

The Grass Child

4th of July = stupid people

There is a reason why fire works are illegal in NY people.

About 15 minutes ago two fire trucks raced down my street. On a neighboring street idiots had fireworks too close to something combustable and had a fire in their garage. It was all contained and the only loss was some toys and tools and now a nice visit from Mr. Amherst Policeman.

There are folks on another street shooting off fireworks so they fly over my home. I am not happy. The hose is already pulled out and ready to go should I need it.

Add to all this that the boys are not liking the constant explosions going on all around. While most of it is the legal fireworks display over at the University of Buffalo that we are hearing, but there is enough going of in the neighborhood to make them rather high-strung (and being Chihuahuas that is saying something)

I will be glad when morning comes.