Big day for Alan!
Campaigning outside the polling place. Brrr! At least it's sunny!
I should have taken this picture AFTER I voted! Silly me.
Make sure you get out and vote today if you’re in a Super Tuesday state!
Town politics
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“He lived a strong life”
Grandpa at his 90th birthday last September. He was surrounded by family and so happy.
Grandpa died this week, peacefully, with family by his side. He was at the hospital for an eye exam and he fell last week and hit his head. They zipped him over the ER where they were able to run some tests and monitor him. The bleeding continued and his very brave children made the very hard decisions to honor his wishes and allow him to die peacefully. They admitted him to the hospital where comfort measures were provided, and for one long weekend we took shifts at the hospital, holding his hand and remembering him fondly. Monday morning, February 22nd, he took his final breath.
It has been a whirlwind since then. Family arriving, many tears shed, logistics to sort out, a house full of memories to sort though, divide up, and decide how to handle. But through it all was the peaceful knowing that Grandpa was comfortable now, and back home with Grandma, whom he loved so dearly.
Grandma and Grandpa with me and Rosy. Christmas, 1981
Grandpa at work, many, many years ago.
I love this picture. Grandpa with Nana, Grandma, and me. Easter, 1981.
A card from Grandpa’s funeral service.
He was a strong man, a loyal husband, caring father, fun grandpa, and a silly Popcube. He was smart and kind. He lived a strong life. He was loved and will be missed.
Grandpa with a puzzle Eve had made for him for his 90th birthday. She drew him wearing his Scrabble sweatshirt, holding a model airplane. Grandpa loved it!
Sleeping
Daisy and Lex are sleeping with their feet intertwined. So sweet.
Vacation Monopoly
We just played a rousing game of Monopoly that ended when the banker and the realtor mutinied, holding houses and hotels hostage. For some reason they didn’t want me building hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place. 😄
Up next, make-our-own-rules Monopoly! Calvinball style. Yay for vacation!
Carpal tunnel surgery – right side
Yesterday I went in for carpal tunnel release surgery on the right side. It all went smoothly, as expected. I had sedation and local anesthesia and the whole process was about two hours, with the surgery itself less than 10 minutes. They run an efficient process at the outpatient surgery center!
Heading home. Don't worry, Alan is driving!
Mema and Grandpa Tom stayed with the kids. When I got home everyone worked together to make sure I followed doctor’s orders: Rest, ice, and elevate!
Ice and elevate
Bedtime was tricky. 😄 I’m not a back sleeper and it’s hard to get comfortable like this.
Ice and elevate, all night long!
I managed though and had a great night’s sleep! I woke with a full bladder and an achy hand, but at reasonable hour! And not burning pain!
I have this bulky wrap for 48hrs, then I can remove it and just put a bandaid over the incision site. They told me to expect some bruising and soreness on my hand, and the best way to minimize that is, you guessed it, rest, ice, and elevate!
The kids have vacation this week and the weather forecast today is awful, so we have big plans for games all morning then a movie in the afternoon when I’m all gamed out! Everyone has been super sweet and helpful.
Next month we repeat the whole process on the left side!
Valentine Express
We have this book called The Valentine Express that we’ve had for years and years. It’s a cute story of bunny siblings that learn about Valentine’s Day in school and decide to make Valentine’s Day gifts for all of their neighbors. We read the story every year and often get inspiration for cards.
The Valentine Express
Today, after a late night at hockey, Eve spent the afternoon in her room making Valentine’s Day treats. She decided to make treats for each neighbor and came down once to have me help her count houses.
Meanwhile her new dog enjoyed a a delicious popcorn snack. :)
She finally finished around 5:3pm and wanted to head right out and deliver them. For some reason she wants to put them in mailboxes, not knock on doors. We’ll see what the neighbors think of that. She signed them all “from Cupid,” but I thought it wiser to have her name on them. :)
Two Valentine “trees” and a very serious face.
A sampling of her creations.
Seeing as it was 5:30pm, dark, and 2° outside, I talked her into waiting until morning to deliver the goods. She agreed, reluctantly.
She then had a mini-meltdown when she realized how messy her room was, hid herself under the coffee table with a book, missed dinner, and went to be in tears. Sweet tired girl. Hopefully an early bedtime will help her make it through the day tomorrow. <3
Dartmouth Hockey
I worked at the PTO concessions fundraiser again this year and the kids got to take in another Dartmouth hockey game. It was a good game and D won 2-1 in OT! I was ready to go after we closed the booth partway through the 3rd period, but the kids wanted to stay until the end. Good thing too. It got exciting at the end!
Grandpa Tom was with us and picked the best seat, but the kids wanted to be front row so they hung out with a buddy right by the (plexi)glass!
Can you see them down there? They were chanting and cheering and probably bothering everyone around. :)
I wanted a good picture, but they gave me this. Look at that attitude!
I kept snapping until I got this. Those are the smiles I love. :)
Look who made front page of the sports section this morning!! (Look past those hockey players ;) )
Happy Valentine’s Day
Silly Saturday
I took the kids to karate today and then to the grocery store, both very crowded on Saturday mornings. We all got a little silly.
He chose to kick the board this time!
Teamwork!
Statue of Cheese
Reading with my girls
Daisy likes to join us when we read downstairs. She was behind my head for awhile, then here behind Eve’s, the after Lex joined us on the couch she curled up on my arm by the pillow. Never sleeping, just being with us. It’s very sweet.
