About Missing Migo

The truth is...I will miss my Little Migo terribly. I thought it would be easy to say goodbye to this little demon, but I look at the face, that face that begs kisses, and I know I am going to miss him. Thank goodness for webcams...Caitlin is hooked up from Grenada, so I will be able to see him, and her (I will definitely miss her) when I need a Migo fix (which will be everyday).

I know he will be safe, and I love knowing that Caitlin will come home to him after class. I know how I feel after a long day having those faces greet me at the door. Therefore, for her, I am glad he is going with her. Having a companion with her will make her life in Grenada more enjoyable. They are after all, family. And living with family is always good (unless it is not).

Caitlin has promised she will write about their antics while living there and those writings can be found in a blog called “A Golden in Grenada”. It will be fun, and fresh, (like Meegs) and filled with many wonderful stories. So if you like my blog, the chances are, you will loves hers too. In the mean time, I will keep you all informed of life here, without my little demon. Thankfully, there are three more cute faces left here to kiss.

Happy Birthday Lexy!

Officially a double digit midget...we always celebrate our pets birthdays. Why wouldn't we??

The birthday girl with her special Princess hat on.

Her birthday was celebrated in style with an ice cream cake for all. She got a few gifts that were immediately taken by Migo. Figures.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Had my dad lived, he would have been 76 years old today. I miss him terribly.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Old Lady and the Sea

Growing up at the Jersey Shore has allowed me to the opportunity to do some ocean fishing. I also grew up on a lake so we all had our fishing education at an early age, and our first poles were usually a stick, some fishing line, and another stick or piece of cork for the bobber. The art of digging for worms was something we all excelled at, and even finding night crawlers with tiny flashlights was something we all did with great proficiency.

Picture, if you will, four small kids lined up along the lake shore line with usually my dad or Uncle Ronnie right there instructing us on why we should not cast so close to each other and the trees, or ELSE. Picture again several lines all crossing into each other or hanging out of the trees that graced the lake. Thankfully, both our teachers had great patience.

My fishing at the ocean has always been from the beach or the jetty, although I have been able to catch fish no matter the place. I am not an avid fisherperson, but I have enjoyed it when I have been able to go. In addition, I am not the least bit squeamish about baiting my own hook, or scraping fish cuts off my hands. Yesterday, I had the chance to fish on a boat at sea.

My brother John has a boat, a big one, and Jim and I went to sea with him to spend some time fishing. I did catch one small fluke, but had to throw him back (fishing laws dictate size along the coast). Fish or no fish, I had an incredible time soaking up the sun, enjoying the smell of the salty air, and feeling the wet spray on my skin as we flew over waves and bounced along the current. We were also able to see a large pod of dolphins playing and feeding in the water and that added to the experience.

I hope to go again, although it might have to wait until next year as the rest of this summer is filled with landlubber activities, but I can always look forward to doing it again, and again. The open invitation is there.

It was R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G! And I love to relax, especially with family. Adding the sea only made the experience better.

Preparing for the "Empty Nest"

According to the dictionary, "empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives may feel when one or more of their children leave home, and while it is more common in women, it can happen to both sexes". I have already started counting the days until both kids are out of the house for the next school semester.

I have dealt with Caitlin leaving many times, and it never gets any easier, even knowing she will return. But I have never had to deal with Daniel leaving, and I am not sure I am even close to being ready for that, for so many reasons. So yesterday, in order to start the process, I went to Linens and things and bought him stuff he will need for his dorm room. It was fun browsing through the linens looking for things that would be acceptable to the male student, in a male dorm. And I might add, there's not a lot of choices. Girls definitely rate higher in the linen departments. But I digress.

I am excited for Daniel, but at the same time, I have already started to miss him. Thankfully he and I have always had a great relationship, despite the speed bumps along the way. His laugh makes me laugh. He is one of the many shining lights in my life. What is it about our boys that tugs at a mom's heart strings? He's pure joy.

I just hope he cleans his room before he goes. Or I will after he goes. Fun!! Who said "empty nest" is all bad??

Lexy Has Cait's Back....

My daughter Caitlin has always been convinced, through her heart, that her dog Lexy will live forever. Her veterinarian schooling has reinforced what her head already knew; that Lexy will not live forever. In her heart, yes, and now on her back as well.

Caitlin decided a long time ago that she would have Lexy tattooed on her back, so that she would be with her, literally, forever. So recently, she went to see a local tattoo artist to see his portrait work. She liked what she was, made an appointment, and this past Monday, the tattoo was made.

The exactness of Lexy is almost eerie. The tattoo not only captioned her well, but she has this knack of raising her left eyebrow at us, and the artist even captured that trait! The colors are gorgeous and he, painfully per Cait) was able to really define the colors of a Golden. I have included both the tattoo and a picture of Lexy for your review.

I am fond of tattoos, having one myself, but I am truly in awe that Caitlin now carries with her a lifetime companion, and not only in her heart.

The History of American Nursing: Part One

I love this class! Oh sure it is a ton of writing, and reading, and posting things to the online classroom, but I do really do like what I am learning! Who knew there was more to my professional nursing history than just Florence (my idol) Nightingale, Clara Barton, Dorthea Dix, and everyone’s favorite girl, Cherry Ames! The myths of history are being whacked at one by one. I had no idea that male nurses go way back, I mean way back! And male midwives existed before females midwives really got started!

My mentor is a lovely woman from Washington State and the only one who ever even bothered to encourage phone calls to her!! It’s nice placing a voice to a person to a name! (If you get my drift).

My class essay or research project (so to speak) will focus on how home births went to hospital births and what impact this change made on early American nursing school curriculums. I know, dry for some, but I am finding the preliminary stuff kind of neat to read about. So that’s where I am at, for now. In case you were dying to know. =)

Taking The Right Course in Life

I am very proud to announce that my son, Daniel, has been accepted to Johnson and Wales University, in their culinary program. He has been stuck in the culinary world at a point at which he feels he cannot progress unless he has the next leg of his academic journey completed. (Unless a world renowned chef calls him and asks him to come and work for him, but what are the chances of that happening?) So, he’s got the offer of acceptance, now we just have to hope they can help him with the funds. And hope that this is the right school at this time in his life. There are other schools, thankfully.

I think a lot of his motivation in attending this school is in part because his best friend Kelly attended there, and still attends there. And, despite how things have gone in their relationship, I do thank Kelly for encouraging him and motivating him. Sometimes, parents are not able to get this accomplished, no matter how we lay life out in front of our kids. So thanks Kelly. Whatever the motivating factor is, I hope he can attend a school that meets his needs, settles in, and then kicks butt in the academic program. I hope, I pray.

In the mean time, he is working. And hopefully making the right decisions about all aspects of his life. Mostly about his future in the culinary world.

The Joys of an Early Summer Evening

“When life hands us a beautiful bouquet we stare at it in cautious expectations of a bee.” ~ Dean Kootz

This is also true when I am out trimming my beautiful butterfly bush. As I work to cut away the dead blooms, so the newer ones can be show cased, I am forever dodging the bees. Lots of bees. However, on this particular evening, I found myself enjoying the visitor who came to suckle on my blooms. But even after a Google search, I am not so sure I know what the visitor is; bee or hummingbird bee? It was huge, and if you watch the video below, perhaps you can see why I believe it to be more than the average bee type.

The point here is though, that despite my hectic life, I found myself fascinated and literally glued to watching this thing for quite some time. It darted from bloom to bloom, sitting long enough to take in the sweet drink from each pretty flower. If it had time to enjoy the sweetness of an early summer evening, so did I. And I am glad I did.

Phantom of The Opera!!

Caitlin and I were lucky enough this last Wednesday to be invited by one of my workmates to see a Broadway play. The leading role, the Phantom, was being played by the son of one the obstetricians that used to work where I do, John Cudia. What an awesome play, what an awesome group of voices, and what a wonderful time we had! After the show, we were invited to go back stage where we spent time with John. What a cutie! And his voice. See for yourself, watch the youtube video I have added to this post.

We then headed to John’s Pizza Place across the street from the theater, where they “Do not serve slices” which was fine since I had no interest in pizza. Our meal was great! The day in the city is like all days in the city...fun, interesting, and memorable.

Happy 4th of July!

I am knee deep in school work (hip deep this am), so this is going to be a simple, and to the point posting. (see the title)

School Days...Vacation is Over

As many of you know, I have been working on my Masters in Nursing for a while, and as of tomorrow, I am back at it again. I took a break (well deserved), and then another break, and now I have to get back on the horse and get it done. While I am looking forward to obtaining this long sought out goal, I truly dread taking the classes to get there. My head wants to rest. It does not want to think about writing long papers and organizing references. I’m feeling old and tired, and really just want to spend time reading novels and not text books, but...

I’m grateful I have the support system I do at home. Jim is done with his Masters (YIPEEEE!!), but is a constant source of “Go Wendy Go!” for me. As are the kids. It helps knowing I have that support. It’s motivating (and at my age, some days, I need it).

So if it seems time lags between my blog posts, it’s no doubt because I am hard at work doing school requirements (The History of American Nursing) and will, when time allows, share what’s going on with me when I can. So keep checking back, and often!

My Life For Sale?

I recently read where an Australian citizen is selling his life through eBay. Is there anything you cannot sell on eBay? Apparently he has been jilted by his wife of 5 years (in a relationship with her for 12) and now he feels he has to give it all up as everything is a constant reminder of her and his life with her. (I would think a pill and some therapy might work, but what do I know?)

Anyway, it got me to thinking if I were to sell my life and all of its contents, what would I sell it for and who would even consider buying it? It does make you think. Of course, I have this problem of having 2 children, a husband, and four dogs, or could I simply throw them all in the mix? And where would I go once the final deal was made? I mean, I certainly have joked about selling them all and moving, but I still need a buyer. And I really should decide what I really want to take me when I go.

So IF I were to sell everything, I would imagine the list might look something like this:
First of all the buyer would have to live in New Jersey. Now that being said, I would have to summarize the good things about living in NJ. That alone might jeopardize the whole sale. I mean the taxes alone would be like selling a box of rocks.

Then there’s the house. It’s new and in great condition. No issues there, except that it is on a busy street and there’s the tiny issue of the house next door that is now housing old people, crazy old people. BUT we do have that new fence that keeps them OVER there. (Remember that blog?) And if the dogs are included, which they would be, the buyer would have to maintain the grass and all the shrubs in the back which is like having a nagging toothache constantly. Seriously.

As for the contents, those that I are mine; the list would be long enough to peak some interest in a potential buyer. First of all, there’s the whole content of my arts and crafts room. That might be fun for someone who likes to sew and glue and paste and color and scrapbook. I’ll even throw in the bazillion buckets and bins of material I have collected over the past 25 years. BUT the buyer would have to weed through a ton of stuff that might take up way too much of their life. I do have many collectables, none of which have any real value except the sentimental kind, which a buyer could eventually come to use for themselves. There’s some potential.

I have a BIG closet of clothes, all size 14, and all seasons covered. (I would have to take a few things, but the buyer and I could haggle that out, if need be). I am partial to my handbags, and I do own a few Coach bags, so that alone might be a place to think about a bid. The purchase would include my lap top and my iPod which is loaded with great tunes. I’m also throwing in my camera, and my cell phone (my friends are all in there and THREE important ICE (in case of emergency) contacts, so if the buyer is involved in an emergency, three competent people would be at their side to help them). I have a library full of incredible books. No one else here reads, so you are bidding on a huge amount of books! Quite honestly, this might be one of the highlights of the purchase. No kidding.

The job. Now if you are an L&D nurse, this might work out for you. I would imagine if your background is like mine, you might just slip into my job slot. (I haven’t yet asked the boss if she would be willing to replace the winner of my life with my job). It’s not a bad gig. Although there have been some cut backs (like everywhere), so this might not be an option for someone who is REALLy interested in working two days a week, 12 hour shifts, caring for screaming women.

Ok, now then the husband. He’s a great guy and makes a great salary, so you would not have to worry about financial security, although he might prefer someone who helps bring home a few dollars. I cannot list his bad habits, BUT if the buyer is serious enough, and makes a serious BID; I will fill them in ahead of time. (Hey, someone out there may not care about all the hair...) Sorry no take backs once you purchase my life.

Then there are the kids. Both are still doing the school (college) thing, so you might really think about that before placing that final bid. Good kids, but these day, kids = dollars. Even adult kids are struggling and need help now and then.

My siblings. Two GREAT sisters, so this is a bonus. I have two brothers and one has a boat! (I see fishing in your life if you are the winner). Family get -to - gethers are an added bonus. IF you are not a family person, please do not bid. I mean, that is IF you are looking for a Brady Bunch type family. If not, you might love this life of mine. Kooky family and all.

The mother. As the oldest, and as the one who knows all about medical stuff (so my siblings keep telling me, which really is a crock of bull since I only deal with women and their “v-jay-jays”) I am responsible for ensuring the medical health of my mom. So this means appts, appts, and more appts, and then educating her as to what to take and what not to take together. She is up there in age and can be demanding. (I might clean out the craft area if you bid knowing this fact).

The dogs. Might be the perfect lot for the “dog lover.” Imagine your life with FOUR BIG dogs! Wooo, hooo! Bid, bid, bid! This however would include taking one of them to the library four times a month as she works as a therapy dog. This non-negotiable. They are high maintenance dogs with all the hair, baths, pooping, etc. Remember BIG dogs eat big. (I bet I just scared off several bidders with that one).

My friends. I have a handful of incredibly wonderful freinds, and while I will share them I will not give them up. So you must be willing to share, and share nicely.

That's my life in a nutshell, cracked as it is. It seems the life for sale in Australia might be a better thing to bid on if you like all that excitement and travel. But if you are comfortable picking up after one man, two kids, and four BIG dogs, and hauling an old lady around every now and then, then perhaps my life might just be what you are looking for after all. Happy bidding!

Saving Gas = Having Fun

Like everyone else across the nation, and around the world, we are feeling the pains of higher gas prices. They stink (I could use a stronger adjective, but stink covers it as well). I no longer just “jump in the Jeep to run an errand”, but stratagize each errand and then each route in getting them done. We have no choice. Jim and I always car pool; that is he takes me to work when I work the longer shifts and then swings by and picks me back up after he is done at his job. This saves.

With the prices going higher and higher, it was now time to drag out Jim’s motorcycle and get it back on the road. So with a little bit of maintenance, and two brand new helmets purchased, he is now using it to run errands in town, and take both kids to work (they both work in town). It helps and the kids enjoy dad taking them to work on the back of his bike. I, too, enjoy the occasional ride into town to get a bag of groceries. If “going into town” was closer, we could hoof it, but...

Change is never easy, but this one comes with a little bit of fun. So the change has been easy to do and in the long run, helping to maintain the costs of getting around and getting things done. And we like that. Now if we could tackle the soaring food prices this easy.

Baby Robins and Gypsy Caterpillars

The park we love to walk is being destroyed. Well, the trees that grace it and provide us walking shade are literally dying before our eyes by the gypsy caterpillars. As we walk, we squish and kill all we can, but there are only so many we can get to and obliterate. I am glad that Jim was able to spray our trees, so perhaps they have a chance. It’s really been an ongoing struggle for many areas here in NJ, as it is in other states. It’s just in the last two years here that we are really seeing the trees die off and it is quite sad. The Pine Barrens, while predominantly pines, are also slowly dying as it was graced with many oaks. The next step is to lure the moths into traps, and Jim has strategically placed the traps around the yard, so we are doing what we can here to control the destruction. We hope.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Left to various interpretations, however I see ‘meek’ as helpless tiny things).

Now onto the baby birds. We have this silly Robin that insists each year on nesting in our arbor. Now while it is a great place to nest (the rain has little chance of getting to her nest, as do any other creatures, and the height is perfect), what concerns us is that on the day it is time to push the little ones out of the nest, she does so with a pack of Goldens hanging around. And this pack is smart and can hear the peeping going on in the yard. Last year we did not rescue the birds in time. =( this year we were one step ahead of the mother. We knew (how I did not know) that the day had come to teach them to fly. So we watched and as each little guy or gal fell down to the ground, we shooed them out past the fence and out of harm’s way. After all, they are ‘bird dogs’ and do not intend to hurt the birds, but the simple soft mouthing of them has not proved to be safe. Thankfully, the nest is empty, and the four little birds have moved out of the yard and on to safer ground.

“For the birds that cannot soar, God has provided low branches.”
~ Turkish Proverb

Summer and Tim Russert

Good grief, where does time go! Summer is here and we (I) have been busy out in the yard, and just sitting and relaxing on my deck (my favorite place on the planet, next to my bed). School is out around here, so the place is quiet and peaceful!

Jim and I spent time sodding (placing sod) the bare areas of the backyard. So far, they have taken and no one has dragged the live green carpets away (I speak of my four-legged yard maintenance crew), so I am happy. The results look great and we did NOT spend fortune (Thank You Home Depot) for the sod pieces. I also planted a few tiny evergreen-like trees in front of the shed, and so far no one objects to them. They are still there. (Yes, I again speak of the lawn maintenance crew). My yard is plush and green, thanks to all the rain and humid weather. So the view from my deck is enjoyable. (Truthfully, my deck would be enjoyable without a view).

I am sad this week because of the sudden death of Tim Russert. I, like many, truly found him a wonderful person, and have got to add that he had the ability to help me understand the intricate business of politics. “Meet the Press” was one of my favorite news shows, and if you know me, you know I am a news junkie, so my choice is important to where I get my news. In this riveting political year, he had the know-how in getting to the bottom of the issues with those who knew the issues. God bless you Tim! I will miss you terribly.


I have also been busy with my mom, helping her out (doctor’s appts) and then work has had me busy as well. I’m here, I’m good, as is the rest of my family...just involved in life and summer. Stay tuned for more from me....throughout the summer.

Online Friendships

"Constantly look for a new friend, a truly first-class person, one who has the courage to criticize, to demand your best self, a person who has different interests and different beliefs from yours, a friend for whom you can render a constructive service. Devote energy toward making such friends. Retain them, never let them go, and continue making new friends until you die." This quotation comes from William Terhune, a noted psychiatrist and founding professor of the psychiatric department at Yale University. (Bet you are wondering if Bill and I were friends?) This quote should be followed by all people.

I have many friends who meet the expectations of this quotation. I love them, and will cherish their friendships for as long as we live. I have friends from my childhood school days, college days, old jobs, my military days (ok, I wasn’t IN the military, but I did work and live among them), and from simply moving around the country because of Jim’s job. I have friends online and offline. Over the years I have gained many new friends, thank to the power of the internet.

There are those who debate the value of online friendships, believing them to be phony, or a waste of time. Someone who is not online on a regular basis, or at all, has a hard time understanding a friendship formed on the Internet. Ask a member of an online cancer support chat room about online friendships. Many would report they would be lost without their online friends who provide them with hours of support. Ask a nurse who is struggling through an online class how important an online nurse friendship might be (I have many good nurse friends from classes).

One of the friendships I treasure is my friend Michele who I met online years ago in a writer’s forum. We chatted about various things through the forum, and then eventually through emails, and until this day to have an incredible friendship. We met, we talked, and then I suddenly realized I had met someone who has the same sense of humor, the same values, and some of the same interests that I do (I know she feels the same about me)!

Michele is as real as my offline friends. Real friendship is about support, sharing, laughter, and loyalty. Michele is this and more. We have been friends for a long time. IF my memory is right it has been 8 years. She lives out west, not where cowboys live, but far from NJ! Her emails always seem to come at a time when I need to laugh. Her writing of her life’s adventures ALWAYS makes me chuckle, and not at her, but with her! She is truly a treasure of technology. Thanks Michele for being my friend.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Those who have read my blog are aware that I lost my dad years ago. With Father’s Day tomorrow, my thoughts are, of course, of my dad.

There are days that we celebrate simply because it helps the card and flower businesses thrive, and Father’s Day is no exception. I have long been a proponent that we should celebrate these days every day, and not simply one day a year. (Being a mom, it is my belief that every day is Mother’s Day). Life is short and we just never know when we won’t be around or those we love won’t be here to celebrate these special days.

I miss my dad. While I know these words are simple to express, they are heartfelt, and I know I speak for my siblings as well. I think we would all love one more hug, see one more of his smiles, and even hear one more of his grouchy outbursts. I’d even love to taste one more dish of his spaghetti. (His sauce was outstanding).

I miss my dad for so many reasons. I often think of him and say to myself, “he would like that show... he might like this dish I made... he would love to have seen his grandchildren do this or that...and he would love to sit on my deck and enjoy life”. My dad lived a hard live as a kid. In fact, he was an abused kid and how he survived still makes me wonder today, but he did. He served in our Navy, married, and worked as a policeman, a postman, a florist, a butcher (deli), and various other odd jobs, to keep busy and to keep five kids fed and clothed. To some he might not have been the “model” father, and it has only been in my adult life that I have come to understand the man he had grown to become. He did his best. He loved us all in his own way, and being able to love did not come easy to him. I know that now, as do my siblings.

So this Father’s Day, like many to come, I will celebrate my dad through my own memories of him. I loved my dad and I miss him terribly.

When Someone We Love is Hurting

When someone we love deeply is hurting, be it a friend or family member, it’s not so easy, at times, to find the right words, or even the right approach in helping them. Even if we believe our insights or valuable advice might help them, the task can be daunting. There are no rules to follow in helping someone, except you use your heart and let it guide you. You also have to have the ability to listen and be nonjudgmental. Perhaps not always easy, but necessary. (The nonjudgmental stuff)

I strongly believe that we have to reach out with unconditional love. A hurting person may display intense emotions—tears, anger, bitterness, frustration, or sarcasm. We may feel tempted to withdraw from such emotional displays, but we need to draw near to the person who is in pain. Especially when it is someone we love dearly and want to hold in our hearts.

I believe we have to understand, rather than fix the hurting person’s feelings. We may mean well when we try to persuade a hurting person to "cheer up," but suffering is often an integral ingredient of life’s experience. We must acknowledge a person's pain, not try to put an emotional bandage over it. THIS is not so easy for a mom to do. I struggle with this all the time.

I believe we have to find specific ways to be supportive. People who are hurting often struggle in asking for help or guidance. The smallest expressions of love and demonstrations of caring can mean a great deal to some who is hurting. There's an old expression: "If we don't demonstrate our love, it doesn't do anyone any good." Hurting people need expressions of love they can see and feel.

I believe that when we share our own struggles with others, we demonstrate the ability to be open and the ability to communicate things we might struggle to share. I've found those that are hurting benefit tremendously when they can talk with someone who's transparent about their own struggles. Such honesty breaks down the barriers of isolation that suffering often erects. Loving someone is easy. Watching them hurting is not easy. Sharing with them is not always so easy. Being able to help them when they are troubled uses both love and the ability to share openly feelings we might otherwise keep to ourselves. No one wants to see someone they love hurting. Especially when you are a mom.

My Favorite Tomato

When I was a kid growing up, my dad and mom had a huge vegetable garden. It started out small, but after many years, and the need to feed five growing kids, the garden took on more space and got more prolific with its bounty. We had all kinds of food growing in the garden; things from simple lettuce to huge quantities of tomatoes. The garden was really looked after by all of us (we kids had the task of weeding), and mom and dad organized and then did the canning or freezing of all that grew there. However, for some reason, when I think of that garden, I tend to think of it as my dad’s garden. I have no idea why, except maybe he spent the most time, there, constantly ensuring things were appropriately taken care of; weeded well, watered well, and plants tied up to ensure no rot would occur. He was a master gardener, as defined by many dictionaries, he “was one who exhibits style, skill, ability or other characteristics of gardening” and he did, and well.

My dad was known for his tomatoes, and he would share with many neighbors and friends. It wasn’t unusual to see him out there with a small brown bag collecting veggies for a friend. His tomatoes were what New Jersey tomatoes are known for...BIG, red, fleshy, sweet, and juicy tomatoes! When I moved to Germany, this was one of the things I knew I would miss, but because my dad was who he was, I got my tomatoes via the US Postal Service, neatly packed as if they were fragile pieces of glass. Home never tasted so good! My German neighbors could not believe I got tomatoes mailed to me, until they tasted them, and they, too, fell in love with the taste of them.

With the bad press tomatoes have gotten lately (and rightly so), I have had the chance to think back and remember my dad’s delicious tomatoes. The FDA has proclaimed the Jersey Tomatoes safe to eat, (and salmonella free), but if they had tasted my dad’s tomatoes, they would not only claim them safe, but deliciously irresistible! I have always grown tomatoes in my garden, but I have yet to perfect the perfect tomato, but then I am not a master gardener. I also think it’s more than the tomato I miss. I miss that gardener too.