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Mount Monadnock conquered Continue reading

We took a side trip from Scott and Dianne’s (my Godmom) lake house in New Hampshire to Massachusetts today. We ate a delicious lunch (with crab cakes) on the water, walked around admiring everything, and visited the Boston Museum of Science. I also steered the fam to a 1.5 hour historical walking tour by the harbor, but was pulled out of the ticket line because Pearly Pond was apparently calling us back “home.” It was fine. We had a great day. I was surprised Boston is so large (I’ve lived in South and then North Carolina for decades for perspective).... Continue reading

I looked at the lake and noticed Claire perched on the dock so I went out to capture a photo. Apparently, Mark saw something fly in as I was leaving... I return to the living room and after a couple minutes felt the “you are not alone” vibe. I stood up and walked out of the room, glancing back to spot a black thing on the ceiling. ”Mark, there’s something in the living room!” ”It’s a moth.” ”No Mark, it’s furry.” He said, “get out of the house” and I did. “Hey Claire, come up here! There’s a bat in... Continue reading

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Bad news: Spent a completely unexpected $600 on Dave’s new retainers today. Good news: This orthodontist who fixed Dave’s awful crossbite several years ago said every once in a while, the initial treatment holds and the child doesn’t require a second round of braces (like Matt and Katie did). Dave needs to wear these retainers at night until his late 20’s at least, but his teeth should look good. All right! Spent the rest of the day with Dave happily bouncing around saying, “I told you I’m special!” That you are, my darling, but I’m also happy you don’t have... Continue reading

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Attended the parent meeting at Claire’s driver’s ed class today. There was a doe feeding near the high school with her babies. She jumped into the bushes when she spotted our van, but her offspring lingered behind and stared back. Continue reading

Mom’s floor was crawling with nursing students and two of them were assigned to her. They fed her lunch while Mom’s grouchy roommate yelled that she didn’t want anything, “get out!” It’s good they can see what they’re getting into... Continue reading

I can still access my last email, but it is unreliable so I am now relying on: mhannah68@icloud.com If I haven't responded to you, please forward your email. Thank you! Continue reading

This was a challenging second summer semester of grad school with three classes. I followed my successful technique from last semester of posting everything to do and when it’s due on my wall in order and found this very helpful. How are you supposed to read, research and submit a zillion things without a system? That said, it’s the end of the semester and it’s go time. I have so much to do, but will let you know how it turns out. Continue reading

There was another care plan meeting today. Overall, it was positive. Mom is obviously enjoying time with the chaplain and all of the music they play. She is not in pain and is the least agitated she’s been in her life. I had to ask about her weight and they were ready for it. Mom weighed 98 pounds in April and 89 pounds in July which made me tear up. They spoon feed her three full meals a day plus supplements, but don’t force it. When she stops opening her mouth like a baby bird for the next bites, they... Continue reading

Claire began driver’s ed today with the local driving school. Claire is our third baby who “saved” me from the “nearly independent” first two kiddos who were 8 and 10 when she was born (in hindsight, they obviously weren’t close to independent then). Nonetheless, I held precious Claire so close and so much that great-grandpa George declared “that baby will never walk... you never put her down!” Well, she’s walking and (about to be) driving. Holy smokes. I’m so old. The downsides for today aside from time on apparent fast forward: 1. Claire’s spacer for her additional braces work fell... Continue reading

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I asked how she is feeling today and she said “pretty good!” Continue reading

I love the summertime, but parents PLEASE be sure to get your kids out of the car every time you stop. 52 U.S. kids died needlessly last year in hot vehicles and I don't even know how many pets died the same way. It breaks my heart and it just keeps happening. Continue reading