I'll be home for Christmas

I'll be home. . . for Christmas. . .
you. . . can count on me. . .

I heard this song last week and it was bittersweet. Sweet because of the memories, but bittersweet because I can't go home anymore, because everything has changed, and life has moved on to a different era.

When I ventured off to college, I couldn't wait to get out the door. Freedom at last! But then, it was like there was a homing beacon, tucked deep inside. I didn't dash home with the same exuberance as when I left. Instead, I was gently, irresistibly drawn. I would make no plans to go home, but after 4 or 5 weeks, I always found myself looking for a reason to go. Over the years, I learned to expect that, and just planned the home trips at regular intervals because I knew, I just knew, I needed to be there.

Even as an adult, home was the one place on earth I could go, and I was always safe, always accepted, always loved. Did they not know my faults and failures, or did they just look beyond them? I don't know for sure. I only know that I could snuggle beneath the sheets at night and know that I could practically do no wrong. It was a place of respite for me in a world that is not always kind.

I could take my children to the people who adored them, if possible, even more than I did. Who else would cheer that a baby could roll over?

Years went by, and we moved far away, and though home still called, especially at Christmas, we couldn't make the trip as often. Even now, I still hear that call, and I answer, but only in my dreams.

I'll . . . be home . . . for Christmas. . . if only in my dreams!

I've had a cold. . .

I've had a bad cold, but I'm feeling SO much better today, it always reminds me of this famous passage:

Not since that summer when, at fifteen, Marcellus was slowly convalescing from a serious illness, had he experienced so keen an awareness of life's elemental properties. The wasting fever had left him weak and emaciated; but through those days of his recovery, his senses had been abnormally alert. Especially in the early morning: all colors were luminous, all sounds were intensified, all scents were heady concentrates of familiar fragrances.

Until then, the birds chirped and whistled, each species shrieking its own identifiying cry; but it was silly to say that they sang. Now the birds sang, their songs melodious and choral.

Granted, I have not been nearly as ill as dear Marcellus, but when I've been sick, and start to get better, I find myself rejoicing in each clear breath, and I'm always reminded of this passage.

Then and now

Sledding

Happy Thanksgiving

Lots more pictures on facebook.

Fall

Texas

We brought Papa over to the house for dinner one day (roast with carrots and potatoes - yum!) I met my old roommate Linda in Bastrop for a hike and a picnic lunch. Got to see little Peyton and little Hayley.

Chicago!

Chicago Marathon 2009

The night before the marathon, here are the Runners and the Watchers.On the train, heading downtown The watchers got really cold! Very interesting art, between the finish line and the Runners Reunite All done at last!

Chicago Marathon 2009

Here is the forecast for tomorrow: Here's a clue for the weather for Chicago Marathon 2006: And here is the end of Chicago Marathon 2007: And here is Chicago Marathon 2008:

Tour De Troit

On Saturday, we rode in the 8th annual Tour De Troit, a 30 mile leisurely bike ride through the city (with police escort, of course!) The weather was perfect, and we had a great time. I heard there were about 2000 cyclists this year. We met up with our friends, Chris and Cliff, and spent much of the day with them. We rode past the Detroit River. You can see Canada in the distance. Below is the Ambassador Bridge to Canada. We had a break at a park on the Detroit River. Apples and waters were served. You can see the bridge to Belle Isle in the background.

Baseball and bumblebees

This is a great article! Be sure to read the whole thing.

He lay on his back in the dirt of the Pittsburgh ballpark. His neck hurt. Striking his face on the crushed rock along the first-base side felt like breaking through glass. He was bloodied. And the foul ball was gone. He had missed it, missed his one chance to grab a game ball for his son on the boy's 21st birthday.

Tim Tepas, a retired schoolteacher, wanted only to climb over the short railing and sit back down next to his son. Disappear. Forget the whole thing. But the television cameras were on him. The stadium seemed to gasp in unison at his fall along the sidelines of that Pirates-Cardinals game in early August.

Tepas struggled to stand. He heard a voice behind him, felt hands on his back.


Read the whole article

Chicago Half Marathon

This is just before the race, after an interminable wait at the portapotties! Bryan sails by near the finish line. He made it in 1:46:33. He looks like he could keep going, doesn't he? Laura and Craig come in at 2:08:09, roughly 10 minute miles. (Laura's hope was to maintain 10.5 minute miles, so she exceeded her own expectations!) Daddy/daughter!

9-9-9

You are not likely to live to see the next single digit date. It will be 92 years, 1/1/2101. So I hope you enjoyed 9/9/09!

• The date falls on a Wednesday in September, both of which have 9 letters.
• September 9 also is the 252nd day of the year. 2+5+2
• In addition, if you multiply a single-digit number by 9, the resulting two digits add up to 9. Consider: 8x9

Doesn't it remind you of the song, "Nine,nine, nine, fantastic number nine!"

Bike Trip Day 2

Sunday, we had clear sunny skies for our ride on the White Pine Trail to Rockford. This was 18 miles, which made my grand total for the weekend 66 miles! (That would be a record for me!)