I see that it has been a while since I last wrote something here. This past weekend rather wore me out. Truth be told I'm not yet fully recoverd from it all. I seem to be quite tired most of the time these few days. This will pass. I simply must have overdone it.
I must however write a bit of an update with regard the the purchase I made on my grandson's behalf the other day. I'm not quite sure, but it seems he was in some way testing his old gramps.
Monday as the gang was preparing to leave I sat exhausted in my study. The children sent each of the grand ones one at in one at a time to say good bye and give their tired old gramps a hug, starting with the youngest. This isn't our habit, but I was just so tired I couldn't say proper farewells while escorting them to their cars.
When it became Nathaniel's turn to come in he said his good byes and gave me a hug. He then turned to leave. He made it about halfway to the door when he turned, smiled large and gave me a thumbs up. He then said, "Oh, yeah. You passed the test. We'll talk when I come to mow the grass on thursday."
I pondered over that comment for many an hour over the past several days. It will be quite interesting to see if my best guess as to the meaning of his words bears any resemblance to the truth of the matter.
He's quite the lad, but he does have some issues, as do most fifteen year old kids. I wonder as to the reason he felt the need to put me to the test.
I haven't taken my customary strolls these last few days. I'll have to get those going again very soon or I'll grow fat sitting in my chair sipping cognac. Walking again will accomplish at least two things. I will be getting my exercise and I won't be sitting about drinking myself into oblivion.
There will be other intrinsic benefits as well of course, not the least of which will be the social aspect of walking through the park and stopping off at one of my favorite spots for lunch.
I almost got dressed this morning and went to the office. The temptation grows stronger daily. I am beginning to miss the busyness of business. I would be willing at this point to accept a position in the mail room would my son's have me. They wouldn't of course because they want me to relax and enjoy life for a while before it becomes too late to do so. I m in full agreement with them on the matter, but the draw of the old place is strong yet. Odd really because the last few years I was there all I could think about was getting out. Now that I have my wish it is quite the opposite.
I have thought long and hard about the travel Edna and I had planned for the next several years and I have come to the conclusion that they were indeed Edna's dreams, not mine. I have no desire to travel. I never have. I most enjoy the simple pleasures of family and friends. Were I to gad about the landscape I would terribly miss both. Perhaps at some later date I may feel differently. I have serious doubts however.
Memorial Day went quite well however tiring it may have been. I do think however that the next time it falls to me to host the festivities we'll do so at the Old House. There's simply more room on the grounds for the young ones to frolic. And it is a pleasant old place. It was Edna's desire for us to have our own place once the children left the nest. I do long for the familiarity of the old place. I did after all spend a large part of my life there. It might be fitting that I spend my final years there as well, however many there may be. I am in good health so I do envision a good long retirement. I simply don't see the value in maintaining two homes at my age. Besides, Edna rests on the grounds there, I could visit her daily without driving the car. As it is I rarely go more than once a week.
I will have to discuss the matter with the children as the disposal if this place would fall to them should I decide to leave it. They have no particular attachment to the place as none have ever lived here. With the housing market as it is it may be unwise to try to move it any time soon. I wouldn't want to leave it sit empty any length of time. Its not like the grand old houses of times past that could withstand the passage of time. This one would suffer badly and quickly were it left empty.
I discovered yet another small stack of Edna's cookbooks yesterday in of all places the upstairs linen closet. I finally got around to changing the linens on the bed Nathaniel has been using. When I pulled out the sheets and light blanket to replace the ones tossed in the laundry I notice the books. I talked with Cynthia (Jumpstart) and Bethany (Peck) and they both think it a good idea to give them to Janet (Daniel's wife) and Susan (David's wife) I tend to agree as they have very few momentos about to remind them and theirs of their sweet momma Eddy.
I'm missing her more and more as the days pass. She would have had a grand time at our Mem Day festivities. Of course they wouild have been held at the Old House had she been with us this year. She didn't like to entertain here. This was "Our private little nest." and she was reluctant to share it with any but our very closest friends and family.
With seven bedrooms I find it difficult to think of it as either little or a nest. By comparison to the Old House I suppose it is small, but it is quite large by anyone's standards these days.
As soon as Memorial Day drew to a close it seems the weather took another turn. It has been rather chilly. Right now though the sun is shining brightly and the breeze aside it is rather pleasant. I may take an afternoon stroll today and get these bones out of the house for a spell.
I need the feel of a brisk breeze against my face today. Indeed, as soon as I finish this I will prepare a light lunch and then head out for a stroll. It will do me good, both body and soul.
