Friday, July 11, 2008

The Highs and Lows of This Last Week

Oh dear.. what a week!

4th of July Recap:
I left you with the 4th of July plans... We had a GREAT 4th! Did the parade, the pool, and BBQ and fireworks! All of us actually saw the fireworks for the very first time in the 9 years we have lived here! I do have some photos from during the day. I 'forgot' my camera - but had my cell phone. Then came the 'how to I get the photos to my computer' question. Gee whiz. I had to buy a special phone/computer cable during the week! Once I figure out all the camera online stuff, I'll share the photos.

Saturday:
The 5th started out sad. The kids and I attended a funeral for one of our neighbor friends who died of cancer. The service was beautiful. It was held at the Haines cemetery, and while we were waiting for the service to begin, the kids wandered around reading tombstones - which is one of historical things I tend to do. Ever been to a western/cowboy funeral? Cowboy poetry. Outdoors with our mountains around. A beautiful setting. A beautiful day. A great send off. Sigh.

We did attend the night rodeo. This was the first time Jake actually wanted to stay! He had fun - of course he made a few friends and ran around most of the time - within view. Good for him.

Wednesday:
Vacation Wednesday started out with a fencing project - orders from the Boss. The kids and I had to fence off a portion of a field/pen that the bummer lambs are now in. Not an ideal project, especially on the day that's supposed to be a play day. Another one of those 'mommy does the work' things. I now have a few extra scars as well. Summer legs are scratched up from wire cuts. Great.

Later that day I took the kids 'roller blading'. I do have photos to share. Later. These are for Auntie Paula - giver of the roller blades. Let's just say the kids need a better teacher! My arms are still sore from holding up Sami for a good stretch uphill and then down. Roller blading was followed by a trip to Charlie's Ice Cream Parlor.

Thursday.. Another Funeral
Well, let's back up to Tuesday. I helped at a blood drive and the kids and Dick worked cattle. When they got back, one of the dogs (Annie) attacked one of the bummer lambs. Groucho, who is Jakes lamb. Groucho made it through the night and most of Wednesday. Wednesday night when Jake went out at 9pm to put the chicks to bed, he found Groucho, dead. I so wish I found him instead! Our poor little boy came in, crying.... Nothing worse. Nothing sadder... Jake slept at my bedside. He has had the blues.
So, yesterday, the kids and I buried Groucho in the Warm Springs Creek field. He is in a beautiful meadow area. It was a project. Jake did most of the digging. Broke my heart to see my little 9 year old boy, doing a man's job. He channeled all his sadness and madness into each shovel kick. I could see it. All three of us shared in the job. After we buried Groucho, we made a circle, held hands, and said a prayer. My heart aches for my son.

Then, the kids swam in the creek. Jake did not want to, but Sami caught a frog, so Jake was back in the game. Ernest and a couple of the other boys (dogs - one eyed Louie and Lefty) came with us. Ernest was like a puppy again. He swam as well, ran around and kept an eye on the kids. I love that dog.

So, that was our week. One with highs and lows. The lows keep pulling at our shirt sleeves, dragging us down. It's 8:00 am right now and the kids are still asleep. They are exhausted from all we have seen, experienced and done.

Today is Friday, and I have a market tonight and one tomorrow. Wish I could just lay low, but as we all know, life must go on. We have to get back into our groove and keep going.

It will be a gorgeous day. The high is predicted to be only 77 degrees. A great summer day.

Sigh.

9 comments:

*karendianne. said...

Fantasic fun with the Roller Blading. What a blast!

And as for the sadness of this loss...what a heavy experience for a little boy. Your writing brings me right to the moment. Uh.

My love to you. *karendianne. / Living Life at LeeHaven

noble pig said...

No wonder you have been MIA...you've been busy. Miss ya!

ScrappyPam said...

Wow, what a week! {{{hugs}}} to you!

Arlene said...

Sounds like a hard week. My thoughts are with you and the kids.

Hugs to you and all.

Dawn said...

Ohhh, Andi, I am soooo sorry you and the gang, had a icky week. I know the mommy in you is sad, but you should also be very proud of jakey poo!!! He's a good boy! He is gonna grow into a fine young man!

Tami B. said...

You write of your ranch life so eloquently, Andi. Thanks for sharing all of it. Sending you some hugs that this week brings many joyful times.

Penny said...

What a week you've had, some sadness but some good bits too.I hope next week is a lot better all round :)

Sandy said...

Awww I am so sorry about Groucho! Such a tough thing for a young boy to have to experience. Hugs!

Jacqueline said...

Its quite disturbing to hear what dogs can do - we heard something familiar in our neighbourhood this week too. Sorry to hear of the downs of your week Andi, but you will spring right up again I'm know!

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