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A View Into My Universe

I’m OK, are you?

The older I get the more I aspire to be OK; I don’t have to be GREAT. Nor do I always trust being at that level of positivity. It’s a lot like riding a roller coaster; when you get to the pinnacle and look down, you realize, “Oh, oh, if I’m up this high, it’s a long uncomfortable ride down!” For that reason, I also value contentment over ecstatic happiness. Yesterday I took John to the airport in pouring down rain, yet by afternoon it was sunny and beautiful. I had no expectations of my day; as this Brandon Sanderson saying goes, “Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.”

This is the photo Sharky wanted to send to John, who was at SeaTac waiting for his flight to Denver. This 5-year-old has many interests: space, construction equipment, snakes and spiders and fighter jets. Since we visited the Museum of Flight last June with John, Sharky knows that John is a big fan of planes and would share his enthusiasm for this Blue Angels F/A-18C Hornet (“Holly”) that’s a replica of the one at the entrance to the museum. Incidentally, John is “enjoying” 90-degree weather in Denver for his aunt’s funeral. Poor guy isn’t thrilled with the heat and would be jealous of our current mid-50s sunshine!

It was such a lovely day that we spent most of the afternoon at Sharky’s school’s playground. We also ran around doing tag and played numerous rounds of 20 questions. In an awkward moment, Sharky went up to a parent who had his dog running around and inquired, “Did you know that you’re not supposed to have dogs in here? It says so on that sign.” (points at a very obvious sign) Thankfully, there was no ensuing confrontation. And good for Sharky! None of the children (or adults) want to step in dog poo or pee; for as many responsible pet owners as there are, an unfortunate number aren’t. Have you ever cleaned dog poo out of running/walking shoes’ soles? It is NOT easy or pleasant.

I’m delighted to report that Obro is back to his usual quirky, funny self. He’s such a hat lover!

I visited this little sweetie this morning along with his brother–who was moving too fast for me to capture a photo. Apparently, their dad now has a part-time job (good) which will affect how much he can help with the boys (bad). I anticipate a few issues and some unwelcome drama along the way…

This was the only piece of my mom’s jewelry that Older Daughter wanted. She wore it today and received many compliments. My mom would have been thrilled since it was one of her favorite necklaces. But the most meaningful comment came from Obro, “Mama, that’s a beautiful necklace!” Both OD’s boys were very close to Gigi and I hope they’ll remember her a little, even if it’s only through photos.

And now it’s off on a walk with NO umbrella or raincoat. Woo hoo!

Comments

32 responses to “I’m OK, are you?”

  1. Doug M Avatar
    Doug M

    I can’t answer that question about being okay right now, but that’s such a nice photo of you and Sharky, you’re both photogenic! Boy, John gets around doesn’t he… and nice to see Obro up, and that Ian… cmon… precious little guy! Margaret that’s a nice Pic of OD and your mother’s necklace, she looks so thoughtful and mature here. I’d love to know if Montreal is still an option.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I know you wish nothing more than to be OK! Stupid long Covid.😫 I don’t think older daughter has heard anything about that Montréal job although I’m assuming that she will soon because it’s been a month.

  2. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    Good for Sharky! That IS a pretty necklace. Very unique, too.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I don’t wear necklaces or I might’ve thought about taking it. I should also have mentioned that the guy wasn’t watching the kids or the dog, who was unleashed. He was deeply engrossed in his cell phone. 😟

  3. Anne Bennett Avatar

    Did your daughter get the job in Montreal? I haven’t seen any announcements!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Last time John asked, she hadn’t heard anything. That was last Sunday the 15th.

  4. Linda Avatar

    Hi dear friend, I am okay. Yesterday was date-wise the first day of Spring. Here in Montreal it snowed. And we are supposed to get snow ❄️ tonight, Sunday and Monday. I honestly don’t mind. So yes, I am okay. LOL
    Your photos are beautiful and heartwarming 💕 The smiles, everything.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      That doesn’t sound like a traditional start to spring, but the seasons vary depending on where you live. My friends in Arizona are having 100-degree temperatures. I would rather have the snow. I’m glad you’re okay; that’s always a plus!

  5. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    I like the idea of contentment.
    Sometimes when I have finished something big, or gotten through a major event I can feel aimless for a bit.
    Wasn’t yesterday’s (Friday) afternoon weather spectacular? Today wasn’t bad, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. I’m hoping Sunday is more like Friday.
    I think it’s great that kids tell it like it is. One of Carl’s charges once told a friend that he was going to die because he smoked. The friend took it well in the spirit it was said. (He did give up smoking eventually)

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Today is looking like Friday; it’s cold out but I see lots of sun. I’m feeling compelled to mow the lawn before the rain comes back! Kids are very open and that can mean tactless. I find it refreshing though unless it’s a hard truth aimed at me. 🙂

  6. Ed Avatar

    I think Sharky may have the makings of an engineer.

    I think dog owners who break the rules are numerous enough to be called a pandemic. On my recent trip I nearly saw a wreck occur due to a dog owner who stopped along the interstate, barely out of the lanes of traffic to let their dog go to the bathroom, I saw dogs being snuck into a motel through the back door and I saw dogs being walked along trails clearly marked to disallow that. In my experience, these sorts of things are getting worse and at a fast pace.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Sharky is definitely a rule follower like his mother! He doesn’t like kids who misbehave at school; I didn’t realize that it would extend to adults. 🙂 I’ve seen dogs on drivers’ laps in cars that made me nervous. Not safe!

  7. AC Avatar

    Yes, I think OK just about sums it up. I think about my aging body and its little issues, and I think that I am still OK, and I am OK with being OK. Okay? 🥳

    1. Margaret Avatar

      You have a perfect understanding of my post, John!

  8. Pixie Avatar

    The puddles in the playground remind me of here, except there is snow and ice as well here. The kids don’t mind and Jack comes home soaking wet.
    Your daughter looks lovely and so does that necklace.
    Good for your grandson for saying something to that person letting their dog run loose in a playground.
    Have a lovely week and lots of walk:)

    1. Margaret Avatar

      The kids here are required to have gear like rubber boots and rain suits. They go outside in most weather–which is good for them. I wanted that necklace to stay in the family, so I’m glad she wanted it. Sharky is a rule-follower like his mother was and still is. His dad is a bit more lenient. As I mentioned in a prior comment, the guy was glued to his phone and not even watching the dog or his three kids.

  9. Midwest Mark Avatar

    I would be less than thrilled with 90 degrees this time of year too!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I think they’ll mostly be in air conditioning but John did want to visit his Air Force roommate and friend’s grave at the military cemetery. Today is supposed to be cooler so that’ll work out well for him.

  10. Betty Renfroe Avatar
    Betty Renfroe

    I love the necklace. OD is a beautiful lady.

    I say yay for your grand boy speaking up about the dog. Children need to learn to use their voice. One doesn’t have to be mean just state what you want and go on.

    Brandon was Ken Jennings roommate in college. They had Mormon religion in common, I think.

    If I’m really pretty good, I’m pretty satisfied!

    Happy spring time!

    1. Margaret Avatar

      OD looks a lot like my late husband; I don’t know why she wasn’t smiling here though. She has a nice smile. I was a little concerned that the parent would get angry but he didn’t. There’s a lot of aggression around these days! I didn’t know that about Brandon although I knew both were LDS. Ken Jennings lives around here in the Seattle-area.

  11. Steve Avatar

    That IS a great necklace. Good for Sharky for confronting the dog owner, who should be responsible about such things.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      That necklace was always one of my favorites and mom wore it a lot. Unfortunately, I don’t wear necklaces or bracelets. I’m sure the no dog policy is for the whole school district so that they don’t have issues with kids stepping in poop. This guy wasn’t even aware of what the dog or the kids were doing because he was focused on his cell phone. 😟

  12. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I agree, feeling okay is the ideal.
    MA is still cool/cold and today is damp with ongoing mist. Everything is soggy. The good news is no new snow has fallen. I do find the high heat and really cold weather both equally uncomfortable. At least with the cold we can dress in layers. The heat requires air conditioning and avoiding the high heat of the day.
    That’s a nice photo of you and Sharky. He might be a budding aeronautical engineer. Which is a great field.
    Good for Sharky speaking up about the dog poo. In some MA towns, not picking up after your dog can bring a $500 fine. Hence, people do pick up dog poo.
    Your OD looks lovely wearing the necklace. She will wear it with pride knowing it belonged to her grandmother.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      At this age OK is excellent! So many aren’t OK. I agree with you that colder is better because you can wear layers. I dislike air-conditioning and having to be in it constantly so I wouldn’t do well in hot places. That said, I spent time in Senegal, which was extremely hot; I did fine although I was uncomfortable and sweating profusely much of the time. 🥵

  13. Tonya Avatar

    OK… Hmm. Pretty hard with all that’s happening in our country, but books (escape!) are keeping me in the content lane. Pretty much.

    That necklace is really beautiful.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Yeah, I’m physically OK (as far as I know) but mentally and emotionally–not so sure. I too am escaping into reading, walking and spending time with the grandsons. I wish I liked necklaces but it’s heartwarming that OD wanted it and will wear it with love.

  14. kayak woman Avatar

    Oh geez. I live in Dog Poop City. The Planet Ann Arbor has stringent rules about controlling dogs and picking up their poop but there are scofflaws about it. [Delete looooong comment about life on the planet. I’ll put it on my blahg (again) some day.] So glad the parent Sharky “confronted” was polite/kind or at least not nasty.

    YD picked a beautiful necklace and looks gorgeous wearing it. I have several simple gold chains but am only wearing one nowadays. It’s just a chain, no ornaments.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      I would imagine that most schools wouldn’t want dogs on their playgrounds where the kids run around and aren’t looking or expecting poop. Then they would probably track it into the classroom, a real sh*tshow (literally!) for the teachers to deal with. I do love that necklace and wish I wore them. I don’t like the feel of them around my neck nor do I wear bracelets. I do wear an AppleWatch though. That feels more connected and part of my arm, plus the band moves around yet is tight enough not to catch on anything or impede the movement of my wrist.

  15. Pam Avatar

    Ah, there are far too many dogs here. I like individual dogs, but since Covid there are far more. Especially on the beach and in parks. And often kind-of monitored by dog walkers, who have five or more with them. Argh.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Kind of monitored is better than this guy was doing (on his cell phone constantly) but having five or more would make it even trickier. I’m fine with dogs, just not always their owners. 🙂

  16. Michael Avatar

    You are right. OK is just fine. I used to be somewhat of a perfectionist, but I have fortunately let go of that. I HATE it when pet owners don’t clean up after their pets. I always clean up after Shirley and Murray. Just yesterday I almost stepped in dog poo as I was walking my dogs, and the dog waste station was just a few feet away! Ugh.

    1. Margaret Avatar

      Me too, Michael! Now I’m content to be fine and enjoy a relatively dull (but good) life. Excitement has rarely been a positive for me! As a responsible pet owner, you must be SO frustrated at those who aren’t, since they give everyone a bad name. The dog owners I know are like you.

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