And so it goes...

Thanksgiving 2008

I'm thankful that we were all able to have good Thanksgiving celebrations, even though not all of us could be together in one place.

Ed and I enjoyed seeing Mom. We had a great time and great food at Sun Valley with Patsy and Stan; Tracy, Keith and Delia; Trisha, John and Zoey. Food was abundant, conversation stimulating, and weather beautiful, if a little sprinkling of rain.

John and Pam were away from Clarksburg at their kid's home. They had a great time, and I was glad to be able to say hello to all my other nieces and nephews on that side, by phone on Thanksgiving. Mary was there too, from North Carolina, and Kammie and Kevin and all of their crew of course. We were enjoying their hospitality even though they needed to be away.

I missed my kids most of all. Amanda celebrated a nice day with the Roses. Joey and Kelly celebrated in Kosovo and Albania. We were fortunate to grab a couple stolen hours in Morgantown with our other daughter-in-law, Gabby. That was a happy surprise!

Great-Grandma Freda and Zoey

Two of my most favorite people!

August 15, 2008

October 5, 2008

November 2, 2008

Veterans Day 2008

Happy Veterans Day with love, to my Favorite Veteran, Buss Snodgrass!

Our visit home this weekend was both to see Mom and to visit Dad's grave at Floral Hills. I was thinking about him a lot lately, so it was good to take time to drive to Quiet Dell and place some flowers on his grave. Ed helped me figure out the vase that is part of their headstone thingy. This visit isn't getting much easier. I thought it would in time, but I guess not enough time has gone by.

Of course its hard to lose my Dad. I haven't made it through that yet, and I'm losing Mom too. This weekend she told me she wanted me to get to see Delia. After a little while, she said, "You've never seen Delia, have you?" That was tough for me. She doesn't really know me anymore. Oh, I know, she knows my name. Fortunately, Delia soon appeared, making both me and Grandma happy. My next trip to WV, I'll get to see Zoey also, so that will be good too.

I think about Mom all the time, she is in my prayers and thoughts. I try to think of things I might be able to do to make her more comfortable, but there is so little to be done. I talk to her, but she doesn't seem to connect much. Her eyes look cloudy, distant; her voice, frequently garbled with the water she cannot swallow. I think her daily life must be nightmarish. Once in the last couple of months, she grabbed my wrist, and said, "Barbara, you have no idea. Day and and day out in this bed." She sometimes seems to be in pain, but it seems to be non-specific. I pray for her to find peace. I love my Mom so much.


I know people deal with this sort of thing all the time. I know people who have lived through it. Lots of people, really. It is the normal part of life to lose one's parents. I think I helped Ed work through his grief when it was his turn, I helped friends and listened to co-workers over the years. I still had no clue how painful this is.

I think we're all having a really tough time dealing with our issues.

Hiking on Sugarloaf Mountain 11/01/2008

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike, West View

Well, this was one kick ass 5 mile hike. Ed says I am way too slow, it took us about a day and a half to complete this hike. He says I'm a whiner too! Imagine!!

Halloween Costumes through the Ages

Amanda circa 1981

























Joey and Amanda circa 1986

I made the costumes 8-)

I'm still looking for the photos of me and Ed as Fred and Wilma; and Amanda in the Bride dress.
I know I have lots more too....I remember Tracy in long flowing cape....

Mini-Vacation to Niagara Falls Fall 2008

I went to Niagara Falls with Mom, Dad and Patsy when I was a child, but I don't remember seeing the Butterfly Conservatory.







But I DO remember the Whirlpool Aerocar!We were very lucky that this was the perfect fall weekend, the foliage was at a peak in New York and Canada, it was awesome. Don't you love going leaf-peeping?





We took a very quick trip to Niagara Falls this weekend, 8 hour drive on Friday and 8 hour drive on Monday. But, you know, Ed had never been there. It was so much fun, I love road trips. The weather was great, mild and sunny. Gas prices were 2.99 to about 3.19 most places, a few higher. With the package deal from AAA, this was a pretty neat trip.



Remember the Floral Clock?



View from our room at the Sheraton.

Mom had a good afternoon

My Mom's brother Edward came to visit her on Saturday. That was a great break in her routine. It was so nice for her, and I'm thankful I was able to be there to be a part of it. That is the best part of living close enough to my family that I can see and participate in these things, and go to family funerals too. For so many years, I didn't have that privilege, and I really missed that part of my life.
Anyway, Edward is about 89 and still driving. I think he is probably as good a driver as I am though (perhaps better 8-). He plans to go to Florida to spend some time this fall. Good for him! I am sure he will enjoy this fall, he is a cool guy. Mom and Edward had a good visit and remembered a lot of things, she looked really happy while he was there. Edward shared a little with us about how he has been learning to cook, enough to sustain himself. Life was different for his generation of men. He is really obviously missing his wife a whole lot.
Pat and I enjoyed talking with Harriett too. We all enjoyed a nice lunch together and then they were off to Columbus.