Bittersweet Sunday

 

It's Sunday. Usually a fun day, but today we all gather to see each other and to say goodbye to one of our clan. In the morning, my granddaughter, Kylee will board a plane to Arizona, where she will live. Her cousins are there already and we miss them both dearly as well. Grandson Keenan and his wife, Katie and their two children have recently vacated Arizona and have moved back to Texas, where Keenan was asked to move for work. We definitely miss all of them too. Now Kylee will join the girls in Arizona.  

Kaylie and Madison moved a couple of years ago. Kaylie left earlier than anyone to attend college there. Madison followed suit and has lived in the Grand Canyon State for about three years now. Maybe two. I can't keep track. But now Kylee has a bee in her bonnet to leave and move on with her life. 

Granddaughter Madison at our wedding. 

Kylee left the following morning. I'm glad we met to say goodbye, as we aren't sure when any of us can go to Arizona to visit and it's uncertain as to when she can come here again. There will be another empty place at our family gatherings, at least for those events she can't come to. 

So the day consisted of the family visiting with each other and tons of smoked meat Andy (son-in-law) had stayed up all night to create. I had ribs. Awesome, awesome job, Andy! 

Corn on the cob, chips and dips galore, hamburgers, and dogs, baked beans and veggies. For dessert? A lovely chocolate and vanilla ice cream cake. Yes, ice cream cake. I had to partake. It was a moral imperative. A voice inside me screamed out, "Eat a piece, Vicki. Just a small one. What is diabetes anyway? You're a warrior. Eat up, sister!"

 So I did. A small piece, but a piece just the same. It was friggin' good. No regrets or maybe it's "no regerts" in this case. Hubby Mac chose not to eat any, which I'm proud of him for that choice. But in my case, like I said, it was my calling. It happened. 

Typically I'm the one who denies myself that pleasure, but it did take place today. Yum. Just following my inner voice and the voice of my dietician who said, and I quote, "It's not the fact that it has sugar in it. It's the amount. The portion size." I like that woman. If it means I can have a small slice of ice cream cake, I adore her. I think a statue of her would be in order. 

Mallory and Brandy spent time with the naked guy, Toski. I'm glad she brought him. He is getting so big, but is so regal looking in stance. He is beautiful. 

Toski wanted to go play with Dawn's dog, Bella. Bella is old now and will get bitchy should he approach though, so Brandy kept him at bay. 

Dan was sitting outside, minding everybody's business, when Jessee came out and placed Novalee in his arms. We all laughed, but Dan truly does enjoy children. He didn't want to give her back. The joke was on us. 

Dawn was busy, as usual. She finally had a chance to come outside and sit with us. I'm sure the day was difficult for her because her "baby," Kylee was leaving the next day. We were all taking bets to see how long it would take for Kylee to decide to come home from either being homesick or wanting her family again. We'll see. I give it until the holidays, as did several others. 

Members of large families tend to have a hard time leaving when they are used to having family around them all the time. I know I have a hard time letting the young people go after having them so close. It's tough. But then again, there is the point of time when it's appropriate to leave the nest and fly to your own place in the world. Now is Kylee's time. Her wings have grown, so off she goes. 

After all was said and done, our emotional goodbyes were said to Kylee. She started to cry, which had me flowing a river of tears. We have always been pretty close and I will miss that girl. I know she's not gone forever, and yes, I wish nothing but happiness for her. It's just a difficult pill to swallow, knowing she will not be around as she usually is. I really despise change sometimes. 

Mallory, Hayden, Terry, and I sadly climbed in the car and headed home. We chatted about how wonderful the day turned out to be. There's always a good side of things too. Our blessings were counted and off we went toward Roseburg. It was a great day, overall. 

***

Dawn, Jess, Kylee's boyfriend Cam, and both of the children went to the airport the following morning to see Kylee off. It was hard for all of them to say goodbye, but it is what Kylee has dreamed of for so long. She has wanted to live with her cousins in the warmer climate of Arizona, sitting by pools and enjoying life. I wish her well and want nothing but happiness and joy to surround her, even though it's breaking my heart she won't be here. It's always tough to see them fly from the nest and begin their lives. 

Fly high, baby girl!

They never feel like they're old enough to leave.

***

As I mentioned in A Look Through Life's Eye, the old Lookingglass general store was amazing. Not only was the weathered, antiqued store beautiful and I'm sure it had plenty to tell in terms of history, but I found out they serve food from there. 

I read more about the store and it serves tamales and enchiladas that are homemade. There are hand crafted loaves of bread and pastries that fill the display case. Bottles of wine are stacked within the confines of a shelving unit. 

Of course as a store, there are plenty of other brand name products as well. I did not take these photos. They were taken by others and posted on the store Yelp page. Just look at those old, worn, wooden floors!

Cases of ice cream and Cool Whip invite visitors to cool off with a nice cold treat on a hot summer's day. 

Burgers and potato salad are served, among many other dishes. 

In comparison, the store looks about the same in size and in outside appearance, but now it's weathered and antiqued looking, of course. The owners have kept it the way it was so long ago when this photo was taken in '61 to '63. Somewhere in that time frame is what is listed. 

In 2001, this was taken. The store appears pretty much the same, but with worn out planks of wood and little details here and there that happen over time. 

I find so much beauty in places and things that have so much history behind them. That's why this story and the graveyard details I look into. Our historical sites are bountiful and the things that planted the seed for our future are deep inside these tales of times long ago. 

***

Meanwhile, here it is, Monday, August 20, 2024. Another day, another dollar. Tonight is a trip to the Urban NY Pizza and Grill, where there is a trivia game going on. Terry wants to eat calzone and play trivia. We'll see how it all goes. Of course, there will be pictures and happiness to be found.

 Until the next post, take care and have an amazing week!

Granddaughter, Madison, photo by Marina Mlynczyk, mother of Madison. Marina took this photo of Madison in her Halloween costume and it's been a favorite of mine for years.