This picture of Andrew and Jarrett in front of the staghorn fern was taken (in Florida) in January or February 1990 - that's 21 years ago. But I gave Bergs the staghorn in 1980. So it's now 31 years old!
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Hap Birth to

I LOVE that picture!!! It reminds me of so many happy times we spent in Florida in the winters when it was brutally cold up here. The fact that Grandpa and Grandma put up with us for a month is a testament to their strong and hardy constitutions. Being around the boys was never relaxing.

Although, when I now walk around Crystal Bowl Circle, I always remember the little park that used to be there. We'd walk over to play on the equipment. It would get rid of "some" of their extra energy.

I still can't believe they've been dead for 8 years. That just can't be true. How did all those days go by so fast??? And yet, so very slow.... One sad, pitiful day at a time.

I do pray for their souls every single day -- and every day, I wish they were here with me. It still makes NO sense -- and it never will.

What really impairs any sort of recovery from the hell I live in is that EVERYTHING reminds me of them.

Yeah, like in the past couple of weeks, their cousins, Karen, Gayla and Krissy, all had birthdays. And I have pictures of them with Andrew and Jarrett -- when they were younger.

Now, they're forever 15 and 17. Frozen in time. It's weird. djb

This is cropped from a larger photo that I took at the cemetery on March 3rd. Ryan brought the flowers from their family. His mom always orders them from Kar-Free (I think that's how you spell it?) in Sycamore.
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Sunday, March 13, 2011 - I want to take a better picture of the flowers that Tim & Teri and Ryan gave us in memory of the boys but this is what I have for now. It has become an interesting adventure for all of us to try to get together on March 3rd or whenever we can ......

So, last night, we met Tim and Teri at the Claddagh in Geneva. Coincidentally, that's where Ryan's been working for almost a year. We had a GREAT time!!! And Ryan was our waiter. As I was typing the word claddagh, I wondered what it meant so I looked it up and here it is:

The symbol of the Claddagh Ring

The hands are there for friendship,
The heart is there for love.
For loyalty throughout the year,
The crown is raised above.

The symbol of the Claddagh Ring dates back to a fishing village in Galway known as Claddagh village. It represents the fishing Kings of Claddagh, whose motto was "in love and friendship let us reign." Later in the 17th century the symbol was made into a ring which became a popular gift throughout Galway. Tradition says that the heart is worn outward to show that the wearer is "heart whole and fancy free." Many Claddagh Rings have become family heirlooms and are a gift to be passed down from the mother and worn by a daughter on her wedding day.

© www.of-ireland.info since 1999

Of course, since this is an Irish restaurant, they are seriously gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, which to lots of people means drinking green beer, etc. With the notable exception being my mother who really is 100% Irish -- she wouldn't touch the stuff with a 10 foot leprechaun! haha

It's always good to wake up every day and learn something new to keep your brain active. So, you've got Irish info here and Earthquake info on my blog.

Faith and beggorah to ya darlin' ~djb

Jarrett was about 4 months old, Andrew was two. This was taken at Brookfield Zoo twenty-three (23) years ago next month. And I'm sure Jarrett's stroller was recalled years later. Plus, I don't drink Coke any more for soooo many reasons.
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Saturday, March 12, 2011 - If I write in one of my blogs, I like to write in the other one because I am a Libra, after all. And things must be balanced. No, wait. We seek balance...

It's one of those days where you wish you had gone on spring break to a warmer climate. Although, it's not all that warm in Florida today. Not like when we were there on February 27th.

We had the most perfect weather you could ask for. In fact, Granny did order 80 degrees for me because she knows how much I love 82 degrees. I know it sounds crazy, but I can tell when it is that particular temp.

Because I'll say, check the thermometer, I think it's 82. And 99 times out of 100, it is. I'm right. It's that one time out of 100 when it's actually 83 degrees. haha

Yesterday, I came across a photo on my old computer that I thought was absolutely gorgeous --blue cornflowers and a yellow finch. Yeah, it was a picture that I took myself. What a shock. I must find out where it is. That should be fun.

see ya later, djb

The robins have returned from their winter vacation in Florida.
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These robins were digging in and tossing the leaves around. I have no idea what they were looking for. It was hilarious.
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Saturday, March 5, 2011 - I looked out the kitchen window a few minutes ago and this is what I saw. A couple dozen robins wandering around in the front yard.

Also, there was Sammy Squirrel and Papa Cardinal. Quite an animal reunion. We're getting flurries but no big snow storm is predicted. But, you never know.

It's wonderful to see them again! oh boy! Spring can't be far behind. later, djb

Jarrett's holding Hobbes and Andrew's holding Sable. I like this picture because the gang was all here.
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Thursday, March 3, 2011 - Yesterday, I spent a LOT of time working on my website with the sun was shining right in my eyes, so after a few hours, I had to take a break.

I finished up everything this morning before 7 a.m. The one thing I hadn't done was update their obituaries. Maybe I was subconsciously avoiding that task.

When I read those, it reminds me of not only the boys, but Bruce Conley who died on September 11th this past year. He was a rock during their deaths and preparation for the funeral.

PLUS, there is nothing like an obituary written by Bruce. He was the master. I still remember sitting with him and telling him about first, Jarrett....and then, Andrew. It was as though he actually knew them personally when all was said and done -- and written.

Need more coffee. GOD BLESS ANDREW. GOD BLESS JARRETT. Miss you weasels. Love you forever, mom

At first when I looked out, I only saw the black and white kitty on the steps, then I saw a shadow move and saw the little guy on the deck, and I was able to weasel the camera around the get both of them.
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After a while, the black and white kitty came through the gate to hang out with his buddy. What a hoot!
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Saturday, February 19, 2011 - It was so funny to see them both outside. At first, I couldn't see the little kitty. He's been very elusive. However, I have heard them yowling at night. That's a real nice waker-upper. NOT!

It's so funny that they've found each other. I'm torn about feeding them because I think the little guy is definitely a feral cat. He was outside during the below zero weather and apparently is quite hardy.

They were very skittish, so I had to hide behind one of my plants to get their pictures. No quick movements. They did keep looking at me through the window. And they didn't skedaddle until Bob came home and opened the garage door.

Haven't seen them since but I'm sure they'll be back. It's so cute. bye for now, djb

Here's the balloons and flowers I brought to the cemetery for Andrew's birthday. Notice that the snow is starting to melt....a little bit.
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - Happy Birthday, Andrew!

As is my custom when the snow isn't too deep on the boys' birthday, I brought in some festiveness to the grave today.

As I was bending over and taking off Jarrett's balloons that got whacked by the blizzard, two ladies walked over through the snow to the grave and began proselytizing. Imagine my surprise. I mean, WHO goes out there in the winter!?

I wasn't particularly offended. Surprised, yes. It did seem sort of inappropriate to be stalking people in a cemetery BUT I knew that Andrew sent them.

Jesus loves me, this I know. Hey, we sang that at their funeral. Andrew just wanted to remind me. What an interesting development.

I need to call Fred tomorrow about more security at the cemetery! Happy Boofday, my sweetie. Love you forever, Mom