Sunday, December 8, 2019

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2008. Mattie was home between hospital treatments and we took him outside to our commons area for some fresh air. That day, one of my graduate assistants, Carrie, came over to visit us with her dog, Jax. Despite Jax's size, he was very good with Mattie. This photo captures the race Mattie and Jax were having with each other. 


Quote of the day: Frustration is an interesting emotional state, because it tends to bring out the worst in whoever is frustrated. Frustrated babies tend to throw food and make a mess. Frustrated citizens tend to execute kings and queens and make a democracy. And frustrated moths tend to bang up against light bulbs and make light fixtures all dusty. ~ Lemony Snicket

Dealing with a medical crisis is an interesting family dynamic, because people do not always unite together like in a Hallmark movie. Quite the opposite, if a relationship was challenging pre-crisis, illness is not going to make it better. Instead what you can face is a medical crisis plus intense family dysfunction. Which is unfortunately what Peter is dealing with in Boston and of course with technology, I am actually right in the middle of it. Communication to me is a big thing and I think it is important as adults that we find ways to get our points across. I become highly frustration when I am not heard, and especially when I am trying to help and instead my words get twisted and turned against me.  I will leave it at that, but simply put I am frustrated and bordering on angry. 

On Tuesday of this week, I went with my friend, Peggy to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Each year they do a winter lights experience in the Gardens. Where you can walk through the Gardens, and though it is cold, it can be a magical experience. Especially when it isn't crowded. 

Peggy's real estate company was having an event there, and I was invited. Typically I do not do these winter light events, because they usually set Peter and I off. Especially since this was something Mattie loved to do. But this year, because it wasn't crowded, I managed.

This is what I saw while walking down the pathway! 

Trees, bushes, and the lawn are lit up!

A garden of lights!

I should mention that along the way there is piped in Christmas music and sound effects. Like birds chirping. 

This caught all of our attention. These are lights coming down a hill. It was supposed to look like a stream.

Naturally, I stop for all butterflies.