Life with Dee

Creating a beautiful life...

Father’s Day and Family Time

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What a lovely day it’s been. Last night we attended a birthday party for one of our musicians at Vintage 22 and didn’t get home until nearly 3 a.m. so today got off to a late start. I had to make a quick trip to the store for a few ingredients and then we had my parents and the kids over for lunch. My Chinese Chicken Salad is a family favorite which I don’t make all that often but should. Mom brought some muffins to go with it and we enjoyed a nice meal together.

After my parents went home we sat on the porch with the kids for another hour or so. Justin had brought cigars for the men which they enjoyed with glasses of Scotch (Justin and Chris) and rum (David, the pirate). Lisa and I, the asthmatics, sat upwind a bit and we all enjoyed good conversation and some music on the Bose. It was one of those lovely, simple experiences which I cherish.

The kids bought David “Game of Thrones” seasons two and three (I had bought him the first season for Christmas) and I bought him a Jimi Hendrix double album which I had found at an antique store in Norman. It is in nearly perfect condition.

We just finished dinner, Chris is at his house and David is watching “Game of Thrones”. A few minutes ago I took Shiloh for a walk and realized what a nice night it is. As soon as I publish this post I’m going to make myself a cup of tea and go sit on the porch. If the night sky is clear enough later we might do a little stargazing. Or perhaps we’ll exercise a little good sense and go to bed early. Nah…that’s not likely.
Happy Father’s Day!

For my dad on Father’s Day

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Happy Father's Day to my dad!

Dear Dad,

Last year on Mother’s Day I shared some of the things I appreciate about Mom and this year I decided to do the same for you. I know I’m not very good about verbalizing these things (and I’ll bet you know where I got that) but I hope you know that I love you and am glad you’re my dad. Here are some of the things I am thankful for:

1. You were always a good provider. I had everything I needed, most of what I wanted, and never knew financial insecurity.


2. While Mom was the one who initially taught us kids to drive on the dirt roads of Mountain View Acres, you were the one who rode with me on real streets after I got my permit. I recall the day I was driving to school on Apple Valley Road and looked away from the road for something (adjusting the radio, perhaps?). I drifted out of my lane and was startled when my eyes returned to the road. You remained calm and never said a word. 

3. You also taught all of us kids how to drive the boat on our trips to the Colorado River. 

4. Whenever Mom and I would head to the mall in San Bernardino you’d hand me a $20 bill to spend on whatever I wanted. I always understood that this was an affectionate gesture from someone for whom hugs didn’t come naturally.

5. I remember those Saturday mornings when, out of the blue, you’d say, “Let’s go to Disneyland.” We’d scrounge up all the leftover tickets from previous visits (back in the days when you had to have a ticket for each attraction) but you’d still end up buying more because all the good ones had already been used. 

6. Even though you didn’t always get to stay with us for the whole trip, you took us on family vacations every year. It couldn’t have been much fun for you since you always had to bring a lot of paperwork along but the gift of travel during my childhood is something I treasure. 

7. You’ve always treated David like one of your own. You gave him a job and helped him buy his first car. Before he got his license you would “just happen” to be driving by every afternoon as he was walking home from school, pick him up, get him something to eat and drive him to work. 

8. You were always a hard worker and by your example taught all three of us a good work ethic. 
9. You drove me to school throughout junior high, sparing me those awful morning bus rides. You also took me to school during my first year of high school before I had a license. I’ll never forget the week that, for whatever reason, you dropped me off from a different vehicle every day, prompting a lot of curiosity from friends. I think they liked the Corvette best. 
10. I think one of my favorite stories about you was the time you had to go pick up some men at the airport (something to do with your business) and Mom had washed the Lincoln for you. When it came time to leave you went and got in our station wagon instead because, as you said, “it has more room”. No matter how successful a business man you were, the very notion of trying to impress someone never crossed your mind. 
11. You’ve always made me feel safe and protected. I’m a light sleeper and tend to sleep with “one ear open”. Once, when the kids were little, we spent the night with you and Mom on Christmas Eve. I slept like a rock and that’s when it dawned on me that I had always subconsciously known that you would take care of us. 
12. You tried to help me learn my times tables. I wish I could say you were completely successful in this but it wasn’t for lack of effort on your part. 
13. When someone was trying to “break in” to our mobile home late one night, you got out of bed, loaded the shotgun and flew across the pasture in the old Datsun pickup. Turns out it was only a stray dog scratching and thumping against the door but you didn’t know that when you were coming to our rescue.
14. You’re a wonderful “Papa” to my children. When Chris was an antsy little kid you would often take him for walks outside. One of my favorite “Chris-isms” was the time he said to you, “Papa, let’s go outside and listen to the heartbeat of America.” Lisa still remembers you rubbing her feet and says you’re the only one who could do that without it tickling. 
15. As I said about Mom, I know that I can call you anytime for any reason and you’ll be there for me. That’s something I truly appreciate. 
Thank you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day! I love you. 

In the good ol’ summertime…

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Our house on Apple Tree Farm

I took this shot as I was driving in our driveway the other day. I want to make sure I have photos of the “in between” stage of our exterior renovations. I love the way the log siding looks with the stone and am eager to see it finished. The white railing on the balcony will be replaced with black iron. And I’m hoping we can go ahead and screen it in. I have all sorts of decorating plans once David is finished with the real work. I’m envisioning a plant-filled, colorful, sort of Bohemian look. I’ve been collecting ideas on Pinterest but if you see anything you think I might like, please share!

David and I will be in Oklahoma City at the Skirvin Hotel for the next three nights. We are celebrating his birthday (June 5), Father’s Day (Sunday) and our 31st anniversary (June 20) all in one fell swoop. I then will take him to the airport Monday afternoon before coming home. Yes, he will be away on a business trip for our actual anniversary…for the second year in a row. But I’m being the sweet and supportive wife, just like a real 50s housewife. <wink>

Chicken update…

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My gawky, adolescent chickens were finally moved out of the house yesterday. I simply couldn’t take the mess or, uh, aroma, any longer. Temporarily, I have got them still in their wire dog crate in the fenced pen behind the house. I can keep a closer eye on them there for a few days. Unfortunately, I thought one of them was dead when I went to check this morning. However, when David went out with me to remove it, it was up walking around. This is the one that hasn’t looked good ever since I first brought it home. Quite frankly, I’ve been surprised that it is still alive.

The others were occasionally pecking at it this morning so I thought it would be better to separate it. I got our cat carrier out and put the ailing chickie in there with food and water. I also added a few drops of colloidal silver to its water. I rather doubt it will make it but I have to do what I can. If, by some miracle, it lives, it is likely to be a rather spoiled pet.

I’ll get some pictures this afternoon and post them. They aren’t quite so cute at the moment…sort of like that awkward stage a lot of kids go through. Not mine, though. Mine were always gorgeous. Aggravating at times, but always cute.

Now I need to go get ready so we can take David out to lunch for Father’s Day. Chris, Lisa and Justin will all be there and maybe my parents.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!