Victoria Advocate | "Independence Day" by coolgranny

Independence Day

By coolgranny in The Paradox of Long Lives
July 5, 2009

I talked hub into my art festival weekend, and it was an enjoyable one. I got cards from the artists who appealed to my tastes, and enjoyed the past, now present modern art that seemed to dominate the festival.

I really was taken back to some of my college art classes, where the weirder the better got a student an A in the course. I painted a lot of those in my day and gave them away or sold them for a buck as the years passed by. My favorite works were the stainless steel yard ornaments. I love sticking a fake zinnia in the middle of a bed of zinnias just to see if anyone notices. Hub found a present or two for relatives, but I took cards. I can shop on line with the best of them.

I was worried about my mom most of the weekend. I noticed that her gait was a little off and her walker was by her side. Its normal place is folded and in a closet. She finally said that she had fallen out of bed during the night before we came, and had hit her side. After careful examination, she insisted that she just needed an ace bandage, and I wasn't going to argue with her. Usually, I would have taken over against her will, taken the hit as the bad daughter, and taken her to the hospital. Mom was so sad that I just didn't have the heart to take over. The weekend was intended to entertain her, lunch or dinner somewhere, a movie, and a short shopping spree. Her ribs hurt her whenever she moved, so I let her rest while we were in and out.

Hub wanted to look at waterfront in Port Lavaca and Rockport, so the weekend was full. I also took him to Austwell to a bluff that sits 23 ft above sea level. He liked it except for the inconvenience of basic living. The lot was more suited for a get away instead of a retirement home. I was reminded while in PL that this town would bring my life full circle. Mentally, I crossed it off, but will look into one home that would meet my wants. It would have to be dirt cheap to be possible for us.

Fireworks on the tube were fine this year. I think I saw Rep. Morrison from Victoria at the DC event. I don't think she has aged a year since high school. Next year, I must remember to invite the family here for the fun. There is such a nice selection of displays and patriotic stuff to do this particular weekend.

After this weekend, hub is about ready to let me lease a condo for my water fun, and keep this place for a while. Works for me. I came back with all kinds of brochures. I think I just don't want to move anytime soon. I really like living in the burbs of Houston. I am really spoiled to convenience.

AF Son called and caught us up. They decided to make the best of the day (my way of thinking) and they went camping in the Blue Ridge for about 4 days. They hiked to falls all four days, enjoyed the cabin, and scenery that is different from the base and the sand in Afghanistan. I enjoyed the talk and reminded son to be extra attentive to daughter-in-law's needs. The kids really enjoyed the outdoor activity. I sure hope he took pictures. Time seems to march slowly these weeks. The 14Th and solutions for my daughter-in-law can't get here fast enough. I must be really desperate for consuming time because I started on the back yard as soon as I got home. Hub always does the finish up for the projects I start.

I actually thanked God that my yard was pretty and green. It was all I could do not to illegally water my mom's yard. Hers is still green, but starting to crinkle. The water rationing for her neighborhood is 6am to 10am on Thurs. and Fri. I doubt seriously that she will get up to water. I'll call the brother and ask him to take care of it.

I hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend, and thought about our freedom and why we have it. It is a great nation to call home.