It's a Dog's Life

Ok, I get it.  Shopping is an exhausting pastime.  There have been many times I have wished I could just drop down on the floor and rest after a shopping spree.  This fellow is no different.  I found him lying, just like this, at the Oberpollinger Cafe in central city Munich.  I asked his owner if it would be ok to take his photo and she agreed.  He never so much as fluttered an eyelash as I flashed my camera.  He was even snoring!!  Poor fella.  

MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHER

Each year, around this time, I remember my mom.  Here she is in a photo taken when she was in her 70's.  She died when she was 79 in 1999.  She would have been 89  on Dec. 17, 2009. She was a beautiful woman and a loving mother.  Fondly called "Nana" by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she lived for her family and gave of herself unselfishly. 

Mom was a beautiful baby from looking at this photo that was taken of her when she was just a few months old. 

Her beauty would continue to grow throughout her life.

In this photo, my mother (in the middle) with her two sisters (Kathleen on the right, Carolyn on the left), is in her awkward pre-teens. She is just about to blossom into a great beauty.

Mom used to talk about her youth and how she used to ride Harley's.  I could hardly believe some of the stories she would tell us kids about having stood on a man's shoulders on a Harley as he rode over a bridge.  This may have been pure fabrication, but she said she would jump through a fire hoop as he sped down the highway.

  But, from the studying the photo below, all of my doubts about her escapades on a Harley vanished.  I no longer doubt that she could ride a Harley, but could do just about any kind of dare devil trick she wanted. 

Check out her boots and jodpurs! She was stylin'!

Here is further proof, below, of her "Harley" days. 

 That's mom on the far left with the goggles on her head.

I have no idea what mom was trying to do in the photo below, but it looks like she's sitting on a statue of a ship and she's ready to set sail! 

The photo below shows my mother, far right and bottom row,  in a white dress.  It appears to be either a confirmation or graduation photo.  She is stunning.

Mom was keen on athletics in her youth.  Here she is roller skating on what looks to be a really uneven path.  Quite the looker!

The photo below, battered over the years, shows her doing a sommersault into a pool.  I do recall her telling us that she was a life guard at the local city pool.

Below,is a photo of mom at 16 years old.

But my most favorite photo of my mother is the one I've saved for last. 

 It is the one I have framed on my nightstand. 

It fully portrays her fun nature and for me, represents her carefree youth.

 I miss my mother and all she gave to me and my family. 

 She was a great lady who brought us much joy and I think this photo says it all.

TO OUR GRANDSON, WITH LOVE!

Over the past 17 years  we have made numerous guesses as to what our grandchildren might like for a Christmas gift or a birthday gift.  But it wasn't until THIS year that one of them said, "THANK YOU" in his "OWN" handwriting! 

Some of our grand kids are just now learning how to print. Traditionally, their parents were always prompt with a generous amount of appreciation.  They have never neglected to instruct their children to say, "Thank You!" Three siblings, on their most recent birthday, (all in September!!) gave us a very special SKYPE "Thank You."  We were able to see the children, with their gifts!   One of their gifts was a Tomy Megasketcher.  In the few short months since their birthdays,  the children have learned to write their names on their Megasketchers!  Written "Thank Yous" are now just a few steps away.  Soon, like their older cousin, Nico, 7, they will be able to send their very own handwritten "Thank Yous." 

Our two Aussie grandchildren are also still too young to write, yet are encouraged to phone their Mimi and Papa with their words of thanks.  Oftentimes, their mum will share their happiness with a certain gift with us by email.  They too are being taught how to express their thanks. 

It surely wasn't the gift we sent our 7 year-old grandson, Nico, that resulted in his display of gratitude because we have sent all of the grandchildren gifts of equal or greater value throughout the years.  Since he is of a tender age, we can't help but credit his mommy and daddy for instilling this wonderful quality of of thankfulness in him.  By their diligence in making sure that no gift goes by without a courteous "Thank You," we have great hopes that he will grow up continuing to be appreciative of the kindness of others.

In the past, when he was too young to write, his mom would send us emails with photos of him opening his gift with a huge smile!  She would always write a kind note of thanks, and have Nico phone us to personally thank us.

 Now, following her lead, here is what we received yesterday in overseas post for his most recent birthday gift:

                     What a wonderful gift to give to your children, thankfulness. 

In this season of Thanksgiving, while we are all inspired to think about what we are thankful for, my husband and I have to say that these grandchildren don't let an opportunity go by without thanking those who have been kind to them. They are shining examples of what the holiday is all about.    

I think you can tell how very proud we are of them!   Thank you, my darlings!  (And of course, thank you to their mommies and daddies as well, you are doing a wonderful job!)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Thankful Jar (organizeyourstuffnow.com)