Wednesday, October 15, 2008

~ The Day or Days ~

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 My day at the park with my parents and younger sister was fabulous. The weather wasn't perfect, but time spent with each other was! My Dad has some issues with his health. Getting in and out of the car is not the easiest for him, but he wanted to go. I of course drove. Their car :) So I leave work early and get there about 12:15. He was on his way to the computer to make sure he had room on his camera. Mom wasn't thrilled that he waited until the last minute, but what difference does it make really? We have nothing but time. We get Dad situated in the front seat. He has a plastic bag on the seat so he can slide in easier. He is fairly tall, and the bad hip, bad knees, and his unsteadiness from Parkinson's makes it a bit difficult. Ahhhh so we are on way. Dad talks a bit lower these days and his hearing was shot until his recent purchase of hearing aides. What a difference they make!!! We need to get on the highway and it's pretty much on the way back to my house. I pull out of the drive and he tells me to make a right at the corner (as though I didn't know) Within seconds Mom repeats the direction from the back seat. I know no harm was meant and that she did not hear Dad. I pull out making the right and Dad tells me, 'left at the light.' Yeap, you guessed it, Mom followed with the same direction. I make the left and head down the street. It's broken off about half way with a stop sign. A sign I regularly see and stop at as that is how I get to their house each and every time. Dad... 'now there is a stop sign up here that is partially hidden by the leaves.' Uh huhhh.. mom repeats it. Ok, I throw my hands up and say, 'we are in stereo here.' No way I can drive over an hour with constant directions from both of them. Dad goes on to say, 'it's bad enough to have a back seat driver, but you got one up front too.' He's smiling. So I give it back, 'well if N (my younger sister) starts you're all getting out and walking.' He grins and reminds me it's his car. I grin right back, 'but I'm driving.' We all laugh and I explain to my mother that I know she can't hear Dad. But all was good, they stopped. LOL Well, with the exception of Dad letting me know each time the speed limit changed.
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The ride was fabulous and view better. The trees on the hills were so vibrant. I wish the sun was out more, so the colors would glow, but it was good anyway. When we got to the park we drove around. Pulling over here and there to look out over the ledge. They call Letchworth the Grand Canyon of the East. Ok, so I don't know who gave it that name, but ..............

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There is camping at the park so at one point we drove through the campground section. We found an empty spot, yes there were lots of folks camping! We set up a little bit of a picnic of snacks. Cheese, crackers, grapes, apples. We sat and chatted and took shots of the colors around us. We found some pinecones and Mom wanted a collection for her centerpiece at Thanksgiving. We walked around and collected tons. Then Dad got ansty and wanted to move on so we went.
I ended up with over 100 pictures. I won't bore you with them all, but rest assured you will still see more. I think a few in an entry is more then enough.
I am emotionally drained today. I was exhausted last evening and fell fast asleep the minute my head hit the pillow. Today I put in a full day at work and it was off to the hospital. When I arrived in the department waiting room it was full. Not all surprised, as my sister had a ton of friends, and I mean a ton!! After a few minutes of chit chat the lights flickered and they were about to start. The speech was magnificent and brought tears to my eyes. My sister worked at the hospital for over 20 years. In that time she was a supervisor and students passing through on their rotations were taught by her. She loved that part, and they loved her. Never a doubt. Looking around the room I saw tears, smiles, and at times laughter. It was such a wonderful tribute. They then brought out the plaque. My sister didn't design the waiting room, she didn't pay for it, but she was there always and still is. The plaque was beautiful and graced with a picture of her with one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen. As they walked by me with the plaque to hang it on the wall I got a good look at the picture. I chuckled right out loud between the tears. My brother in law picked the picture and let me tell you he picked a great one. I knew exactly where and when it was taken. Several years ago the girls (her girls) had a Halloween party at the house they rented while in college. My sister and brother in law showed up pretty much unannounced. Surely invited, but I will bet my pay check the girls never thought they'd show. Anyway the costumes were hysterical. My sister dressed like an electrical socket my brother in law, the plug. The picture was taken at the party as they posed. No of course you can't see the costume, or my brother in law, it's a head shot only, but the smile on her face and in her eyes was so her. It was perfect! And in some way it made the plaque even more special. Happy times... and for those of us that know the 'secret' of the picture ...... aaahhh we will always smile if not laugh when we see it.
The night ended great. My boys played tonight. They took on the NY Rangers who have started the season in great fashion winning all five of their games so far. We had won both ours. By the time I got home we were losing 1-0. OUCH! But our defense stood up and for over 20 minutes after the goal the Rangers didn't even have a shot on net. My boys.. well they kept on coming. Fighting for the loose pucks and taking advantage of the Rangers mistakes. We scored on the power play, we scored shorthanded. We scored 3 unanswered goals and went on to win 3-1. Whuuuuuuuu huuuuuuuuu yes there was pleasure there!!

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I've continued to try and migrate my journal over here. No luck yet. I've seen were some had theirs go all of a sudden today which is a good thing!! I hope it won't be much longer for my luck to change. Vish did answer my comment on Magic Smoke telling me it takes time and that I am one of only a handful of folks this is happening to. I know she is wrong there. I've been to bloggers help site, and I see the same thing over and over from folks I've heard of, and some I've never heard of. I've seen entries in both journals and blogs saying the same thing. So please if you are having an issue and haven't already let them know, go to Magic Smoke and tell them. Make them aware of the issues so they realize it is effecting more folks then they think. You can find a link to Magic Smoke on the top of every AOL journal. Currently I am watching entries pass by in the background as I try again. Just pass 50% on the download bar and hoping.............. hoping............... ok.. it bombed out again. File transfer failed. That makes 3 times tonight :(
I'm off to bed.. hope everyone is doing good.
Hugs
~d

49 comments:

Allison said...

I just really loving the pictures, I want to be there so bad. We have hot temps here and fires, oh joy. Hope you have a happy Thursday. Luv ya!

Mari said...

wow beautiful pictures!! My dad after his stroke was a back seat driver ...not going fast enough ...going to slow

Have a great Thursday

Chris/cacklinrosie101 said...

The pictures are awesome, D! Our leaves are so drab around here. I don't think they will get nearly as vibrant this year although it still is a bit early. I'm so glad the memorial went so well. I knew it would tug the heart strings but in a good way. Now, if only that journal finally migrates.....love ya!

~Stevie~ said...

What a beautiful tribute babes. I laughed out with you when I imagined you laughin at that picture of your Sis. Feels like I was there with you. What a lovely tribute to your sister. She's always in the waiting room now..bless her.

Lovely pictures too, and sorry aol is been a pain for you..:-(

love you
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dawn said...

I am so happy that the waiting room plaque is such a joy! And, I will keep your dad in my prayers. Loved the fall pictures... beautiful.

be well...

Unknown said...

Awesome pictures. Hope your night is a wonderful one. Alvia

Bookncoffee said...

Be sure and clean cookies before each time you try. I hope that you keep trying.
Maybe they will eventually do it for you.
Glad you had a nice time with your family. I was laughing at the driving instructions on the way. Sonya

Yasmin said...

Glad all wnet well at the Hospital where your sister worked, you all must so prous to see the plaque in her memory. Great pictures as usual, the colours so vibrant.

Hope they resolve your issues with the migration.

Yasmin
x

Adirondackcountrygal said...

I went to Letchworth a few years ago and it was wonderful. I would love to go in the fall sometime. The pictures are wonderful. I'm sorry you are having a hard time with your journal. Mine did that once got all the way to the end and froze up.

Jeannette said...

Beautiful pictures Donna. I had to laugh at your parents, you described it so well I could almost see them. How nice for your sister, that plaque. Yes I have seen many complaints from other people about transfer, it is not just a small number. I tried again three times yesterday, always froze up and failed and..........they are not keeping us informed. I get the feeling they hope we will all get fed-up and go away. For heaven's sake, it cannot take that long to find a solution.

Joan said...

Lovely pictures of you fall I have just come in after trying to take some of ours still in camera at the moment. Have a nice day. Love Joan.

Melissa said...

sounds like u had a great day, love the pics

Darlene said...

omg,lmfao!! I go through the exact same thing with my mom and step dad every single time we go out!!!! My step dad has Alzheimers and Parkinsons, and he tells me how to get to their house..lol.. by the time we get home, I'm ready for a pill or drink..hehehe...
beautiful pics and glad to hear that you had a good time with your parents!
~Darlene~

- said...

Congrats to your boys. I saw the highlights on NESN between Periods of the Bruins game.

Sadly...my Boys lost but it was in the shootout. They put up one HELL of a fight. Tieing up the game in the 3rd. It was a good game despite the loss.

lisa said...

I do not know WHO Vish is but i wrote that Magic Smoke person more than once and never received ANY reply. Phooey.
Those pics are magazine worthy. I wish you'd submit them to one. I am SO happy for your family to be able to see the love your beloved sister shared and got in return from SO many....i love how you describe things...i can just hear your parents repeating the same directions too. LOL
Love you SO.

gina said...

how wonderful that your sis was honored like this. i know that meant a lot to you and your family. she was a special lady. sounds like some great time spent with your parents and what some awesome pix you have shared! beautiful.

Slacker Mom said...

Glad you had a good day with your parents and family at the park. had to laugh at them giving you directions. Parents have a hard time remembering we grew up~

The pictures are great....Leaves JUST starting to change here....

Angel
a.k.a Slacker Mom

Sage Ravenwood said...

I'm pretty sure you already tried this, but a few people have said when it does that, they hit refresh and it seems to kick it back in gear. The pictures are gorgeous! The tribute to your sister priceless. (Hugs)Indigo

Julie said...

Loved the shots

Leslie said...

My gosh hun first of all i have to say those pics are breathtaking. There beautiful. I am soo jelicous betw u and Brittany lmao getting these beautiful fall shots. getting to see fall unfold. I wish it was like that here in FL *sigh* lol. We are still in the freakin 80s yea real fall like huh? Ok enough of my griping lol. Im so glad you, your mom, dad & sis had a nice time yesterday. It sounded like it was a beautiful day, good food & laughs. Especially on the way there haa, lol. Your parents cracked me up, with there backseat driving lol. Im sorry to hear about your dad though not doing too well :( I will keep him in my prayers. I bet though him getting out for a bit, enjoying the day with u all lifted his spirits for sure.

Wow the presentation the hospital put for our sister sounded beautiful. I can only imagine how you & your family felt. About the pic they picked of your sis for the plaque priceless. I can imagine the whole tribute was touching & beautiful. For you to see all those who loved your sisters, to hear them share memories, bittersweet. Im soo glad your boys won hun, yeahh! Thats awesome babe :) Oh and sorry about the migration again, *sigh* My gosh aol get with it. I just cant believe it. I feel for u and the others. This is insane. I dont understand why your j just cant be transffered easily :( Well dear take care. Hope you have a good day! ttys, Leslie

Unknown said...

What beautiful pictures. Im glad you go to enjoy it with your family, even though you got directions in stereo. It sounds like the tribute to your sister was very special. Take care

Kath said...

Great posting Donna.Fantastic pics the colours are tremendous.It's a pain about the journals that won't transfer.I havebeen going to Magic Smoke leaving my views on things.Good grief theres loads it won't happen for I have read about.I do hope you finally get there soon.Grrrr.Hope your father soon feels better.What a great thing the plaque for sister.Take Care God Bless Kath

Dannelle said...

Love your pictures- I would love to walk down those roads! Dannelle

Happy Being Me said...

Once a parent always a parent. I sure hope they are able to bring your journal over here. This is saddening. Your pictures are awesome - Hoping the rest of your week is good to you.
Take care and enjoy,
Katie

Debbie said...

I felt like I was riding in the car with you reading about your trip. I couldn't keep from laughing about the backseat driving. The tribute to your sister sounds beautiful and though bittersweet I know it warmed your heart to know she is loved by so many. I hope they find the solution to transfer your journal soon I know it has to be frustrating every time it freezes on you. I love all your pictures!
Hugs
Debbie

Anonymous said...

I'm with you on the old people stereo. I don't get stereo anymore but everytime Ma tells me to do something she gives me detailed instructions on how to do it. Even if it's stuff I do every day. It's the hardest thing for me to contend with really. I mean, by now I know how she wants her mug filled with water, you know?
So Glad about the honor for your sister. I think about you a lot in that regard. I can't believe that Pop's been gone almost two years!
xo
MJ

Joyce said...

Your photo's are amazing Donna. It's beautiful there. It's still too warm here for much of a change but it is starting a little. I love the story about your sister's picture. What a lovely tribute too.
Hugs, Joyce

Jeannette said...

I'm so glad you managed a few chuckles through the tears, I know it must have been hard for you all. The photos are outstanding, such vibrant colours, autumn is a wionderful season isn't it? Jeannette xx

Anonymous said...

Sounds like two days with memories that will last forever ;) I love the pictures you took as always, beautiful!

Joyce said...

I really enjoyed all your photos..of this park...lovely. You are so good with capturing the moment...hugs and love,
Joyce

Hollie said...

LOL about the ride with your mom & dad...mine do the same thing! Your pictures are awesome. You have got a wonderful talent... What a wonderful tribute to your sister. I know you miss her so much...:)HUGS

Beth said...

Beautiful pictures, Donna, and I loved the story about the road trip with your folks!!

What a great tribute to your sister. It sounds like it's exactly the right picture.

Hugs, Beth

Heli gunner Tom said...

Autumn is my FAVORITE season! It reminds me of my happy childhood on my family's farm in S.E. Wisconsin. Hard work on the farm made me a good soldier and a better Christian, IMHO. Nice post.

Cordially,
Tom Schuckman

Heli-gunner Tom http://heli-gunnertom.blogspot.com/

Missie said...

you always take such great pictures.

Amelia said...

That seems like it was a very relaxing day Donna. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and I love the pics.

*M*
http://learningtoadapt.blogspot.com

Sherry said...

hang in there girl I hope it gets better and I hope with all the complaining I am doing that they do some changing around here lol yeah right I love the pictures and the entries
hugs
Sherry
http://onebiteonestepatatime.blogspot.com/

Sherry said...

hang in there girl I hope it gets better and I hope with all the complaining I am doing that they do some changing around here lol yeah right I love the pictures and the entries
hugs
Sherry
http://onebiteonestepatatime.blogspot.com/

Ken Riches said...

Love the dialogue regarding the directions. The pictures are cool, especially the leaves :o)

Rose~* said...

The Autumn colours look fantastic, Donna. Such wonderful shots. It has been raining quite a bit over here, so I haven't been able to enjoy them as much as I'd like too. ::SIGH::

ELLIE said...

more supreme pictures - I am loving it all---the tribute to your sister sounds perfect - love the story behind the picture!!!
Thanks for sharing it all and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that your journal makes the leap over!!
take care of you
Ellie

Bridgett said...

What a memorable day...and what lovely pictures! I just love this time of year...

As for your journal, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

XOXO

moshell's lilbit of space said...

Donna...the pictures are beautiful


*hugs*

..... said...

Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful Fall pictures. Fall is my favorite time of the year.
I could sit here and just get lost in these pictures.
Glad to hear that you had a wonderful time at the park with family.
Hope ya have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Angel

Martha said...

Beautiful entry! The photos are gorgeous, the tribute to your sister wonderful, and your parents sound like a hoot :-)
I sure hope something good will happen for you with your journal migration, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! There's still time!

Terri said...

Loved this entry! Beautiful pics..had to laugh at your mom and dad both giving you directions...he sounds like me telling Jeff each time the speed limit changes, I have to Jeff pays no attention to it...or if he does he doesn't follow the rules..lol I bet 10 bucks he speeds all the time while driving alone...hehe

Loved reading about the tribute at the hospital...sounds just beautiful..and glad there was a crowd...she was loved thats for sure... Big Hugs!

Your pics are amazing... to get them in your journal full size is there a trick to it.. or is just having a stretch template what it all boils down to? I haven't tried adding pics yet to blogger...

Have a great weekend
Hugs
Terri

AGirlNexDoorCreation said...

Love the fall pix...I want one of the trees with the orange leaves...well I want two..tee hee...so pretty...wishing you a great weekend..Hugs,TerryAnn

k2shine said...

great pics and story of your day with family. I miss all that with my parents. kudos to your sis I laughed about that costume. have a great relaxing weekend

Odds Bodkins. said...

There's nothing quite as nice as a family get together is there?
Glad you had a good time. And the pictures are amazing. The last one is beautiful.

B. x

slj said...

I had to laugh hearing about your driving experience with your Mom and Dad..too funny.
I'm so happy that the memorial was so beautiful. I can imagine how emotional it was. Today I saw John Edward on the hsn..and he said, as I have already known, we never get over it, we just live thru it..Keeping you in my thoughts..
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures..
Sheri