Thursday Anne, Matthias, my sister Terri and I spent the entire day shopping Amish greenhouses, having to drive home to empty the car once late morning and then finally ceasing late afternoon when my car was full again, plants even on laps and between the feet of all the passengers. Today all those sweet promises are tucked into the potting shed and the little portable greenhouse on the south deck. Waiting. Tonight's predicted low… 31 degrees.
Today is our son's 38th birthday
and as I type this he's out on the very chilly mighty Mississippi casting into and against the wind on this the 2016 FLW bass fishing tournament season opener. Yesterday's pre fishing included pouring rain, cold winds, and a cantankerous pump. Left this morning about 3:40 am. Jerome and I will drive into LaCrosse for the weigh in this afternoon. There are signs hung all around the house wishing Phil a happy birthday, something Jerome and I started doing to celebrate each family occasion as soon as we were married. It's a treat having Phil here at the farm so we can do it again for him.
We plan to gather this evening to celebrate his birthday, Anne, Matthias, Phil, Jerome, the dogs, our cats and me. We will toast his health, his nearly finished teaching year, the new fishing season and another toast to the many, many happy memories of the one family member who will be missing, Anne and Matthias' Siamese cat, Jerome.
Here is an old Christmas photo of Phil with Jerome and our beloved "first dog" Holden. Jerome and Phil had a special relationship, not surprising since Phil has a deep respect for and appreciation of all living things. (That lovely fish in the photo above was a catch and release, as is his habit.)
Happy birthday, my born on Mothers' Day son. You've given us more than you can imagine.
Goodbye dear friend, Little Jerome. Thank you for the unique joys you brought to my life. I will miss your mighty roar.
This post is so filled with love. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. These things really matter and help us navigate this crazy world. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI was very sad to hear about Anne's cat on her last post. I hope somehow he is reunited with Holden. I would have loved plant hunting with you all - a lovely way to spend the day. I hope you all enjoyed the evening birthday celebration.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post, Sharon. Happy birthday to your son. And sweet thoughts for little Jerome, obviously a much loved kitty. As Karen put it, so much love in this post. Hope you had a beautiful celebration. xo
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