Such a pickle

This is the jar which holds the pickles that I wanted to add to my sandwich on a cold and wintry day. The first day after winter break when all of our kids were back in school. The first day of quiet and peace and no whining and no arguing and no clomping around. The first day in which I could eat a meal uninterrupted. This is the jar of pickles which is still sealed.

That's right. I had struggled to open something else- I forget what now- and had mused about, "the joy of the Lord is my strength," and "if it was a life or death situation, you'd be able to get it open," when, lo and behold, I got it. I said my thanks and did my rejoicing. Then I realized that my sandwich still needed something and wished there were pickles in the fridge. There were no pickles in the fridge. There were, however, pickles in the pantry. 

Boosted by my previous success, I tried and I pried and I found the grippy which usual doesn't let me down and I attempted to get a knife edge under the seal and... nothing.

Defeated. By a jar of pickles. 

I hope this has no bearing on how the rest of 2018 will shake loose.

Seeing as the kids are all back home today after all of one day in school yesterday for a sub-zero temperature cancellation... I'm blaming the pickles.

*Thanks to Dada, who came home and opened my pickles and saved my bacon.* 

Life is Messy

Apologies to those of you who read this blog for a giggle or an anecdote about the kids and their shenanigans. This is not that post. We've been out of commission for awhile because we were losing and then lost our Grandma Barb who went to be home with the Lord. 

And, clearly, I shouldn't have put on makeup today before I sat down to post this.

Anyway, she fought the good fight against the one-two punch from cancer and Alzheimer's. Her children were all able to visit her in her last earthly days and then she was absolutely surrounded during her viewings and funeral service. She would have absolutely loved the flowers which came from everywhere imaginable. 

And she would have been incredibly touched that those who showed up for her, and for us. She was truly loved and will be sorely missed.

Uncle Kelly delivered the sermon, Uncle Rob and Aunt Jana provided special music, and Dada and Aunt Sherri both contributed personal memories during the service.

None of them are the best pictures ever, but you get the general idea.

There were plenty of tears, but there was also laughter at funny memories and smiles over a life well lived.

And adorable grandchildren.

Afterward, some were more than willing to have pictures taken and some were not.

Back at the house, we had more time to hang out and regroup. The cousins really did have a good time together, as always, and the big people enjoyed each other's company as well.

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. The heck with resting in peace. Have a blast in Heaven, Grandma Barb, until we all get there to join you!

We love you and miss you already. 

Barbara Ann 

March 15, 1946- March 10, 2016