LemmonBuggParty

I miss my Dad.  I miss his funny laugh, his sometime abrupt movements, his sense of humor, his deep wisdom on things that would come out of nowhere and even would happen after the vascular dementia had taken a strong hold. I am trying to remember what it was like before he was diagnosed. I think the disease had been slowly coming for a long time and it's hard to separate the fresh memories of Dad living and suffering with the horrid brain disease of Dementia and his healthy younger self.  Pictures and stories help. When I was younger Dad took a memory class.  He came home after the session and would practice on all of us and demonstrate what he learned.  I think he got Mom to take the class with him. I don't really remember :) He was in sales and remembering names and other details was very important to him. Dad never really knew a stranger.  When I worked for the March of Dimes he would gather and pay for a team (my brother would always play as well) and ...

I experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen a week or so ago.  Here are some photos, but they don't do it justice! heading out to catch the sunset! on the drive down to see the sunset!

9.23.19 Bill and I attended a Slow Down Dinner at Ridge to Reef Farm Sept. 14th.  Ridge to Reef is a local organic farm that is located in the Rain Forest out West.  We started out a bit later than planned so it was almost dark. We were doing pretty well with the directions, then took a wrong turn and really tested out the 4 wheel drive function of our truck!  Once back on track, we made our way up to the top of the hill and then down to where the farm is located. It is a beautiful place with a really awesome focus. The Director of the farm is from Atlanta and we have a mutual friend/family connect - you just never know who you will meet! Here is their inspiring introduction on their website:   "We produce organic fruits and vegetables and livestock. We seek to feed our islands and inspire its visitors. In addition to our gastronomic delights and culinary events, our unique farm offers economy solar powered camp-style eco lodging for individuals, couples and ...

9.9.19 Since my last post we have had an exciting few weeks! School has started, we had our first brush with a hurricane and started to understand the prep involved, W has started classes at Denison, a VT friend visited and his son is staying here to tutor at the school as part of his gap year experience, soccer is gearing up, Bill took boys and VT friends on a hike to Hams Bluff,  Labor Day has come and gone and we are a few weeks away from getting settled in the next, more permanent, house.  I will be more than ready to finally unpack whatever is still in boxes and get truly settled.   The weather is hot and humid but beauty abounds.  I see posts about it "beginning to feel like fall" back in VT and I am missing that feeling. I love fall. The crisp air and the changing leaves, it has always been my favorite season.  But, I am learning to love where we are too.  Exploration is the key! W in front of his dorm! Collection of Class Bann...

8.22.19 Thomas, James and I are closing in on being in STX for one month!  William has almost been here two weeks which has given us just enough time to show him around a bit and have some fun together. Tonight we go to a new student orientation for the high school for J and Saturday there is a back to school bash for all. On the college front, W and I fly to Ohio Sat. afternoon! We will check W into Denison on Sunday morning and then have a day of getting him settled etc. and then an Induction Ceremony and then, parents head out (so the schedule says!) . I am ready, he is ready, it's time to start the next chapter. We all are starting new chapters this summer/fall. It's an exciting and nervous time for all of us. out to dinner in Frederiksted  Frederiksted beach and pier in distance   Mermaid Beach - Buccaneer palm view Thomas at sailing camp 

It's been a challenging day, then I saw this.  I think it was meant for me  :) William has arrived and we all went down to the Pier and the boys jumped off and then we saw this beautiful sunset.

8.4.19 Delightful day on the ocean out to Buck Island - a must see site for all.  It is a nesting ground for turtles, birds and  and has a "unique marine garden." The island and its surrounding coral reefs have been protected since 1948. There is an underwater trail with submerged signs for snorkelers to follow.  We didn't make it that far :) James and I are still getting our sea/boat legs.....not sure how long it will take! Once we are in the water we good to go!