Simple Pleasures

Things have been good lately.  I am on a high from knowing we are nearing the end of treatment (optimistic and refusing to worry about the 'what ifs').  Nana's recent visit was far too short.  Three weeks is a long time for a houseguest but we only get to see her once a year.  It is not enough.  However, we were able to enjoy a lovely time together.  

This is my favorite picture of our time in NYC, capturing the two boys hanging out by the lake in Central Park.  It sums up the entire visit: we were all too exhausted, sick or steroidy to do amazing adventures like we usually do, but we got to stop and SEE things....actually take time to soak in some easy-going pleasure!

Here the boys were watching turtles.  One turtle was very intent on getting food from them.  Utterly disappointed that there was non forthcoming, the turtle, who had crawled out of the lake to practically beg for the food, slunk back in very disgruntled.  I do believe the boys could have spent the entire afternoon there.  

It is good to see children enjoying nature and simple free pleasures.  All too often the cry for more time on the Wii or "Just one more TV show....PLEASE!!!" come flying in my direction.  On this day, however, we all just drank in the amazing views of NYC surrounding the lake as turtles, geese and boats provided us with all the entertainment we needed.  

Summer Kicks In

So, despite the exhaustion, we have begun summer and the good days have been good.  Just before Nana arrived, I took the boys to the Big Apple Circus.  As soon as the circus arrived in town, I was delighted that both Jack and Sam wanted to go.  Being unable to get my act together, I missed the special offer on cheaper tickets, but did still get great near ring-side seats.  We had a blast and the boys declared it was even better than last year!  Sammy still does a great impression of one of the clowns - remarkably good and very accurate...what a memory!

Once Nana arrived, we spent a couple of days letting her get over the journey.  With Lupus and other such ailments, the journey tends to take it out of her.  The kids were ecstatic to see her again; they miss her so much as we only get to see her once a year.  

Our first big day trip was to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow.  It is a working manor house and a place we visit every year.  We were greeted by a lovely lady in 18th century costume who escorted us around and informed us of various historical significances as we went.  Sam and Jack were in fine form with their questions...mostly relevant and showing genuine interest in the history around them.  Norman the cow was a hit, as was the tour of the manor house and the working mill.  My kids never cease to amaze me: if I had told them we were off to learn about colonial history, they would not have even got into the car, but they soaked it all up and loved every minute of it...Sammy raising his hand to ask questions was just delicious!   

postaweek2011

Okay, I'm trying here.  I am actually working on following a 'blogger-type inspiration to post thingy' gosh, I don't have command of the English language tonight, and I'm committing to one post a week being about life outside cancer.  Shannon, my new blogging friend will think I'm a total stalker, but she has inspired me to live outside my comfort zone.  Believe it or not, I am more comfortable opening up about Sammy, cancer and the roller coaster, than other, more personal things. 

I don't even know if I have actually joined the group...or even if there is a group to join.  It all stems from http://dailypost.wordpress.com/  Who knows where this will take me.  The same rules will apply to my posts...I don't edit!  Why?  Because I write as I think and my typing is awful...I was too good at math to be in the typing class at school!  So I let it all out and cringe when I revisit old posts, but they are REAL!  I did discover the spell check the other day :)

Don't hold me to a specific day for these posts, and don't bank on me making any sense...in fact, you all have my full permission to skip them when they crop up.  They will be clearly labeled so you can identify them immediately.  Please comment on anything you are motivated to discuss or offer a counter opinion...I love debates...and remember...If Sammy goes into Hospital, all bets are off, until we are discharged and I get my motivation back.

Here’s today’s topic idea – brought to you by Plinky:


Share something that makes you smile. (Can be a photo, an idea, a memory – anything that comes to mind).

This picture was taken by me during the summer before Sam was diagnosed.  Nana Haze was over from England and we were enjoying three carefree weeks of summertime fun.  The bridge is at Binny Park in Greenwich.  We call it the Mary Poppins Bridge Park as the bridges are reminiscent of the park in the Disney Movie.  Magic happens here.  From the time Jack was nursing, Nana and I took the children to Binny Park.  Each trip evolved into new discoveries:  the houses within the bushes; one for Jack and one for Sam. There is always the heron seated majestically waiting for a catch,  The lighting changes depending on the season we visit and the time of day....no two visits are the same.  Most special of all is the fact that we spend hours there with Nana, exploring learning, bonding and enjoying...all in a way I remember doing as a child with my mother also.

When I take the kids there on my own, we last about ten minutes.  Nana creates a magical experience which opens up my sons' eyes to the world around them.  I wan to do this, and I try to learn for it, but I concede...it is a Nana thing. 

These memories make me smile.  They are special on so many levels.  Our last visit was with Sam in a stroller, yet we still stayed a good hour or more...Nana magic!  I grew up with my Nana being the creator of all things wondrous and fun...I smile to see my own sons innocence retained for these special moments.