Smiling Memory

first off, I can't believe it has been about seven days since I last posted. Life is just whirling by, on a fast train and just need to slow down and take a breather. Ever since New Year's been busy with birthday parties, regular parties, indoor soccer for both boys, new job at work for me which entails a lot more stress and classes, which I'll talk about later :), Steve busy at work, homework, and every day living. I will say one thing though, with the exception of today, I have been loving this weather. This is the kind of winter I have been talking about. Warm enough for the kids to go outside and play and release some of their built up energy. That is the problem with winter when it is really cold, being cooped up in the house for so long. Our basement isn't finished and it is nice because it allows the boys to ride their bikes and run around like mad men that they are. Someday though, when that money tree grows bigger it will be finished LOL...

So this morning on my way to work, I heard the song "Michelle" by the Beetles. It brought up a wonderful memory of dad's dear old friend, Ed (Ratzi). Everytime I would see him he would sing this song to me. I can picture him at the bar stool at the Turf Club or the Hut, and he would just sign away. At first the memory made me sad, but then I just started smiling and started remembering those good ole'days. Where dad played softball, where there was such a crowd of great people gathered at the softball field or at Turf Club or the Hut and all of us kids just running around like kids do. It was a time before people were judged about having a child in a bar, before seat belts were enforced, and a time where Latonia Bakery was da'bomb!

It made me laugh and just miss all of the old times. What great family friends we have made over the years and it is just a tribute to mom and dad that I am able to have such fond memories of my childhood. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

So the white death is upon us. People are getting crazy, asking if we are closing early when there isn't even a snowflake fallen yet! Oh, the joy of SNOW!

I hope everyone is doing well. I hope you are enjoying time with your family and friends and I hope there are days where you have a smiling memory of a loved one that has gone too soon. Don't get me wrong, I still have a lot of sad days, and my heart aches every day for dad, but it is so nice every once in a while to have that Smiling Memory!!

Be Careful out there today! - Watch out for the crazies!!

Miss and love you dad ~ so much.

Much love and happiness to all,