Halloween

I'm a bit late posting the Halloween decor -- we were a bit sidetracked by Offspring the First's marriage. Offspring the Second was in charge of the Halloween decorations, and he did an excellent job.

We had a cemetery.

Spiders galore.

And grisly scarecrow holding the candy.

Well done, Offspring the Second. I do enjoy Halloween decorations, and he made everything Just Right.

Goal

Someday I hope to be able to read this. 

Potential Hobbies

Rojo

Herself speaks.

I have followed Rojo the llama on Facebook for some time now. I have always liked llamas, and Rojo has always been a thoroughly wonderful specimen. I would like to meet him in person. Because Llama. And because Rojo.

Alas, this will never come to pass: today his keepers posted the very sad news that Rojo's health is declining rapidly, and tomorrow, he will go to meet his Maker.

Why is this almost unbearably sad? I don't know this llama personally.

Perhaps it is the loss to the world of such a droll, friendly, happy animal. One furry silly-toothed llama has helped us not to think about the frustrations and sorrows of ordinary life. And one cheerful llama can provide a momentary reprieve when the world seems to be a Raging Dumpster Fire. We are grateful, Rojo, for your time among us.

Is there a Llama Valhalla? I hope so.

Godspeed, Rojo.

Photo found on Facebook, here: 

https://www.facebook.com/RojoTheLlama/photos/a.100865651674/10157434294406675/?type=3&theater

Pie Season Approacheth

Getting a Ride

When it is very chilly, Tiny Dog asks for a ride inside my jacket instead of walking all the way home herself. 

Fly Away

Herself speaks.

Yesterday evening at the gathering following Offspring the First's courthouse marriage to her beloved, every single person whom I met, when they learned that I am Offspring the First's mother, exclaimed what a lovely person she is: her friends, her coworkers, her new in-laws, each of them in turn extolling her virtues, speaking about her with such kindness on their faces and such warmth in their voices. Such joy.

One of her friends showed me some photographs from earlier in the evening, when Offspring the First was getting ready: in her hotel room, Offspring the First in her bathrobe drying her hair, the dress hanging ready for her.  Such ordinary-extraordinary pictures. And my heart cracked a little bit. She is so radiant, so beautiful, so full of life and happiness. So loved.

Offspring the First's world is moving away from mine, faster and faster. I am but a tiny part of her life now, and my role is ever smaller. Though I know this is how it should be -- our ultimate goal as mothers is to make ourselves unnecessary as we launch our offspring into the world -- it still pains me. So bittersweet. I hope that she is always surrounded by such grace and love.

Fly, my beautiful child. I wish for you all good things, always.

.