December 2018

Recital Night

Recital Night

Caught coming off stage, there were alot of pictures!

NYBG Train Show

NYBG Train Show

Maddie and Mom Christmas Eve

Mom & Ana

Mamita and Ana

The light bulb

Girls on Christmas Day

November, TG and thoughts

Giant Sloth 

Maddie, Hannah, Joey & Ana

Big Tusker at National Zoo

Lion Yawn

Painting

Painting

Kiku

Phoenix

The drive to Virginia was brutal, but the visit was stress free and very pleasant.  The house was huge, but quiet, so very quiet.  Not like mine.  

We had a visit to the zoo in Washington, the last time I was there I carried Joey on my shoulders, now I'm pretty sure he could carry me.  Had a good talk with the elephant keeper, and had fun with Madison.

Spent some time painting pottery with Hannah and Madison, and also spent time with the dog Phoenix, a Basenji.  Reminded me of a dog a knew years ago.   

This was an interesting month for Madison and I, we communicated alot about some very important matters.  I don't think I want to write about them in this post, suffice to say that November was a busy, but good month for us all.

October 2018, Birthdays, Halloween, and life

The mornings in the Fall usually make me happy, the humidity is gone, the air is brisk, and the sky can be stunning.  This is the view from my train platform on two mornings this month.

This is a good picture of my Mom

 My daughter had a birthday, 14 years old, where did that time go?  I missed her mother's presence there, but she is no longer an active part of our lives.  I am really just emerging from the cloud of narcissistic manipulation I had lived under for the last 16 years.  It's like a rebirth, painful but good.

Madison's birthday was a success.  She was happy.

Mamita turned 80, and we had a nice time.  It was nice to be treated as part of a family, where your presence is wanted and appreciated.  It made me very happy.

 Madison went trick-o-treating with her friends.

And of course Joe turned 51, I am so looking forward to going to Portugal.

September 2018 Recap

My daughter after a day in the surf, I love when her hair is natural and curly, it always looks amazing as it dries from a day at the beach.

The first day of school pic, obligatory for this month.

A visit with friends

 A hole at Grandma's house, due to neighbors bulkhead being replaced.

 Tested out Halloween Costume

 Hole got bigger

 Decorated inside, really Laura did it all.

 Bubble run at Jones Beach

In the end a busy month.  On a serious note my daughter is working through her feelings, and trying to work out some things, and I try to help, but this is really something she needs to figure out.  Finally fixed the hose on the side of the house, so that's no excuse for me to not get stuff done anymore.

August of 2018

The big part of August was going to Virginia, and visiting Shenandoah, which I recommend to anyone near the vicinity. 

Christmastown shop

Shenandoah

Unicorn Puzzle, only took 4 days!

Madison on rock

Ana on Rock

Madison and I at waterfall

Who is this guy?

Madison photo credit

Madison photo credit

Madison and Ana at James' Birthday

Mom and James

This summer was a full one, and a happier one than the year before.  Moving on and realizing that you were never loved or valued is tough, and perhaps I'll write about that another time, but for now I am happy and grateful for what I have in my life.

Namaste