Embrace Your Destiny: Enjoy the Moment

Bath time leads to nap time

“Goodnight Loleh. We had a great time today. Tomorrow, we’ll play some more. Grandma loves you.” 

After another big day, this is our nightly ritual. Daughter Liz, Philippe and Loleh are staying with us short term while they wait and wait on Liz's French work Visa. Our nightly prize is when Liz brings Loleh after his bath, all squeaky clean to say "goodnight". 

Everyday we wait expectantly to hear, “All aboard for Paris.” When Liz’s Visa comes, they will leave for Paris to live. All the work is done. The packing, moving, and unpacking were completed in two weeks. Their cars have come back to us so title transfers had to be handled. Now we are into “enjoy every moment” mode. We have a short wish list of projects and activities we hope to do before they leave. We got to visit Donnie’s 99 year old mother, in Reidsville and we are playing bridge with "Uncle Bob".  But, time is flying by!

 

Clean high chair and clean Loleh

We adapted to living together quickly. They help us with electronic, computer, and French issues. We reciprocate with food and baby sitting. We get up early. They get up later. They have breakfast while we do hot yoga. Allowing everyone quiet time and space has been key. 

Luckily, the fall weather has been beautiful extending our living space. We have used the back and front porches, and the yard and patio to the max. Loleh loves playing outdoors. We eat on the patio as often as possible. Lunch is the best time for us to eat together as a family. Trying to eat dinner with Liz and Philippe proved impossible. We go to bed sometimes before they finish Loleh's bedtime routine.

 

Cooking is my thing. They will eat whatever I prepare without complaint, except for hot peppers. Philippe can't handle them. I love them and we have them in abundance from the garden. To quit using them in soups and stews was a sacrifice. The first day they were here, I served him a cup of my new "hot" batch of bone broth. I had added a few experimental pieces of this really hot pepper. He quietly quit eating it. Then he said, “Did you do something different with this broth? It’s really hot!”. 

 

 

Instant Pot has found a home

I confessed, “I did experiment by adding a few hot peppers from the garden. Is it really too hot for you to eat? ” Since then, I put some chopped peppers in a cup for the rest of us to add to dishes. 

I have a new toy, an Instant Pot. I bought it for Liz but she can't take it to France. She taught me the basics of how to use it. It's my new ‘best friend'. Meal planning and preparation have become an adventure. My goal everyday is to prepare quick, easy dishes that can be plated and refrigerated for the evening meal. This allows us to leave the kitchen clean and they can eat when they are ready. 

I’ve done soup, barbecue, chili, Brunswick stew and pork chops. Cooking time is quick and clean up is easy. I also have put meals in the freezer for use when needed. Food planning and preparation has been my biggest challenge and what I'm most proud of accomplishing.

 

 

“What is the plan for today?” Keeping up with everyone’s whereabouts and needs has been interesting. Philippe does tutoring, Liz does baby duties, and I have my therapy schedule. Donnie roves to whoever needs him most. We have settled into a nice rhythm. 

Outside play has been perfect

Stroller walks with Loleh  take top priority. He gets a good nap, Liz gets a break, and I get in a fun walk and get lots of Loleh smiles!
 

Daily I am reminded of the baby effect. They rule space. They rule time. They entertain constantly and they give joy and love. We are embracing our limited time with Liz and the family. It will be very quiet when they leave. We are all working hard to make fantastic memories before they fly away.

 

Youthful Poirot

PS:
How could I forget to mention the four legged family members? Our old cat doesn’t gee-haw with their youthful kitty. Old Sootie is an outdoor/indoor cat. Poirot is strictly an indoor kitty who envies Sootie's freedom. Poirot can be sweet and lovable or the “devil”.  His favorite games are “escape” outside and torment Sootie. So far, I haven’t hurt myself by blocking, chasing, or catching Poirot. Sootie says, “ Poirot will not be missed!”