Tuesday, June 22, 2010

All Work and No Play? Not This Trip!


     It is Table Top Tuesday and I really tried to find a space in my parent's home that wasn't covered with "things" to show you, but I couldn't find a single space. I have to say that I am working many hours a day, well into the wee hours of the night going through my mother's things and I have them stacked everywhere right now. I knew my mom loved to shop and I also knew she had beautiful things...but, dad and I have been a bit shocked by how much there is here to go through. I didn't even turn my computer on yesterday (and that never happens) and I haven't been to bed before 2:00 a.m. yet. But, I am making a point of getting out sometime during the day and doing something fun with my dad. It is good for both of us. I have made a point during the past few months to try to find good amidst the very sad time our family is going through. Spending all this time with my dad is definately one of those good things. Dad and I have always been close, but like most "kids" I would talk to my mom most of the time. We have really bonded during all of the sad, terrible, good and funny moments of the past few weeks. I thought I'd share a few pictures.

We tried a new little place for Father's Day called The Breakfast House.
It was darling and the food was delicious.



Lobster and Shrimp Eggs Benedict and Island Pancakes
(macadamia nuts, coconut and fresh pineapple). We shared both....yum!


We've made time to get in the pool.


We went to an art show.


Had lunch at a waterfront restaurant.




Enjoyed the beauty that is Florida.



 Fried Green Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese and
Spiced Shrimp. The last picture is chocolate peanut butter pie.


I found old pictures...wasn't I cute?


Look at my parents! My dad has a cigarette??? My grandmother is in the middle and my mom looks so sexy....this is a picture of a picture, sorry about the quality.

It is a very interesting time and I have found things that take me back to memories I didn't realize I had. I've also found out that my mom needed to hold back on those shopping trips a bit. There has been more laughter than tears, and my only wish is that she could be here to do all of this with me. Please forgive me for not visiting each of you right now. I will keep trying to get the time to read your wonderful blogs.

Don't forget my giveaway!

12 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

Sue~~~

This must be such a difficult time for you but you seem to be looking at it in a most positive way. I enjoyed reading about all the fun things you have been doing with your father and the closeness you are now sharing. It makes me smile! Much of the same happened when my mom passed...the stories my father told us were great.

Hope you get a little more rest and have more fun along with the work.

xoxo
Jane

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

You are turning a difficult time into a memorable time for both of you. These are the kind of moments that define who we are and make us stronger. Sounds like your Mom is there with both or you through the memories, laughter and tears, as she always will be.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Please don't apologize, Sue! We understand. I'm just glad you're having this time with your dad and enjoying going through memories.

I hate to think what my nieces will say when they are forced to go through my stuff. And the horrible thing is, we are ALL, every last one of us, packrats. I refuse to say that "h" word as in hoarder. ;-)

Love that shot of you and the one of your parents and grandmother. Glad you are taking some time to smell the hibiscus. ;-)

XO,

Sheila

dee dee said...

Sue,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. No sorries ever needed. It looks like you and your dad are having some very special moments together. You outings and eatings are memories to be cherished! Thank you for sharing them with us!
Dee Dee

Gypsy Heart said...

I know this is a very difficult time for you and your dad but you seem to be looking for the positive all along the way. I admire that!
The photos are wonderful and I know how much your dad must appreciate you being there and helping. Bittersweet, huh?

Don't worry about us. Do what you have to do and try your best to get some rest. Oh, and please, please enjoy all that seafood for me too, ok? I'm so afraid it's going to be scarce now...

Sending you strength, peace, healing and love.

Pat

Shellbelle said...

I am glad to hear you are finding the positive in this most difficult time and taking time to have fun and enjoying being with your dad. I know you being there must be making it so much easier for him.

That breakfast looks amazing and I'm starving right now! Looks like quite a few food pictures here, so I know you're eating well.

Big Hugs

Sherry said...

It is so nice that at a time like this you are finding strength in the good memories and in new memories you are making with your Dad.
Blessings

Maria said...

Hi Sue...
Just stopping by to say hi... Looks like you are counting your days and blessings well... they are each so very precious...

Your photos are very telling of a family that loves and enjoys life to the fullest ♥
Take Care Sue ~ will be thinking of you ~
Maria

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Sue, you really said something so profound! To see the good in every situation, even if it is sad. I'm going to remember that. Thank you.

I am happy to hear you and your dad are together. You must be a great comfort to him... and he to you!

I am still praying for you!
Yvonne

Joanna Jenkins said...

YES! You were a very cute baby :-)

The pancakes look and sound amazing! I'm a big pancake fan and enjoy trying them when I travel.

Glad you are able to spend time with your Dad.

Cheers,
jj

Monica H said...

I know that must be difficult for you to go through all of yourmother's things but I'm that that you're able to find the good in all of this. I think it's also wonderful that you're getting to spend so much time with your father. Florida looks beautiful and the food is delicious. I'm hungry!

Angie said...

Sue - what wonderful memories you've made with your dad while in Florida :) Great photos of some delicious-looking food and beautiful scenery!