dianegclark

Diego was the third Sheltie I’ve had in my lifetime. He was Scott and my second. We tried to rescue a sheltie but that didn’t work out so we drive to Arkansas to get our little buddy.

As a puppy, Diego was a pogo stick with teeth. I remember he drank some of my coffee and bounced all around outside. He had terrible stomach problems the first six months of his life. He used to fall asleep in the little tray where we kept the TV remotes. He was the same size as Rex for a very long time.

We had a number of dog sitters for Diego. Ashley, Stacy, Mack, Korrie and Joy. They loved him too.

Diego lived through three dogs; Professor Rex and then Wilson. He had a love-hate relationship with Wilson. They argued and played together like siblings.

Diego had a sound sensitivity to clanks and reverberations and clicking all really bothered him , motors, the blender, the hairdryer, the vacuum. On the Fourth of July we stayed home for years. We had to wrap him up in a blanket and medicate him and hold him. He even went through the front window once. We tried several kinds of medications and nothing helped. He really never even went on a walk with us his whole life. But he loved his backyard. He ran all around that backyard. He chased squirrels. He got one once. Diego banged the gutter pipes.

I will miss him coming to the door to greet me when I come home. I will miss him coming in the bathroom to say good morning, sleeping in the hallway to guard me.

He was really Scott’s dog. And he loved kids too. We’ll all miss him so much.

Diego‘s last afternoon he took a nap on my bed between my legs with a blanket over him. Wilson slept sideways across Scott. We ran to the coffee shop to take care of a problem and when we got home we found him on the deck. He looked really peaceful like he hadn’t suffered.

Take care of yourself Diego. Say hi to Rex. We love you so much.

I spend so much time on facetime or watching videos of my Grandbabies it is surreal when I am actually with them. I wonder if they feel it too.

I love going to visit. Leah has created such a happy home, filled with light and joy and laughter. I brought bubbles so we headed outside to play while Leah made lunch. We ate lunch then played cars downstairs then spent the rest of the afternoon out on the driveway with a hose and a bucket. The boys stripped down to their underwear, Eleanor to her diaper and we simply played.

Eleanor has this hilarious evil laugh now that is so precious. She walks all over trying to do what the boys are doing.

I want to put all the feels in a bottle and seal it up. In the meantime, I will post pictures and videos I can savor.

Scott and I are stepping out of our rut when we can. We did some late swims at the pool before it closed.

Got some new furniture that is a game changer and were able to bless Andrea with the old sectional which miraculously fit into her house.

We went to Lincoln to see Garth Brooks. It was scary due to covid and the crowds and a big pain in the ass but a special and fun time.

Wilson is both a joy and a challenge. He is calming down some and turning into the cuddly companion I dreamt of. But he is highly dog reactive and a naughty boy at home. Some pretty huge stressful moments. We are very grateful for Mutt school and for our friend Kathy who babysits him several times per week. I think he will be a good therapy dog when we get there from here.

Some really special memories with the grandkids lately, mostly over facetime although we love going there to see them in their new house and we can actually stay over now. The other day Emmet casually popped off some math that blew Leah and my minds. He could answer what age he will be when Henry is a certain age and also the flip. We asked him when Henry is 8, how old will you be? He answered correctly every time.

Yesterday’s conversation with Henry. “We took a shower, Emmet is taking a real shower.” Then “I look out and see the sun goes down and then I see the stars and the moon. I want stars and planets for my birthday.” Then, “I thinking I come to your house Gwamma.” I reminded him that Wilson is big and he said, “Yeah, I get nervous around dogs.” Emmet is 5 1/2, Henry 3 1/2 and Eleanor is turning one this weekend. Last week on FaceTime when Eleanor saw my face, she walked toward the phone with her arms out. I love them so much.

The coffee shop is doing really well, lots of cool things, partnerships with Ethos, Therapie, MCC, 9 rounds and more, cool events, music tonight, yoga. We had our one year anniversary.

Natalie, Homestead graduate and friend lived here for the summer which was fun and a bit of a wild ride. She moved home and got married and we are happy for her.

Mom is hanging in there but fading fast. Lots of medical appointments and trying to put help in place for her. Trying to treasure every moment we have.

The practice is busy busy. Working to find balance. Just took on 4 new clients and feel overwhelmed but I really like doing this.

Missing my brother and Julie. It was her birthday yesterday.

Going to Newton for Eleanor’s birthday tomorrow. Wilson to the groomer today, clients and Homestead then music in the coffee shop tonight.

Scott and i went to starlite in kc last night to see Jason Mraz. Such positive, fun music and a great night overall.

We met Joel at his loft apartment downtown then headed over to Westport to pick up Kayla. We ate at Char Bar, yummy bbq.

On the way into the concert, a retired gal in a cart asked us if we wanted a ride. A mom and her daughter jumped on and so did we. The gal drive the opposite way from the concert then couldn’t get the car to go up the hill! We chuckled as she tried again then went another route, ending up taking at least three times as long as walking to the theater would have taken.

It was perfect weather and our seats were amazing, third row center. The opening band was Southern , a hip young black gal with two female back up singers, one who looked 12 and the other the drummer. She danced and belted out great songs including “Don’t Give Up” which the audience sang to. Such fun.

We are probably the only people in the audience who enjoy watching the stage hands tear down and set up for the next band because we’ve been there done that so many times.

Jason and his band came out wearing black adidas jackets over tie dye shirts. We love his back ground singers, to which he added a black female vocalist that you can hear really well digitally, and his female lead guitarist who plays tons of riffs and solos. He has added three brass players, sax, trumpet and trombone. The trumpet player was an older guy with super long braids that really got into the performance and songs. The background singers and brass players took turns coming down into the main stage for certain songs. We are into background singers.

Jason’s music is so upbeat, positive, encouraging and just downright fun. We sang his music in the car all the way there and all the way home.

Don’t worry, this post is rated PG.

I had a facial today, my first. It was so much more than I expected. It got me thinking about other sensual experiences I’ve had.

Like my first massage. On the beach in Mexico. White curtains blowing in the breeze. I remember that he massaged my hands which I found a little too intimate.

I love massages. My sister in law gives great ones. Full body massages, very professionally. I get so relaxed that I get concerned I’m gonna drool.

Once at a resort in the Dominican Republic, I experienced a water spa. I’ve been to two since then but none as amazing as the first. It was raining lightly that day. We followed the gal to the locker room on board walks in a rain forest, the rain falling lightly on our hair. She gave us robes and pointed out the outdoor shower. I washed my hair with amazing smelling shampoos and body wash. We were then led into a wet sauna, so steamy we couldn’t see our hands in front of us. A couple of minutes later, the gal opened the room and threw something on the floor. Eucalyptus. Smelled amazing.

Next we walked along in our robes, sweat dripping from every pore, to a small closet with a bucket. She pointed to the chain. I pulled it. Cold water splashed all over me. It felt amazing.

Next was walking on hot rocks, then she led us down into a big, warm pool. She instructed us to lean over a rock ledge in the center then she turned on a water cannon and shot warm water in streams all over our backs, massaging them. Unbelievable.

Next she showed me into a small pool with three steps down. She said to try to stay for one minute. It was absolutely freezing. I managed to dip down, it took my breath completely away but did it. I had goose bumps over my entire body as i got out. She led us back to the pool. As I went down the steps and warm water engulfed me, every pore tingled, tingled as my skin warmed. We finished with a standard hot tub and then a dry sauna.

Lying on a beach just about anywhere. The hot sun warming my skin, the ocean waves washing up on the beach after crashing gently, the smells of coconut oil and the sea. Cold drink, usually an icy sweet strawberry Marguerite in hand.

The facial today was much more sensual an experience than I expected. The room was set up like a massage with a table that I laid under the covers, the lights low, soft music playing. The gal washed my face with scrubby stuff that smelled good several times then used hot towels to rinse it. She massaged my face with gentle circles and strokes and pats. She put on a bunch of different good smelling stuff then left something on to let it dry for about 10 minutes. I forgot she was in the room and fell asleep and woke myself snoring a couple of times. She was sitting above my head where i couldn’t see her and must have been holding in laughter. Then she put on a really thick gel like cold mask, all over, and filled in my lips and eye sockets so the only thing open were my nostrils. She also let that dry so I took another short nap. Then she peeled that off in one big piece and went to work putting good smelling stuff on with soft strokes. My face felt plump and smooth when I walked out completely relaxed. I was in there over two hours.

I have lived in Manhattan for 41 years and had never been to the Wamego fireworks. I’ve been invited to go with the Homestead group every year and have missed out. I agreed to go last night even though I dreaded the heat and crowds.

It was all worth it.

We met at Deb’s and had burgers and brats. It was the two current Homestead girls (I got to know one better and she is a lot of fun), our current intern (also got to know her a bit), Deb, Erica (current House Manager) and I.

We left for the parade at about 5:15. We parked in a fun neighborhood with cute older houses to look at as we strolled to find a spot to watch the parade. We found the perfect, shaded spot with a terraced wall to sit on.

After the parade, we walked more through the neighborhoods to main street and the city park and fair. On the way, we grabbed a photo with the Oz crew.

The parade was very fun. Tractors and big construction equipment, police and fire trucks, old cars, motorcycles, horses, candy, fun fun fun.

City park was very crowded. We played a little in the splash park and checked out the new water park and looked for a short line for a funnel cake to share, unsuccessfully. Walked back to the van and to Deb’s for a bathroom break and then back out to the crowds.

We parked at the football stadium and shuttled to the soccer field to watch fireworks. We grabbed a perfect spot with no one in front of us. A shortish wait and the fireworks started.

I haven’t seen many firework displays lately, none in the last 10 years. Before that, it was mostly at Lake Wabaunsee. I do remember some good ones in my home town, at Fort Leavenworth over the lake on post, some in Gardner KS where my Mom’s friends lived, some here in Manhattan when the kids were babies.

This one was everything that it was made out to be. I laid on my back with the whole display in front of me and over my head, filling the entire sky. It was choreographed, tons happening all at once, lots of movement and color and shape and sounds. My eyes and ears, all of my senses where fully engaged trying to take it all in. There wasn’t even time for the oo’s and aww’s you normally hear, more like gasps and “I can’t believe it’s.” Ashes fell all over us. I tried to take a few pics and vidoes and gave up. It was too beautiful to capture. Just as I began to feel overwhelmed, it crescendoed and ended.

There were a few hiccups in the day, my bra malfunction that I fixed with laffy taffy (yes I did) and thinking we lost the keys to the van for about half an hour, and the two hour lines to get home, but it all added to the day without taking anything away. It wasn’t hot at all in the shade. I actually appreciated the crowd since it signaled the stupid pandemic ended.

This topped off a great weekend with a much needed and enjoyed Friday night date night, and a peaceful family day at the Lake on Saturday.

Independence Day 2021 is in the books.

Kayaking and floating in the lake with Hilary. So much fun.

Watching the grandkids. So. Much Fun.

Highlites: Henry picked out some earrings he decided I had to have, little sparkly lady bugs. Eleanor letting me comfort her, people pile on Grandma, Henry telling me, “This is my penis where pee comes out,” and out for ice cream.

Horseback riding.

Also a birthday party for Dave and Fred, Natalie living with us, a surprise party for Olivia.

Natalie and i have started writing her story.

Mr. Wilson completed First grade. He’s a rock star at Mutt School. We showed off a behavior chain, sit, down, stand, spin right and left for the class. He shakes now! He has entered fully into adolescence so he’s a complete jackass at home but this is expected. We do love him very much.

So. Much. Fun.

It’s been three years since I had a birthday bash. Overdue.

Dave and Mel and Kayla, Lonnon and DJ came early while I was still getting set up. DJ played with Wilson so happily. Mama arrived with Scott.

Then Fred came. I missed my Fred buddy.

Then it got wild (its all relative) and loud. Olivia and Dylan, Jamie and Ben, Jon and Brogan, Fred and Kathy, then Kailee came. We ate.

Moved outside on the patio. Olivia and Dylan getting to know Jon and Brogan, being entertained by little Emerson. And Wilson. People leaving. Then Summer and Linc came. Pam. We all sat and talked a long time. Summer and Linc stayed the longest.

I loved every minute of it. Three desserts. Lovely weather. Great friends. Hugs and laughter.

Henry popping out of the approaching stroller supposed to be hiding, “Here I am!”

Little hugs hello.

Eleanor looking at me with curiosity then smiling her little toothless grin.

Squirt “guns” as presents, to be referred to as “squirters” pronounced as “scwirtews”.

Little naughty boys who couldn’t help themselves, had to squirt Gwamma in the face with a little naughty grin. Both of them. And squirting Eleanor. Eleanor not minding at all.

The boys watering the plants and Henry announcing it is to make them grow. When I squirted him to make him grow, he insisted, “No, I’m just a boy”. Then he carefully squirted each of my flower tattoos to make them grow.

Emmet’s non stop chattering, a running dialogue with the world about everything he was doing and every thought in his head. Later I told him, “Emmet, you have a lot to say.” He agreed.

Emmet thanking me every ten minutes or so. “Thank you for coming to play with us.” “Thank you for eating lunch with us, Grandma.” “I’m so glad you came to see us today.” “Thank you for coming to look at our new playground, Grandma.” It’s quite possible that he’s the sweetest boy on the planet.

Henry not giving hugs but then piling his sweet little body onto mine on the couch.

Henry asked me, “Gwamma, where are your fweinds?” I said, “What friends?” “Papa and Joel.”

The little dark rings around the huge irises of Eleanor’s eyes. Her sweet baby rolls that look like muscles on her arms. Their little thighs and arms.

Henry’s swimsuit sagging and his little crack showing. I squirted him with the squirt “gun” then he came over and said, “I’m gonna squirt your butt.” Great.

Eleanor slurping up spaghetti noodles.

Emmet’s attention span for activities that is at least three times as long as mine. “Let’s play something else, Emmet.” “I’m not done playing this, Grandma.”

Eleanor squealing.

Eleanor looking more like a little girl than a baby riding in the stroller with her sun hat.

Henry’s big blue eyes and silly smile.

Emmet’s haircut and handsome face and eyes.

Henry running around naked pulling on his little willie hiding and refusing to put on his pants.

Last weekend Scott and I decided to do something a little adventurous, a little out of our comfort zones. It was a huge success.

We contacted 360 Kayaks in JC and reserved two open kayaks for the day. We wanted to go on the river but it was running too high and fast so we settled for Gerry County Fishing Lake. Only it didn’t turn out to be settling. It was perfect.

We met the guy and he outfitted us and secured our belongings and pushed us out into the water in our kayaks. I have more experience with actual kayaks and Scott has more experience with water. It was wonderful.

It was a coolish day, overcast, not windy, maybe a really light breeze. We decided to go upstream first to check out the marsh area. We spotted a heron and tried to get close enough to take a picture then went behind the tall reeds to explore the area. It was peaceful and lovely. We went back out and photographed the heron some more and then slowly made our way down the south bank toward the dam. We figured out how to bank the kayaks and get out (not without getting our feet wet). We scaled the dam and made our way on the trails to the waterfall.

What a delight. I knew the falls existed and had seen pics but with the lake high, it was beautiful. We took pictures of each other and explored the creek and woods some then made our way back to the kayaks.

Next we looked at the biggest cove toward the north and the littler coves along it. The flint between the rocks was spectacular. I then ditched Scott to take off for the south bank again on my own, seeing how hard I could pull and how fast I could go. Then I settled in for a short nap while waiting for Scott to catch up. We hooked onto a tree and just floated and chatted awhile before heading back to the trailer and loading up. We were hungry and tired and satisfied with our adventure. Of course, we made plans for more trips alone and with friends.