While I was sleeping

I woke up this morning in a bit of a fog.  I knew I had slept very hard.   There was a feeling of sadness in me.  I had dreamed about Mel - one of those vivid, real life, it's happening now dreams.

Chris, Mel, Tim and I were visiting New York City.  We were there to see the sights and just have a good time.  Mel had all the plans mapped out and he was telling us the itinerary for the day.  I was thinking how great Mel was at doing this type thing.  He was confident and we all knew he had everything in order for the day. We would go at a leisurely pace, yet we would make good use of our time.   The four of us were talking about our plans for the day and we were very excited.

When I woke up, I felt so sad.  I lay in bed a few moments to reflect on this dream. I wondered if this was a good dream or a bad one.  The more I thought about it, I knew it was good.  Even though I was sad, the fact that I remembered my sweet brother-in-law in this manner reminded me of how much he still means to me and how much I miss him.  I still find it hard to believe I will not see him again on this earth.  He was one of my brothers.

Mel, I miss you.  We all do.  I hope you know this.  I think you do.

Reality

Happy New Year to all people named Barr (except Roseanne).

In my journey to locate the Fountain of Youth, I tripped over my own feet, fell down and almost broke a hip. An old lady was nearby and she helped me up. She kindly dusted off my pink chenille bathrobe and plucked 3 grey hairs from my head. When my eyeballs stopped spinning and then refocused, I was astounded to see that the old lady was none other than Maxine. She invited me to the local Dairy Queen for a hot cup of coffee laced with a little Geritol. "Peggy" she said "let me tell you how it is, sweetie". Of course I was ready to listen. She proceeded to tell me what I think I already know.

You are getting old if you can answer yes to the following:

Do you find yourself visiting the SSA website more than once a month?

Do you search out news articles concerning any Medicare changes?

Do you look up your meager investment account online once a day, check your balance, yell out "Oh s_ _ t" and then have to wipe the spittle off the monitor?

Do you still think the World Wide Web was invented by Spiderman?

Do your eyes tear up with joy when you watch Shirley Temple reruns, especially when she sings "The Good Ship Lollipop"?

Do you tuck a little hankie in your shirt sleeve so it will be handy at all times?

Are you now convinced that the creaking sound you hear each morning when you get out of bed is not the bed springs, but your bones realigning?

And finally, are you now accepting the fact that the cashiers at the stores are giving you senior citizen discounts because they have 20/20 vision?

Ok, Maxine, I get it. I'm getting old. And yes, I will vote for you if you decide to run for president. Next time we get together I want you to tell me more about your proposed "9-9-yes I'm 99" plan.

On my mind

One of the best gifts my sister ever gave me was a wonderful brother-in-law. From the very beginning he fit so smoothly into the Barr family. He was a good natured guy and always seemed to have a positive attitude. I was always comfortable with him, whether we were having a conversation or just sitting quietly watching TV. Never pretentious, never putting on airs, not ever boastful or arrogant, he was a good man that I respected. And, oh, that sense of humor. I will miss him greatly. But I do have all the special memories of this man, memories that I will call up often in my mind. And I will smile.

Mel, back in 1971 you bravely agreed to join the Barr family. A risky decision! I'm so glad you did. You knew it would be fun. And it was. You're the best.

Barr Family Reunion

Well it's been forever since I last posted on our blog. Wasn't even sure I remembered how, but the knowledge seems to come back bit by bit. Many of our family members gathered together during the 4th of July week in Keystone, Colorado. Our brother, Jerry, organized this year's reunion & he did a fabulous job picking out the location & condos. The pictures below were taken in a meadow just outside some of the condos. Someone remarked the background looked just like one of those screens you pull down at a studio. Isn't it gorgeous? This is what we looked at every day we were there. It was great getting together & as always when you're having fun, time passes too quickly.

The whole clan gathered in the meadow.

Peggy & Tim kneeling, Hollie & friend Jordan, Sarah Kate, John, Aaron & Beverly, Missy, Josh, Mel, Chris, Jacob, Michael & Jill, Brian & Rita kneeling with Emerson, Tom, Hadley, Linda, Jared, Chelsey, Jaxon, Jerry

2011 edition of the Barrs

Jerry, Peggy, John, Chris, Tom

2011 already?

Due to the snowy Christmas weather last week, we were unable to spend Christmas with Walter and parents. Today we traveled to their home for a belated gift exchange and good wishes. As always, Walter is a joy and we love our time spent with this little guy. He is a whirlwind of happiness and an ever curious young lad.

Walter tries out his horse riding skills on Sydney, one of his two dogs. Sydney is not at all discontent at having a toddler sit and bounce on her back. Chewing on a bone, the dog is as happy as she can be.

We gave Walter a really neat Radio Flyer wagon. It's a two-seater with 4 cup holders. Gotta have a place for those sippy-cups.

I was not dreaming of a White Christmas, but that's what we got. Here's our back deck the day after. It was a beautiful sight.

And here's what we picked out fresh-cut from the tree farm 4 weeks ago. It has now been dismantled, taken to the city lot and probably awaiting the final destination of the mulch machine which our city uses to recycle Christmas trees.

I hope the new year brings only the best to all our family and friends!

Step under this...

I want to give you a little kiss.
I want to tell you how much I love you and appreciate our relationship.
You, who are my daughter and my son.
You, who are my sister and my brothers.
You, who are the spouses of all of these.
My grandson, who is not happy with Santa but he loves Christmas.
And all the extended family.
And especially you, my spouse, the one true love of my life.
Merry Christmas.

Wardrobe planning

Lady Gaga fascinates me. I like her music and her act is outrageous enough that I just have to watch. She's performing in Charlotte tonight and Raleigh tomorrow night. I'm not going to either concert since I don't enjoy huge crowds and loud speakers. But I would love to see her live - and wearing these style shoes as she has worn before.

I think walking in these shoes would be similar to walking on stilts - which I CAN do! Or walking in ballet shoes - I used to have a pair! I'm thinking of a new outfit for the Colorado reunion next year - maybe you haven't seen the last of this footwear marvel.