Ms. Magnolia June called me this morning to ask if she could come too for a little while when the boys came over from her house. I said that yes, she could, and within two minutes of being here, that was going on in the library. I will not say that Maggie is the boss of what they play but she is definitely the director. Which makes sense. She makes up pretend scenarios in her own head all the time and August and Levon are happy to play their parts.
They all had a good time together. One of the things Maggie wanted to know when she walked in the door was if I was going to be making lunch. Of course! I told her. I took their orders and Levon wanted (as he always does) my gourmet peanut butter/honey/raisin sandwich. August wanted toasted cheese. And Maggie wanted a ham sandwich with lettuce, mayonnaise, and tomatoes. No cheese. So lunch was made and eaten and then we went outside to pick mulberries. There are not as many of them as I had thought there would be so it's taking a while to collect enough for the pie I've promised August. Today's haul did not get added to that bag of berries in the freezer, however, because the kids wanted to eat them. Can you blame them?
Levon and Maggie divvied them up perfectly and we sat outside while they dyed their tongues and lips purple.
Before we knew it, Lauren was here to pick up the girl. She'd just picked up Owen from work. As I have said before, August and Levon worship Owen. And he is so kind to them.
Y'all. I am so very, very shocked at how big Owen is these days. Every time I see him, I overwhelmed at his growth. And it's not just his height. He's got shoulders like, well... a man! That boy appears to be 100% Moon. I swear. He and his mama are male and female versions of the same being. I really do wonder how tall he's going to be. Although August and Levon aren't showing their height potential yet, I have a strong feeling they're going to be at least as tall as Owen. Their father has aunts who are over six feet tall. So they're getting the giraffe gene from both the maternal and paternal sides of the family. Wouldn't it be funny if one of the grands was not much taller than I am? I guess it's possible. But not probable.
Back to Owen- I just want to say that he is the sweetest boy. He initiates hugs with both me and his Boppy. And not just one token hug, either. Gibson is like that too, but he wasn't here today. He stayed at home while Lauren did sibling pick-up. And Maggie can be as sweet as sugar. She hugs and kisses me and while she was here today she thanked me several times for letting her come over. I am such a lucky grandma.
Now the little guys are watching the Masters Golf tournament on TV with Boppy. Is that what it is? The Masters? I think so. Those boys will watch anything if it's on TV. I have heard them clapping and cheering several times with their grandfather so I suppose they're taken on his favorite as their own. I've made the broth part for the chicken and dumplings and it's simmering away. It's got carrots from the garden in it along with mushrooms and green beans and celery and onions and garlic. Oh! And chicken. Now all I have to do is make the dumplings and add them in. Meal in a bowl!
By all accounts, Jessie and Vergil are having a fine time on their anniversary trip. Here they are on the beach.
Yes. Floridians love to go to the beach! They're at the Atlantic ocean for this get-away.
And Hank? Well, he went to the Worm Grunting Festival in Sopchoppy.
Never heard of the Worm Grunting Festival in Sopchoppy, Florida? Well, you can check that out HERE.
In all my years here, I've never been. Somehow just knowing that it's there is enough to make my heart happy.
All right. One more thing. Willie Nelson and Orville Peck (look him up- a very interesting man) have released a video of them doing a collaboration of Ned Sublette's 1981 release of "Cowboys are Secretly, Frequently Fond of Each Other." Willie Nelson, along with Dolly Parton, is going to be in the VIP lounge when he gets to heaven where there will be golden bowls filled with pre-rolled joints of whatever his favorite weed is. Here's the video if you'd like to see it.
That picture of Owen and his two little compadres kinda took my breath away. You know, just reading and scrolling and mulberries and then there it was. My word, what a nice young man!
Happy family update - so good to read. I am not sure what to make of the Nelson and Peck song. Interesting that Orville Peck tends to wear a mask to conceal his identity.
Peck does wear a mask. I watched a fifteen minute video of an interview with him last night and he is very interesting and the sweetest man you can imagine. His masks used to cover his entire face so he's making changes.
Wow! Owen is really growing up! Thank you for posting the Willie Nelson song. About time! I'd heard about it. I'm sure some Republicans are shatting their little panties. Good! Paranormal John
Between Lil Nas X and Beyonce doing country music and NOW THIS, I imagine that a lot of Republican good ol' boys are shaking in their boots. But what can they say about this? I mean...Willie Nelson!
the children , of course!! Heart t hem and Maggie is looking so much like Lily! The tune is very timely. My cowboy poet friend just posted an essay in Cowboy Daily about how he dressed as a woman twice! He dressed like a woman but not really- he may have put on a skirt but you can be sure he did not take his hat or boots off! He kind of missed the point...
Oh mulberries! It’s been such a long while since I’ve enjoyed fresh picked mulberries. Owen looks like such a fine grown young man, and his kindness of heart is written all over him.! Orville Peck, well he is a BIG deal in our house. My teens and their friends just adore him, and through my mum-taxi service to them all (rural Quebec…) I’ve fallen just a little in love with his voice. Hexie Mountain, and Let me drown both converted me, I think!
Glad you have stayed safe in the storms. For us, it fell as heavy snow, and high winds. In the forest , that mean no power for us, for several days. Thank goodness for a (Small) generator for some lights, and for a Woodstove. Mrs F with 4
Hello, Mrs F with 4. I'm glad you're here! You are exactly right about our Owen. I think I may need to become more familiar with Orville Peck. He sure is a sweet man. I watched a video interview with him last night and I admire his attitude. Wow. Your weather sounds extremely radical! I hope you got/get your power on. Small generators can help a lot and a woodstove is a fine thing but I wouldn't want you to have to depend on them for a very long time.
Worm Grunting Festival?? Worms grunting? Nice little video, I like Willie Nelson. I have three grand daughters shorter than me, the twins are not yet two, so fair enough, and I think they will end up taller than me, but N will soon be 20 and she is only four feet ten inches, like my sister. I am only five feet.
Worm grunting is a method of getting the worms to come up out of the dirt. Supposedly. It's sort of an ironic thing now but I think it really has a serious background. You come from a family of compact people! Me too, really, but not that short. I think I married Glen to get some height mixed in to our genes.
I can't speak for Orville but if you do a little research you may come to some conclusions. Being gay in country music may have something to do with it. Isn't Owen a wonderful man-boy?
The photos of the “kids” and grandkids are joyful and heartwarming. Such a lucky family. And you so enrich their lives... and make customized lunches! I don’t know that I’d care to be around when all those worms come to the surface. This video makes me so happy.
I didn't ask Hank if he actually saw any worms being grunted. He did eat some delicious looking food though. Yes. I am a fairly experienced short-order chef, being the mother of four and grandmother of five. I'm not Waffle-House level but those folks are artists! Isn't it a great video?
You are such a sweet grandma, Mary. It's fun to see those grandkids playing together. I miss getting all of mine together now as they are too far away. So I'm imagining that Hank went to that festival for the music? I've loved Willie Nelson for a long, long time.
I think Hank went to the festival because a friend of his wanted him to go and because he loves things like that. The food looked excellent too. How can you not love Willie?
As I'm sure I've mentioned a million times, my dad was a huge fan of Willie Nelson. I think he not-so-secretly wanted to BE Willie Nelson.
It's amazing how much Owen has grown! Given how lanky August and Levon are, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they wind up with the "giraffe gene," as you said. I see August is pulling a gymnastics move in that one photo. :)
Well, being Willie Nelson would be very fine thing to be. Unfortunately, there can only be one. I love his beautiful face. Like Keith Richards, I think he has grown more lovely with age. Steve- I honestly am gobsmacked every time I see Owen now. And I see him not too infrequently. He's killing me! Yes. August was backbending. He is quite agile, that boy.
it's shocking when the grandkids turn into real people on the verge of adulthood. not that they aren't real people when they're little. that Owen is going to be a fabulous catch for someone. and look at that back bend August is doing. I used to be able to do that from the bridge position but then I injured my shoulder somehow and by the time that healed I had lost the strength to do it and never gotten it back.
I think Owen will be a fine catch for someone. I hope he finds a partner who will love him as much as I think he should be loved. I used to be able to do backbends too. Sigh.
I love that song, thank you so much for sharing it.
Worm grunting, had to look that one up.
Owen is going to be a huge man, like his Boppy. It's so nice that your grandkids have cousins and that they know their cousins. Happy Anniversary to Vergil and Jessie.
I'm glad you like the song! Worm grunting is not an extremely well-known activity. Owen is going to be big enough for his heart to fit in. That's what I think.
The giraffe gene features strong in your family. The boys do look to be getting taller all the time. Your meals sound fabulous and the children are having such a great time with you. J and V look very fine on the Atlantic shore. O is growing into a very responsible, caring, impressive young man.
Thank you, Susan! The boys did have a good time although Levon was ready to see his mama and his daddy by the time they got here. I am so proud of Owen I could bust.
Jennifer- me either. Dolly and Willie- we are so lucky to still have them. Their spirits are pure. And my grands are really good kids. I mean- they're kids, right? But they're good ones.
I sent the link to that song to John in Wales ... I don't know if he likes cowboys, but he might!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time with the kiddos!
Who doesn't like cowboys? I've had an affection for one or two myself.
DeleteThat picture of Owen and his two little compadres kinda took my breath away. You know, just reading and scrolling and mulberries and then there it was. My word, what a nice young man!
ReplyDeleteJoanne- if you met Owen in real life, you would love him to pieces.
DeleteHappy family update - so good to read. I am not sure what to make of the Nelson and Peck song. Interesting that Orville Peck tends to wear a mask to conceal his identity.
ReplyDeletePeck does wear a mask. I watched a fifteen minute video of an interview with him last night and he is very interesting and the sweetest man you can imagine. His masks used to cover his entire face so he's making changes.
DeleteWow! Owen is really growing up! Thank you for posting the Willie Nelson song. About time! I'd heard about it. I'm sure some Republicans are shatting their little panties. Good!
ReplyDeleteParanormal John
Between Lil Nas X and Beyonce doing country music and NOW THIS, I imagine that a lot of Republican good ol' boys are shaking in their boots. But what can they say about this? I mean...Willie Nelson!
DeleteBeautiful song and video. Enjoy your dumplings and your grandkids - they are all mighty fine!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good video, isn't it?
DeleteWe did enjoy those boys and the dumplings.
the children , of course!! Heart t hem and Maggie is looking so much like Lily!
ReplyDeleteThe tune is very timely. My cowboy poet friend just posted an essay in Cowboy Daily about how he dressed as a woman twice! He dressed like a woman but not really- he may have put on a skirt but you can be sure he did not take his hat or boots off! He kind of missed the point...
Well, possibly he was trying.
DeleteOh mulberries! It’s been such a long while since I’ve enjoyed fresh picked mulberries. Owen looks like such a fine grown young man, and his kindness of heart is written all over him.! Orville Peck, well he is a BIG deal in our house. My teens and their friends just adore him, and through my mum-taxi service to them all (rural Quebec…) I’ve fallen just a little in love with his voice. Hexie Mountain, and Let me drown both converted me, I think!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have stayed safe in the storms. For us, it fell as heavy snow, and high winds. In the forest , that mean no power for us, for several days. Thank goodness for a (Small) generator for some lights, and for a Woodstove.
Mrs F with 4
Hello, Mrs F with 4. I'm glad you're here! You are exactly right about our Owen.
DeleteI think I may need to become more familiar with Orville Peck. He sure is a sweet man. I watched a video interview with him last night and I admire his attitude.
Wow. Your weather sounds extremely radical! I hope you got/get your power on. Small generators can help a lot and a woodstove is a fine thing but I wouldn't want you to have to depend on them for a very long time.
A wonderful grandmothering day. The cousins are obviously good mates. This is grand to see.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely video.
I think the "cuzzies" as they call each other do like each other a lot. They seem to have formed a pack.
DeleteI'm glad you liked the video.
How wonderful to see the kids and their friendship. I'm glad they can come to your house in a group. Making great memories.
ReplyDeleteI agree! And with Magnolia around, I have no worries. She takes care of everything. Except lunch.
DeleteWorm Grunting Festival?? Worms grunting? Nice little video, I like Willie Nelson.
ReplyDeleteI have three grand daughters shorter than me, the twins are not yet two, so fair enough, and I think they will end up taller than me, but N will soon be 20 and she is only four feet ten inches, like my sister. I am only five feet.
Worm grunting is a method of getting the worms to come up out of the dirt. Supposedly. It's sort of an ironic thing now but I think it really has a serious background.
DeleteYou come from a family of compact people! Me too, really, but not that short. I think I married Glen to get some height mixed in to our genes.
What a wonderful voice Orville Peck has, but why does he hide his face?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what a beautiful young man Owen is becoming..in looks and attitude!
I can't speak for Orville but if you do a little research you may come to some conclusions. Being gay in country music may have something to do with it.
DeleteIsn't Owen a wonderful man-boy?
The photos of the “kids” and grandkids are joyful and heartwarming. Such a lucky family. And you so enrich their lives... and make customized lunches! I don’t know that I’d care to be around when all those worms come to the surface. This video makes me so happy.
ReplyDeleteI didn't ask Hank if he actually saw any worms being grunted. He did eat some delicious looking food though.
DeleteYes. I am a fairly experienced short-order chef, being the mother of four and grandmother of five. I'm not Waffle-House level but those folks are artists!
Isn't it a great video?
You are such a sweet grandma, Mary. It's fun to see those grandkids playing together. I miss getting all of mine together now as they are too far away.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm imagining that Hank went to that festival for the music?
I've loved Willie Nelson for a long, long time.
I think Hank went to the festival because a friend of his wanted him to go and because he loves things like that. The food looked excellent too.
DeleteHow can you not love Willie?
As I'm sure I've mentioned a million times, my dad was a huge fan of Willie Nelson. I think he not-so-secretly wanted to BE Willie Nelson.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much Owen has grown! Given how lanky August and Levon are, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they wind up with the "giraffe gene," as you said. I see August is pulling a gymnastics move in that one photo. :)
Well, being Willie Nelson would be very fine thing to be. Unfortunately, there can only be one. I love his beautiful face. Like Keith Richards, I think he has grown more lovely with age.
DeleteSteve- I honestly am gobsmacked every time I see Owen now. And I see him not too infrequently. He's killing me!
Yes. August was backbending. He is quite agile, that boy.
it's shocking when the grandkids turn into real people on the verge of adulthood. not that they aren't real people when they're little. that Owen is going to be a fabulous catch for someone. and look at that back bend August is doing. I used to be able to do that from the bridge position but then I injured my shoulder somehow and by the time that healed I had lost the strength to do it and never gotten it back.
ReplyDeleteI think Owen will be a fine catch for someone. I hope he finds a partner who will love him as much as I think he should be loved.
DeleteI used to be able to do backbends too.
Sigh.
I love that song, thank you so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWorm grunting, had to look that one up.
Owen is going to be a huge man, like his Boppy. It's so nice that your grandkids have cousins and that they know their cousins. Happy Anniversary to Vergil and Jessie.
I'm glad you like the song!
DeleteWorm grunting is not an extremely well-known activity.
Owen is going to be big enough for his heart to fit in. That's what I think.
"Owen is going to be big enough for his heart to fit in." This is a perfect sentence.
DeleteChris from Boise
The giraffe gene features strong in your family. The boys do look to be getting taller all the time. Your meals sound fabulous and the children are having such a great time with you. J and V look very fine on the Atlantic shore. O is growing into a very responsible, caring, impressive young man.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! The boys did have a good time although Levon was ready to see his mama and his daddy by the time they got here.
DeleteI am so proud of Owen I could bust.
"gourmet peanut butter/honey/raisin sandwich" I'm intrigued - and drooling just a little.
ReplyDeleteThe "gourmet" part is a joke but it truly is a very fine sandwich.
DeleteWillie Nelson and Dolly Parton are National Treasures. No one will every convince me otherwise!
ReplyDeleteYour grandsons all look tall in pictures to me, but Owen really is growing up fast. They all seem like really good kids.
Jennifer- me either. Dolly and Willie- we are so lucky to still have them. Their spirits are pure.
DeleteAnd my grands are really good kids. I mean- they're kids, right? But they're good ones.
What a glorious bunch of grandchildren you have! You’re so very lucky to have each other! Xo, Rigmor
ReplyDeleteI know! We are so lucky!
DeletePs- I love the video! 💕
ReplyDeleteI'm glad!
DeleteThat looks like Elizabeth Pointe Lodge in the background. A cousin was chef there years ago.
ReplyDelete