Monday, April 26, 2021

Gifts

I really do have two feet. 


Today was a day of receiving things. I went to the post office and retrieved a package holding a new nightgown and a dress. I sort of love this dress. The pockets are big enough to hold at least six very large eggs. Apiece. A girl can't ask for much more. 
I sent this picture to my kids and said, "Well, here's my dress from Vermont Country Store. I am now officially old." My mother used to get clothes from catalogs like the Vermont Country Store. They were infinitely practical and what one could kindly call uniquely stylish. Which is to say- just as stylish now as they were forty years ago and they weren't that stylish then. You could probably say the same for this dress. I was hoping for more of a hippie Indian print type fabric than what this one is made of. It is 100% cotton but as we have discussed before, there are all types of cotton when it comes to weave. I think when this dress has been washed a dozen times it will be much softer than it is now. But it's soft enough and, yes, practical, and is probably a nice change for my husband because all he ever sees me in is overalls and I feel like I should apologize every morning when I get dressed. 
Change is good. 
Sometimes. 

I still haven't even started on sewing the dress I cut out bias strips for yet. Every day I think, "Today is the day!" and then the day inevitably gets away from me. The sewing machine is out, up, and threaded but all I've used it for was to repair overalls, as I said. Yesterday I did chores around here and then Jessie came out with the boys. That was fun until we figured out that Levon, who had arrived asleep and continued to sleep on the couch for most of the visit, was running a fever. Both pairs of mama-lip-thermometers confirmed this. He told us his head hurt and his little cheeks got those pink fever roses on them and he tried to participate in Bop activities but you could just tell he was miserable. Is there anything sadder than a sick child? 
After they left I called my neighbor who had invited us for supper and told her that I'd been exposed to a child with a fever of, at that point, unknown origin- did they still want us to come over? She consulted the CDC website and called back saying, yes, all should be well. We ate on their porch, which had been the plan anyway. We've all been vaccinated. 
Jessie took him to Urgent Care and they tested him for flu and covid, both negative. Possible ear infection. He's feeling better today, still a little fever but he's perked up and his sturdy little body has been doing a good job of fighting off whatever it is he has. 

After I hung some laundry this morning and went to the post office, I picked more mulberries. I cannot possibly keep up with these things. Look at this!


I didn't pick half of what was ripe but I did snip each stem with my thumbnail as I went and I picked so many that I have tiny stinging cuts on the finger I use as a cutting platform. The ground is covered in ripe berries. I mean- carpeted, y'all. Anyway, I picked another gallon and will start making jam tomorrow. Hopefully. 

And then Hank and Rachel came out. Today was the day that they were fully immunized after their last shot and so, for the first time in over a year, I got to see their beautiful faces, hold them close in long, tight hugs, and kiss them. 
And that was the best thing I received today. 
Hank was ready for some Mama-Cooking and I heated up the rest of the soup and Mr. Moon came in and we all ate lunch together on the back porch. I had given Jessie enough soup yesterday to feed her family last night and so today's lunch finished it all up.
Hurray! It was good soup. 
Hank and Rachel and I chatted and chatted, laughed and laughed. It was so good to be able to do that without masks, without the worry that has haunted us for such a long time. I know that the vaccines aren't 100% safe but we are all responsible mask-wearers in public, still, and besides that, none of us really goes out much. So we felt okay about it all. 
Sweetness. 
Before they left there was another round of hugs and of kisses. 
Thank you, Science! 
Things may change with variations and needing to get boosters but for right this second, we are good. And right this second is all we have, really, isn't it? 

After they left I gathered the laundry from the line, folded it, put it away. I tidied the kitchen, started the dishwasher and it was suddenly five o'clock. How in the world does this happen? 

In chicken news, I have noticed that Miss Dotty's tail feathers are fanned out dramatically. 


As I recall, both she and her sister Darla displayed this fan before they began to brood last year. I also recall that between the two of them, there was not one baby hatched. But, who knows? It was so hot when they brooded last year that I thought perhaps that was why no peeps appeared. We shall see if tail-fanning does indicate an imminent egg-sitting. Funny, isn't it, how although I've been keeping chickens for quite awhile now, there's still so much I do not know? 
And what I do know, I so frequently forget. 

One more thing- for awhile I've been on a streak of not being able to find audio books from the library's collection that keep my attention. I was listening to one so vile that my phone actually made the decision to quit listening for me and suddenly and abruptly cut it off and switched to a podcast. 
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
But I found one that has absolutely captured my heart and mind. I sort of want every parent in the world to read it. 


You can read about the novel HERE. 
It's the story of a family whose youngest child, at the age of three, tells her parents that she wants to be a girl when she grows up. Because she was born with male genitalia and they had thought she was a boy, this complicates things. 
But it's not just the way her parents deal with this particular issue that makes me want every parent to read it. It's also the way they love, deal, and support all of their children. I've not finished reading it but it's beautiful and heart-rending and well-written and I am loving it. 

That's it for April 26, 2021 in the tiny, tiny world in which I live. 

Love...Ms. Moon
 

46 comments:

  1. I love that dress. There is no better place to shop for nightgowns either. You look stunning. XO

    ReplyDelete
  2. You look stunning! Connie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah- "stunning" because it's stunning that I'm not wearing overalls!

      Delete
  3. That dress could almost make me consider wearing a dress for probably the first time this century.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? I love dresses. They are so comfortable.

      Delete
  4. Growing up, our next door neighbor had three kids, all with (?) complex gender issues. As you know, back then they decided to choose either /or. None had uteruses. One became a priest, and one became a beauty queen with adopted children and one killed himself. The parents could have done better but...back in the olden days they did not have a clue. I am so glad that understanding has moved forward- other cultures recognize at least three genders- we, in this backward Christian Patriarchy are severely limited.
    The dress is certainly something i would have bought! I love it. Off to peruse my Vermont Country Store- I get stuck in the vintage candy section but usually buy a nightgown- your dress has broadened the possibilities!
    An unwell child, awww, poor little guy. Not sure who feels the illness more, the afflicted or the mom/grandmother.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I grew up with kids that, looking back, were doubtless gay. But when it came to any other gender issues- I was clueless, just like everyone else. I feel such sorrow for all the kids who then and still now had to/have to try to find their way in a world where they do not seem to fit.

      Delete
  5. I like that dress. The print is for black and white; I can't visualize it in any color.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do have it in other colors. I'm tempted to buy one.

      Delete
  6. Yes, Laurie Frankl's book is terrific!

    Glad Levon is on the mend, and his Mer sure does look great in that new dress!

    Chris from Boise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It IS a terrific book.
      And Levon is much better.

      Delete
  7. lovely dress and looks fab on you! Pockets, yes! Poor Levon.. good take on your book- I will add that to my reading list, thank you. do your hens eat the mulberries that are on the ground? Most hens love them....I find
    susan M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! The best pockets!
      I think you'll like the book. I surely did.
      The hens will peck at a mulberry here and there but they sure don't gobble them down. I have no idea why.

      Delete
  8. I love that dress! My pandemic wardrobe is 100% overalls, jumpsuits (think men's coveralls, but more Rajneeshpuram), and pajamas and everything is judged by pockets.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely to see a full photo of you Ms Moon, you look fab in your new dress. What does a mulberry taste like never had one here in the UK.

    Willy Wombat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mulberries taste a bit like blackberries but not as tart.

      Delete
  10. My child just came out to us as non-binary and my friend said I absolutely needed to read this book. I'm in my last week of classes for the semester and haven't had pleasure reading time. But come Friday I will absolutely start listening to this book. Thank you for the reminder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES!!!!
      Read this book. It will help you in so many ways. I feel certain of that. I have had a trans child for many years and I have a lot of new things to think about now. New perspectives, as well.

      Delete
  11. The new dress looks nice and cool for the impending Floridian summer. As for for tail fans - it would be helpful to young men if young women also had them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Young women just flutter their eyelashes.
      Or else say, "Hey. Wanna kiss me?"
      The dress is very cool. It will be worn a lot.

      Delete
  12. Love your dress
    Wish there was that store in UK. Love Maggi xxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glad you got to see Hank and Rachel. Delighted for you. I havent had second vac yet Rob has. He us ahead of me as he is frontline nurse. I am just decrepit. Having constant nightmares so feeling mangled. Getting old is not for sissies xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nightmares are horrible. I'm sorry you're having a tough time, Maggi.

      Delete
  14. Sorry above me Maggi again moaning Love ya Maggi UK by the Mersey xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. You give new meaning to the old song, "Here we go 'round the mulberry bush." Round and round and round. Sorry about the sore fingers. The sacrifices you make for art (of cooking)!

    Hoping Levon is well now. Amazing how quickly some childhood fevers spring up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My fingers are fine. Just teeny cuts.
      Levon is all well.

      Delete
  16. We get our second vaccine next Sunday. Glad Levon is better. There IS nothing worse than a sick child, especially in these days when every fever makes you wonder about Covid.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, Debby.
      Glad you're getting your second vax soon.

      Delete
  17. I so love that the first thing Hank and Rachel did as soon as they were fully vaccinated is come to spend time with you! Our son and his love did the same thing, arrived to spend the day with us on the date our vaccinations became fully effective. Poor little Levon, glad to hear he's bouncing back. A lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hank even wanted to sit next to me at the table! I almost melted with the sweetness.

      Delete
  18. Also, Mary, I love love love seeing your beautiful face, and that dress is my kind of dress! It becomes you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That dress would make a very nice island dress, wouldn't it?

      Delete
  19. our youngest nephew is trans. his father has been very supportive. his mother, my husband's youngest sister who died of a drug overdose, was extremely prejudiced against gay people so I imagine she's turning over in her grave. the rest of the family is accepting if somewhat uncertain about the whole thing. several members are having trouble with the her/him pronouns. I think they think it's a phase. he's got a fiance, also male, so I guess he's not just trans but gay too?

    I have a loose soft long cotton dress that I picked up at a garage sale for $1. it's perfect for summer evenings after working in the yard and showering. or for being on the beach in Cozumel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you can definitely be trans and gay. Or trans and bi. Or trans and...I don't know. Queer. I hope your nephew all the happiness in the world. Maybe it's a good thing his mother isn't here to torment him.
      Yes. On the beach in Cozumel...

      Delete
  20. Oh, interesting! Thanks for the book recommendation. I haven't heard of that one but it sounds like one we might want for our library!

    Glad Levon's fever seems better, and that you got to see (and touch!) Hank and Rachel. The world is opening up, finally.

    My mom used to order clothes from Blair House. Remember them? Also a catalog outfit. They might still exist for all I know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve- I can't imagine any library that caters to youth not having this book. It's truly wonderful. A little idealistic but wonderful.
      Yes! Hank and Rachel hugs were so great!
      I don't remember Blair House. I should google them- if they're still around I could probably pick up a few sporty outfits.

      Delete
  21. Yes! This moment is all we have. That dress looks so very comfortable! I may need to order one. I get distracted looking at all my childhood candy in the Vermont country store catalog. And they have evening in Paris and Tangee lipstick!
    The best thing about being vaccinated is the hugs. It’s made me appreciate them all the more. Hope poor little Levon is feeling better soon. Much love.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very comfy dress, Barbara.
      They do have some cool stuff from our childhoods, don't they? I used to buy Evening in Paris perfume in tiny bottles at Woolworths for teachers' Christmas presents. I bet they never opened them!

      Delete
  22. I'm glad Levon is feeling better now. Children can get so dramatically sick and then (hopefully) bounce back quite quickly with a little TLC (thank goodness)! Love the dress too. It looks so comfortable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so true about kids. One second they're rip roarin' and the next they're so pathetic and then a day later- back to normal.

      Delete
  23. Oh, I loved loved loved that book

    ReplyDelete

Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.