Friday, September 9, 2022

Pictures, Pictures, Lots Of Pictures


This picture cracks me up. I suppose that this is how I appeared to Levon yesterday when I was fake-scolding him for taking pictures of me. 
"Give me that phone, boy!"

Oh my god but I am tired. Anxiety is the most exhausting thing I know and it's been a week of it, more or less. Today's trip to Gibson and Maggie's elementary school was the last thing on my list for the week and although it was, as always, a pleasant and sweet experience, I literally wept a little when we were on our way home. This is how small and innocent my anxiety-provoking situations are. 
They really do it up at this school for Grandparents' Day. And there was a very large turn-out of old folks, holding cooler bags and canvas bags and McDonald's bags with lunches for our beloved grands. My problem every year with the event though, is all of the little ones whose grandparents can't or don't come to eat lunch with them. It's so very sad to see those kids sitting at the tables alone while all around them are kids getting spoiled and loved on by their grannies and grandpas. Perhaps they could do something special for the kids who don't have grandparents who can come. I would like to think that this would not be impossible. 
But for the kids who DO have their grandfolks, it is a sweetness. 


We ate in the cafeteria with Maggie because that's where she wanted to eat. There were also tables set up in the breezeway and that's where we ate with Gibson because it was quieter. There's a lot going on in a school cafeteria. Maggie loved her lunch and she liked having us there. 
And then it was Gibson's turn. He was a little worried that I'd maybe forgotten to bring his lunch but of course not! Mermer forget food? NEVER! His other grandmother was able to join us during Gibson's time slot so he was well represented. She also brought brownies so that was especially good. 


I swear- that child has gotten taller since last week. His other grandma said the same thing. So you know it's true. 

Guess what? I got my new baby today! Rachel sent over her grandmother's baby doll and she is just so precious. She's smaller than Dorothy Anne and perhaps a little bit newer and a little bit less loved on. 



The dress and bonnet she is wearing are so pretty and she has a very fine little chemise underneath as underwear. I need to make Dorothy Anne something similar so she won't feel cheated. 
I have to tell you that even Mr. Moon is charmed by her. He may or may not have referred to himself as "grandfather" in her presence. 
(Don't tell him I told you that.)
We have both kissed her and delighted in her and welcomed her to her new home where she is now cozied up to her big sister, Dorothy Anne. She doesn't have a name yet but I'll figure it out soon. 
It's funny. When I first started talking about going back to Monticello to buy Dorothy Anne, Hank told me that Rachel had a doll that was no doubt also going to be mine. I, being a little huffy and not wanting to start any sort of collection said something like, "Well, maybe."
"No," he said. "She will be."
Sigh.
That boy knows me all too well. 
And I could not be more delighted with this new child. Rachel was so sweet to offer her to me. 
But- I swear- I am NOT starting a collection. Two children is enough in this case. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon watching Barbie Dolls sell real estate in Orange County, California on TV, and doing a little fancying up of Lisi's new dress. 


Two more ladybug buttons and some blanket-stitch embroidery. 
I guess I really am of the age to play with dolls again. Oh- who the hell cares? 
I also did a little knitting but then my left hand which is screwed up from when I broke it as a teenager, went numb and it's hard to knit with a numb hand so even that small effort got laid down. 

All right. Here's something I should not say but I just have to. Remember when (now) King Charles III was still married to Diana but sent a letter to Camilla in which he stated that he wished he could be a tampon so that he could...well, you know- be close to her, shall we say? No matter what he says or does after that, that line will forever be burnt into my brain. Honestly, that was a fairly nice compliment but not exactly regal. I am sure there have been many, many randy kings who probably said things to their loves that were every bit as naughty but not in my lifetime. 
Bless his heart. And I say that in the most southern way it can be said. 

And last but not least,  at the intersection of the road I live on and the road I generally take to and from town, there is this. 


A few weeks ago some shit-for-brains took the time to SCRATCH the name of The Orange Enemy #1 into the reflector which pissed me off to no end. But a few days ago, I was happy to see that someone with a spray can took control of the situation. 

Life in Jefferson County, Florida. 

Happy Friday, y'all. 

Love from your faithful reporter...Ms. Moon

38 comments:

  1. I had never heard of Tampongate before but now I have read the entire script of that alleged phone call. To me it just doesn't sound like Charles and Camilla and I suspect that a language analyst might be able to demonstrate that it was fabricated but I might be wrong. One thing I would never dream of being is a tampon. I would rather be a banana.

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    1. You are definitely right about the fact that it was a phone call, not a written missive. However, I'm pretty sure that at this point, it is accept that it was indeed a real call between Charles and Camilla. But what do I know?
      I guess I know you'd rather be a banana than a tampon. That seems a bit random but perhaps I'm just not making the connection.

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  2. Those were funny times and not in a humorous way. Without wanting to come across all conspiracy I think there were nefarious things afoot. History shows that the monarchy were a randy, unfaithful lot but back in the day it was hidden, accepted and, indeed, expected. Marriages were for political reasons - love and passion were sought elsewhere. Poor old Charlie was just carrying on the tradition but in a society with electronic surveillance, media scrutiny and public obsession he came unstuck. I think that episode changed the royals for the better - apart from Randy Andy.
    Anyhoo, enough of that. Your grandparents' day sounds wonderful and the new addition to the family is delightful. Will you be making clothes for them both? Your dressmaking skills are growing!

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    1. I agree with you that Charles was definitely just following in the footsteps of royalty before him. The main problem I have with that whole thing is that it was embarrassing and humiliating for Diana. She was so young and so unprepared for any part of being a princess.
      I don't know if I'll be making Dorothy Anne and the new one any clothes any time soon. I am happy with what they are wearing and playing doll dress-up isn't something I'm that interested in. But who knows? I could change my mind!

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  3. I like that you notice the children who don't have grandparents at the lunch event. I don't like the kind of event that excludes. Maybe working g parents can't afford the time off. Or they may be supporting those very kids. There needs to be some imaginative thinking here. Perhaps Mrs moon can come up with an idea..
    I love the new little doll. Also the fun you're having with your not-collection.

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    1. I am sure there are many grandparents who can't get off work and there are also many families where the grandparents live far away or are ill. It's a sadness.
      I love the new little doll too. She's a jewel.

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  4. Yikes on the tampon reference! Have you decided on a name for the new bebe? The little dress you're making is just darling!
    How sweet is the concept of grandparents day! Both Maggie and Gibson look so happy to have y'all there. Big props to whoever fixed that sign.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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    1. King Charles gave a lovely speech and an exceptionally touching tribute to his Mummy, the Queen. His reference to Camilla, however, really got my attention! He called her "... the love of my life, Camilla!" It's always been Camilla!
      What fun to get to do the grandparent lunch thing with the kiddos!
      Dorothy Anne needed a friend to play with and have sleep-overs with!

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    2. Barbara- The whole tampon thing to me is just that whenever I see the man, that is what I'm going to think about and I wish I were above that sort of juvenile behavior but I'm obviously not. Dang.
      I think that Maggie and Gibson were pretty happy to have us there. Especially since we brought cupcakes! And I agree with you about that sign fixer.

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    3. Marcia- Yes. I think he has always been in love with Camilla. And how unfair that was to Diana! Stupid royal rules.
      I hope that my two baby dolls are enjoying whispering secrets to each other.

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  5. Once I intended to hate Charles foreverandever and Camilla, too, That was twentyfive or more years ago. Good for the Queen; she put a lot of patches on many things. There are still some young hot bloods who don't understand the consequences of hot blood. Charles gave a fine farewell speech to the Queen and the union will go on. Hopefully the hot blood and hot words will quell.

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    1. I don't hate Charles and Camilla. I say "good for them!" But I can't help thinking about that phone call. I just find it so human and humorous. For Diana's sake I wish it had never gotten out.
      You like that picture Levon took of me? I love it.

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    2. Then, Levon and you take a fine picture!

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  6. Most darling person- you all in Levon's face...
    Great day for grandparents, nice tradition, I would have been the sad kid sitting without grandparents- my loss.

    I have never heard that King
    Charlie story - ewwww.My royal fetish died with the Queen.
    Such cute compo babies in your house, so well behaved!

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    1. Poor Levon! No. I wasn't really fussing and he knew it.
      I like that they do the grandparents' thing for the elementary school. In middle and high school the kids would just be completely embarrassed by their olds.
      The dollies are so very well-behaved. They never even need fake-scolding!

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  7. Does DA already have underwear? I don't remember if this has been discussed previously. Well if she doesn't I hope you are able to get her some ASAP as it just won't do for her to feel less than what's her name. That spray paint sort of made my day.

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    1. Dorothy Anne has a lovely slip under her dress that looks handmade so she's not entirely bereft.
      The spray paint makes my day every time I see that sign.

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  8. That sign correction was just great and courageous! Your doll's dress is very well done, especially the blanket stitch! The story about then Prince Charles was so funny, and I do remember it now that you have reminded me. They are going through a lot of changes in England now!

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    1. They certainly are going through a lot of changes in GB now and actually, have been for quite some time. More to come, I'm sure!

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  9. The dress is looking fine now with that little bit extra. You'll find a name for Dorothy Anne's sister soon enough. Looks like the school lunch visit was a big hit! Sad to see some kids don't have grandparents to visit though, perhaps they had to be at work?

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    1. Work or far away or perhaps too limited mobility...so many reasons grandparents can't come.

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  10. I always felt so sad for my kids on Mother's Day or Father's Day at school - or school outings - because it was so hard for me or my husband to go. Work was strict and busy! But I remember making it one time and the little boy next to us was in floods of tears because his mom couldn't come. I think they should really give some thought to resolving this issue for the sake of those kids!

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    1. A little boy cried right across from us at the lunch. I don't know why he was crying. I got up and went to him but his teacher got there right away and took him to sit with her. He seemed okay just a few minutes later.

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  11. Why not suggest to the school that all kids sit together at grandparents day and share the food? I realise there's diet requirements and maybe a portion of showing off but I imagine for the kids it wouldn't matter so much and sharing is caring.

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    1. Oh there's no way they would let unrelated children eat the food grandparents brought. America is so weird like that. Years ago when Owen was very young I did share cookies with some of the other children but now I'd be afraid to.

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  12. What a great idea Grandparents Day is, but maybe just have an old person's day so everyone gets a hug. But that could be a bit weird. AS for Charles and the tampon, well, much too weird.

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    1. I'd gladly hug any child who wanted one! But yes, I imagine some are too shy. And you know how it is- we can't just go around hugging children willy-nilly these days. And there are some sound reasons for that, of course.

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  13. That tampon story is forever etched in the brains of any of us of a certain age. And to think William is now carrying on in his father's footsteps w/his own extramarital affair. (I have friends in London who say it is the most open of secrets.) I think that made me sadder than anything; I remember him being such a comfort to his mother during during that mess. I wonder who will comfort Kate? And I agree: letting those poor children sit by themselves is disgraceful. The administrators could easily have come up w/a solution.

    Elle

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    1. I'm so glad that I'm not the only person who will never erase that image from her brain!
      I'd heard about that supposed affair. If it's true, that sucks. William and Kate's marriage seemed to be a love match, not an arranged thing. It's always so humiliating for the partner being cheated on.

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  14. I drove by a house in town yesterday that has always had multiple Trump signs. They sort of feud with their across the street neighbors who are democrats and always have signs, two Beto signs currently. But instead of the expected Trump sign in the other yard, it was just a 'save America, vote Republican' sign. Trump's name was glaringly absent. Of course he isn't running for anything this time around but neither do they have an 'Abbott' sign (our gov).

    Glad you had a good time at grandparent's day. I always went when my grands were in elementary school.

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    1. Well, my neighbors STILL have their Trump signs up. They replaced the one that faded into oblivion. I would expect nothing less from them.
      I would have bet that you'd be one of the grandmother's at school for those occasions.

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  15. I never knew my grandparents, except I met my mum's mother twice. She was an old lady by then, in her seventies. It's so sad for kids that don't have grandparents or doing have grandparents nearby. They should definitely do something for those kids on grandparent's day.
    "But- I swear- I am NOT starting a collection. " We'll see:)
    I remember when Charles wrote that about the tampon too. I'm glad he ended up with Camilla. They obviously love each other and it's sweet that they ended up together after everything. Charles and Diana were not suited for each other at all sadly.

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    1. I knew one set of grandparents very well. The other? Hardly at all.
      And yes, I'm going to see if there can be some solution for the kids who don't have grandparents who can come. Since Maggie's only in kindergarten, we have four more years of these lunches!
      I do indeed think that Charles and Camilla are soul mates. The marriage to Diana was more to get royal heirs than anything, I believe.

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  16. Sweet day at school with the grandkids. Maybe each group with a grandparent present could "adopt" a kid who didn't have anyone who could come. Or the class could have a project to reach out to older people with no grandkids nearby and invite them to be honorary grandparents on the day. I think it would be a good lesson in empathy for all the students. Love to you all. x0x0 N2

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  17. That just shows how the battle between the pro-Trump and anti-Trump factions really DOES permeate everywhere -- even little ol' Lloyd!

    Glad you had a good day with the grandkids, and that your new infants continue to enchant you!

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  18. All of us have uttered words in private that we never would want to hear repeated in public. I kind of doubt the William story. Since the press seems to be like bloodhounds, I think if anything was to be turned up, the press would be all over it.

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Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.