Abyss

Wow. Couldn't remember how to make a new post for a second there.

Life continues. Spring has sprung. FINALLY!

Ashes removed from yard from fire.

Snowed. Snow caused trees to fall on pergola and in pool.

Insurance claims filed.

Even more trees fell on grandson's new house, taking out cars, power, shop, fences.

More insurance claims filed.

Grandson and family moved in with us for 32 days while trees were cut, power poles reset, etc.

Get a new pool sweep, pool pump and filter and new pergola. Yay!

Received offer on folks' house.

Had Dad's funeral service with Patriot Guard procession, Military honors, gun salute, VFW presentation, U.S. Flag presented to me. Incredible. (remember we had to cancel first funeral because of Carr Fire).

Folks' House flooded ruining 4 month old floor.

Hi Insurance Adjuster! Remember us?

New floor being installed.

Buyer leaped out of escrow. Bye Bye, Felicia.

Spent yesterday at folks' house.

What a beautiful day. Spring actually was bursting around us as we worked in yard and did some tweaks to put house back on market.

My mom and dad had both talked about how Ted, a wonderful and loving family member who passed from cancer 20 years ago would often visit them in their backyard. When they thought of him a butterfly would show up within feet of them. Mom often said she would do the same if she was to visit us.

Yesterday as my sister and I worked in the backyard and talked about Mom and Dad, two butterflies came and hung out with us.

In spite of chaos, things are good. The Guy retired. We paid off out mortgage. We know the house will sell, but to the right buyer.

My Mother and Father are missed but we know they are in a good place.

The day before the funeral service, the Guy was washing the kitchen floor. He moved the refrigerator to wash underneath. Under the fridge there was an old, yellow clipping from a newspaper. It was crisp with age but couldn't have been under there any length of time because Frank always moves the fridge when washing the floor. (I know, a bit OCD but works for me!).

The clipping was of this poem, just in time for Dad's services.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die. 

We cried and cried but in our hearts we knew it was from Dad. He was generous like that. We also knew the message was for Frank because Dad knew damn well, I wasn't gonna be moving no refrigerator when I wash the floor.

Life is good. Busy. Crazy. But good.

Can't wait to catch up with everyone's blogs.

Thinking about you all!