July - A Tough But Productive Month

Every July begins with my memories of my daddy going into the hospital due to a stroke. That is followed by the date of his birth/death. (He died on his birthday.) Just as I am recovering mentally and emotionally from this, my grandmother's birthday comes along. I often reflect on how I wish I had spent more time with her doing things that I loved. She was a whiz at anything she tried. Whether she was cooking, sewing, or crocheting, grandma was all in. Everything had to be perfect. As this very emotional month winds down, I decided to share with you a few of the activities that I conquered in honor of my grandma. I began the month making my delicious butter. I finished a granny square blanket.

It truly is relaxing to feel the yarn run through my fingers. Then I jumped into canning a strawberry jam.

Although I don't think it is beautiful in presentation, it certainly is mouthwatering. That was followed by a batch of scrumptious cheese.

It is so incredible that it is hard to keep stocked. After all of this yummy goodness, I decided to use up my material supply in the craft room. I have begun working on a English Paper Piecing quilt.

It is the perfect on the go sewing project. I can take a small sewing kit, and work while we travel. Everything is done by hand to piece the quilt top together. It will take awhile, but it is definitely worth the time. Next I began making my mama's divine apple sauce.

Again, this is another treat that is hard to keep stocked. We have a couple of spoonfuls with every dinner. My most recent endeavor was my version of my daddy's salsa.

However, this time I made it mild so that I could share with others. This is my all-time favorite condiment. I literally put it on everything. This week I will be tackling a blueberry jam or a blueberry butter. I haven't quite decided yet. They are both delicious, but I'm not sure which one I want just yet. The ingredients have been purchased, but I haven't made up my mind. I'm thinking about making a video on how to make the blueberry dish. You will have to tune in next time to find out what I do. Until then, I sending out happy thoughts for you.

Hugs,
Jenni

Special Time With Family

Recently, I visited the bookstore with my mom, nephew, and niece. One of my favorite things to do is sit in the cafe with a beverage and peruse the magazines and books. My mom and I decided to share the experience with my nephew and niece. We are working on getting them hooked on reading. The entire afternoon was spent together talking and sharing about the selections we made. We each left with a book thanks to mom. My selection was an old classic from childhood, Nancy Drew, The Bungalow Mystery. Here are a few photographs that captured the memory for us.

Jenni and The Bungalow Mystery

Anakin and My Teacher Glows in the Dark

Leia and Fancy Nancy

Mom (Yvonne) and Bella Grace

Go visit your local bookstore or library and enjoy a little quiet time. Everyone deserves a break now and then.

Hugs,
Jenni

Celebrating Family

Happy Easter! I hope the day has been full of love and hugs for you. I spent part of the day with my family. Here are a few pictures of our wild and crazy crew...

"Are we ready for the hunt yet?"


"I found one!"


"I may look tough, but I'm a lover."


"I'm so hot from running around!"


"Stand up straight and smile."


"Direct hit!"


"I love my Peeps!"


"Uncle Chris that tickles!"


"Aren't we beautiful?"


"The Eternally Happy Couple!"


Hope your day was blessed.

Hugs,
Jenni

Goodbye Baby

Today was a tremendously difficult day for me. I had to say goodbye to my baby, Dyson.

We arrived at the vet's office, and then had to wait about 30 minutes in the waiting room. We were surrounded by loyal companions and their parents. We discovered that the end of the day is reserved for appointments that do not have a happy ending. I noticed that as each parent came out, muffling their crying in a tissue, they were presented with a white package from the vet. When it was our turn we went in the office and got to spend a few more minutes with our precious baby. They laid him on the table and he snuggled into us as he finally fell asleep forever.

On our way out of the office, we were presented with a white package. Inside was a candle and a poem attached to it. Here is the poem:

My Forever Friend

I know that it must be different,
Now that I am no longer here.
I realize how much I was loved
And how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
When you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
Or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see,
Although it'll take some time,
The happy times you shared with me,
The memories are yours and mine.

I'll remember you, my family,
And how much you meant to me.
So please don't grieve and don't be sad,
It was just my time to leave.
************************
Now that you may be crying yourself, here is my note to Dyson.

Dyson, I will miss coming home to your hugs and kisses. I will miss our cuddle sessions on the bed while watching TV (especially after daddy left for work in the morning). Most of all, I will miss how no matter where I went you had to sit on my lap. You were the largest, but definitely, the best lap dog I ever had. You were loved beyond belief and will be missed every day. I love you baby.

Hugs,
Jenni

Generosity

Most people know that my father passed last July. However, not everyone knows that his beloved dog, Cheyenne, was left without a home. She stayed with Christopher and I for about 8 months until my brother could take her. It turns out that he and his family are not dog people. Christopher and I could not take her back because she did not get along with the neighbor dog. It was time to look for another alternative. Here is the story:

It was a Friday when we got a phone call from my brother saying he could not keep Cheyenne. My mom and I were in the Grand Canyon, miles from being able to do anything. My brother decided to leave the dog at my mom's house, and my wonderful husband had to pick up the ball and deal with the situation. After hearing back from the Weimaraner Rescue that was going to be able to take her (they only had one spot open), Christopher left school and picked up Cheyenne. She was beside herself to see him. I think she knew she was going to come home and see her beloved companion, Dyson (our greyhound). Their reunion was heartbreaking. They sat on the bed together and cuddled, never leaving each other's side. Knowing they would not stay together made it even harder for Christopher to deal with. He felt absolutely awful about not being able to keep such a sweet dog.

Saturday morning Christopher was dressed and ready to take Cheyenne to the rescue. One look at how Dyson and Cheyenne held each other made it even harder for him. It took him several hours to work up to separating them and breaking their hearts. When Christopher finally got Cheyenne in the car she knew she wasn't coming back. She tried her best to endear herself to him and appeared to be pleading with him to stay. With tears in his eyes, Christopher pulled up to the rescue and took Cheyenne in. Although she appeared to feel comfortable with the other Weimaraners, Christopher's heart was broken when she wanted nothing more to do with him. He left truly devastated.

About six weeks later, I received an e-mail from a woman who had adopted Cheyenne. Here is what she wrote:

Hello, Jenni.

My name is ****. I hope you won't think it too presumptuous or intrusive on my part, for I wouldn't want to invade your privacy for the world, but I was wondering if the dog we recently adopted, a Weimaraner named Cheyenne, belonged to your late father. I understood that her owner had died, and I felt so bad for her and the family. I saw the owner's name on the vet records, did a little internet surfing, and stumbled on your blog. You seem like such a lovely, warm person. I always try to put myself in another person's shoes, and I can't help but think that if I were in your family's place, I would want to know that my dad's beloved companion found a loving home.

When I unpacked Cheyenne's belongings from the rescue, I was bowled over with emotion—there was doggie toothpaste, a toothbrush, a doggie electric toothbrush (lol!), AND bottled doggie water with electrolytes, not to mention her little toys. I was so touched, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, quite honestly. What I did know right away was that this was a dog who had been very much loved and cared for, and that her owner had been a fine man.

My husband and I already love Cheyenne very much, and I have thought a lot about the man who left her behind but obviously adored her. Sometimes on our walks, I have talked to him in my heart, tried to reach him in spirit, and have told him not to worry—his baby is in good hands. And I thank him for having been so good to her. I feel that in some small way I have gotten to know him through Cheyenne, who is a reflection of the love she received.

I've taken a chance on sending this to you in the hope that I haven't gotten the wrong person. If you would like to write back or know more, please feel free. I can also e-mail you some photos if you'd like. Please know that Cheyenne has three comfy doggie beds and four sofas to choose from (including my beloved Pottery Barn micro-suede cushy couch, which she now clearly owns), gets regular nature walks (we are near the Santa Monica mountains), and is treated like a princess. She also has a new friend, our other Weimaraner, Maverick. He is 14 years old (we also got him from Friends for Pets 12 ½ years ago), and Cheyenne is keeping him young. She is wonderful, and we're grateful to have her!

Again, I hope that I haven't imposed on you.

My best wishes to you and yours,

*****

You can only imagine the flood of emotion that went through me. I was beside myself with joy that Cheyenne was loved. I immediately showed the e-mail to Christopher and the tears flowed from us. It was such a difficult decision to make and after reading this e-mail I knew it was the right one. I'm forever grateful for the generosity of people. I hope that sharing this creates a burning in you to be generous with someone who could really use it.

Hugs,

Jenni

Warmth

While Chris was away playing a gig with We Five this weekend, I spent a lot of time with my mom. We talked about so many memories we share and what makes us who we are. I have always been a person who will go to the ends of the earth for someone. If I see a need I try to fill it. Mom reminded me of a time when I forced that upon Chris. It was an icy cold evening and the three of us were out together. We saw this homeless man suffering in the cold. Usually I am quick to give money or food, but this particular night I was overwhelmed by this urge to give him warmth. Chris had his jacket in the car, one that he truly loved, and I told him to pull over and give this man his jacket. He looked at me like I had lost my mind. I began pleading with him and telling him that if he or someone he loved was enduring this cold night with little more than a long sleeve shirt, would he not want someone to help. He reluctantly pulled over, slowly got out of the car, took his jacket over to this man, and wrapped him in it. The gratitude that showed on this man’s face was all the thanks that we needed. Chris may have lost his favorite jacket that night, but the gift he gave was not only to this man, it was to me. He gave me the precious gift of warmth when I felt so strongly about giving away one of his favorite jackets. We gave this homeless man warmth that night, but Chris gave me warmth in my heart for a lifetime.

Thanksgiving

Although I don't believe in the tradition of how we celebrate Thanksgiving, I do believe that we all have things to be thankful for each day.

Today I am thankful for my wonderful husband who makes me feel special every day, my family, and for the time I had with my daddy.

What are you truly thankful for today?


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Memories

After attending my first Angel game since my Dad's passing, I realized that I don't have many memories that aren't directly tied to my Dad. Although I know it is not a quick or easy process to not completely mourn the loss I feel, I also know that it will be especially long and painful for me. Dad was one of my best friends. There has not been a day that I haven't thought about him and cried over the loss. While mulling it all over I've been learning to play guitar again on my Dad's guitar. Even when challenging I find myself determined to push through those hard times and find joy in what I'm doing. I don't ever plan to be a guitar virtuoso, but it sure has been fun learning to relax with my guitar.

If you've lost someone special to you I'd love to hear about how you honor their memory.


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Jess Andrew Roberts Jr Memorial

We will be having a memorial for Jess Andrew Roberts Jr. at Bonelli Park on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 8:00am. This was one of his favorite fishing spots. We will be gathering on the East Shore of the lake. It is a $10.00 entry fee. I have included a map of Bonelli Park and highlighted the route to the gathering. We would love for you to join us.

Following the lakeside memorial we will be gathering at the Autumn Oaks Clubhouse. It is located in Glendora near the corner of Citrus Ave and Foothill Blvd. Please feel free to join us as we will be there as long as people would like to come by. If you would like to stop by we ask that you park at the church next door, "Spirit of Life Bible Church", as there is no parking by the clubhouse. The address is: 1155 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741. If you would like to attend the reception, but won't make it to the lake, please email me at jennburgan@yahoo.com and I will provide directions. For all others directions will be provided at the lake.

In lieu of flowers we will be accepting donations that will be forwarded to the Stroke Care Unit of Pomona Valley Hospital.


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