Baby Kay is coming home tomorrow. And - Brian, Melody and the grandchildren are moving to Goose Creek! So it has been a whirlwind week of borrowing pick-up trucks and sweating a lot.
The bad (or good) news depending on how I look at it is that in all probability, Melody will be starting a job next week. Noah and Conner will be in daycare, which they love (at least once they get there). But Kay will need fulltime care and guess who got nominated? Ain't retirement grand? Three or four days a week, I'll be driving out to their trailor in Goose Creek and taking care of a very delicate newborn.
There is no internet there yet. So much of what I usually waste, I mean invest my time in will be impossible. Maybe that will force me to actually do some writing on Karen's laptop during the time Kay is asleep...probably the majority of each day for the time being.
Ah well. Without further ado and without lots of lame attempt to be humorous -- here are my stair pictures.
Stairs to the old market in Charleston
A sand sculpture version of the old market in Charleston
(I guess the railings were too delicate for sand)
BAGMAN: "I thought you weren't gonna try and be cute."
"Where did you come from? I don't have time for this right now."
BUTLER: "So why are we here? You know you can ignore us whenever you want."
"Not as easy as it sounds. You guys bubble up in my subconscious and and I can't always...Yes. I can. And I will. Be quiet. It's late and everyone is asleep and I should be too! Go back to bed and let me finish!"
BAGMAN: "Good night, John Boy."
BUTLER: "And goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are."
Buzzards don't need ladders but there is a ladder in here somewhere
Lots of stairs and one die hard fan
Stairs and fans look differently in Italy
Waiting for a wild horse race in Sienna
Another from Italy
Somewhere in Tuscony
Back in States - I haven't a clue where
And not really stairs - but stair-like.
And, finally, back in my hometown
near the Charleston Maritime Center
(How many stairs can an architect fit into one entrance?)
And with that, I'm going to lie down and contemplate serenity and acceptance of the disconnect between what I thought my retirement was going to be like and what God thought my retirement was going to be like.
BUTLER: "I can't fall asleep."
BAGMAN: "Can you bring me a glass of water?"
Argh.
Well, the baby will probably sleep a lot at first. So you may be quite bored for a while. But kudos for you to step up. I would do the same thing. Mama is going to be tired starting a new job so quickly after giving birth. I hope all the best for all of you. Remember to be kind to each other and most of all - be kind to yourselves.
ReplyDeleteWell, the baby will probably sleep a lot at first. So you may be quite bored for a while. But kudos for you to step up. I would do the same thing. Mama is going to be tired starting a new job so quickly after giving birth. I hope all the best for all of you. Remember to be kind to each other and most of all - be kind to yourselves.
ReplyDeleteLove love love the Tuscany shot. And what a fab Grandpa you are, helping out like that. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous stairs! And good to see B & B being sassy. ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the sandcastle best. That's amazing that you're babysitting a newborn--I can't WAIT for read your updates on that.
ReplyDeleteWell any post you do Mark turns out to be interesting, informative, oh and yes a little funny. If you get that book written you must include some of your best shots. Kudos to helping with the new baby. You are a good man even with the thorns B&B in your side. Blessings to all your family.
ReplyDeleteQMM
Good morning Mark...I love the ones from Tuscany..so beautiful!! Wonderful post as always..you make me smile:)
ReplyDeleteWell, lame attempts are all most of us have, so we are lenient about them in others. ~Mary
ReplyDeletehummmm. sounds to me like you have an improvement in your homelife. leaving each morning and returning to a quiet home each night is an improvement / and will feel like a job except you will bond with and love your granddaughter beyond all possible - I promise this.
ReplyDeletelike everyone else I love the tuscany shot.
Well as usual you've found a neat collection to fit the theme...even though Bagman and Butler kept interfering. :))
ReplyDeleteI like that photo from Tuscany. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFMTSO
I love that steps in Tuscany but one need to be mindful on them, looks dangerous to me!
ReplyDeletelucky you, a man on TV said the best thing since sliced bread is grands.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are great, as always! And it's a good thing to combine taking care of baby Kay with writing.
ReplyDeletegreat stair shots Mark. I am partial to the first one. love the fancy railing. Have fun Gpa!!
ReplyDelete"Somewhere in Tuscany" - and it looks as romantic as it sounds - love it! Good luck with the new babe. Bet you never thought retirement would bring you such a blessing! :)
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