...of the metaphorical variety that is...
*Edited to Add: Clarity...it is not my strong suit. Edited comments appear in this color and preceded by an asterisk.
I have pretty much decided to be away from Blogdom now that it has slowed to the usual summer crawl. When my footsteps start to echo in the halls, I know it's time. I will be finishing up my Photo Challenge on Friday and, after that, it's hasta la bye bye until... (*things pick up in Blogdom again...usually around September 1 or really whenever I feel like it. ☺)
What is time? Just another thing to get away...
~David Mallett
*Here lies the problem: I failed to say that my blogiversary was this week. So in thanking you for your comments over the past eight years, many have thought I was saying so long for good. I also make a lot of comments, read a lot of blogs. I feel so blessed to have wonderful comments, yet for every comment I receive I have commented many times over. Just sayin.' It would probably be embarrassing to have that figure available.
< insert cheeky grin>
Before that, though, I want to say thank you to all who have visited and left comments over the past eight years. I was just revisiting former posts and comments this week and what a treasure trove I have. I may have written 2, 148 posts, but you have written 53, 890 comments to date. Wowzer! Blessed I am.
And I continue to be blessed with packages arriving. Saturday brought an amazing box of goodies from *Abby at Little Birdie Blessings.* Visiting her blog will bless you, too, because she offers beautiful scripture graphics for the taking and a link back. I must shop for a new one myself. ☺
Yes, the box was filled with books, cookbooks, many different fabrics, thread, a sleep mask, headbands, and more if only I could remember it all. Thank you, Abby! Unbelievable generosity!
Yesterday, I was delighted to receive this wonderful collection of essays from *Linda at Linda's Life Journal.* She thought of me when she found this book purchased long ago while on a trip to Vermont. (John and I recently celebrated our seventh anniversary. Many of you may remember that we ran off in a fever to Vermont and married.) They are wonderful essays and I do love good essays. I'm pretty sure it's why I love blogs so well. Thank you, Linda! (Have fun at the ranch!)
Over the weekend, I received that gift to the left and a number more like them on my windows. What is it about kids and windows? I remember my mother telling me that she could not wash little fingerprints from her windows after I and my children returned to Arizona. (No, I did not leave my handprints behind and I did try to wash her windows for her before she yelped at me.) I decided to take a photo instead. Ha!
Yes, we had the grands and the grandpuggy over the weekend. You can see the pug lying between them there. What a life! The grandpuggy gave the grands quite a night from the sounds of things. Oh dear! Something about snoring and scratching???
We do not have adequate sleeping arrangements here so I created the old standby of pushing easy chairs up to the sofa, which we call "ships." I soon realized that they have grown a lot and so had to also include hassocks in between the easy chair and the sofa. Over this, I placed big, comfy comforters and hoped that it would cover a multitude of ups and downs. What do you do in a pinch for overnight guests? I have realized that something has got to change here. I have at
least one twin bed that could be set up
somewhere — perhaps the kitchen.
When my son came to gather everything up, I was gifted with a four-pack of my very *favorite Canadian candy bars.* So glad that the bars are back so that I can smack the Mack!
See you Friday! Have a blessed week until then.
*My apologies to those I confused. A thank you to those who were not. Some of you just know that I'm an airhead. Total airhead. And some of you instinctively know that clarity is not my strong suit. Oh me.
Over the weekend, I received that gift to the left and a number more like them on my windows. What is it about kids and windows? I remember my mother telling me that she could not wash little fingerprints from her windows after I and my children returned to Arizona. (No, I did not leave my handprints behind and I did try to wash her windows for her before she yelped at me.) I decided to take a photo instead. Ha!
I hear the crickets of summer too and have let the blog languish. So much to do and so little time left to do it. I must experience summer while it is here and the garden calls louder than the internet. I hope you'll come back when fall is here! I well remember the kind of bed set up you describe at my grandmother's house. I thought it was so special to sleep all enclosed in her sectional that had been brought around to make a bed with a space to climb up. I hear of people downsizing when their children grow up and leave but it becomes quite apparent to me that soon guest quarters are more needed than ever. We are actually looking into adding MORE space :) Have a wonderful rest of the summer Vee. See you in the fall?
ReplyDeleteDepends on when fall begins in your vernacular, Kathy. ☺ Yes, more space is needed for about twenty years and then it becomes too much. Oh well, The Lord will see us through.
DeleteI will miss your posts, but understand the need to step back. I will be looking forward to you coming back when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, 58,000+ comments. Wowza, you're a popular lady. As for the happy mail package I sent you, all those little things cried out, please put me in Vee's box, I want to go to her home. I don't know about the runaway marriage to Vermont, is it hidden on your blog somewhere? As for the grands, it's a trial and error event to find comfortable sleeping arrangements, but whatever you do, it's always an adventure for them. Have a wonderful week. ~ Abby
ReplyDeleteVee, first off I must say you have shown me so many kindnesses as a new blogger. Even before beginning to blog you gave me encouragement to do so. I have always enjoyed your writing. It's a breath of fresh air to me! I'll miss you while you're gone!
ReplyDeleteAs far as sleeping arrangements we have an Aero Bed we put in the office for the grands if their parents are staying in the guest room. What's great about the Aero Bed is you can roll it up and put it away when not needed.
Please don't be gone too long, but enjoy yourself! xo ♥
Wow, that is a lot of posts and a lot of comments!! I hope that this doesn't mean that you are stopping blogging, but are just having a - very well deserved after all of those posts! - summer break. Hope to keep seeing you. xx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break, Vee. Know that your writing and the glimpses into your life will be missed in the meantime. For extra guests, we've used couch cushions on the floor and air mattresses. There's always room for one more!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you, dear Vee.
Enjoy your summer break. I go into hibernation during the summer -- just too hot to do much of anything -- including blogging. We will miss you. See you soon.....
ReplyDeleteI hope you are not gone for too long, I will miss your post! Enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteHello Vee, I guess summer just has that way about it! Slow and lazy, like a river in the late summer. I hope you enjoy your time away! You always make me smile... you have a sweet and sassy way of putting things, but really are just plain down to earth! Hugs and stop in any time!
ReplyDeleteAlways, Roxy
Hi Vee, I understand your desire to step back from blogging but I will miss you. I struggle during late fall and Christmas and usually take several months away. You'll be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not gone too long, either, Vee!! However, enjoy your break (I hope it's a break), and we will hear from you in the Fall (hopefully?). Enjoy your gifts that you've been receiving...lovely!! xxoo
ReplyDeleteCompletely understand - and hope you aren't gone too long. Enjoy the rest of the warm lazy summer days - they DO go too quickly past - and most was raining, so really DO enjoy what little bit of summertime we can get before autumn is here! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh Vee....we have done some of the same things. In our house in Sunland, when the boys were smaller, we took all the pillows off the couches and made a wonderful bouncy floor bed. Love how kids are happy with the easiest things.
ReplyDeleteLove all your pretty gifts... I love our blog friends...they are so loving and generous.
Whenever I've run out of beds and needed another, I use an air mattress. Easy to set up and doesn't take up much room in the box when deflated. Also, I can remember my grandmother and mother both making pallets on the floor with extra quilts for kids.
ReplyDeleteSweet gifts you've received! I hope you enjoy your blogging break and don't forget to return!
Vee, I'm going to miss you! I hope you will drop me an email once in a while just to chat.
ReplyDeleteComing here is like dropping by to visit with an old friend.
I can't blame blogging for my busyness, but I'm feeling like summer is slipping right through my hands too.
Enjoy your break and do all those things that bring you happiness.
Take care-Kim
I love the arrangements of furniture to make ships, encouraging imagination. Nice, special gifts from friends. But please don't make this post sound so final. :-( We need your voice.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blogging break. Those special Canadian candy bars look delicious and I like how you create "ships" for the kids to sleep in when they visit.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have many overnight guests but have a spare room when we do.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you get so many gifts. I'm not surprised though. : )
Happy Anniversary to you and John.
Yes will miss your pithy comments and slices of life … but hopefully you will come back someday. We use sleeping bags and blankets on the floor a lot for little overnight guests when the beds are filled--or blow up mattresses.
ReplyDeleteI shall miss you, sweet friend. Don't be a stranger and email, ok? I fully understand about stepping back...Happy Anniversary to you both. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI had to invest in a sleeper couch from Ikea. An absolute godsend, it turns out, because my family sort of arrived home and stayed. Boomerangs and all that. And then Diana had her op, so we needed ground floor beds.... But it also gives us another proper seating area where we can be separate, given the three generations under one roof.
ReplyDeleteI do remember you and John running off - oh the excitement in Blogdom! Happy Anniversary to you both! I am finding it hard to believe it is 7 years already. And G died 9 years ago. Staggering.
Hope you enjoy your vacation from Blogville. I am in the same situation and need to step back as well. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteSo many posts and comments, must make you feel good to know that your blogging sisters have thought enough of you to stay by your side. I hope you'll just take a refresher break Vee, we'll miss you.
ReplyDeleteI have been having a good time with our three youngest grands at the cottage. Swimming at the beach during the day and fires with s'mores at night. :-)
As a blogger who has been blogging for 12 years, 9 at my current location, I get the desire to back away. I even went so far as to delete my blog once. I regret that decision because someone else took the address and started a spam blog. I think Rue (An Old-Fashioned World) went through the same thing. So please, if you decide to permanently stop blogging, DON'T delete your blog. You can always go private. I can tell you that a nice, long break does wonders. So if that's all this is, then enjoy it to the hilt! Your readers will still be here. Everyone needs a break here and there. Take care, dear one!
ReplyDeleteThose kids look so comfy. I would have loved "camping out" like that at their age.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your blog. Hope it's a temporary hiatus from the world of words. I've been silent too. This summer has been a doozy weather wise, news wise, everything wise. :) Don't be a stranger, 'k? Visit our blogs, pen an e-mail, or send a carrier pigeon if necessary. Keep us informed, if convenient. You're a great gal and I really respect your opinion on life. Besides, you have to see how our Tiny House turns out.
Hope your day is blessed Vee. ~:)
I am thankful for all 2,148 of those posts. It is always a pleasure to visit with you, Vee. I hope your time away is restorative and you may decide to jump back in at a later date. In the meantime, you will be missed.
ReplyDeleteLovely gifts you have received and a very nice collage you made to display them.
How fun to host the grands and the grandpuggy. The sleeping ship looks very comfy, cozy and fun. When my one and only grand visits he is still sleeping in the crib my boys used many years ago.
Oh how I could relate to your mother's thoughts on the little handprints left behind on windows.
Vee, I enjoy your posts but do understand when there is a need to step back or step away. Sometimes we just flat out need a break PERIOD! You are an amazing woman and I truly enjoy visiting with you. See you soon! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteDon't go!!! This year for the first time, I am hit or miss with posting. So much going on and I just can't get to it! Crazy!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot to post about, and it's coming bit by bit.
Love what you did for the boys to sleep! Fun!
Deanna
Hmmm! What can I say? I love you dearly, your friendship means more to me than words can say! Now I can hound you by e-mail!
ReplyDeleteI really do understand about the need for a break, the time time you spend with loved ones especially grandchildren has no price, memories that will last for a lifetime for them and for us!
You will know when it is time to come back, (soon I hope, I know, I am selfish).
Love from me,
Sue
Perfect time to take a good break...I'm winding down a bit for a break myself. Every time I think I'll do it, I get an idea for a good post and away I go. I bet I have 26 drafts, all waiting in the wings...I can't get one draft finished before I think of another...it's crazy...just CRAZY.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your rest....
Happy Blogversary! 8 years is quite an achievement. I'll hit 6 next month, but lately with work, I've haven't been as faithful as I'd like. Hoping it will change soon. We have our grands coming in August! XOXO
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you are simply taking a break and will be back! I think it is back to school time and summers end that leaves blog land a little empty, last minute vacations, school shopping, etc. Wow those boys have grown! One of our solutions for sleep overs here in our little cottage is a small scale pullout sofa that makes out into a full size bed and and ottoman that folds out into a twin size bed and if needed we can use an air bed or camping cots. Do you have room to store those folding camping cots or roll away beds? Inexpensive air mattress and sleeping bags make for a fun indoor camp out too. Enjoy your break and all those goodies!
ReplyDeleteAnd I forgot to say congratulations on your wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog'aversary! Eight years is quite awhile...Congrats! :) Glad you will be back with when things pick up in blogland! Enjoy your time off! ~Rhonda
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogversary! I always enjoy visiting you and hope you will enjoy your blog break. Those are necessary form time to time for sure. Enjoy the rest of your summer. It's gone by so quickly!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Happy Blogversary!! Visiting you is always such a joy. I hope you enjoy your blog break and the remainder of your summer. It has really gone by quickly!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
I liked both comments, Jen! Comment moderation comes on after a couple of days.
DeleteSee you....in September.....see you.....when the summer's through.....
ReplyDeleteI always think of that song in the summer. Quite a hit it was back in the 60's when I was just a teeny bopper. I'll certainly miss you here and I hope you really come back in September when the leaves are turning and the air is cooler. Happy 7th Anniversary to you and John! I didn't know you ran off and got married like a couple of kids. Awesome!! I used to love McIntosh Toffee but can't eat it now due to fillings and crowns I don't want to come out!! I remember buying them as a kid and lost fillings even then! Learned my lesson on that one. I still have hand and finger prints on my laptop screen and iPhone from our visit with the grandkids in March! I expect we'll have a problem sleeping the 5 of them if they come home next year too. But it will be a wonderful problem to have as I can't wait for them to visit again. Take care Vee. Enjoy your blog break and the lovely month of August. See you in September!! Love, Pam
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and I look forward to seeing posts from you again. Happy "blogiversary"!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for this clarification. I had written a comment earlier, but it didn't publish. I was begging you not to stay away too long, as I had just learned to know you from your blog a short time ago. I was sure there were others in this situation who were thinking the same thing. Your clarification about coming back was the best news I read this morning. Rest and be refreshed ... looking forward to your return.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce. Do you blog? I'd visit if I could find you.
DeleteNo, I don't blog. I have thought about it, but I don't think others would find what I would write about interesting enough to read. I also wanted to mention that it was through you that I found out about Meet Me in the Meadow. So sorry that Roy will no longer be posting. That was another reason I was so sad when I thought you were quitting blogging. I said to myself, "Why is it that when I find and love someone that they go away?" So so glad that you are coming back.
DeleteMore's the pity that you don't blog. We need lots of voices. I can recommend My Friends and Favorites to you (on my sidebar). They'll keep you busy reading. =D
DeleteThank you. I'll be visiting your friends.
DeleteHappy belated BlogAnniversary, Vee! It is amazing we keep writing these blogs after so many years, but I could never willingly give it up entirely, as I enjoy it too much, as I know you do too! I can't believe it has already been 7 years since you and John were married--it seems like that happened yesterday to me! ;)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer!
Congratulations on eight years of blogging, Vee!!! Wow!! I think it's terrific how many comments you've received vs. the number of posts published. You go girl! You have a writing style that people enjoy; it feels like we've stopped in to your charming home for a nice cup of tea and are having a conversation with you. :)
ReplyDeleteThe blogger gifts you've received are very nice indeed. Congratulations, also, on your wedding anniversary with John, and wishing you many more. I hope you enjoy your blog break and looking forward to your return, my friend.
Big hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
((((Vee)))) You are always such a joy in Blogland and such an encourager.... I have truly cherished sharing with you over the years. You are a blessing to so many of us. Hope these late summer days are bringing you happy light and I look forward to your return. Congrats on your Blog Anniversary! That is something special and worthy of celebrating... and I celebrate YOU. Love you always!
ReplyDeleteKim
How quickly the Grands grow up. As it is the 26th August I wont have to wait long till early September (that is if you get back then!) Congratulations on your 8th year. Mine passed at Easter. Would we have believed it!
ReplyDelete