Robert Hayden poem

I have neglected poetry Thursday, so here is a great one. This is K's favorite from the poetry class we took together. I love it as well. Laters.


Those Winter Sundays
By Robert Hayden

Sundays too my father got up early
And put his clothes on in the blueback cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love's austere and lonely offices?

La rata juega en mi sótano

The rat is back! Despite taking all the peanut butter laden rat poison. I heard him in the basement when I went down to put in the laundry. And the answer is no, the rat didn't even fold a sock.
To me, it sounded like a huge Shetland pony was galloping about in the pile of cardboard boxes that K has been collecting down there for a year. I let out an involuntary shriek and then reminded myself that K is afraid of mice and rats, not me. I did call upstairs for Ry to bring me a broom just in case; so I could whack the rat if he got feisty and tried to jump on my back as I sorted the whites.
K says he will clean the basement on Saturday. He is not just being nice even though it needs to be done. He is working off a penalty. Ask him about it if you want. With all the boxes down there I figure we have room for quite a nest of them so we may be in for a big surprise when we clean. We may very well be hosting a plethora of rats. Hmmmmmm. Perhaps a large, hungry cat is in order? Laters.

Room Service Please........

I am back! Back at home with my own dirty dishes and my own dusty corners. I also brought the prerequisite 5 loads of vacation laundry that I am halfheartedly working on. The rat is nowhere to be seen when I really need a hand.
I have certainly enjoyed the mini -vacations this month at my mom's and mother-in-law's. I suppose that for great service, a mom's house can't be beat. Each household runs uniquely different with its own blend of hospitality and I enjoyed it all. It is wonderful to lay aside your responsibilities, if only for a weekend and enjoy the untethered freedom of a guest.
I must admit that I have shouldered the return of my own household responsibilities somewhat reluctantly-too much vacation I guess. I made dinner and bought milk for the fridge so it feels somewhat normal. I have yet to make a true grocery run, but I figure that we can eat all the weird stuff in the pantry like asparagus, peaches, and white beans and then I will have more money to buy new shoes. Laters.

This Hand I Hold

Two lovers are holding hands and I know the shape of the thumb and finger, the texture of the skin and cut of the nails. The more fragile hand cupped in the larger; a diamond ring winking softly in the light.
This is not the hand of my lover, but I know it well because it looks like my husband’s hand. Today I am at a celebration for my in-laws. A celebration of 20 of their years in ministry, and they are the lovers holding hands. As they watch a portion of their lives unfolding in picture and video, they unconsciously reach for one another and remember their past together.
I am touched by the devotion and I unconsciously grasp the hand of my lover, their son and I am thankful for them and all they have done in my life. Those who have walked the journey of marriage together know that it is a road filled both with heartache and bliss, pain and pleasure, good and bad. They have experienced it all together and yet consider themselves best friends. I am thankful for their service and thankful for their love. Laters

Pinkie

We are packing to go out of town for the week- end and K said he would help me by starting some laundry. Knowing that the priority is jeans and the like, when I came home from work I asked him, "What did you put in?"

He says, "The pinks." Now to my knowledge there is no such thing as the pinks so I say to him, "What???" and he says, "The pinks."

I say, "There is no such thing as the pinks." And he says, "Well, I put a lot of things in that were similar in color."

When I moved the load from the washer to the dryer, it was indeed a load of pinks. Sher's pink sheets, her pink coat, and many other random pink things that I didn't know we owned. I guess with a six year old girl you generate some major pinks. I have never washed a load of pinks before, but I suppose I will have to start now. So now you know- make sure to wash your pinks correctly. Laters.

Whats for dinner?

What is the Mullins home having for dinner you ask? Well, I will share....leftovers. I love leftovers cause that means I have extra time to do fun things like toilet cleaning and laundry. My kids are not so excited by it, but this is how I convince them to eat. I offer to make toast and scrambled eggs for dinner. Then they are always fine with the leftovers. It is a mean trick, but a mom has to have her tricks.
Tonight's delectable treat is taco soup which I think is even better the day after. In case you are wondering the taco soup was consumed with a minimum of fussing and one small request for pizza. Laters.

Some Real Deep Thoughts

Experiencing the kind of peace that beer, rain, and a long Monday brings. I think that it is sometimes called being comatose but you say tomato, I say tomato. I am also thinking a few random thoughts like how I don't like vanilla (K you know what I mean) and how even though I have said it often- I really love my granny panties. What is better than looking at your rear view while it is lovingly cupped with a thick elastic band that shows through your pants? It shouts out sex goddess to me, plus I can buy a 20 pack at Costco for $10. Much cheaper than Victoria's Secret.

I am also happy for my baby bro and his wife who found out today that they are expecting their first baby. How great is that? I am of course the best aunt ever and only slightly grumpy with nieces and nephews.

I'm also thinking about the women brave enough to marry my bros- what a bunch of kick-butt women they are. Had a great visit with two of my sister in laws this week, one drove 3 hours to make my son's birthday and she puts up with my bro and his dog which is no small feat (my bro, not the dog) The other feeds me wine and lattes and listens to me babble on and on about my problems. So shout out to the sisters I never had.

I would love to share more of my captivating wisdom but the pouring rain and popping radiator are putting me right to sleep. Laters.

 

Peeping J

I like to look through windows of houses as I drive past on the highway I confess that I do it a lot. Driving in the car for 10 hours today has given me many peeping opportunities. I wonder who they are, these people that I don't know. Do they have kids? Are they happy. Do their lawn ornaments bring them peace? Some curtains are fancy and some are plain. Some yards are neat as a pin and some cluttered with garbage and rusted out cars. I don't know why I am so curious about people I don't know, but when I pass I can't help but feel wistful. Laters.

Fire and Tea

Sher and I had a lovely tea party outside in the pergola at Grandma Judy's house today. We wore our fancy hats and I put on lots of red lipstick. The menu consisted of hot, sweet tea and honey buns and we had real cloth napkins to make things extra special. Since it was a cold day, we made a fire in the outdoor fire place and toasted marshmallows to top off all the sweet tea. The marshmallows were my favorite part. Since we were doing girly things the boys dug a fire pit, surrounded it with bricks and made a campfire outside. They toasted marshmallows too, but ours were much better. Since the fire department here in Union City will call out every truck for the tiniest thing (believe me I know cause they have all showed up at my house before-10 trucks for a smoking chimney) I was afraid that our tiny plumes of smoke would send them into a frenzy, but our fires escaped notice.
Then we all sat around in our fancy hats with our full marshmallow tummies and said Southern things like "Well, darlin' hows your family?" and "Would y'all like some more tea?" and "Land sakes but its cold for this time of year." We had fun! I should have tea parties more often. Laters.

Hearth and Home

Today is momentous for several reasons, the first being the 11th birthday of my middle son, and the second being that I am at my mom's house and haven't had to do a diddly darn thing all day. I like both parts so much that I can't decide which is my favorite. I suppose that not cooking and cleaning rank pretty high, but I sure do love Reag and I was glad when he joined the world.
I was lying in bed, in my cozy, white bedroom, nestled high in the rafters of my mom and dad's lovely Victorian, smack dab in the middle of the afternoon, while my mother entertained my kids in the back yard. Relived of all my duties, I watched terrible daytime television and thought about things.
There is something about the feeling of coming home that never changes. Things taste and smell differently when you are home; the air is richer, simple things such as books, sheets, and plates seem to have more substance. Yet, I realize that each time I come home things are somewhat different, but it is still home. And I love it and the family that it contains. This week will be a much needed rest for soul and body. I am glad for home. Laters.

On The Road Again

So here is a picture of some random exit in W. Virginia. We are on day 2 of a 1000 mile road trip to see my mom and dad in TN. So far on the trip I have read a vampire book, stared out the window a lot, told my kids "do not touch your brother/sister" a million times, and taken a
small nap. I expect that today will be more of the same, so I will keep you updated on my fabulous life. Laters.

It's All About Me

These are a few of my favorite things and the list does not include whiskers on kittens or blue satin sashes: (please note that this list should not be confused with my list that is philanthropic or helpful to other humans-this is just personal pleasures)
1. pedicures
2.fresh coffee at any sort of charming cafe/bistro
3. reading in bed with either a bowl of pickles or a bag of Lays plain potato chips or for a perfect day- both.
4. New shoes or clothes
5. Hanging with my family
6. Trying a new restaurant

So if you want to make me happy; buy/take me to any of the above. Laters.

Good Friday

I think that I married into the wrong profession. K is a minister and oftentimes I find myself frustrated by the lack of a week-end, the length of the service and the pontification that goes along with church. I will admit that I have a tiny, tiny attention span, so I am sure that contributes my angst. The ritual of the liturgy that is so calming for some often sends me into a frenzy of clock-watching and convert desires to escape. Personally, I have most often encountered God in the day to day routine and been most inspired by His overarching reach into every aspect of my life and being. But K often reminds me of the importance of corporate worship so I do try to behave and participate like a good wifey should; plus I really love to sing and my shower doesn't always cut it.

We have Good Friday service tonight and as I put Sher into the tub she says, "While you are having church where will I be?" (normally there is a special program for the kids) and I say, "In the service."

She looks very crestfallen and says, "Oh, that will be long and boring." I tended to agree with her a tiny bit, but I only said, "No it won't. Now wash your hair."

I have tracked comments all day from friends and family who are all thinking about the sacrifice made for us by God. That has been my inspiration and sermon, but I'm off to Good Friday service anyway. Laters.

Servants of the Government Cease and Desist.

Oh, Shirley at the post office why do you have to make me miserable? You, with your long nails and inability to process my transaction correctly. Why do you send me, at 8:30, twice to the bulk mail window without telling me they don't open until 9? Why do you not know how to operate your register, vainly tippy, tapping with your nails against the smooth computer screen. Why make my morning difficult even though it started by sleeping in late and coffee in bed?

If I'd had my choice, I would have gone to the window of the smiley lady who can even barely speak English, yet still works in U.S. government service. She a least was dispatching her line with some quickness. But no, by the cruel hand of fate I drew the window of slow, wrong Shirley.

You remind me of Fernando at Motor Vehicles who lorded his power over me for an hour and a half before he finally deigned to give me my license. I would have complained to the manager, but he had the temperament of a rabid grizzly bear and I thought I might get reset to the back of the line, so I just meekly took my license, crack whore picture and all and thanked Fernando for making me wait and meekly left.

The trials of the lowly office administrator are many yet we must persevere. Laters.

Red Rover, Red Rover Send A Maid Right Over

I am drowning in dirt, packing peanuts (from the grandparents Easter box), Easter grass, and all the scrummy things left on the floor after dinner.
I try to keep things in order, but I am out numbered 4 to 1 and most often fighting a losing battle.
K actually does quite a bit around ye olde casa. I have been able to train him a great deal in the past fifteen years so that is helpful for me, but he does make an awful lot of messes too.
No one except me seems to think it amiss when they wear their soccer cleats covered in mud right inside after practice. Just call me crazy.
My personal favorite is wrappers. Candy wrappers, snack wrappers, and random clothing tags are all just left exactly where they are eaten/removed. So far today I have picked up Easter candy wrappers from the following places:
1. The couch cushions
2. The floor
3. On the counter right next to the garbage can- I guess the extra inch to actually hit the can was too much effort
4. The floor in a different room
5. In the bathroom sink
6. Bannister post of the stairs
7. Off the cable box
8. and a store clothing tag was in my bed -this was the most random

So, if you come over ignore the mess. Laters

Hey, Are You Listening To Me Or Not?

I got mad at God on Saturday. Then I gave Him some final ultimatums and threats. I don't think that He was too scared, but He didn't strike me dead or anything so I guess that is a good thing.

I said to God, "I can't do this anymore. I am tired of doing the right thing. I am just gonna be bad and not even care."

Then all the inspirational verses about being steadfast and standing and having faith for the future came to my mind and then I felt even worse cause I thought, "I've stood and I can't stand anymore and nothing happens the way I want, so what is the point?" (as you can see I felt very negative, tired, and care worn)

Sher has a new thing that she does every night- when we put her to bed, she says, "I am never going to sleep tonight." And we say, "Oh, yes you are." Because we know that she will.

That is how I fell asleep- saying to God, "I am never doing the right thing again." And he said, "Oh yes you are."

So then, having done all to stand, stand therefore. I don't like it, but I guess I am standing. Laters.

You Dirty Rat

We found out that we have a rat in the basement. Since the washer and dryer are in the basement, I suggested that we just teach the rat how to use the washer and then we could throw the laundry down and then pick it up once a week.
K suggested that we call an exterminator.
K is scared of rats and mice in a manly sort of way, so I guess that the exterminator will win over a laundry trained rat. Laters.

Goodbye Mr. Wiggles

Today was a sad, sad, day. Sher's pet worm that she found on the playground Friday at school was dead when she opened its plastic tub. I have doubts that it ever made it home alive to begin with, but anyway. She was upset for all of 5 minutes and then we had dinner and watched Shrek. Life does go on.

Mag Bag

I got my new Glamour magazine and read it in the bathtub today, which is my monthly routine. I find that if it gets wet, I don't really care too much. This month's cover model was Miley Cyrus. I think it was a bad choice. I do not want to see a 16 year old on my Glamour. Save it for Seventeen. I am an older lady and I like more mature cover models.
Also, Glamour runs the exact same articles every month. Seriously.
The favorite topics:
1. Things to ask your gyno- blah, blah, mine could care less and makes me feel dumb for asking
2. What is on guy's minds- like we don't know-its boobies and stuff like that. Always.
3.Weird sex positions that only monkeys or acrobats could do- really, I mean come on!
4. Mean things I did to my roommate to pay her back for leaving the milk out, stealing my boyfriend, etc. - I always find these hard to believe........
5. Oops, I was caught in an embarrassing place having sex- Again, I find these hard to believe......
6.The "new" and "it" fashion of the month- I am still trying to find a way to buy the "new" and "it" fashion from the winter mags....forget spring.

So maybe I should cancel my subscription?? Laters.

Firstly, please note the lovely, lilac, spring nail polish. I am ready for some warm weather:

open toed shoes- check

spring polish-check

white legs that need some sun-check

warm weather- ??? (darn it, where are you spring? this is like my 3rd request)

Secondly, note the cool freckle right on top of my foot. The Mullins are a fine, freckled family with cool freckles in cool places. K and Ry have one on their palm. Reag right beside his mouth which is so sweet. Sher has some interesting leg freckles. So, all in all that is just one more wonderful thing about being in the Mullins Fam. I know you are jealous. Laters.

Sonnets of the Portuguese

Another one of my faves for poetry Thursday- hope you enjoy…….. XLIII. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..." by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with a passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

Ewww Gross!

This is our new garbage can. This week K decided to keep the trash it contains an extra week, so it didn't go to the curb for Wednesday garbage day.

I did remind him (as usual) and he said "I know, I got it" (as usual)

I guess he didn't 'got it' after all cause here it sat this morning long after the garbage truck came and went. Maybe it was his April Fools Prank for me.

I would like to mention that I have never liked April Fools. Laters.