Debbie Macomber's Blog, page 48

For the love of roses

Wayne forgot my birthday, mainly because I wasn’t home to remind him.  I was in Hartford, Connecticut at Stitches East, an amazing knitting conference with an even more amazing market.  Market--as in they sell even more amazing yarns!  When I casually mentioned what I’d be doing ON MY BIRTHDAY, I could hear the panic in Wayne’s voice and knew the date had completely slipped his mind.  I reassured him it was no big deal and that I’d simply purchase my own gift.  Since I was in yarn market heaven, it wouldn’t be a problem. 



However, my loving husband—and kindly remember this is after years of training—decided he needed to do something.  So when I arrived home there were three dozen roses waiting for me.  I tell you, the man’s got it down now.  Roses, the way to this woman’s heart!

Punt, Pass & Kick

[image error]Our family was given the opportunity to participate in an athletic event this week:  Punt, Pass and Kick, sponsored by the Seahawks football team.



We assembled our strongest athletes, and trust me, the field in our family is somewhat limited.  Ted, our oldest son, and his son, Carter, age 11, along with Jody and her son, James, age 12.  Little did we understand some teams took this competition seriously.  Let's just say Jody kicked a twenty-yard field goal.  The competition started at the fifty yard line.



In the end, we got the spirit award.  What we lacked in skill we made up in laughter and fun.

Man Cave vs. Yarn Stash

Wayne has stepped over the line.  He “suggested” that since we are remodeling the basement (the basement houses my yarn stash and his wine collection), I take all my yarn and move it elsewhere, preferably upstairs or, even better, to the yarn store.  Moving my yarn will allow him to create a man cave.  I mulled over his “suggestion” and came up with one of my own--to take all his wine and store it on his half of the bed.  All those who agree say “Aye!”

Making Cider

We had apples--now we have cider. But making that cider led to a lot of tired muscles.  Even with our grown children, their spouses, friends, and the grandkids' help, Wayne and I woke with sore muscles and aching backs Saturday morning. As Wayne announced, "We're getting old, Debbie."  Old, us?  No way.  But I wasn't fooling anyone as I hobbled around.  Wayne spent the afternoon doing what he calls “plotting” (better known as napping—would that plotting were that easy!), and I watched old videos and knitted.



Pictured below are Kevin LaCombe and Ted Macomber



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A Truckload of Apples

We have apples.  Lots and lots of apples.  Dick Coolen, a swimming friend, has 300 apple trees on his property.  He picked an entire truckload of apples and dropped them off at the house for . . . drum roll, please . . . making cider.  One set of grandkids is coming over tonight to help Wayne and me.  I'm cooking dinner and making apple crisp for dessert.  I do so love the fall season.

Bedroom Etiquette

I went to the dentist this morning to have my teeth cleaned.  Somehow or other an entire year passed since my last cleaning.  I don't have a clue where those months went.  Zip and they evaporated.  One question the hygienist always asks is, "Are you wearing your night guard?"  Actually, I'm pretty faithful when it comes to that guard.  It's a molded piece of thick rubber that protects my teeth from grinding.  Wearing it, however, does not improve my looks.  Wayne claims it's the best birth control we've ever used!

Ahoy, Matey!

Wayne and I built a fort for the grandkids overlooking the ravine on our property.  Because we have six grandsons and only three granddaughters, I've decorated it in a pirate theme, complete with cannon and mast.  To get down to the fort there are 66 steps.  The kids race up and down those steps as if on an escalator.  I, on the other hand, need to pause and pretend to look for ships on the horizon about half way up.  My brother probably said it best: "If I go down there, I'm packing a lunch."  I will say it's an adventure and gives the grandkids all the more reason to visit their grandma and grandpa. 

Wedding Anniversary

Wayne and I celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday.  It was very low-key, and we stayed close to home.  Contrary to what people assume, my dear husband, bless him, is not the most romantic guy in the universe.    Past anniversary gifts include . . . hum . . . funny, I can't think of a single one.  He did get me a pocket knife one time, but I think that was for Valentine's Day. 



Well, yesterday Wayne broke tradition.  He bought me roses.  He'd gone to the grocery store, and the person in line in front of him had a bouquet of flowers.  Wayne thought maybe that was God nudging him, so he went back to the floral section and brought me pink roses.  You gotta love this guy.  I love this guy!

Thank You

I'm back in the office today and am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from my readers.  Your kindness and sympathy have felt like a warm hug; I want to thank you for your notes and cards. 



Life continues.  It doesn't seem that it should, but it does.  Our family has always been close but never closer than now.  With God's help we will survive this tragedy, and at the same time I know we will never be the same.  Again, thank you one and all.

In Memoriam

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Debbie and her family are mourning the death of their beloved younger son, Dale, who passed from this life on Tuesday, August 9. To read more about this exceptional young man, read the touching obituary written by his brother, Ted.



Messages of condolence may be sent to Debbie via her website guestbook, or via postal mail to PO Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366.



In lieu of flowers Debbie and her family suggest donations to Special Olympics Washington, via www.specialolympicswashington.org (they will phone you for credit card information) or by postal mail to 1809 7th Ave Ste 1509, Seattle, WA 98101 (note “In Memory of Dale Macomber” on any checks).