Having a good support system is pretty much a necessity.

It helps if you have grandparents (we don’t).

Lacking that, friends; sibs; people who become like — or better than — relatives, lacking relatives; a housekeeper (haven’t had one in a long time, only just very newly again); a good grocery store; a library; a good hairdresser; someone to give you a good pedicure or manicure, if you want; a masseuse (just heard about a good one); a strong network that encourages you to keep fresh or from which to learn or find out about new things — can be online or not; music to make you happy or ease a mood; friends (did I mention friends!)…computer!…

This kind of falls into the category of things that make me smile. I am being serenaded at the moment by my 11 year old playing her cello (on loan from the school.) And my 9 year old is accompanying her with mime, dance, and her own inimitable joy and happiness. They’re getting better at support too, if they are reminded…and sometimes reminded and reminded…

9 year old just spotted the box up top of the cabinet…what’s that? sand art…you promised we’d do it (true)…and years have gone by…years! You’d have to hear her inflections to know how funny this is. She’s right, years have gone by. I’d hoped they’d forgotten. No such luck, as I told her. (How big a mess will this make anyway?)

Earlier today I had some friends over. I had worried about being able to do this with time at a premium, but it worked out well. Everyone thought I had done so much, which surprised me because I didn’t make anything, I bought it all. There simply wasn’t time.

It helps to have recently found a lovely woman to help me with the house so it was all up to par, and I didn’t have to do anything major to get it ready. We laugh together and have a good time, and I get to enjoy the fruits of her labors.

You can tell me anything — a good housekeeper won’t tell your secrets. [sounds like my hairdresser!] Cathy B

I tend to be flexible, which is a good thing, because I had wanted to put out a vegetable platter, and they looked pitiful at the store last night. So I bought carrots — and then didn’t remember to put them out. One thing I served was a new Fresh Express salad, called Salsa! ensalada salad which is so good, and everyone loved it. We’ve had it several times now since the store starting carrying it. I had never mixed salsa with sour cream to make a dip/dressing so that is something I will try outside of this salad sometime. I was going to make a chocolate cake, but didn’t get to it, so I had to make do with store bought individual raspberry strudels and key lime wedding cookies. The kids polished off the strudels.

One of the women had her husband bring pictures of the sandhill cranes that wander around their yard and the pond across the street from their house. I love those critters.

What else? did I mention recently finding someone to help with my house — by networking with another friend.

What do you put on your support system? I’d have to add makeup, haircolor, and perfume! Definitely those! And online friends, for sure!

Karin

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