Puzzled
While our dear Lenoure was visiting with us, she said can we do a puzzle together. Well, of course. We chose a puzzle that we had started with Lenoure last year during hurricane Isabel. We didn't get very far, it is one of those puzzles that is shaped. It was too hard by candle light. A shaped puzzle is more life like.....most of life does not have sharp angled edges, clean and easy to see. Most of us don't see clearly what our life will look like at the end of 2004. What shape it may take. Our project "Lighthouses of USA." Our border is in the shape of a lighthouse.
It is human nature to want to have some semblance of control over our lives. We do not know where we are going come late August as we didn't know we would be in Tilghman until 2 days before we left Florida. Sure we can have plans, make them and prepare for them. Are we ready to adjust those plans, change them or just out and out do away with them? Its funny....the thought occurred to me, no one really knows for sure where they will be - come the end of August. We may have an idea but no one really knows for sure. (it has been said, "there are only 2 things in life that are guaranteed death and taxes"....I would add a third: joy, the joy of living if you are not careful) Just like we did not know if we would finish the puzzle this time.
We started the puzzle late Friday night, it was really just a start. On Saturday we started on it in the late morning then we took a break returning to it later in the afternoon. Each of us looking at it from different positions, to begin the work we started sorting out the pieces. Most of us start strictly by looking at the picture on the box. Others of us use the shape of the pieces along with the colors, others step back and take a look from a distance and offer to be of assistance to the other puzzlers, taking part in a more consulting way. There are those who give up easily and move on to other things. A few become very territorial, "I was working on this, this is MY lighthouse" They are not afraid to take on a place and be responsible for one section. These are also the same ones who are very neighborly, coming across a piece of someone else's "shore" or "window" and hand it over, saying "is this a part of yours?" More than half way through we become hunters, our mission is looking more and more like a picture and less like a puzzle. There are pieces we need to complete it. Sometimes if you stop hunting for a piece and just sit back, it almost seems to present itself without any effort on our part. This is what life is like, sometimes we must hunt without finding and have acceptance that it has not been found and trusting that it will come to us in due time. Like the old wise man said, 'for everything there is a season.' Some puzzlers will see it through to the end...everybody's work counts toward the completion. We pressed on and encourage one another and before we knew it we were finished before supper. It was a family effort. In life we need one another. We need people cheering us on, offering help, finding a piece that fits in our path and offering it to us. We need to find something to work on and work hard at it and see it through to the end. If it is not a fit for us we need to recognize that too and have the courage to move on.
These are just some reflecting thoughts....I hope they are not too puzzling ;-)
This is the Gaelic name for Catherine. A pilgrim with Scottish, Irish and English heritage.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Claws, bellies and pokers
Yesterday we went to the Seafood Festival on "the Island" as the locals call it. Dan was working so it was Lenoure, the kids and me. Lenoure Mullaney is visiting us for the weekend. The kids biked over and since Lenoure has a bum foot at this time we drove over. The festival is to support the volunteer fire department of Tilghman.
Since I have been in Maryland nearly a month, it was about time I tried some Blue Crabs. I was told that if you like lobster you will like crabs. It has also been said, that if you grew up on lobster you will like lobster better than crabs and vise-versa. They were delicious but I am still partial to the larger crustacean.
Downhome kinda function...there was no fightin for a parking space, no pushin in line, everyone being helpful, plenty of crabs to go around. I know I have already said this before but I can't help it...Tilghman is small town America. The simplicity of life is a beautiful thing. No one around here is in any hurry. They just take life as it comes. These folks know how to live the principle, don't sweat the small stuff (or the big stuff either, for that matter).
What did we do besides eat? Some of the people there (probably the majority) enjoyed a live honky tonk band named Bird Dog and the Road Kings. I don't care for country but they are a very tight band, fine musicians. Michael entered the crab racing contest...his crab went the wrong way. When Michael tried to encourage his crab, the crab snapped at Michael's hand. There was no bloodshed. The girls and I just kicked back and mingled with some of the locals. It was a really relaxing afternoon down by the Bay. Later on Michael was in the parade on his bike with his friend JT.
Yesterday we went to the Seafood Festival on "the Island" as the locals call it. Dan was working so it was Lenoure, the kids and me. Lenoure Mullaney is visiting us for the weekend. The kids biked over and since Lenoure has a bum foot at this time we drove over. The festival is to support the volunteer fire department of Tilghman.
Since I have been in Maryland nearly a month, it was about time I tried some Blue Crabs. I was told that if you like lobster you will like crabs. It has also been said, that if you grew up on lobster you will like lobster better than crabs and vise-versa. They were delicious but I am still partial to the larger crustacean.
Downhome kinda function...there was no fightin for a parking space, no pushin in line, everyone being helpful, plenty of crabs to go around. I know I have already said this before but I can't help it...Tilghman is small town America. The simplicity of life is a beautiful thing. No one around here is in any hurry. They just take life as it comes. These folks know how to live the principle, don't sweat the small stuff (or the big stuff either, for that matter).
What did we do besides eat? Some of the people there (probably the majority) enjoyed a live honky tonk band named Bird Dog and the Road Kings. I don't care for country but they are a very tight band, fine musicians. Michael entered the crab racing contest...his crab went the wrong way. When Michael tried to encourage his crab, the crab snapped at Michael's hand. There was no bloodshed. The girls and I just kicked back and mingled with some of the locals. It was a really relaxing afternoon down by the Bay. Later on Michael was in the parade on his bike with his friend JT.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
City Girl in a Rural Town
Most everyone in Tilghman owns a pick-up and a dog, we are no exception but that is merely coincidental. There is no traffic here and this morning I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. It wasn't long before I heard this distant sound of pick-ups getting on there way, some to church and others out crabbing and fishing.
This morning out on my constitutional (which I have neglected for the past 10 days) I walked down a lane, which was probably once a dirt road and now is gravelled. The first thing I spotted was a wild turkey and then a deer prancing through the field. I knew that this lane would lead me to a different view of the Bay. What a view! As I approached the top of a small hill, there overlooking the water was a small family cemetery, the Lomax family to be exact. It reminded me that there is a definite southern flavor to the easterner shore (or DelMar or DelMarva if you prefer). It looked to me that the most recent burial was in 1975. These people lived together and were buried together.
On my return home I spotted another deer, it may become as regular as seeing the Aninga in FL each morning. The state bird, the oriole also made his appearance this morning and I was grateful for the company of the creatures that God has created along with the morning sun, gentle breeze and the occasional pick-up passing by.
Most everyone in Tilghman owns a pick-up and a dog, we are no exception but that is merely coincidental. There is no traffic here and this morning I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. It wasn't long before I heard this distant sound of pick-ups getting on there way, some to church and others out crabbing and fishing.
This morning out on my constitutional (which I have neglected for the past 10 days) I walked down a lane, which was probably once a dirt road and now is gravelled. The first thing I spotted was a wild turkey and then a deer prancing through the field. I knew that this lane would lead me to a different view of the Bay. What a view! As I approached the top of a small hill, there overlooking the water was a small family cemetery, the Lomax family to be exact. It reminded me that there is a definite southern flavor to the easterner shore (or DelMar or DelMarva if you prefer). It looked to me that the most recent burial was in 1975. These people lived together and were buried together.
On my return home I spotted another deer, it may become as regular as seeing the Aninga in FL each morning. The state bird, the oriole also made his appearance this morning and I was grateful for the company of the creatures that God has created along with the morning sun, gentle breeze and the occasional pick-up passing by.
City Girl in a Rural Town
Most everyone in Tilghman owns a pick-up and a dog, we are no exception but that is merely coincidental. There is no traffic here and this morning I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. It wasn't long before I heard this distant sound of pick-ups getting on there way, some to church and others out crabbing and fishing.
This morning out on my constitutional (which I have neglected for the past 10 days) I walked down a lane, which was probably once a dirt road and now is gravelled. The first thing I spotted was a wild turkey and then a deer prancing through the field. I knew that this lane would lead me to a different view of the Bay. What a view! As I approached the top of a small hill, there overlooking the water was a small family cemetery, the Lomax family to be exact. It reminded me that there is a definite southern flavor to the easterner shore (or DelMar or DelMarva if you prefer). It looked to me that the most recent burial was in 1975. These people lived together and were buried together.
On my return home I spotted another deer, it may become as regular as seeing the Aninga in FL each morning. The state bird, the oriole also made his appearance this morning and I was grateful for the company of the creatures that God has created along with the morning sun, gentle breeze and the occasional pick-up passing by.
Most everyone in Tilghman owns a pick-up and a dog, we are no exception but that is merely coincidental. There is no traffic here and this morning I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. It wasn't long before I heard this distant sound of pick-ups getting on there way, some to church and others out crabbing and fishing.
This morning out on my constitutional (which I have neglected for the past 10 days) I walked down a lane, which was probably once a dirt road and now is gravelled. The first thing I spotted was a wild turkey and then a deer prancing through the field. I knew that this lane would lead me to a different view of the Bay. What a view! As I approached the top of a small hill, there overlooking the water was a small family cemetery, the Lomax family to be exact. It reminded me that there is a definite southern flavor to the easterner shore (or DelMar or DelMarva if you prefer). It looked to me that the most recent burial was in 1975. These people lived together and were buried together.
On my return home I spotted another deer, it may become as regular as seeing the Aninga in FL each morning. The state bird, the oriole also made his appearance this morning and I was grateful for the company of the creatures that God has created along with the morning sun, gentle breeze and the occasional pick-up passing by.
Life Goes On
Declining 2 invitations for yesterday's date was hard for me. The first invitation was to the wedding of our dear Floridian friends' son's marriage to his dear maiden. These are friends we made while we were in Ft. Myers. It is always a great time for Dan and I to attend a wedding celebration. First, it is a wonderful time to remember our own wedding day and our ongoing commitment to one another. Second, we both love music and a reason to rejoice.
The second invitation was to our niece, Jamie's high school graduation party (in Massachusetts)!! Jamie is the 3rd oldest grandchild on Dan's side and it also means that our Grace is not far from this occasion herself. Not only do we always have a great time at a Mullaney gathering but we still haven't met the newest member of the clan, Joseph William Mullaney, firstborn of Barry (Dan's brother) and Mary Mullaney.
Last night we took the kids out to dinner and acknowledge our missing these two occasions, the former 1100 miles to the south of us and the latter around 525 miles to the north of us. So it is a good feeling to know that we are thought of and our presence is missed while we are traveling. It is actually more than that - - it is being loved by both family and friends.
Declining 2 invitations for yesterday's date was hard for me. The first invitation was to the wedding of our dear Floridian friends' son's marriage to his dear maiden. These are friends we made while we were in Ft. Myers. It is always a great time for Dan and I to attend a wedding celebration. First, it is a wonderful time to remember our own wedding day and our ongoing commitment to one another. Second, we both love music and a reason to rejoice.
The second invitation was to our niece, Jamie's high school graduation party (in Massachusetts)!! Jamie is the 3rd oldest grandchild on Dan's side and it also means that our Grace is not far from this occasion herself. Not only do we always have a great time at a Mullaney gathering but we still haven't met the newest member of the clan, Joseph William Mullaney, firstborn of Barry (Dan's brother) and Mary Mullaney.
Last night we took the kids out to dinner and acknowledge our missing these two occasions, the former 1100 miles to the south of us and the latter around 525 miles to the north of us. So it is a good feeling to know that we are thought of and our presence is missed while we are traveling. It is actually more than that - - it is being loved by both family and friends.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Free to Be
Grace, Katie and Michael rode their bikes to the Tilghman Library which is found in the Tilghman Elementary School. I would have loved to have ridden with them but K's bike is out of commission so she had my bike. Their ride was so carefree on this sleepy little place on the Chesapeake Bay. On the way home I made it over the bridge before they did. So, I pulled into the parking lot on Camper Circle (the street we live off of) and I waited to watch them come over the bridge - all 3 of their faces indicated their happy surprise to find that they could still beat me home. "Let us go by you Mum!" Michael yelled out. Of course, I did. As I pulled out behind them, the tears welled up in my eyes. In my heart I asked the Lord to bless them with the memory of riding together onto Tilghman Island and Mum close by. Then I asked Him to etch this moment in my mind - soon they will ride off into the adult world with their Heavenly Father watching out for them instead of me.
These times are precious and are flying by. This place in MD is helping me to slowdown and drink in the moments that I am having with my children. Hopefully they are enjoying these closing days of childhood on a big adventure with Mum and Dad.
Grace, Katie and Michael rode their bikes to the Tilghman Library which is found in the Tilghman Elementary School. I would have loved to have ridden with them but K's bike is out of commission so she had my bike. Their ride was so carefree on this sleepy little place on the Chesapeake Bay. On the way home I made it over the bridge before they did. So, I pulled into the parking lot on Camper Circle (the street we live off of) and I waited to watch them come over the bridge - all 3 of their faces indicated their happy surprise to find that they could still beat me home. "Let us go by you Mum!" Michael yelled out. Of course, I did. As I pulled out behind them, the tears welled up in my eyes. In my heart I asked the Lord to bless them with the memory of riding together onto Tilghman Island and Mum close by. Then I asked Him to etch this moment in my mind - soon they will ride off into the adult world with their Heavenly Father watching out for them instead of me.
These times are precious and are flying by. This place in MD is helping me to slowdown and drink in the moments that I am having with my children. Hopefully they are enjoying these closing days of childhood on a big adventure with Mum and Dad.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Tilghman, Maryland
Driving up route 50 we entered Talbot County, "Welcome to Talbot County" I read the sign on the side of the road, out loud. "Here is where we will be living." We drove through Talbot County into Queen Anne's County over the Bay Bridge to the Baltimore area. Dan needed to go into Baltimore to get his nursing license. We stayed the night and then it was back over the bridge to our new place. A house on the scenic penninsula of Tilghman is where we are doing our 'fancy camping' for a least part of the summer.
Our last 2 assignments were in good size cities, not unlike where we came from, but now we find ourselves in a very different place. In a small town in the Chesapeake Bay, smalltown America, beautiful,quiet and where you need to plan what day to go into town to do your shopping and do your best not to forget anything.
It was really hot when we arrived. The house has central air and we had it cranked until it quit on us. Our landlord sent someone out the very next day and they were able to fix it. Then a strange thing happened that does not occurred in the ratrace pace of Metropolitian America - the guy stayed for 1/2 hour visiting with us, he showed me pictures of his daughters and grandsons and then he was on his way.
There is not one traffic light in Tilghman. We have to go to St. Michaels to go to the grocery store. The nearest WalMart is 45 minutes away and the cell signal is very weak here.
By God's grace I got a different phone plan this time because there is no cable internet here. Instead we have DSL. So if you want to reach me by phone, email me (macsgrill@pilgrimhighway.com) and I will send you my new phone number. You can leave a message on my cell if you want and I will call you back.
Driving up route 50 we entered Talbot County, "Welcome to Talbot County" I read the sign on the side of the road, out loud. "Here is where we will be living." We drove through Talbot County into Queen Anne's County over the Bay Bridge to the Baltimore area. Dan needed to go into Baltimore to get his nursing license. We stayed the night and then it was back over the bridge to our new place. A house on the scenic penninsula of Tilghman is where we are doing our 'fancy camping' for a least part of the summer.
Our last 2 assignments were in good size cities, not unlike where we came from, but now we find ourselves in a very different place. In a small town in the Chesapeake Bay, smalltown America, beautiful,quiet and where you need to plan what day to go into town to do your shopping and do your best not to forget anything.
It was really hot when we arrived. The house has central air and we had it cranked until it quit on us. Our landlord sent someone out the very next day and they were able to fix it. Then a strange thing happened that does not occurred in the ratrace pace of Metropolitian America - the guy stayed for 1/2 hour visiting with us, he showed me pictures of his daughters and grandsons and then he was on his way.
There is not one traffic light in Tilghman. We have to go to St. Michaels to go to the grocery store. The nearest WalMart is 45 minutes away and the cell signal is very weak here.
By God's grace I got a different phone plan this time because there is no cable internet here. Instead we have DSL. So if you want to reach me by phone, email me (macsgrill@pilgrimhighway.com) and I will send you my new phone number. You can leave a message on my cell if you want and I will call you back.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Riding the Road
Since setting out from Ft. Myers Florida I have logged over 3,000 miles on my MPV 97 Mazda (often mistaken for a SUV, it is actually a Multi Purpose Van). We arrived home late last night. Home is wherever the 5 of us lay our heads together. I was thinking that some who actually say I am crazy may be right. Actually, it is just extreme willingness to go the extra mile (pun for your pleasure and comfort, to know that it's me).
We were hoping to be in Maryland the week before we were but that did not work out. So, we moved in on 20th of May and I pulled out and headed for Massachusetts on the 26th. It was great to see those of you who we had a chance to visit and for those who we didn't see hopefully we will see you next time.
Grace participated in Teenpact and thoroughly enjoyed it. Michael, Katie and I attended the one day Teenpact class (or "Teeniepact" as our friend Jerry Stobbe calls it) that includes parents. It was my first time touring the State House of Massachusetts...I am starting to see a pattern here. Last year, we visited Nantucket while visiting our dear friends the Marlborough Grays and we had never been there before either....hummmmmm
Learning about how our government works and how we can play a role within our system was just as much for me as it was for our children.
I observed some leadership qualities in Michael that I knew were there. Of course, I made him do Teenpact but he ended up loving it. Michael and 3 other young men dominated the time used to debate some bills in a mock hearing. It will be interesting to see where these qualities will take our son in the future.
Since setting out from Ft. Myers Florida I have logged over 3,000 miles on my MPV 97 Mazda (often mistaken for a SUV, it is actually a Multi Purpose Van). We arrived home late last night. Home is wherever the 5 of us lay our heads together. I was thinking that some who actually say I am crazy may be right. Actually, it is just extreme willingness to go the extra mile (pun for your pleasure and comfort, to know that it's me).
We were hoping to be in Maryland the week before we were but that did not work out. So, we moved in on 20th of May and I pulled out and headed for Massachusetts on the 26th. It was great to see those of you who we had a chance to visit and for those who we didn't see hopefully we will see you next time.
Grace participated in Teenpact and thoroughly enjoyed it. Michael, Katie and I attended the one day Teenpact class (or "Teeniepact" as our friend Jerry Stobbe calls it) that includes parents. It was my first time touring the State House of Massachusetts...I am starting to see a pattern here. Last year, we visited Nantucket while visiting our dear friends the Marlborough Grays and we had never been there before either....hummmmmm
Learning about how our government works and how we can play a role within our system was just as much for me as it was for our children.
I observed some leadership qualities in Michael that I knew were there. Of course, I made him do Teenpact but he ended up loving it. Michael and 3 other young men dominated the time used to debate some bills in a mock hearing. It will be interesting to see where these qualities will take our son in the future.
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