When I was a little girl, I lived in my mama’s hometown, Hotchkiss, Colorado. On my first birthday, I celebrated the day at my grandparent’s house, a small cabin situated on Roger’s Mesa. One of my gifts from my grandparents was a little piggy bank. It was a pig in a barrel. I still have that little bank, and it means the world to me. According to my mom, my grandparents fussed over this gift before they decided on this little guy.
Sweet memories.
This little bank is a patchwork of color, and the details even resemble stitching. The adorable face has large dark eyes and long eye lashes, and he glances to the side. A cute smile and rosy cheeks also provide an oomph of charm. Piggy bank collectors would pay up to $20.00 for this little gem; however, I could never part with this chubby little guy! Currently, this little fella resides on the top cabinet in my kitchen.
Any time spent with my pups is playtime. No matter how exhausted or stressed, my Muttley Crew never fails to make me smile. I enjoy their silly antics and how they love to cuddle. Each has such a huge personality for one so tiny. And this lively pair has wiggled their way into my heart. I can’t imagine life without my tiny posse.
Driving to our “Happy Place,” my doxies yapped in excitement. Max kept “talking,” and shrieked with excitement, just like when he was a pup, and excited to go for a drive or a walk along the horse trails. Mitzi scooted to the back of the HHR, so she could find a better view and stared from her perch at the rolling countryside. Maybe the pair were feeding off my own energy, for I couldn’t wait to arrive at the cabin. It had been over a year since our last visit, and I needed some mountain time. I knew the fall colors would begin to peak this weekend, and I couldn’t wait to view the autumn colors in all their glory.
It’s a short drive from my home on the Colorado prairie to my favorite mountain hamlet in southeastern Colorado. As we left our home and headed east into town, the traffic crunch slowed us down just a tad as people made their way home from work. I had taken the day off from my teaching position, but I hadn’t planned on it when I booked the mountain cabin. The original plan was to leave work, pick up the pups, and our gear and make a run for it. But sometimes the best-laid plans do not always work out as expected. The weekend before our getaway, I caught a nasty bug. It was finals week too, so I knew it would be a busy week. I plowed through the week and worked some late hours, so I would be able to have my grades ready and posted before leaving for a long weekend. Still, my sore throat and cough continued, and by Wednesday evening I knew that it had turned into a sinus infection. I had a fever, and I was supposed to run away for the weekend.
It was too late to cancel since my reservation began the next evening. Instead, I called the virtual doc that my health care covered. She sent antibiotics and an inhaler to my local pharmacy, but I couldn’t pick them up until the next day. Picking up my cell, I dialed the school’s sub-finder and sent a silent prayer that one would be found. After sending a message to the principal, I crawled into bed and the pups acted as tiny bed warmers. Soon, I was fast asleep.
The next morning I was up before the alarm, and I quickly tweaked my lessons to make them sub-teacher-friendly. After brushing my teeth and running a brush through my hair, I tugged on a faded pair of jeans and a soft lavender T-shirt. As I walked out of my bedroom, Mitzi waited in her usual spot on top of the overstuffed armchair. She always wanted one more cuddle before I headed out the door.
Hurrying into the kitchen, I grabbed my keys and headed to the school. I needed to make last-minute preparations before the sub arrived. Running into coworkers they scolded me for being at school and told me to go home and rest. Afterward, I wondered how my trip would be now that I felt so awful.
Driving home, I thought about my plans. I had planned on visiting one of the mountain parks, and although hiking was out, I had planned on a picnic and a short walk to enjoy some fresh air. But I would still be able to lounge on the front porch, drink my caramel pumpkin spice coffee, and watch my Muttley crew run around the pine forest in the front yard. Once I arrived home, I loaded up the car and waited for the pharmacy text, to alert that my antibiotics and sinus meds were ready. While I waited, I took a nap and rested.
Later that afternoon after picking up my prescriptions from the pharm, the pups and I loaded up and headed to the mountains. Although I felt extra tired, I couldn’t wait to arrive. It turned out to be the perfect remedy. During the frosty mornings, I sat by the fire while listening to audiobooks or writing, and sipped on vanilla chai tea. And of course, I always had a pup or two snuggled with me. The fire chased away the chill and I felt warm and cozy propped up in the recliner with a quilt over my lap. glancing out the windows, the sun peeked through the large ponderosa pines and aspen trees glowed in shades of yellow and gold. I sighed with contentment.
In the afternoons when the temps climbed, the pups and I headed to the backyard. In the warmth of the sun, I enjoyed the quiet and the sounds of birds that flitted about. Max explored the area and spent hours watching a spot by the cabin. His hunting instincts were in overdrive, and I was sure some little critter had made a nest under the crawlspace. Mitzi slowly roamed checking out the sites and smells, but always made her way back. She was a mama’s girl who stayed close by my side.
Enjoying the outdoors, I lapped up the sunshine. While sitting in the sun, I listened to my audiobook. I found a new author over a month ago. Last year during the Halloween season, I enjoyed listening to Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic Series. This year, I wanted to find another book about magical realism and stumbled across Heather Blakes’s series Witchcraft Mysteries. I’m hooked. Yesterday I finished A Witch Before Dying and started the third book, The Good, the Bad, and the Witchy. It’s safe to say that I have loved my mountain time even though I have been lazy, and even though I have sniffled my way through this long weekend.
Every evening about an hour before the sun set, my crew and I headed to the front porch. The pups scurried about the yard, and I quietly enjoyed watching the last light of the day as it beamed through the ponderosas. Across the road in a grassy field, aspens shimmered. Above the field, the sun reflected a soft light on the Wet Mountains. Pines shadowed the mountain peak, and hazy lines of ridges and spires and trees made a breathtaking silhouette against the cloudless blue skies.
Each evening, I deeply breathed in the clean mountain air and wished my time did not have to end. This time before the sun shifted behind the peaks was magical. The soft light danced in the yard between the large pines. It was breathtaking. Every evening at this time, the wild turkeys gathered in the field to the south and dined, pecking at bugs, seeds, and grass. Afterward, their caravan marched up the driveway into the yard and slowly walked along finding a few more savory morsels before moving behind the cabin. They clucked as they moved along, and I suspected that they roosted somewhere up the ridge before the light faded and darkness fell across the mountains.
Often, I had to remind the pups to leave the birds alone. Max, my earnest hunter, sadly whined. He wanted nothing more than to create havoc and chase the birds along to the ridgeline. Mitzi, my tiny protectress, stayed close and barked warnings. The evening rituals had quickly become a favorite pastime during our stay.
These lazy days in the mountains have been refreshing. Just what this gal and her furbabies needed. But, it’s time to make another cup of Chai tea, recline close the fire, and listen to the rest of my book. As the day begins to warm, I need to write just a little more before the pups and I make our backyard escape. After all, the mountains are calling.
For Mother’s Day, Leslie always surprises me with the most thoughtful presents, and this year, my daughter gave me the most amazing gift from a company called Storyworth. Once a week, the company sends me writing prompts. These prompts vary. Sometimes I will write stories about my life, or I can write narratives about my family. If I struggle with a prompt, I can choose a different one. The goal is to complete 52 tales by the end of the year. In turn, they will produce a family keepsake of our family tales. Last week’s prompt asked, “Who are the funniest people in your family?” So I decided to write about my grandchildren. I will share some of my comical stories about them.
Sierra Marie
When Mathew, Sierra, and Jessica lived in Poteau, Oklahoma, I often spent time with the family during school breaks. Summers were the hardest for me because I struggled with the hot, humid weather. It was miserable. After one wretchedly hot summer, I told Leslie, “I don’t know what you did to make God angry, but you need to fix it because you live in hell.” Leslie and the kids loved the area, so my sweet daughter just laughed at her mother’s outburst.
Several years later, after Leslie married Aaron and my family moved to Kremling, Colorado, I visited my family over Christmas. Some of my crew complained about the longest winter of their lives. The little town received an overabundance of snow that year, and everyone had cabin fever.
Of course, this gramma had to be onery and put in her two cents, so I told them my horror story about Poteau. My spunky Sierra, who was eleven years old at the time, delighted us all in her true sassy form. She simply stated, “Well, If Poteau was hell, then Kremmling is when hell freezes over.”
One of the best moments ever, for I realized my baby girl did not fall far from that family tree. She maintained that delightful DNA that was quick on its toes. At that moment, I knew my mama was smiling down from the heavens, enjoying her great-granddaughter’s wit and sarcasm.
It wasn’t long after that event when Leslie told me she was raising her mother. She also stated, “Sierra Marie s truly your ‘Mini Me.'”
I chuckled at that response.
Now when my feisty Sierra has pulled a good one, Leslie always begins with, “Oh, let me tell you what your Mini Me has done this time!”
Since sixth grade, I have been blessed with a dear friend and sister, Barbara Lesesne Medlock. We hit it off from day one when she broke an extra-large pencil over the head of Chipman Middle School’s biggest bully after he called her “Freckles.” This pint-sized tornado made her mark on her first day of school. And we have been the best of friends since sixth grade.
Over time, we became literal blood sisters after slicing open our thumbs one night. We slept out in my backyard. My dad had set up a camp stove and after a round of s’mores, we started yapping, and I am not sure who even brought up this idea of blood sisters for life, I just remember, going to the kitchen and finding a sharp knife. Once settled next to my friend, we each took a turn slicing our thumbs. Pushing our bleeding thumbs together, we made our oath, blood sisters for life.
We also called ourselves, “The Goun Girls.” I am not sure who came up with the name, but Barb came up with the spelling. The Goun Girls were inseparable, and after school, we had many adventures. We walked the shore along the Alameda coastline, writing our names and messages on the sand. We played under the pines at Crown Memorial State Beach. We were regulars at the nearby Woodstock Park and Washington Park, and of course, Ballena Bay Isle. We also rode our bikes all over the tiny island. We rode to distant parks and visited my grandparents, often stopping by for a cold glass of water before our adventures took us to new places.
In fact, once, we just about gave our parents a coronary when we decided to ride through the Posey Tunnel to Oakland. It was not one of our most brilliant moves since the tiny sidewalk and railing did not offer an opportunity to turn our bikes around. We were stuck and had to ride our bikes for almost two miles in the underwater tunnel. It was loud as cars zoomed through the underpass, and what was even worse was the smell of the auto exhaust! The emissions made me queasy, and I wasn’t sure if I would make it. At any moment, I thought I was going to lose my lunch!
We were never so happy to reach fresh air! Still, our eleven-year-old brains realized we had not made the wisest choice, and we knew we had better turn around and race through the passage one more time. When we came up for fresh air in Alameda, we breathed a sigh of relief. Seriously, we knew we could not tell a soul, and I thought the massive headache from the fumes should be punishment enough.
However, as it often transpires, parents discover their children’s lapses in judgment. Although this transgression occurred over fifty years ago, Barb’s mom discloses our misdeed with the same amount of shock and dismay to this very day. And I know if my mom were still alive, I would still receive a scolding even though Barb and I are now grandmothers! What a crazy and wonderful childhood we shared on that little island. And I am so pleased that we have remained friends for over fifty years
Oh, but where was I… travel plans…well, of course, my friend and I have made future plans. We have considered returning to Key West, Punta Gorda, Florida, or the Rocky Mountains of my home state. We also have our sites in faraway places like Italy, Quebec, and even our old stomping grounds in Alameda. But know this, we have learned our lesson. If we end up in Alameda, this time, we will not ride bikes through the tunnel. Promise, Mrs. L!
Hmm. I wonder. Thinking about our antics when we are together, is it still possible that two grown grannies can get grounded? Updates to follow!
Well, now that I am living a healthier lifestyle, I have changed my daily menu. Now, I eat well-balanced meals and tend to stay away from some of the sugary concoctions I once enjoyed. Refined sugars create havoc and pain and lots and lots of brain fog. Still, I like to partake in a sweet treat, so I have found a hot chocolate treat that comes loaded with collagen, vitamins, and protein. I add a dash of sugar-free whipped cream and drizzle sugar-free caramel sauce on top. Since it also incorporates ashwagandha, it’s the perfect bedtime snack that helps me relax before I retreat for the night.
At this moment in my life, I can’t imagine not having a dog around the house, especially now that I am older and my life has slowed somewhat. Without a doubt, my furry companions minister unconditional love and comic relief and keep me moving, whether I want to or not.
After a long day at work, they greet me at the door. My furbabies yip, jump, and stay close to my heels as I move about the house. Their excitement as I come through the door makes me smile. At night, when it’s time to settle down and prepare to sleep, my pups come running, for they love to cuddle at night. They paw at the blankets, waiting for me to lift the corners, so they can curl up next to me. These two are sweet companions that enrich my world.
Often Max and Mitzi make me roar with laughter, for their antics keep me on my toes. Sometimes my Twinkies fuss at each other and tell each other off for some minor misdeed. And if they feel slighted, these two will pout if they believe I am paying more attention to the other sibling. Mitzi is more demanding, so if she feels aggrieved, she just wiggles onto my lap and refuses to take no for an answer. On the other hand, Max lies quietly and gives puppy dog eyes. Of course, his actions melt my heart, so I call him, but sometimes the little stinker makes me wait and refuses my calls to make me atone for my neglect.
Max will also take Mitzi’s stuffed “babies” and throw them off the bed or down the stairs into the basement. While he scurries about creating havoc, Mitzi whines, chases after her toys and tries to corral them back into hiding. It’s not uncommon to find her toys hidden under my blankets.
Although they sometimes fuss with each other, these two hate to be separated. When this occurs, Max and Mitzi stick close to each other’s side as soon as they are reunited. While it’s hard to round them up after they make an escape, I still have to laugh as I watch the partners in crime race about the neighborhood. Side by side, they rush into the prairie chasing birds or some poor unsuspecting rabbit. Life is never dull with my two escape artists.
And finally, they keep me active. We take walks and explore hiking trails around my home, or sometimes, we head for the hills or local park. And on the days when time is limited, we play in the backyard. My sweet pups keep me moving and provide a lively form of entertainment. Life is just better with a dog. Guess it’s true, as the saying goes. Dogs really are a woman’s best friend.
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.” Teaching children values and giving them the opportunity to excel is essential to good parenting. However, I feel I must also provide my children (and myself) insight into the ones who came before us: our ancestors whose lives and stories have shaped us into who we are. This is my journey; these are their stories…
Tales of a Family 