Spring has Sprung - the Geese are Here!
Today is Earth Day, a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. I found a quote online that I feel is perfect for Earth Day:
“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” ~ Marshall McLuhan.
We can all do our part to save energy, conserve water, recycle, and make environmentally protective choices. Every little bit helps. I want my grandchildren and g-grandchildren to have a beautiful earth to enjoy!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The geese arrived in Fairbanks last week. Each day more arrive. The fields at Creamers still have piles of snow in places, but there are also puddles and plenty of grain and seeds to welcome the spring arrival of the Canadian Geese. There are cars in the parking lot again; folks sitting quietly, watching the geese peck and honk and squawk and chase each other. What a joy it is to see the geese again. The sandhill cranes will be arriving next. Spring has definitely sprung!
I took Sedona for a drive to Chena Lakes last week. The lakes are still frozen, but there is slush around the edges in places. There were ice fisherman out on the lake, which I was surprised to see. I don’t know if I’d be so willing to go out there with the weather warming as it has, but I’m sure they’ve been doing this long enough to know when it’s too dangerous to go out there. I hope!
I was thrilled to see the willow catkins blooming (aka pussy willows). That’s always a first sign of spring, and brings joy to my heart. Skies were a deep cobalt blue and the soft, white, *furry* catkins against the blue backdrop were just beautiful.
After our drive through the park, I had to go into town to run a few errands, so I stopped at Creamers Field to see the geese. I planned to take a walk with Sedona, but the ground was slushy in some places, and muddy in others. We’re in ‘breakup’ season here in the interior - and it’s very sloppy in places. Although we couldn’t walk, I stood at the fence and snapped a few photos of the geese.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tomorrow is my eldest son’s birthday. Christopher will be 30 years old. I can’t believe that I have a 30-year-old child. It is hard to believe that I brought him into the world so long ago. I spent quite some time sorting through photos and video snippets to put together a video slide show in honor of his birthday. I can’t tell you how many boo-hoo moments I had while working on this project. I’m having a harder time dealing with his 30th birthday, than I am dealing with my impending 50th!
Time goes by so quickly, and once it’s gone - it’s gone! It would be so wonderful if we were able to hit a rewind button and go back and relive some of the moments of the past. Not to go back and relive ALL the moments of our lives (I’m quite happy that some moments of the past are in the past), but just for short periods of time to relive those things we miss the most: the aroma of baby hair after a bath, tiny bodies cuddled close, the first trip to the zoo, running from the waves at the beach, reading a story at bedtime, little boy giggles, finger painting and mud puddles… I would love to go back if only for a few minutes and hold my little boy again. The years have passed much too quickly.
While working on the project, I called Chris several times - almost always in tears. Poor guy… he surely must think his mother has lost her mind! It was good to hear his voice - the voice of a grown up man - and to talk to him about the days of his childhood, and the memories we both have of those days long gone. I miss him.
Here is the video I made for Chris:
I love you, sweetheart! Happy Birthday, my darling son!
Susan, such a sweet “Happy Birthday” tribute to your son Chris. I shed a few tears, and I’ve never met him! He’s lucky to have you as his mom.
And the pictures of the ducks and Creamers Field are great. I wish I could be there to see spring coming.
Miss you,
Lea Ann
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Thank you, Lea Ann. It was so emotional for me to make that slide show and I just cried my eyes out everytime I added a new photo or watched it. Time goes by so quickly! I wish life would slow down a little sometimes.
Spring is HERE! Finally! We’ve had temps in the 60s. I am so loving this!
[Reply]
Comment by Lea Ann — April 22, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Hmmm, how about I send you my little boys for a couple hours when I need a break? LOL One is 5, and one is almost 15 mths. Very cute and fun, but oh boy they wear me out! LOL
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I remember when my boys were little and they seemed to go in different directions and make me crazy! And, like you, I relished those hours when my mom would take them off my hands and give me a break.
It’s sad, but often we’re so caught up in the moment of raising kids, working, keeping house, and all the other things that keep us busy, that we forget that those moments will soon be gone.
I miss those days, but I don’t think I have the energy to relive them! If I could go back for a day here and a day there, I’d be thrilled!
[Reply]
Comment by Tracy — April 22, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Hi Susan!
How precious the birthday video for Chris was! I am sure he will love it! How neat to have the Christmas and ocean footage in it! Mine are now 5yrs. and my baby boy is almost 14 months!
Great that the geese have made their arrival to Creamers Field! Your summer trips sound like a lot of fun….I loved the scenery in Haines,Ak. very beautiful! Hope the bear trip is a go this time for you and Steve!
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Hi Heidi! I hope all is well for you and your family. I can’t believe the baby is 14 months already! And to think I knew him when he was in your belly.
We’re looking forward to Haines, since we’ve never been there. Skagway too. Should be a good trip!
It’s definitely spring here now. 60s and muddy! *grin*
[Reply]
Comment by Heidi — April 22, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Almost every time I see pictures of your *grown up* children I have to laugh and remind myself that you and I are almost exactly the same age and I have a 4 year old and a 7 year old. My energy level is concerning sometimes, but I am just so thankful that we didn’t miss out on our precious blessings! To see your son, now grown and a man on his own makes me truly realize how short the time we have with our children is.
Happy Birthday Chris. What a wonderful gift you have from your Mom to treasure always!
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 8:52 am
The time with our children is indeed short. Time really does pass by so quickly. I don’t know if I’d have the energy to raise little ones now - but of course we do what we have to as mothers so I suppose I’d have to find it!
On one hand it’s sad for me that my boys are all grown up, but on the other hand, I’m so proud of the way they “turned out”. Parenting can be difficult, and even our best efforts can be met with speed bumps and challenges as our children make the transition. But they’re there, they’re caring and loving young men, and they’re safe. That’s the best any mom could ask for.
Enjoy your babies while they’re babies. Before too long you’ll be on this side of motherhood and wonder where the years went.
[Reply]
Comment by Another Susan — April 22, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
OK You did it! I cried!! I have a girl 28 almost 29 and son 26. I agree time goes by too fast. What a beautiful gift you have given him! You have a beautiful family! Happy Birthday Chris!!
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I was boo-hooing the entire time I was creating that slide show. I know you understand what I was going through. It’s so rewarding to watch our children grow into wonderful adults, and yet so sad to say goodbye to their childhood.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Take care!
[Reply]
Comment by Jean — April 23, 2009 @ 8:33 am
Oh Susan, that video is priceless! What a beautiful gift. And I thought it was bad that my oldest, my son, is 18 and graduating in a month…you mean it gets even more sad as the years go by? The words at the end of that video really do sum it up. Like you, I look at this grown man and can’t believe he used to be ‘mommy’s little boy’! Where has the time gone? I can’t imagine a 30 year old tho, since I’m only 40! LOL! I wish you could get Chris back up there to visit you and Steve again, you all would enjoy that so much. Enjoy your spring time weather…that’s what we are trying to do here too, but its sure taking its sweet time getting here!
[Reply]
susanstevenson Reply:
April 28th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I can’t believe how much my son’s turning 30 has affected me. It bothers me more than me turning 50! Time really does fly by so quickly. When we’re young and have the energy to take the time to enjoy our children, we often don’t have the time. Then, when they’re all grown up, we wish we would have enjoyed those moments more. *sigh*
Spring is here! 60s and melting. Puddles and mud! I love puddles and mud.
[Reply]
Comment by Lynn in MN — April 27, 2009 @ 6:40 am