Tempus Fugit. That's what Dad said about 6 am as we sat together in his hospital room a few months ago. Tempus Fugit. Just out of the clear blue.
I must have looked confused as he said, "I'm pretty sure that's the correct Latin term for Time Flies."
So I used my handy iPhone to google that and, as usual, Dad was right. Even at 92 years old in a hospital bed he's still as sharp as a tack. Fortunately he recovered from that visit and from another more recent procedure in Chapel Hill. I am grateful for his doctors and his own mental toughness to persevere and to enjoy Tempus even as it Fugits.
It's been a few months since my last blog post and while the time has been flying I attempt to slow it down and really enjoy life with all of it's special moments. Recently I heard a conversation with Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor on NPR, who was talking about "just slowing down to notice the small things". Sometimes it's easier to just race through a day with plans and thoughts (and fears) about tomorrow, but we all miss so much when we do that. Because while life has it's share of sadness and misery it also has an abundance of miracles and love. And if time is going to fly on by it's far better to celebrate life as we go.
Walt Whitman said it this way: (and thanks to my friend Katie for reminding me of it)
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O Me! O Life!
Oh me! Oh life! of the question of these recurring,
Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill'd with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew'd,
Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,
The question, O me! so sad, recurring --What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here--that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
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So we celebrate life and contribute our verse. And we thank you for contributing yours.
Here are a few snapshots of love and life that happened in the last few months. We have experienced relocations, new vocations, weddings, funerals, babies, many gatherings of family and friends and, of course, Corn.
And like we always say, that ain't the half of it!
This picture was taken in Charlotte, NC in the high rise office building where Jay is now working as a commercial real estate analyst. David IV has moved back to NC from Dallas after three years and the four of us met in Charlotte to see a Panthers football game. The lights in the picture are the actual lights of Panther Stadium and the images of Jay, David III, me and David IV are reflections in the window glass. David IV noticed our reflections and took our first ever reverse selfie! I think it's a cool picture and it's even cooler to have the four of us in the same state again.
No blog post is complete without Lattimore corn pictures. Dad had a beautiful garden full of corn this year and all hands were on deck to get it from field to freezor in under four hours. With Dad overseeing the process.
Nothing makes me more calm and peaceful than having silver queen corn in the freezer. Really.
After a few years of work we finally completed a goal of helping Shelby City Park renovate their tennis courts and resume teaching the joy of tennis. Thanks to many people who participated in various ways kids and adults can stay healthy and active on these courts for years to come.
The ASU 1974 Cannon Dorm girls got together in Asheville for another fun reunion. The LaZoom comedy tour bus, the NC Botanical Garden and the always wonderful Curate were backdrops for happy memories, stories, and smiles and the gift of friendship.
We witnessed a truly storybook wedding when Thomas and Laura were married this summer. Such a gorgeous bride and handsome groom and a beautiful wedding party. All topped off when Thomas sang John Legend's sweet song to Laura at the reception. "All of me loves all of you". We all love having Laura join the family.
In fact weddings have been a big part of our summer and fall. We were with the Mabry girls in West Virginia for Nancy and Patrick's amazing wedding on the family farm, Swift Level. This was a wonderful setting with historic significance for the area and for the Nelson family. A beautiful celebration for everyone.
This picture is from Christmas Eve 2012 at Sister's house. We have spent Christmas Eves there with various Burgins, Roaches, Roysters and always with Tripp, Susan, Jennifer, Jill and Hanson. This year will be different without Tripp who passed away last week. We will miss his deep voice and his grin and his wit but we will embrace the love we have for the family that gathers together.
As always music and concerts are a joyful part of our lives and none was better than when the Queen of Country Music herself came on in to Shelby for a concert. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a lot since she is into her 80s but she was fantastic. Her band was wonderful and it was obvious how much they loved and admired her. She sounded great and still has that wonderful spitfire personality that I love.
And talk about Tempus Fugit. We actually had a 40th high school reunion in October. Our SHS Class of 74 was an amazing class and we quickly found out that our bond is unchanging. So many people came, talked, laughed, prayed, and danced! It was a joyous time even as we honored and missed classmates who are no longer with us. Robin was a huge part of our class as Class president back in the day and as a community leader throughout his years. It was a joy to be a part of many things he envisioned that enhanced our lives. While his passing had been only a week earlier, Marie came to celebrate life with our class and was inspiring with her faith and her heads up attitude. A truly special group of people in the Class of 74. Looking forward to our 45th reunion in 2019.
A wonderful November gathering of Hunts and Corns in Raleigh at the NC Museum of Art to celebrate with Hunter and Stu. It was a fun and festive time with delicious food, great music, happy friends and family, and the warmth we all feel when love conquers all.
The Hunt family gathered at the Cabin for Thanksgiving and for Dad's 92nd birthday. The family is growing with the births of Wyatt and Julia this year. Wyatt, Brycen, Melia, Kai and Rachel add so much joy to this picture. And this family.
The Roach/Saleeby families are growing as well. These are Sister's 9 grandchildren at Lynn's house recently. Lainey, Braxton, Maggie, Will, Adger, Mary Catherine, Mary Eden, Gracen and Robert.
Each of these babies are joyous additions to love and to watch as they contribute their own verse.
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With all the changes during the summer and fall there are always the constants that give us time to pause and feel the gratitude for our blessings. No post is complete without a Lake Lure sunset that has and will be enjoyed for many more times to come.
With David IV back in the fold we have had fun experimenting with new recipes. David is an intuitive and adventurous chef and meticulously contributes all kinds of wonderful dishes. Here is latest verse that he contributed.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, Green Onions and Kale
(adapted from ideas on myrecipes.com)
2-3 chopped green onions including tops (or use red onion)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
10-12 brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
a big handful of fresh kale
1/2 cup of chicken broth (or a little more)
a little bit of lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Cook bacon pieces until done then add onions and saute until translucent. Add brussels sprouts and saute until they are slightly charred. Add garlic until it browns. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and kale. Simmer until liquid is reduced stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Yum!! Healthy and delicious.
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