Mindless Monday

Good Monday morning!

The weekend was a non-picture taking weekend. However, I had enough leftover photos from Memorial Day to get us started this week. No worries!

RANDOMNESS - Last Sunday (Memorial Day Weekend), the Faulkner Five enjoyed a wonderful, lazy, fun-filled day at the river with the Tuggles. Julie's in-laws played host to our families. Mr. Robert and Miss Nell opened up their lovely home, their very well-stock refrigerator and, of course, their nice, clean bathroom (that was for me). For most people, having the Faulkner Five over for the day is a huge commitment. With three men/boys in the family, we take up a lot of space and oxygen. (Roxie and I breathe as little as possible whenever we are invited somewhere as a family. It's the least we can do.)

Not only were we visiting, but Julie's family of five, her brother-in-law and his family (three more) and two of Kelci's friends were in the mix along with two pooches. (Technically, that is NINE kids/semi-adults). Mr. Robert and Miss Nell were as relaxed and hospitable as two people could possibly be.

I was convinced their attitude and welcoming spirit was a gift... one I wish I had.

Last night, the Faulkner Five visited a funeral home. Miss Nell passed away Thursday after a surgery Wednesday night. Everything was very sudden and very unexpected. For Mr. Robert and the rest of her family, there is deep sadness and grief. Nothing prepared them for this awful loss.

Our family is saddened as well, even though we were only with Miss Nell on two different occasions. She made that kind of lasting impression on people.

On that specific Memorial Day Weekend, we started talking about the Broadway Series which was coming to town. She told me she had seen several, but her favorite (by far) was The Lion King. (ME, TOO!) I told her if it ever came to our town again, we were going to see it. She said she agreed. Mental Note - Look for Miss Nell and Mr. Robert if The Lion King ever comes back to our fair city. Sit with them. It will be fun!

On the way out last night, I slipped to the back to say good-bye to the kids. Allie, the middle Tuggle, came up to me and said, "Look what she gave me, Miss Belinda." It was a very pretty "charm" necklace. "It was her cruise necklace." Mr. Robert and Miss Nell had gone on several different cruises. "Every time she went on one, she bought a charm," Allie told me.

"Well, Allie. I'm pretty sure she would want you to add to that necklace as you get older."

Allie smiled her sweet smile, and said, "I'm going to."

This is just a reminder FOR ME to make sure I don't take family and friends for granted. Even for a day.

And I'm pretty sure I could be more hospitable and open if I practiced. I met a very good example on "how it's done" when I was introduced to Miss Nell.

Have a good Monday. I'll be back tomorrow to share a recipe, pics AND Randomness. I'm even going to tell you about our new and improved vacation plans. (No sweltering heat for the Faulkner Five! I fixed it!)

Take care, and I'll talk to you Tuesday.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda