I miss the man I married on April 25, 1970...my best friend. We shared so many special times, happy times full of love and laughter. We met and married before really knowing one another but we did know that we loved each other and that was all that mattered.
There was only one Dennis....my Denny. He left me on June 21, 2017 . Not a day goes by that I do not think of him. there is a bright star that shines down for me every night....
Today is 7 years without you. Time does not make it easier. Some might say it is time to move on...where? how? My world feels shattered just as it did our last 33 days together. Each day hurt so much. I still can hear the nighttime phone call to say you were finally at peace. For me it meant a lifetime of missing you. I miss your smile.... your touch.... holding hands. I miss your humor and witty comments. Sometimes I look over my shoulder when I am sewing/crafting to not find you there. You always encouraged me to try something new. You thought I could make anything.
Some days, many actually, I look to the garden and remember how much you loved being out there with a watering can in hand. You did not want the automatic sprinkler system on. It drove me crazy but you enjoyed caring for each plant. It is sad sometimes for me to sit outside without you.
My mind…
Still talks to you
And my heart still looks for you
But my soul
Knows you are in
Peace.
La Vita e Bella
Each December, Jo. organizes this yearly event and besides a theme/photo, she gives us a topic.
My photo is of a felt tree that I made from a pattern by Donna Bayless. Loved every minute of making it! I have it in my room and it remains out all year. There are ornament of one kind or another and then I add a few specific Christmas ones for December.
The process was easy because Donna's instructions were easy to follow. This is the 24 inch size...she has more than one size to choose from.
The topic this year is Santa stories. Many years ago, Mr. Horton...My Denny.... decided he wanted to play Santa for the family. We bought the outfit from Sears. Christmas Eve was celebrated back then at my parents home. Dennis would make an excuse to leave the house...out the front door and in the basement door to dress. Then he would make noise and HO HO his way back to the party. Once he gave a few gifts out he would depart by the front door. when he returned the kids all told of the visit. Then...it was bound to happen... my nephew Joseph told everyone that Santa wore a wedding ring like uncle Dennis. That did it...Santa never returned. It was also time for the question...how does Santa visit when there is no fireplace? Yes, question by the same nephew! Of course my solution was to get a Santa Magic Key!
Be sure to visit the days before me and continue after. Jo asked if there was a date we preferred. Years back I asked for December 16th as it was Mr H's birthday.
Happy heavenly birthday Denny. It has been 6 years without you....miss you .....my forever Santa.
Today marks 6 yeas since Denny passed. I could tell you that I miss his smile. I could say I loved having him hold my hand. I miss a snuggle at night. Kisses. Instead, I will tell you about why I loved him so much.
When we lived in Rhode Island, Denny made our backyard into a wonderful oasis of "rooms". He loved his garden. It was beautiful with many flowers and ornaments hiding among the plants. He decided to make a corner pond. It was a lovely pond. (Sorry, I do not have pictures on this laptop....one day I shall dig them out.) Anyway, there were issues to solve...the neighbors outdoor cat...the raccoons and squirrels. With each problem he found a solution. We went to specialty Pond Gardens to purchase water lilies, water lettuce and tadpoles....and yes, Koi fish. While out one day, he said the pond need a turtle. Up until now I had convinced him it was not a good idea. We bought a pond turtle....a bit pricey I might add. The man at the pond garden told Dennis how to assure that the turtle would survive and not escape. The man assured us that from the picture of our pond that I showed him it would be safe. It was pretty...about 6 inches with nice markings...do not remember the name. All was ready and into the mix of Koi, tadpoles (which always matured into frogs) the turtle went. Denny was so pleased with himself. In less than a week...you guessed it...the turtle went missing. Panic in the garden. We search everywhere. Gone.
A couple of houses away from ours was a lovely elderly lady, Hannah. Hannah and her husband (she met at a relocation center) were victims of the Holocaust camps. Everyday she took her walk passing my house. Sometimes I would walk her back to her house...she had a cane that she just carried instead of using it! Anyway, this day..a few days after the incident at the pond, I met her and as we walked she began to tell me what happened "the other day".
She began..." I saw a turtle walking down the street pass my house (her house). I didn't want anything to happen to it so I followed along to protect it with my cane. (Did I mention that a the long end of our road was a City park pond) It was pretty. Wonder were it came from."
Although I did not tell her, I did relay this story to Dennis that evening. I will never forget the look on his face! Needless to say we did not get another turtle except for a ceramic one that sat at the pond edge. Those tadpoles I mention...they would always leave our pond ( except on that remained for a long time) and I would like to think they made it to the city pond.
Denny and I had 48 years of love...of course there were those imperfect times but always a minor interruption. On May 24, 2017 through our tears as he lay in his hospital bed holding my hand Denny told me he wanted me to live a happy life. I could not imagine being happy without him. To be honest I m not really happy...but memories like this story do make me happy and I sit with a silly smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
Dennis Errol Horton December 16, 1945 *****June 21, 2017
Hello friends..... seems the days are here and gone quickly. Today I feel a sore throat and stuffy so it will be an easy day. Who am I kidding? Most of my days are easy and laid back thanks to Alan and Lisa. Speaking of Lisa, she is still having tests and I am sure her surgery will be next. So keep her in your thoughts.
He already is full of my sewing notions for everyday use. He is made from different parts of jeans that I saved from Dennis. I even included a few tags from the pants. The inside bottom is a fabric I had with turtles. It has 6 pockets and I added one of the small pockets to hold my small scissors. The tail is a belt loop! Denny liked turtles...I do have a story about Denny and his turtle...another time if anyone is interested.
Cox cable seems to be mixed up today...maybe a call to them...then again not today. Alan will be home late tonight so I will wait for him to check it out on a regular work day. I have music playing most of the day and if TV it is one of a few stations that I like....Britbox, Acorn, Amazon Prime and Freevee to name a few.
Today maybe be the start of July Sue banner...right now swishing and fluffing is happening in the laundry area.
On a sad note, my friend Glenda has lost her fight with cancer on Sunday June 4th. She never gave up. Thoughts for husband Don ....
Happy to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.
It is that time of December for my post to the annual blog hop hosted by Jo.
Each blog hop ( Jo hosts several a year) we are given a topic to talk about. This year it is"afters"..... what is eaten after the Christmas meal. We also post a picture of something for Christmas or the season that we created
First of the gnomes are cute but more than that they are in a truck. When I met my hubby Dennis in 1970 he was driving...when it ran...an old pick-up truck. He found a few toy trucks around when we went out and about.antique shopping. Here they are.
Back to the gnomes..... it is all hand stitched applique with a few minor changes that more expressed me. The backing/border fabric I had already had and thought it would be perfect. Well,
Now back to our topic...."afters". When I was a child Christmas was at Grandma and Papa Piccirilli's house...all of dad's family . Once dinner was finished there were trays of Italian cookies and an antipasti tray and always fresh roasted chestnuts for nibbling and fresh fruit bowl. As time went on and families grew Christmas was celebrated at each home with their growing families. I always had the same at my house many years later when Christmas Eve was held at our house with Sister Lyn and The Brother Alan and their families. Now, new traditions are forming with Alan and wife Lisa living here. Of course Murphy is part of the fun. Here in Arizona, through the 17 years living here, chestnuts are not always available. It is something that I really miss.
Special thank you to Jo for remembering that this date is special to me.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Dennis......
December 16, 1945- June 21, 2017
November..... one of my favorite months. Growing up in Rhode Island it meant the color changes on all the trees...acorns everywhere and the wait for Thanksgiving. Dennis and I loved this holiday best. Why? Well it was for gathering and sharing without expectation of gifts. We were the gifts to one another. This year we are having a guest, Patrick. The planning has started and today will put pen to paper for the list of have and to get.
No wonder I get got confused. I have several things going on right ow and a doctor for each issue! Monday I went to the doctor thinking it was for my fractured shoulder....no...it was for the Achilles surgery! While that doctor is pleased with my healing, he suggested a compression anklet and a sleep boot. Alan ordered. Returning will be my decision or if something happens...not that we are going to let something happen. The doctor mentioned that I need to be in a bubble. He was not very pleased at all with my sandals. No..not support and told Alan I needed a good pair of sneakers. so off we went to get a pair of cross training New Balance. Tomorrow is the doctor for the shoulder....and not too soon.
This is Alfie Ambrosino... Bobby's kitty. The quilt is the one Dianna is working on. Alfie, like Murphy cannot resist claiming these quilts as soon as they are put down! Haven't seen Dianna this week, looking forward to seeing how much more is done. Did I mention we are already planning our next one?
Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my Dennis' passing. Amazing how the time rolls on by. I look back and my heart is filled of memories we collected with 48 years of marriage. I just thought we would be together forever.... we are in my heart but I do miss my hand in his, missing his smile and laugh, just everything about him.
Very nice to visit with you today....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.
Last week while at work, it was reported to Alan that a hedgehog was found walking in the mall. Off he went to find...a baby hedgehog!
Around the same time 2 young guys were coming into the mall and told Alan that they have a couple of them at home and told him all about them. Alan took the little ball into his office and then proceeded to wait to see if anyone claimed a lost hedgehog. After 5 hours he called the number the guys gave him and asked if they wanted the critter...they appeared shortly after to take it home.
Having never held one before, Alan enjoyed taking care of it in his office. the Brother Alan is a caring soul. Although he is eleven years younger than me, he has stepped up to big brother status. Four years ago on June 6th he flew out here after returning home from here 2 weeks before on vacation, to spend time with Denny. He was there for the transfer to Hospice and there to make financial and end of life arrangements for me. Dennis always referred to Alan as brother.I know it wasn't easy for Alan but he stepped right up and made it easy for me.
On this Father's Day, it is important to acknowledge him as The Brother Alan, my big brother. Since moving out here to Arizona he has relieved me of many tasks. Dennis would be proud of how he manages the garden even though the pond is no longer here.
So, Happy Father's Day dear Alan.Thank you for taking care of me.Thank you for taking care of us.!
Thinking of you today on what would have been our 51st anniversary. Missing you as much as ever.
It may be a sad day for me but a happy day having her in my life. Happy Birthday Lisa.
Goodness another month flying by. Maybe it is just me loosing the days! I have had a few off days. Thanksgiving was Denny's favorite holiday so each year reminds me of his preparing dinner wearing a Santa hat. Good memories remain forever.
