2001. A lovely time

Cha cha cha changes...

The road. I have lived here 20 something years and our main road is going from a little two lane to a four lane. I should have documented all the progress when it all started back in 2001. The little yellow farm house that went away, the smaller brick houses, the ice cream shop, the stream that had the little waterfalls, all of them are gone. I took some pictures of the old road right before our house, before it is no more.

So many things change. Our local mall that had only about seven stores at it's height plus a McAlpins (now Dillards) has been torn down to make way for a new open air, upscale shopping plaza. It is swanky looking. Even the Friday's where I used to work has gone all upscale. The 11 pieces of flair that we had to wear on our suspenders, with our goofy hats have been replaced with polos and black pants, no hats. That was about 6 years ago. Dh and I went in there last week for brunch, and they have gotten rid of all the "antiques" and the tiffany lamps, except for the large row boat. The new decor is dark, psuedo sophisticated, and trying WAY too hard. I dunno. Are they still going to be able to keep up the fambly friendly atmosphere? or are they going to be like they originally were, a fun BAR! Remains to be seen I guess.

Sometimes I feel like I can never leave this place. Other times, I feel like that is all I want to do. Start over somewhere. I can't ever see any other place as being my home though. This place isn't special, but it is where I have grown up. It is where all my beloved pets were, and where my step-dad died. It was the first house I ever lived in after living in apartments in my younger years. The first house that I lived in as a married woman. Soon we will have to make that decision. Buy this house, or sell it. I, of course, hope that decision isn't really soon. All the talk of wills and dividing up property. It sucks. I don't know how to live without my mother. Not that she runs my life or anything, but she has always been there. Like this house. Another change I guess.

Of death and things...

I told mom I would take care of her dog and cat. We discussed her will as much as I would let her, because she really shouldn't be discussing it with me now that she is talking to an attorney. Regardless, I just don't care about "stuff". The things that are priceless to me are mine, from her. My wedding dress. My seniour dinner dance dress, pictures, and memories. Of course I will care for her animals. They are not considered "stuff" though. I don't know how that will work in a small house, with two cats and a rat already, but we can make it work. No one will want to come over, but it isn't like we have a lot of people visit anyway. :D

It is hard to remember that she is sick sometimes. She seems so well. A year ago her prognosis was two years. So one year is already passed. Will this summer be it? But I have made plans already. She is going to help me learn to sew. We are going to start a project from start to finish.

It is ok to plan right? Of course it is. It is the only thing that will keep us going.