Goodbye, Pappa

Dear Fans, Friends, and Loved Ones of Pappa the Gremlin,

Pappa has been on hospice for a couple of months with terminal colon cancer.  He was up and about sneaking sweet snacks from the kitchen last night.  Today, he was talking about momma, his late wife, the love of his life.  He was telling all the care givers about how he missed momma and was ready to see her.  Then he developed a cough and became listless.  The care providers called me and my husband.  Hospice called us, this afternoon, when he became unresponsive.  By 7:45 PM, he was gone.  No pain, no suffering.  He had a peaceful look about him.  Good-bye Pappa.  You will be missed.  Hug momma for us.  We love you.

With a Heavy Heart, 

Carolyn Haven

A Chance of Snow

Hello Readers,

There is an 80% chance of snow here, near the Gulf of Mexico, in the usual subtropical climate, where I still have citrus fruit growing, where I harvested lettuce a little early, where it doesn't snow.

Well, hardly ever, anyways.  I had to cover my plants for the first time in a few years. 

So, due to the unusual weather, we've been weatherizing and peeping like crazy.  Windows and doors resealed, plastic and old sheets everywhere.  Thank goodness for Goodwill on that front.

Tubs will be filled tonight for toilet flushing in case we lose water, portable heaters are ready for use if we lose power, and snacks and drinks are ready for consumption.  A few of the treats may have been tested for quality assurance.  Or that's what I told my hubby when he cleaned a dribble of chocolate from my chin.  

The critters, Thor and Socks, are snug in their beds.  Papa the Gremlin is snug in a dragon insie and plenty of quilts.  Which brings me to warm wishes for all of you this winter season.

Stay Warm,

Carolyn Haven

Santa is Real

Dear Readers and Papa Fans,

Papa the gremlin wanted me to sit with him outside so we could wait for Santa with a plate of goodies.  We discussed for a little while about whether Santa is real or not.

I think I spoiled his night when I told him no.  He got mad at me and went to bed early.  The discussions I have with the demented gremlin are surreal.

Happy Reading and Happy Holidays,
Carolyn Haven

Demented Words of Wisdom

Dear Papa the Gremlin Enthusiasts,

We were slowing at a stale yellow light.  A commercial van breezed by us, flying right through the red light.  Papa said, "Guess he has faith in God.". Had to share.
#papathegremlin

Happy Reading,

Carolyn Haven

Life with Papa the Gremlin

Dear Papa Pals,

Just a little while ago, I was assisting my father-in-law into the truck.  (The truck has a step and is easier for him to step into than squat to get in the car.). Papa reached behind him, grabbed his 'ass', and then told it, "Ass, get in the truck."

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing as he stood there squeezing his butt through his jeans and fancy pants, our phrase for adult diapers, waiting on his butt to put him in the truck.  I choked on my mirth when I realized he forgot how to get in the truck and really expected his butt to get him in the truck.

I swallowed hard, and gave him step by step instructions on how to get in the truck.  To lighten the mood and get the lost look off his face, I said, "You need your legs to get in the truck, so next time, tell your legs to move your ass."

The lost look fell off his face as he let out a guffaw.

About fifteen miles down the road, he guffawed again.  When I looked at him, he said, "I have to tell my legs to move my ass."

We laughed, then.  What else could we do?  Live well and enjoy those little moments.

Move Your Ass,

Carolyn Haven

Life with Papa the Gremlin

Dear Papa Pals,

Papa goes to the mailbox at least once a day.  Today, he came back from getting the mail all excited with a devious grin. I knew something was up.  "The boy took your truck!"  Insert cartoon villain laugh here.  "Did he ask you, did he?" 
"Yes, papa, he asked."
"Oh damn!"
"What, Papa?"
"I wanted somebody else to be in trouble besides me all the time."
"Papa, that's not nice and you deserve it when you get in trouble."
"Yep, at least you don't know what I did yesterday."

I didn't ask.  I don't think I wanna know.  I hope y'all get a giggle out of this.

Live Well,

Carolyn Haven

Independence Day 2017 with Papa the Gremlin

Dear Readers and Fans of Papa,

We saw the Alvin Firework display.  He really enjoyed it.  Loud noises make him jump, but for some reason, he love fireworks.  It's one of his more endearing quirks, and so I make a point to take him to local displays.  He says he feels 25 years younger.  Maybe the fireworks remind him of happier, freer times.  Whatever the reason, they make him seem a little less gremlified, which helps caring for him on so many levels.  Happy Independence Day everyone.

Happy Reading,

Carolyn Haven