Louisville Wrap

I have just a few more things to commemorate about our trip to Kentucky before I move on to more recent events. First of all, we went to a really unique spot downtown; I think it's called Waterfront Park. This place is sort of hard to explain, but try to picture a long, two-tiered, hip-deep fountain with people wading and swimming in it and water cannons going off every now and again. I don't have any decent pictures of it, but it was pretty cool. Our kids were terrified because the water cascading down the fountain is quite loud... but with lots of time and some gentle coaxing, they did warm up enough to at least get their toesies wet. And of course, I, being a water-lover, had a great time! It's also an interesting people-watching spot. I'd recommend stopping by if you're ever in Louisville on a hot summer afternoon.

We got to see Grandma Wilcox twice during our stay; once we went to dinner at her lovely assisted care facility, and another day we stopped in for a late-morning visit. The kids kept it lively and amused themselves (and us) by: flirting with the other residents (Matthew), racing around the room with Grandma's walker like it was some sort of push toy (Meg), trying to push Grandma in her wheelchair (Matthew), and climbing on her bed (both). With these two around to keep us busy, we were short on meaningful conversation, but long on laughter.

Here, by the way, is this year's "Four Generations" picture... the best I could do. Sorry that the resolution is lousy.

We are happy to report that Grandma is doing very well. She's experienced ups and downs with her health in the last three years, but currently she is strong, attentive and engaged. Plus, she's cracking jokes like... well, like a Wilcox. She is taking an art class and had a fine painting of a race horse (good, solid Louisville subject) to show us. And she taught Meg a little rhyme about a pelican--the subject of another of her paintings, rendered some years ago.

Oh, what a bird is the pelican!
Its beak holds more than its belly can...

Most evenings after the kids were down, Dad, Jan, Dave and I sat on the back patio and played rummy. We kept a running score. And let me just tell you, though I'm not usually a big winner at any kind of game, this time I really outdid myself! After a strong start on the first night, I hit a streak of bad luck (or bad playing?) and continued along so poorly that by the final evening, I was fully 500 points behind the leader. Of course, my husband, Mr. Midas, played brilliantly and was the obvious one to win the whole thig. But then, in a surprise upset on the last evening, Jan swept in and hit 1,000 first! Go, Jan! (She's a triathlete, ya know. That fightin' spirit doesn't get left behind when she gets out of the pool.) Anyway, the games provided great opportunities for us to laugh, converse, make fun of each other, and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Which reminds me--while we were there, Dave installed an outdoor ceiling fan under Dad and Jan's pergola! It was already a nice spot, but the fan is a finishing touch that really makes it. Sitting out there on a warm night, I was quite comfortable in my long-sleeved t-shirt--such was the refreshing breeze created by my husband's industry! (He amazes me, really. Is there anything that he doesn't do well?)

A few more fun memories from this trip:
-a just-the-girls shopping trip with Jan, Meg and moi
-redefining "YOG" for Dad
-watching Meg careen through Dad and Jan's house with blue wagon in tow
-seeing Matthew warm up to Dad and Jan (they were getting BIG smiles from our mama's boy by the third day or so)
-our little family trip to Graeter's for super-yummy ice cream
-running (literally, at Meg's behest) around Dad and Jan's neighborhood together

Oh, and here's our favorite Meg story from the whole time: It's Thursday morning, the car is packed, and we're almost ready to leave for Virginia. Dave, Meg, Matthew and I are eating breakfast. Dave's Dad is in his room (located right next to the kitchen/dining room) getting ready for work. Through the closed door, we hear him blow his nose... somewhat loudly. Meg's ears perk up and her brow furrows. "What's that?" she whispers intensely. Then--mystery solved. Her face clears and she exclaims with certainty, "Lawn mower!"

Dave just about died laughing.