On our walk outside, Rylan sports his new Tshirt, which features “Plex,” a character from YoGabbaGabba, his favorite TV show.
Rylan likes to collect rocks on our walks. Here is one of them in his toy truck.
Conversation with my grandson, yesterday:
Me: “Where is Mommy? At work?”
Rylan: “Yes.” (Notice: He doesn’t say “yeah” or “yup.”)
Me: “Where is Daddy?”
Rylan: “In church.” (This struck me as very odd, even though Grant is a devout Mormon. Why didn’t Rylan think his father was at work?)
Me: “Where’s Julia? At school?”
Rylan: “Yes.”
Me: “Where’s Rylan?”
Rylan: “Here yiz.” (Patting his chest.)
***
It rained hard yesterday, forcing David’s friend, RG, to stop working on the shed that contains our solar water heater. Hopefully, the weather will improve and he can finish up today. He charges $25 per hour, quite reasonable, considering the quality of his work.
Over the past 6 or 7 years, RG has been living in a bus near David’s company. The seats were removed from the bus, so he is able to sleep and move around freely. Unfortunately, the power was shut off a few months ago, and there’s not much he can do about it, since he is not supposed to be there in the first place. Soon, he will turn 62 and will be able to collect Social Security benefits to augment his small income. David and I are glad RG is not homeless.
Be grateful for the little things that make your life pleasant.
February 8, 2012 at 1:45 am |
Your grandson keeps you young, he is such a sweetie.
How can your friend exist in a bus without power? He must be freezing in winter. I hate the thought of the many homeless people (and animals) who have to bear with the bitter cold in Europe.
Your previous post is excellent, although I shouldn’t comment on American politics, the thought of getting another war-mongering Bush type as leader of the so-called ‘free world’ frightens me to death.
February 8, 2012 at 4:10 am |
Nah, at sea level, we are not that cold, maybe 55-88F (12.8-31.1C) range day and night. Most of us don’t have a heating system and just add socks and a bathrobe to what we are wearing. Others, like those in Wahiawa Heights, have a wood-burning stove to keep them warm.
February 8, 2012 at 2:55 am |
He is a fun little guy. I love those conversations with grandchildren.
February 8, 2012 at 3:07 am |
Rylan’s so cute!
Luckily RG lives in Hawaii weather!
February 8, 2012 at 3:35 am |
Yes, thank God that we have a comfortable home to live in…
February 8, 2012 at 3:52 am |
Rylan is such a cutie and has good manners.
So sad about RG. He may not be homeless but he is close to it. So glad you are giving him work.
February 8, 2012 at 4:41 am |
The conversation you had with Rylan is adorable, he is such a sweet little boy. How kind of you to give RG some work, and I hope he has a happy life. I count my blessings but I always worry about people who have no roof over their head, especially in our sometimes harsh winters. Sometimes I can’t believe in this day and age that this is the case. I’m glad that at least RG has his bus.
February 8, 2012 at 4:46 am |
Rylan is so cute.
Glad RG gets some work. That is tough. Thankfully he can stay dry as yesterday was indeed a wet one.
February 8, 2012 at 6:05 am |
I’m in Seattle on a visit and notice that homelessness seems to have abated somewhat. The people sleeping on the streets have sleeping bags and mounds of possessions in shopping carts. It has been very cold here but not rainy.
I too am glad you are giving work to your friend. That is the kind of Aloha that is common in Hawaii but not elsewhere.
February 8, 2012 at 8:09 am |
Hi Gigi, Your grandson is adorable. Love that t-shirt….
Glad your friend is not homeless either…
Hugs,
Betsy
February 8, 2012 at 10:53 am |
I always think that people like RG made the choices that placed them in the situation they now enjoy. My brother made choices about his life as did my EX. Both have worked as “handy men.” Extending a helping hand to those in need is always a good thing. Fortunately, all our contestents for the office of president seem to understand the value of SS.
You must keep us posted on your solar water heater. Sounds like something I might like to do, and we sure get enough sun.
February 8, 2012 at 11:13 am |
I do love that picture of Rylan. He is indeed a little gentleman. “Here yiz.” So sweet!
February 8, 2012 at 11:45 am |
Rylan is very articulate and adorable…I wonder about all the homeless people here in cold winter’s night..I hope your friend can get a real room or apartment soon…seems like we should be able to help folks like that…
February 8, 2012 at 12:52 pm |
Myself and kids too always collect rocks from places of visit. Later we paint them.
You are right. Life is full of little blessings we tend to take for granted.
February 9, 2012 at 11:14 am |
So cute he is; I always collect rocks, too, when I go for a walk. Not that we have much rocks around, but still you find some pebbles
Please send some sunshine over….and some warmth…:)
✿•✿
Beatrice