Grandma Henke

The girls and I have become quite close since my retirement a year ago.    It’s getting so we almost do everything together.   Last night we stayed awake together because one of us, that would be me, had jumpy legs and couldn’t sleep.    

FiFi did her best to relax me by massaging my neck and purring contentedly into my ear but before I could relax I started to get itchy and had to rub my nose, which insulted her enough that she gave me a haughty look and departed.

Fresca did her part by licking my feet … something I know sounds disgusting to many of you but that I find quite relaxing on most occasions.   Ozzy used to do the same thing, which I find rather interesting in a weird sort of way.     I can’t help but wonder if perhaps it doesn’t stem from trying to relax me at all but maybe from the fact that my feet smell like something that would attract dogs … like a dead animal perhaps.

Whatever the reason, my girls are very supportive when I see a night clear through without closing my eyes and I appreciate their attention and humble attempts at affection.     I ate a yogurt and gave Fresca the container and FiFi the lid to lick and they both felt they had been paid in full.

It seems like the only times I actually enjoy a sunrise are the times I end up staying awake until morning and then I am always surprised to watch the darkness begin to fade as daylight drifts in quietly.    It was always mother’s favorite time of the day and I can understand why.

The worst part of not sleeping at night, though, is that it takes a big chunk out of the next day … because you have to sleep some time or else you would just finally wear out and die … wouldn’t you?

Fortunately these nights don’t happen very often … but when they do I have learned not to fight them.   They actually turn out to be some of my best thinking hours.     Last night I thought a lot about the story I have been mulling over for a book, and thought about some of the decisions Lynn and I have to make about our future … when he retires.    I thought about a few of the mistakes I’d made in my life and the lessons I learned as I learned better ways to cope and handle different situations more … maturely.     Then I thought about the book I still haven’t finished editing and wondered for a while why I have put it off for so long.    I never did figure out the answer but determined I should get it finished … but refused to give myself a deadline.   Now what kind of a commitment is that?

Today I am having my first crocheting lesson.    I know how to crochet square and round things like a scarf, hot pad, or an afghan (I made 3 hot pads and 5 dish cloths last week while I was bed ridden) but I want to learn how to make layettes, doll clothes and booties.    I am looking forward to the hour of chatting with this lady as much as I am in gaining some my new skills.  

The girls have wimped out at me while I’ve been writing this.    They are both curled up in cozy little balls on the back of the sofa oblivious to the sunrise and clickety clack of the keyboard.    I wonder if they ever have such a thing as jumpy legs or over stimulated minds … they don’t seem to.  In fact, they seem to be able to sleep in the oddest of situations and at any time of the night or day.     There must be something to being a dog or a cat that is relaxing.    Why wouldn’t it be?   Particularly if all they have to do is lick their paws and be attentive now and then.    The hardest thing they are asked to do is move out of the way if necessary.    We don’t ask much in return for their board and room.

The quiet outside is now being interrupted by the cars and trucks starting up as people head off to their jobs.    That is when it really hits me that I have yet to go to sleep … all night.   That’s when I start to get really sleepy.      So … good night.    Or should I say Good Morning.    Either way the girls and I are now going to go wake up Lynn and climb in bed to catch a few winks before noon.