We decided that it was a pancakes kind of morning and as Ashiah and I began to mix the ingredients we realized that we were 'sans' eggs. My first thought (and I feel lucky that it was), was to call the neighbors down the road who have chickens to see if we might borrow an egg. As Greg was busy planting the new fruit trees that arrived yesterday, Ashiah and I skipped merrily down the road to fetch an egg, still warm from the fat biddy whom we coaxed out of her nest when we opened the door. We mingled for awhile with our great neighbors and then made our way back home, stopping here and there to check out the cool line formations on the nearly frozen pond.
Once home, Greg was ready to plant the tree we had decided we would plant as a family today. It is a Weeping Willow that we chose earlier this summer in honor of Zephyr, so thoughtfully given to us by Greg's new tree farm friend near Montreal as a gift. We grabbed shovels and headed down by the water's edge where the three of us took turns digging, holding the willow and then pouring dirt and leaves on it. As we planted, the Canadian Snowbirds soared in formation above us in honor of remembrance day. I thought of my grandfather who served in the first war and I thought of family. I thought of Zephyr and how he soon would have been part of our lives. And I watched fondly as Greg and Ashiah looked for the planes on the dock and I felt fortunate.
We feasted on pancakes and Ashiah and I took a fabulous nap in our sun soaked loft bedroom and it was nothing short of heavenly. I then took Ashiah to the Museum of Nature where we were joined by my father who couldn't possibly decline Ashiah's invitation to join us by phone, 'Grandpa I'd like you to come' and after viewing cool dinosaurs, whales and other mammals, we settled comfortably in the theater downstairs to enjoy the Sound of Music together. It is a moment I will never forget... sharing a movie I've loved for so long with my daughter and father. I was so happy.
After enjoying a less than healthy but tasty meal at the local diner, a very happy Ashiah and Mommy made our way home where we collected Daddy who was working at the restaurant near home and I ended my day with a warm bath while Daddy and Ashiah read books as Ashiah nestled herself on a special bed on the sofa to mark the special day.
It was a very good day... a lovely way to remember both the freedom we are so fortunate to have and what matters most in life, those we love.
