September 5, 2004
It's official! Winnipeg was the coldest place in the world this summer. The highest temperature in August was only 25.4 degrees Celsius. It snowed on May 11, 2004 and we had frost on August 20, 2004. It was indeed a very cool summer.
"We had no El Nino (warm air from the south) this summer," explained the weather specialists. "The Northwest Territories had a very cold spring and the cold air was pushed south especially in Manitoba."
So how did I spend the lazy days of summer? I spent a lot of days indoors. Even the kids didn't play outside that much because it was either raining or very cold. My youngest son Ryland was always at his cousins' house. We did go out once in a while. We had quite a few invitations to parties. I think we have these parties not just to celebrate for instance the christenings or birthdays of our children, but also to celebrate our friendships. The weather may be cool, but the company of our friends have kept us warm.
When I came back from my vacation, my supervisor asked me, "Where did you spend your vacation?" "Oh, I just pretty much stayed at home. We went to Folklorama and went shopping with the kids," I replied. Then he said, "I think that is the best vacation. Just staying at home and relaxing." He must meant that driving to the lake or anywhere out of town can be tiring and expensive, too.
The kids are a year older, and so are the rest of us. Every year, I delegate more chores to the children. I would like to say that the reason is they are older and more capable. And I should also add that it's because Mommy is older and has more aches and pains here and there.
After a hard day's work, I spent some nights just lying on the couch or the kid's bed and watching them play, sometimes even playing with them and being silly with Ryland. How many times have I heard my youngest say, "Mommy, remember that time when you kissed my bum-bum and I utot. That was funny." And he followed it every time with that infectious laugh. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" I was fascinated at the look of wonderment on the faces of my two younger boys when they would touch and feel the now hairy legs of their Kuya Reggie. And I don't think that they have noticed his Adam's apple yet.
School starts in a few days. The kids' backpacks are ready and filled with school supplies. One week before school, I prepare them by making them go to bed at their usual bed time on school nights. And I guess I should prepare myself, too. The aging night owl that I am.
My summer ended with the death of my Kumareng Gloria's sister, Roberta, who died of a heart attack at the age of 69. During the lamay, Rev. Fr. H. Uczniak said that Roberta was blessed with the TIME that she spent on earth with her children, family and friends. Apparently, Roberta has a tampuhan with her children and has not seen them for a few years. I don't know if Fr. Uczniak knew that, but he reminded us that LIFE IS SHORT and we don't know how much time we have left here on earth. It could be a year, a month, or even just a day. Let us make use of this TIME now. Don't wait until tomorrow what we could do today.
Please excuse me if I sound gloomy. I blame it on the weather and the tragedies that are happening in the world. I complain once in a while, but who doesn't. Although, I always try to look at the bright side and I always remember to count my blessings.
Here's to another school year and the warmth of our friendships!
