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| cafe' au lait at the Cafe du monde (Delicious!!) |
A while back my cousins and I were conjuring up words that our mothers used that are no longer in our vocabulary today. One was banquette... which is New Orleans french for side-walk. When we were playing outside, mama always said to "stay on the banquette". Some others were lagniappe (a little something extra), neutral ground (median- strip of ground in middle of street), locker (closet), make doe doe (from the french dormir meaning to go to sleep), mange'r (eat!) ma cher'e (my dear) embrasser (to kiss). Of course if one still lives in New Orleans, most of these words are probably still in use (but not in Texas!).
Since we've lived here in Texas since 1971, I suppose we are honorary Texans. And we do love Texas. But as time goes by and we visit family back home in New Orleans, we've come to realize that it's a whole different world - one we miss to some extent, yet not living any of our adult lives there - (we married in New Orleans right after both graduating from LSUBR and left) - it's not our world anymore. It's our family's home and we love it, but our children and grandchildren were raised in Texas. Sometimes I wonder if we should consider moving back in our retirement years. And as much as I would like to be closer to family, I can't imagine that happening. Everything we know is here. Could/should we even consider uprooting? We could just make more frequent visits? Anyway, these thoughts pop up in my head occasionally. I personally don't think DH would consider moving - period! But you never know...
Our boys are here, but who knows if they will stay put. They're always considering taking jobs elsewhere and moving the family. Our daughter and her family are in the Hill Country around San Antonio and that's actually a wonderful retirement area. But again... I don't know. What it boils down to is that it's not the right time. Our long time next door neighbors just moved to a retirement village (very large and very nice) last year. They down-sized and seem happy with their decision. But again... I don't believe that it's the right time for us. We're still getting used to just being retired - finding our way - creating our elder years (so to speak).
Moving on to other topics...
I had my ultrasound (or sonogram) done yesterday. They did 2; one abdominal and one pelvic. The whole thing took about 45 mins. Glad that's over. Don't know when I'll get results, but not in any hurry anyway. When we came home (DH came with me), we ate a bit of lunch... and I fell asleep. Was exhausted for whatever reason... but slept really well for several hours.
This morning I walked in the park with a friend. It was not too hot and there was a nice breeze blowing. Then we sat in the shade and talked for a bit. It was nice. We need to do this more often.
This Friday is the 4th of July! And Sunday is my birthday! I think 69 scares me a little because the next one is 70... and to be honest, I find it hard to believe that I lasted this long. I know that sounds melodramatic... but guess my sister and brother dying in the 50's makes me think this way. But I feel healthy and strong and don't know why I shouldn't stay this way. I do feel my age sometimes... get tired easier... but sleep well and believe I have a normal amount of energy. My weight is probably about 10 pounds more than it should be... but age and less exercise is the culprit there... and I could do something about the exercise part.
Well, DH just put up a new flag in front. We used to have one there, but when he replaced the old wood a few years back, we had to take it down. Now we have a new one! Happy 4th Everyone! Enjoy and Be Safe!
Interesting about the words you grew up with. I am not familiar with them at all. I agree with you on the importance of taking time out to spend with a friend; even to just sit and talk. It's food for the soul. My sister who just turned 70 felt the same way you do now when she was reaching 69. But, following a rigid health plan, she feels better than she ever has. Hope you enjoy your July 4th holiday. We just celebrated Canada's 147th birthday yesterday. Lots of fun. Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeleteThese words pop out of my mouth occasionally and here in Texas they are met with a "what?"... and I have to ask myself "where did *that* come from"... but I know.
DeleteAs for spending time with a friend, it is *food for the soul* as you said.
Well, I can't think of any words off the top of my head that my mom used that aren't in fashion now, even though we grew up in French province.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, all I can think is that I want a café au lait and a pastry too! LOL.
Fingers crossed for your test results. I don't know if it's the same for you with your health care system, but here, if you don't get a phone call within short order there's probably nothing to worry about.
Oh, did you have to drink the 32+ ounces of water and hold it for hours on end? I had to do that a few years ago, when I had a pelvic ultrasound. Or was it for the gall stones...can't remember which. Anyway, that was the most unpleasant part!
Happy 4th to you, and happy birthday too. :-)
Yes, Kim... I too want a cafe' au lait and some beignets!
DeleteAs for the drinking the water... and holding it before the test - that is so-oo uncomfortable. Had to do this one other time when I was 34 and it was really extremely unpleasant (and painful due to the endometriosis).
I have the same phenomenon of my children knowing the town they grew up in is their "home town" and I've never considered it mine.
ReplyDeleteIt's a strange feeling, right? It's *home* to your own family unit, but not the *home* that you remember as home... if that makes sense?
DeleteWhen my mom was in her 90's and in and out of the hospital and other facilities, she wanted to go *home*... and we never knew for sure what home she meant...
Piss -ant rings a bell...LOL...been a long time since I heard it. I pray your test come back clean and clear with no problems... Happy birthday a few days early...69 is young these days...or so they say. I will know in three years. Keep me updated...:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the birthday wishes, Dee - and glad to know that someone else remembers that word...
DeleteI hope your tests come back just fine. It does seem impossible that Friday is already the 4th, doesn't it? How time flies in the summertime! I think you will know when the right time comes along for you to move, and it doesn't seem to be at this time. Listen to your heart. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know it's amazing that it's July already. Scary too... after last winter, I'm not ready for Fall to come too quickly. And I'm pretty sure it isn't the right time for us to move, but maybe it is the right time to at least start thinking about *future* options.
Deletei feel exactly the same way about where I live. This is where the kids grew up but not my home town (and sometimes I just wanna move back). But our life is here, our family are here and this is the part of the world Bob grew up in - I doubt he would move anyway.
ReplyDeleteHoping all your ultrasound results are good and you don't have to wait too long for them.
Diana
I guess these feelings are normal then. So many people move away from their home towns when they're young - wonder if those who move back in their retirement years feel it was a good idea? We could move somewhere else entirely... (like Maine!!)... but like your Bob, I don't think DH would even consider it.
DeleteI have the word "piss-ant"--maybe the French Canadian influence in Vermont.
ReplyDeleteI am sure anxiety before the testing procedures wore you out. I hope you get only good news.
Oh, I'm glad that you know the word. And you're probably right about the anxiety before the testing wearing me out. Didn't think I was anxious, but certainly felt drained when it was over.
DeleteA lovely post. I loved hearing the French words you grew up with. I understand how you do not feel 'at home'. I live in Wales but do not feel I 'belong' here. When in Ireland I do feel I 'belong' but I would not move there now as my family are in the UK.
ReplyDeleteCait, you made me think of my trip to Ireland in 1998. My great great grandfather was from there. He was *we think an O'Regan in Ireland*. When the family moved to England, they changed it to Regan, and then back to O'Regan when they came to the US in 1920 and were naturalized. My maiden name is O'Regan. And I'd dreamed of going back to Ireland for the longest... it is *beautiful*, but I didn't belong. It may have been my ancestor's home, but it wasn't mine.
DeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAnd only 69!
Imagine yourself as an 89, twenty years from now. Oh, the places you'll have seen; the things you'll have done...
Great to see you around.
Wow! I'm having trouble imagining I'm 69.... 89 is almost impossible. But I'll try. Thanks for the Birthday wishes!
DeleteA lovely p[ost, Rian. Your memories of the French words you grew up with were fascinating and I can see why you might toy with the idea of moving back to the New Orleans area. However moving to be nearer to family doens't always work out for all the reasons you give, and I think you're wise not to rush into any decision.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for good results from your tests and I know just what you mean about reaching 69 (my age next birthday) with the big 70 coming up after that. Has no-one ever told you that 70 is the new 60? :-)
Oh, unfortunately, Perpetua, I don't *rush* into anything... so no worries there. My uncle (bless his soul - he passed away years ago - ) used to call me "Pokey".... as I was never in a hurry. He also said that he didn't know I could talk until I went to college.
DeleteAnd yes, I've heard that expression and I'll be more than happy to reach70, but it just sounds so-oo (...don't know any other way to say it, but ) *OLD*. Now I know why so many older people are anxious to tell you their age.... "Do you know that I'm 95!" They're just as surprised themselves!
"fait do-do" is one I hear used often by the francophones around here when they are telling their little ones to nap! My godson's mama uses it all the time. Since "fait" - "make", it hasn't changed much in New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteHope all the test results come back just fine!
Glad to know that someone else is familiar with the french baby term "do-do"... meaning it's time to sleep.
Delete