Loretta McMillan

Hey Lady,
I think you'd be pleased, one of my neighbors does wildlife rehabilitation. I've taken to giving Paige a lot of the garden waste that would otherwise go into the compost barrel. Her groundhogs have been enjoying the spent pea vines, carrot tops and a bunch of other stuff. She left me a thank you note last time she returned containers. It was on a note card decorated with a picture of a Flicker. And that's why I can justify feeding her orphaned Woodchucks. Because you taught me to be kind to all God's critters.
"May the angels have peace; God bless you in heaven" That's a line from a song you used to sing to us at bedtime.
Love you lots

Hey Mom,
Last night Bridget and I took the dogs to the Gazebo concert. A Bit of Irish Street Band was the band. Bowline and Missee flirted shamelessly with anyone around us. They made many friends and got lots of petting.
I don't think I had been to one of the Gazebo Concerts since I last went with you and Dad.

The music was pretty good, but they didn't do the Armed Forces Salute you used to love. Best they could do was American the Beautiful and She's a Grand Old Flag. There were only a handful of veterans who stood when asked to. That makes me sad.
I'm thinking that the music up in Heaven is far superior to anything here on Earth. Still, we enjoyed the breeze, the Irish songs -- and Scotland the Brave and memories of you & Dad.
Love you always

It´s Mother´s Day, and Saturday was the Kentucky Derby. Trillium are blooming, and birds of all kinds have returned to Springwater. All things remind me of you. Happy heavenly Mother´s Day, Mom. Love and miss you.

Miss you, Mom. So many things are cropping up in my life that remind me of you: Things you went through and things I'm glad you didn't have to deal with. The phrase "Mom likes birds" pops up in my conversation more often than you'd expect, and these days I'm the one who has your "nose like a hawk" when Mark asks me to "Sniff this. Is it still good?" One thing will never ever go sour: our love for you!

Watch for cardinals today. Hey Mom.

Mom, thank you for teaching me by example how to take care of people. It's been my highest calling, like it was yours.
Ginny

Wishing I could call and hear your voice again. I remember listening to your end of daily calls with your sisters. I loved hearing you sing to us. I've passed along some of those songs to all my kids, and to Savvy.
I'm sorry he, Maur and Aidan never had the chance to get to know you.
Thank you for helping Maur find me. I miss you, Dad and the boys.

Nine years, Mom. It seems so much longer. And you´d be 100 this year. Happy heavenly birthday. Love and miss you, Dad, and the boys.

Hey Lady,
If you have a little gumption to spare, I could use a bit. I've made a couple batches of Orange Cutout Cookie dough, just can't seem to tackle the Santa Face cookies like you used to make.

Hey Lady,
Now that your memory is perfect again, which one of your sons had the "superior creep"? Your newest great grandchild, Caitlin does the same kind of locomotion. She doesn't crawl on all fours, but scoots around on her bottom keeping one hand and one leg free. I just can't remember if it was Don or Bob that did that.
Emily sent me a picture of Caitlin wearing that yellow Fair Isle sweater Aunt Ruthie knitted. I pulled out of storage several baby sweaters and things. I miss having your help (and Aunt Mary's and Aunt Ruth's) refreshing the baby things. It scared me spitless to launder Aunt Nellie's Christening gown. Thank God you had me observe the last time or two it was laundered! Sadly, Caitlin could not wear the Christening gown. She was too robust (some would say "chonky"). Babies in the 1800's were tiny in comparison.
I'm missing you greatly. Give Dad, Don and Jim each a heavenly hug from me.
Love Ya

Hey Lady,
Bridget got a photo of our first Bluebird visitor to the birdhouse Reuben made. It was -- quite appropriately-- a Mothers' Day gift.
Today Bethany will swap $20 and a Rubenbarb pie for a second Bluebird house. I have another pole and two squirrel baffles arriving today so we can fortify and improve our Bluebird real estate offerings.
God made a beautiful creation for us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing with me your love of birds.

Hey Lady,
The Orioles are back, but the apple blossoms are already fading soooo, we put out some grape jelly and half an orange. They went for the jelly.
Thank you for giving us all an appreciation for the birds. Did I tell you Jennifer's been giving me glass Christmas ornaments shaped like birds? So far, the collection is mostly birds we have family stories about, like a Flicker, Bluebird, Oriole, and a Pelican.
Last week somebody put a plastic Purple Martin on the shepherd's hook that holds a couple of bird feeders on my deck. It's been moved a little further along the deck so's not to freak out the real birds. Shades of Barb's murdered birds mystery...
Love you and miss you ever so much.

Mother´s Day isn´t the same without you Mom. Love and miss you always.

Love you, as always!

We had a hilarious Easter with Bill's crew and a few of Jennifer's friends' college kids -- two different seatings and two different Egg "Hunts". Bridget arranged filled plastic Easter Eggs that she threw at people who attempted to cut them down with plastic toy swords. Even the college kids entered into the spirit of things. You'd have been pleased... except one thing. There were no black licorice Jelly Beans.
I didn't miss the black Jelly Beans, but I sure did miss you and Dad and Don and Jim. Love you always

Thinking of you, as I often do. In particular when I see cardinals and or squirrels.

Hey Mom,

Happy birthday. Did you have a better view of this week´s eclipse than we did? I imagine that clouds aren´t a problem where you are.

Love and miss you.

Love and hugs always, Mom! Khuren wags hello.

Thinking of you on Easter and as your birthday approaches. Today's sky is the blue of your eyes. Love you.

It's been a while since the last Mom Loves Birds Report...
Saw a couple of Bluebirds in the yard two days ago. It was pretty cloudy so the colors were muted, but saw them again this morning in glorious, bright sunshine. The Red-winged Blackbirds and Robins have been to the feeder for a couple of weeks now. Even spotted a few Goldfinch in the last couple of days. The Snow Geese seem to have moved through.
I miss you and Dad and Jim and Don so very much.

Thanks, Mom. Wish I thought to ask for your help before the third attempt at IV placement yesterday. You must have heard my silent, "Help me out here, Mom". As the thought formed in my head, their third try "took". You know that I share Dad's issue with needles. Love and miss you both.

Yesterday I noticed Cardinals going into a birdhouse in the next yard over. I never thought about Cardinals using a pre-built house before, but it goes a long way to explaining why we've seen so many of them this year. They love the platform feeder.
We haven't seen the Pileated woodpeckers in a while. Many of the dead and dying Ash trees in our area were cut down this Spring. I hope they aren't gone gone, just looking for other nesting opportunities.
Love you so much

The lilac bush in my back yard is blooming just in time for Mothers' Day. Love you and all the other Moms in our family!

Loving you as always, Mom, and it seems ever so appropriate that your birthday is also Natl. Siblings' Day. Still looking out for each other on your behalf.

Thinking of you on your birthday - and most every other day. Rest easy, Mom, knowing you are well remembered and well loved.

The other day, Ginny noted how you & Dad were amazing at making Christmas magical. The memory of those days still brings back the magic. Pete bought some Clementines, and it brought me back to waking up early and finding oranges in our stockings. Is my memory right that you left stockings on our bedroom doorknobs to keep us occupied until it was really time to get up? Merry heavenly Christmas to you and Dad. I also think of Dad whenever I wrap a gift. He was a masterful gift wrapper.

Hey, Mom,
I remember you telling me that as a kid you thought it would be fun to work at a tomato canning plant because you loved peeling tomatoes. Well, yesterday I turned some of my heirloom tomatoes into Gazpacho. Just as you taught me, I dunked each tomato in boiling water then an ice bath. The skins slipped off so easily.
I miss you, but cling to memories of happy times working together on kitchen projects. You and your sisters always seemed to work together so graciously cooking for and cleaning up after the big family meals.

I'm curious. Does your mansion in Heaven look like the Old Lakehouse cottage, or the Lighthouse?

Love You

The orioles are back! Apple blossoms are fading, so I'd have expected the Orioles earlier, but they're definitely settling in for some serious feeding at the oranges now.
I stopped by Webster Union yesterday to give the flowers a drink. They're looking pretty good. I think you'd be pleased.
I'm hoping to plant out the first group of tomato plants today; remembering the stories you told about your father's friendly first-biggest-best tomato competitions with Mrs. Holton. My major competitors are the weather and woodchucks.
Still miss you
Ginny

Bethany stopped by Friday. She pulled a few weeds and saw the daffodils are almost ready to bloom. I have to coordinate with Barb to see what else we'll plant this year.
The Cardinals have been enjoying a new tray type feeder here, but so have the squirrels. Guess they can't read the label on the seed bag that says "Fiery Mix will send squirrels running." So much for hot pepper on the bird seed.
You'd have enjoyed the flowers in Church on Easter. I remember your mother's account book for the Ladies' Floral Society at Saint Bridget's, so made a donation to the Church Flowers for Easter. You might say it runs in the family like wooden legs.
Miss you unspeakably much.
Ginny

Remember that time your right arm fell off? You just laughed it off. I feel your smile in the sunshine. Happy heavenly birthday, Mom.

Hey Lady,
Last night about 5 PM, a flock of Bluebirds flew through the yard pausing to sit on (but not eat at) the bird feeders. I remember how delighted you always were with bluebirds. You'd also have had a grand time with your great grand kids visiting. There were epic Nerf battles and a straw wrapper war the likes of which we hadn't seen in years.
We had a killing frost last night, but instead of mourning the end of the gardening season, I choose to borrow a page from your book and celebrate the end of sneezing' season (because the ragweed and golden rod are now done). Barb's hanging on to "late summer" and we refuse to turn on the furnace just yet.
We all miss you greatly.
Ginny

Happy belated (8-7-2020) National Lighthouse Day, Mom. I sometimes wonder if "We'll Leave a Light On" would have been an equally acceptable sentiment next to the lighthouse engraved on your headstone. Dad laughed when I suggested it. Ultimately, he chose to go with "I Am the Light" instead. That also works. Rest easy.

Miss you LOTS, Mom. Mark and I took a drive yesterday, just to get outside and stretch our brains a little. Didn't spot any deer, but there were some daffodils and crocus despite the snow. I hear you in the morning birdsongs, worrying about your chicks, but we're doing okay. Love you beyond words.

I haven't been able to find a Legacy book for Dad. Would you please let him know I now understand how delightful it is to live in warm Pajamas?
Cathy did a remarkable job turning some of Dad's favorite Tee-shirts into a beautiful quilt.
Your great grandchildren are creative and have a wicked sense of humor. You'd get a terrific laugh out of their antics. We all miss you greatly.
Love,
Ginny

Happy birthday Mom. I feel you watching over us. Know that we're doing well in this difficult time all across the world.

Hey Lady, Way back many years ago, you gave me three Fall Blooming Crocus bulbs. They're especially beautiful this year, and numerous too. I miss you more than I can say.
Ginny

Looks like you've sent us your share of bris to watch, Mom. There have been at least two pairs of Orioles, two or more sets of cardinals, a great number of finches and sparrows and such, but today, a young Pileated Woodpecker showed up to eat at the seed block. He came first to perch atop a neighbor's mailbox post, then to the suet cage which holds a round seed block. Looks for all the world like he's trying to poke a hole in the center of it. From the living room, the thing appears to be eating an Everything bagel. A neighbor walking his dog disturbed the woodpecker. It flew to the back yard, but returned as soon as the neighbor went into his house. Again the Pileated perched on the mailbox post before folding itself double on the seed block.
The Orioles have taught Bethany to refill the grape jelly by squawking when the jelly gets low. I've only seen bluebirds twice. I may need to add another shepherds' hook with squirrel baffle before I can put out a bluebird feeder. Thank you for all your bird know-how.
The Lake is now higher than it was in 2017!
Love and miss you.
Ginny

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all my auxiliary Moms (Aunts). Miss you and love you.

Hey, Mom, I'm making a gift of ducks to a third world family in your honor. Hope you don't mind sharing the honors with Dad, Don and Jim. Figured I'd get the ducks in a row.
Seems that ducks, being somewhat smarter and hardier than chickens, make a better flock for developing countries.

Love you, All Y'All, and miss All Y'All too.
Ginny

"For you, there'll be no more crying.
For you, the sun will be shining"

Especially on your birthday...or maybe we'll see flurries. Either way, we miss you.

Now that your memory is perfect again, I can ask, "Do you remember when you told me if I would just try drinking coffee black it would be better?" Well, you were right, as usual. I do drink it black sometimes and with actual cream only once in awhile. Sunday we had free coffee from Tim Horton's (because the Amerks had scored twice on the night before - even though we didn't win the game). Anyway, the coffee was kind of strong so I added cream.
I set the open cup down on an end table. Next thing I knew, Tickle Pig had his face in my cup lapping up my coffee. He only drinks tea or coffee if there's cream in it.

Hey Mom, Could you send a sign clearing up whether or not Apple Crumb Cake was your favorite flavor of ice cream? Someone doesn't realize that you were just being nice. Love and miss you.

I remember once when Dad had been in the hospital and was being released to come home. You weren't at your absolute best, either, but-- as we were trying to explain the medical details-- you just shook your head and said "I don't need to know all of that. Just tell me what I need to do to take care of him." We did our best, Mom, but he's with you now and I know you'll be taking care of each other until we finally catch up.

The sample person at Wegmans had peaches to try this afternoon. As I was enjoying the delicious fruit, she said, "These are Lori Anne peaches. It's not the same spelling, but I said, "My Mother is Lorrie Anne!" Just like you, these peaches are sweet and they make me smile. Love you and miss you.

Remember how, when I'd be washing windows or vacuuming the floor, you would point out that I'd missed a spot? Well, I posted about the birds just a little too soon.
This morning an Indigo Bunting (male) found the new bird feeder Barb & Batman gave Dad. It had only sunflower seeds left. I'll pick up more of the fruit & nut mix as soon as I can. The Indigo Bunting also checked out the suet feeder. It's been a great couple of weeks for bird watching. Now, I'm off to finish mowing, 'cuz I missed a spot. ;)

The hummingbirds are back. So are the Bluebirds, Orioles, Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Flickers and even the Pileated Woodpeckers.
Last week, when the Lady Bluebird started fighting her reflection in the sliding glass door, I thought about how you'd have found a way to keep her from hurting herself. She's OK now, but the door looks pretty silly with Christmas window clings, shiny pirate stickers, strips of plastic bag taped on it and finally, a very dusty old screen propped up against it. You'd have been proud.
We miss you more than words can say.

Thinking of you and the example you set for me and for all of us of love, loving and caring. I miss being able to give you backrubs, and foot massages. I miss making you laugh and seeing you smile. Thank you for the support you gave me all through my ups and downs. For standing by me encouraging me to do all I could, and then for pitching in when I needed help. Thank you for showing the way for my birth child to find me.

I guess I didn't do that last message correctly.
There have been blue birds nesting in the furthest West box. On the 10th, they started eating "Bluebird Banquet" from the domed feeder. You would have been so happy to see them.
Missing you
Ginny

Hey Lady,
Couple days ago, I planted you some lavender 'cuz you always liked Yardley English Lavender soap; some phlox, lilies of the valley and pansies. When I went to do the planting, there were six deer in the next field over.
Today I got the whole yard mowed, first time for this season.
Bob and Bill finished replacing the roof on the tower yesterday. They did a right good job. You'd be pleased.
The Lake level is as high as I can ever remember seeing it. Webster Park breakwall is just about awash. If you could put in a good word with whomever is patron saint of protection against flooding, that would be great.
We miss you more than words can say.

So many different kinds of birds arriving for spring. As though I needed a reason to think of you on your birthday. Miss you Mom.

Well, we've put a honking big wreath up on the tower, the way you used to... only Robert rigged it so we don't have to have anyone hanging out the window, holding on with their toes. There are white LED lights on the wreath and a big red sparkly bow. It looks good. Dad is pleased. He remarked several times how nice the wreath is.
I'm making a donation of chickens to poor family in a third world country. I remember you saying you liked having all your chickens gathered under your wing when there was a storm coming. All your little chickens aren't little anymore. But we still gather.
Love ya!

It's been a very bird-filled couple of days, Mom. Thought you might like to know the Orioles are back. They love the oranges and the grape jelly. Mrs. Oriole is so determined to eat from the hummingbird feeder that I think I'll get one for Orioles tomorrow.
Last week a Pileated woodpecker came to eat at the suet. Then today, an actual Red-Headed Woodpecker! Not the Red-Bellied that we're used to seeing, but a RedHead. The pair of Mallards have been back too.
And you would have laughed at my trapping efforts. So far two groundhogs have joined the Rodent Relocation Program, but first there were 5 squirrels, an opossum, and a very large, very irate raccoon. The opossum did such a good job of acting dead (with it's head and tail tucked under) that I thought one of my siblings had put a fur hat in the trap. I think I heard you saying, "Oh, you guys!"
Love you and miss you lots.
Ginny

One night I saw a lovely dancer,
and I asked her for her name
She never stopped to give an answer,
just kept dancing all the same.

Now she was dancing on the water,
and I said. "I know who you are;
You're the Twilight Fairy's daughter,
who has fallen from a star".

So many warm and funny memories...the dance of a thousand veils; the golden-white light; your "nose like a hawk"; the lullabies you sang; How you'd say, "Oh yes," when you couldn't really see what we were pointing at; How you shared your love or horseback riding.

Most importantly, I remember how you loved your husband and children. Right back at ya, Mom.

Please know Pete and I are thinking about you all and wish you peace and warmth from decades of all the beautiful times you have shared.