Kathleen Swain and her children. Front left to right, Connie Miller, Kathleen Swain, Marilyn Grisham, Phyllis Barrington. Back row, Linda Bethea and Bill Swain. How did she ever birth all these behemoths?
A few evenings ago, Mother and her five children met for dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we went to her house to visit. As soon as we no longer had to be socially acceptable, we regressed into our former roles and behavior, teasing Mother and each other. At various times, we ganged up on each other just like we always had, sometimes with one sibling, sometimes another.
Once we got all that settled, we started noting interesting things about Mother’s house. Does this clock situation look odd to anyone besides me?
It seems she has been meaning to call the clock repairman but just hasn’t really had time, besides, that other clock was on the clearance rack at Walmart for a dollar. She never did explain the lightbulb accessory. She looked around meaningfully at the crowd. “I guess I could use my Christmas money, but ………..” I wonder which loser will crack first.
After my brother left, she asked us to turn her mattress. I didn’t get a picture, but each corner of her mattress is numbered. She didn’t remember why. I really didn’t need to know.
When we were sitting in her living room later, we notice that each of her four speakers has a number (or two) that matches a corresponding number on the ceiling. I will only offer one photo as proof. For some reason, she had numbered a couple twice and added a letter. She said the theory was on a need-to-know basis. Fortunately, I don’t need to know.
I am not concerned that Mother is developing dementia. She is no different than she has ever been. Oh, yes. A large rubber band encircled the front door knob, despite the fact that she has a security system, dead-bolt, and safety bar propping door knob securely. That’s so she will know the door is locked. Go figure!
Nutsrok 
Bless your mom she is great. She has a reason for everything she does, believe me I know.
The photo is pricless and you all look wonderful. Precious moments that will turn to happy memories. Great post.
LikeLike
Thank you. It was a good evening.
LikeLike
Firstly, what a lovely photograph of you all. I am sure your mum doesn’t want you lot poking your noses into her numbering system! :-)
LikeLike
She holds her own!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of that I have no doubt!!! :-)
LikeLike
I miss my Mom every day. Your stories bring tears of happiness to my eyes.Still laugh thinking of your Mom and the belly dance outfit. Love Ya!
LikeLike
I’ll tell Mother you said that. She will be delighted.
LikeLike
I think a lot of people miss their mamas. You wouldn’t believe how often men in their fifties to sixties stop by our table and pick up her ticket. You know they are thinking of their mama.
LikeLike
AS long as it works for her, what the hell ! You’re probably best know knowing :)
LikeLike
I think you are right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah? So what’s the problem?. Sometimes it’s a relief to shoot a clock we’re received upon retirement. Why does everyone insist on giving you a CLOCK? So you can watch time drain away as you imagine your life slip by? Turn the other WAY! :-D
LikeLike
I guess that’s what I thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My grandfather was named Carl Swain. He was a hand at my grandmas ranch and ended up marrying after her husband was killed by lightning.
LikeLike
Check email.
LikeLike
Or is it to help her open it? Arthritis may be settling in and this helps. Don’t ask me how I know these things. I’ll never tell.😂
LikeLike
Who knows.
LikeLike
Your mom…such a riot, and provides you so much material. 💖
LikeLike
Life would have been much poorer without her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Her humor lives on in you. ☺☺☺
LikeLike
Hope so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! But it all looks like a plan… smart woman!
LikeLike
Smart, indeed!
LikeLike
Hahahaha! Such a lovely quirky family! Your mom is hilarious, Linda! So funny!
LikeLike
She never changes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully 😄
LikeLike
Hahahaha!
LikeLike