Well, I wasn't going to do this but it seems I can't help myself. Nor do I want to, I guess.
Today I become one of the Grand Dames of the food blogging community. I don't know the ages of many bloggers, but I did tell Kalyn on her birthday that I was not far behind her; that I would soon become a member of that oft dreaded decade... (did you really think I would tell you?). And, as it turns out, rejoice in the achievement.
When I was young(er), the thought of being this age conjured up visions of wrinkles, creaking joints and a moribund settling in to the downside of life. Well, I have just one word for that: PAH!
Having reached the beginning of a new decade, I can look at this, finally, not as the beginning of an end, but as an inspiration to do more. To achieve more. To be as healthy as I can possibly be and to laugh - long and with gusto. And let me tell you, with Mr. CC at my side, laughter is a huge part of my life. A secret to longevity if ever there was one.
There is one sad thing I feel, again, compelled to share (we bloggers are a sharers, are we not?):
My sweet little dog Jack died on Sunday night. He'd been my constant companion for 11 years and the last few weeks have been very difficult to endure.
Now that I've written this, I don't know what else to say. Those friends and visitors to this site will now know the reason for my absence. Those who don't know me at all will probably shrug their shoulders and move on.
As it should be.
We move on. We have birthdays and, in spite of sadness, we celebrate.
I'm told that today I'm to let myself be led, don't ask (too many) questions and just go with the flow. If I'm lucky I'll see whales. I'll keep you informed.
Then, when I can shake off the sadness, I'll cook again.
Happy Birthday. Sorry to hear about your dog. I know how attached people can get to their pets. I missed you, but I thought you were on a trip. Nice to see you back online.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, which is indeed bittersweet with Jack gone. I too wondered at your absence. It's so hard to lose that special unconditional love that I know Jack gave to you.
ReplyDeleteI hope you see whales. I bet Jack is telling them to swing by for you. :):) Hugs.
Yep, just go with e flow!
ReplyDeleteThe flow-what happened here-opps!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, happy birthday to you. You share a birthday with my husband!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I'm so sorry to hear about your companion. I lost my cat of 15 years 3 years ago this past summer and not a day goes by that I don't think of her. The pain will subside, but it will be awhile. Enjoy the memories and take some time to mourn. So sorry...
Christine, I am sorry about Jack, but happy your cyber kitchen is here to be visited.
ReplyDeleteIt's my — as my niece Molly would say — half birthday.
Grand dame? You know what they sang in "South Pacific."
There is nothing like a dame.
Firstly I'm really sorry about Jack and secondly a belated Happy Birthday and I'm not far behind so no worries!!
ReplyDeleteTake care Anne
Christine - Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Jack. It's hard to cook when you're sad, but it helps I think.
Thinking of you.
It seems strange to be sending someone Happy Birthday wishes and condolences in the same note. It does tie the cycle of life together though, doesn't it? I wish you all good things on your birthday, and my heart goes out to you and your family over the loss of Jack. Be well,
ReplyDeleteShane Marie
Thank you Kalyn. I've been cooking again and some new posts will be up soon.
ReplyDeleteSher, I didn't see whales this time but I know jack was and is with me.
Thank you Jann and Kristen!
Thanks Mimi. I'm in good Grand Dame company.
Anne and Catherine,
Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot to me, especially now.
Shane Marie,
I know how much of an animal lover you are and it's a comfort to get your message. Thanks!
Happy, happy, birthday, Christine! The hardest part about getting a new pet, is knowing they will not be with you forever. Every day I look at my sweet cat, Kissy Face, knowing she is over 10 years old, and not sure what the next day holds. We must "seize the day" while we have our loved ones with us, pets, as well as humans!
ReplyDeleteDear Christine!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday :)
Always with you.
Happy belated birthday! I'm not going to ask which decade...
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Jack. Both of mine are getting older...it will be a sad day.
According to my British friends he is watching you from 'Rainbow Heaven'. Comforting thought.
Any "dog" who has become a family member leaves an empty spot, they are not animals.
ReplyDeleteFollow well and have a happy birthday!
Hi,Christine. My name is Gina, and I have been reading your blog for awhile now(even have you blogrolled on my site!). I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I myself am 39 and looking at a big birthday in 2007!
ReplyDeleteBut mostly, I wanted to offer my sympathies on the passing of your sweet dog. My nearly 16-year-old cocker spaniel, Percy, died right after Thanksgiving, and it nearly broke my heart. I cried incessantly for many days...I think even more than after my mom died. :-( So I certainly understand what you're feeling. It's so hard to say goodbye to our four-legged family members. But it's part of the package, right? We can't have the joy of a new puppy without knowing that one day we'll have to say goodbye to an old friend. But I promise...it gets better.
Hang in there, and try to remind yourself often that he is in a better place, with no more pain or suffering, chasing those balls he loved all day long, just waiting until the time that you will be reunited.
--Gina
lindseysluscious.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday from me also!
ReplyDeleteWow! I've missed these lastest comments. Thank you so much to Farm Girl Cyn, Anna Maria, Kristine, Katie, Tanna, Gina and Husky. I can't tell you how comforting it is to have such great blogger friends.
ReplyDelete