One month, today

It is so hard to believe it has been 28 days today since my brother Rod died suddenly. In a way it seems like it was just yesterday, in another way it seems like he really isn't dead. I keep expecting him to walk in the door or find him sitting (sleeping) on the deck when I come home. He was always stopping by.

Life is so unfair. He had just received a clean bill of health from the doctor! It will be 90 days before we get the full autopsy report, what went wrong?? Why did this not show up on the tests?? How could he die of a heart attack when he had undergone a heart cath only weeks earlier with absolutely no indication of any type of problem??

The little things set off rage of emotions. I cannot email him when I run across a cool boat on eBay that I want to share with him. We cannot share natural lights & conversations anymore while watching boats go by... it is sooooooo unfair!

Who is going to teachEastin to ski??? He taught all of the other sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews.

I know life will go on but it won't be the same because he isn't here.

Russ is keeping his binoculars up in his honor ;)

Rod.. you are always in my thoughts and I miss 'ya!

nb

Retro Rocking Cherry Bib & Burp Cloth Set

This set was a custom order from one of my clients. I just love the way it turned out and I'm sure the new Mom to be will love it too. It is absolutely gorgeous in person, so vibrant!

click on the picture to see this set in more detail.

HartwellDesigns included in Treasury West's Favorites!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=15464



What a special treat it was to find my crabby bib included in Treasury West's favorites.

Take a peek at the link and you'll fall in love with all of the "crabby" handmade items on Etsy.

Pictures from my brother's last vacation

The American Queen

He had wanted to take a riverboat cruise for as long as Donna could remember, so they did!

A week after they returned, he died of a heart attack :(

It gives me some peace of mind that he was able to take that trip and that it was better than he could have imagined. He said it was the best vacation ever!

For those of you that didn't know Rod personally. He was a unique individual. You cannot judge a book by it's cover.. so true with my brother! He was a genius, a bookworm but not your typical geeky guy. He lived in cut off blue jeans on his days off, kicked back and relaxed with a beer in one hand a book in the other. It was nothing for him to read more than one book a day.
He loved Homer Simpson (probably because he was a Homer!)
He worked at a nuclear power plant and in his off time, he drank beer ;)
He loved the series All Creatures Great and Small, anything sci-fi and Jaws! He had to watch it anytime it was on tv. Actually he loved almost anything!

There could never be enough knowledge and Rod's outlook on life was that his cup was halfway full ALWAYS, he looked for the good in everyone, he was very observant and wise beyond his years.

What a great couple... Donna & Rod posing with metal bowls on their heads :)

.... okay..... I admit ~ he does look a bit geeky in this photo.. but who wouldn't with a bowl on their head?

ohhhhhhhhh my sweet brother ~ I miss you!

I treasure every single moment that you were in my life and you will never be forgotten.

(((nb)))

A quiet little 4th of July

We canceled our annual 4th of July get together because much of our family came in a week earlier for Rod's funeral.

Russ's Mom and Dad, brother and sister-in-law and their two kids did come to our house on the 4th along with Donna. Donna spent the night with us and watched the fireworks with our long time neighbors from across the street. It was an emotional time for all of us, being our first 4th without Rod. He was never far from our thoughts and many conversations were about him and the great times we had together.

Just a few photos.. We bought a water trampoline.. oops.. put the slide on upside down...

(click on a picture if you want to see a larger version)

Ahhhhhhhhh... look at Eastin jump.. looks just like a frog :)

Sunset over Lake Hartwell

Almost time for fireworks... Eastin cannot wait!

There were fireworks everywhere, here is Russ handing Eastin a sparkler, look closely and you'll see Miller in the middle. He loved them too :)

I hope you and your family had a safe and happy 4th.

If you have a chance, be sure to leave a comment on my blog.

I'd love to know who all is visiting :)