Tree House News!!!!

I met the new tenant that's moving into the tree house. Superman and I stopped over to pick up the last of some things I had stored in the garage there.

"Oh you're going to love what they've done to the place." Superman said, twinkle in his eyes, and a huge smile on his face.

I was crushed. How could he boast on "their" behalf. Even if it was an upgrade from what I'd done there, he didn't have to rub it in.... snivel, snivel, snivel. THEN.... I remembered he was smirking. Hmmmmmm.... Now I was curious.

It didn't take long to see what he meant. Inside the entry way was a large, and I do mean LARGE dog kennel. Inside the kennel was a German Sheppard pup well on his way to becoming a large, LARGE pooch. His name is Chewy... Hmmmmm..... I could already hear Opie snickering when I relayed the news.

We finished loading the remainder of the items so Superman suggested I knock on the door to say hello, and see what else "new and exciting" was going on in the tree house. Then I realized I'd already met the young man when he came to tour it as a possible rental about a 3 weeks ago. Nice kid.

"Hello! It's me, Lille." I found it odd knocking on "my" door and

realized when I stepped inside...
it was no longer the "tree house".

"Come on up!" Dave yelled. I walked up the stairs to find Dave and another young man, beers in hand, drilling holes in the walls for his new behemoth surround sound for his killer stereo unit. Plaster dust covered the hardwood floor, the floor I had agonized over leaving perfectly shined. Industrial sized cable was strung from the rafters, and draped over the 18' stone fireplace top. The sub-woofer was bigger than my TV. I wondered if he liked Rap or Heavy Metal. Every corner had hooks strategically placed for some bad-ass speakers.

WOW! This kid is serious about his tunes I thought.... I envisioned the squirrels head banging in the tree tops, and my old neighbors below me....... Well, I became concerned of course! What will it sound like below the tree house... music reverberating the walls, the floors. Those poor, poor people.... They just moved in and now they will have to put up with a 22 year old's first time living away from his parents.... oh my.

His main items of furniture---well actually I didn't see any furniture. Just a few paintings and lots, and lots of beer signs, and painted pub signs. He wants to hang them all over the fireplace, and walls throughout the tree house. Hey, the guy at least has some "art" to hang. Perfect! Maybe he will have some extra speaker wire to hang his boxers off the tree house to a tree below. Hey, that could attract some girls--you just never know...

Below me in the stair well I heard the pup whining, and then wondered what his Big Foot sized feet would sound like on the hardwood floors. That pup looked like he could use some room to romp. "Chewy".... I wondered why he named him "chewy".... after Chewbacca from Star Wars, probably. Certainly not because he may chew on anything not nailed down or metal. I wondered what if he barks when his Master is gone or every time someone knocks on the door, or pulls in the driveway... Oh my mind went wild with the "what-ifs" Poor, poor people underneath the tree house.

I couldn't help notice Dave must have been a football player in high school, and may not be so light on his feet. I wondered if I should tell him the people's bedroom below him is directly under his kitchen... Nah.... They won't care if he slams a few cupboards, or that the floor squeaks just as loud at 2:00 PM as it does at 2:00 AM... Nor will they say anything if he happens to "score" a chick and she spends the night...floors creaking rhythmically, and squeals of ecstasy clear as a bell. Don't you just love apartment living? Sharing so much with each other?? Making memories together.

It will be a give, and take, neighborly bond they'll create. The people below will smoke up Dave's apartment, and he will rock them back to sleep at 3:00 AM by playing some tunes for them. The neighbors below will cook cabbage on hot days, and Dave's pup will leave a hot, steaming coil on the lawn near their stairs as a personalized thank you. It will be perfect. For Everyone! This made me happy. Peace in the Hood again~

Dave seemed so genuinely thrilled to be living "large" on the lake, and all the possible perks this new found lifestyle could have on attracting girls, and party opportunities, and such.... I decided he needed a little house warming gift.

I'd been given a small refrigerator, perfect for holding an extra case or two of beer. I was going to take it to the new place but decided in a moment of giddiness, and relief that the tree house had been rented to a motivated, testosterone filled, excitable man-child, THAT HE should have the frig for a back-up to keep more beer cold. A suave bachelor needs to keep his bases loaded. His eyes got huge when I told him, and I knew I'd hit a soft spot when I heard him say, "I love the way you think!! I'll put it out on the deck so we can grab a beer when we're sitting out there! Sweet!" Yes, sweet... he took the words right out of my mouth......

Well, what could I say? Hey, I was just trying to do my part to make sure there is peace, and harmony, a festive environment for one and all who live there. My parting gift. Did my parting smile appear a wee bit smirk-like? Maybe... maybe not...

I couldn't help notice a river-like stream of fluid outside the front door, and also splashed all over a tree. Hmmmm, did they empty a cooler? Then I smelled a distinct odor. Dog Urine. Oh my.... What if he relieved himself on the neighbors front walkway... Tsk...tsk.. tsk... Well, maybe it could help mask the cabbage cooking marathons. But it's not my problem any more. Smirk you ask? Noooooo. Just your imagination...

I drove off into the sunset and realized the Tree House no longer existed there. It rode off with me into the future, forever in my heart, as a special part of my life that uniquely belongs to me and those I shared it with. I'm erecting a monument here at the new place that honors what was, and what wondrous things are yet to be. Oh yes, I'm smiling alright~~~ I'm totally smiling!

For my new reader's... go back a month or so to catch up on why I left the Tree House. For my wonderful, faithful, friends, and followers. PLEASE JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE COMMENT BOX! It will be like Christmas reading your comments! Oh Baby!

Find Your Happy Place

~Opie's been rehearsing for the Grand Tour of the Tree House~

~Sneak Preview~

~~I found my happy place~~

Mine's inside me~~Where's yours?

~~Just in case I'm not around for a few days it's because I'm
taking a few things over to the bungalow on the hill~~

Well actually I'm taking everything except the small part of me
that wants to stay here,
in the Tree House...
~~~Forever~~~

What'sThat Smell?

Last night we stopped by the Tree House to pick something up on our way to Superman's Fortress after helping Dylan install a new door knob at her place. Superman ran in to get it and came out with a face that looked like these grapes.

I was like "WTFeline.... Did Opie have an accident?" [which of course he never does. Sweet baby but I couldn't imagine what caused Superman to look so green]

"You better come inside and check this out." He said.

"Is it cigarette smoke? I asked, cautiously exiting the car to go inside.

"No, it's not that. I don't know what it is? Except it smells worse than an old fart."

Oh geez, I think, to myself. What now???!!!!

I opened the door and was greeted by a pungent smack to my nostrils.

"Cabbage???? OMG the neighbors from Carnie-Ville were boiling cabbage. One of the hottest nights we've had all summer, and they're boiling frigging cabbage!

WTFRAP!!

This came on the heels of vacillating all day, and second guessing my plan to leave the Tree House... I was kicking myself after seeing so many people coming through to see the Tree House and them saying, "What are you? Nuts? Why would you want to leave this????"

LMAO

Life is hysterical.

Smoke on the Water...

I've been wading through a lot of anger this past month. I would not be moving if it weren't for the new people who moved in below me. Last night I was woken from a deep sleep [again...] with the smell of cigarette smoke filling my bedroom. Despite 5-6 times of him being told not to smoke in the building, he still does. I feel a bit childish now but last night I did a bit of stomping on the floors, or rather walking heavily. VERY heavily. The woman doesn't smoke and I believe he must sneak a smoke inside after she's fallen asleep. Too lazy to get up and go outside on the deck to puff. I wanted to make sure I woke her up with my foot tromping. Next time I'll put some bad ass boots on. I actually typed that.... Yikes.

I understand addictions. I especially understand nicotine addiction. I have had the same demons wake me up at night to sneak a cigarette. Nicotine has caused me to get out of my hospital bed with an IV pole attached, in the dead of winter (wind chill well below 20) to smoke outside wearing only my hospital gown, hospital issued non-slip socks and a blanket thrown over my shoulders. I stood there freezing, puffing, and avoiding the glares people gave me driving or walking by. I was close to getting frostbite on my fingers and face just to have a cigarette.

So, yes, I understand the power and hold a white filtered kiss of death can have on you. You know it's slowly robbing you of life, and yet it feels like gold between your fingers in the middle of the night when you cannot sleep. A cigarette is so small, and yet so huge. It was during one of these freezing treks outside the hospital last December that gave me the will, the courage and the wisdom to quit.

No one knows [unless you've quit, too] how hard it was to return home to the tree house and work through all the triggers here that constantly reminded me I should be lighting up a smoke. The triggers were everywhere, and constant at times. I wore a nicotine patch, and ate Ativan like candy on some days. But I did it. I'm celebrating 9 months of being smoke free.

So when my world was invaded by a smoker I got mad. And I became afraid. The fear of being seduced in a time of weakness by the smells of tobacco is a genuine concern. And the constant stress this has caused is also a concern. I have literally cried every day for weeks now in sadness at my peaceful, slice of tranquility being blown up in a cloud of smoke. But my sanity, health, and well-being has more value than than living on a lake. [at least that's what I'm telling myself LOL]

In order for me to find some peace about moving I've chosen to call on my greatest resource to help me make it through the night, and the next 3 weeks--my sense of humor. Here's a few more reasons the season for lake living is withering away. Hopefully this will be even funnier one Day.... [I hope...]

• I went out on my deck last week and much to my dismay saw a rope nailed from one tree to another. On this rope was a bevy of underwear, blowing in the breeze. Mind you we live right next to a major boat ramp so every boat going by saw the flags of bras and granny panties hanging like a party from the trees. [Ahem... doesn't this woman know I'm the only one allowed to hang my undies out for every one to see??? Oh wait that's on my blog... not for a make-shift clothes line....] Cup of coffee, cool breeze, and Grandma's undies tainting the pristine views.... I have pictures. Dare I post them??? Go ahead beg me... [insert wicked smile]
  
• Superman & I came back to the Tree House one evening after dinner with plans to lie out on the grass on the point of the island to watch the meteorite showers. When we arrived we found that they had strung lights from every possible tree on the island, the flag pole, and their deck railing--all jury-rigged together with orange extension cords. It looked like the Midway at a carnival. Hello people we live on a lake! Bug City if you use mammoth sized light bulbs near the water in mid-summer. I can no longer see the lake at night because the island is lit up like a frigging used car lot. Hence the carnival music I had playing on my tunes for a few days. remember the Chevy Chase movie about Christmas, and all the lights? This is what their deck looks like. I kid you not... The island could now pass for an airport landing strip. This could be trouble because the Tree House is in the flight pattern for a fairly large airport 10 miles south of here. Yikes!
  
• They have three vehicles, and are only given 2 assigned parking spots. Last weekend he had a fourth car parked here all weekend he was doing repairs on. Told ya... a car lot. Or the graveyard for Cash for Clunkers.
  
• They are having a big party this weekend, At least I've been fore-warned. Gulpity-gulp...
  
• I want to rent a huge industrial strength fan to blow the smoke back down on them from my deck. Monsoon wind-like conditions suddenly kicked up on the lake. Craziest thing.....

OK I'm done now. Simply put it's time to go. I would rather believe I am on the horizon of something wonderful waiting to show itself to me in my future than being kicked out of my nest by force. I'll work to keep my sense of humor intact, and my boots ready to slip on. Hee Hee Just kidding.... I'll make Opie put on roller skates & practice leaping over barrels. [I have wood floors] My bad...

...UPCOMING NEWS...

I'll be filming the tree house, and will post the video for everyone to take a tour soon. Opie is practicing his opening welcome. He always greets our guests with a warmth, and sweetness that is akin to a red carpet being rolled out. Purely adorable.

Next up, when I get a few pictures of my new place, I'll hold a contest to name it. It will be open to you, my friends, and followers to name. I will award the winner with a piece of my art work. I will add pics as soon as I can. It's a white cottage like bungalow that sits on top of a hill. Get your creative thinking caps on...

I need your help & encouragement to make this move away from the Tree House a fun-filled adventure. All anyone really desires is a simple life, and I'm going to get me one of those! It's already on my Dream Board.

Thank you everyone! Comments are encouraged!!!

Vlog Trailer

The Tree House has been invaded.
Opie & I are hanging on to the sides of the nest for dear life.
We are being pushed out of the nest by......

Oh dear, it's too soon to tell but our beloved island appears to be under siege
by carnies in a bad Fellini movie....
Opie & I may need to be smuggled out on a UPS truck.
I'm serious, Folks. Things are getting strange on the island.

Film at 11:00
~~Stayed Tuned~~

Lille Diane's first YouTube video posted on this time tomorrow

Here's the first of many videos I'll be posting on This Time Tomorrow. I have blogged about kayaking, the peace it brings, and the lake I live on. Come join me for a short ride around the lake.....

Tornados, Yellow Slickers and Blue Herons pass by this time tomorrow

I saw these fisherman dressed in their bright yellow raincoats right before a tornado rolled through just south of me. My kitty had been long gone hiding under the bed. In fact he is still there. Now this is what I call die-hard or crazy.... I'm not sure which but it sure made for a great shot.

Just before I came in I looked to the left of the point on my island and saw this heron. I now see right before a tornado must be great fishing weather....

Full moon rising this time tomorrow

It will soon be dark at the Tree House. It's a full moon weekend. I'd like to try to get some shots of the moon if the clouds cooperate to give it a chance to smile in the spotlight. From my bed, and from a large portion of my windows, I watch the moon crawl across the heavens each month like it's waltzing with the stars. The shimmery glow on the water is mesmerizing, and calming.

My goal for almost a year has been to kayak at night during a full moon. I'm not brave enough to take my camera out on the lake but I am brave enough to take my hiney all white and shiny out there to see what it looks like on the water. I'm talking about the glow of the moonlight on the water... But ~~no pun intended~~ is it any coincidence they refer to one showing their hineys as "mooning" someone?

And here you thought I was waxing poetic in this post....

Cotton candy in a periwinkle blue sky float by this time tomorrow

Take a bite out of this sweet cloud before it floats away.

This time tomorrow the lake will be filled with the sites and sounds of summer

This is why I call it the Tree House. The tree grows right up through the deck...or rather they built the deck around the tree but it's more fun to say the tree grew up through my deck. And my world is about fun now. It's my choice.

It's a holiday weekend here in the US. The official start of summer even though it's still spring. Pull out your white shoes. I just cracked myself up....again. Do I even OWN a pair of white shoes??? OH.... yes, I do. My hiking sneakers. Well, in that case I better go put them on. I'm meeting Superman for a walk and dinner.

The lake here at the tree house will be jammin'. I'll have my tunes on. I'll be watching the boats go by. Kayaking, grilling, chilling, and most of all, being grateful to be able to soak it all in. This time last year I was hurtin' for certain. Neck brace, both of my knees to my toes were swollen like watermelons,... I could barely lift my arms to tip a cup to my lips or open a door. I chopped my hair off because I couldn't lift my arms to comb it.

This year I'm painting pictures of poppies, and clouds, and my son, and taking pictures every chance I get. I'm writing that "book" I always said I would "one day"...... I am a new grandma, and lived to see the sweetest baby in the entire world, my precious Emery. I got engaged to Superman. I have 3 new daughters. One is my son's new wife and the other 2 are Superman's daughters. Add one more son, a Marine to the list. How cool is that?? I gained a grandson named Devon, a budding artist. Another grandson on the way--due in July. Two new son-in-laws, and a huge family-in-law.Oh, yes, and a sweet lab-mix named Canaan. I am so very blessed.

How sweet it is to look back, and see how far I've come. I know I have some friends out here in Blog Land who understand exactly how I feel. I salute each and everyone of you for persevering. I borrowed this song that's playing and the next one, Simple Life, from my friend, Nolly Posh.
Enjoy my playlist.

Enjoy your weekend and be safe, everyone.

Muskrat Love is in full bloom on the island...soon this time tomorrow will be posting baby pictures

From the deck at the Tree House you can see the smaller island off of my island. Behind the pine tree is the bridge that connects the two islands. To the right of the island you can see a tree branch sticking up like the hand on a clock announcing it's 2:00 o'clock. Right below that is where my story will begin...but not quite yet.
There's a cabin that's been on the small island since 1949 but has had no children laughing or playing on the large stage-like porches that wrap around three sides of its wooden face in a very long time. A swing hangs from a tall tree and glides to and fro slightly when the breeze catches it just right. The ghosts of summer's past laugh and chat under a huge covered pavilion with a cozy fire pit surrounded by chairs whose vinyl seat cushions have long ago reached a lighter shade of pale. They match the weather worn picnic tables that could easily seat 12-20. No one has sat in these chairs for a very, very long time. Yet, under the dust, and between the cobwebs linking the arms of each chair, I hear singing, crackling fires, and can smell the distinct caramelized aroma of marshmallows roasting. I see fireflies dancing in the shadows while children lie under sleeping bags on the boat dock counting stars.

I see Family. I feel Love. I sense the Magic of childhood. I cradle Memories--someone's memories--perhaps they are just my own conjuring up of ghosts from imagined happy childhoods. But I am not alone in how I feel. People I've taken to the island can feel it too. They sense, like me, that it once was a magical island because it was loved. It's abandoned now--or nearly so. I've only seen one person, a young woman about 18-20, come to the island last summer to watch the fire works you can see so well from here on the 4th of July. I imagine she was one of the children of one of the children--of one of children that make the chain of generations that played there.

I love this little neglected island. I feel protective of it. I soak up the ghosts that live there like they were my own family. On some days, I stand in the swing and remember what it's like to be small, and yet so tall, when you grab the rope handles and push your feet to the sky. I've longed to feel and see the small island being loved again. My wish came true.

I was walking by the window the other afternoon and looked over to see the swath of a bright green "something" cutting through the water at a pretty fast clip. I did a double take. Then I saw his little head under the feathers of green. It was Mr. Muskrat. He was swimming as fast as he could, head held high above the water. I swear it reminded me of Dumbo, the elephant, carrying his magic feather--this parade of one small creature collecting greens. That's him below carrying a plume of hostas from my neighbor's garden back to his burrow. This activity went on for several days. Back and forth, and back and forth. He grabbed lilacs branches (the lower ones), a few sprigs of lavender or leaves from hosta plants; then he'd jump back into the water and swim to his fortress at the edge of the small island where the tree branch says it's 2:00 o'clock. That's him on the bottom left of the photo below nearing the entrance to his home.

It's here he dives under the water to the entry of his fort. This leads me to explain why there's such a commotion, such a steady parade of activity off the small island. The back and forth, the gathering frenzy... I am quite thrilled to introduce you to Mrs. Muskrat. I just spotted her a few days ago sitting at the garden's edge as if she were pointing to what she was hungry for so the Mr. could bring it home for her. I think she's having distinct cravings. Hence, the lilac, lavender and hostas... This is her below. She stays underwater mostly--popping up now and then to peek at what the Mr. is doing.
There's new life on the island. A story is unfolding. Magic is in the air. Babies will be swimming, diving and I suppose laughing as they frolic in the water. Laughter is back on the island. At least from up here in the Tree House it certainly is. From where I'm perched high in the trees, I can see a wonderland out my window. I'll be watching for the first baby so I can snap a shot of it. They can have 8-10 babies. Oh, I cannot wait!

What a perfect place to raise a family...