Taking the weekend to go see my mom. She isn't feeling very well so I am flying to St. Louis where we will hang out in her cozy apartment looking out on the park and the Arch. I hear it's bitterly cold. Walking to the college cafe for my coffee will be about as far as I wander, but I've got my sweet brother there and dear, old friends to see too. Wish I could say I was like this storybook vintage girl with her bouquet of flowers in the mailbox. (Is she putting them in or taking them out?) Unlike my own sweeties, I was such a pain as a kid, pretty much a moody brat as I remember it-- more known for my introspective pouting than my sparkling demeanor. Mom and I were both hard on each other for a number of years. Still trying to make up for that and be a better daughter. Good thing I have three role models in the perfect daughter department.
And my mom at 77 isn't the average June Cleaver either. She drives a vintage convertible Mustang, swings a wicked cane and has a naughty, hilarious streak that rattles as deep as a smoker's cough. Charlotte, the elder, does things her way. When she turned the retirement center on its ear and moved out as quickly as she went in, we were all so worried. But she packed herself up and headed to this new place, a tower with more college students than seniors. It's magic for her. There's someone to flirt with on every elevator ride, a doorman to play cards with and a bar and restaurant on the main floor where everyone knows her name. She knows all 101 dogs that live there and her cat, Sassy has virtual pals too. Everyone knows Charlotte. And they all look out for her. A perfect mix of youth and seniority. That's my mom.
Hopefully, I will be good company and cheer her up a little....or vice versa. Either way, she misses me a lot and really likes it when I visit. It's good for both of us to spend time together, me listening to her stories that curl my toes. Her memory is way better than mine - time to write them down or learn how to embellish as well as she does.
I might be able to figure out how to post from there. We'll see. Enjoy your weekend...and go Bears! xo Charlotte, the younger.
Have a nice trip...your mum sounds like a real gem...Nel
Posted by: nel | February 03, 2007 at 04:57 AM
Your Mom sounds absolutely delightful!! We should all be so lucky as to live like she does! :P Sounds like you will have a lively time, and I do hope your Mom isn't feeling TOO poorly and is back to her refreshingly fiesty self soon! :P
Posted by: Angie | February 03, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Enjoy your time with your Mother.
Posted by: carolyn | February 03, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Enjoy your visit with your mom, and I hope she feels better soon! I am blessed to live about a half-hour from my mom, who is spunky & energetic too, at 72! :)
That's a cute card too; I think she is sending the lovely flowers TO someone!
Posted by: Becca | February 03, 2007 at 10:03 AM
Have a wonderful visit with your Mom.
So often when I read your posts, I feel like it's me talking. it's a strange feeling.
xo
Posted by: Linda Sonia | February 03, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Oh wow! Hope you brought your warmest of warm sweaters for your trip! Moms are pretty complex creatures aren't they. You never fully appreciate all that they were or are until you are grown up. Then the repair work begins. Give her lots of hugs. Everyone needs hugs.
Posted by: teresa mcfayden | February 03, 2007 at 11:16 AM
I haven't met your Mom but feel like I have from your wonderful description and I know that I'd absolutely love her! I hope she feels better soon. Enjoy your time with her Charlotte.
xo,
Kim
P.S. Love the picture!
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | February 03, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Your mom sounds divine! I hope she feels better soon.
Posted by: Teresa Sheeley | February 03, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Your mom sounds like she'd fit right in with my family! My mom and step-mom were lively ladies who enjoyed a good party, cigarettes and dancing 'til all hours.
I sure hope that she's feeling better and that you've enjoyed a good visit.
Posted by: Mrs. Staggs | February 03, 2007 at 08:44 PM
I hope your time with your Mom is good. Mine is 81 and still has her weekly mah jong and bridge games. I would like to live in that tower apartment - sounds like a great place!
Posted by: Loretta | February 04, 2007 at 12:16 PM
hey sweetie! well wishes to your mom!
xxxox
Posted by: claudine hellmuth | February 04, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Hope your Mum feels lots better soon. Enjoy your weekend together.
Posted by: Nonnie | February 05, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I hope your Mom is feeling better. I know it is very cold here in St. Louis but hope you enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we had this weekend. Love the sweet postcard...
Posted by: julie (jane's apron) | February 05, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Oh you really had me smiling with this post! Your mom sounds like a total riot!
Hope you had a great time!!
stay warm!!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | February 06, 2007 at 03:15 AM
ps..best best wishes to mom! hope all is well!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | February 06, 2007 at 03:16 AM