December 19, 2007 | Mama Smith

Philly-born

One would never guess that our bundled Brighton was actually born in the frigid state of PA, where we trudged through snow daily to get groceries, go to the park, or meet with friends for quite a few weeks out of the year. His blood must have adapted to the south more quickly than we had expected.

He often complains of being “so chilly, Mama!” when we head outdoors, and reminds me that he needs his coat…and hat…and today a scarf, gloves and sunglasses? Either he’s used to seeing me deck out in the later three and therefore assumes this is my secret tactic for staying warm that I cruelly haven’t let him in on…or he is just a random, odd kid at times. I think he can just be a peculiar one.

This afternoon we were just heading out to sweep the back porch. But to Brighton, such an endeavor requires the full arctic ensemble. Even in 65 degree weather.

Tomorrow the sorely missed London grans arrive in Greenville, with sister Emily in tow as well. We are all four anxiously awaiting their arrival as overseas phone calls or brief emails just don’t quite cut it. And no matter how cozy we get here in Greenville with our new friends and old family, no one compares to Mimi & Hi-Ya. To me, Matthew or our boys. We can’t wait to have them all to ourselves for a whole 2 weeks.

Brighton, Levi and I enjoyed people watching from one of the many windows in Matthew’s newly scored gorgeous office on Main St in downtown, right smack in the middle of all the action. He and five other friends will be sharing the beautiful hardwood floored, high ceilinged, abundantly windowed and light-infused office space starting in January.

And the shed is coming along quite nicely. Maybe…hopefully…Mom & Dad won’t have to share their living space with the bazillion tool boxes, bags of grass, and power tools that currently occupy half of the guest bedroom. Tomorrow we’re hoping to get everything moved in and finally off the back porch and out of the guest room. That is, if Matthew has any strength left to muster after returning from his session this evening with Keith the Ripper – the psycho trainer. Yes, I can safely assume that he will have much more sympathy for me and my recently sore rear come tomorrow morning.