The Singer's 20th

The Singer at 1



Celebrating her 2nd Birthday with her cousin.



As Belle, on her 5th Birthday



As Barbie, on her 7th Birthday



At 16



The Singer turns 20 today. I can't believe it. I got up early and made her some beignets from the mix from Cafe du Monde.
Although, nothing compares to the fresh beignets made at Cafe du Monde, in New Orleans. Those are simply heavenly.



She was super excited. We aren't really celebrating her birthday until Sunday due various social conflicts, and even then it may be a small celebration due to the laminate project, but that's okay, there have been many years where she's had numerous birthday celebrations. If we've been with extended family (which we often are) around her birthday, they always give her a cake and presents. And she traditionally has a party for her friends and then a separate get-together with her in-town cousins.

I feel great contentment over the Singer transferring to Belmont Abbey and in so many ways she's growing/grown up, but in her day-to-day dealings with her immediate family she is still very much a teenager wanting lots of privileges with little or no responsibilities. If she successfully completes her tasks (chores) for 4 days in a row and then totally ignores her responsibilities on the 5th day, she gets the "I can't believe how unreasonable my parents can be but I can't talk back" look on her face and says in a saccharine sweet tone, "Yes ma'am, I'll make sure I do that." then proceeds to NOT do it. UUGGGHH. This isn't a dorm, this isn't simply a place to stay...this is home and being part of a home requires a certain amount of GIVE not just take. The Imp has suffered the most, as I see the Singer taken advantage of her. The Imp doesn't want to see the Singer get into trouble and has picked up the Singer's chores on more than one occasion, and has tried to warn the Singer of impending catastrophe. The Singer seems very unappreciative.

Back in January, the Singer's plan was to be in an apartment now. I was so for that. In some ways she is too old to be 'parented' but I won't let her live here as a simple boarder. I know she thinks she should be able to do whatever she wants...last summer was rough around the edges, this summer is better simply because her work schedule has her sleeping and waking during normal hours. I know, August 19th will be here before I know it and with her in NC instead of across town, I will miss her. But I'm complaining, anyway.

My garden is not in good shape. I'm still pulling a few onions, and my green peppers look okay, but I got cucumber worms and the heat and sun are doing their damage. So I'll harvest what I still can, but then am waiting until mid July to start seeds for a fall crop of cukes and beans and more peppers and lettuce and new onions and potatoes.