Today (Oct. 14th) is the birthday of my father-in-law in England. Happy birthday, Peter! (It is still your birthday here, but you must be fast asleep in England as I type this post!)
I told you that my stepmom had been in hospital recently. (There, I typed it "in hospital", the English way!) This has made me think...stepmom, father-in-law...there really should be better words to describe these people who are so dear to me.
Years ago, I had a photo of a native plant here in Georgia and it is sometimes called a strawberry bush but for me,this name is even better...it is the "hearts a busting with love " bush, often shortened to "hearts a bustin'" This week began with time spent in a hospital with my stepmom and today, I spoke with my father-in-law on the phone during my lunch hour.
My heart is busting with love!
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| Hearts A Bustin' (With Love) ...photo from Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia Unfortunately, some overzealous person at the park cut back most of the plants on the side of the trail and cut down this beautiful bush! I saw Elaine Nash recently (I have written of her before, if I can find it, I will add a link here!) Anyway, when I told her this, she said, "Don't worry, it is a perennial, it'll be back". That made me smile..."Hearts A Busting with love"...yes, that is a perennial! |
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| Fuchsia (In England) |
Take care everyone, hope you have a great weekend!
Some people feel disloyal doing this but I called my in-laws Mom and Dad. They really were like parents to me and you know how much I love my parents. Maybe a special nickname for your stepmother if you have a good relationship. It seems that you do. Glad people are doing better. And Happy Birthday Peter.
ReplyDeleteI meant the title itself, I was told from the first to call them Mum & Dad, but I have always called them Joan & Peeder (that is the I say Peter!)
DeleteYou are right. They should be better words, and without hyphens.
ReplyDeleteI know Nan, we need to change the language!
DeleteBelated Happy Birthday wishes to Peter! I don't know him personally, but from what I know about him through your blog and how his son Richard turned out, I am convinced he is a true Gentleman (with capital G!) - and your lovely mother-in-law a true Lady!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to know you, like myself, have such a good relationship with your in-laws. I don't think we need a better term - father-, mother-, sister- and brother-in-law are beautiful terms when we really feel they are our father, mother, sister and brother. Same goes for step-parents and -siblings.
You are correct, a true gentleman and lady, that would be my in-laws! :-)
DeleteI think we should also have another term for neighbor. When you have a psycho maniac living next door to you, why should you call them a neighbor, it implies a relationship that you don't wish to have.
Love that Hearts A Bustin' bloom - what a gorgeous colour, and fabulous plant. We called the in-laws by their first names - very casual in Australia!
ReplyDeleteHa, I must be part Australian too, because I do call them by their first names. It can cause confusion though, since the dog's name is Petey!
DeleteWishing many happy returns of the day to Peter! And i'm praying for your Stepmom.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHappy (belated) birthday to Peter! Good wishes for your stepmom. I hope all turns out well for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Martha for your well wishes!
DeleteHappy birthday to your Father-in-law. I love fuchsias, but they don't do well down here on the coast.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a fuchsia except when I am in England, so you know I appreciate them there!
DeleteHearts-a-bustin' are perennials -- TOO PERFECT! Happy bday to your FiL and I hope your stepmom is enjoying a full and speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra! Yes, perennial...you totally get me, Debra! That should scare you just a wee bit! :-)
DeleteKay, What beautiful plants. I would love one here. Happy birthday to Peter. I called my own parents, "mommy and daddy", I called my in-laws, "mom and pops" You could call them another form of mother and father. Blessings to all of you, hoping everyone is well soon. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteMom and Pops, I love that! Blessings to you too, and we are hoping also that we will not darken the doors of the hospital any time soon!
DeleteWishing a happy birthday. I like the lovely red color.
ReplyDeleteThanks John! I love pretty seeds as much as flowers!
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DeleteMany happy birthday wishes.
ReplyDeleteThat fuschia is a wonderful colour.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan! Love the colors of nature!
DeleteLove the name and have never heard it before. What a neat plant. Glad it is a perennial. Happy Birthday to your FIL and I hope your stepmom gets better. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana! And your hubby is still in my prayers. x
DeleteHappy birthday, Peter.
ReplyDeleteAloha from Hawaii.
He will be so pleased to see your comment from Hawaii! Thank you.
DeleteOne's heart couldn't help but burst with love looking at those beautiful blossoms! :)
ReplyDeleteThe flower, the seeds and my loved ones!
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