Aren’t Family Connections Important?
This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time with a cousin that I have not seen in several years. She was born here, in Indiana, but my Aunt and Uncle had moved their family to California when our cousins were all young. Because I am the youngest of eight, my older siblings were closer in age to these cousins and knew them better than I.
My cousin, and her partner, are contemplating moving to Indiana after they retire in two years. They decided to use their vacation time here, hoping to get a feel for the different neighborhoods and areas available. Friday afternoon, I made the two-hour drive up to Fort Wayne where we all met for dinner and had a lovely and engaging chat for every bit of 3 1/2 hours. I was equally blessed to be accompanied to dinner by my daughter and her boyfriend. Bonus: Unbeknownst to me, the “Boyfriend” paid for all of our dinners and then politely excused himself to turn in for the night as he had to be up at 5am the next morning. I never even had a chance to thank him! Ladies ……… there are still gentlemen out there!
I was so angry with myself for not remembering to get a picture with my cousins when we said our goodbye’s, we had such a great time together catching up. Afterward, I returned to Baby Booger’s home to spend the night. She was anxious to show me around her new home as she had only moved in a few weeks prior. She had just gone out, the night before, to purchase a new mattress for the spare bedroom for me to sleep. She was planning on getting the spare room set up for guests at some point, but my trip accelerated that plan and I was extremely grateful for the luxurious gesture.
Mattress trumps futon …… Always!
And ……….. I woke up to a hot homemade breakfast of mini quiches.
Yummmmm …………
She is her Mother’s daughter!
Baby Booger and I spent the next day goofing around and shopping a bit. We’re both on a budget and, luckily, kept each other walking the straight and narrow. 🙂 We only stopped at two places, one of which was an asian grocery store where I introduced her to something that was fairly new to me as well. I bought a box of frozen strawberry flavored Mochi. My sister had familiarized me with them when we were in Chicago last July. If you have not tried these cute little frozen treats, don’t miss your chance if you ever come across them. You can also find a recipe for them on Allrecipes, which I fully intend on trying at some point.
A late lunch came next at a place called the Loving Cafe. Everything on the menu was vegan or vegitarian. It was very good and a place that Baby Booger had been wanting to try for a long time. It did not disappoint.
Then it was time for me to get on the road. I wanted to get back home to spend some time with Poo and his daughter, who was visiting from Chicago. I no sooner walked in the door and I was off again with them for additional merriment.
As we were driving out of the addition that I live in, we came across a scene that might be an everyday occurrence for many, but ………… not for me …………… and certainly not for a gal that lives in the Windy City!
They were right at the fence, so we HAD to do the “selfie” thing and, we HAD to use the cool new lens I bought for my camera.
We met up with Poo’s sister and her friend for dinner and, afterward, continued the fun on her front porch until late. Poo took over a few bottles of his first batch of home brew for everyone to try. It turned out pretty tasty. 🙂
We always have a great time together and the next day, I usually feel as if I did a strenuous ab workout the day before!
Sunday morning came to visit much sooner than requested, but after church, I did have the chance to sit back and relax. It was a long weekend but worth the late nights!
“Spend time with those you love because one day you will find yourself saying either, “I wish I had …….,” or “I’m glad I did …….”
xoxo – Katy