Mother's Day Weekend

Got back from the Bay Area last night and whew! It was a marvelous weekend. Lots of driving, but that was okay.

Ryan and I stayed at my apartment on Friday night and both did some work.  He worked until almost midnight, and I stopped trying to revise my short story at some point and went about my housework. We left around 7:30 in the morning, and on the way to the Grapevine, we saw a very odd cloud. It looked painted—a two-dimensional circle with brush strokes across it, perfectly horizontal.  For a little while, I added photos from my phone to my various Pinterest boards…

We also stopped at the Apricot Tree restaurant to use the restroom, and I got a slice of apricot pie to go. I liked it, and I must have eaten it in under a minute.  I had had a little blueberry muffin from Starbucks when we left, but I should have brought real snacks! We thought we could make it to San Jose, and then eat lunch, but a half hour away, in Gilroy, we stopped at In N Out. I’m glad we did that. I happen to like French fries more than I used to. Sometimes I wonder if my taste will change back!

I visited my family for about fifteen minutes—enough time to gobble down a tray of pretend cookies that Violet served, and show my Mama a picture of my new gafas (glasses) that I’ll pick up this week—then hit the road to Yountville.

My Grandma Kay lives 100 miles north of my parents. I went up to see her and had to stop on the way for coffee because I was feeling drowsy, and we all know that's dangerous. I think I will have to cut back on caffeine and focus on getting to bed on time! The past two nights, I hadn't done so.  I arrived at 5, and we went out for sandwiches, then visited at her place. Man, was it good to see her!  I told her all about my life and every desire of my heart, and listened to her insights and stories. I vowed to not let another year pass before seeing her again.

On the way home, I met up with Ryan at his cousin's house, and met some more of his family. I also made/ate a s'more. You all know how I feel about marshmallows.

Then on Mother's Day, Violet and I woke up and laid on my parents' bed with them and chatted. Violet gave her a card, and my mom and I watched these cute mama and baby seals on TV for a minute... the "nature moment" of Sunday Morning, which is a show I didn't know about.

Ryan and I went to visit my Grandma Mare, and we sat around eating strawberries and he played the piano a bit. I wondered if my Dad was impressed! Prior to this visit, they had only met for a quick handshake. I know my happiness is important to him, and I'm the happiest ever, so I'm not worried about it.

Then we went to Grandpa Ross and Marilyn's house. Fajitas, an apple cake, silliness... got to see my sister Hannah and my Uncle Nathan.  Left at 1:30, home in LA at 7:15.

When Ryan and I got home, we were pretty wiped out. I didn't think I could do anything but sleep, but somehow, we got ourselves together, and I finished the rest of my homework!  That's another reason I love this guy. He believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes. He holds me to a higher standard, and somehow I end up doing better than my best, when I would define my best on my own. 

Sola has her tail draped over my arm. Cuuuuute. I hope you all had a happy Mother's Day too!