Well That Went Fast

How did 25 weeks pass so fast. It truly seems like just a couple of months ago when we were saying farewell to 2022.  Now we are just a couple of weeks until we are on the downhill side of the year. This year is flying by like greased lightning.

Saturday: We woke and did our usual rounds but this time with Son3 in tow.  We stopped briefly at the produce stand then went by O'Henry's coffee shop. I do not normally purchase coffee at a coffee house and will admit it was delicious, but we never would have done it if Son3 had not requested it. The reason we went there in the first place was to get their Conecuh sausage biscuit. Son3 and DIL3 get one every time they are in town. I had never had one and still haven't because they had sold out of them by the time we got there. Instead we went to La Conchita, a wonderful Mexican bakery in town.

Son3 was able to connect with some old friends and TheHub and I got a few more things done around the house. 

We had a veggie dinner, then crashed for the evening.

Sunday: It was a low key day, just enjoying the last of Son3's visit. He got everything from Mom's house placed in one spot in the basement so we can take it to them at some time later this summer. Not having to wrangle all of the things they wanted and having them in one place for easy loading is a supreme joy for me.

Son2 and DIL2 came to see him one more time before he left and ate dinner with us. I always love having them here.

Monday Son3 left, and shortly after, Son1's family returned from their weekend in North Carolina. The pool was calling them, and Pip was calling Uncle2 and Aunt2 to come join in. I am not sure how long they swam but we did not eat until about 9:15.

Tuesday: We had another swim day with everyone here! Yes is was seriously sunny and hot, but sunscreen and a lot of water made the day a lot of fun. Pip was happy, and especially happy that Uncle2 and Aunt2 stayed for dinner. I think she would have preferred that they stay here overnight instead of going to their own home.

Wednesday: This was the day the visit changed entirely. I had invited some of our neighbors to come swim with Pip. As it turned out only one of the girls wanted to swim and came with her Mom.  We sat by the pool and watched the girls swim when she got a call that her older daughter had gotten sick at camp and needed to be picked up. Of course I told her to leave her daughter, M, and we would watch her while they continued swimming. The girls hit it off so well that M stayed for lunch, more  swimming, then dinner. After dinner Son1 and DIL1 walked her home and Pip stayed at their house watching a movie until 11ish.  We were all amazed at how much they had in common.

Thursday: M and Pip met for a morning swim until M had to leave for a swimming lesson. Meanwhile M's sister and their mom came down for a quick dip in the water, so Pip had someone else to swim with. After S left, Pip was tired and watched TV while she rested___until the doorbell rang. It was M, ready to play. They goofed around in the house for a bit then went to M's house. Pip managed to wrangle a dinner invitation, they ate and played there until about 7:30. Meanwhile Son2 and DIL2 had come over. They all had a nice adult swim before we ate dinner. 

When the girls came back to my house M had a suitcase in tow ready for more swimming and a sleepover.

Everyone swam until about 9:30 then Uncle2 and Aunt2 left to go home and the girls got ready for bed. They had both had such busy days that by 10:30 they were sound asleep, believe it or not, serendipitously wearing identical nightgowns.

Friday: Pip and M  slept late and woke right as my cousin ,Deb came, with her two granddaughters. I honestly was afraid Pip and Mn would pair up and leave Mag and Lib , but I had nothing to worry about. All four girls swam and had fun until lunch. M had to run home because she had some things she had to do, which left just the 3, who played continually until 5. As soon as they left we all started getting ready for dinner at Food Bar. Though it does not sound like it would be the place to get fabulous food, it is. Their motto is "Not pretentious, just delicious" and it is the truth. If you are in Birmingham give them a try and you will not be left disappointed. 

Of course having Pip here this week was a huge joy, but having a wonderful week in addition to her being here is beyond joyous. They will leave Sunday afternoon and though I will miss them I could not have asked for a better week. I hope she will remember this as one fo those golden visits!

Look for your joys. They are present whether they are large (like this week) or small (like most of my weeks).

May all your weeds be wildflowers,

Anne