Sound Bites & Snap Shots

As I alluded to on Friday, my sweet husband sent me off to spend some more quality time with my grandparents.  There was no nightmare or message from a guardian angel that I should go visit.  It was just encouragement from my husband that prompted the trip.  I did this once last year and it was really great. 

I arrived Friday just before lunch and was greeted by Mom and plenty of sunshine.  Lots and lots of sunshine.  It was wonderful to have left the cold and grey behind for a weekend.  There were so many convertibles on the road and I knew  Mason would enjoy this one with R2D2.

My trip was full of ordinary moments but what made it special was the people with whom I shared them with.  I want to remember it with little anecdotes and random photos. 

Mom and I made a quick stop at Trader Joe’s and Home Goods before returning to the house for lunch with my dad.  There was easy conversation to be had over tuna salads.  Then my parents drove me over to my grandparents’ house to surprise them.  They had had a busy day with a doctor’s appointment and lunch out and they were just resting when I arrived.  My aunt, grandparents and I visited for the afternoon until it was time for everyone to wind down for the night.  Truth be told, I might have been the most tired after my 3:30 AM CST wake-up and drive to St. Louis.  Before I crashed, my parents and I enjoyed a nice dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Rey. 

Over the duration of this trip, a pair of socks had my attention.  I spent my travel time from St. Louis to Los Angeles working steadily on it.  I finished the first one up to the place where the toe is grafted and closed.  This pair is a gift for someone special who is more than due for one of my hand knits.

Saturday morning I woke up and transferred the photos Bill had sent to me from my phone to my iPad.  I knew my grandma would enjoy seeing what the boys were up to in a larger format.  With the iPhone and the iPad, I can air drop them.  It was like magic. 

Mom and I went to breakfast with her friend, Rachelle, and then joined some others friends of theirs.  We returned to the bargain fabric store I went to last time and had lunch at a really good Mongolian BBQ.  By the time we arrived at my grandparents’ house, it was early afternoon and my aunt and cousin were in the midst of preparing a meal to share for dinner. 

While we visited, I sat and knit.  I knit and knit and knit.  Conversation flowed so easily and naturally and we all just let it go wherever it wanted. In the words of Matthew Kelly, what we shared was carefree timelessness.  It was wonderful.  I learned all kinds of things I didn’t know about my aunt.  I knew she was crafty but I didn’t realize she used to paint ceramics.

My cousin Deana spearheaded a super dish which she called Homemade Chipotle Bowls.  She made salsa from scratch—even charred the peppers to add extra flavor—and served it with chicken, beans, cheese, rice, corn and avocado.  Talk about amazing!  I didn’t know that she had a passion for furniture renovation.  She showed me pictures of a pink chair that sat in my grandmother’s kitchen for years.  It now resides in her home; it’s totally different and 100% chic.  Who knew?

My grandma was just as sweet as always.  She just sat, smiled and soaked it all in.  She didn’t talk much but I could tell she was in a happy place.  It always touches me how my grandmother revels in the spirit of company and having her kitchen full of family gave her joy.   She listened to the laughter between my parents, cousin, aunt and me and all the stories we shared.  I could tell she was so content. 

My grandfather  too did a lot of sitting in his chair with us.  I could see that his life has slowed down quite a bit but inside he was still full of energy and plans.  I know he has his good days and his better days.  He apologized for not being more interactive but I knew that he appreciated me being there just as I enjoyed his company.

Sunday my dad and I went to Mass at St. Anastasia where I was married almost twenty years ago.  We sat near one of my dad’s former students.  It was funny to think that my dad was Evelio’s teacher since “that student” is a grown man who probably has grandkids too.  Evelio and I bonded over the fact that he lived for a brief time in Indianapolis after he emigrated from Cuba.  He could still rattle off the address of his home there even though he had lived there as a young child.   His wife and I chatted about Matthew Kelly and Cuban food. They were such a lovely couple and they have promised me a seat at their table on an upcoming trip for authentic Cuban meal.

My dad’s Sunday routine involves church and then a trip to Whole Foods.  He and I grabbed a cup of coffee and strolled the aisles.  I had not been to Whole Foods in many years and this particular one was giant.  Talk about overload!  I drank in the colors and textures.

Take for instance, this Romanesco broccoli.  Isn’t it striking?

I couldn’t get over the gorgeous presentation of these desserts.  I devoured that mango tart with my eyes.

After lunch at home, my dad took me over to my grandparents’ house and I spent a few more hours with them.  Just more carefree timelessness.  My mom and dad picked me up and we went off for dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant.  It was, of course, delicious.  I love a good chile relleno. 

The boys received these mini figures at Christmas but they each sent one home with my parents.  I thought they would like to know that my parents see them each and every day. 

Monday morning came so quickly.  Mom and I had a lovely breakfast together and I said goodbye to my dad who was off for a golf engagement. It was a bright morning when she dropped me off at LAX for my return home.  I boarded my plane full of love and joy, feeling renewed and rejuvenated. 

The recap would not be complete without a sock update.  By the time I landed in St. Louis, that second sock was well on its way to the point of turning the heel.  When I started it Saturday morning, it was just above the ribbing at the bottom.  I was pleased with my progress. 

I am grateful for my family both in my home and in my hometown for making my trip possible.  I am truly blessed.