Tag: Family visits

Taking a Big Breath

Dear Liza,

After days of preparation, Thursday was the Go To Day for Thanksgiving. The turkey thighs went into the slow cooker, the mince tarts came out of the fridge, and Auntie Bridgett’s spicy sweet yams went into the oven.

I am sorry to say I didn’t take any pictures of the cooking…. I was busy cooking! I really get into the process and sort of forget to photo document.

When Auntie Katie and the Cousins came, they brought two delicious pies and a turkey shaped challah bread. What a feast!

When we had eaten and chatted, had wine and desserts, we played some guitar, made each other laugh, and watched a movie none of us had ever heard of! Mouse took advantage of some company lap time.

Auntie Katie’s buddy Kitty recommended “Strange Magic”, an animated story about fairies and elves, with modern music and a wry sense of humor. It was just what was needed.

Cousin Kestrel got into her drawing, as usual. She has such a way with a pencil! And Cousin Jasper, using his just-a-few-days-early 12th birthday present, played a game of chess with Grandpa Nelson.

When we were all fed and worn out, we went to our own beds and slept like logs.

It was a lovely, loving Thanksgiving.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Heading South

Dear Jasper and Kestrel,

I usually write this blog to your cousin Liza, but I was with her this weekend, so I will tell you two all about it.

It was your Uncle David’s birthday, so Grandpa Nelson and I took a plane (for the first time in three years!) down to Monterey to help him celebrate. In these Covid times, it was a little scary getting into an enclosed space with so many strangers. But everyone kept their masks on, and the plane wasn’t even very full.

We had a lovely lunch at the Crazy Horse Golf and Country Club.

This very pretty place is owned by Uncle David’s boss Don Chapin and is a perfect place to eat, play with Grandpa Nelson’s hat, or to show how far you can jump.

We drove into town and spent the rest of the day playing catch, eating yummy cheese and crackers, and catching up on family stories with Uncle David and Auntie Olga. This is the sort of dinner visit we used to have every Wednesday evening, and I have missed them!

When the evening was over, we borrowed Uncle David’s car and drove to the Monterey Hotel on Alvarado Street. This place is over a hundred years old! For this evening, however, that didn’t matter. We had flown, driven, eaten and drank all we could, and it was time to sleep.

Whew! That was Friday, and a mighty full day it was. I will tell you about Saturday tomorrow!!

Love,

Grandma Judy