Then it was a mini college reunion as I headed off to Annapolis area with Joanne to visit Emily who had just had a little adorable baby boy a month ago. I was amazed how normal she was. I think I’d be a complete mess: physically, mentally and emotionally. This was her second but I don’t know if that really means anything. I had to chuckle at one point where Joanne was a little confused how we knew so much about each other’s lives – it was all thanks to the blogging. Another reason to write about yourself!
I had a nice stay with Joanne and her husband Kevin. Kevin and I ended up hanging out on Monday while Joanne was at work which was another pleasant surprise. Of course I had naively scheduled the time to get some work done, but much rather preferred socializing. I was on vacation so no guilt (ok, there was some as I had just taken almost two weeks off being very ill with vertigo).
And then it was family time, my Dad and step-mum picked me up on their way down to Richmond where we got to visit with my step-sister Karin and her fiancé Adrian. It was a busy time of preparations. First it was preparing for the Thanksgiving/Wedding celebration for Thursday. My brother-in-law is Peruvian and the wedding was just close family. A small celebration with my step-mum officiating in the dining room. It was great having a chance to meet the Peruvian in-laws and I love the food! I really really need to learn Spanish now. And then a quick breather before preparing for the baby shower and mother blessing for Karin that was on Saturday in Staunton and Charlottesville. We got to stay at family friends while in Staunton. It’s a crazy house – very incongruous, at first glance, with the couple who owns it. It’s this old large house sitting up on a hill overlooking the rolling land of the Virginia hills. Unfortunately, since the last time I visited, the development has been encroaching on their peaceful homestead. This time we learned the house was originally three separate buildings (from the early 1800s maybe even late 1700s) that got connected over the years. And it’s filled with an eclectic array of decorations in the ornate, high-ceilinged rooms.
Lastly, but not leastly, as I was packing to come back home last night, I get a call from Cece. I got a little scared at first – she’s due on Wednesday and her voice was a little scratchy. But it was good news – two new baby girls happy and healthy, just a little anxious to join us in this world. So you know what I’m doing tonight after I drop my suitcase at home – hopping in the car to visit Cece and the girls. No red hair like my god son, but you never know, I’m still hopeful. Oh, and this morning when I got into work the big announcement was a colleague of mine had just gotten engaged over the weekend to her Swedish boyfriend. When it rains, it pours!
