SilverLinden of Flourish, part 1

I'm taking advantage of a temporary lull in the festivities to post about yesterday. One couldn't have asked for a prettier day--blue skies, calm, and the sun just warm enough. The Diva longed to go to the Lake Michigan beach, and since they won't be leaving until Tuesday, most likely, she thought the kids wouldn't mind being put back in the car for an hour. We packed up towels, water, apples, beach umbrella and chairs (having all these strong young people available means not having to travel light) and drove to the beach that's about an hour away. The Diva loves to be in the water as much as I do. She just can't stay in quite as long, because she is slender and accustomed to warm weather, whereas I'm well-padded and still a northerner! Calm water isn't the rough fun of waves, but it has its own benefits. It's crystal clear and silky, reticulated with lovely embroideries of reflected sun ripples. You can dive and float freely, without getting whacked by the waves. We played in the water for a long time, while the rest of the family took some quick dips and then relaxed in the sun onshore. The Diva and I worked a tricky crossword puzzle, her new hobby.

As the afternoon waned, there were too many noisy boats driving past en route to the marina, and too many rude people who came and parked themselves in front of us. But that's okay, because it made it feel all right to go home. We made the traditional stop at the Whippi-Dip for ice cream. They had a big sign advertising different kinds of fully loaded hot dogs, and some were tempted, but the Diva and I had the bright idea of going home and creating our own. When we got there, she suggested that the parental units take a nap while she shopped for the hot dog makings. Heresy!! I was sure I didn't need a nap, but decided that the Sparrowhawk would comply if I went with him. When I woke up, he was already downstairs, and the Diva was almost done cooking hot dogs, bratwurst, broccoli, salad, mac and cheese, and all the fixings. She's a genius! We toasted their 17th wedding anniversary. What a great day THAT was!

After dinner, I sat with her while she sorted through her box of things from the storage unit. Lots of amazing, funny, and sweet memories. Then we walked the dogs, and finally admitted we were baffled by the crossword puzzle, and went to bed.

Today, she and Kansas decided to take the time to go visit my mother--so sweet of them! We're left in charge of the boys and dogs. Ol' Grandad made some more bacon, in case Muffinhead and Angelbaby get up anytime in the near future.

SilverLinden of Flourish, part 2

I didn't sleep well at all last night, and I don't know why--possibly worrying about the Diva's plan to go see Grandmother in the morning. I didn't really want to make the trek again, and I wasn't sure if I should interfere anyway, because having me there would change the dynamic. So I thought I should offer, but there was a lot of uncertainty. I got up quickly so I could be ready if she wanted company after all. And then it turned out that she and Kansas had settled it already that they would both go, which was ideal and made my internal fussing unnecessary!

The Sparrowhawk and I got to stay and watch over the boys and dogs. Not that the young'uns need watching--they are responsible young men, and besides, they slept a lot. Once they were up, the Sparrowhawk followed the suggestion left by their parents that the kids should help him mow the lawn. They mowed the back yard, and trimmed the edges in the front. Then the Sparrowhawk drove them to the bookstore to get some reading material for their trip and however long they might have to do without power. I hung out with the dogs, because they seemed to be feeling anxious about life. Their names are Porter and Clementine, and they are really well behaved, sweet doggies, but when Kansas isn't there, they get worried by strange sounds and people.

My mother was absolutely thrilled to see the Diva and Kansas. They took her out to lunch, which she greatly enjoyed. On the phone in the evening, she told me they were "such beautiful people"--which is indeed true. We decided to have leftovers of choice for dinner--but I couldn't resist cutting up the chicken to make chicken salad. The Sparrowhawk used the broth from the bones to make an asparagus soup that was universally voted delicious. We watched "Big Night," one of the Diva's favorite movies. Now I'm just so disturbed that I cannot make lasagna bolognese that will be so good people can't live in this world any more after eating it! My cooking is just a sham compared to that of Primo as played by Tony Shalhoub.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Nurse had texted to see if she and her husband could come over to visit with the Diva. I was going to make cookies, but by the time the movie was over, I thought they weren't coming, so no cookies. But then they showed up! It was great to see them and for the cousins to catch up. The Diva was the only cousin who couldn't make it to Dr. Nurse's wedding, so it was very nice for the groom to meet her and vice versa. I promised to make them cookies next time.