Happy trails

Just back from my whirlwind trip to California, where I enjoyed a long overdue visit with family and friends. I have a large family, so it required some logistical footwork to squeeze in get-togethers with everyone, but I managed somehow and we all had a blast. One of the highlights of the trip was hanging out with my sister Karen in the chef-worthy kitchen of her new dream house. We spent a day cooking up a storm for the big family feast that evening, which was attended by other family members, including my two grand-nieces, one of whom I met for the first time. What a doll baby!

Among other highlights was the 47th year reunion of my elementary school class. Whoa, Nellie, are we really that old! Seeing all the wrinkles and gray hairs I was reminded of the passage of time and felt all the more grateful for the time we have left on this earth. Conversation was dominated by talk of children getting married, births of grandchildren, and deaths of elderly parents. Yes, we are solidly in the baby-boomer age group! It was fun seeing everyone, though, and we had some laughs.

Another highlight was a trip down “memory lane” with my old friend and former neighbor Tom. Tom and I grew up together on Roan Place, in Woodside, California, he at one end of the cul-de-sac and me at the other. A drive up to the old ‘hood resulted in a serendipitous encounter with the present owners of my former abode. They were gracious enough to give us a tour, and it was fun seeing the house in its current incarnation. I was struck by two things: How small it is! How did a family of 8 ever fit into a house that size? (The pool and outdoor patio is what saved us). Also, the bathroom tile in the master bath is still the same. I guess it must be considered vintage by now. Yikes! Anyway, it was a true trip and Tom and I enjoyed reminiscing along the way.

The photo is one I call “Endless Love” because it looks as if we’re singing a duet (meant ironically, of course; we are nothing but the best of friends) More later on the class reunion itself…


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