An Ideal Day

It involves lunch with a friend, cotton candy and new shoes. On Monday I went to the SuperMall to meet my friend who was visiting from Hawaii. Her son is getting married this summer, so this was their last Mother/Son trip. I had not seen her for 12 years. I saw her briefly on Sunday when she gave me a wonderful tote bag she had sewn and of course some chocolate covered macadamia nuts.

We sat in the food court and visited for an hour. We chatted about all the people she used to know when she lived in Kent, where everyone lived now, who was married, divorced, having kids. It was just like I've been seeing her all the time in the last 12 years. I'm so glad we've stayed in touch through email, Christmas and Birthday cards.

After our lunch visit, I made a quick stop at the Naturalizer Shoe Outlet store where I found me some great new summer sandals. On my way out I bought a pink cotton candy at the carousel and ate it all the way home.

It was a lovely day.

Family Time

Last week was my annual "sister's trip" to Utah. It began on Wednesday when I flew into Salt Lake City. An hour later my two sisters from Idaho were also at the airport. My daughter picked us up and we met our cousin for lunch. Turns out our waiter happened to be my cousin's nephew by marriage. They hadn't seen each other for a number of years.

After lunch my daughter drove us to Springville which is south of Salt Lake City. It was a cold, windy day so we did not get a chance to visit the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.

We had pizza for dinner that night and my daughter returned home to West Jordan. My sister lives with her son and two daughters. We sleep in the living room and have a great time staying up late, watching movies and reading.

The next two days were spent doing spring cleaning at her house. We visited the local quilt shop for new ideas and inspiration.

Saturday we took my niece's car to Manti to visit my Aunts and Uncles and cousins. My Aunt hosts us at her home and we have lunch. Whoever is available will come and join us. This year there were about 10 or 12 of us.

We also take the time to stop by the cemetary where our parents are buried.

Saturday night my daughter picked us up. We went to Johnny Carino's for dinner then spent the evening playing Guitar Hero and American Idol on Wii.

Sunday morning it was off to the airport to take my sisters. I spent the day with my daughter and her husband. We had a great day. Monday morning I flew home.

Luckily I got a three day work week. I've been catching up on my sleep and laundry.

Next vacation is the cabin trip in June. Looking forward to it.