Ilene woke me up at 9:30am. I had heard some noises in the house, but I was so groggy from the Nyquil that I was able to just turn over and fall back to sleep. I jumped in the shower and that made me feel better. I packed my suitcase, and was getting ready to leave when Joe called and said to come a little later, so I had a few minutes to hang out and talk before I departed.
It felt kind of sad, because I knew I wouldn’t be back very soon. It was wonderful to be here in California, because for the past year and a half I got to see my cousins a handful of times and that was very special. They very rarely come to NY and sometimes when they do we can’t all get together anyway, because their family is far upstate and they may not be in my vicinity at all. So, it was wonderful to get to spend a few weekends with my cousins, and I love them all very much.
I went to Joe and Miguel’s apartment and got to meet Leo, their new beagle puppy. He is SO adorable. He’s shy, so he doesn’t come near you when you first come in and then he kind of teases you, and runs near you, and then runs away when you try to pet him. He finally warmed up to me and I got to pet his sweet head and feel his velvety ears. His coloring is so cute. He’s got brown, black and white and he’s just precious!
Joe and Miguel gave me a fabulous gift. They looked at my website and found a vase I had decoupaged with butterfly pictures. Miguel took all the pictures from the vase and photoshopped it into the shape of a butterfly, which looked really beautiful. Then, they printed it out and joe took it to a place that transferred it onto a t-shirt! So, I had a t-shirt with an art piece that Miguel had created, using art from MY decoupage!
I just loved it and was so touched, because I knew it must have taken a lot of time, energy and talent to put it all together. I can’t wait to wear it and promise to post a photo when I do!
As usual, they also gave me a STARBUCKS card (they know what I love!) and Joe wrote on the inside that it was to be used at the airport on Friday night. Perfect! They think of everything!
We went to our favorite place for brunch – The Alcove, which is a great outdoor place with lots of tables with umbrellas and delicious food. They brought Leo, so I got a chance to see him a bit more. He’s a good boy and didn’t cause any trouble while we ate, although Miguel had to hold the leash the whole time, and I don’t know how he managed to eat, but he did!
We had a great time. It’s always wonderful to see them. I love these boys so much. They’re so sweet and wonderful, and funny, and great to be with. Joe and I go back about 30 years, but even though I’ve only known Miguel for a bit more than a year I love him, too. They’re the best!
They treated me to a delicious meal. I had the salmon quesadilla, with fresh fruit and an iced tea. I couldn’t finish it, so I got to bring it home with me and had the rest for dinner!
After our meal I drove back in Miguel’s car with them to their apartment and then got in my rental (black Chevy Cobalt) and drove home. I was kind of paranoid and made sure there wasn’t a car in front of me or in back of me for about 200 feet!!!! I didn’t hit much traffic and was home by 4:00pm.
I thought I’d be so tired that I would take a nap, but it never happened. I started unpacking and doing things around the apartment. I played with Conrad for a while. I was so worried about him while I was gone, but of course he was fine. Birds are great, because you can leave them for 3-4 days without worrying, as long as they have enough food and water. I was wondering if he was lonely, because I was gone for so long, and he’s used to having me around a lot, but I don’t really think birds have a concept of time, so I didn’t feel TOO guilty!
Anyway, it felt good to be back in my own bed, and I got a good night’s sleep without any assistance! Even though I had the accident on Friday, it turned out to be a great weekend. Ilene and I accomplished exactly what we set out to do. I got to see my cousins and spend some quality time with them. I got to see Joe and Miguel, and got a chance to meet Leo. I definitely would rather NOT have had the accident, but even though I did, the weekend wasn't ruined and everything worked out okay!