With All My Love

I had a wonderful trip to Boston. The flight out included a bit of Dorian over New York, more of a sideways wind vs. up and down turbulence. Leaving straight from work gets me to the airport with enough time to park in long term parking, take the shuttle to the terminal, and check in for the flights, this trip also included checking my bags in for free at the gate. I love walking on and off a plane with nothing in my hands. I was the only one in line for the rental car, and arrived on Deacon St.around 1 a.m. with Dad up waiting for me.

Saturday morning I accompanied Mom to a wedding reception mid morning, where I found Aaron.Bonus! When we arrived home Jen was waiting. She accompanied me to see Sara at her cute French restaurant, and Rachael at her library. When we returned home, both our parents were sleeping. Which you can do when you're retired, have fifty grandchildren, and approaching 80 years of age. We went on a glorious, long fall walk, via Aaron, circling around to find our parents awake on the back porch in their new furniture. We decided to grill hamburgers for dinner, and my twin and I were off again, for onion rings, and a few items from Lowes. I always love catching up with Tommy when I'm in town. The burgers were great, the rings amazing, the black raspberry ice cream yummy, and the company wonderful. We played Five Crowns, with Aaron, Rachael and Anna, as well. I squeaked out with a win with Anna in a close second.

Sunday morning I drove myself to the Worcester Ward to hear Aaron in a high councilor assignment to speak in sacrament meeting. What a treat! I have listened to many, many high councilors over the years, and was enthralled with Bro. Hutchins. He doesn't read a talk, he makes eye contact, he has humor, he shares poignant stories about himself and others, and beautifully taught on his subject of ministering. My favorite part of his talk was when he referenced his favorite scripture in Acts 3:1-7 where the lame man was seeking alms from Peter. He said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." So often what we inherently have been given, or developed, is enough for those whom we minister. Including the Priesthood.  I would travel all over the stake to listen to him. And I got a good bye hug to boot.

The Marlborough Ward was next, and I was surprised to find Becky waiting for us in the chapel. I guess I thought I'd see her after church. What fun to hold sassy pants the whole meeting. She's strong, stubborn, wiggly, and adorable. Liam also made it clear he wanted to be held. Becky's one lucky mother, and so good at what she does.

Rachael offered to host a lunch to gather with family. So kind. And so yummy. Jen and Roger, Ann Bach, Aunt Shirley, Mom and Dad, Sara and Anna, Becky and myself. Not too much testosterone around the table but loads of good times and food.

Rich and Aaron were in Cambridge on a regional training, so how fun he had to drive by Deacon St. enroute to Connecticut. He regaled us with the wonderful stories of the evening, Aaron's question that changed the whole tenure of the meeting, and other late dinner niceties. It was good to see him.

It was fun listening to all the phone calls come in from family members Sunday evening. They got comfortable in their chairs, and went from conversation to conversation. Learned Greg has Dale Murphy in his ward, who was trying to make lunch arrangements with the folks while they were in Utah. Learned Hunter might be dating Elder Holland's grand daughter. Jarrod misses me but is happy to share. Porter is more than willing to pass along any and all tax information related to you and your house via his BYU class. Cooper got a bit sick this week. Breyer was running for her class representative and had a speech to write. Miller misses my food. Sawyer misses clean clothes. The dog is still shedding. A lot. And I am still allergic to poison ivy.

Monday was manly to-do's. I mowed the lawn, which was a manly no-no. I carried down two shelving units Dad's putting together to house his DVD collection. Also a manly no-no. The day ended on a manly yes-yes when Dad decided we needed to go out to eat, and as Aaron was home alone, he came and picked Bertucci's. Very yummy. Good company, good food, good way to end my visit.

Dad got to see Sawyer play in a pre-season basketball weekly tournament. He said Sawyer did really well, and they got some good clips. Definitely worth the drive, as compared to last week's playing time. Sawyer didn't play much in the summer league so the fill-in coach-parent had him sitting a lot. With the coach on the sidelines. I guess he expressed some interest in seeing Sawyer play. He did hit two out of three three's, plus a few put backs.

Until next week -

Mom