Maribeth Was Here, etc.

Maribeth & Katie, resting at home before Katie's surgery.

Maribeth & Alan

Maribeth & Alan were here this week, and we had a bit of a house-party. (Well, if you call placing them in separate rooms, "a party." You see, Maribeth is 6 feet tall, and Alan is 6'7". She has just recovered from surgery, and all we have here are double beds - so they had to split up for the nights.)

Maribeth & Alan got to spend some days with their kids, celebrating the end of the school year (and nearly the end of college, for their eldest). She helped her daughter pack up her things for the summer, and moved some boxes over to our house.

We had lunch in one of our favorite pubs, ate yam fries and celebrated her "homecoming." Whenever we walk down the main street of Bainbridge Island, MB is given a heroine's welcome. In the yarn shop, the coffee shop, on street corners, everywhere - "You're HERE!" is heard, with delight on all sides. She is greatly beloved - and missed - here.

After she and Alan left for a few days in Bellingham with their family, we got into the school brouhaha that I mentioned in earlier posts. There were some parties this weekend, as well. The first one was for a small group of mothers who are going to be "empty-nesting" in the fall. It was fun and festive to gather with our kids. The kids went out to a movie after a while, so we mothers stayed and talked about the school years, current school brouhaha (see the "Outrageous" posting below), and some fun stories from the past. We drank a toast, and celebrated the coming graduation this Friday. Well done, ladies! Your kids are wonderful, and the future looks bright for all of them. Thank you for including me.

Saturday night was an impromptu dinner with a fun group that always makes me laugh. There were dogs, kids, a grandchild, cousins and friends, sharing potluck and barbecue. The best. Alas, no photos. What would you do if there were two women named "Carol" at your party? Give them names to differentiate, of course. Though both were pretty ladies, one was dubbed "Pretty Carol" (I think that was a family name), and the other was "High-Flying Carol" (she's a flight attendant). I suggested "Mile-High Carol," but that was vetoed.

On Sunday, I had a speaking engagement (more about this in the posting above), and while I did that, Gregg and David shopped for David's college computer needs. As we were returning to the Island, we met Maribeth & Alan on the boat, on their way back from Bellingham. We stopped at our local pub for beverages, and then went to pick up everyone's favorite Thai food (Sawatdy's) for a feast back at home. We sat up late into the night, talking. It was soul-filling to be together again.

Today, our friends got up early, packed, and are now on their way back to Kansas City. I miss them, and am so thankful that when they do come to visit, we are able to host them here. We love you, MB & Big Al! Come again soon.