Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Cough, Cough, Achoooo!

Anna, who celebrated turning six during their vacation!

My original intent was to be back by yesterday but a cold has had me down.  The brain didn't even work yesterday except to begin catching up on laundry.  I felt so smug, having not come down with a cold through the winter and then it hits in the hottest week of the year so far.

Fortunately, I didn't begin to feel so bad until the day before our New England family returned home.  We had a wonderful time together.  It is always good to spend time with my bff (that being my daughter, Stephanie), our son-in-law, and the kiddos.  Two of whom are now in their teens.  How did that happen?

I had frozen a meatloaf (doubling my recipe and pressing it into a 9 x 13" pan), a casserole, and formed chocolate chip cookie dough, and two double batches of shortbread dough the week before to make meals at home easier.   The two main dishes were transferred to the refrigerator the day before we would need them to start defrosting. That helped get two last minute meals on the table so much faster.

Stephanie took me shopping for two new cute outfits, we had family photos taken, there was a baby shower for Mrs. Christopher, one day was spent at an amusement park, two mornings my daughter and I were able to slip out to our favorite coffee shop on campus, the rest of the family spent the day at South Haven, and in between all of that there were lots of family activities.

Hmmm... that may explain coming down with a cold.  But it was worth it.  ;)

There was an interesting combination of miscommunication, bad service at a favorite restaurant near the amusement park, lots of glitches at the amusement park itself on their opening day, and general chaos when a lot of people come together in a small-ish house.  However, we ended up with lots of great memories.

I couldn't help but recall Edith Schaeffer's words in What Is a Family, when she wrote about their annual family reunion (and they had a whole lot more people than we did coming together).  It seemed there was always something interesting to remember that the family laughed about later.

I'm hoping to write a Book Talk this week.  If my brain is less fuzzy.  The coughing has finally lessened to where I can sleep through the night.  Thinking clearly comes next.  One can hope.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Missed you last week but glad you had some quality family time. Feel better soon. Blessings, Sharon D.

Anonymous said...

So sorry you ended up catching a cold, but so glad to hear you made lots of fun memories and enjoyed your time together with your family. Looking forward to hearing more! Take care.....
Blessings,
Laura C. (WA)

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Be well, Brenda! I spent the last weekend at Chautauqua with most of my offspring and their families. Andy had to work but everyone else was there including four grandchildren who have rather loud if quickly resolved "disputes" fairly frequently. And they are "rather loud" when there are no problems, either! I love them all, but I see my everyday life is pretty quiet these days. I imagine you experienced some of the same (what, culture shock?)! But I'm sure neither of us would give up a moment. How wonderful that you were all able to be together!

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

Hope you feel better soon. So glad you had that wonderful week with your family. Ours is coming in five days!! Two grandsons to play with!
Now you have the pleasure of waiting for a new grandchild, exciting.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Glad you all had a memory making time together! Sorry about that cold!

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

Poor dear! Summer colds are no fun! I hope you feel strong and well soon!

Susan Humeston said...

I can imagine what a wonderful visit you had with your daughter and your grandchildren - and your son-in-law, of course. Sharing time together, her helping in the kitchen to get the dinners you had pre-prepared on the table. The whole family together for more memories. I'm so happy for you - and now you can rest and treasure it all up in your heart for a while.