My cup runneth over…
All week I anticipated with delight the arrival of my three daughters, all from Calgary, and my oldest daughter’s fiance. Although I was quite ill with a cold on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I was joyful.
The girls were visiting for the occasion of their paternal Grandmother’s 90th birthday. I was told that a good time was had by all during the afternoon open house and dinner party on Saturday. What a happy occasion for that side of the family.
Although I didn’t attend any of the events, I did run into some cousins of my “ex” while shopping in the local wine store. I spoke to the “girl” cousin (my age) whom I recognized, and then was greeted enthusiastically by the three guys… other cousins. A great deal of hugging and catching up happened right then and there, and then we went our separate ways, having made a plan to meet for breakfast on Sunday morning.
On Saturday night, we entertained friends for a casual roast chicken dinner, and we had a lovely visit. My daughters and Merv had stopped in before the tea, came back before the birthday supper downtown, and then returned afterward. Therefore, they were able to meet our other guests, and that also was fun.
This morning we went to Sunday breakfast as usual, but joined a large contingent of the visiting “ex-relatives” in the restaurant. There seemed so much to say, and so many laughs to share that the morning passed too quickly. Gary and I came home and did some ordinary chores and visited with all three girls and Merv again.
In the early afternoon, the cousins and aunt who were at breakfast showed up, apologizing (needlessly) for stopping without calling. They wanted to see where we live, and had a little tour of the yard, I gave them a jar of jam each, and then they were on their way again. There was an all-day barbecue at the farm where my ex still lives, with his wife and son. I sent a small cheesecake with the girls and Merv, which would hopefully help just a bit with feeding all the family members.
So this weekend has been WONDERFUL, filled with great visits with family, friends and even awesome dogs (Shelly brought hers, and we have some nice boarders as well.). One of the cousins remarked to me, “You have a really nice life here, don’t you, Ann…”. He couldn’t have said it more succinctly.
I felt today that I was so blessed to have Gary, loving daughters and soon-to-be son-in-law, many “ex-in-laws” who still think well of me, our place in the mountains, and so much more.
Love, Ann
