It Was A Great Week!!!

It was a great week!!! My niece and her fella came down from Oregon last Sunday and we had a wonderful visit. They stayed 'til Monday (Labor Day) afternoon and then we went to visit my husband's gravesite and they went on to Yosemite and Katie and I came home.

Justine is my husband's niece. She was raised by my father & mother-in-law. She's the same age as my daughter and another niece. She's one of the sweetest, most gentle people I know. This visit was extra special because we've only seen each other twice in the last 8 to 10 years; when my father-in-law passed away and when my husband passed away. Not optimum visiting conditions. Unlike the rest of the family who've never really forgiven me for selling our house, she understands my reasons and ... being the "outdoor" type, loved my little house and its surroundings in the woods, so did Jay, her fella. Sunday night we sat outside on the deck, under the trees, and enjoyed dinner, wine, memories and more memories. Talk about your 'blast from the past'.

The kids were planning to climb Half Dome on Tuesday so, since I live maybe 20 - 30 minutes south of Yosemite, Wednesday morning Katie and I drove to their campsite and spent the day with them. We hung out at the site for awhile and then drove to 'the valley'. We stopped at the viewing area outside the tunnel and at Bridal Veil Falls and they took pictures and we went on in to the valley for a late lunch/early dinner. It was jacket weather and a little overcast. At the tunnel, as we looked up at Half Dome we could see a shaft of sunlight work its way through the rocks and the mist. El Capitan was at its best, sharp and clear, and there was still some water falling at Bridal Veil. We drove back to the site and Kate & I headed out so we could get home before dark.

I move slowly and I travel with my dog. Not everyone's choice for favored aunt; but they were wonderful. If (when) we were a drag, they never let it show. To the contrary, they both seemed to enjoy her and gave this old lady 'warm & fuzzies' that she hasn't experienced in a good while. I miss the visits from family and this was a real heart-warmer for me. A really GOOD week! Thanks Justine & Jay!! We'll do it again, meanwhile - see you on F/B.