Rest Stop

Goodbye Chicago

Hello San Diego

The sweetest road-side strawberries.

Before Christmas I got a call from Leanne asking if I'd be interested in joining her on a mini-vaca to visit our friend Vickie in San Diego.  I surprised myself at how little I hesitated before saying "yes".   She may not know it, but Leanne has always been a force of awesome instigating in my life.  It's been a while since I've spent any significant time from the family.  My memory doesn't even seem to stretch that far.  But now that I've returned after a three night reprieve I'm feeling resolved to do this again, and soon.  I had no idea how much I needed this.  It wasn't so much the rest and relaxation, although that was nice.  It was time spent with friends, being Sarah.  Leanne and I arrived late Thursday night, delayed by the monsoon rains that swept through the Midwest.  Frankly it was a miracle that we were able to get to the airport, let alone fly.  We settled into Vickie's master bedroom late Thursday night, three friends fighting the urge to let sleep take over.  Friday morning we were greeted by eighty degree weather and sun so bright I had to shield my eyes for several minutes, even behind my Ray Bans.  It was glorious.  We ate a leisurely breakfast (salmon, poached eggs, potatoes and freshly squeezed lemonade) and went about our days without plans.  Saturday was much the same.  We hungrily talked as if starved for uninterrupted conversation.  With eight kids between the three of this, phone calls are scarce.  We happily absorbed the sun and each others company, desperate to catch up.  Leanne and I returned to Chicago yesterday.  I came home to fresh baked brownies, clean counter tops, a checked off grocery list and laundry in the drawers (lucky, lucky me).  While making dinner last night, I absently pushed veg around the saute pan and I contemplated the week ahead.  Work stuff, house stuff, kid stuff, repeat.  My mind drifted to my friends.  I thought of Leanne back at work; walking the halls of the hospital.  I imagined Vickie coaxing her four kids into their pajamas after a long day.  And I thought about how I hoped this weekend will carry me/us for a while.  At least until next time.  Jerry left before 4 a.m. this morning to catch a flight to his next meeting; somewhere I don't recall...south, I think?  The coffee maker was doing it's thing by 7:15.  By 7:30 we're preschool bound.  A new week has started.  Only this Monday, my sunburned shoulders sting under my scratchy sweater...and I smile.  On your marks, get set, resume go.          
p.s. Vickie, send me pics please!