The Visit

This year , I was able to visit with my son and daughter-in-law before Turkey Day . They'd flown in from from their new home out west to be with her family for Thanksgiving . Accommodations were arranged for me at a Victorian bed and breakfast called The Queen (how fitting ! teehee...) , where all was period-specific and gorgeous . There was even a slipper tub in the room that put the experience over the top , for sure ! After a sumptuous breakfast , I was taken to lovely places , including an antique co-op , where there were four floors of everything imaginable ( and some that defied description !) . A 1950's wicker hamper , with marbleized top , was secured for my best friend , along with a few other things"just made" for her . My coup was something noticed at the B&B the first morning at breakfast . Lying on the sideboard next to an assortment of teas exotic and enticing , was a blond wooden spoon . This was no ordinary spoon , boys and girls . Nooo , the object of my attention was hand carved in the Art Nouveau style...all curvy , like a stylized feather , beautiful and silky smooth . I enjoy certain textures and this was certainly one of the Top Ten ! It had been carved by the owner's husband , who had made some marvelous carved decorations for the inn , including the appropriate chess piece for the living room...a 5' queen ! He seemed truly surprised someone would admire his spoon , much less want to buy it ! None the less , a deal was struck and both parties went their ways , grins firmly in place !
The next morning was to include a sightseeing photo-op . One of my son's friends lived locally and was able to escort us to out-of-the-way places of beauty . The low clouds did nothing to deter us . The Victorians and stone homes were wonderful ! The loving care needed to bring them back to former glory , did nothing to mask their grace and beauty . I hope the photos turn out well !
This was the day of my return home and, after many hugs and tears that would not be totally controlled , the journey began . The weather was what the Irish call a "soft " day...mist enough to be seen , but not enough to soak your Aran sweater . As I got onto the main highway , clouds descended to shroud mountain tops and the linear shapes of tractor trailers became less distinct in the fog generated between a wet road and eighteen wheels . The long business of driving home , finally accomplished , had me greeted by the slightly peeved Ever Expanding Cat , who told me all about myself... forgiveness came when her treats appeared !
This was an experience to be savored over the gap before our next visit...always far too long from a mother's perspective ! Enjoy precious time with your families !