So at 3:30 am in Kawasaki, Japan, Italy and California are on my mind. Jet lag will do that to a person, spin the mind like a globe. I was just thinking that since Christmas in the UK, not including Kevin’s constant travels to Ukraine and Poland, and Tatum’s foray into Florida, we’ve also been to Florence, Roma and Pisa and Oakland, Sausalito and Carmel. And Madagascar, but that’s a different thing. Lucky us. Some photos follow from Tatum’s spring break school trip and our West Coast wanderings.
First, Tatum and Aiden go to Italy. They visited Rome, Siena, Pisa, Florence…all magical. Although it must be said that Tatum called on day one begging to come home because the school chaperones marched the underslept students for hours from the get go and they were exhausted and cranky. But in the end, I think it’s fair to say she’s glad she got to go. She marked the moment with a permanent reminder. On her forearm.
Meanwhile, Finn, Clara and I ventured west, with out much-needed Thornhill fix to have some of Mom’s strawberry shortcake, Doug’s salmon, spring daffodils and walks into the hills. We spent hours looking at old family photos that Uncle Ron brought over and had dinner at the former train station where Buppy returned after WWII.
We also got some fun quality time in Sacramento to celebrate Bridgey’s birthday and discover the joys of the go-kart, thanks to Rob.
Robin and David kindly let us soak in the beautiful Carmel coast as well. I was flooded with memories of Mendicino when we explored the tide pools. Finn followed David on a five-mile run along the shore and was highly rewarded when David called him a beast. Every time David turned around, no matter how many steps his long legs had leapt up, Finn was right behind him with a smile. Clara is ready to move to California anytime, in heaven with the views, the sunshine and the lifestyle.
For me, visiting family and friends is the best part. We got to be at my mom’s house, be with my youngest niece on her birthday, and see heart friends Robin and David and the Pauls. Zora is astonishing: she goes to the gym every day after school. And before school. And she has a job in Marin. While organizing prom. Gloriann is tackling hip surgery with her usual laugh it off approach. And John and April are watching the higher ed world flounder in the face of political and technology assaults with their usual shrug it off good humor and taking refuge in nature. It’s good to have role models.
@theterrace 