We got to play Grandpa’s last week.  Chris and the kids came up for a visit.  Andrea’s in school and needed a well deserved break.  We don’t see them very often and kind of fall out of practice between visits.  Our house is so low energy and low volume normally.  Add kids and stir.  Little miss Vivian is the most girlie girl I have ever seen.  She dresses her self  in dresses mostly and lots of color and sparkle.  She  has always been very strong willed.  I think she’s actually mellowing with age.  She is just a kick to be around.  Oscar is very agreeable and sweet.  He’s all boy.  He’s one of those kids that would stick a bucket over his head and then ram things.  He loves to snuggle and is very patient.  It’s fun to watch my son be a good father.  He’s very playful, but at the  same time , he’s consistent and fair.  The kids are very polite(which goes a long way with me) but we had to shift our normally very spicy food into kids stuff.  Macaroni and cheese is of course a favorite.                                                            

Their Dad took them to the River and paddled around in boats.  They went to the spooky forest.  They went to the Candy Store, and I even went with them to San Francisco.  We took the Ferry from Sausalito.

Great  times, great kids, great Dad.  Thanks Chris.

We just got back from a candy convention at the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield Ca.  It was by and for Powells owners.

It all started so innocently.  People at the cocktail party on the first night, just socializing and reacquainting, band playing, people in good clothes, that sort of thing.  I started noticing that all these people could talk about was powells candy store.  I have a life on the outside.  Was I considered an equal?  Then I started wondering why Craig thought it would be “cool” if I ironed my shirt.  Why did he want me to wear the pants that make my butt look good.  And why were the designer shoes so important?  OMG, could it be? Am I just (dare I say it) am I a Trophy wife?? 

I don’t know when it happened.  I don’t know if it happens to everyone in committed relationships, but its happened to me. 

 I was once a very highly functioning individual.  Doing everything on my own.  Not hugely successful, but alone and happy.  Along comes Craig and then it starts.  The process of  two highly functioning people not being able to function alone.  We have gotten into so many routines and habits.  Craig does all the phone calls and business loose ends.  I take care of the house, yard, and fix it projects.  He does all the shopping and everyday cooking.  I do the event or weekend cooking.  I take care of the vehicles and he takes care of the checkbook.  He also makes sure I feed myself when he works late.  This is anything but a complaint.  My world may be predictable, but it’s also secure and peaceful.

I consider myself very lucky.  Same old same old is nice.

Allison was the perfect guest.  I had a great time.  One of the things we did was buy plants and potting soil, and decided we’d get me a bird feeder while we were out.  We cleaned up the yard a little, planted a little, and hung the bird feeder out on the back deck. 

 Allison got a movie of the first guest,  a stellers jay.  Since then we’ve had cute little finches and lots of natural drama.  All different types of birds and animals fighting for food.  The big winner – hands down –  is Trixie, the pole dancing squirrel.  She picked up a bar code off the feeder that stuck to her tail which makes her look that much more trashy. 

Here’s a copy of her Squirrel Du Soleil audition tape.