Where In The World Was The Lone Woman?

On Thursday afternoon, my sister-in-law called to ask if I wanted to fly to Florida with my brother, to surprise Mom for Mother's Day. Sean offered to use his mileage to fly me for free. It was a generous offer, but I still had to run it by the Captain. After all, we both went away last weekend, and this Sunday our house was booked for family festivities. He told me to go, because he is The Captain, and he understands that time is precious and well spent with my mother.

So, when I blogged about all I had to do in preparation for the weekend, I left out that I also had to pack! Lucky for me, my suitcase was still sitting in my bedroom, not yet completely devoid of the remains of my trip to Salem. See, sometimes sloth is helpful.

I ran around like a loon on Friday, the Captain came home a little early, and off Sean and I flew-First Class! Mi hermano travels quite a bit for his job, so he's worked his way up the Elite Class ladder. It was a treat.

We arrived late at night, and drove the hour plus to my mother's, where my sisters, Kate and Erin, were already encamped. They snuck us in, and we had a mini-reunion in one of the bedrooms, whispering and laughing like we were up late at a sleep-over party.

Sean, Erin, and Kate. Yes, we're Irish.

And goofy.

No matter how old we get, we fall into the same childhood rhythms when we get together. We rib one another about the same quirks we've always had, and tease about who Mom loves best. (Me, even though she would never admit it. It's okay, Mom, I know the truth.)

After taking some late night photos, we picked on Erin for her white noise needs. She requires a fan in her room, which blows at roughly the same volume as a jet engine. Which got us talking about fighter planes, and "Baa Baa Black Sheep," a show we all loved in the 80's. We laughed about how we girls thought Robert Conrad was so hot! Sean only watched for the fighter planes, of course.

The next morning, we all waited for Mom in the family room. She opened the door, and I watched as her brain tried to comprehend who she was seeing. And then she cried.

We spent the whole day at the pool, just laying about, or sitting with our feet in the water. Everyone was more intrepid than I, and actually swam. Instead, I chose to sparingly apply sunscreen, and thus, roast until well done. I am lobster pink right now. If you look closely, I'm sure you can see the odd red stripes down my arms and legs.

I'm hoping to be one solid color by Thursday.

Erin and Kate had to leave Saturday evening, but Sean and I stayed Sunday. Mom wanted to play Rummikub, so we honored her request. I won all three rounds (sorry, Mom) which was awesome, because Sean is very competitive, and I like beating him. See how juvenile I get?

I made everyone go out to lunch, so I could bask in the lovely weather one more time. Don't worry, I sat under an umbrella, to protect the third-degree burns.

It was a lovely end to our visit.

I'm so grateful I was able to go. I missed my boys, but I knew they were home, having fun with their cousins. I'm going to go kiss them now, and climb in bed. It's late, and I'm tired. But happy.

I know Mom was thrilled, and we were so lucky to share the day with her. Thanks to my great family, for making it happen, including Pappou, who patiently took pictures with everyone's individual cameras, and made ice cream!

Tomorrow: New Dog...