...And a Good Time Was Had By All
Reading over that last post, I realize I may have dwelt a bit on the minor annoyances a visit to tourist attractions often occasions at the expense of recounting the exotic pleasures of visiting with my mother and my aunt. I want to assure you that a good time was had by all. Hopefully no one holds a grudge.
Of course, there's nothing like family. No one knows you like they do. Especially those in your family who remember you better as a child than you do yourself. You always suspect there's something they've neglected to tell you. Or something they're holding back. The key to it all. That missing puzzle piece as to why you are the way you are.
But that's also what makes family visits difficult. People change. Sometimes in unexpected ways. We're sometimes reluctant to abandon what we know of them and explore what we don't. But I'm enjoying getting to know my mother as her own woman, and interested in where she's going, and I have to say she seems pretty open to where I'm at, too.
I had not been back to Indiana since Thanksgiving 2004. Of course I talk to my mother and my aunt regularly. But seeing them after all that time was nice. And spending time with them is always an adventure. Sometimes it's Indiana Jones, others it's Ice Age. But always an adventure.
I found myself wishing I was in a more settled housing situation so that I could host them, though. Staying at the Omni Parker House downtown seemed to call for tourist activities. Plus the fact that my mother had never been to Boston. But the more memorable moments for me were walks on the Common after dinner, just mom and me, or along the Esplanade with my aunt, a dog lover, watching her dote over other people's pets.
So now we've done the touristy thing. Next time we'll steer clear of the crowds, rent a car, and drive up the coast. Something a little more ordinary might be extraordinarily relaxing.
I'm glad to hear it all worked out. Relatives are always tricky. At least the older ones. I hope you brought them by to see your garden. It's looking great this year, so you should show off as much as you can.
Reply to this
When my mother was alive and used to come visit me here I would just schedule a full day of going everywhere and doing everything and just wear her out. She wasn't big with the museums either but for some reason they all love Faneuil Hall. I don't get it, but if it entertains the guests, I just go with it.
Reply to this
Yeah, my mother and my aunt loved Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. And the Duck Tour was fun. You're absolutely right about going with whatever works. My aunt (God love her) has a very effective way of letting you know what doesn't. I think the technical term for it is, um, caterwauling.
Reply to this
You write it the way it was but we did have a good time. And had been up since 4:00 am . I know family can be a pain. We did want to see your garden and your home and we really came to see you and your friends. They were nice to have us and to put up with us. Boston as so much history and I had already been though it. Be thankful we didn't stay a week. Love means alway putting up with family.
Reply to this
I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy our duck tour and even lunch at Cheers. And I never would have done either if you guys hadn't come!
Hey, by the way, did Pepper enjoy her greenies?
Reply to this
No Pepper didn't like the greenies,
but some friends did .
She is now in love with Moist and Meaty.
It's always something with her.
Reply to this
Well, she's smarter than your average dog. I mean, if you had to choose between greenies and moist and meaties, come on...
Reply to this