Sending Them Off

Don't blink, everyone said. I didn't. But the time still went too fast. Dorito was all packed and loaded yesterday. I hugged him and cried just a little. Enough for me to show how deeply I love him and yet not too much to make him embarrassed. Today, he and Captain are playing golf in Manhattan and then moving into the fraternity tomorrow. Probably better if I'm not there. Instead, I was on the road with the twins. We left at 6:05 a.m. in  order to get to Nashville in time for 4:30 hockey practice. It gave me a lot of time to think and pray. And I read this article in the Washington Post which Alison forwarded. "Eighteen years is not enough." Please excuse me while I'm brooding.

Napa Valley Photos

Meggar refashioned this 1970s dress from Gr. Judith.

Brix let us tour their garden and vineyard where the ingredients are used daily.

Late night chocolates and games at Old World Inn B&B.

We found a new winery and Cab that we all liked!

French food at Bistro Jeanty.

Princess bed for both rooms at Old World Inn B&B.

Captain's Birthday

The kids surprised their dad! They thought of something he didn't have - and could use - and bought it with their own money! He was very pleased with the Jabra Extreme2 Bluetooth headset :-)  We also had lunch with his mom plus an open house, so I'll have to make the birthday cake tomorrow.

Read the Wine List

We tried different wineries this time -- luckily Meggar's friend made appointments for us through her boss at the wine distributorship. Lots of enjoyment at:
*Heitz Cellars
*Provenance
*Folie a Deaux (Ménage a Trois)
*Grgich Hills
*Frog's Leap
*Ehlers Estate
*Mumm (Champagne)

and different restaurants in the Napa area:
•Bistro Jeanty (French)
*Goose and Gander (St Helena)

Then we took the two college girls to our favorites:
*Prater Port Works with $1 bills covering walls of tasting room,
*St Clement for picnic lunch with a view and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc,
*Brix Restaurant (amazing salted caramel ice cream sandwiches), and
•Peet's Coffee (Captain's top list).

Refreshment

Napa Valley is all about drinking wine and relaxing. The weather is even refreshing (no humidity). My husband and I are here with Princess Meggar and Princess Lois on a birthday/anniversary celebration mission for four days.

Embrace the Change

The twins threw a going-away party for Dorito. Change is thick in the air. Some days we are excited, and some days we feel uncertain. But I am glad to see my kids supporting each other throughout the transitions. Twenty-some teens were coming and going from my kitchen to the back yard buffet to the pool to the hot tub and the fire pit and back. Luckily, Meggar was here and helped me set out lots of food. Then we snuck off for some shopping and errands. We checked off Spencer's birthday gift, a wedding present for far-away friends, sales, coupons, and general girly jobs. I like to make progress even though lately I am the least powerful in terms of everyone's future path. I always strive to help each member of my family get through life without learning things the hard way... as every mother hopes to prepare her children and cushion the blows that come from the real world. But we do not have all the power we want. Late that night, I said my prayers and asked the Lord to specifically help me reflect on the positive since I was feeling so powerless. Many times during the last three months we were side-swiped, or we felt the earth was quaking under our feet, or heard only bad news and found unexpected twists and turns in our path. I did not blog about these episodes -- for I wanted to stay strong and allow the Lord to accomplish His timing. Clearly it wouldn't help for me to complain. And in return, I heard maturity in my kids' voices. And confidence for going forward. This is the change I am most grateful for.

Last Haircut

I gave Dorito a trim around the back, neck, and sideburns. And some advice about college. I also love to talk to him when he eats. His appetite is never-ending: he ate the last piece of homemade blackberry pie with ice cream and several cinnamon rolls which I had made over the weekend while he was gone. His last camp session wrapped up on Sunday morning. He's tired and tired of camp food. I understand that and did my best to welcome him home. We don't have many days left with this sweet son.