Back to Reality

What can you say about a week that you scarcely believe happened? As I sit here writing the past seven days take on a dreamlike quality.

Just over a week ago two of my five sisters landed at Albany Airport at about one in the morning. All day I’d spun around like a white tornado getting the house ready, menus planned, and finishing up last minute plans for my book launch. And then – there they were – smiling, walking towards me and soon telling me about their flight.

Back at the ranch we got into our jammies and sat in the living room. We talked until three a.m. We reluctantly hauled ourselves to bed, knowing it would be mere hours until we talked again.

Next day, after a French toast casserole breakfast, the kids and grand kids swarmed in all excited to see the aunts from so far away. California. Laughing, hugging, cajoling the youngest to not be shy and join in the fun. That night I fixed loaded burgers for supper (caramelized onions, bacon and blue cheese) and then we played Bridge. Boy was I rusty!

Thanksgiving Day was a blur of baking, lunching on leek and potato soup, and then off to oldest son’s home for The Big Dinner. Which was wonderful, wonderful. Daughter-in-law, Kate, outdid herself. Her mushroom dressing was scrumptious. The house was packed with hungry thankful people. After dessert Wii came out – we found ourselves dancing to songs like Mashed Potato and some newer stuff I can’t remember the names of. Old (Wendy, Mimi and me) and young (Sam, Anna, and Natalie) alike gyrated away trying to pump up the scores. There are incriminating photos of many, myself included.

                                                        

Friday it was funnel cakes with the grandkids. They came out beautiful and only lasted long enough for a few good photos. My sister, Wendy, took a tumble in the kitchen, but hopped up only slightly bruised. We have a family tradition of falling down in public places or on vacation.

 

Heather and Sam



Saturday was one of the biggest days of my life and the morning went by on a freight train. Sisters and I arrived at the bookstore at the appointed time (NO sooner than 10:45 I was told) and from 11:00 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m. book buyers flooded the store. I was overwhelmed and humbled to see so many good friends and family show up. Even online friends! Marion and Cindy surprised the life out of me. They drove all the way from Syracuse to meet me and have their books signed. Unbelievable!! The store sold out of the books they’d ordered and I had to supplement from my trunk. What a glorious day. That afternoon I took the sisters to Chatham and that evening we went to the Val Kin for supper, which was excellent.





My window



With Sam and Anna

 

                         



Sunday, church. With my sisters – something I rarely experience. Then Sam’s soccer game and everyone back to our house for a spaghetti feed. Home canned sauce and garlic bread dripping with butter and cheese. I made biscuit tortoni for dessert. Later, more Bridge.

You’re just about ready to quit reading so I’ll simply say that Monday I was treated to lunch at Panera Bread and then sisters and I went to the matinee 3D showing of “The Life of Pi,” which I highly recommend.

And then a week was gone. Back to the airport on Tuesday and here I am – alone again wondering if it all happened.

Ever have a week like that? And then back to reality we go.