What a month!

 

It’s been a month…

So much has gone on. We have just returned to Wellington after 3 weeks back in the states. And we were welcomed back home to Welly with a double rainbow view from our back deck. Although we didn’t see it. Our house sitter shared the photo just as we were landing. 

Sue/mom(Eric’s) passed away peacefully on June 4th after several years with Alzheimer’s. We are very sad, but also relieved that she is no longer suffering. Sheila, Eric’s sister was with her. 

Our original plans had been to travel back to the states to visit family at the end of August. But we promptly re-adjusted our plans.

We were not quite ready to leave Luna and Embyr, the new kitties, for so long. But alas it was necessary…We had friends that offered to house and kitty sit, so they were well loved. 

It would take a few weeks to get all the necessary appointments in San Diego scheduled, so we started our trip in Seattle. It was nice to be able to enjoy some warm sunny weather - a break from the cold wet winter in Wellington. 

It was great to see family and friends. It had been a year since our last visit. My father and step mother had only just moved into a new rental house a few months earlier, so it was nice to be able to see their new place. 

We then went down to LA and saw more family and friends. We enjoyed a family 4th of July bbq which felt very strange given the political climate at the moment. We also celebrated my brother’s and my birthdays. 

For those that are interested, we did not witness any unusual activities at the airports. There were several peaceful protest groups out and about on the 4th. And the MacArthur Park event apparently occurred while we were there. Many of our friends shared stories of the craziness going on. 

We then made our way down to San Diego. It was a very busy week filled with meetings and paperwork. It was also really nice to spend the time all together- Eric, Sheila and I. 

The celebration of life we planned I Sue’s honor was really nice. Over 50 people attended, including family from the east coast. Wonderful stories were shared. She was a remarkable person, strong, intelligent, and a pioneer as the Cheif Deputy City Attorney of San Diego. She touched so many lives. Her mantra “always do the right thing” was echoed by all. 

Tears were shed, but there was also laughter. We will miss her deeply. 

We ate a lot as well - In n Out burgers, Mexican food with guacamole! Italian pasta, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and we discovered a place called the Donut Bar in SD! Huge donuts including the Homer donut. 

We walked some. Mostly down to the beach from our air bnb to watch the sunset. 

The three weeks went by both quickly and slowly. But we are happy to be back home in our own bed and to snuggle with the kitties!

Reminder to cherish those you love. 

And enjoy your times together.