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I won’t apologize for not posting, but I am shocked by how quickly the last eight days evaporated. We found ourselves making preparations up until the hour family arrived. All the tasks weren’t necessary, but the visit served as a catalyst for household progress. The Mister finished building a retaining wall, I transplanted eight shrubs and planted adagio grass and roses. We had a plumber replace the small diameter galvanized pipe running through the house. We finished hanging pictures, and added a mirror in the guest bath.

QT saved the day with an ass expanding pulled pork recipe. I made minor adjustments to account for cooking on a gas grill, and used two commercially prepared sauces. I baled on making biscuits, and purchased rolls and sourdough from the local bakery to keep things simple. I will try the biscuit recipe later, when my mother isn’t around to tell me I am doing it wrong.

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I like meals that can be prepared in advance. Then, I can drink as much wine as I need.

The family arrived and the excitement was palatable. The visit started with me swearing loudly when a small deluge erupted from the toilet into the hallway. We’ve lived here six months without a single toilet incident. Never underestimate the power of a seven-year-old and a roll of TP. In her overzealousness to remedy the clog, she broke the flush lever. We had a surplus of spare parts, and towels. The problem was resolved quickly due to the Mister’s determination, and that was the most eventful incident during the entire visit.

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Saturday, we drove to the local apple orchard for apples and honey before dropping my sister’s family downtown at the aquarium. Mom has difficulty walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time so her days are careful juxtapositions of managing the three activities in quantities she can bare. She’s too proud, or stubborn, to admit when she’s tired or in pain, so I constantly second guess myself as the appropriateness of the suggested activities. I don’t want her to be tired or bored, but placing yourself in someone else’s head is an ineffective means of communication.

We took Mom downtown to a coffee house that was renowned for roasting their own beans. It was a quaint area with a view of the river and a nice sculpture garden. After lunch, we drove to an overlook for a view of the ridge line, and then dropped at the house for a break.

For the evening, we packed pulled pork sandwiches, chips, sodas, and a picnic blanket, and drove to Coolidge park for an evening picnic. The temperature was pleasant, the bugs were absent, and the kids amused themselves running through the fountain and playing frisbee. The kids had such a good time, they wanted to return the following day.

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The visit was a success….in spite of the toilet.