Untangled functional flow of communication should not be taken for granted. Yes, I am pleased to report that our internet is back up, but getting there was a saga that involved trespassing, secret passageways, a saw, and a healthy dollop of hair gel. Thankfully, my pal, Johnny, from Spectrum and I forged a quick bond on Thursday morning working together to solve our shared goal of reconnecting our quaint corner home to the internet, and although it took longer than expected, by just shy of 2P, we were back online.
By Friday afternoon, my mini-bike camp was complete, women’s rights were shredded even further in the United States by the Supreme Court, ten stress-relieving miles were run into my legs, and I was being driven away from Oakland airport by one of my favorite people on earth, my brother, Peter, en route to a fun, action-packed, and a much-needed visit with his family.
The weekend highlights included:
Two swims. (The change of pool venue did wonders for my swimming confidence.)
Two runs. (Both gorgeous and hilly.)
Spectating an early morning Little League game where watching my nephew, Reed, play and watching my brother Peter, a diehard baseball player himself, watch Reed play, were equally special. (Peter was an incredibly talented pitcher, and I watched him play about a million hours of baseball growing up.)
The ball players, Peter and Reed.
A festive introduction to the paddle game that is sweeping the nation, Pickleball!
It's a fun game, but there is definitely room for improvement.
Waving at Alannis Morrisette’s house during a run and secretly hoping I could sneak in a quick chat with her about Ryan Reynolds, but she wasn’t home. (Once upon a time they were engaged.)
Sharing tips about how to get over the hump of running pangs with my niece, and super-star volleyball player, Kaia.
Skip-bo fun.
Devouring amazing plant-based dishes prepared by my dazzling sister in law, Alexa.
Discovering a hidden talent for ShuffleBoard.
Watching Top Gun Maverick in the theater for the second time. (I believe a minimum of two viewings of it in the theater is mandatory.)
From left: Reed, Kaia, Peter, yours truly, and lots of Goldens. Photo credit: Alexa Kelly.
Walking five Golden retrievers. And/or, simply being in the same house as five Golden retrievers which included lots of wet tongues, thick fur, hot breath, and loving eyeballs.
So many Goldens...
Swimming with Alexa.
Running with Peter.
Watching Kaia’s eyes light up when I gave her the Stranger Things backpack that Netflix gifted to Marion.
Spending time with my family.
Spending time with my family.
Spending time with my family…
We’re all busy, all the time, but time together is priceless.
No matter what.
Find the time. Make plans. Follow through. Show up. And just be.
Together.
The song and video this week is the soundtrack to everyone's favorite volleyball scene in Top Gun, the gem from Kenny Loggins, Playing With The Boys.