Posting from HOT-lanta, where it’s actually very pleasant temperatures but very, very dry. There have been rain sprinkles today and it’s been the first moisture in weeks – they’re fighting wildfires in south Georgia because of the dryness. There are fears that they could get summer-type storms – bolts of lightning but very little rain, which could make the fire situation worse. It hasn’t been bad this weekend but apparently the smoke from the fires has been so strong that even in Atlanta, the air quality has been seriously affected.
Then home to pick up Dad, who was similarly pleased – both by my presence and by the reprieve from the expected dinner out with the grandkids. Poor Dad never really liked kids much to begin with and has gotten more sensitive to their noise and randomness as he ages. He tries really hard to be patient and non-critical but my nephews are all rambunctious and a bit too young to be expected to remember sedate behavior for very long.
We took them to Pappadeaux; I felt a little guilty about taking them to a “chain” restaurant but while they’re all over the place in Houston, there’s actually not many of them outside Texas. So in Georgia it’s a bit less ordinary. And I was effectively selecting a restaurant from a distance, since J doesn’t get out to restaurants very much and didn’t feel confident about selecting a place. Pappadeaux was a source of cajun/gulf coast cuisine (Mom and Dad honeymooned in New Orleans) that could be counted on to deliver tasty food at a predictable price range. And in fact it was very yummy, especially with J and I taking charge and making sure that all the treats (yummy crawfish and cheese fondeaux, tossed salad and garlic bread with the entrees, nice drinks) got ordered along with their entrees. We each ate about 2 peoples’ worth of food. My grilled salmon and fresh asparagus was fantastic.
Then home for a brief walk in the neighborhood and some relaxation before a long, restful sleep – J and Mom arguing a bit about who got to keep me and J agreeing that Mom could keep me as long as we promised to get up timely and head over to his place for breakfast and a day of family.
I’ll fly back tomorrow and get started with the workweek. I feel exhausted and yet rested in an odd way. I think it’d been too long since I hung out with my family. The only downer was that K couldn’t be here – he’d already committed to give talks in Chicago and Nashville over the next few days, so had to fly out this weekend for the start of that adventure. Next time, we’ll plan a bit further in advance.
I feel really blessed to have such good family. A peculiar feeling considering how unsure I am on exactly who or what is out there to be bestowing such blessings…