Smashburgers for the smashing guests! First family contact since 2019!

My niece Deana

We were so excited when my niece and her husband planned to stop over for the night on their way home from a trip! Not only were they the first guests to visit us since we rebuilt and renovated the downstairs room, they were the first time we have seen my family since 2019 and the closing of my parents estate when I met Sis and Bro in our home town, Texas to sign the papers. A whirlwind lunch, paperwork, and I was back on the road to home.

We have always enjoyed spending time with them, as they are such fun. They were on their way home from a trip years ago with Sis and her husband and stopped off for the night. I remember that trip with such fondness, so we were thrilled when she asked for a stopover. They and their adorable dog, Midge, arrived Sunday afternoon. We spent time catching up in the new “guest suite” AKA dining area, socialization area, and my art studio.

Randy ready to smash!

After the best smashburgers yet (this is Randy’s 3rd time to make them), we retired to the living room for more catching up before we called it a night. The following morning, Randy made breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, and re-grilled roasted potatoes on the outdoor griddle while I put the biscuits in the oven. It was a short visit, but we laughed so much that I realized when I woke up profoundly happy and almost giddy that morning how important social contact is. I had my annual check up that afternoon, and when I told the doctor that, he said my Rx was “they have to visit more often.” I concur! We are actually looking at dates for a visit to them in the fall. After our company coming in July, and our trip to Nashville in August to meet up with Randy’s cousin and his wife, we will be ready for a long delayed Texas adventure again. I am not a social butterfly, nor a recluse, but I fall in the middle of what my Roatan friend dubbed the Retired folks social spectrum, and I think it is “just right.”

Time to get back on the horse and hope for “happy trails until we meet again.” Today also has been the 99th birthday of my father, who was born June 19, 1925. Dad passed over in 2017 at the age of 93, but I think of him every single day and all the things I learned from him. It is always a bit sobering to recall the birthdays of those no longer with us, but also, a time to cherish when they were.