Labor Day week always marks the end of summer. It has been like this as long as I can remember. Labor Day comes. Then School starts. Every year. This week, the week at the end of summer, I spent mostly away from home.
1. A safe road trip is always a fave. The road from Willow's Cottage to Phoenix, Arizona is long and involves many transitions from one freeway to another, notably as the road wends its way through Los Angeles, so a safe and timely trip is not a guarantee. Fortunately, The Professor is a safe and careful driver. I just sat in my spot, read a couple of books, did a little knitting, and occasionally attempted to catch a quick photo through the window.
2. I treasure my visits with my family. On the weekend, The New Boy and his Mama were there in Phoenix, so they could see Uncle Dan before he left on his own long trip. We were invited to stay with other relatives, and that time was very special, too. My beloved cousin/sister who lives in the northern Arizona mountains drove down to spend one day with me, and that was a delightful addition of family time.
3. Breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. It's a cute little (chain) restaurant that serves yummy breakfasts. Sharing the meal with recently transplanted California friends made the French toast taste even better.
4. Air conditioning. Phoenix is famous for its three digit temperatures in the summer, and the city did not disappoint in that area. Happily, the air conditioning didn't disappoint either.
5. We attended Chaplain Dan's Deployment Ceremony. Previously, we had met some of his fellow soldiers, and it was a privilege to see them again and wish them all "God speed" for their year away from family and country. As a mother, I was happy to be able to hug my son one more time.
What did you do during your last week of summer? Share your five special memories! If you want to, you can join the Friday Fave Five crowd over at Living To Tell The Story.
PS: Thanks for all your concerns about my sprained ankle. Although I am still wrapping it with ace bandages and keeping it elevated as much as possible, I am able to move around with almost no pain. The ankle is healing well!
27 comments:
Officially it's still summer until Sept 20 I guess, but that doesn't impress the nature and blesses us with cool weather and a lot of rain ! I think we never had such a rotten summer !
I love Arizona, it's so beautiful, it's one of my favourited States in the US !
Time with family is the best! Glad you got plenty of it this last week of summer.
Such sweet times... Glad you've been enjoying a great last taste of summer, Willow! I've got a cold at the moment... not what I was imaging for my break this week...LOL! Happy Days ((HUGS))
I can't believe you didn't mention your brand-new toy!
Labor Day does seem like the end of summer, but the time between now and the official start of autumn is kind of a no man's land. :-) I love the cooler weather but am not ready to pull out the pumpkin decorations yet.
Glad your ankle is feeling better and that you had a good trip!
I LOVE Cracker Barrel. Unfortunately my family doesn't. Before we moved I had friends who met for lunch there some times -- will have to see of I can rustle up some similarly like-minded friends here! :-)
I haven't let go of summer yet! Since I no longer teach and my kids are all grown, the only one "gone back to school" is Luz... and I'm still on my permanent vacation! :)
Sounds like you had a wonderful week Willow - and I'm glad you got to hug that son of yours too! It's sO hard to send them off...
Here when Labour Day comes along we call it the end of tourism season, the sidewalks start to roll up and winter is around the corner.
Time spent with family is always a joy. Well hang on, most times a joy :-)
It's good to hear your ankle is healing well!
Visits with family are definitely a treasure. Every moment makes a memory especially when you don't see them often.
God's blessings to Chaplain Dan while he is gone.
The things you did and described during your road trip is something some of us (like me) still have to work hard for. Glad to hear your ankle is healing.
Dear Willow,
I missed getting around for last week's FFF - so sorry to hear about your poor ankle. I'm glad you're feeling some better. Sounds like your family took good care of you.
Yes visits with family are lovely. I had a wonderful time with my sister and her dh last week.
I'm saying a prayer for Dan. and his mom :)
Happy weekend Willow!
hmmm I'm trying to guess what the new toy is?? A new computer? car?? sailboat??? Kiti has me curious!
It's still summer here but my last week of vacation was wonderful, altho a bit "jam-packed!'. I have always wanted to visit Arizona....The grand canyon in particular...we have tentative plans to do this next summer but not sure if it'll happen:)
And i love a good breakfast..with friends it makes it that much more special! glad your ankle is getting well...
I feel the need to send some emails back and forth. Maybe a free T-mobile phone call...
Anyway now I know what you were doing in Phoenix :0)
Glad you could spend some more time with new boy and his momma.
Blessings on your new school year!
I like road trips - when I don't have to drive. I like to do what you did on your trip plus nap.
I used to go to the Cracker Barrel when I lived in CO. Served very yummy food.
Air conditioning is always a fave of mine. I don't know how I'd get through this time of life without it!
The road trip sounds like fun!! Glad to hear the ankle is getting better. Those blue flowers from Malibu over to the right are just beautiful.
Happy week ahead!
So glad you were able to see your son before he leaves for so long. It is hard to say goodbye to your child. Thankfully, we can put our loved ones in the care and protection of our Heavenly Father - and trust Him to keep and protect them. Personally, I have to keep on doing that - but it is the only thing that keeps me 'sane'.
I think air conditioning in Phoenix would be anyone's favorite!
I'm back from my retreat, so I had to come by ...
I am so happy you got one more hug with your son!
I am really hooked on air conditioning, so I share your favorite. I have often prayed, "God bless the person that invented a/c."
Glad you had a wonderful weekend, hope this one was great as well.
It is....good..once more!
A bit of Equinoxial Doggerel:
I have been writing and writing--I look up, and summer has gone!
Worked my hardest through the hottest weather, and now my work is done.
I have not seen that much of family, and of friends not at all,
But everything changes for better when it's fall, glorious fall :D
You are one of the few women I know who trust their husband's driving. Very good! I'm impressed that you could knit and take pictures!
You must be very proud of your son. I'm glad you enjoyed a wonderful hug!
a week with family and friends is always good.
Hi Willow, England has turned damp and cool heralding Autumn for us. I will keep Chaplain Dan and family in my prayers. Sorry to hear you hurt your ankle, glad to hear that its mending well. hugs Jane x
Glad to hear that your ankle is doing better. I remember school always starting the day after Labor Day as a child, but ever since I've been a teacher, it seems like school keeps creeping more and more into the summer. We had been in school three weeks this year by the time Labor Day came along. I was excited for the break!
If only Labor Day came a week or two later, then perhaps we could stretch out summer a tad longer. It seems like theft when I read of people being dragged off to a new school year before the end of August. Just wrong.
Time with scattered family is so precious. (Must admit I'm jealous that you get to knit and read while the Professor drives, it's so rare that Ed will drive when we go places.)
Glad you got to spend so much time with family and friends before school started! Especially seeing Dan-Dan before he leaves. :o)
Just to say that you're in my thoughts!!! Love, Janine XO
Firstly, hope the sprained ankle is much better now. I love road trips too and glad you enjoyed yours so much. Nothing is better than being with the family. though at times...mine so Bising...I wished only hubby and me are alone :)
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