Vacation … in Windsor …?

Well, we’re back “home” in Windsor for our first visit since we left last December. In some ways it seems like time stood still and not much changed since we left. I am sure those that have been here during that time would probably disagree but at least to us it seems that way. It is a strange feeling to come back to the place you have been living for so long and to  not have to do anything, no job to go to, no errands to run. Then you try to connect with as much family and friends as you can but inadvertently can’t connect with everyone you want because there just isn’t enough time in the day…   but you do your best to fill the days with as many get togethers as you can, fill up your emotional tank and enjoy the time you have.

We celebrated Laurel’s High School graduation last Friday from Calistoga High School.  It was great to share this time with lots of our family that had made the effort to be there to celebrate Laurel’s achievement. Now she’ll spend the summer preparing for her move to San Francisco, where she’ll attend SF State university in the fall. Exciting times for her. Then the next day, Saturday afternoon, we all met again to celebrate my in-laws 50th anniversary. Another fun get-together with lots of good memories …  These days it’s a pretty amazing achievement to celebrate 50 years of marriage so we were happy to be a part of that celebration.  Sunday morning we headed back to Calistoga to help host a brunch for Laurel. It was a beautiful morning in Calistoga, not too hot or windy, just right. A good day to celebrate. After that we headed over to Nick’s house in Santa Rosa for a BBQ (Oysters and Hanger Steak – yum!). Later in the evening we enjoyed (at least for the time being) a nice Scotch and some Cuban cigars Chris had brought back from Iraq. Somehow that combination along with the couple of beers I had before just didn’t agree with me too well and I spend some considerable time letting the one or other thing go back through my head … But, good times with our kids and their friends anyway. The things we do …. Guess you only live once …

Aside from that we had a couple of nice days here in Windsor, with a trip to San Francisco, a day at the beach and we’ll spend the next few days packed with family and friends and then we’ll head back home to Germany mid next week.

Is there such a thing as taking a vacation from your vacation? It sure seems like we could use that. I am also sure that we’re probably not alone in that department.