California Dreamin'

Got back day before yesterday from a trip to Ontario California. We were choosing from a list that included Key West, Gatlinburg Tenn,and Orlando and it's playspots. We discussed it, and along the way, one of us mentioned visiting relatives again. It wasn't long before it was decided and phone calls were being made to make sure it was okay with the visitees.
Not only was it okay with the visitees, but plans were immediately made to accomodate us in the best way possible. Now, this is a family with four kids, two full time jobs, a college education, two soccer teams, two cats and a dog. One of the full time jobs is a one man job, so taking time off is not convenient at ANY time, but from the sounds of things , it was presented to the boss as a MUST situation, and, happily, granted. GOLF!!!!
The back yard provides a view of mountains that are close enough to still look mighty big to this flatlander, and for about half of the days we were there, easily visible. One of the golf courses we played had a mountain view, as well. Tough to deal with, let me tell you.
We were waited on hand and foot, almost to the point of uncomfortability, but I managed, thank you very much. The Rooster cooked his specialty dish, which was received with the request for seconds and thirds, and some for breakfast. Bad for his ego.
Two sweet cats and a very sweet dog kept us from pining for our critters too much, and ours were being well cared for while we were gone by family of their own. One of the cats is still a kitten, kitten behavior was a plus.
Trip from Pensacola was trying. They put us on the plane, took us out away from the gate, THEN told us we would be sitting, waiting on weather to clear in Houston. What's up with that? Am considering a lawsuit for unlawful incarceration. We sat just long enough to miss our connecting flight and have numb buns. We got to Houston, and were greeted by agents who handed us boarding passes for "stand by" later that night, and guaranteed flight in the morning, which I thought was pretty efficient. We went to the gate, checked in, and waited. And waited. Flight delays 4 times set us up to get into Ontario 5 hours later than we should have,but at least that night, and WAY past our ride's bedtime. In fact, I think they napped, then woke up to come get us. I couldn't have done that. One of our flightmates got a confirmed ride at the last minute, and we cheered her as she boarded. We waited some more while they continued to board as many weather delayed people as they could. While that was tough to take, I gave them credit for accomodating as many people as they could.
Hello hugs the next morning by a couple of the most beautiful and wonderful kids in the world started our first morning out just right. We got to see the older two of the brood for short periods, just as wonderful and beautiful, but the world will have them sooner.
Now, one thing I had failed to mention to this point is that one of the reasons we chose this bunch over tropics and mountains is that when we left them last time we visited, our faces hurt from laughing. That trip was stressed by a wedding, and travelling with family that I had just come to know ( VERY long story). It was still enjoyable enough that we quickly began to look forward to a trip without those stressors.
It was also my birthday time, and they made it about as good as it gets. Hubby took us out to a fine dinner at a restaraunt suggested by a workmate of the visitees (GOOD JOB whoever you are!). Very nice gifts, well thought out, and very appreciated. But still laughing and enjoying company of people we really wish didn't live so far away. If you wonder if the visits are better because they are rare, I would say NO. There is a connection with this bunch like you SHOULD have with family. Makes me so happy, as I am the Johnny-come-lately to this bunch but am as deep seated as I always hoped I would be.
The rooster started some new nicknames that are his to use ALONE.....taught a new card game(Hand and Foot....is this a theme I see developing?)that I hope will be a staple to our future visits, and began making plans for next summer, that, if they fall in place, will be only short of incredible on the Richter/fun scale.
The trip back came up too quickly. I am usually ready to head home at the end of a vacation like this. Not with this bunch. We got on the plane after many hugs and reluctant goodbyes, to see our Houston fiasco planemate also boarding. What are the odds that three people from P-cola would choose those exact dates and location for a trip to California? We decided that there is a reason we are suppose to know each other. The Rooster and I didn't get to sit together on either flight, according to our seat assignments, and while we were waiting to board for Houston to P-cola, I mentioned that it would be kind of neat if our flightmate sat next to one of us. Well, as soon as she saw she was sitting next to the Rooster and I wasn't there, she offered to change so we could sit together. Now, that was wonderful, but not enough for me. We exchanged e-mail addresses so we could find out if there was more to this story. Welcome home e-mails have already been sent, and I intend to try my very best to stay in touch. There are no coincidences......
Family can be the most wonderful thing in the world when it is loveable.
I am one of the lucky ones. AND maybe we have met adopted family as well.
Getting home was good. We haven't been able to get out of sight of the critters.
Life can be very good....right now it is. And I am grateful.