The young Mama & Papa needed some grown-up dinner date time and so WE got to have our own FUN dinner date with Jakey-the-Schnickle and Syd-the-Biskit, last night. I dangled the keys to Miss Mini in front of The Mama and her eyes lit up as she said, "Really?". Yes, really. "When do you go anywhere without a load of kid paraphernalia loaded into the back seats of your cars?", says I. "Let Mini show you how much FUN it is to drive the curves of our road".
The Dinner Date at "The Bean Dip Place" (Jakey's name for Cascada, where the chips and salsa include a warm, creamy bean concoction) was a much needed Adult Time and Lauren treated us to a big piece of wild salmon to cook for ourselves and Jakey. It seemed a fitting Trade. :o)
Grampy and the six year old went out to do some batting practice while I tried to remember how to juggle an "almost toddler" while preparing dinner. Oh yeah, put her on the kitchen floor with a basket of playthings and watch the dogs come check her out, from stem to stern. How qickly I remembered why my own kids had dirty knees. While Jakey was afraid of the dogs, at the same age, Syd revels in the HUGE black faces invading her personal space, which is a BIG relief. She adores our "soft mouth" Trixie and hands her small plastic Pretend Groceries to sniff, while exploring something with her OWN mouth. Yes, I remember...
Dinner was yummy but dessert of buttery vanilla cake with a little whipped cream and fresh blueberries was even better. Syd had some graham cracker, which appears to be her new favorite, after sweet potatoes & chicken.
Of course, Jakey begged his grampy for some more baseball time and so they took the worn out bat (something from when he was 4 and could whack the ball. The bat makes cheering noises when you hit the Sweet Spot) and ball out to the space between the houses. Syd and I sat in their room, peeking out the windows at the crazy guys and the even crazier turkey hen strolling near them. The time had come to grab a blanket and take the Biskit outside, no matter the weather. She squeeled with delight at being out there and laughed each time her brother hit the ball up on the roof or against the wall or way out into the veggie garden. She, like I, just likes to Be Outside. Yay!
I am looking forward to taking a toddler on her first exploratory walks in the forest and to a place where we can just listen to the creeks. I am sure that her Papa is looking forward to teaching her how to bait a hook and sit serenely in Little Walter the Fishing Boat out on a small body of water in the Sierra. Shhh, Syd, no yelling. :o)
Well, we will test the strength of eveyone's love of the outdoors, this evening. If the weather holds, we will all bundle up and head for Rivercat Stadium, down in West Sac to loll around on the grass, eat hotdogs and see Manny Ramierez play in the minor leagues. (he is on "our" team and so no snarky signs)
It is an unseasonably chilly start to the Memorial Day weekend but these days, you just have to go with the flow and keep the cold weather gear out of mothballs. Heck, it is supposed to be in the 90's by Thursday so there is no whining about a cool night at the stadium because it is all about Family Time.
Now then, it is time to get my lazy self into the shower and dressed, so that I can be ready for a visit from a favorite customer and her friend, who will be driving up from Vaca Ville. Dress in layers, ladies!
Hey, now you're down in my neck of the woods. I wish I could meet up with you, but hubby is recovering from a toe amputation. He's doing fine, just needs to take it easy with his feet elevated. Have fun, and hope to see you soon up at Rancho Souza. :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Risch | May 26, 2012 at 08:28 PM
That hubby and his missing bits...heal up that part, pick a beautiful day and head up in one of your RED veehickles. I have another perfect place for Steve to lounge, with his feet up, now that the Pah-tio is ready for visitors. Comfy chairs and ottomans for elevating the feet. Tinkling water feature and mother nature...what's not to love?
Posted by: Lisa Souza | May 27, 2012 at 07:11 AM
S'funny, we are freezing here now on the Least Coast. And lots of rain, now that we are on a water restriction.
Manny Ramirez...he can't give it up? Not sure if that is a good or bad thing. Hope he was as entertaining for your side as he was for us.
Posted by: Laurie | June 05, 2012 at 04:33 AM
Laurie, two days ago, it was a hot and sunny day, here in the foothills and then, yesterday, we had a dumping of rain and a big drop in temperature. Water restrictions have been OUR forte, since the 70's.
Manny? He was a "draw" to the A's Farm Team but was a big snooze, while another A, on "bed-rest" hit a grand slam, a homer and a double. Manny can't let go, it seems.
Posted by: Lisa Souza | June 05, 2012 at 06:23 AM