On December 6th, my plane hit the ground at Sea-Tac on schedule, but the arrival gate had been changed. Thus, the three wheelchairs ordered for flyers were at the wrong gate. It took awhile for the chairs to catch up with us. Everyone else was off the plane while we handicapped folk chit-chatted with the flight staff who can't leave until the plane is empty. During that time, I was in text contact with my daughter. My luggage arrived before I did, and she told me we were ready to roll when I got there! When we all connected--even my grandchildren were there--my wheelchair pusher asked if those were my grandkids and said I was "blessed" when I told him they were. Yes, indeed, I am!!
It was easily 3:00 AM, Indiana Time, before I was able to go to bed. I slept well. Every time I go to visit, my daughter asks what I want to do while there. I never have a clue. It's enough for me to just be with them all, although they probably don't see the value in that. Because of the time of year in the PNW, we take advantage of every day that has sunshine in it.
The entire first week that I was there was taken up with play performances that my granddaughter was in, and then the appointment to have all of her un-emerged wisdom teeth removed. We did all we could to support her in her pain. It was at least a week before she even cared to eat normally, but seemed okay by the time I left, three weeks later.
The play was interesting. Totally directed and produced by students. Non-gender-related to roles. Robin played a male part. The love of her life directed it and played a main part. I enjoyed it.
One somewhat bright weather day, we decided to go north to the Nookshack River area to see if we could see bald eagles feasting on spawning salmon. We could! My daughter counted at least 30 eagles. I didn't see quite that many, but what a thrill to see even a few! On the way home, we saw a field of snow geese and trumpeter swans, plus the Glacier Peak volcano.
Meg and I worked out a menu for a week or two. That helped determine who would cook and what we needed to purchase in to do so. I was beginning to get nervous because Christmas was approaching and I wasn't pleased with what I had for people. Bless his heart, Denis took me to a couple of local shopping places to help me finish my list, such as it was.
Every day there was a blessing. I learned more about my teenage grandchildren. I tried to be helpful--mostly cooking and doing dishes. OMG! The dishes! A constant stream of dirty dishes. The instant the dishwasher is full and running, the dishes just keep on coming!
I think my next trip to the PNW needs to be in the warmer months. I hope I live that long.
This visit was good for me. Not sure how the residents think of it. I'm sure they are relieved not to have Grandma there any more, but I sure miss them! They are in my mind and in my heart every moment of the day!
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