Daughter Kate and grandson Nathaniel had driven together to visit us, but they left in different directions. I didn’t get a photo of her as she headed home to New Jersey early in the morning. I can show you what she looked like about 25 hours before, when we walked to the creek. I don’t think she changed much in that time.
The selfie is awful by my standards, because I would much rather have cut off myself than daughter Lise. Kate was wearing a jacket and knit hat. I think it might have been 55F (12.78C). Lise and I were wearing summer clothes. After Kate drove off, David and I chatted with her several times during her 12-hour drive. She was also talking to Michael at home, helping pass the time.
Nathaniel had breakfast with John and me before loading the car. He returned to Johnson & Wales to work in the dorms for the summer session and will stay on to begin his junior year. David helped him remove the seats the night before so that everything would fit. We would have gone with them if there had been room.
Of course, the last thing Nate did was lower the mirror. To me, the mirror ritual doesn’t count if there isn’t a photo to mark the moment.
John let me know when they reached Charlotte and again when he started home. In between, they carted everything to the dorm room and went shopping for basic food and supplies.
John was back home before Kate reached New Jersey, having driven about half the amount of time she did. I was glad both made it safely.
Mehrling Muse 
Two are gone. It goes so fast. Safe travels to all.
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It seems like they just got there – time flies when you’re having fun!
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Kate and Nathaniel arrived on a Saturday evening and left the following Saturday morning.
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You packed a lot of fun and love into that week.
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Being retired is a marvel. We could focus on fun.
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It’s horrible with everybody going in different directions like this but there are so many ways of keeping in touch now it’s almost like still being together.
Massive Hugs
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You are right There are many ways to keep in touch.
xxx Touchy Hugs xxx
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Ah, the mirror ritual. What would your house be without it?
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Family quirks are fun.
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Always sad to see them go, but you have some happy memories. xo
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Yes! We have lots of happy memories and photos to prove it.
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Lovely post, Anne! It must have been emotional saying your farewells … I am in awe of the 12 hour drive! That is a long way by car but seems much more normal in US than here in the UK. Oh, the mirror moving ceremony has me smiling! 😀
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There was too much going on to get emotional about saying farewell. We do drive further than most folks, but John enjoys it. I don’t have Kate’s stamina.
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It will be quiet at your house this week.
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No, not quiet this week. Lise returns in a few hours with her cousin and friend. Son and Rose will be with us tomorrow — eight for dinner. Grandson Nathaniel may come back for the weekend. It’s a merry whirlwind.
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I was wondering about the knit hat and jacket. It must get COLD at night in the mountains.
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It does cool off at night, but Kate has always been colder than the rest of us. I suspect we’d both feel good if we could have an average of our temps.
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John needs to work PT for Uber. As often as I’ve followed your drives to LI, now Charlotte, I suspect he could do it blindfolded.
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Yikes! I have to agree with you.
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May they stay safe and well in their respective homes.
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Thank you.
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It’s obvious you enjoyed the short bonding with them.
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Yes, we all had a marvelous visit.
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What a Father’s Day and week it was … jam packed and now they can start making plans for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Here, the students will shut down at Thanksgiving and not return until the new semester at the beginning of 2021. Will Nathaniel have a schedule like that and be able to spend an entire month or more with you, or work at the school during that time?
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I have no idea what Nathaniel’s holiday schedule will be. If he gets a long time off, he’ll probably spend it with his parents.
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oh Goodnesss! Keep your chin up-that house is never empty long- I am glad they made it safely too. What a sweet family you all are.
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I think it’s going to be quiet at our house in another week.
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Your house must be used to the comings and goings by now, as I suppose you are, too!
I remember video-chatting long-distance often, with my boyfriend for 2.5 years before he moved in with me here in Montreal (from Sudbury, Ontario). BTW, we’ve upgraded him to ‘fiancé’ now. 🙂
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I like that upgrade.
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Me too! 😁
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