What a weekend
Published 03-11-21
My morning coffee had a decidedly different view last weekend, as I found myself enjoying my first bits of caffeine overlooking the hills, massive oaks and acres of vines of Central California’s wine country. Quite a change from the still bare trees that greeted my view out the back windows Tuesday morning on my return from a fun (and liquor) filled girl’s weekend with some of my favorite women.
Not much can compare to the beautiful and peaceful rural California vistas surrounding San Luis Obispo. An afternoon spent in Cayucos at the ocean with my toes in the sand was the perfect way to waste an afternoon, and the drinks we mixed with the moonshine smuggled in my suitcase from Tennessee paired well with the ocean breeze. But the weekend was was more than just sightseeing and sandy toes, though both were welcome and appreciated.
And it was beyond spectacular to do it in person.
It was a weekend of excess... food, drink, laughter, friendship and love. The only thing that was limited was my sleep.
Zoom and FaceTime, while wonderful substitutes for distance or during pandemics, do not compare to being in the same room with people who care. And nothing can compare with getting together, in the same room, dial-up not required.
There was much excitement in our group text when dining resumed indoors last week before our trip, and I realized, with more than one chuckle, that I wouldn’t be in West Tennessee anymore.
I had almost forgot what it was like living under mask mandates and lockdowns, part of the benefit of living in a red state. And flying the friendly skies seems a little less friendly in the amenity department with Corona regulations surrounding beverage and snack service, which wasn’t that spectacular pre-COVID.
But the company more than made the packed flights to California worth it. And then there was the laughter.
Sometimes it really is the best medicine for whatever life throws at you.
And as necessary as breathing.
I count myself blessed to have friends who are always up for an adventure... and willing to host one involving sleepovers and menu planning, who also don’t forget about the loud mouthed friend who up and moved across the country.
Sometimes they even make linguisa and sopas.
And bring cookies.
Did I mention excesses?
Yes, the weekend had many. The next week will involve detoxing from pretty much everything.
And fantasizing about the next time all of us can get together again.
Because life’s too short to not have fun in the process of making it through.
The girl’s trips and get together may not solve the world’s problems, or stop tragedies and troubles that have crossed any of our thresholds, but they remind all of us that no matter what life throws your way, there will be at least a few by your side to help carry the load and help you laugh about it. Food and drink included.
And that makes the rest of life a little bit easier.
••••••••••
Couldn’t help but compare some notes between life in California and life in west Tennessee - especially for our school aged kids, during our girl’s trip.
Most were surprised Sam’s been in school all year, with no issues. Yes there are a significant portion on distance learning, but his school has been one of the few schools to not have to close for quarantine or exposure. Masks are required, as they have been all year. And most cases of transmission have occurred not at school, but at home.
My friend were even more shocked when I told them Sam’s junior high girls basketball team played for the state championships (coming up just short in the final game) and that player’s families were allowed to watch the game in person. Masks were mandatory, but I’d be willing to bet parents in California would be willing to make just about any concession to see their kids active in all sports again.
I admit life here is quite different than back home, with school in session all year, and administrators and politicians making every possible effort to give students a semblance of regular life during a pandemic.
Yes there have been quarantines and cancelled games, and some games with no fans - especially some of the indoor ones.
But that semblance of regular life has lead in discussions, and decisions, instead of political sticks and carrots.
And that’s how it should be.