Recently, I spent some time in San Francisco with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. It was wonderful. We ate yummy food, saw good sites, watched my niece in a play, went on a hike (saw lots of elk up-close) and just enjoyed the city.

Before I left for my trip, I prepared what I call my "substitute lesson plans" for my husband, my daughters and my in-laws. Sometimes the preparation for a trip makes the trip a little less desirable, but in the end, it was all worth it.

My children and husband got to spend time with the grandparents and I got a fun little trip out of the deal.

I actually came back refreshed and somewhat energized.

I needed that.

Sometimes you just hang on until the tide takes you away.

Love felt deeply

Autumn has come.
And, while each season is filled
with its own memories of Mama and Papa,
this one is hitting me hard.

It wasn't just the food...

I've been thinking about what I posted yesterday.

My mother did show great love through the foods she prepared. But for our family, meal times weren’t just utilitarian; they were experiences. Mama spent a lot of time making sure all of those experiences, from breakfast to supper, were enjoyable.

Our table wasn’t a host to packages and containers. Food was served in a dish or on a plate. Floral arrangements (her own) were always a part of the table when company came. And, whether there was company or not, the table needed to look good; which included tablecloth or placemats, napkins and all the silverware for everyone. If a drink with ice was served, there was a coaster. If a hot beverage was served, there was a saucer.

There wasn’t much that was casual about Mama’s table, but it wasn’t stifled.

There was all kinds of love served at that table.