Monday, June 17, 2013

A detour from travels....

I started blogging in 2006, after keeping a written journal (hit and miss) since 1995.  Chronicling our travels took on more meaning as we were leaving the Bay Area mid July heading for one of the greatest road trips to the northwest US and Canada.  We were celebrating Howard's successful operation to remove a cancerous tumor in his colon and the fact this journey could continue; for how long we never know.

On many occasions I digress from travel-related topics to those more personal and dear to me; friends, family, even unsolicited opinions.

June 2013 is unfolding as a time of celebration and reflection with sadness and joy pulling at the heart strings.  So many milestones, birthdays, graduation, and the passing of my very best friend. 

Mary had been slowly sinking into the depths of dementia, recently complicated by lymphoma, but well-managed by a great care facility before moving to a loving hospice home in SF. She was happy and though her memory was gone we had agreed if she forgot who I was we'd just lie and tell stories.  This cracked her up.

She was always known as Mary Marvelous, or the Marv.  As single working moms, both in real estate on the Coastside, we mingled with other couples and friends, and had the best extended family base,  always sharing holidays, weekends, vacations, and SF 49er football!  

When Howard and I first got together in '89, I set out to embrace his passion for sailing, not always successfully.  On more than one occasion, Marv was called to rescue me in fits of panic when storms blew in on the Bay or boat repairs forced us to run for the nearest marina.  The lovely waterfront town of Benicia became our safe harbor.  She never minded the long drives...and we always had a good laugh!


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The first milestone celebration was grandson Daniel's surprise 18th birthday party last weekend at Mavericks Lodge and Event Center in Princeton-By-The-Sea.  

This was a beautiful venue with early evening light fading into the fog as we waited for the guest of honor to arrive...




Though he was mortified upon arrival, seeing all his friends and family...how embarrassing for this somewhat shy teenager, the smile broke out courtesy of a grab bag from which he pulled a hundred dollar bill!

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The fun continued with an afternoon at the Lemos Pony Farm in Half Moon Bay.  Damien who recently turned two had not had a proper birthday party and sis Liliana and lots of other friends and kids gathered to experience this crazy, crowded fun-filled zoo!  It was sensory overload.....




Damien wanted nothing to do with riding the ponies or playing in the jumpy thing.  As long as daddy Clint was holding him, all was OK.

Liliana, who is a fearless 3 1/2 year old, had enough enthusiasm for both of them!



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A fitting finale to our week was Daniel's Half Moon Bay High School graduation.  He heads to San Diego State University in the fall.  

Daniel was among more than 50% of total graduates that had attended HMB schools from K through 12th grade.  His mom, dad, step-dad and uncle did as well.  Impressively, 66% of his class of 200 carried a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.





The travel journal will resume once I catch my breath....

8 comments:

Life's a Beach! said...

So sorry about your friend. It's hard to watch a loved one slowly slip into dementia. Interesting how a brush with cancer can trigger new adventures. Craig had melanoma in December and that kicked us into high gear! The house sold last week and we move into a new one north of Tucson in late July! Onward!

Gaelyn said...

Awesome family fun. Sorry about the loss of your dear friend. I'm sure you'll carry her memory forever.

Desert Diva said...

Family fun and memories can't be overestimated. I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend - sometimes candles burn out way too soon... :-(

Nan said...

So sorry about your loss of Mary. Happy that the colon is good and clean now. What a neat surprise birthday. And look at the honors tassel he is wearing!

stillhowlyn said...

Thanks Gaelyn...family kudos are always appreciated. Losing a dear friend was a blow. I was OK visiting Mary in hospice in her last weeks, but the finality of death another matter. Though knowing she's in peace and I have 35 years of memories is just fine!!

stillhowlyn said...

Amen Cheryl!

stillhowlyn said...

Thanks Beck, so true. Glad Craig is good to go and a new house in Tucson is in your near future...thanks be to St. Joseph!!

stillhowlyn said...

The good wishes are much appreciated, Nan, and thanks for noticing the honors tassel!