With another big push on Friday, we were ready to go. Alexa had arrived midday on Friday and she was ready and willing to go to work. David was busy getting our canopy frame set up and completing his other projects. We were counting the minutes that we had to get everything done and anxiously awaiting pizza time which marked the end of our allotted time for preparations. We finally arrived and were happy to join up with David’s family as Becky, Clara, Dorie, and Dick all were getting settled in. We had a mellow evening, perfect for gearing up for the week ahead.
Saturday morning we got to Slide Ranch via a windy road which gave a few of us car sickness. I’ve learned to be an active passenger which seems to help. I watch the road as carefully as I would if I were driving and imagine that I am executing the turns. This seems to put my mind in control of my body so that each jostle doesn’t come as a surprise and I avoid getting nauseated.
The spring fling at Slide Ranch was absolutely amazing. The weather could not have been more perfect. Given that we were going to a farm a short walk from the ocean, we anticipated cold, fog, and wind. Instead the sun was shining hot and the view out to sea was crystal clear. It was lovely. Between milking goats, watching a sheep get shorn, letting baby goats walk on our backs, making flower crowns, listening to fun music, and seeing baby chickens, there was plenty to keep us occupied. The kids were all completely engaged in the variety of activities and the adults were just happy to enjoy the beautiful day and share in the fun with their little ones.
Because the weather was so perfect a trip to the beach was just as interesting to the adults as to the kids and the tide pools offered all sorts of views of marine life. True to his mountain goat nature David climbed up the big rock that shelters the little cove we were all in. Alexa snapped a picture. I tried to steal a nap atop a rock but couldn’t quite get comfortable. This would be the first of many moments during which I could relax for a bit. Because I had been burning the midnight oil for so many days leading up to our week of fun, I was rather tired. It turns out that my enjoyment of the week came more from seeing our loved ones partake of the sorts of activities that we would choose for ourselves on any given day. For my part though, I was too tired to revel in the fun at my usual energy level. Hearing from everybody, what a fun time they had and witnessing the genuine enthusiasm of each kid was a great treat and I felt a real satisfaction knowing that we’d picked a perfect activity to kick off our week together.
After we’d tuckered ourselves out with fun on the farm we headed over to the Marin headlands. We had time to take with Luis and Andrea while their kids snoozed in the car and it was just nice to look out over the majestic entrance to the bay as we chatted about this and that. Afterwards we headed to India Village for a really nice meal with Dorie, Dick, and Margo. Knowing that so many people were joining in the celebration and knowing that typically a bride and groom can’t possibly get to see everybody in one day’s time, especially if that day is also the day that they get married, I was hoping to have time with as many guests as possible throughout the week. That first day, my wish was granted and I was grateful for it.
On our way back to the east bay, Alexa and I were gearing up for the little party that we had planned as a loose version of a bachelorette party for me. Of course we were running late, but luckily Shelley was there on time and together with Susan transformed Bayside Pilates into a dance hall (use your imagination). The belles of the ball party was super fun despite technical problems and a completely flustered presentation of the folk dances by yours truly. Each and every gal was an excellent sport and did their best to learn the moves. I am so appreciative of the dance teachers who helped to put my idea into action: Barbara, who picked up the Polonaise in a flash; Gina, who on the spot helped me transmit the folk dance moves; Sirena, Laura, and Gabi, who did an amazing job with the perhaps a bit too complex country dance; and Carole and Pam, who made The Stroll the coolest dance of the night. I had to be convinced that it really was time to head to the tiki lounge even though polka-ing around my little studio seemed like the best way to knock myself out.
Leave a Reply