A Day Off

We're all busy, right? Once in a while we need a day off. Not cause we're sick, but because we need a break. My grandmother worked for The Reader's Digest, and lovely company that they were, they used to give all their employees every Friday in May off, just because it's such a pretty month. How civilized is that? The picture above is one of my brother's day off. He takes them once in a while, just on account. The picture is from last summer, and he and my son, who were concocting dark and stormies, I think that's what they're called, out on my deck. I like the fact that even though it's hot out and they're barefoot, my son has a knit hat on like it's March. The best mental health days are spontaneous, which that one was. He and his family came for a one night visit, and decided to hang out for another day. Fun.

My daughter and I had a long standing tradition every spring. She would stay home from school one day and we'd go spring clothes shopping and go out for lunch. We did this for years. Girls day. Mother/daughter fun. I adored having her all to myself for the day, but I really could have done without the ear splitting music decibel in Abercrombie and Fitch. I thought that was a very bad marketing move, because most of the kids in there either had their parents credit cards, or their parents with them (minding the kid and the credit card, if they were smart). Adults can only stand that level of noise for so long, I don't care how cool you are. She loved that she didn't have to go to school and not be sick. Mom letting you miss school AND taking you shopping and to lunch. Score.

Kids start driving, grow up, things change. On Friday my kids took me out. We had a lovely time; they are such fun and kind people. I must have done a couple of things right, because they both have very good manners, thanking the waitress and what not. Nice to see. We went to lunch and a movie. We saw "Earth." Amazing scenery and footage. A titch upsetting; we're all animal lovers, but over all really worthwhile.

We had dinner at wonderful friends house Saturday night, caught up with each other and what the respective kids are up to (theirs and ours grew up together), and I got a ride in their sweet new convertible! Great to spend a couple hours with them, and what a fun evening. Always is with them!

Sunday we were invited to brunch at another family's home in celebration of Mother's Day. They're the kind of friends who become part of the family. Wonderful people who have been so kind to my parents throughout the years. Delicious food, great company. They're terrific hosts, you know the kind that make it appear effortless even though they've got a houseful of people? That. 

So, I didn't just have a day off, I really had an entire weekend off! 

(Disclaimer: thank you to everyone who made this possible!)