Another weekend jaunt to St. Louis for 17's high school graduation.
I left Thursday and had to scramble to get the house clean/tidy before 2 showings that day. Mike and I had a late dinner at Steak and Shake (do they make shakes out of steak?) and headed back to the DoubleTree. Mike scored me a cookie by saying I wasn't with him when he checked in (true).
We slept in Friday. Mike was going to talk to 17 about her college finances that afternoon, so he thoughtfully scheduled me for a massage. 17 was too busy to meet her dad, but I had the massage anyway and a pedicure after that.
We planned to meet the kids for dinner before the Baccalaureate ceremony. I quickly washed the massage oil outta my hair, changed and debated about wearing my pedicure thongs into the restaurant in case the polish wasn't all dry. (Since I still get kidded about wearing curlers to a choir rehearsal NINE years ago, I decided against it).
20 was the first to arrive; we chatted about his finals until 22 and 17 showed up. (15 was babysitting). I got 17 talking about her college--when she starts, does she know her roommates, major, housing situation yet? She answered but wasn't very chatty. She wasn't detectably excited about the $300 airline voucher we gave her. 22 loved her graduation travel voucher and gave me a big hug and thanked us. 17 followed her sister's lead and gave us one armed hugs and said thanks before leaving.
When we got to the school, we realized Mike left the camera at the restaurant. I staked out seats in the bleachers and watched the opening processional, band, and the alumni speaker before Mike got there. The choir did a couple of really great songs and then it was over.
We watched the kids and Ex exit and went outside ourselves to find the graduate and take some pictures. She obliged, but said it wasn't the "real thing," just Baccalaureate. I got a couple of 17 and Mike and one with the three of us.
Afterward, Mike and I went to Barnes & Noble to check email. I took a hot bubble bath--all the more decadent because I didn't have to clean the tub afterward--and Mike and I watched "Becoming Jane."
Saturday dawned and again we slept in. Checked email at B&N, bought a bouquet of roses for the graduate plus snacks/dinner at Trader Joe's--heavenly! We took 15 out shopping with us and had to rush to get her home to change before their pre-graduation dinner.
Graduation was at 7:00 pm at a park events/sports facility. We picked through the crowds to get seat in the bleachers and ended up about 10 rows behind the rest of the family.
After the speakers, the principal admonished the audience NOT to applaud/cheer until after all the graduates' names were read; everyone wants to hear their loved one's name and if there's disruptive screaming/cheering, that won't happen.
Mike leaned over and asked me to guess which ethnic group would categorically ignore this request. I'd been to 20's graduation two years before, so I already knew the answer. Mike counted and it worked out to about a 98% rate of raucous outbursts from this particular ethnic group. And it was fun watching the valedictorian's dad sneak past security twice to get closer pictures of his brainiac daughter.
After the tassel turning and cap throwing, the grads dispersed. Mike caught a pic of 17 kissing her boyfriend. We didn't get many pictures of her; the two older kids stayed by us, and 15, the Ex and 17 wandered off to the other side of the gym. 15 was supposed to stay with us overnight so we needed to find them. Eventually, we spotted them and Mike got a few more shots of 17.
15 hadn't brought her overnight stuff, so we arranged to have her dropped off at the hotel later. I had another bath before she showed up and then we snacked and watched Juno together.
We tried to meet up with 17 on Sunday, but she was tired from the all night grad party. We took 15 and 20 to breakfast at The Pancake House. 22 was at a Cardinals game. We took 15 to see Prince Caspian, then went back to the hotel to pack up for Monday morning's departure.
While we didn't get to spend much time with the graduate herself, we had a good time with the other kids and made arrangements for them to help us move/unpack at the Utah house.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Not Too Close Encounter
I spent most of Mother's Day in airports and planes. Hey, it's better than the annual blow-your-wad of adulation at church. Mike made sure I had a lovely gift: a card, a bookstore gift certificate and pedicure funds--thank you, sweetie!
Sunday morning, we dropped 15 off at home because Grandma Sheila was taking everyone out to breakfast before she left town. Mike's flight left at 8 am; mine at noon. So I had a good, long wait.
About an hour before my flight, I parked in front of my gate facing concourse traffic and called my mom to wish her a happy MD and fill her in on all the graduation highlights. (Eye contact!)
As I was chatting, I spotted Grandma Sheila, Mike's former mother-in-law, walking to her gate. I had wondered if I'd bump into her, but figured STL airport was too big for this to be likely.
If Sheila saw or recognized me, there was no indication. It was interesting to observe her undetected. She looked pissed off. Mike says that's pretty much the baseline unless you're her offspring or grandchild.
Shelia never liked or respected Mike and she always seemed hell-bent on undoing a marriage she didn't want to happen in the first place. After 25 years, she got her wish.
Hey, my gain! Maybe I should have chased her down and thanked her.
Sunday morning, we dropped 15 off at home because Grandma Sheila was taking everyone out to breakfast before she left town. Mike's flight left at 8 am; mine at noon. So I had a good, long wait.
About an hour before my flight, I parked in front of my gate facing concourse traffic and called my mom to wish her a happy MD and fill her in on all the graduation highlights. (Eye contact!)
As I was chatting, I spotted Grandma Sheila, Mike's former mother-in-law, walking to her gate. I had wondered if I'd bump into her, but figured STL airport was too big for this to be likely.
If Sheila saw or recognized me, there was no indication. It was interesting to observe her undetected. She looked pissed off. Mike says that's pretty much the baseline unless you're her offspring or grandchild.
Shelia never liked or respected Mike and she always seemed hell-bent on undoing a marriage she didn't want to happen in the first place. After 25 years, she got her wish.
Hey, my gain! Maybe I should have chased her down and thanked her.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Eye Spy
Mike and I arrived in St. Louis a few hours behind schedule Friday, due to delays in McAllen and Dallas. We bunked at the DoubleTree and the warm chocolate chip cookies we received at check in were a lovely welcome. I wonder if their recipe is online somewhere? Mmmm.
We awoke early to get downtown for 22's graduation from Webster University. While we were looking for seats, we bumped into 17 (she was meeting 22's boyfriend so he could sit with the family). 15 and 20 walked up to say hello. (20 hugs me hello pretty consistently [which warms my heart and makes me feel welcome]).
Of course, the Ex and Grandma Sheila hadn't saved seats for us, so we hiked up to the next deck. Bagpipers played in the faculty and 105 flag bearers representing the home nations of Webster University students. The speaker was good (quoted Jon Stewart, was brief). After cheering and tassel turning, we ventured over to the theater where the College of Fine Arts had its ceremonies.
That was where things Got Interesting.
__________
Sidebar: Two years ago at 20's h.s. graduation, the Ex wanted her "space," demanding Mike and I stay away while she took pictures. When Mike pointed out this was the first of many family events where we would all be present/let's find a workable balance, the Ex hung up on him. After the ceremony, the Ex and her mom studiously ignored us while we took pictures and made a quick getaway once we were done.
__________
Given the history, I was curious to see how things would play out now--with two years of getting used to Mike's remarriage and a much smaller graduating class. Here's the skinny:
Mike staked out seats in the balcony one row behind where 17 and 20 were saving seats for their mom, grandma and 22's boyfriend. 15 opted to sit with us. Interesting to sit so close to people I've heard so much about but who have (so far) refused to meet me or even acknowledge I exist.
After the ceremony, the Ex and Sheila couldn't avoid walking past us. Sheila didn't look our way at all, but as the Ex went by, she looked at me and gave me a brief, tight smile then hastily looked away.
When we all collected downstairs for pictures a few minutes later, the Ex and her mom stood with their backs to us. Mike asked his former MIL if she wanted to be in the picture with all the kids--he'd be glad to take some for her. She didn't even turn her head, just hissed "Never mind." He was married to her daughter for 25 years and that's all the civility she can muster.
But hey, I got eye contact. Could this be the start of a less frigid relationship? I won't hold my breath. Especially since I discovered I had lipstick on my teeth during the entire exchange and wonder if that smile was really a smirk about that.
We awoke early to get downtown for 22's graduation from Webster University. While we were looking for seats, we bumped into 17 (she was meeting 22's boyfriend so he could sit with the family). 15 and 20 walked up to say hello. (20 hugs me hello pretty consistently [which warms my heart and makes me feel welcome]).
Of course, the Ex and Grandma Sheila hadn't saved seats for us, so we hiked up to the next deck. Bagpipers played in the faculty and 105 flag bearers representing the home nations of Webster University students. The speaker was good (quoted Jon Stewart, was brief). After cheering and tassel turning, we ventured over to the theater where the College of Fine Arts had its ceremonies.
That was where things Got Interesting.
__________
Sidebar: Two years ago at 20's h.s. graduation, the Ex wanted her "space," demanding Mike and I stay away while she took pictures. When Mike pointed out this was the first of many family events where we would all be present/let's find a workable balance, the Ex hung up on him. After the ceremony, the Ex and her mom studiously ignored us while we took pictures and made a quick getaway once we were done.
__________
Given the history, I was curious to see how things would play out now--with two years of getting used to Mike's remarriage and a much smaller graduating class. Here's the skinny:
Mike staked out seats in the balcony one row behind where 17 and 20 were saving seats for their mom, grandma and 22's boyfriend. 15 opted to sit with us. Interesting to sit so close to people I've heard so much about but who have (so far) refused to meet me or even acknowledge I exist.
After the ceremony, the Ex and Sheila couldn't avoid walking past us. Sheila didn't look our way at all, but as the Ex went by, she looked at me and gave me a brief, tight smile then hastily looked away.
When we all collected downstairs for pictures a few minutes later, the Ex and her mom stood with their backs to us. Mike asked his former MIL if she wanted to be in the picture with all the kids--he'd be glad to take some for her. She didn't even turn her head, just hissed "Never mind." He was married to her daughter for 25 years and that's all the civility she can muster.
But hey, I got eye contact. Could this be the start of a less frigid relationship? I won't hold my breath. Especially since I discovered I had lipstick on my teeth during the entire exchange and wonder if that smile was really a smirk about that.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
All the yard is a stage
Here are some yard shots at the So Tex house. Previous owners did most of the work; we just maintained what was there--and added a tomato patch and planted a couple more citrus trees.
I dig the flower shots at the bottom and the carnivorous-looking, self-propagating succulents growing all over the yard. And (sniff) grapefruit we won't be around to harvest.
I transplanted overgrown plants from the back yard to the front with pleasing effect, methinks. More curb appeal now that the sickly shrubs out front are gone. Will do some more landscaping next week and finally get around to painting the strong green Living/Dining room.
You can also check out the virtual tour here.
I dig the flower shots at the bottom and the carnivorous-looking, self-propagating succulents growing all over the yard. And (sniff) grapefruit we won't be around to harvest.
I transplanted overgrown plants from the back yard to the front with pleasing effect, methinks. More curb appeal now that the sickly shrubs out front are gone. Will do some more landscaping next week and finally get around to painting the strong green Living/Dining room.
You can also check out the virtual tour here.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Meanwhile...
While the open house was going on, Mike and I had our own adventures. We loaded the minivan with the three cats in their carriers, a litter box and went for a three hour tour.
We weren't a half mile from the house when Belita peed in her carrier. We stopped to buy paper towels and mop up. It was a good trial run for the move. Will probably use puppy pads for the drive to Utah. And NASA diapers for the humans! Just kidding. (No, Mike. Not even if we make better time and fewer stops).
All three cats meowed almost non-stop for the first hour. We stopped for lunch and to let Cosby pee in the litter box. We had such a time getting PK into his crate, we weren't gonna let him out. He wriggled out of a too-tight harness on the drive to Texas, so I don't trust him even when we're right there watching him.
We drove through a bunch of small towns and eventually ended up in Roma at the bluffs overlooking the Rio Grande. There's a birding center there (closed), a crumbling historical district, a bustling international bridge and more Border Patrol agents than I've ever seen in one place. We saw a helicopter take off and head downriver for a bust. Your tax dollars at work.
I wanted to eat someplace local, but not many restaurants are open on Sundays--especially in the smaller towns. My food needs got critical, so I let Mike drive and we headed to Burger King. Ate piping hot fries on the way back to the bluffs before heading back to McAllen.
We called our agent from the road to ask how the open house went. After we hung up, I wondered if he blew out the candles before he left the house. No, it turned out. Maybe that's a guy thing.
Anyway, we'll probably have another open house at the end of the month. In the meantime, I hope the interest from the first one might be all we need. Cross your fingers or pray to the deity of your choice that we'll be able to sell!
We weren't a half mile from the house when Belita peed in her carrier. We stopped to buy paper towels and mop up. It was a good trial run for the move. Will probably use puppy pads for the drive to Utah. And NASA diapers for the humans! Just kidding. (No, Mike. Not even if we make better time and fewer stops).
All three cats meowed almost non-stop for the first hour. We stopped for lunch and to let Cosby pee in the litter box. We had such a time getting PK into his crate, we weren't gonna let him out. He wriggled out of a too-tight harness on the drive to Texas, so I don't trust him even when we're right there watching him.
We drove through a bunch of small towns and eventually ended up in Roma at the bluffs overlooking the Rio Grande. There's a birding center there (closed), a crumbling historical district, a bustling international bridge and more Border Patrol agents than I've ever seen in one place. We saw a helicopter take off and head downriver for a bust. Your tax dollars at work.
I wanted to eat someplace local, but not many restaurants are open on Sundays--especially in the smaller towns. My food needs got critical, so I let Mike drive and we headed to Burger King. Ate piping hot fries on the way back to the bluffs before heading back to McAllen.
We called our agent from the road to ask how the open house went. After we hung up, I wondered if he blew out the candles before he left the house. No, it turned out. Maybe that's a guy thing.
Anyway, we'll probably have another open house at the end of the month. In the meantime, I hope the interest from the first one might be all we need. Cross your fingers or pray to the deity of your choice that we'll be able to sell!
Open House, Insert Buyer
We had our first open house Sunday afternoon. We rushed home from church to give the house some spot cleaning and finishing touches.
Our staging impressed our listing agent who took some fresh photos to put on the web listings. We'd hung art and window treatments, put out a new tablecloth, rearranged furniture and I've transplanted overgrown plants from the back yard to the front walkway. (Been watching a lot of HGTV and using items I have on hand).
The backyard is blooming cooperatively--yellow Esperanza, coral Hibiscus, fuchsia bougainvillea, the confederate jasmine camouflaging the chain link fence and the light blue something-or-other that covers the back fence. With the lawn freshly mowed and edged, the swing under the tree, fruit trees and the patio umbrella unfurled, it looks pretty damn inviting.
Our agent said 7 families toured the house. One couple was scouting for their grown children who had to work and another couple spent A LOT of time in the back yard. The yard pretty much sold us on the house; we're hoping it will have the same mesmerizing effect on others.
No word on offers yet, but it was a promising debut. I'll post pictures once the camera is charged up.
Our staging impressed our listing agent who took some fresh photos to put on the web listings. We'd hung art and window treatments, put out a new tablecloth, rearranged furniture and I've transplanted overgrown plants from the back yard to the front walkway. (Been watching a lot of HGTV and using items I have on hand).
The backyard is blooming cooperatively--yellow Esperanza, coral Hibiscus, fuchsia bougainvillea, the confederate jasmine camouflaging the chain link fence and the light blue something-or-other that covers the back fence. With the lawn freshly mowed and edged, the swing under the tree, fruit trees and the patio umbrella unfurled, it looks pretty damn inviting.
Our agent said 7 families toured the house. One couple was scouting for their grown children who had to work and another couple spent A LOT of time in the back yard. The yard pretty much sold us on the house; we're hoping it will have the same mesmerizing effect on others.
No word on offers yet, but it was a promising debut. I'll post pictures once the camera is charged up.
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