I learned more stories from the Thompson gang today, mainly from Lorie, Lara's cousin and who we are staying with until the early morning tomorrow. There have been some amazing wins and terrifying losses within the Thompson tribe. Yet when the time is right, they all band together to help each other. I am reminded of when my last living grandparent, Memere, my father's mother, passed away earlier this year. All the Marniks rallied and sent their matriarch out in style; the way she deserved.
I learned lots! And I didn't even meet Lara's grandmother yet. And when we visited Nanny at her assisted living home, we found we didn't make an appointment in her own personal "schedule book" and would have to come back after lunch. I now ponder if assisted living homes are run like military bases. Nonetheless, we shoved off and found some lunch down the road, as well as supplies essential to civilization like deodorant and skin cream. My sunburn is doing much better by the way, thanks for asking, you heartless savages.
We went back and visited Nanny, approaching her the way one would approach an animal in the wild: with extreme caution. But she had room for us; someone must have canceled! In all honesty, Nanny was so sweet and filled us full of so many stories. She still has her wits about her; something not all the residents around her shared. She us waiting for her own private room to open up in a new section if the home. She hounds workers to work faster, inspectors to inspect quicker. While they might have all day or month, she might not. Yet she takes it all with a grain of salt and reminded us that she has had a great, wonderful life. I hope to share the same feeling when I reach her age.
Onward to Uncle Phil and Maryann's house! Barely ten minutes from Nanny's home, we were treated with mire stories about their travels to dangerous driving slopes in Colorado and Maui. And did I mention homemade chili?!?!? It had no beans, much to Lara's delight as we will be in the car together, with closed windows, for roughly ten to twelve hours tomorrow. Next time, Gadget...next time!
Storm clouds gathered overhead while we had fruit smoothies for dessert. We had a date with a soccer game across town so our time was previous. We made like a bread truck and hauled buns, keeping Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt on speed dial. The rain had just started as we pulled into the high school parking lot, thunder and lightning assaulting from the sky as we waited it out and listened to Ownage Pranks from YouTube on my phone. Lara's second cousin, Alyssa, was playing her last soccer game and it got stopped on account of the storm. As it passed and the weather cleared up and the game resumed, I got to snap some pics with my new Canon 60D. Such a beautiful piece of machinery.
Lara was able to catch up with her Aunt Carolyn and so many more. I wish we all wore name rags because I get so terrible with names sometimes. Everyone was pleasant, funny and welcoming. I know Lara regrets not being able to see them more and I aim to remedy that situation in the coming years. It's important to remember where you came from and to get back there when you can!
Need to dismiss myself now. We have a major day of driving ahead of us. Craig Ferguson will be keeping us company with his audiobook, "American On Purpose," and if we finish the Scotsman off, maybe we'll dabble in The Dark Tower series. Night! You're still heartless savages, but you're growing on me some.
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